Pattern Race Review: Volume 3

The totescoop6 Elite Hurdle was won in authoritative fashion by Celestial Halo from Mamlook and the Champion Hurdle runner-up is now trading at 10.0 on Betfair for this season's renewal. Whether he had to improve in order to hand out a ten length beating to David Pipe's Cesarewitch second is the crucial question in determining the merit of this win and it's more than possible that a repeat of the Cheltenham run was sufficient, with Whiteoak (arguably) and Blue Bajan undeniably below par. It's true that Mamlook has improved on the flat of late and it's not illogical that he will carry that improvement over to hurdles. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper does to his mark, and whether he is capable of mixing it off top weight in handicaps like the December H'cap at Sandown on the Tingle Creek day or the Ladbroke at Ascot a fortnight later, the ratings ceiling for which is 150. If he can be competitive, it will reflect very well on his Wincanton conqueror. Either way, Celestial Halo is a major challenger for the two mile crown in four months time.

If Celestial Halo's win gave us the day's firecracker, then the totetentofollow Rising Stars Novices' Chase was rather a damp squib by comparison. The defection of Kangaroo Court was the first disappointment but the abject jumping display of Bakbenscher and untimely departure of the normally sound jumping Gullible Gordon, robbed the race of much of its meaning long before Red Admiral crossed the line in front. The winner, in fairness to him, jumped with alacrity throughout and seemed to really enjoy himself. He paid a handsome compliment to Kangaroo Court who had outsprinted him from the second last at Cheltenham's Showcase meeting and therefore enhanced his reputation in absentia. I'm still concerned about Gullible Gordon, who jumps beautifully when allowed his own way but badly misjudged the thirteenth fence when coming under the merest semblance of a challenge. He has now traded 1.34 or shorter seven times in just ten outings, yet has managed to win just twice. He's a horse I will continue to oppose in running until he proves he can respond to pressure. Bakbenscher jumped atrociously throughout, and simply doesn't get his hocks underneath him. It will take a monumental re-school to correct his errant technique and I would prefer to see him return to hurdles where he remains feasibly weighted. If he runs over fences again within the next few weeks, he'll be one to be wary of, and a definite lay at a track with stiff fences such as this.

The Badger Ales Chase provided a great spectacle for fans of bold front running chasers, with Ellerslie George putting in a flawless and often breathtaking display. The only downside was the colour of his coat, as he brought back memories of the great Desert Orchid winging these same Wincanton fences. Robbie Henderson has precious little experience of jumping regulation fences but has developed a wonderful rapport with his father's chaser and did absolutely nothing wrong here. The partnership will win again, especially on tracks like this, seemingly suited by going right handed for the first time for new connections who have eked out a fair bit of improvement from him. It was a day to remember for trainer Nick Mitchell who also landed the feature at Down Royal with The Listener.

Pattern Race Focus: Volume 3

Saturday sees the return of the Champion Hurdle second at Wincanton; can he enhance his reputation en route to Festival glory? Rory Delargy discusses Celestial Halo and other exciting prospects

14:15 Wincanton - totescoop6 Elite Hurdle (Limited Handicap): all things considered, Paul Nicholls' Celestial Halo should take this despite top weight. Wincanton tends to suit horses with superior speed and he can put his rivals to the sword if ridden as aggressively as he was when so nearly landing the Champion Hurdle in March. Don McCain's Whiteoak disappointed that day, but had previously impressed in defeat when runner up to Ashkazar in the Kingwell over track and trip. She represents one of the few credible alternatives to the topweight.

14:50 Wincanton - totetentofollow Rising Stars Novices' Chase: this looks an excellent renewal of a race which has been dominated by Paul Nicholls over the years. Many who saw Gullible Gordon win on his chase debut for the champion trainer won't want to look beyond him here, and indeed that performance was a most polished one, in terms of his jumping in particular; He looks a stayer and will presumably be aimed at the RSA Chase. He won't find it easy this time, however, with the promising Kangaroo Court in opposition and it remains to be seen whether his jumping is so assured when put under pressure. The top two must also give weight to the Alan King runner Bakbenscher and readers of this column will be aware that he caught my eye running on from a hopeless position in the Tote Silver Trophy Hurdle at Chepstow a fortnight ago. That run will have put him spot on for this task and he can spring a surprise against those with experience. His trainer is no fan of the RSA Chase at the Festival and it may be that his long term target will be the Arkle, although the stable plundered big handicaps at both Cheltenham and Aintree last year with Oh Crick.

15:25 Wincanton - Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase: to call this a competitive renewal would be an understatement. A maximum field of eighteen go to post and the weights are headed by the admirable Carruthers who is having his Hennessy Gold Cup prep and may be a little rusty. Like Niche Market, he appeals as the type to do well in big staying handicaps this year but on this occasion, I'll take Ellerslie George, owned by Guy Henderson and ridden by his son Robbie in the hope that most punters will dismiss the Nick Mitchell trained runner as a vanity ride and get us value about a genuine contender.

Pattern Race Review:Volume 2

Bible Lord put himself in the picture for the Paddy Power Gold Cup with a defeat of the well treated Bauhaus on Friday, jumping well in the main, but that aspect of his game has let him down in several previous Cheltenham outings, making him an unappealing bet. A 7lb hike in the weights also seems harsh on balance.

Wetherby's bet365 Mares Hurdle was memorable mostly for Barry Geraghty's aberration in taking the wrong course, but the winner Santia put up a fair effort and marginal improvement would give her a chance of placing in the David Nicholson Mares Final come March.

The Charlie Hall saw Deep Purple put up a decent performance to give weight to the higher rated placed horses although he's still going to be hard to place. He doesn't appeal as a likely King George winner and has had leg problems which mean he's best kept away from Cheltenham. Connections have mentioned the Ascot Chase and that race, over 2m 5½ furlongs, seems an ideal target before Aintree. He looks likely to avoid a clash with Kauto Star at this stage, which is understandable.

Fair Along bounced back to his very best to rout his opponents in the John Smith's West Yorkshire Hurdle. He proved last year that he's good enough on his day to reach the frame in the World Hurdle and as long as he retains his enthusiasm, he remains a useful yardstick to measure the contenders for that race by.

The United House Gold Cup H'cap Chase was won by outsider The Last Derby, but he makes limited appeal to follow up given the expected hike in the ratings. The runner up Aimigayle stayed on in typically doughty fashion from the last and is up to defying her new mark of 137. Can't Buy Time remains one to be interested in despite never being competitive.

Dani's Girl highlighted the talents of her trainer Pat Phelan and rider Peter Toole in winning the Williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle but is now 8lb higher for future races and will find it harder from such a mark. Third horse Micheal Flips remains the one to take from the race while the ground had gone against Alsadaa who needs it on the firm side.

Master Medic didn't disappoint in taking the Byrne Group Handicap Chase from Fix The Rib, with both horses looking a cut above their rivals. The handicapper has reacted by putting them up 10lb and 7lb respectively, but they will remain competitive.