Supreme Novices

The change in the likely going from a week ago has changed the outlook here with confidence expressed by connection in Marine Nationale and High Definition now tempered by softer ground which may swing things more in Facile Vega’s favour. Marine needs decent ground though High Definition early two-year-old wins were on soft.

Is Facile Vega the exciting horse the Mullins camp were saying earlier in the season? No hiding place now.

As a son of in demand sire Blue Bresil, Inthepocket could run well if stepping up on his Leopardstown run. The Festival form of Paul Nicholls in novice hurdles tempers support for Tahmuras as well as his apparent greenness in winning the Tolworth Hurdle.

Selection: Marine Nationale Longer odds: Inthepocket

Arkle

This has looked a two-horse, England V Ireland, contest for most of the winter and a rematch from the Novices Hurdle at Aintree where an even-money Jonbon was all out to repel El Fabiolo by a neck.

There was some talk that the course could suit Dysart Dynamo but the softer ground and a little spanner in the works in the form of front running Effernock Fizz might push him too hard early.

Softer ground might make jumping more of a premium and that could sway it in favour of Jonbon.

Selection: Jonbon Longer odds: Saint Roi looks the obvious one for the placings.

Ultima Handicap

Big field, there could be trouble in running, and will Corach Rambler find a way through again?

Success has gone to a wide range of trainers with Irish noticeably absent.

Into Overdrive has strong claims. Threeunderthrufive with a tongue tie is interesting though it’s not a race Paul Nicholls has much success in.

A lively outsider could be Top Ville Ben from the front with ground and distance more suitable than on his fine run over two mile and five Behind The Goffer at the Dublin Racing Festival. Off 140, he is well below his rating of two years ago when he ran well here in the Cotswold Chase. Novices often run well in this and The Goffer is at decent odds.

Selection: Threeunderthrufive Longer odds: Top Ville Ben an d The Goffer

Constitution Hill by 10+ lengths? Who will finish second? Hard to look beyond State Man’s level of from with the rest having to step up considerably.

Mares Hurdle

Most competitive race of the week. Perhaps Honeysuckle might have been better fighting out the placings in the Champion Hurdle or Echoes In Rain fighting for third place there. As a previous winner of this, Marie’s Rock should have stepped up to the Stayers.

The softer ground might count against Epatante’s stamina.

Marie's Rock seems to have the ace of a change of gear in the closing stages.

Honeysuckle may have lost a bit of pace at two miles but she won this showing plenty of stamina in 2020 on soft ground. Tactics helped that time and will play a big part again with some speedier mares involved.

The new more settled Echoes In Rain could enter calculations. One time favourite Brandy Love would have to improve a lot of her February 22nd third place to Queens Brook. Love Envoi has looked better than her post Cheltenham defeat by Brandy Love at Fairyhouse but missed her prep and has to step into a hot Grade 1.

Selection: Marie’s Rock Next Best: Honeysuckle

Take a break hurdle, have a cuppa or another pint depending on where you are seated.

With a 25/1 shot, three 33/1 shots, and a 40/1 shot in the last 10 years, it’s not a race to get deep into. You could back 10 and still not have the winner.

Sir Allen’s three runs all put him with a live chance while Tekao has kept better company than this. He is short though in a race like this. Afadil was well beaten at Haydock but previous form looked much better although he has needed two quick runs.

Bad is the dark horse no one expected until last week and now Rachael Blackmore booked for a horse well in on his French ratings.

Selection: Sir Allen Longer odds: Afadil

Gailliad Du Mesnil is the class horse, but will a class horse stay this distance on soften ground? It might be fortunate that the distance was reduced three years ago but it could still be a slog. Not really a race for outsiders apart from that 2019 ugly slog. Minella Crooner has looked the type that would suit this race.

Mister Coffey will keep going and is one for an each-way multiple on the day.

Chris Gordon’s Coolvalla has not the same level of form but will stay and comes off two wide margin Fontwell wins.

Selection: Minella Crooner Longer odds: Coolvalla