7 ch g Bob Back – Imminent Approach

Has done well this season winning at Clonmel and finishing runner-up behind Roberto Goldback at Leopardstown in the Grade 2 MCR Chase. I had hoped to run him at Cheltenham, but he has sustained a small injury and he won’t be going next week.

Arvika Ligeonniere

5 b g Arvico – Daraka

Did well to win his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse. I have entered him in the Spinal Research as well as the Neptune Investment and Albert Bartlett. At the moment I would be looking to one of the longer races. He is fine big horse, still a bit leggy and light framed, but he will make a lovely chaser.

Barker

9 gr g Mister Mat – Drumrawn Lass

Had a good season last year winning the Grade 1 Swordlestwon Cup at Punchestown from Forpadydeplasterer. He had one run this term when unseating behind Joncol at Punchestown in December. Following an injury, he is back in work, but to be honest he didn’t really please me in schooling sessions at Fairyhouse or Leopardstown. He is in both the Champion and Ryanair but he will have to please me at home this week and a decision will be made nearer the time.

Beroni

8 br g Accordion – Niamhs Dream

He won three races in the autumn, once over hurdles and twice in chases. I have him entered in two races at the Festival, but I am favouring sticking to the novice hurdle route and that may include Cheltenham or Fairyhouse.

Bishopsfurze

5 b g Broadway Flyer – Supreme Dipper

This is a lovely horse that showed me enough at home to say he is a genuine Cheltenham Bumper contender. He won his only start at Fairyhouse by 5L and produced a terrific turn of foot to extricate himself from what looked an impossible position. He has similar acceleration to My Cousin Vinny as a youngster and he is sure to appreciate better ground. A lovely prospect.

Blackstairmountain

5 b g Imperial Ballet – Sixhills

This fellow has been sharp enough to win both Flat and bumper races. He was excellent first time over hurdles when beating 16 rivals at Punchestown. He does lack experience, but hopefully that is more than offset by his class. He will go for the Spinal Research Hurdle next week.

C’Est Ca

6 b g Groom Dancer – Known Class

He has three entries but I am still studying the handicaps very carefully. At the moment I would opt for the Coral Cup, but I am not sure he will get in so he will probably end up in the ‘Martin Pipe’ instead.

 Citizen Vic

7 b g Old Vic – Marianne’s Citizen

He has progressed with every run and has won his last three chases. I was delighted with his recent effort at Leopardstown when beating See U Bob to maintain the sequence. I had entered him in the Arkle and RSA, but we said some time ago that we would aim him at the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse and we’re not going to alter that plan.

Cooldine

8 b g Beneficial – Shean Alainn

He came to Cheltenham last year as one of my banker hopes and won as we had thought he might. In fairness to Cooldine he has had a very bad preparation but I was very happy with his recent run when second to Joncol on the back of that schedule. I can report that he is in very good form again and I couldn’t be happier with him. Basically he is in the shape I want him at this stage. The plan is the Gold Cup and I won’t make any predictions, as hopefully my horse will do the talking.

Cousin Vinny

7 b g Bob Back – Trixskin

He has always been a favourite in the yard, but unfortunately when we sent him chasing this year, he didn’t show anything like the class he has over hurdles as he jumps too carefully for that discipline. Therefore so we will revert back to his favourite obstacles next week when he goes for the World Hurdle. We are hoping for the best.

Day of a Lifetime

5 b g King’s Theatre – Pheisty

He is another who had shown us plenty at home before his debut, where he won his bumper at Fairyhouse by 5½L. That win confirmed to me he is pretty smart and he will definitely take his chance in the bumper. Having won on soft ground I think he will be even better with quicker underfoot conditions.

Deutschland

7 b g Red Ransom – Rhine Valley

He is an interesting horse who has only had one run over hurdles this season, when beaten a half-length in a three-way finish to Punchestown’s Festival Hurdle. I have him in the Coral Cup, Ryanair and County Hurdle and my thoughts at the moment are that he will go for the ‘Coral’. He should be competitive off his mark.

Doctor Deejay

4 b g Hawk Wing – Scenaria

Won from ten rivals at Gowran Park in November and followed up with a good second to Pittoni in a Grade 3 at Punchestown. He is in the Triumph and ‘Fred Winter’ and of the two the latter appeals more. However, it is possible we may save him for one of the home festivals.

Dorset Square

6 b g Fantastic Light – Albula

Won over 3m at Clonmel in handicap hurdle company back in November and was also successful at Fairyhouse in February. I would like to run him in the Pertemps Final, but there are so many entries it is looking unlikely that he will get in so we will probably revert back Fairyhouse.

Enterprise Park

6 b g Goldmark – Park Wave

He is unbeaten so far. Having won his bumper at Gowran Park back in April, he won his maiden hurdle at the same track in November, before taking a Grade 3 at Limerick in December. He is in the Neptune and Albert Bartlett, with the latter being his preferred race. He is clearly going the right way and should make his presence felt.

Fionnegas

6 b g Accordion – Tremplin

He is named after the father of legendary Irish warrior Cucullin. He is something of a fighter himself having won both bumpers last term as well as his first two races over hurdles this season. He has since finished third to Hollo Ladies in Grade 1 company and second to Dunguib in the Delloitte Novice Hurdle, also a Grade 1. He is in both the Neptune and Albert Bartlett and will almost certainly go for one.

Flat Out

5 gr g Sagamix – Divine Rodney

Won two bumpers last season and easily saw off 21 rivals last month at Punchestown over hurdles. I am leaning towards the Spinal Research Hurdle at the moment.

He is a very progressive horse who would stay 2m5f, but also has the speed to race over 2m. He is a lovely prospect who has done nothing wrong.

For The Staff

6 br g Tamayaz – Shanes Bay

A winner at Cork and Wexford over trips from 2m 4f to 3m. He is in the Coral Cup, but I will study the handicap closely before deciding whether or not he makes the team.

Golden Silver

8 b g Mansonnien – Gold or Silver

Has enjoyed a good season so far winning the Grade 1 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase from Tranquil Sea as well as the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase. Last time out he finished second to Big Zeb in the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase, but I didn’t feel he jumped at his best. He goes for the Champion Chase and will need to jump better than last time, but I have been very happy with his work at home leading up to next week.

Hampshire Express

7 b g Dushyantor – Gypsys Girl

Another who has handicap options at the Festival. He won a 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Gowran easily last time by 5L, but I am not going to make a final decision until I have studied the weights closely for both the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle.

Jayo

7 ch g Grape Tree Road – Joie De Nuit

He was entered for three handicaps at Cheltenham, but he has not worked well lately so we will probably keep him at home. However, we still have a few bits of work to do so it is still possible he could be in the team.

J’y Vole

7 ch m Mansonnien – J’y Reste

Her 15L defeat of Watson Lake in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase reads very well. The plan is for her to go for the Ryanair Chase, and I would definitely give her an each-way shout.

Lios A Choill

6 b g Saddlers’ Hall – Shuil Lass

This fellow won his bumper 12 months ago at Fairyhouse in good style and the plan had been the Cheltenham Bumper. However, he suffered a setback and we decided that we would give him as long as he wanted to fully recover. The aim now is to come to Cheltenham for the bumper with him, 12 months later than originally planned. I am not at all worried about the lack of a recent run and he should be an interesting contender.

Mikhael D’Haguenet

6 b g Lavirco – Fleur D’haguenet

Obviously it has been disappointing that we haven’t managed to get a run into him so far this season, but time has run out with regards to Cheltenham next week. I honestly can’t tell  you any more than that except we will see how he progresses over the next few weeks as to whether or not he runs at all this season.

Morning Supreme

7 b m Supreme Leader – Potryan Native

A smart bumper last year who finished fifth to Dunguib in the Cheltenham Bumper. She has had two outings over hurdles, winning both very easily in November and December. She has entries in the Spinal Research and Neptune hurdles, but missed two or three engagements when races were called off lately. There is a valuable mares’ race at Limerick on Sunday and I am very likely to let her take her chance in that instead of coming to Cheltenham, as she does enjoy that track.

Mourad

5 ch g Sinndar – Mouramara

He won at Punchestown over 2m 4f in January and followed up when beaten a head by War Of Attrition in a Grade 2 last time out at Navan. He is in the Coral Cup and World Hurdle, and at the moment possibly better target would be the Coral Cup.

Pomme Tiepy

7 b m Apple Tree – Unetiepy

She hasn’t won for over a year and I have to say was very disappointing at Haydock last time out. I have her in two handicaps next week and she might make the trip to Cheltenham, but I will need to see how she is much nearer the time. I would like to run her possibly in the Kim Muir but it all depends on whether she gets in.

Quadrillon

6 b g Dounba – Gastibelza

He won his maiden at Cork in November but was subsequently well beaten in a Grade 2 at Thurles. Although he has a couple of Cheltenham entries, I doubt he will travel and his limitations were exposed last time.

Quel Esprit

6 gr g Saint Des Saints- Jeune D’Esprit

He did well to finish fourth in the 2009 Cheltenham Bumper and progressed well enough to win his first two hurdles including a Grade 3 over 3m at Cork. He subsequently ran a very good race to be a half-length second to Coole River over 2m 4f in the Grade 1 Synergy Solutions Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown in January. He is in the Neptune and Albert Bartlett and of the two is likely to go for the Neptune. I think he is a very decent horse.

Quevega

6 b m Robin Des Champs – Vega IV

She was a star for us last year winning the David Nichsolson Mares’ Hurdle by 14L. She hasn’t run since Auteuil in May. I have her in the Champion Hurdle, but the aim has always been a repeat bid for the ‘David Nicholson’ race. She hasn’t run this season, but that isn’t a concern as she is in grand order. I am very happy with her and am not too concerned that she will come over without a run.

Quiscover Fontaine

6 b g Antarctique – Blanche Fontaine

A well-related horse that is a half brother to Kim Fontaine and Junior Fontaine. He won both of his chases this season at Limerick and Clonmel over 2m 4f and 2m respectively. He has schooled very well lately and is very possible for the Arkle. He is certainly going the right way.

Rhyl Accord

8 ch g Accordion – Kelly Gales

He won at Thurles in November but has been beaten in each of his last two runs, admittedly in better company. He has entries for next week, but for me he has been under performing and won’t make the trip over.

Secant Star

4 b g Passing Sale – Effet De Star

Won over 1m 1½f  at Senonnes-pouance, before falling on his jumping debut. That said had he stood up he would have won by 20L. He was made a very hot favourite at Gowran Park next time and won as expected. He had a small setback last week, but appears to be over it and has been coming through his work nicely again, so hopefully he is still on target. He has an entry in the JCB Triumph Hurdle I have no doubt he has enough ability to run a big race in that contest. It is always a very competitive affair, but I genuinely I think he has a good each-way chance in the ‘Triumph’. 

Scotsirish

9 b g Zaffaran – Serjitak

He is a good servant of the yard. I was delighted with his win in the Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse in January. He is a good as ever, in super form and goes for the Ryanair Chase in great shape. I am delighted with him.

Shakervilz

7 b g Villez – Zamsara

He was a Group 2 winner over hurdles 15 months ago, but has stepped up on that significantly now he is chasing. He has raced twice over the larger obstacles winning at Leopardstown and most recently the Grade 2 Flyingbolt Novices’ Chase at Navan. He is in the RSA and Arkle chases, but we look to be heading for the latter. He is a very progressive and I am looking forward to bringing this one over.

Snowy Morning

10 b g Moscow Society – Miss Perky

The form figures of his last four runs have been 3 – 2 – 2 – 3. I was delighted with his run last week when third behind Tranquil Sea. He was given a Ryanair entry, but I am not sure he will take that up. It could be that we will wait for the Grand National next month.

Sports Line

7 b g Norwich – Hot Line

This horse has never run a bad race as from seven outings he has won four and been second in the other three. His effort in the Irish Arkle Novice Chase reads well as despite finishing second to An Cathaoir Mor he finished 20L ahead of Take The Breeze in third. He does lack experience but has bags of ability and the plan is to try and go one better in the English ‘Arkle’.

Tarkari

5 ch g Fantastic Light – Taraza

Showed he is a decent handicapper when beating 19 rivals in a 2m Leopardstown handicap hurdle last time out. He is in the County Hurdle and that is the plan at the moment.

Tawagg

6 b g Kyllachy – Ascendancy

He ran a stormer to be second of 30 in the valuable MCR Hurdle at Leopardstown on his most recent appearance. He has pleased me a lot and is a possibility for the County Hurdle next week. The better the ground, the better his chances.

The Midnight Club

9 ch g Flemensfirth – Larry’s Peach

He did well in 2009 winning at the Punchestown Festival. He also ran a fine race at Clonmel over 2m 4f last time when winning by 11L. He has an entry in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase. I know he enjoys Cheltenham as he finished third in the Albert Bartlett last year, but I am not sure he has enough experience for a big handicap like the ‘Jewson’.

Thousand Stars

6 gr g Grey Risk – Livaniana

He won handicap hurdles at Naas and Fairyhouse in the autumn. His most recent effort was down the field in the MCR Hurdle in January. He has entries in the Coral Cup, County Hurdle and the ‘Martin Pipe’. At this stage I would favour the County Hurdle as it is over the shortest of the three distances.

Uimhiraceathair

8 b g Old Vic – Petrea’ Birthday

His name means Number Four in Gaelic. He has won his only two races over fences, the first being at Gowran over 2m 4f and most recently at Navan in the Grade 2 Ten Up Novices’ Chase when dead-heating with Telenor. He is in the Arkle, National Hunt Chase and RSA Chase. I think he is a very progressive type and if the ground is a little quicker he would be pose a serious threat in the RSA Chase. Unfortunately, he went lame on Wednesday and won’t be travelling.

Up Ou That

5 b g Alderbrook – Delnac

He has a 100 per cent record having won a maiden point to point as well as a Fairyhouse bumper in January by 16L. I would think he will be better on better ground as he is a very good moving horse. He definitely goes for the Bumper.

This article first appeared in the Racing Post Weekender 10 March