Saturday 25th October 2025
Cheltenham & Doncaster
1.10 Cheltenham: William Hill Each Way Extra Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
MAJOR FORTUNE – 17/2 (Each-Way) (4 places)
Struggled a bit over fences in the second half of last season; however, he finished three-quarters of a length second of six at Lingfield in March over the larger obstacles off a pound higher mark than his current one. Won first time out last season, and can go well for top connections first time out again.
1.30 Doncaster: Skill Step Group Handicap
JER BATT – 11/2 (Each-Way) (4 places)
Remarkably, he’s finished third in each of his last five starts and has been slowly nudging down the weights. Contests this off the same mark as his last winning one, and is versatile ground-wise.
1.45 Cheltenham: Play William Hill’s Final One Standing Novices’ Hurdle
POUR LES FILLES – 3/1 (Win)
Easy winner at Downpatrick last time out, winning a maiden hurdle by nine lengths when a very short price. He was a smart bumper horse a couple of seasons ago, finishing fifth in Grade 2 company at Aintree, and there should be more to come from him this season.
2.05 Doncaster: William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes
BENVENUTO CELLINI – 11/10 (Win) (NAP)
Could be another one who’s out of the top drawer for the all-conquering Ballydoyle team. Won a Group 2 at Leopardstown last time out by five lengths, and the O’Brien yard has a fine record in this race. Seemingly the first-string here under Soumillon, and should take a lot of beating.
2.20 Cheltenham: William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase
BALLYCAMUS – 14/1 (Each-Way) (5 places)
Should be sharper for Chepstow outing earlier this month, and ran well on that occasion, finishing second of seven. Dropped a pound for his troubles there, and could make the most of a low weight to carry here.
2.40 Doncaster: William Hill Prospect Stakes
LAM YAI – 9/4 (Win) (NB)
Sets a very solid standard here on the back of her neck second within Group 3 company at Ayr last time out, with that run also coming on soft ground. She should be having a big say here back in Listed company, and I think she’s the one they all have to beat.
2.55 Cheltenham: Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
PRINCE ZALTAR – 11/1 (Each-Way) (5 places)
Made a winning start on stable debut for the Skelton’s last time out, winning a Class 3 handicap at Newton Abbott by two and a half lengths. He’s been raised eight pounds for that success, however, rider Harry Atkins will take seven of those off here via his claim. He looks a player here off a low weight.
3.10 Newbury: BetVictor Horris Hill Stakes
WECHAAD – 5/1 (Each-Way)
Easy winner of a competitive nursery handicap at Doncaster last time out by three and a quarter of a length, and has every chance of progressing through the ranks. Connections seemingly hold him in high regard, and he shouldn’t have any issue with soft ground, given their was cut in the surface at Doncaster last time out.
3.30 Cheltenham: Masterson Holdings Hurdle
GIVE IT TO ME OJ – 4/7 (Win)
Highly progressive sort under both codes, winning twice at Epsom on the flat recently, following successive victories over hurdles. He also finished fourth in the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree back in April, and he should take a lot of beating once more in this particular affair. An obvious, but huge player.
3.45 Newbury: Betvictor St Simon Stakes
STARZINTHEIREYES – 13/2 (Each-Way)
Winner of the Group 3 Zetland Stakes last year as a two-year-old, and made a pleasing belated return to the track last month when three and a half lengths behind Naqeeb in a Listed event at Goodwood. He should improve significantly following that outing, and he’s also got form on soft ground. Looks a solid each-way play here.
4.05 Cheltenham: William Hill Extra Places With Bog ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase
INTENSE APPROACH – 5/2 (Win) (Treble)
Smart hurdler who has course form, and won on chase debut at Galway back in August. Represents a yard that often has winners at these early Cheltenham meetings. Should also have fitness on his side following the Galway success, and can go well.
