GB - Cheltenham - Race 8

Thoroughbred

8 Runners

20.3f

Group 2 Hurdle

Turf

Soft

110.0K

VIEW

Verdict

Champion Bumper runner-up HEADS UP shaped with plenty of encouragement when second in a strong Grade 2 here in November and he can progress again to land this contest. Smart prospect Taurus Bay asserted in taking style to make it 2-2 over hurdles at Aintree and should make a bold bid to maintain his unbeaten record, while Act of Innocence was conceding lumps of weight when turned over at Newbury and remains one to be interested in over a more suitable test.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	Smart second in 2025 Champion Bumper. Beat a now useful sort when impressive winner on hurdles bow at Listowel and possibly overdid things in front when runner-up to No Drama This End in Grade 2 Hyde (21f, heavy, old course) here in November. That form is strong and he remains capable of better. 1st Pick 4 Heads Up Jockey: D. E. Mullins Trainer: John Mcconnell, Ireland J: D. E. Mullins T: John Mcconnell, Ireland	100	-	-	-	42%
Analysis Smart second in 2025 Champion Bumper. Beat a now useful sort when impressive winner on hurdles bow at Listowel and possibly overdid things in front when runner-up to No Drama This End in Grade 2 Hyde (21f, heavy, old course) here in November. That form is strong and he remains capable of better.
7	Imposing sort who cost £155,000 after scoring on sole Irish point start. Ready winner on hurdles bow at Stratford (form worked well) and impressed again when dispatching a pair of last-time-out winners at Aintree (17f) last time. Longer trip will suit and this smart prospect is sure to go close. 2nd Pick 7 Taurus Bay (Ire) Jockey: Ben Jones Trainer: Ben Pauling J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	99	-	-	-	36%
Analysis Imposing sort who cost £155,000 after scoring on sole Irish point start. Ready winner on hurdles bow at Stratford (form worked well) and impressed again when dispatching a pair of last-time-out winners at Aintree (17f) last time. Longer trip will suit and this smart prospect is sure to go close.
1	Promising in bumpers for Paul Nicholls and picked up well to make a winning stable/hurdle debut in a notable Newbury maiden (16.3f). Conceding plenty of weight when chasing home an expensive 3-y-o over same C&D last time and remains one to be interested in upped in trip/returning to softer ground. 3rd Pick 1 Act Of Innocence (Ire) Jockey: Nico De Boinville Trainer: Nicky Henderson J: Nico De Boinville T: Nicky Henderson	99	-	-	-	40%	Scratched
Analysis Promising in bumpers for Paul Nicholls and picked up well to make a winning stable/hurdle debut in a notable Newbury maiden (16.3f). Conceding plenty of weight when chasing home an expensive 3-y-o over same C&D last time and remains one to be interested in upped in trip/returning to softer ground.

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