Six horses to follow from an action-packed weekend at Cheltenham and Punchestown

Racing Post experts pick out six names to note following a busy weekend of top-class action from Cheltenham and Punchestown.

Friday's 2m handicap chase at Cheltenham looked quite a strong heat and the runner-up put in a huge effort in defeat, while being slightly unfortunate not to beat Magic Saint after pecking on landing at the last.

Carrying 11st 12lb, he travelled into the race impressively, especially considering he is likely to be better suited by more testing ground.

The big run of the Venetia Williams-trained five-year-old came off a mark of 150 and he looks good enough to make an impact at Graded level, especially when the mud is flying. But having proved he can handle carrying a hefty weight in a big handicap, there is a wealth of options in that sphere.
James Stevens

Gumball

Eldorado Allen may have won Saturday's Grade 2 2m novice chase at Cheltenham, but he was a fortunate winner because Gumball appeared to have them all in trouble when falling at the second-last.

Richard Johnson gave the grey an attacking ride from the front and Gumball produced some spectacular leaps on his way round. He was powering on in front when Johnson went for another big one two out, but Gumball got it wrong and took a novicey fall.

There is nothing wrong with his jumping judged on what he showed earlier in the race and he will take some catching in novice company.

In the longer term, he might not quite have the class to win an Arkle but it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility that he could land the Grand Annual. His front-running tactics might prove ideal for a race like that, in which there is often plenty of carnage in behind.
Graeme Rodway

Letsbeclearaboutit: a smart prospect for Gavin CromwellCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Letsbeclearaboutit

Notwithstanding the defeat of Darver Star in the Grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown on Saturday, it was still a good afternoon for his trainer Gavin Cromwell, who looks to have an exciting horse on his hands in Letsbeclearaboutit, who brushed his rivals aside in quite a decent winners' bumper.

He cruised through the race for Patrick Mullins and just went further clear when he was asked the merest of questions in the straight. His trainer feels this son of Flemensfirth will be equally effective on good ground and he looks like an early contender for the Champion Bumper.
Justin O'Hanlon

Eldorado Allen

Gumball's unfortunate fall two from home denied us a grandstand finish to Saturday's Grade 2 novice chase at Cheltenham but, whatever the outcome might have been, Eldorado Allen is one to follow.

He travelled easily throughout, hugging the inside rail under a canny Robbie Power ride, but it was his quick and accurate jumping that really caught the eye.

He looks an excellent stayer over two miles and could even step up to two and a half should connections decide to go down that route.

It would be fascinating to see him go up against Ga Law in something like the Henry VIII at Sandown next.
Tom Ward

Jason The Militant: can win a big raceCredit: Caroline Norris

Jason The Militant

Sunday's Morgiana Hurdle may well have been an unsatisfactory race due to its steady pace and tactical nature, but it did enhance the reputation of Jason The Militant, who finished as close to the winner Abacadabras here as he had when they were third and second respectively to Aspire Tower at Down Royal.

He seemed to hit a flat spot between the final two hurdles before coming home strongly after the last and he looks like he could come into his own over two and a half miles. There is definitely a good race to be won with him.
Justin O'Hanlon

The Butcher Said

It was hard not to fall for The Big Breakaway in Sunday's 3m novice chase at Cheltenham but as the leaders turned for home the eye was also drawn to The Butcher Said. This was not his day, but his day is likely to come.

Having travelled smoothly through the race, the Olly Murphy-trained seven-year-old was in the process of lodging a personal-best effort when he stumbled on landing at the penultimate fence, losing all chance.

A mark of 139 seems perfectly fair and, while he is unlikely to trouble the best of the staying novice chase crop in the spring, his participation in a valuable handicap would catch the eye once more.
Lee Mottershead

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