Cheltenham
Today, March 12, 2025ChaseClass 13mGood Soft
Verdict
Verdict
Last season's leading novice hurdler, BALLYBURN has done little to alter the fact he's a top prospect in this sphere, impressing with his strength at the finish when successful in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown (21.5f) 38 days ago. It's feasible to think the step up to 3m can see him in an even better light and he makes plenty of appeal. Stellar Story, who landed last year's Albert Bartlett, appeals at longer odds provided he keeps the errors at bay. Dancing City is another to note.
Ballyburn
Stellar Story
Dancing City
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 1. BallyburnJ: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 2111-1121
- Price History:
- 1.57
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 38
VerdictLeading novice hurdler of 2023/24, the second of his 3 Grade 1 victories coming at the Festival 12 months ago. No match for Sir Gino on second chase try at Kempton but suited by return to further when winning Leopardstown Gr 1 (21.5f) 38 days ago. Step up to 3m can unlock further progress. - 3. Dancing CityJ: D. E. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 51131-111
- Price History:
- 7.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 45
VerdictLeading staying novice hurdler (3-time Grade 1 winner) last season. Picked up where he left off when landing Punchestown maiden chase (23.3f) in December and followed up in Naas Grade 3 with the minimum of fuss a month later. Well worth his place in this company. 
2. Better Days AheadJ: J. W. KennedyT: Gordon Elliott, IrelandF: 1421-3121- Price History:
- 11.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 31
VerdictLast season's Martin Pipe winner who made it 2 wins from 3 chase starts when just holding on from stablemate Stellar Story in Grade 2 Ten Up Novices' Chase at Navan (23.8f) 31 days ago. This demands more but he's a likeable sort and respected.
4. Gorgeous TomJ: D. J. O'KeeffeT: Henry de Bromhead, IrelandF: 21-101F14- Price History:
- 11.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 101
VerdictPositive profile over hurdles and progressive over fences, his second success coming in a Cork Grade 3 (20f) in November. Noted finishing to very good effect when close-up fourth in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse (20f) in December and step up to 3m may see him in an even better light.
6. Quai De BourbonJ: Mr P. W. MullinsT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: P4/1131-31- Price History:
- 17.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictWon all 3 starts as a novice hurdler either side of an excellent third behind Better Days Ahead in last season's Martin Pipe. Taken well to chasing, building on his reappearance effort when landing 14-runner Gowran maiden (20f) 7 weeks ago. Likely to progress further faced with this stiffer test.- 7. Stellar StoryJ: Danny GilliganT: Gordon Elliott, IrelandF: 3241-4142
- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 31
VerdictSmart hurdler who landed last season's Albert Bartlett and similar form over fences, best effort yet when neck second behind Better Days Ahead in Grade 2 at Navan 31 days ago, just failing. Fact he's prone to mistakes is a concern but possibilities nevertheless. 
5. Lecky WatsonJ: S. F. O'KeeffeT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 5/1235-511- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 59
VerdictPlaced at Grade 1 level over hurdles and made perfect start over fences this winter, taking rise in class in his stride when making it 2-2 in Punchestown Grade 3 (19.4f, heavy) 2 months ago. Steps back up in trip here and unlikely we've seen best of him yet in this sphere.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite