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.