GB - Cheltenham - Race 7

Thoroughbred

17 Runners

29.9f

Handicap Chase

Turf

Good to Soft

137.5K

VIEW

Verdict

ICEBERG THEORY is taken to emerge on top in a fascinating finale with this marathon trip likely to play very much to the strengths of this son of Flemensfirth. Paul Nolan's 7-y-o hasn't been out since coming home very strongly to score over 2m5f at Cork in November and can improve again. Emmet Mullins' Leopardstown winner Backmersackme rates a big threat and the lightly-raced Kurasso Blue could bring up a 1-2-3 for Ireland. Newton Tornado rates the pick of the home runners.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
11	A useful winning hurdler who has made a very promising start over fences, landing maiden at Limerick (2m7f) in May before returning from 6 months off with an emphatic win in 2m5f Cork handicap in November. This son of Flemensfirth has more to offer over staying trips. Most interesting. 1st Pick 11 Iceberg Theory (Ire) Jockey: C. Stone-Walsh Trainer: Paul Nolan, Ireland J: C. Stone-Walsh T: Paul Nolan, Ireland	99	-	-	-	12%	8/1
Analysis A useful winning hurdler who has made a very promising start over fences, landing maiden at Limerick (2m7f) in May before returning from 6 months off with an emphatic win in 2m5f Cork handicap in November. This son of Flemensfirth has more to offer over staying trips. Most interesting.
9	Excellent second in 3m1f handicap here in October and (tongue tied) gained a deserved first chasing success in valuable 23-runner handicap at Leopardstown (2m5f) last month. Remains unexposed over staying distances and a likely player for his shrewd yard that took this in 2024. 2nd Pick 9 Backmersackme (Ire) Jockey: Donagh Meyler Trainer: Emmet Mullins, Ireland J: Donagh Meyler T: Emmet Mullins, Ireland	96	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Excellent second in 3m1f handicap here in October and (tongue tied) gained a deserved first chasing success in valuable 23-runner handicap at Leopardstown (2m5f) last month. Remains unexposed over staying distances and a likely player for his shrewd yard that took this in 2024.
5	Ex-French recruit who went 2-3 over hurdles. Has made a very bright start over fences, landing maiden at Punchestown (23f) in December before taking another step forward when second in 3m novice chase at Naas following month. Has potential for more now stepping up in trip for his handicap debut. 3rd Pick 5 Kurasso Blue (Fr) Jockey: J. W. Kennedy Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Ireland J: J. W. Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland	96	-	-	-	7%	15/1
Analysis Ex-French recruit who went 2-3 over hurdles. Has made a very bright start over fences, landing maiden at Punchestown (23f) in December before taking another step forward when second in 3m novice chase at Naas following month. Has potential for more now stepping up in trip for his handicap debut.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.

Bute

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

Exercise Rider

A rider built much like a jockey but is employed for exercising and working out horses in the morning.