Timeform Shortlist: Expert analysis of all seven races on Thursday's card

1.30 JLT Novices' Chase (Golden Miller) (Grade 1) (1) 2m3f168y

Timeform Top Rated:
170p 2. DEFI DU SEUIL Philip Hobbs Barry Geraghty
168p 4. LOSTINTRANSLATION Colin Tizzard Robbie Power
167p 6. REAL STEEL W. P. Mullins P. Townend

Analyst's Verdict:
Lostintranslation displayed a willing attitude when mastering Defi Du Seuil here in January and while he subsequently succumbed to the latter at Sandown, the return to this track (seems best going left-handed) tilts the scales back in favour of Colin Tizzard's charge. His old rival is likely to mount a serious challenge and is feared most, while Real Steel may be the pick of Willie Mullins' trio.


2.10 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (1) 2m7f213y

Timeform Top Rated:
159 3. SIRE DU BERLAIS Gordon Elliott Barry Geraghty
158p 6. FIRST ASSIGNMENT Ian Williams Tom O'Brien
157+ 2. A TOI PHIL Gordon Elliott J. W. Kennedy

Analyst's Verdict:
It's hard not be drawn to Sire du Berlais, who caught the eye keeping on into sixth from an unpromising position in what looked a strong qualifier at Leopardstown over Christmas. Walk To Freedom and Thermistocles are others who emerged from that race with plenty of credit, while First Assignment is another interesting runner, especially with his yard back amongst the winners in recent days.


2.50 Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) (Grade 1) (1) 2½m127y

Timeform Top Rated:
183 5. FOOTPAD W. P. Mullins R. Walsh
180 12. UN DE SCEAUX W. P. Mullins P. Townend
178 6. FRODON Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost

Analyst's Verdict:
Last year's outstanding novice Footpad has had a stuttering campaign but he did go through the vast majority of his Leopardstown race over Christmas like the horse of last season and he's taken to bounce back to his best. His admirable stablemate Un de Sceaux is 11 now but he's still capable of a very high level of form and is narrowly preferred to Frodon for the forecast spot.


3.30 Sun Racing Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (1) 2m7f213y

Timeform Top Rated:
177p 10. PAISLEY PARK Emma Lavelle Aidan Coleman
174 13. SUPASUNDAE Mrs J. Harrington Robbie Power
173 2. BAPAUME W. P. Mullins P. Townend

Analyst's Verdict:
Paisley Park has improved in leaps and bounds this season, and following his impressive performance in the Cleeve Hurdle, he's very much the one to beat. Faugheen evidently still retains plenty of enthusiasm for the game and is feared most assuming he's none the worse for his fall. Supasundae looks best of the rest.


4.10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (1) 2½m127y

Timeform Top Rated:
170p 1. JANIKA Nicky Henderson Daryl Jacob
169p 2. RIVER WYLDE Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
168p 12. SIRUH DU LAC Nick Williams Lizzie Kelly (3)

Analyst's Verdict:
Siruh du Lac has progressed with each run this season, once again jumping superbly when scoring by a head from Janika in a Grade 3 handicap over C&D in January. Open to further improvement, a 7 lb rise looks scalable and he can complete a fourth straight win. There's more to come from Janika, while Spiritofthegames' third to Kildisart isn't form to be scoffed at, either.


4.50 National Hunt Breeders Supported By Tattersalls Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Dawn Run) (Grade 2) (1) 2m179y

Timeform Top Rated:
155p 1. POSH TRISH Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
154 7. LUST FOR GLORY Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
153 21. INDEFATIGABLE Paul Webber Gavin Sheehan

Analyst's Verdict:
Willie Mullins saddles 7 as he bids to continue his domination of this race but the form of the home contingent looks slightly stronger this year and they may hold sway. The front-running Posh Trish looks just about best of them after 2 listed wins but Lust For Glory and Indefatigable aren't too far behind her, while Nicky Henderson's Epatante clearly has a very big reputation.


5.30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase (2) 3¼m

Timeform Top Rated:
156 15. ROGUE ANGEL Gordon Elliott Ms L. O'Neill
155+ 13. MEASUREOFMYDREAMS Gordon Elliott Mr J. J. Codd
155 10. ARKWRISHT Joseph Patrick O'Brien Mr T. Hamilton

Analyst's Verdict:
J.P. McManus owned horses have traditionally done well in this race, and No Comment, who still retains a Timeform large 'P', could be the answer. The National Hunt Challenge Cup proved to be the wrong race for him at last season's Festival but this test should prove to be much more suitable. The Irish hold a very strong hand, headed by Measureofmydreams, Any Second Now and It's All Guesswork.