Horse Racing Insights: “He Seems Like a Genuine Stayer” – Templegate’s Bold 16-1 NAP Poised to Challenge the Bookmakers!

TEMPLEGATE approaches the races on Friday with a hopeful mindset, aiming to uncover one or two winning bets.

Check out his selections listed below.

STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap)

Having recently won the Troytown with Gordon Elliott at Navan, he looks promising as a future National contender. His strong finish over three miles points to his potential as a solid stayer, with room for enhancement beyond his current handicap rating.

BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb)

After a fall in this race last year, he made a strong comeback, finishing second to Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham. Having shown he can go toe-to-toe with top-class horses, he should perform well under these conditions.

DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble)

He had plenty left in the tank winning at Haydock last time, and a 7lb rise in weight shouldn’t impede him.

Templegate’s assessments

CHEPSTOW

1.05

NOCTE VOLATUS boasts an excellent record at Chepstow, having decisively won against a large field over this distance last October.

He delivered another commendable performance at Ascot, finishing strongly in the closing stages. Returning to the same handicap mark gives him a favorable chance.

Lowry’s Bar achieved his first chase victory at Exeter 21 days ago and continues to improve, though he may prefer softer ground, making him a significant competitor.

Le Milos has dropped to 5lb below his last winning mark but has struggled to finish strongly of late. A resurgence from the Skeltons wouldn’t be unexpected.

Although Venetia Williams may not be as dominant as previously, Georges Saint still poses a threat.

Despite a tough outing at Ludlow last time, he secured a couple of solid wins at this distance before, showing he could have an edge over the handicapper.

Fidelio Vallis was pulled up after a year-long absence at Newbury recently but demonstrated former brilliance with a win at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.

1.40

NIETZSCHE HAS has an impressive profile from France, having narrowly missed a victory in a Grade 1 at Auteuil last month.

He possesses good pace for this trip and favors softer ground, increasing his chances of improvement.

Opec gained a Listed victory at Newbury last month with a convincing margin.

She handled the race confidently and benefits from the mares’ allowance, enhancing her chances. While this is stiffer competition, she should hold her own.

Static, now trained by Olly Murphy, placed third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 last time.

He’ll need to elevate his performance but is still in the early stages of training with his new team.

Hot Fuss has shown promise on the flat and clinched his first hurdles race at Sandown earlier this month. This race is noticeably tougher, but he could still achieve a placing under Harry Cobden.

Melon recorded a good time winning on his hurdles debut at Doncaster just two weeks ago. He will need to raise his game in this competitive field.

2.10

DANS LE VENT has decreased nearly a stone from his last winning hurdles mark and showed promise at Haydock last month.

He possesses ample stamina for this distance and is well-priced for a top-three finish for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.

Woodie Flash has improved while being held up in his last two outings, winning at Ffos Las and finishing a close second in competitive conditions at Lingfield last time.

A 5lb rise appears justified over his preferred distance.

Madaket finished just behind Woodie Flash last time and is 3lb better off in the weights today.

Phantomofthepoints would benefit from more rain, as he thrives in muddy conditions and was close at Haydock last month. He is a genuine stayer who could lead, securing a favorable position.

Bill Baxter returned to hurdles with a second-place finish at Uttoxeter recently, presenting an each-way chance at this revised mark.

Tune In A Box won a prominent event at Punchestown in April and followed up with a strong fourth at Cheltenham last time. He is well-suited for this distance.

2.50

STUZZIKINI appeared to be a National contender when he clinched the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan recently.

He finished strongly over three miles and possesses the qualities of a genuine stayer. He still has potential to outperform his current handicap rating.

Elliott also presents a strong entry with Where It All Began under Sean Bowen. He had a respectable eighth place at the Irish National and arrives here with fresh legs.

Galia Des Liteaux has been prepared for this and performed credibly in the Coral Cup at Newbury recently. He would prefer softer ground but should remain competitive.

Iron Bridge, who finished a distant third in this race last year, runs 6lb lighter in today’s handicap, giving him a solid shot at matching his previous performance.

Monbeg Genius finished strong as a runner-up at Haydock during his return and has shown past success here. He should excel in this stamina test.

Fontaine Collonges carries a hefty weight but impressed by defeating Monbeg Genius at Haydock recently.

He’s up 8lb but should remain competitive, although he would be better suited by softer ground.

Sam Thomas’s pair, 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express, both have place prospects, although they might prefer more rain-soaked terrain.

KEMPTON

1.20

LARCHMONT LASS found the 2m4f distance slightly too sharp while finishing a respectable third at Sandown last time.

She was much better suited by a more demanding test at Wetherby, winning on her return, and appears poised for improvement under Nicholls and Cobden.

Fortuna Ligna looks like a solid each-way pick after performing well at Ascot last time. She can be erratic but has a decent engine.

Pawpuri displayed signs of rust in her first hurdles outing for nearly a year last month but ran well for an extended period before tiring late on.

This longer distance should suit her, making her a strong contender.

West Balboa risks being disappointing, despite having more talent than shown lately.

She is capable of significantly better than demonstrated at Doncaster last time, especially with a valuable 7lb concession from her rider.

Della Casa Lunga performed well for a solid second in Listed company last time and has undergone a wind operation since. She needs to return to her best form.

1.55

This contest promises excitement as chase debutant SIR GINO might best Ballyburn.

Nicky Henderson has praised Sir Gino’s schooling, and he proved his mettle by winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle last month.

His best performances have come over this distance, and his course victory gives him a significant advantage.

Good ground is favorable for him, while Ballyburn has only shown competitive form in softer conditions.

Willie Mullins’ entry is formidable, appearing effortless while winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths.

He secured a Grade 1 victory at this distance, although he seems to be the type to benefit from added distance.

It may be surprising if Rubaud performs well on his chase debut, despite solid hurdles form.

He claimed Listed honors at this course and distance in October, but the competition is tougher now.

2.30

BOOTHILL fell in this race last year but showed strong form with a second-place finish behind Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham recently.

He closely trailed that top horse and should thrive in these conditions; a repeat performance may suffice.

Martator appears unwavering after winning comfortably by 11 lengths at Ascot last month.

This victory marked his fifth consecutive win for Venetia Williams, and he’s comfortable at this distance on good ground.

The handicapper has raised him another 11lb, but that may not be sufficient to hinder him.

Edwardstone finished behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time.

He was still going well when he fell four out, but carrying top weight in this competitive field may be a struggle.

Sans Bruit couldn’t match Martator last time, leaving questions regarding potential form turnaround today.

3.08

FRERO BANBOU secured a decisive win at Newcastle last time, and a 7lb increase doesn’t seem to be a concern, as he has previously triumphed at this mark.

Jockey Charlie Deutsch has shown his skill with stamina-chasers this season, positioning him well for another victory with Venetia Williams.

Weveallbeencaught is expected to be more comfortable at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month.

His earlier performance at this grade led to a close second, making him a solid each-way contender.

Dreaming Blue has displayed a preference for the longer distance with a winning performance at Ludlow last time, though he occasionally makes mistakes. A 3lb increase seems reasonable.

Highstakesplayer previously won over this course and distance in April and secured a strong second place at Ascot prior to a lackluster effort at Newbury last time. He has been dropped to an appropriate level here.

Golden Son has shown improved form at this specialist circuit and will be fitter following a rusty return at Newbury recently.

Templegate’s selections

WETHERBY
11.50 Let’s Go Joe
Returned to form with a win at Doncaster last time.

12.25 Maghlaak
Strong on the flat and making a mark as a hurdler.

1.00 Campaign Trail
Had a winning debut at Doncaster recently.

1.35 Dare To Shout
Consistent performer, finished close at Kelso last time.

2.15 Cruden
Started well over hurdles at Cork and has since switched stables.

2.45 Pay The Piper
Performed well in his last two visits to this venue.

3.20 Blue Bellamy
Strong in points and nearly won at Market Rasen last time.

CHEPSTOW

12.00 Julius Des Pictons
Victory last time, with modest miles covered.

12.30 King William Rufus
Finally secured a win at Ascot and returns under penalty.

1.05 Lowry’s Bar
Solid performance over fences at Exeter; still more to offer.

1.40 Nietzsche Has
Consistent, nearly clinched a French Grade 1 last time.

2.10 Dans Le Vent
Ready for a return to optimal distance.

2.50 Stuzzikini (nap)
Improving stayer, in fantastic form last time at Navan.

3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble)
Won impressively at Haydock recently, and the form has been validated.

KEMPTON

12.45 Nardaran
Flat winner; looks set for a strong start under Paul Nicholls.

1.20 Larchmont Lass
Likelihood of success now back at her preferred distance.

1.55 Sir Gino
Class act over hurdles; received positive feedback on schooling.

2.30 Boothill (nb)
Winning history here and a strong run behind Jonbon previously.

3.08 Frero Banbou
Thrived on the challenging trip when winning at Newcastle recently.

3.38 Willmount
Potential to reignite his career under Nicky Henderson’s guidance.

WOLVERHAMPTON

4.00 Havana Sky
Continuing a winning streak, with another excellent opportunity ahead.

4.30 Enacting
Displayed promise in both outings; more improvements to reveal.

5.00 Best Rate
Finished strongly to take fifth at Lingfield last time out.

5.30 Merchant
Improved post-debut, finishing second at Newcastle last time.

6.00 Currumbin
Strong start for this yard with a win at Southwell recently.

6.30 One Night Stand
Displayed best form over this course and distance.

7.00 Come On John
Consistently earns solid performances; strong run most recently.

7.30 Master Of Combat
Capable of achieving his fifth win here from a competitive handicap mark.

8.00 Forever Proud
Secured a strong second over this course and distance last time.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Accepting one of the offers in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. Brands pay fees to be featured prominently on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Sets time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with funds they can afford to lose
• Never chases after losses
• Doesn’t gamble when feeling upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Discover our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.