Table of Contents
- Mr Vango
- My Saturday NAP
- Opposition
- Recent Races
- Championship Outlook
- Remember to Gamble Responsibly
Some horses feel as if they've been around forever – but how is it that we have only seen the staying powerhouse Mr Vango compete 12 times?
I honestly had to double-check the statistics when I was curious about how many times Sara Bradstock’s stable star has graced the turf.
Mr Vango stays longer than a mother-in-law and can win the Welsh Grand NationalCredit: PA
Indeed, it is just 12 races under rules, although he also boasts a point-to-point victory.
My Saturday NAP
He possesses an incredible engine and has repeatedly proven to be the kind of horse you want in these marathon tests. I’ll be backing him each-way.
Victory won’t come easily in a race with 19 runners set to compete, but Mr Vango has secured five wins from his twelve outings and enters this event following a strong second place finish to Twig – over the challenging Grand National fences – in the Becher at Aintree.
Last season, Mr Vango remained unbeaten, winning the Midlands Grand National off a rating of 143, for which he was raised 9lb.
Many believe he’s as slow as an old boat, but there’s no doubt that stamina is his strong suit, particularly in muddy conditions.
What I admire most about Mr Vango is his ability to maintain a steady gallop for an extended period.
He might even attempt to lead from the front here. A heavy weight won’t deter him, as he’s built like me after indulging in too much Christmas lunch!
The Bradstock family has always known how to handle a good horse, and they enjoyed their most significant moment when Sara’s late husband, Mark, won the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Coneygree.
Opposition
The main competition includes Jubilee Express, who finished second last year while chasing Val Dancer.
That was off a rating of 126, and although he’s 7lb higher here – factoring in jockey claims – he’s in great form, having won at this track on December 6.
Also in the lineup is Haiti Couleurs, who thrives at Chepstow and was once considered a Gold Cup contender before underperforming in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
I wouldn’t count out Rebecca Curtis’ charge at all, as he returned this season with a solid victory over hurdles at Newbury. He has great potential.
Recent Races
Boxing Day treated us to a thrilling double-header, led by Sir Gino over hurdles and capped off by an exciting finish in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton.
In a closely contested finish, The Jukebox Man triumphed over Banbridge, Gaelic Warrior, and Jango Baie.
A slow pace often leads to a confusing finish, and that was certainly the case here after Il Est Francais was allowed to lead without challenge.
As is frequently the case, he performed well until fading. I’d be surprised if he races again soon.
The Jukebox Man rallied strongly, much to the delight of owner Harry Redknapp, who has transitioned from King of the Jungle to King of the King George.
Regarding the Cheltenham Gold Cup, much depends on whether Galopin des Champs is fit this season.
However, I thought Jango Baie delivered an impressive Gold Cup trial, and the former Arkle winner is worth considering in the ante-post markets for March.
Tony Barney’s gem can currently be backed at around 14-1, and I’ll be placing a few quid on him each-way.
It remains to be seen whether Sir Gino will compete in the Champion Hurdle for trainer Nicky Henderson, but the latter managed to get the class act back on track after illness, impressing with a decisive victory in the Christmas Hurdle.
Interestingly, I still feel Henderson hasn’t entirely given up on Constitution Hill, and while it may frustrate some, I expect the latter to win any hurdle race he completes.
That said, it’s clear that Sir Gino is currently the frontrunner for the 2026 Champion.
However, if Constitution Hill races on the day, I’d be all in on him.
Sir Gino’s presence adds an intriguing dynamic, especially regarding jockey assignments.
One would expect Nico de Boinville to ride Sir Gino, which would open the door for Constitution Hill to potentially have a different rider.
There’s still a lot to unfold before the second week of March.
I hope you had a fantastic Christmas. Boxing Day once again filled us with joy and anticipation for the future. What a wonderful sport!
Remember to Gamble Responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble when they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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