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TEMPLEGATE approaches the races this Saturday with a positive outlook, looking to boost his funds for last-minute Christmas shopping.
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HENRY’S FRIEND (2.20 Newbury, nap)
He delivered a commendable performance, finishing fifth in the Coral Hennessy last time out, and he has a history as a former Grade 2 winner in his novice days. His stamina is remarkable, and he seems to be well-weighted. More is expected from Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old.
LATENIGHTRUMBLE (1.25 Leicester, nb)
He made notable strides in his last outing, winning impressively at Wetherby earlier this month. He moved smoothly into contention despite the soft ground and had plenty of energy in reserve. This was just his second chase run, and there’s likely much more potential to tap into.
MR HOPE STREET (1.45 Newbury, treble)
He showcased impressive form at Warwick, marking a strong finish in four of his last five outings, and he showed plenty of energy at the end of his race. Although he’s up 8lb, he should be able to cope with that increase.
Templegate’s insights
NEWBURY
1.45
MR HOPE STREET performed strongly at Warwick, finishing with energy. Despite the 8lb increase, he is anticipated to handle it well.
Rightsotom secured sixth in the 2023 Triumph Hurdle and claimed victory at Doncaster last month with a stunning seven-length margin. His jumping was exceptional, indicating he can handle the weight rise.
Mr Bramley put in a good performance at Wetherby and is deserving of a chance at this higher level, though he needs to enhance his performance further.
Nicky Henderson has a few contenders in the mix, with Go To War looking particularly sharp after success in several races at Ludlow and a solid finish at Huntingdon earlier this month.
2.20
HENRY’S FRIEND has an impressive record with a strong finish in the Coral Hennessy and a background as a Grade 2 winner.
He exhibits significant stamina and appears to carry a fair weight. Anticipation runs high for this talented seven-year-old.
Hoe Joly Smoke has shown particular promise lately at Sandown, and the longer trip will likely pose no issues for him.
It’s still early in his chasing journey. Among Paul Nicholls’ duo, Inch House might have a slight edge over Brave Kingdom.
The former is making only his second run for the yard after a seven-month absence, while Brave Kingdom faced challenges at Ascot but won at this venue last year.
Surrey Quest outperformed Hymac at Cheltenham recently and can verify that performance here. He won this race last year, so he should not be overlooked.
2.55
PAUL Nicholls has won the last four editions of this Grade 1 race, and REGENT’S STROLL seems set to extend that run.
He claimed victory in a competitive bumper here in March and made an impressive start to his hurdling career with a nine-length win over two miles at this track, showing improvement with the step up in distance.
The New Lion poses a genuine challenge after his win last month, where he didn’t require much effort, suggesting he had enough left to compete strongly.
Bill Joyce appeared geared for stamina after a recent Grade 2 win at Sandown. While he might struggle with pace, he could still finish in the top spots for Jonjo O’Neill.
The other contenders seem slightly less formidable, but Ben Pauling’s It’s Hard To Know won comfortably at Market Rasen 23 days ago and could surprise here despite tougher competition.
3.35
THEFORMISMIGHTY showed great promise with a 10-length victory at Southwell lately. Despite a weight increase, he will welcome this extended trip and is expected to show well.
Inthewaterside is an intriguing entry making his chase debut for Paul Nicholls. Being fresh from a recent hurdle run, he should compete well here.
Menaggio hasn’t met serious competition in his two chase outings, but he has impressed and will also gain from this longer distance.
Shanagh Bob has Grade 2 quality over hurdles, and despite a disappointing chase debut at Uttoxeter last month, it’s premature to write him off.
Rock My Way showcased strong stamina at Doncaster and could end up placing well despite carrying a considerable weight.
LEICESTER
1.25
LATENIGHTRUMBLE made promising strides with his win at Wetherby earlier this month.
He moved effortlessly into contention amid soft ground and had surplus energy left. This was only his second chase outing, and there’s so much more to anticipate from him.
Superbolt broke a run of second-place finishes with a decisive win at Ludlow 24 days ago. A 6lb rise seems warranted, and he stays well, so the hill won’t intimidate him. He poses a significant threat.
Peejaybee showed decent performance at Catterick last time and is likely to benefit from this greater stamina challenge. Though slightly raised in the handicap, he offers each-way prospects.
Wild Side Of Life was heavily backed before falling during his chase debut at Musselburgh last month. This suggests he has been showing promise at home, so watch for any market movement.
3.10
HUNTER LEGEND developed well last season and seems geared to challenge for victory again after a close call at Wincanton last time.
He possesses significant stamina for this rigorous track and would benefit from any softer ground. Venetia Williams’ runner appears well-prepared to win.
Sheldon may need this run after a break, but he secured a robust third place here previously and excels at this distance.
Invincible Nao appeared to need the run at Sandown recently, but the Moore stable is in good form.
He came very close at Sandown in March at this mark and thrives at this distance. He represents a genuine threat.
William Cody wasn’t outclassed at Southwell just 12 days ago and has previously succeeded at this track and distance.
He runs off a reasonable 4lb higher than his last victory at Huntingdon last month. He performs well on soft ground and will likely aim for a front-running strategy under Paul O’Brien.
LEOPARDSTOWN
2.00
BOB OLINGER might turn out to be the solution in this challenging race. He displayed some signs of rust when he was defeated by Home By The Lee last time but is set to face him again with improved weight conditions.
He appears well-matched for this distance, and Henry De Bromhead’s team looks strong.
Home By The Lee is once again a contender after winning this event in 2022, so stamina should not be an issue.
Asterion Forlonge finished a solid second to Teahupoo last time at the Punchestown Festival. While his endurance is undeniable, he often runs into one or two stronger competitors.
Hewick, who triumphed in the King George at Kempton last year, cannot be overlooked. He recently finished closely in a Grade 1 chase and has ample stamina. He provides good each-way value.
Noble Yeats is also a compelling option, having won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. Despite two underwhelming outings since, this could be an ideal time to back the Emmet Mullins entry.
2.35
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is expected to showcase his class over a trip that suits him well.
Fact To File managed to overcome the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Galopin, in the John Durkan last time, even though the 2m4f distance was not ideal for him.
He put in a commendable effort to finish within three lengths and had a dominant showing a year ago in this race.
Fact To File remains a serious contender after demonstrating his capabilities at the Brown Advisory during the Cheltenham Festival.
This contest promises to be competitive, and Paul Townend’s mount is favored to win.
The third place appears open, with Grand National winner I Am Maximus likely well-placed. He started the last season with a victory, confirming his stamina over the distance.
The eight-year-old also exhibits decent speed, having previously won a 2m4f Grade 1.
Gentlemansgame finished solidly in the Punchestown Festival Gold Cup, taking fourth against Fastorslow. He generally performs well fresh and could contend for a podium finish.
It’s conceivable for the inconsistent Conflated to deliver a strong performance, given his struggles at the Cheltenham cross-country course recently, but he will be fitter for this race.
Templegate’s recommendations
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