Fast Results
Scores
Racecards
Articles & Expert Tips delivered Daily.
-
Plus access to:
- Get exclusive Willie Mullins' Insights
- Watch Race Replays & analyse performances
- Track horses with My Stable
- Discover Racecard+ powered by Timeform
14:00 Cheltenham
Friday 14 March 2025
All13:2014:0014:4015:2016:0016:4017:20
William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
- 5YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 179y | Good to Soft | 16 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 4m 5.57s
Settings
Selected odds by:
Handicap hurdle winner at the Punchestown Festival last season and bagged a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary (16.2f) in October. Has fallen short in Grade 1 company on his last couple of outings, flattered when chasing home State Man at Leopardstown last month. Tough ask off top weight.
|
Very useful in both codes, enjoyed a stellar 2024 winning this corresponding race (heavy) under an ice-cool ride before a productive spell on the Flat, culminating in an excellent fifth in the Melbourne Cup. Has been targeted at this race again and he's a major player on even more favourable ground.
|
Grade 3 hurdle winner in October 2023 but hasn't been in that kind of form this season, albeit mixing it in Grade 1 company, well held behind State Man at Leopardstown last month. He doesn't look obviously well-handicapped and appears to be the stable second string.
|
Useful winner on the Flat (placed in the Duke of Edinburgh handicap at Royal Ascot) and is proving equally as good in this code, putting up a no-nonsense display to break his hurdles duck last month. Remains unexposed in this sphere and one to consider.
|
Useful on the Flat and has proved progressive over hurdles, notably since the addition of blinkers (retained). Runner-up on only second start in a handicap (Leopardstown, 2m), having been ridden aggressively from the front. He's in very good hands and there could well be more improvement to come.
|
2023 Gerry Feilden winner shaped well on reappearance at Kempton, but disappointed in a valuable Windsor handicap next time. Not disgraced when third of 4 in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle (15.2f) last month and will be much better suited by this test. Makes each-way appeal in first-time cheekpieces.
|
Strong-travelling mare was runner-up in 2024 Triumph prior to chasing home Sir Gino at Aintree before securing further Grade 1 success in Champion Juvenile at Punchestown. Showed plenty on reappearance at Ascot and is likely to improve with a big-field handicap expected to bring out the best in her.
|
Useful Flat performer who goes well in big fields in this sphere, third in last year's Boodles and most recent effort over hurdles was a very creditable second in a Grade 3 at the Galway Festival. Each-way claims if back to his best.
|
Improving sort enhanced his Kelso record to 4 wins from 5 visits when digging in to defend his Morebattle crown from a 13 lb higher mark earlier this month. Has a fine attitude but more on his plate under a penalty here.
|
Followed up his December maiden success in impressive fashion, landing a 2m Listed handicap hurdle at Leopardstown last month, justifying strong and looking value for more than the winning margin in the process. Appeals as the type to go on improving and merits serious consideration.
|
Back to his best to win 2m Ascot handicap in November before very creditable third in the Gerry Feilden later that month. Not in the same form on two subsequent starts and this looks a tough ask stepping into a better race off a career-high mark. Tongue tie back on.
|
Emphatic winner of Grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham's October meeting, putting on a fine display of jumping under a front-running ride while also clocking an impressive timefigure. Hasn't been able to match that form in 3 runs since but this will have been his long-term target. Bold showing anticipated.
|
Travelled powerfully when a decisive winner of last year's Boodles but not seen to best effect on final run of last season when fifth in the Swinton faced with much quicker conditions. Reappearance at Leopardstown gave the impression he'll spot on again for this meeting. Big chance.
|
Lightly-raced for his age and has made an encouraging start for new connections, placing on stable debut at Leopardstown (2m) before a very creditable third (wore first-time hood) behind McLaurey over the same C&D last month. Tongue tie added and patiently-ridden type could well run into a place.
|
Landed a 2m Sandown handicap (off 1 lb lower) on heavy ground last season and finished his campaign with a creditable fifth of 19 at Aintree (2m4f), seeing out the extra distance well. Has shown he retains plenty of ability this season but dropping back in distance, he may find this test too sharp.
|
Useful novice hurdler has proved an even better handicapper, resuming winning ways at Huntingdon in November and losing little in defeat when third at Doncaster (16.6f) a month later. Seemingly tapped for toe in a weaker race at Musselburgh (15.6f) last time. Tough ask stepping up in class.
|
Forecasts
Kargese (3/1), Absurde (5/1), Lark In The Mornin (11/2), Valgrand (8/1), Mclaurey (17/2), Irish Panther (12/1), Our Champ (14/1), Pinot Gris (14/1), Daddy Long Legs (14/1), Ethical Diamond (16/1), Hansard (16/1), Cracking Rhapsody (20/1), Ndaawi (25/1), Spirit D'aunou (25/1), Norman Fletcher (40/1), Fils D'oudairies (80/1)
This could be run to suit the strong-travelling KARGESE who would benefit from a similarly ice-cool ride as Absurde was given when landing this race 12 months ago. It's a vote of confidence that Paul Townend switches allegiances and she can give Willie Mullins an unprecedented eighth County Hurdle. 2024 Boodles winner Lark In The Morning looks primed to run another huge race at the Festival, while Valgrand may fare best of the home team.
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £61,897.002nd: £23,320.003rd: £11,671.004th: £5,830.005th: £2,926.006th: £1,463.007th: £726.008th: £374.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My Stable
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
