Can the Clarence House be topped at the Cheltenham Festival?

Shishkin was one of 7 TOP RATED ITV Winners!

On ITV on Saturday, there were 8 races and TOP RATED won 7 of them whilst the other traded 1.36 in the run before finishing 2nd!

Haydock 1:25 Jonbon made hard work of winning but was giving weight away to the runner up. He’s still learning and should again improve for the run. He was drifted slightly for the Supreme Novices Hurdle and we are very happy with Constitution Hill against him.

Ascot 1:45 Unexpected Party showed he was well handicapped when winning comfortably here. He went up 6lb for being beaten at Wetherby and we expect him to be raised more for winning this. 8-10lb could be incoming. Off 140 the Coral Cup is likely his target at Cheltenham.

Haydock 2:00 Tommy’s Oscar was given a good ride by Danny who could have panicked and chased after the leaders too soon. He didn’t and won comfortably enough and will now be seen in the Champion Hurdle. I doubt he’ll figure in the finish however and as Grade 2’s go this was a very weak affair.

Ascot 2:20 Molly Ollys Wishes won in similar style to Tommy’s Oscar after finding herself a fair way behind Western Victory but the latter had gone too hard too soon and Molly Ollys Wishes picked her up in good style. My Sister Sarah ran on strongly for 2nd but was never catching Top Rated.

Royal Pagaille off top weight showed he is a class above handicappers especially when it comes to soft/heavy going. He’s going for the Gold Cup again but may need softer conditions than what they usually get to really show his best form.

Fanion D’Estruval traded 1.36 in the run before being caught late on by Phoenix Way. So close to getting a clean sweep!

Yala Enki stays so well and outbattled and outstayed his rivals here to win this race for the 3rd consecutive year. I’m sure there is a feature staying handicap chase that Full Back can win in the future.

Shishkin vs Energumene. WOW. What a race. Shishkin has the 2m speed and 2 1/2 mile stamina like Altior. Can anything beat him at Cheltenham? I’m not so sure!

A horse who went up 7lb makes my eyecatchers this week. What’s that all about!

Apologies, this video has no sound. It is being re-recorded. The important point to note from it is HONEST VIC who runs today in a Pertemps Qualifier. Liam hopes he can finish 4th or 5th and qualify and maybe even drop a pound or 2 from his 146 mark. – THIS VIDEO IS BEING RE-RECORDED

Liam’s Cheltenham Analysis

Liam looks through the races at Cheltenham and gives his thoughts for the races including who he hopes wins the bumper as well as which horse is running in an easier race here than the last twice and should go well.

Liam’s Sky Bet Handicap Chase Analysis (including Ratings)

Liam looks at the Sky Bet Handicap Chase and uses the ratings to help him find 3 horses that he feels will all go very close. Who needs to jump better, who needs a more conservative ride and who is TOP RATED?