Did anything catch your eye for the Cheltenham or Aintree festivals on Saturday?

'I know where I'd be sending her at Cheltenham'

By James Hill, tipster

There were few Cheltenham clues for the Graded races. Perhaps the only result of significance was the victory of Golden Ace in the Kingwell Hurdle, the middle leg of a treble on the card for Jeremy Scott, who now looks like he’s back to form with a 29 per cent strike-rate this month.

It was a tough performance from Golden Ace, and I still hope connections consider the Mares’ Hurdle next month rather than seek more black type in the Champion (she’s not going to win it, is she).

Maybe she doesn’t truly stay 2m4f, but she had no problem getting the trip when scoring at Cheltenham last April, and the second and third (now rated 132 and 138) were not mugs. It obviously depends on where both Brighterdaysahead and Lossiemouth end up, but on decent ground, I know where I’d be sending her.

'The Sefton could prove within his compass'

By Tom Park, tipster

Following the ITV action I was very taken by the performance of Battle Born Lad in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock. Stepping up markedly in trip after beating Albert Bartlett hope Wendigo at Hexham over 2m last time, the Mark Walford-trained six-year-old lapped up the extra distance and won with plenty in hand.

Mark Walford: has a smart one on his hands in Battle Born LadCredit: John Grossick

Given that was just his second start over hurdles and his first since October, Battle Born Lad is entitled to improve plenty for that performance and is still showing signs of greenness in his races, keeping Jamie Hamilton on alert after nearly running out before the final circuit.

He doesn't hold an entry for the Albert Bartlett, but the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree could prove within his compass should connections shoot for the stars and pitch him into Grade 1 company. On the Haydock evidence, it is worth a shot.

'He should be on any Cheltenham Festival shortlists'

By Harry Wilson, tipster

I had my eye on Joyeux Machin after an eyecatching effort at Wetherby two weeks ago and he delivered a performance that suggested he might be one to have on your side in a spring festival handicap when second to Altobelli at Ascot.

A three-mile hurdle winner when trained by Paul Nolan, he made up plenty of ground after the last two hurdles and was doing all his best work at the finish having been outpaced three out, suggesting he is sure to relish stepping up in trip.

This was a massive step up on his last effort, which came in a lower class under a 7lb claimer, and he should be on any Cheltenham Festival shortlists, with the Coral Cup or Martin Pipe of interest. 

Read these next...

'That’s huge for us' - Golden Ace bounces back for Jeremy Scott in Kingwell Hurdle to set up Cheltenham return 

'Be patient and believe' - Pic D'Orhy secures back-to-back Ascot Chase wins to restore Paul Nicholls to Grade 1 glory 

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