'He's made a bright start to life over fences and should take some beating' - Conor Fennelly's views as 2025 kicks off

What's the big story?

The most significant pointer towards the rest of the season is likely to come from the Grade 3 New Year's Day Chase (2.15) at Tramore, with Henry de Bromhead bidding to land the feature race at his local track for the third year in a row. He saddles the 2023 winner Minella Indo and Monty's Star, who sports the same Barry Maloney silks and could take up the mantle from his esteemed stablemate this season.

Minella Indo produced a resolute display in this race two years ago to secure a poignant victory for the De Bromhead family and has sound claims again after an encouraging return when runner-up to French Dynamite at Punchestown in October. 

Al Boum Photo made this race his own by landing it four times, twice en route to Gold Cup glory, and Monty's Star is the only runner in contention for that double. One of the top staying novice chasers last season, he has proved of a similar ilk to his high-class half-brother Monalee and a convincing victory could see many people latch on to his claims of eclipsing his sibling's fourth place behind Al Boum Photo at Cheltenham in 2020.

Who wins a competitive Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (2.05)?

I'm finding it difficult to oppose Springwell Bay in the Cheltenham contest after his cracking effort in splitting Jango Baie and Caldwell Potter last time over course and distance in a race that was strong on the clock. He's made a bright start to life over fences and should take some beating, especially as it should be an ideal pace set-up for him with plenty of rivals who like to get on with it.

Springwell Bay14:05 Cheltenham

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Jky: Jonjo O'Neill Jr Tnr: Jonjo & A J O'Neill

What's the bet of the day?

It's well documented that Golden Ace is the only horse to defeat star mare Brighterdaysahead and she should be clear favourite to land the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (3.15) at Cheltenham. She finished fourth of five in the Ascot Hurdle on her reappearance and her run had all the hallmarks of better to come next time.

After she travelled stylishly into contention approaching two out, her run flattened out in a sprint finish and she was beaten just two lengths by the reopposing Lucky Place. With than run under her belt, she can take care of her five rivals.

Golden Ace15:15 Cheltenham

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Jky: Lorcan Williams Tnr: Jeremy Scott

And the lay of the day?

I'd be happy to lay the front two in the market in the Grade 3 Mares Chase (2.25) at Fairyhouse. Limerick Lace is talented but you couldn't be backing her at around even-money after her no-show at Haydock and she'll need the rain to arrive in time, while Allegorie De Vassy has demonstrated on a few occasions that she's not one to rely on.

Riviere D'Etel is consistent, albeit she'd also prefer rain, while Hauturiere and Malina Girl are also well capable of putting up a good show.

What's the multiple to kick off 2025?

An each-way treble at Tramore containing Belle The Lioness (12.30), Mic Drop (1.05) and Lilian Bland (3.25).

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