Cheltenham
Today, ChaseClass 23m1f
Verdict
Verdict
INTENSE APPROACH will be suited by the return to 3m+ and is taken to enhance his excellent strike-rate and make it 2-2 over fences. Leave of Absence was a decisive winner in handicap company at Newbury when last seen in the spring and is second choice ahead of Welcome To Cartries, who should find this a bit easier than the Graded races he contested on both chase starts last season.
Intense Approach
Leave of Absence
Welcom To Cartries
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 4. Intense ApproachJ: Alex HarveyT: John McConnell, IrelandF: 11211P8-1
- Price History:
- 3.25
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 85
VerdictUseful hurdler, including a win in the 3m novice hurdle on this card last year. Took well to fences with a big-field maiden success on 22.5f Galway reappearance in August and bold show looks assured with the return to a longer trip in his favour. 
2. AnywayJ: D. J. O'KeeffeT: David Kenneth Budds, IrelandF: 28552-1U8- Price History:
- 4.33
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 31
VerdictExcellent second in 20.5f novice handicap chase at the Festival here before winning a Kilbeggan maiden in June. Unseated early in the Galway Plate next time and seemingly had his stamina stretched when stepped up to 3m for the Kerry National at Listowel last month.- 5. Leave of AbsenceJ: Rex DingleT: Anthony HoneyballF: 221-
- Price History:
- 4.50
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 218
VerdictBumper/hurdle winner who took well to fences back from an absence last season, finishing second in Grade 2 Reynoldstown before bagging a 3m Newbury handicap when last seen in March. Good record fresh. Considered. - 7. Welcom To CartriesJ: Harry CobdenT: Paul NichollsF: 2128/442-
- Price History:
- 5.50
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-2
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 218
VerdictUseful hurdler and achieved a similar level of form when fourth in a pair of Graded events switched to fences at the end of 2024. Ended last season with a creditable second back hurdling at Newbury. Has first-time cheekpieces added to his tongue now returned to larger obstacles after a break. 
1. Pied PiperJ: J. W. KennedyT: Gordon Elliott, IrelandF: F51-110U3- Price History:
- 7.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-10
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 20
VerdictStarted his chase career with 3 wins. Found life harder at Graded level since, albeit latest Tipperary third was respectable. Has to concede weight all round but his stable has a good recent record in this race.
6. Sporting GloryJ: Danny GilliganT: Gordon Elliott, IrelandF: 214/13P0-4- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 11-2
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 24
VerdictBumper/hurdler winner. Sound start to his chase career when fourth of 8 in 17.5f Sligo maiden on reappearance 24 days ago. The much longer trip could suit better. Jack Kennedy seemingly prefers Pied Piper.
3. Baltic BirdJ: Patrick Michael O'BrienT: William Durkan, IrelandF: 4073-1403- Price History:
- 26.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-7
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictSuccessful start over fences at Down Royal in May. Creditable 16 lengths third of 6 in novice chase at Clonmel (24f, good to soft) 23 days ago but has a bit to find in this company.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite