It's a big day in the calendar for Warwick racecourse on Saturday as they stage the Agetur UK Ltd Classic Handicap Chase, a Grade 3 marathon that can unveil pointers for the Grand National. The feature race is ably supported by the Wigley Group Hampton Novices' Chase and the Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle - both Grade 2s - on a quality card. Action at Warwick is from 12.40pm-4.05pm on Saturday and the Racing Post guides you dwn the finishing straight with their preview. 

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12.40 - Start Your RacingTV Free Trial Now Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m)

Petrol Head turned in a vastly-improved effort in November when scoring at Fairyhouse (2m4f, yielding) on only his second start for the Ronan McNally yard. He was a cosy winner that afternoon and there could be more to come from him. That was off a mark of 87, however, and the UK assessor isn't taking any undue chances with him here.

Jumping served Greatest Star well as he got off the mark at the second attempt for Dan Skelton at Southwell in late November. That bare form isn't strong and more may be needed now switching to handicaps.

ORDER OF ST JOHN has taken a couple of steps in the right direction in finishing third at Ludlow and Southwell this winter and while an opening mark of 110 is perhaps a touch high, he'll have Archie Bellamy taking off 7lb and may give this a good sight from the front.

Selection: Order Of St John

Next Best: Greatest Star

1.18 - Alder Demain & Akers PMS Oxford Edward Courage Cup Handicap Chase (2m)

SKY PIRATE is 13lb higher than when taking this contest a year ago for Jonjo O'Neill but he's a reliable conveyance at this trip and might just have the quality to overcome conceding a stone and more to these three rivals.

He twice ran well behind progressive Before Midnight at Cheltenham and Ascot early this season before finishing ahead of that rival in a Grade 2 at Kempton last month won by Shishkin, with Tingle Creek winner Greaneteen the other one to beat him home. He should go close.

Brave Seasca is 2-3 over fences after scores over C&D and at Ascot in December. He had lots to spare in both instances and so even a 9lb hike in the ratings isn't certain to ground the Venetia Williams runner. He is a major threat to all concerned here.

Not Available has also won his last two at Newbury and Ludlow, in game fashion last time, but is now on a career-high mark and facing a tougher challenge.

Selection: Sky Pirate

Next Best: Brave Seasca

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1.50 - Wigley Group Hampton Novices' Chase (Grade 2, 3m)

Paul Nicholls saddles Threeunderthrufive as the champion trainer looks to hold onto a prize won by Next Destination a year ago.

Threeunderthrufive hasn't done much wrong so far, winning three on the trot over fences after being turned over by Kim Bailey's Does He Know at Chepstow in October's chasing bow.

He won in this grade last month at Doncaster, beating two rivals over this trip, and is clear on ratings but he's already odds-on and the price doesn't appeal. He didn't always jump with conviction on Town Moor and, with a penalty to concede today, he may need to be sharper over the obstacles. He is, of course, the one to beat.

Any News and Doyen Breed need further improvement but are deemed capable of that, while Mossy Fen has been off for 14 months and now debuts for Christian Williams. He's only had starts over fences and has displayed promise and is in very good hands.

If the favourite is to be beaten, MINT CONDITION might be the one. He relished the stamina test when getting up late to win at Haydock (2m6f, heavy) late last month and should improve again. He gets 5lb from the jolly and if he does improve is entitled to give him a race.

Selection: Mint Condition

Next Best: Threeunderthrufive

2.25 - Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m5f)

Surrey Quest is 2-2 over hurdles for Nicky Henderson and sure to have more to come as he rises in class here. He just about sets the standard on paper, with Party Business not far behind.

Ian Williams' charge won an Ascot maiden over this trip in December on second hurdles start and was probably going to get placed in the Grade 1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury over Christmas had he not come down at the second last. He's had 17 days to get over that mishap.

Dan Skelton's Viva Lavilla made a winning start at Lingfield in November and bumped into a smart winner in Lossiemouth at Sandown next time when well-held second. Stamina promises to be an asset for him and he has a solid chance of better now.

STAG HORN, meanwhile, was a classy stayer on the Flat for Archie Watson and this son of Golden Horn made every yard when winning at Hereford (2m3f, good) last month in a novice event on hurdles bow. The front two were well clear at the line and the runner-up, World Of Dreams, scored in a good style at Plumpton this month on his next start.

Gelded since, Stag Horn has plenty scope for improvement in this code and is worthy of his crack at this graded prize.

Selection: Stag Horn

Next Best: Viva Lavilla

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3.00 - Agetur UK Ltd Classic Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 3m5f)

Notachance won this race last year for Alan King but history is against him now, with no horse repeating in the near five-decade history of the Classic Chase. Second-best 12 months ago was Achille for Venetia Williams. Her string are thriving right now and this veteran was fourth in the Welsh National last time.

Top-weight Corach Rambler has won novice handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree recently and was popular in the ante-post market for trainer Lucinda Russell - who pocketed this with One For Arthur en route to Aintree National glory in 2017. He's surely got more to come, though this is a tougher examination.

Gericault Roque has placed in all three chase starts for David Pipe and last month's Newbury run suggests stamina will be a forte for him. He, too, just lacks that extra bit of experience.

Padleyourowncanoe has run well here before over fences and made a pleasing return from more than a year off over hurdles at Haydock a month ago so the Skelton's will anticipate a good effort from him.

MINELLA ENCORE is quite low-miles for a 10YO and has won at Fakenham and Ludlow (3m1½f, good to soft) this season either side of a tame show in an amateur riders' event at Cheltenham in November.

He thrashed his rivals last time in first-time blinkers, retained here, and while he's 9lb higher in this classier contest now, it's going to be interesting to see what he can do tackling this extreme trip for the shrewd Dr Richard Newland and Sam Twiston-Davies partnership.

Selection: Minella Encore

Next Best: Corach Rambler

3.35 - Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (3m1f)

Off a mark of 158, Sire Du Berlais carries 11st 12lb here for Gordon Elliott and Tom Scudamore. The 2021 Cheltenham Festival Stayers' Hurdle runner-up was pulled up behind Klassical Dream and Flooring Porter over Christmas in Ireland but it might be wise not to place too much stock in that effort.

He could rebound, though Cheltenham in March might be his ultimate aim again.

The Sporting John that won at Cheltenham in November would be a huge danger to all, though he wasn't in the same form when only fourth back there last month.

The Jam Man has form at the trip but isn't especially well treated off 146 for Ronan McNally. ALAPHILIPPE won 3-4 over hurdles last season before a fair fifth in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham over this trip. He has won off a break and needs monitoring for Fergal O'Brien and Paddy Brennan with this opening mark of 140 likely to prove within his reach.

Carrying just 10st, Riggs isn't dismissed for the Skelton team but he's up 5lb for chasing home Dans Le Vent at Haydock over this trip in November and has a career-high mark to contend with in taking on some useful opponents.

Selection: Alphaphillipe

Next Best: Sporting John

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4.05 - Racing TV Free For A Month 'Newcomers' NH Flat Race (2m)

A newcomer bumpers and so the betting will prove an essential guide with no form to rely on.

It could prove to be some good placement from Nicky Henderson as the filly LUCCIA gets plenty of weight being a 4YO filly taking on her elders/males. She's out of The Gurkha and should have no problems at this trip, while her 10st is further eased by Ben Ffrench-Davis claiming 7lb.

Fairly Famous, Blow Your Mind and What A Steal are three more that make some appeal on paper, with preference for Olly Murphy's runner as he does so well in this sphere.

Selection: Luccia

Next Best: Fairly Famous

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An excellent afternoon is in store at Kempton Park on Saturday as they host their Lanzarote Hurdle card. The feature race is a Listed Handicap over 2m5f and goes to post at 2.40pm, while they also boast the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase 35 minutes earlier. The Racing Post previews Saturday's Kempton card, which runs from 12.20pm-3.50pm.

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12.20 - Play Coral 'Racing-Super-Series' For Free Juvenile Hurdle (2m)

Glide Down was runner-up at Market Rasen last month in his hurdles introduction for trainer Alan King. He chased home market leader Tease And Seize, who has since run honourably as a 66/1 poke in the Grade 1 Finale at Chepstow over Christmas. That's a solid effort and there should be more to come, so he's the one they are aiming at today.

Cuban Cigar has work to do based on his only hurdles run at Leicester in November, so it may prove that the dangers come from the newcomers over timber.

Dawn Trapper makes limited appeal on what he has achieved, therefore it is to DIRHAM EMIRATI and Silver Shade we turn to for challenges.

The latter has proved useful on the level for Mark Johnston and new trainer Milton Harris is enjoying a fine season, but Gary Moore's work with juvenile hurdlers is well documented and Dirham Emirati - rated 80 on the Flat - could be another to fare well for him in this sphere. The yard are flying recently and this stable debutant should be ready to roll.

Selection: Dirham Emirati

Next Best: Glide Down

12.55 - Watch Racing Free Online At Coral Novices' Hurdle (3m½f)

A good chunk of these are open to progress and connections will feel they've shown enough to warrant the feeling they can do better before long.

Into that category go Gentleman Valley, Major Sting and Dash Full Of Cash.

Gentleman Valley won here over 2m5f for trainer Ben Pauling in October on hurdles bow. Two of those that finished behind have won subsequently, though only in modest events, but he was pulled up since at Doncaster and needs more after undergoing a wind operation since.

Like Major Sting, he is set tackling this sort of trip for the first time. Nicky Henderson's charge was fourth in a decent Chepstow maiden in October but also pulled up at Warwick in one outing since.

Dash Full Of Cash meanwhile shaped with some promise in a Doncaster maiden (3m½f, good to soft) last month for Lucy Wadham and gets a chance to build on that now with promising apprentice Corey McGivern claiming a handy 10lb on his back.

The pick is MILAN BRIDGE for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. He made a winning start over timber at Lingfield (2m3½f, good to soft) in November in what looks a useful novices' event. He only won by a length but looked to be saving something for himself. Staying this trip on a track like Kempton should be within his reach.

Harry Fry's Ree Okka was second to dual Grade 2 runner-up Gelino Bello on hurdles bow at Aintree in November and had every chance to fold since at Chepstow when pestered up the home straight before eventually pulling away on the flat. He's got to be respected too in what could be a useful race.

Selection: Milan Bridge

Next Best: Dash Full Of Cash

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1.32 - Coral 'Fail-To-Finish' Free Bets Handicap Chase (2m4½f)

Champagne Court heads the early betting for trainer Jeremy Scott having shown renewed form this season in three starts over hurdles. He was taking advantage of a lower rating in that sphere however and he hasn't won over fences since 2019. He needs to show he can transfer that recent promise across.

Fanzio is likely to be close to or setting the pace. He's 6lb clear of his best win-mark and isn't one to rely on implicitly but he did finish a good second at Doncaster five weeks ago and needs to be considered a player on that run.

Top-weight Falco Blitz is another capable sort for the Nicky Henderson team. He was pulled up at Bangor on his comeback run in November but moved well there and perhaps didn't see out three-miles in the end. Dropped back in distance he is on a fair mark and should go well.

It's hard however to knock KAP AUTEUIL. Toby Lawes' charge has won five of his last six starts over fences, including at Fontwell in December over 2m5½f on soft ground when showing a good attitude in a battle. His previous setback had come over 2m around Cheltenham in a good race and his best form is on flatter tracks. He's up 4lb here but this venue should suit him and he looks a major threat again.

Selection: Kap Auteuil

Next Best: Falco Blitz

2.05 - Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)

Just four runners for this Grade 2 prize and it's impossible to factor any of them out. In truth, all of them have some sort of a query to answer.

None more so than Defi Du Seuil, a dual Grade 1 winner in open company in the 2019/20 season for Philip Hobbs, those wins coming in the Tingle Creek and Clarence House. He flopped in the Champion Chase that spring and is winless in three sparse appearances since. He went off favourite in a 2m5f good-ground Ascot event in November on his comeback but was easily repelled and connections desperately need something positive from him here. He's hard to trust at the moment.

Mister Fisher was pulled up in the King George here on Boxing Day and has now failed to complete is three of his last four starts. He did give Frodon a major scare at Sandown (2m6½f, good) in this grade back in the spring and will have solid claims if in that sort of mood.

Eldorado Allen won the Haldon Gold Cup on his comeback, a useful bit of form, though he was somewhat fortunate as Hitman appeared to throw the prize away once the jumping was completed. Colin Tizzard's runner meanwhile posted a sound third in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December and could have more to give at this distance on a track like Kempton.

It's ROUGE VIF that earns the nod. Paul Nicholls is bidding to win this race for the third year running and his target-training has been highlighted again this season.

Having lost his way with Harry Whittington last season - albeit in Grade 1s - Rouge Vif moved to Ditcheat in the summer and underwent a wind op. He was a bit too keen on his stable bow at Cheltenham in November, resulting in him finding little up that gruelling finish.

He must settle better but stable jockey Harry Cobden takes over here and he's got the potential to see this sort of trip out on what is a speed-biased track. Getting 6lb from Eldorado Allen and Mister Fisher, no shock if he makes a bold bid for the champion trainer.

Selection: Rouge Vif

Next Best: Eldorado Allen

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2.40 - Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (Listed, 2m5f)

A field of 20 are set to contest the latest running of this prestigious handicap. Despite a 66/1 poke scoring last January for Emma Lavelle, the Lanzarote is a race in which those towards the front of the market have done well in recent years.

Marie's Rock is set to head the betting after scoring decisively over C&D last month for Nicky Henderson, the trainer with three wins in this race in the last nine years. She is 9lb higher now but could have more to come.

Gelino Bello has twice finished second behind talented Irish novice Blazing Khal in Grade 2s at Cheltenham and takes a drop in class here for Paul Nicholls, another man with three wins in the Lanzarote since 2008.

Venetia Williams is a dual winner of this race and GREEN BOOK is fancied to give her a third success. The Authorized gelding had three runs last month and, after a narrow Haydock defeat, won two of them at the Merseyside venue and then at Ludlow upped to this trip. He did so in ready fashion and the form of his most recent score was boosted by the runner-up winning this week.

A mark of 130 looks attainable and he's got Ned Fox claiming 10lb on his back here. Six of the last eight Lanzarote winners had claiming riders on board.

Selection: Green Book

Next Best: Gelino Bello

3.15 - Coral Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Chase (3m)

After posting a good effort in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November on his reappearance, Caribean Boy was fancied at Ascot last month stepped up to this trip for the first time but he didn't get beyond the first fence. Nicky Henderson's charge is potentially on a decent mark if bouncing back from that, though he does have top-weight to defy here.

Veteran A Toi Phil was well held on New Year's Day at Cheltenham but should find this more to his liking back up in trip/down in class and he could have hopes of reaching the frame for an in-form Gary Moore yard. Fellow 12YO Double Shuffle hasn't fired in two runs this season and needs the introduction of a tongue-tie to inspire him if he's going to retain this crown.

Strictlyadancer didn't get home in the London National at Sandown last month but had won three on the spin for Christian Williams previously and is another with bounce-back possibilities under his 7lb claiming rider.

SMARTY WILD was a winner at this meeting 12 months ago over a shorter trip and Philip Hobbs' charge has run with promise in all three starts this season including last month at Ludlow on his first crack at three-miles. The handicapper eased him a pound after that third-place finish and he should go close here.

Selection: Smarty Wild

Next Best: Strictlyadancer

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3.50 - Coral Proud To Support British Racing Handicap Hurdle (2m)

The hat-trick seeking Earth Company bids to follow up wins at Taunton and Wincanton in the previous two month for the Philip Hobbs yard. He is 6lb higher now but had more in hand than the winning margin suggested last time and should mount another challenge.

Having won at Plumpton in October in decisive fashion, ROYAUME UNI posted a solid third at Cheltenham (2m1f, good to soft) last month for the Gary Moore team off a mark 1lb lower than this.

That form has been advertised since, with the runner-up a very easy winner over this C&D in Boxing Day - while fourth home Quinto De Mar is set to line up in the Lanzarote on this card.

First Street won twice in the autumn over timber before finding the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow too warm. He's undergone a wind op since and makes his first foray into a handicap now for Nicky Henderson so he's certainly one to note.

Selection: Royaume Uni

Next Best: First Street

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The first weekend proper of January is upon us and, for racing fans, it brings with the first Grade 1 race of 2022 on British soil - the Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle at Sandown Park. The two-miler is the centrepiece on a quality card at the Esher venue, set to run from 12.05pm-3.35pm and boasting a Listed Mares' Hurdle and the final of 2021 Veterans' Chase Series as supporting races. The Racing Post previews Saturday's Sandown action.

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12.05 - Unibet Extra Place Races Every Day Juvenile Hurdle (2m)

Romeo's Bond sets the standard on form, with Milton Harris' charge having won at Exeter in November and then finished a distant second behind a useful rival over this C&D in early December. He could build on that run, but he'll need to, and his case isn't helped by having to concede 6lb and more to these rivals.

Family Time has to improve after a layoff, while the filly Malakahna drops in class after coming up shy in a Listed contest at Aintree last month. Her earlier win at Fakenham had promise in it and she's got a leading chance down in grade.

Better was seemingly expected of MOULINS CLERMONT on his debut for Gary Moore at Fontwell (2m1½f, good) in November but he didn't find a lot in the latter part of that race. This softer surface should be a positive and it won't be a shock if he leaves that run behind him now.

Selection: Moulins Clermont

Next Best: Malakahna

12.40 - Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Mares' Hurdle (Listed, 2m4f)

Whitehotchillifili won this contest last year from a misfiring Stormy Ireland (then with Paul Nicholls) in second spot, but Harry Fry's Milan mare was well beaten in two starts afterwards and last month's return in a C&D handicap didn't offer much enthusiasm for this challenge. She's opposed.

Anythingforlove is another previous C&D winner and her record stands at four wins in six starts over timber, including over three-miles at Ffos Las three weeks ago after aborting a campaign over fences. She won't mind testing ground and certainly doesn't lack for stamina but, on ratings, Jamie Snowden's mare has more to find.

Skyace defeated Gauloise at Fairyhouse in a Grade 1 novice in the spring and Shark Hanlon's charge is a heavy-ground winner too. She has not fired in three runs this season, and while she takes a drop in class here, it's hard to be confident at the moment.

The Mullins mare, meanwhile, put that Easter defeat behind to land a Listed event at the Punchestown Festival in good style when last spotted. She was progressive on the whole last season and but all three wins came at the minimum trip. Despite a lack of a prep run, she won't lack sharpness coming from this source and she's a big player as the second of two Irish raiders.

MARTELLO SKY might take this for the home team. Lucy Wadham's 6YO is now 5-7 over hurdles and has won two of three this season, wins at Market Rasen and Cheltenham sandwiching an Aintree fourth in a race won by the smart Brewin'upastorm in November (all at this distance).

Last month's Cheltenham handicap won was a shade cosy and Aidan Coleman's mount might well have more to come.

Selection: Martello Sky

Next Best: Gauloise

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1.15 - Read Nicky Henderson's Unibet Blog Handicap Chase (2m4f)

Farinet was a disappointment on reappearance last month but that came in the Grade 3 Racing Post Gold Cup at Cheltenham and sights are lowered now.

Venetia Williams' charge was impressive when scoring over this track and trip (soft) back in March on second start after arriving from France and, eased 2lb now, could soon get back on an upward curve. He's not one to cross off just yet.

Goa Lil has something to prove on testing ground, something that may apply to Luckofthedraw also, while Darebin has course-winning form on soft ground but is yet to completely prove himself at this sort of trip.

Chef D'equipe is a former winner of this race and can bid to give owner/jockey David Maxwell successive Saturday afternoon successes, while Red Happy is worth noting on first start for David Pipe. It's a long time since we spotted Redzor on the racecourse - Cheltenham Festival 2020 - so he's got plenty to prove, so the vote is handed to KILBROOK for the Jonjo O'Neill's.

The Carlisle race he won in October on chasing bow isn't a strong piece of form but he showed determination to hang on in a driving finish and, raised 4lb, has the scope to do better if handling this softer ground. With so many of his rivals questionable, he has a chance to make progress, though Farinet is greatly feared.

Selection: Kilbrook

Next Best: Farinet

1.50 - Unibet Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap Chase (1m7½f)

Gunsight Ridge has shown a definite affinity for jumping fences in two starts and shouldn't be waiting too long to get on the scoresheet. His promising Aintree bow was followed by finished second to L'homme Presse at Exeter, that rival 2-2 since including last weekend's Grade 2 Dipper at Cheltenham.

Olly Murphy's charge was clear in second and respected now but the drop back to this trip isn't necessarily a total positive for him.

Bun Doran and Paddy's Poem are capable sorts but bot now 11YOs and the likes of the Up The Straight and NUMITOR are viewed as clearer dangers.

The former won a three-runner novice chase at Plumpton on seasonal comeback in October and has been asked a pair of awkward questions since in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and the Grade 2 Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot. This offers him a chance to get back on the ascent.

Heather Main's Numitor is preferred. Tactics will be straightforward for this frontrunner and he could be hard to peg back. He won nicely at Wetherby on his comeback and November's Newbury second in a valuable handicap was another sound effort. He's just 2lb higher here and has plenty going for him.

Selection: Numitor

Next Best: Up The Straight

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2.25 - Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)

Fair to say that CONSTITUTION HILL looked like some kind of superstar in the making when spread-eagling his eight rivals over C&D at the Tingle Creek Festival here last month on debut for Nicky Henderson.

He had 14-lengths in hand on the hitherto promising Harry Fry-trained Might I in second spot, while the others finished at wide intervals behind.

Along with his stablemate at Seven Barrows, Jonbon, he's right towards the front of the market for Supreme Novices' Hurdle glory at Cheltenham in March and Nico de Boinville's mount is impossible to oppose on the visuals of that opening salvo here last time.

Mr Glass is 2-2 over hurdles for Paul Nicholls already and clearly progressing, while Datsalrightgino boasts similar credentials having accounted for a decent opponent in Jpr One at Cheltenham last month.

Along with Jetoile they form a trio of hat-trick seekers in this race, though their paths are blocked by the daunting shadow of Constitution Hill.

Shallwehaveonemore made a pleasing start over timber when second in an Ascot novice in October and Gary Moore's Authorized gelding will surely win races over flights before long.

Selection: Constitution Hill

Next Best: Datsalrightgino

3.00 - Unibet Veterans' Handicap Chase (Final Of The 2021 Veterans Chase Series, 3m)

Aso is the starting point, with Venetia Williams' 12YO having found only Blaklion too strong in the finished at Haydock last month in one of these veterans' contests.

He lost no caste in defeat conceding over a stone to the winner (scored again since) that afternoon and the fear once again is that a hefty weight-burden might be his ultimate undoing now. He's got a clear chance, though his favouritism in the betting will reflect that.

Rolling Dylan was clear in second over C&D last month and is respected on the back of that, while Final Nudge landed one of these contests at Warwick in November and has his chance again for Fergal O'Brien and Paddy Brennan from 3lb higher.

Wandrin Star is another winner in the series, scoring over C&D in November and he will be player if in the same form today.

SIR IVAN was third in this contest a year ago behind Seeyouatmidnight and Harry Fry's charge arrives back in good nick. He made the running in that Warwick race won by Final Nudge in November and his case wasn't aided by a mistake at the second last.

Factoring in Lorcan Murtagh's claim, he is 6lb better off with the re-opposing winner now and he should be in their pitching at the end.

Selection: Sir Ivan

Next Best: Rolling Dylan

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3.35 - Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Handicap Hurdle (2m)

Handicap debutant Hermes Boy did the job nicely in an Exeter novice last month after a pair of silver medals at Worcester and Bangor. He's likely got more to come and an opening mark of 124 looks about fair.

Volkovka won on her comeback at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) before finishing second over 2m4f here last month. She's a mare on good terms with herself but is now rated 5lb higher and must cope with a drop in trip.

Mack The Man made a winning return at Exeter in the autumn but needs to improve again in this field, while Navajo Pass has a big weight to overcome in first-time cheekpieces having run poorly in a better race over C&D last month. He handles testing ground and the assessor has offered some relief.

Natural History has seen his form stall but is creeping down the weights as a result but perhaps MCGOWAN'S PASS can land an open finale.

He, too, boasts heavy-ground winning form and he shaped well for a long way in last month's stable bow for Jennie Candlish at Haydock (2m3f, heavy) before fading. That was his only run of 2021 and he should be sharper for it, while the drop back to this trip is another plus. The veteran is on a fair mark and has sound each-way claims at the early prices.

Selection: McGowan's Pass

Next Best: Hermes Boy

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The traditional Cheltenham New Year's Day Meeting had to be shelved 12 months ago due to poor weather but there are no such concerns in the Gloucestershire countryside this time around. After this, just one more day of racing action comes from the Cotswolds venue before The Festival itself in March. They race at Cheltenham on Saturday from 12.15pm-3.50pm and conditions are set to be 'Soft-good to soft in places'. The Racing Post previews what should be a thrilling New Year card.

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12.15 - Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Listed, 2m4f)

The majority of these, with the exception of Mot A Mot and Jack's A Legend, are progressive over timber and will be fancying their chances of further improvement to take this Listed opener.

Doctor Ken beat Pull Again Green at Ascot in a maiden in November, with the runner-up scoring himself next time at Newbury. They can get involved, though the form of the Olly Murphy string has slipped in recent a weeks, a worry for the former.

Hillcrest was allowed to dictate from the front at Wetherby in early December and left his rivals flailing, but this surely must pose a tougher question for Henry Daly's charge, 3-4 under rules already.

The mare Get A Tonic is 2-3 over timber, those wins coming once upped to this sort of trip, and she's respected for Dan and Harry Skelton getting 7lb but preference is for Nicky Henderson's I AM MAXIMUS.

He beat My Drogo when winning his bumper here last season and, after a year off, was a close third at Exeter on hurdles bow in November - a race that has worked out well. He has landed a Newbury maiden since and, if seeing out this longer distance, the fact he has course form to lean on counts for a lot.

Selection: I Am Maximus

Next Best: Get A Tonic

12.50 - New Four Eighty Restaurant At Cheltenham Festival Handicap Chase (3m2f)

The returning Destinee Royale is one to note for Venetia Williams in a typically puzzling handicap chase. He won 2-5 starts over fences last season, including at Wetherby over 3m in February. When last out in March, he was just foiled having gone up 8lb over a marathon 3m4f trip. He has gone well fresh in the past and, with the stable in good nick, should give his running.

The Wolf ran well for a long way at Doncaster three weeks ago before a late error hindered his case. This is tougher on paper and he hasn't always been one to build on a positive comeback effort, while those sentiments in regards to Olly Murphy's string also linger.

UNDERSUPERVISION is having his fourth start over fences here this season already. It hasn't been without drama for Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge, including a fall and a collision with running rails, but he's demonstrated ability and this longer trip should favour him. It might also be a positive if Sam Twiston-Davies can get him amongst rivals this time in an increased field-size.

Selection: Undersupervision

Next Best: Destinee Royale

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1.25 - Paddy Power Novices' Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)

As mentioned already, Venetia Williams' team remain in solid form (29 per-cent strike-rate previous fortnight) and exciting novice chaser L'HOMME PRESSE may enhance that by landing The Dipper, one of the feature races on New Year's Day at Cheltenham.

He missed a chunk of time after arriving from France but showed his ability to be in tact when easily winning a novice hurdle at Chepstow in April (2m, good) after 773 days out. Understandably, he wasn't as good a fortnight later but he returned last month to make a winning chase debut at Exeter (2m3f, good to soft) and a fortnight later he won a 2m5f Ascot Graduation Chase in fine style.

He's had two weeks to get over that run and can take the next step up the ladder by landing this Grade 2 under Charlie Deutsch.

The Glancing Queen is also 2-2 over fences for Alan King, recording Listed novice successes at Bangor and Warwick in recent months against her own sex. She did it very easily last time and, while taking on the males now, she's well worth her crack at this prize.

Come On Teddy, Fantastikas, Millers Bank and Oscar Elite are amongst those likely to make their presence felt in a strong renewal of The Dipper.

Selection: L'homme Presse

Next Best: The Glancing Queen

2.00 - Paddy Power New Year's Day Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 2m4½f)

Coole Cody and Zanza were first and second in last month's Racing Post Gold Cup over course and distance and return with claims again. The former isn't getting any younger - 11 today - but has often gone well here, while Philip Hobbs' charge has a habit of giving himself too much to do before finishing well - as he did last time.

Top-weight Funambule Sivola was second in the Peterborough Chase last time for Venetia Williams and has the class to be a player despite the burden he carries.

Magic Saint and Simple The Betts (both Paul Nicholls) join the likes of Espoir De Telle, High Up In The Air and Deyrann De Carjac in holding possibilities but RIDERS ONTHE STORM is the narrow choice.

The ex-Irish performer looked very promising in winning his first three chase starts with Nigel Twiston-Davies in 2019/20 before losing his way in graded company. He moved to Richard Hobson last spring and reappeared with a promising second in early December at Aintree (2m4f, soft) behind Clan Legend. They were the only finishers at the end of an attritional contest but it was still a pleasing effort.

The first-time tongue-tie sported is retained now and he is fancied to build on that in the hands of Nick Scholfield.

Selection: Riders Onthe Storm

Next Best: Funambule Sivola

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2.35 - Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle (3m)

Tamar Bridge is forecast to head the market, but he had to work hard enough at Aintree four weeks ago and is now 6lb higher, while his stable isn't firing winners in anything like as regularly now.

Art Approval really stayed on well from the last when winning over 2m5f (good) here at the November Meeting and Fergal O'Brien's charge is worth a crack at this increased distance, albeit from 8lb higher himself now.

Spiritofthegames returns to hurdling from what could be workable mark for the Skeltons, while Sandown winner Pileon has Festival form at this circuit and needs considering.

Kansas City Chief was given a good front-running ride when scoring over C&D last month but he's a teenager now and runner-up BOTOX HAS could avenge that defeat.

He had to try and make up plenty of ground late in the race and he pulled clear of everything else under Jamie Moore in first-time cheekpieces (retained) in what amounted to a pleasing first go at this trip. He is a dual Cheltenham winner over shorter and has scope for better at staying distances on that evidence.

Selection: Botox Has

Next Best: Spiritofthegames

3.10 - Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m4f)

Mcfabulous won the re-routed renewal of this at Kempton 12 months ago for Paul Nicholls but whether the stiff finish here will be to his liking is open to debate. He tends to find his wins coming easily and, when that doesn't happen, things can go awry.

In any case, BREWIN'UPASTORM beat him convincingly at Fontwell in this grade in February and was again ahead of him at Aintree in a Grade 1 in April. Olly Murphy's charge easily won at the Merseyside venue in early November on his comeback over this trip and while a Cheltenham win is missing on his CV, he was fourth City Island's Ballymore in 2019 at The Festival. He's been most consistent since coming over hurdles and this looks another good spot.

Guard Your Dreams won the International Hurdle last month over 2m1f for Nigel Twiston-Davies but he's speedy enough and this longer trip may not be ideal in what is a tougher race anyway.

On The Blind Side was second in this at Kempton last year but, like Indefatigable, Stormy Ireland and Dans Le Event; he's got a bit to prove in this line-up today.

Selection: Brewin'upastorm

Selection: Guard Your Dreams

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3.50 - Pony Club 'Junior' NH Flat Race (Listed, 1m6f)

Alwazar won at Huntingdon in October on debut before finishing third back there under a penalty the following month. He was four lengths behind A Shining Moon there but is now 7lb better off. Eve Johnston-Houghton's charge was only headed late on in that debut run and is entitled to improve.

ILIADE ALLEN pulled right away with runner-up Hashtag Be Kind at Warwick in November and that form has been held up in a positive light since. The stiff nature of this trach should suit Nick Williams' filly and she could be good enough to play her part upped in grade.

Poetic Music is 2-2 so far winning first for John Butler and then for Fergal O'Brien at Newbury in December with plenty in hand. The chestnut filly should be amongst the leading dangers, though any money for debutant Beyond Boundaries - a full brother to a smart Flat performer - would certainly be noted as he is a rare bumper runner for Andrew Balding; with Sean Bowen a promising jockey booking.

Selection: Iliade Allen

Next Best: Beyond Boundaries

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