GB - Cheltenham - Race 6

Thoroughbred

18 Runners

16.4f

Handicap Hurdle

Turf

Soft (Good to Soft in places)

27.5K

VIEW

Verdict

This could go the way of FORTUNE DE MER, who showed the benefit of his hurdling debut when winning a Grade 2 novice at this C&D last month, travelling strongly with a hood applied. He can progress further in handicaps and is preferred to Alphonse le Grande, who has developed into a useful stayer on the Flat since last seen over hurdles. Jack Hyde and The Expensive One complete the shortlist.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
1	Useful bumper winner last term and, in first-time hood, was much improved from seasonal/hurdling debut when leading close home in Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle at this C&D in October. Big-field scenario should suit and he's a major player on handicap bow. 1st Pick 1 Fortune De Mer (Ire) Jockey: Harry Skelton Trainer: Dan Skelton J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	99	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Useful bumper winner last term and, in first-time hood, was much improved from seasonal/hurdling debut when leading close home in Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle at this C&D in October. Big-field scenario should suit and he's a major player on handicap bow.
18	Useful on the Flat, winning 4 times in 2024 including the Cesarewitch. Didn't have things go his way a couple of times this year, before finishing eighth of 19 back in the Cesarewitch last time. On a handy mark back hurdling with tongue strap retained from the level. 2nd Pick 18 Alphonse Le Grande (Ire) Jockey: Daniel King Trainer: A. J. Martin, Ireland J: Daniel King T: A. J. Martin, Ireland	100	-	-	-	7%	15/1
Analysis Useful on the Flat, winning 4 times in 2024 including the Cesarewitch. Didn't have things go his way a couple of times this year, before finishing eighth of 19 back in the Cesarewitch last time. On a handy mark back hurdling with tongue strap retained from the level.
2	Fairly useful novice last season, scoring twice at Southwell, and landed the odds at Newton Abbot on return. Has run well in Grade 2 events the last twice, beaten 2¾ lengths by Fortune de Mer when fifth of 12 here 3 weeks ago, and he could be in the mix with tongue tie back on. 3rd Pick 2 Jack Hyde (Ire) Jockey: Tom Broughton Trainer: Fergal O'brien J: Tom Broughton T: Fergal O'brien	98	-	-	-	13%	7/1
Analysis Fairly useful novice last season, scoring twice at Southwell, and landed the odds at Newton Abbot on return. Has run well in Grade 2 events the last twice, beaten 2¾ lengths by Fortune de Mer when fifth of 12 here 3 weeks ago, and he could be in the mix with tongue tie back on.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Objection

Claim of foul lodged by a jockey for perceived dangerous or illegal riding by a rival.

Overlay

A horse going off at higher odds than his recent efforts show that he deserves.

Trifecta

A wager picking the first, second and third horses in the exact order. A trifecta box means paying more to ensure the horses can finish in any order in the top three spots.