Racing tips: Templegate NAPS course specialist at Cheltenham’s big New Year’s Day meeting

TEMPLEGATE is back and hoping to make it a very Happy New Year at Cheltenham!

Read on for our man’s top tips – and don’t forget you can back any horse simply by clicking on their odds in the below bet slips… good luck!

COOLE CODY (2.00 Cheltenham, nap)

He loves it here and landed another nice prize when going from the front in the Racing Post Gold Cup last month.

That was his third course win and he is right at home over this trip. He has every chance of pulling off those tactics again.

L’HOMME PRESSE (1.25 Cheltenham, nb)

He was in breathtaking form at Ascot last time, winning as he liked against some useful rivals. He jumped well and travelled like a graded horse in scoring by 13 lengths.

STORMY IRELAND (3.10 Cheltenham, treble)

She was a Grade 1 winner in Ireland last season and looked in real need of her comeback in November behind Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse.

She’s the only confirmed front-runner and Willie Mullins’ mare could dominate this small field.

CHELTENHAM

12.15   Get A Tonic     

Can make it three in a row after a good Uttoxeter win latest.

12.50   Honest Vic       

Been knocking on the door and will be right in the hunt again.

1.25     L’Homme Presse (nb) 

Impressive winner at Ascot and has much more to come.

2.00     Coole Cody (nap)        

Always runs well here and will go from the front again.

2.35     Spiritofthegames        

Interesting going back over hurdles from a lowly mark.

3.10     Stormy Ireland (treble)           

Needed the run last time and has loads of class.

3.50     Poetic Music   

Had lots in the tank at Newbury latest and looks hard to stop.

MUSSELBURGH

12.30   Collingham      

Won and second on past two runs here and go close again.

1.05     Bollingerandkrug        

Looks like this step back up in distance will suit.

1.40     Geronimo        

Consistent and went close again at Doncaster last time out.

2.10     Anna Bunina   

Has run well in plenty of hotter races than this.

2.50     Amour De Nuit            

Back to form over fences last time and should run well.

3.25     Angel Of Harlem         

Down the weights and fit from a couple of runs.

CATTERICK

12.25   Ask The Doc    

Has gone close on both runs for this yard and more to come.

1.00     Oliver’s Island 

Can bounce back from a fall at Wetherby last time out.

1.35     Tommie Beau  

Holding his form really well and every chance again.

2.15     Socialist Agenda          

Has done well since switching to hurdles after bumper wins.

2.45     Spot On Soph  

Won well last time and should enjoy this longer distance.

3.20     Bestarius         

Went close at Newcastle latest and 3lb rise in weights looks fair.

SOUTHWELL

12.33   Sammy Sunshine        

Interesting dropping in trip on this comeback run.

1.08     Paddy Elliott    

Overdue a win but regular on the podium and can place again.

1.43     Lammas           

Went close at Wolver on last run and has more to offer.

2.18     Arriviste          

Easy Lingfield winner who looks capable of following up.

2.53     Whiteandblue 

Went close at Newcastle latest and right in the mix again.

3.28     Ooh Is It          

Game winner at Wolver and can figure in the finish again.

4.00     King Of The South       

Lots in hand at Wolverhampton and can cope with weight hike.

4.30     Moonraker      

Loved it here on the fibresand and went close on the new track last time.

EXETER

12.40   Mario De Pail  

Took a tumble last time but was in cracking form earlier.

1.15     American Gerry          

Went close on hurdles debut here last time out.

1.50     Sweet Nightingale       

Has shown enough to figure in this lowly company.

2.25     Tide Times       

Can be forgiven one poor run after going close in similar race.

3.00     Keep Rolling    

Good second at Uttoxeter and repeat could be good enough.

3.35     Kissesforkatie  

Solid fourth last time and looks capable off this mark.

4.05     Knowsley Road           

Expensive buy who makes debut for powerful yard.

FAKENHAM

12.45   Summit Like Herbie    

Good winner last time and this is no tougher.

1.20     Menin Gate     

Showed lots of promise when third at Uttoxeter last time.

1.55     Jony Max         

Consistent and another decent effort here 13 days ago.

2.30     Bashful Boy     

Going close and will run well if lasting out longer trip.

3.05     Barden Bella   

Has shown best form over this course and distance.

3.40     Dynamite Kentucky    

Can improve for tackling this longer trip.

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