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Cheltenham

Today, March 12, 2025HurdleClass 12m5fGood Soft

BE AWARE has held his own in some hot handicaps, catching the eye at Ascot at Christmas. The return to this sort of trip will suit and he can give Dan Skelton, the best in Britain at readying one for the Festival these days, a third win in a row in the Coral Cup. An extensive shortlist also includes Comfort Zone and Impose Toi for JP McManus, last year's second Ballyadam, and Bunting. Harry Fry's Beat The Bat is another to note at bigger odds.

  • Be Aware
  • Comfort Zone
  • Impose Toi
2m5f Hcap Hrd
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 4 places
  • 17. Be Aware
    J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
    F: 1222-23
    Price History:
    5.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    137
    Days Since Last Run:
    81
    Verdict
    Progressive hurdler who has been performing well in big-field handicaps, going down narrowly behind Burdett Road in the Greatwood here on return before shaping better than the distance beaten suggests in warm 2m Ascot event at Christmas (hampered last). Big run expected back up in trip.
  • 11. Impose Toi
    J: Nico de BoinvilleT: Nicky Henderson
    F: 212/1123-1
    Price History:
    8.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    11-2
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    141
    Days Since Last Run:
    102
    Verdict
    Went the right way in a brief spell last season, his 2 victories including one at this venue, and picked up where he left off returning from an 11-month absence when scoring at Newbury in November. Good record fresh and with cheekpieces on can go well for yard that won it in 2019 and 2020.
  • 15. Comfort Zone
    J: M. P. WalshT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Ireland
    F: 11/0-77633
    Price History:
    9.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    137
    Days Since Last Run:
    73
    Verdict
    Won the Triumph Trial on his only other run here in January 2023 and having taken a big-field Flat handicap in the autumn he ran a screamer behind Al Gasparo in a valuable Leopardstown handicap hurdle at Christmas. Presumably saved for this since and looks a danger to all.
  • 13. Bunting
    J: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 147-92
    Price History:
    8.50
    Age:
    5
    Weight:
    11-0
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    139
    Days Since Last Run:
    56
    Verdict
    Useful sort who returned to something like his juvenile form back from 8 months off when second to Beckett Rock at Clonmel 8 weeks ago, rallying after losing lead when stumbling on landing 3 out (nearly unseated). Longer trip should suit and 1 of 3 darts for top yard. Has been backed in recent days.
  • 24. Beat The Bat
    J: Bryan CarverT: Harry Fry
    F: 10/212-275
    Price History:
    11.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-8
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    133
    Days Since Last Run:
    32
    Verdict
    Bumper winner who quickly made up into a very useful hurdler last season, chasing home Dysart Enos in novice here, and has made a solid start in handicaps this term. Been crying out for this sort of test and he could surprise a few.
  • 25. Jipcot
    J: Kielan WoodsT: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
    F: 313-78134
    Price History:
    15.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    131
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    Back to very best following wind surgery when winning readily at Newbury over this trip before excellent efforts tackling 3m in good events at Windsor and Haydock. Drop back in distance will suit and he's not without interest.
  • 6. Jimmy Du Seuil
    J: D. E. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 52/2124-5
    Price History:
    17.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    11-7
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    146
    Days Since Last Run:
    313
    Verdict
    Landed short odds in a Clonmel maiden hurdle last season before finishing 13 lengths second behind Ballyburn in the Baring Bingham here. Seen just twice after, finishing well held, but arrives fresh for handicap debut and this might have been the plan all along. One to note.
  • 2. Ballyadam
    J: Rachael BlackmoreT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
    F: 5/213327-1
    Price History:
    15.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    11-12
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    151
    Days Since Last Run:
    71
    Verdict
    Good record at the Festival, second in this race last season, while he didn't need to be at his best to win for the first time over hurdles in more than 4 years on his comeback at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. Clearly put away for this and a big run is likely.
  • 5. Colonel Mustard
    J: Tiernan Power RocheT: Mrs Lorna Fowler, Ireland
    F: 2525-3232
    Price History:
    19.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    11-7
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    146
    Days Since Last Run:
    92
    Verdict
    Smart but on a long losing run. Does tend to go well in big fields though, one of his best efforts coming when third in the County here in 2022 off 140. Probably vulnerable to younger legs now but wouldn't rule out a good showing under excellent conditional.
  • 18. Samui
    J: Jordan Colin GainfordT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 41594-017
    Price History:
    34.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    10-11
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    136
    Days Since Last Run:
    38
    Verdict
    Smart performer on the Flat who produced best effort to date over hurdles when landing 2m Thurles handicap in January. Easy to back and not so good at Musselburgh next time but can bounce back over this shorter trip.
  • 4. Sandor Clegane
    J: S. F. O'KeeffeT: Paul Nolan, Ireland
    F: 4224-4244
    Price History:
    19.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    11-8
    Gear:
    blinkers and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    48
    Verdict
    Enjoyed a fine novice hurdle campaign in 2022/23, finishing third in the Albert Bartlett, and back on track over the smaller obstacles this term without totally convincing with his attitude. Makes handicap debut now and this scenario should suit. Wouldn't rule out.
  • 7. Sa Fureur
    J: J. W. KennedyT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: P/F124-210
    Price History:
    21.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    11-6
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    145
    Days Since Last Run:
    73
    Verdict
    Well handicapped on his very smart chase form (fourth in last season's Grand Annual and also took valuable Navan contest in December). Disappointing when well backed in Leopardstown handicap won by Al Gasparo back hurdling at Leopardstown at Christmas, though.
  • 9. Al Gasparo
    J: Keith DonoghueT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland
    F: 42-153101
    Price History:
    23.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    11-5
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    144
    Days Since Last Run:
    73
    Verdict
    Big improver in just his second season hurdling, making all and jumping well when landing listed Leopardstown handicap from a number of today's rivals in December. Won't be able to dominate in quite the same fashion here but he's hard to dismiss.
  • 12. Beckett Rock
    J: D. J. O'KeeffeT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
    F: 1-4102
    Price History:
    26.00
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    11-1
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    140
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    Won 2 of his first 3 starts over hurdles and firmly back on track upped in trip when second in big-field Fairyhouse handicap last month, finishing strongly. Having just his sixth run here and might be found wanting for experience.
  • 1. Maxxum
    J: Carl MillarT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: F-1P84461
    Price History:
    31.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    12-0
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    153
    Days Since Last Run:
    31
    Verdict
    Right at home in big-field handicap hurdles and wasted no time getting back on track to record a first success in graded company at Navan over this trip last month. Good record under this young conditional and part of a strong hand for top yard. One to consider.
  • 19. Anna Bunina
    J: Harry CobdenT: John McConnell, Ireland
    F: 7-038528P
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    10-11
    Gear:
    tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    136
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    Making her fifth Festival appearance and has been a fine servant, but her consistency isn't what it was and she ran poorly in first-time cheekpieces (off now) at Chepstow 3 weeks ago. Cobden booked but stable quiet and would be a surprise winner.
  • 23. Vischio
    J: Donagh MeylerT: Emmet Mullins, Ireland
    F: 84P24117
    Price History:
    26.00
    Age:
    8
    Weight:
    10-8
    Gear:
    hood and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    133
    Days Since Last Run:
    11
    Verdict
    Big improver for new trainer in first-time hood/tongue tie when taking a valuable mares' handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival last month. Easy to back and not seen to best effect in the Morebattle at Kelso a fortnight ago and could be closer to form up in trip now. Interesting.
  • 3. Eagle Fang
    J: Oakley BrownT: William Durkan, Ireland
    F: 3010-1237
    Price History:
    29.00
    Age:
    5
    Weight:
    11-8
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    147
    Days Since Last Run:
    81
    Verdict
    Smart winning hurdler who took a Punchestown novice under this rider in May and hasn't been disgraced since, fading in the Long Walk when last seen in December. Well held when gambled on in the Fred Winter last year but could fare better now.
  • 20. Lossiemouth
    J: Stan SheppardT: Polly Gundry
    F: 446
    Price History:
    71.00
    Age:
    10
    Weight:
    10-8
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    133
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    Three-time hurdle winner for Tom Lacey at the end of 2021 before long absence, but has shown he retains most of his ability in 3m handicaps this season. This is a whole different ball game, however.
  • 26. Ike Sport
    J: Conor O'FarrellT: Neil Mulholland
    F: R1-34F5P4
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    131
    Days Since Last Run:
    11
    Verdict
    Developed into a useful hurdler last season, winning 3 times at around 2½m. Bit quiet this term, although his recent Doncaster effort was a step back in the right direction and return to this trip will be in his favour.
  • 10. Staffordshire Knot
    J: Sam EwingT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 122-P2650
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    11-4
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    143
    Days Since Last Run:
    48
    Verdict
    Maiden hurdle winner who was held in second by Brighterdaysahead in Grade 1 at Aintree last season and back on track in this sphere when fifth in 3m Leopardstown handicap at Christmas. Sour display at Huntingdon since though, jumping/travelling poorly, and blinkers go on now.
  • 22. Minella Missile
    J: Adam WedgeT: Evan Williams
    F: 11-9PP
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-8
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    133
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    A promising novice hurdler (won Grade 2 over C&D at the November meeting in 2023) but had problems since, missing last term, while this season has been a write-off so far, quickly beaten at Chepstow recently. Needs a huge revival.
  • 16. Might I
    J: Sean BowenT: Harry Fry
    F: 1306-6164
    Price History:
    34.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    cheekpieces and tongue strap
    Official Rating:
    137
    Days Since Last Run:
    53
    Verdict
    Fourth in the Martin Pipe here 2 years ago and capitalised on a falling mark to score at Bangor in November. Not so good twice since but still on a favourable mark if he's on a going day in re-fitted cheekpieces.
  • 8. Beacon Edge
    J: Danny GilliganT: Gordon Elliott, Ireland
    F: 24513724
    Price History:
    51.00
    Age:
    11
    Weight:
    11-6
    Gear:
    blinkers
    Official Rating:
    145
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    A regular at this meeting, fourth in the 2021 Stayers' for Noel Meade, although he's finished well held in this the last 2 years. Couple of respectable runs over inadequate trips the last twice and should be closer to his best now.
  • 14. King Alexander
    J: B. HayesT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
    F: 1/1F17-819
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-12
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    137
    Days Since Last Run:
    39
    Verdict
    Useful handicap hurdler who made a successful start for Willie Mullins in 3m Fairyhouse event in January. Struggled faced with a much more competitive scenario at Leopardstown next time though and this is hardly any easier. Others from yard are more appealing.
  • 21. Captain Morgs
    J: Sam Twiston-DaviesT: Nicky Henderson
    F: 42PP-14P0
    Price History:
    67.00
    Age:
    9
    Weight:
    10-8
    Gear:
    cheekpieces
    Official Rating:
    133
    Days Since Last Run:
    116
    Verdict
    3m handicap hurdle winner here in December 2022 but perennially more miss than hit now, a return to hurdling not rekindling him here when last seen in November. Has dropped in the weights and leading yard struck with a big-priced winner in this in 2019 but he's hard to fancy.
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Non-Runners
  • 28. Saint Anapolino
    J: ReserveT: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
    F: 52-23111
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    6
    Weight:
    10-5
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    130
    Days Since Last Run:
    18
    Verdict
    Going from strength to strength over hurdles, completing hat-trick in pretty good Kempton handicap over this trip last month. Yard went close in this in 2023 and no surprise if he has more to offer but concerning that he jumped markedly right on his only other go on a left-handed track. RESERVE.
  • 27. Classic King
    J: ReserveT: Emma Lavelle
    F: F2-U81U13
    Price History:
    -
    Age:
    7
    Weight:
    10-6
    Gear:
    -
    Official Rating:
    131
    Days Since Last Run:
    25
    Verdict
    Successful in handicap chase at Doncaster in November and back in good form over hurdles the last twice, finishing strongly at Ascot last time. This will be by far his toughest assignment to date. RESERVE.

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