GB - Cheltenham - Race 6

Thoroughbred

23 Runners

20.2f

Handicap Chase

Turf

Good to Soft

206.0K

VIEW

Verdict

Having shaped well in the Paddy Power and December Gold Cup here upon joining Dan Skelton in 2024, MADARA arrives on the back of a very eye-catching second at Kempton 5 weeks ago and this will have been on his radar for some time. With refitted cheekpieces likely to put an extra edge on him he looks very interesting. Mclaurey has fewer miles on the clock than the selection and is feared for the stable who won this in 2021. Zurich and Will The Wise are just a couple of the others to consider.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
9	A dual winner for Sophie Leech in 2023/24 who shaped well in Paddy Power/December Gold Cup here in 2024. Seen only twice since but very much caught the eye when second at Kempton 5 weeks ago and top stable likely had this on his radar for some time. Very interesting in refitted cheekpieces. 1st Pick 9 Madara (Fr) Jockey: Harry Skelton Trainer: Dan Skelton J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	100	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis A dual winner for Sophie Leech in 2023/24 who shaped well in Paddy Power/December Gold Cup here in 2024. Seen only twice since but very much caught the eye when second at Kempton 5 weeks ago and top stable likely had this on his radar for some time. Very interesting in refitted cheekpieces.
17	Progressive over hurdles last term and plenty of promise to glean from 3 of his 4 starts over fences this season, catching the eye when fourth in novice at Down Royal 7 weeks ago. Remains with plenty of potential returned to handicaps for stable who bagged this with The Shunter in 2021. 2nd Pick 17 Mclaurey (Ire) Jockey: M. P. Walsh Trainer: Emmet Mullins, Ireland J: M. P. Walsh T: Emmet Mullins, Ireland	97	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Progressive over hurdles last term and plenty of promise to glean from 3 of his 4 starts over fences this season, catching the eye when fourth in novice at Down Royal 7 weeks ago. Remains with plenty of potential returned to handicaps for stable who bagged this with The Shunter in 2021.
15	Hurdles winner in France who put fitness/experience to good use when doubling his chase tally from 9 lb lower mark over C&D in October. Backed that up when keeping on for third at Doncaster (19.1f) in December and demands of this race promise to see him to even better effect. Very interesting. 3rd Pick 15 Zurich (Fr) Jockey: B. Hayes Trainer: Henry De Bromhead, Ireland J: B. Hayes T: Henry De Bromhead, Ireland	95	-	-	-	10%	10/1
Analysis Hurdles winner in France who put fitness/experience to good use when doubling his chase tally from 9 lb lower mark over C&D in October. Backed that up when keeping on for third at Doncaster (19.1f) in December and demands of this race promise to see him to even better effect. Very interesting.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Bobble/Stumble

A slip or a duck from a horse trying to leave the starting gates, often caused by the surface giving way under the feet. This can range from a mild misstep to a stumble down to their knees.

Bute

Shortened word for phenylbutazone, the common non-steroidal medication legal at most racetrack.

Yielding

A rain-soaked turf condition often producing a slick or heavy course and slower finish times.