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CHELTENHAM has returned! Our top tipster Templegate is ready to tackle an exciting first day of action, confident about launching the jumps season with a flourish.
There are also some thrilling contests from Doncaster in anticipation of the major Futurity on Saturday.
Be sure to follow his tips and support a horse by simply clicking on their odds below.
CALICO (3.35 Cheltenham, nap)
He started last season by winning this race and can achieve the same result from just 4lb higher in the weights. That was his only victory of the campaign, but he came close several times, including a second place in the competitive Red Rum Chase at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. He will be ready to perform.
JUBILEE WALK (1.33 Doncaster, nb)
James Ferguson’s gelding has been consistently knocking on the door, finishing behind Brosay at Ascot before a frustrating third in the Ayr Gold Cup, where he finished strongly from a poor position. He stays the distance well, enjoys testing ground, and looks poised to win with William Buick back in the saddle.
KING OF KINGSFIELD (1.50 Cheltenham, treble)
He secured a Grade 3 victory at Punchestown nine days ago and will be tough to beat if this doesn't come too soon. He possesses ample speed for this distance and is expected to make further progress under Gordon Elliott's guidance.
Templegate’s TV Verdicts
CHELTENHAM
1.15
BOWENSONFIRE gets the vote in a race where you can make a case for nearly every contender.
He has been performing well for Gordon Elliott in Ireland and came close at Listowel last time when he didn’t get the best run.
This longer distance should suit him, and there’s potential for further improvement.
The Expensive One scored on his handicap debut at Stratford, showing great determination. He can improve in this tougher company.
Classic King progressed throughout last season, achieving a couple of victories at Doncaster.
He came close in strong company at Kempton last seen in March and will pose a challenge if he adapts to this more undulating track.
East India Express finished last season with a six-length victory here, which means he’s now 8lb higher.
He stays strongly and should be competitive again.
Montecam appears to be a good price after a solid performance at Bellewstown recently and could easily place.
1.50
KING OF KINGSFIELD won a Grade 3 at Punchestown nine days ago and will be hard to beat if this doesn’t come too soon.
He has plenty of speed for this distance and is expected to progress further for Gordon Elliott.
Country Mile wasn’t asked too many questions on his chase debut at Uttoxeter earlier this month.
He finished solidly in second with more to come but needs to improve his jumping as he made a couple of late errors.
Alnilam finished ahead of him in that race, and the champion jockey remains on board.
He jumped well and appears to be a promising type.
Centara has been dominating Newton Abbot handicaps for Paul Nicholls and is a good price, although he faces stronger rivals here.
Relieved Of Duties is another Elliott runner who won earlier this month. He jumped well around Fairyhouse and is a contender.
2.25
CAVERN CLUB performed well here last season and won the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen.
He finished a good fourth at the Lincolnshire track last time and is a strong finisher, so he should come up the hill nicely.
Liverpool Knight is consistent and has performed well a couple of times at Uttoxeter leading up to this.
He has placed here before and could do so again.
King William Rufus ended last season with a win in a large field here and is a reasonable 4lb higher today. He should be in contention again.
Rubber Ball can bounce back after finding an Aintree Grade 1 too challenging in April.
He won a couple of novice races prior to that and usually takes the lead from the front.
Torquay Road has won his last two races at Sligo and Galway over this distance.
He’s rising in the weights but possesses enough ability to cope.
3.00
UN SENS A LA VIE has shown promise by winning a bumper and then over hurdles at Market Rasen earlier this month.
He jumped well there and had plenty left in the tank when achieving a seven-length victory.
He has good speed and should improve significantly from that comeback run.
Fortune De Mer seemed to have this race in mind when finishing third on his hurdles debut at Uttoxeter 19 days ago.
He won a Listed bumper here last season and should improve for that outing and the addition of a first-time hood.
Sir Galahad looks solid each-way after a good second at Market Rasen on his return.
He has more experience than most of these and the champion jockey on board.
Charles Byrnes sends over Run For Mahler, who has shaped well in both of his hurdles runs, and a market move would be noteworthy.
Jack Hyde performed admirably in a Chepstow Grade 2 last time and has each-way prospects for Fergal O’Brien.
3.35
CALICO began last season by winning this race and can replicate that success from just 4lb higher in the weights.
That was his only victory of the season, but he came close several times
