Templegate’s Top Pick for Trials Day: A Flawless Jumper Perfect for Cheltenham
TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for a Saturday full of Festival insights, optimistic about finding some winning picks.
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IMPERIAL SAINT (1.50 Cheltenham, nap)
This horse is quickly advancing and has demonstrated growth following his first attempt at this distance at Aintree last time. He jumped effortlessly, securing a decisive victory to add to his other two wins at the venue. His style suggests he will perform well at Cheltenham, and his jumping skills are a significant advantage.
L’HOMME PRESSE (2.25 Cheltenham, nb)
This remarkable chaser is gearing up for another Gold Cup bid under Charlie Deutsch. The 10-year-old boasts an impressive record at Cheltenham with two victories, and his sole defeat was a fourth-place finish behind Galopin Des Champs last March. He placed third in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, despite jumping left, and he excels at this distance irrespective of ground conditions.
BILLYTHEREALBIGRED (12.40 Cheltenham, treble)
This horse has adapted exceptionally well to chasing, achieving victories in both of his starts thus far. He won by 14 lengths at Bangor initially and showcased further improvement at Exeter last time. He thrives in soft ground, so the conditions should pose no issues, and he is well-placed against the handicapper at this suitable distance.
Templegate’s perspectives on major races
CHELTENHAM
12.40
BILLYTHEREALBIGRED has transitioned smoothly to chasing, achieving victories in both outings.
He started with a commanding 14-length win at Bangor and improved his performance further at Exeter.
He does particularly well in muddy conditions, so even if the ground gets worse, he should remain competitive and is capable of outpacing the handicapper over a suitable trip.
Jagwar embarked on his chase career with two impressive wins before facing a setback with a late error leading to a third-place finish at Uttoxeter.
He’s a consistent stayer in any conditions and still has more to give.
Masaccio shone with a solid Newbury handicap win in November during his first outing over fences, and he held his own in Grade 2 when finishing second to The Jukebox Man back at the Berkshire track.
He followed that promising effort with another respectable finish behind a strong opponent at Kempton last time, and today’s field doesn’t reflect that level of quality.
Resplendent Grey made mistakes at Sandown last time but continued to advance and will need to jump more cleanly.
Guard Your Dreams wasn’t outclassed in the December Gold Cup here and might contend from 4lb above his previous win.
1.15
EAST INDIA DOCK has shown solid competition on the Flat and has made a successful transition to hurdles under the guidance of experienced trainer James Owen.
His performance in the Triumph Hurdle trial here last time was very convincing, indicating he will outperform his rivals again.
His previous win in heavy ground on the flat implies rain won’t be an issue.
Stencil is traveling from France, having secured nice wins before falling short in his latest outing.
He underperformed last time but has the potential to bounce back, especially if the ground softens.
Sauvignon makes his debut for Paul Nicholls following a Listed win in France last June, but his long absence is a concern; nevertheless, he’s showing promise.
Torrent has performed well in challenging races, including finishing third behind East India Dock here in November.
While he may not reverse that result, he could easily place again.
Quantock Hills dead-heated with Terriferma last time, and their potential for improvement appears similar, though they will need to close the gap with our top pick.
Believeitanducan showed determination in his hurdles debut at Newbury for Alan King but faces a stiffer challenge now.
1.50
IMPERIAL SAINT is surging through the ranks and showcased his capabilities during his initial attempt at this distance at Aintree.
He demonstrated excellent jumping skills, winning effortlessly, thus complementing his two prior victories at this track.
His approach indicates he will excel at Cheltenham, and his jumping ability is indeed an advantage.
Philip Hobbs and Johnson White are in great form and have another strong chance here.
Moon D’Orange has a nice lightweight and came close in a competitive Newbury race recently.
He shows abundant stamina, and Irish trainer John McConnell boasts an impressive success rate with his runners in Britain.
Ginny’s Destiny flourishes on this track and narrowly missed securing a win in the Turners at last year’s Festival.
Even though he hasn’t showcased the same form this season and struggled in the Peterborough Chase recently, he still has the potential to perform well despite a higher weight.
Iroko finished fifth in the Turners last season and experienced an unfortunate fall at the first fence at Ascot lately.
This challenge should be suitable for him, while Il Ridoto and Gemirande have already clambered to wins here this season and are still capable despite rising weights.
2.25
L’HOMME PRESSE is on course to prepare for another Gold Cup bid with a victory under Charlie Deutsch.
This remarkable 10-year-old has an outstanding Cheltenham history with two wins, with his only defeat coming against Galopin Des Champs last March.
He was back to his best with a third-place finish in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, despite inconsistently jumping left.
He effortlessly tackles this distance and adapts well to varying ground conditions.
Gentlemansgame hasn’t won since clinching the Charlie Hall in 2023, yet showcases respectable performances, including a third-place finish last time.
He needs to demonstrate he can handle this distance, but he seems set to be a formidable contender.
Chantry House regained form with a win in a small field battle here on New Year’s Day, having jumped well upon returning from hurdles.
While he may not be a guaranteed repeat performer in this stronger race, Nicky Henderson has his charges in excellent form.
Stage Star secured the 2023 Paddy Power here but failed to deliver in the December Gold Cup last time and has something to prove.
The veteran Delta Work finished strongly in the Grand National in April but might find this race challenging, while Tommie Beau does not belong in this competition.
3.00
It would be surprising if CONSTITUTION HILL were to be beaten by this field.
Any outcome other than a commanding victory would be unexpected.
Nicky Henderson’s ace overcame a year’s absence to outpace Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle and should ideally enhance that in terms of fitness.
We know this trip and course suit him perfectly, with only extremely soft ground posing a potential threat, though he is unlikely to run in those conditions.
For those looking for profit in this race, forecasting Spirits Bay to finish second after the favorite could be a savvy move.
He displayed a commendable effort, albeit he was pushed too early when finishing third at Haydock last time, and additional rain would be advantageous.
Brentford Hope is a reliable handicapper who finished second in a Grade 2 at Wincanton upon his return.
He struggled when beaten at Windsor last week but has generally performed better than that.
Gordon Elliott is sending Fils D’Oudairies, who has Grade 3 victories but displayed lackluster form in his latest outing over fences.
3.35
GOWEL ROAD is expected to carry the Twiston-Davies colors to victory today.
He has consistently finished second in all four of his runs here this season, including a close encounter in the Relkeel on New Year’s Day.
Today’s competition appears less formidable, and returning to three miles shouldn’t pose a concern.
Crambo capitalized on Strong Leader’s error in the Long Walk at Ascot last time.
The stayer from Fergal O’Brien’s team enjoyed leading the race and managed to persist.
He wasn’t outclassed in last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle and is poised to be a contender once again.
Strong Leader has undergone a wind operation after his disappointing performance, and with a return to form, he should demonstrate his abilities.
Having won the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April and started this season with a Grade 2 win at Newbury, his credentials are solid; he just needs to avoid overly soft conditions.
Botox Has has struggled this season, having failed to find his rhythm in the Long Walk, making him hard to support.
Monmiral finished behind Strong Leader at Newbury and currently seems a bit outclassed.
4.10
POTTERS CHARM has shown steady progress, delivering an impressive performance when winning the Grade 1 Formby Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day.
This further complemented his two earlier wins here, inclusive of a Grade 2 on the Old course in November.
He performs admirably in any ground conditions and is positioned to enhance his stakes for the Turners at the Festival with another robust performance.
The other competitors are still striving to improve, but Bill Joyce stood firm against The New Lion in the Challow at Newbury last month and poses the most considerable threat.
He is a genuine stayer not lacking stamina, but he will need to elevate his game for victory.
Gamesters Guy may present value for a place following his strong win at Carlisle on New Year’s Day.
Although this is a significantly tougher meeting, he secured his victory convincingly and will appreciate this challenge.
Sixmilebridge has triumphed in his last pair of hurdle victories with ease.
This marks a significant leap in class from Huntingdon last time, but he has more to offer.
Quebecois performed respectably, securing second in a Sandown Grade 2 last time, and should show further improvement in his third outing over hurdles.
DONCASTER
1.30
NELLS SON has returned as a significantly improved horse this season, following a win at Carlisle with a gritty victory at Kelso last time.
The runner-up that day subsequently triumphed in a competitive race at Windsor last week, enhancing the credibility of the form. This distance suits him well, and a 5lb rise seems reasonable.
Calico had an inexplicable poor performance at Cheltenham last time, but he had claimed a victory there in October.
He’s benefiting from a break granted by the Skeltons, which could rejuvenate him.
Stormin Crossgales won at Southwell with an impressive 35 lengths to spare last time.
This race is more competitive, but replicating that performance would give him a chance.
General Medrano didn’t shine at Newbury last time but secured a solid win there in his previous outing.
His trainer Emma Lavelle is in good form at present, so a bounce-back is completely feasible.
2.05
WESTERN KNIGHT seems nearly unbeatable following his exceptional second place in a recent Cheltenham Grade 2.
He handled that event commendably despite making a few unforced errors, which should diminish with more experience.
Before that race, he had solid minor wins at Ascot and Uttoxeter and demonstrates considerable stamina for this trip.
Yellow Car delivered a respectable performance, finishing third in