Murphy and Skelton hotpots all the rage but dangers lurk in tough handicap

Saturday: 3.25 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Intermediate Handicap Hurdle | 2m5f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

A handicap with greater depth than the market is likely to suggest. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see a steady gallop, with only Small Bad Bob a confirmed front-runner.

With the Dan Skelton and Olly Murphy stables in such tremendous form, it's understandable that many punters will latch on to their lightly raced, highly progressive representatives, Unexpected Party and Mackelduff.

The former was tremendously impressive in winning a Wetherby 0-110 novice handicap last month, in cruise control throughout to slam Motion In Limine by eight lengths.

That was only the third run of his career, and his first attempt at a trip in excess of two miles. The six-year-old made a mockery of an opening mark of 109, and it is entirely possible a subsequent 11lb rise still underestimates him.

The year-younger Mackelduff still betrayed signs of inexperience during his recent Aintree win in a Class 2 handicap hurdle where the topweight was rated 138.

There is no doubt the form he showed in beating Pounding Poet by three and a quarter lengths is stronger than that shown at Wetherby by Unexpected Party, but he was in receipt of significant weight from the majority of his rivals and he did hang right before Aidan Coleman straightened him out.

At bigger odds, it's difficult not to be drawn to course winner Breffniboy, whose mark rocketed from 100 to 134 last term after five wins and three placed efforts.

In fact, the only time he finished out of the first three was when he tackled an Exeter Listed hurdle, and he was by no means disgraced in fourth.

Breffniboy possesses a high cruising speed, and he could be open to further improvement on his first start for Philip Hobbs.

Benson, who has undergone wind surgery since finishing fourth to Not So Sleepy at Ascot, and the Milton Harris-trained Pyramid Place, an excellent Chepstow second to Progressive, are others to consider in a fascinating handicap which is sure to prove a rich source of future winners.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

Murphy upbeat about Mackelduff

Olly Murphy is looking forward to pitching his progressive young hurdler Mackelduff into Cheltenham battle.

"He's in good form, and I was surprised he won at Aintree first time out this season," the trainer said. "He's definitely sharpened up for the run.

"Trip, ground and track should all suit him, and it looks a good opportunity. He goes there on an upward curve. There's more to come from him."

Olly Murphy: 'There's more to come from Mackelduff'Credit: Edward Whitaker

What they say

Richard Newland, trainer of Benson
He's talented but he also has his quirks. Having his first run of the season with top weight in a handicap isn't ideal, but it's a good race to run him in.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Breffniboy
We've been delighted with him since he joined us. He's been going very well. I hope he runs a good race.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Gowel Road
He's very good, but it would be the softer the ground, the better for him. Some freak heavy showers would do his chances no harm.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Severance
We'll have to hold him up early doors to get him to settle. I think he'll see out three miles in time so the trip shouldn't be an issue.

Milton Harris, trainer of Pyramid Place
He looks as if he wants a trip and a bit of cut in the ground, which we're probably not going to get. He ran a great race back at Chepstow and should travel into the race lovely and he won't fail on fitness grounds as he's as straight as I can get him.

Paul Henderson, trainer of Small Bad Bob
He seems very well at home. The race last time out at Cheltenham didn't go his way. On paper it looked like it would be a cavalry charge so we changed the tactics and held him up – they went slow and then sprinted. If he gets the opportunity this time, the plan will be to make the running. It was only two miles last time, and this longer trip will suit.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Unexpected Party
He stepped forward massively for a step up in trip at Wetherby last time. I don't see the track being an issue, but it's a competitive race.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Vis A Vis
He's going really well at home. His schooling has been very good and we're very happy with him.

Saturday's race previews:

12.00 Punchestown: all eyes on exciting Bob Olinger as Ballymore winner makes chase debut

12.30 Cheltenham: is Magistrato Paul Nicholls' next juvenile star? Graeme Rodway gives his view

12.38 Punchestown: Arkle clues on offer as Cape Gentleman bids to maintain unbeaten chase record

1.40 Cheltenham: 'I don't have him in the Arkle picture' – just how good is Third Time Lucki?

2.15 Cheltenham: 'I couldn't be happier with him' – key trainer quotes for the Paddy Power

2.50 Cheltenham: is there a Mrs Milner lurking? Festival clues on offer again for Listed contest

3.40 Lingfield: how do Group 1 winners fare on the all-weather? Here's the definitive answer

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