TEMPLEGATE is ready to begin 2025 with excitement by providing his professional insights.

You can place your bets on a horse by clicking their odds listed below.

GOLDEN ACE (3.15 Cheltenham, nap)

She just missed out in a tightly contested finish for a Grade 2 at Ascot during her return last month. Having taken the Dawn Run here last season, this track suits her well, and she has the advantage of lesser weight compared to her male rivals.

SPRINGWELL BAY (2.05 Cheltenham, nb)

He has improved with each of his three chase outings and performed well behind a strong winner here last time out. This distance is his specialty, and he has never produced a poor result at Cheltenham. There’s more to show from what seems to be a reasonable handicap mark.

ANAMANDA (2.55 Musselburgh, treble)

She achieved a personal best here last time, and this distance suits her well. Returning from the same mark, she has a strong chance.

Templegate’s insights

CHELTENHAM

12.20

KALIF DU BERLAIS narrowly defeated Tedley when they met at Newbury in November and is expected to keep that form going.

The horse trained by Paul Nicholls was making his second jump over fences and is likely to have more to show, being a former Grade 2 winner in hurdles.

Vincenzo also bested Tedley last time out at Windsor’s jumps return meeting 17 days ago.

It looked like Sam Thomas’s hopeful would settle for second place, but he finished strongly and took the win comfortably.

That was just his debut over fences, so more should be anticipated as he appeared to jump effortlessly.

Tedley is in a better position at the weights against both rivals today, having shown his best performance over this distance.

However, he has risen up the handicap and is now 11lb above his latest victory. He will need to demonstrate a significant improvement to change earlier outcomes.

12.55

DIVA LUNA was a prominent winner at the esteemed mares’ bumper at Aintree’s Grand National meeting in April.

It was disappointing to see her beaten at odds-on during her hurdles debut at Lingfield last time.

She ran like a horse returning from a break, moving nicely until fading late. This step up in distance seems sensible, and she will benefit from a 7lb allowance against all her competitors today.

Kalhandrion has steadily progressed with each race and finished forth at Warwick 20 days ago. He finished at his pace and is capable of doing better.

Mount Gay Run showed promise on his return from a year off, finishing third in a Sandown Listed contest.

This was a solid hurdles debut on his first outing for Keiran Burke after departing from Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls fields Ken Roy, who was narrowly beaten in a close finish at Plumpton a fortnight ago. This race is tougher, but he has more to give.

Keep an eye on the betting for potential insights regarding £200,000 purchase Pierrot Jaguen, making his debut for Olly Murphy.

1.30

BROADWAY BOY is on track to earn his well-deserved first win of the season.

He finished strongly in a competitive handicap here in October and then secured a commendable second in the Coral Hennessy at Newbury last time.

A 2lb rise appears lenient, considering his preference for this distance and track.

Our Power poses the main competition following a solid return to form with a second-place finish here 19 days ago.

Trainer Sam Thomas is in excellent form, and this 10-year-old is only 3lb above his last victory while being lightly raced for his age.

Chantry House is an intriguing entry, making his first chase start in two years. He retains Grade 2 performer credentials and the market will provide valuable information.

Cloudy Glen had an impressive win at Haydock last month. Although he is racing at a career-high mark, he represents the successful Venetia Williams yard.

Bowtogreatness struggled in his last outing at Newcastle but stays well and shouldn’t be overlooked.

2.05

SPRINGWELL BAY has improved in each of his three chase outings and performed admirably behind a top winner last time.

He excels at this distance and has consistently performed well at Cheltenham, indicating there is further potential within a reasonable handicap mark.

Gemirande aims to continue the strong form of the Venetia Williams stable.

He has shown remarkable progress this season with a straightforward win at Ascot and a determined victory here last time.

Although he will need to find more from 8lbs higher in weight, he is additionally better suited to this distance.

Lisnamult Lad enjoyed a fine victory here in October but stumbled at Navan last time. He’s just 3lb above his latest win and could present a threat if he makes a comeback.

Hitman is known for traveling well but often fails at the finish. Despite having placed form in tougher races, he can be quite unpredictable.

Marble Sands recently won a Listed race over this distance at Carlisle last month but fell short of replicating that form when unplaced at Newcastle, meaning he needs to improve.

2.40

DEEP CAVE has had a couple of outings under Christian Williams and showed more promise when finishing fifth here last month. He still had some energy to spare and appreciates this ground condition.

One Big Bang favors softer ground as shown in his impressive second place at Haydock last time. He has substantial stamina, and Harry Cobden is a reliable jockey choice.

Strackan has excelled in softer conditions, having recently won races at Bangor and Uttoxeter. His stamina is unquestionable, and he could finish strongly.

Idefix De Ciergues runs well over the distance and triumphed at Doncaster last time. Increased rainfall would enhance his chances.

Catch Him Derry had a disappointing effort at Haydock but could show significant improvement.

3.15

GOLDEN ACE just lost in a blanket finish for a Grade 2 at Ascot during her comeback last month.

She won the Dawn Run here last season, and this track seems to fit her well, plus she benefits from a favorable weight against her male rivals.

Langer Dan is a notable name in the hurdling field, having narrowly been beaten in a photo for a Grade 1 over a similar distance at Aintree in April following his Coral Cup victory at the Festival.

He looked a bit out of sorts during his return but should be much sharper today.

Gowel Road has finished second in three races at this venue this season and is anticipated to finish on the podium again, although he sometimes makes crucial mistakes.

Salver and Lucky Place are both improving and pose a significant threat in a strong Relkeel.

3.50

GNOMON is trained by the esteemed Flat trainer Ralph Beckett.

He made a striking debut, winning by nearly five lengths at Exeter despite limited experience. He is poised to improve on that encouraging beginning.

Lady Tadita appeared above average, storming home to victory by eight lengths on debut at Huntingdon 50 days ago.

This track presents a different challenge, but anything close to her last performance should position her in contention.

Merely A Detail performed well at Doncaster and should have gained valuable experience from that outing.

Rose’s Dart finished closely behind her on Town Moor and is another with significant potential for improvement.

Marhaba Prince has transferred from Owen Burrows after his victory at Wincanton earlier this month. With Flat-bred lineage, he can utilize his speed effectively.

Danger Nap showed promise with a second-place finish at Aintree and hails from a strong hurdling background.

Precious Metal finished with energy left to spare when edged out by just a length on her debut at Wincanton for Henrietta Knight.

MUSSELBURGH

1.45

BENSON has won this race twice before and should perform better in this class following his outing against Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth last time.

He has consistently excelled at this track and is looking to complete a hat-trick.

Bold Light returns to a more suitable grade after a disappointing performance at Haydock.

A return to his previous form, where he comfortably scored at Kelso two runs back, would offer him solid chances with a reasonable handicap mark.

Liari previously won a Listed race during his last visit here in February and seemed ready for this longer distance after being well-held at Newbury last time. He shouldn’t be far off the pace with his rider’s 5lb claim.

Sweet Fantasy showed potential on the Flat and wasn’t far off in respectable company at Cheltenham last time.

She’s had a slight weight reduction, and her jumping career is still in its early stages under James Owen’s guidance.

2.20

BEAU BALKO is consistent and recently delivered another commendable performance with a second place at Newbury 14 days ago.

He was a strong winner during his single run at Musselburgh last season and suits these ground conditions well.

Boomslang is continuously improving over fences, having notched two wins from three attempts at Carlisle last outing. He maintained a strong pace there and should be finishing well.

Corrigeen Rock seemed to need the run when finishing sixth at Ascot after returning. He was a close contender in this race last year and maintains solid prospects from 6lb higher in the weights.

High Moon finished a respectable third over this distance at Hexham last time. Although he faces tougher competition here, he could still sneak a place.

Breizh River has been rising in the weights but will find this less challenging compared to the Grade 2 he struggled in at Cheltenham last time.

Templegate’s selections

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. Please note that brands pay fees for prominent placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler exhibits the following traits:

• Sets time and financial limits prior to gambling
• Only wagers with money they can afford to lose
• Does not chase losses
• Refrains from gambling while upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

For a comprehensive guide on responsible gambling practices, please visit our detailed guide here.