Skip to main content
Oriental Lily's the one to watch at Donny's major seven furlong
Modus (left) ridden by Barry Geraghty at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

It’s the real start of the National Hunt season with the Showcase meeting at Cheltenham so lets go for the jugular straight away in the opening race on the card at 2.00 with my selection For Good Measure.

Trainer Philip Hobbs had a very average season last year and as a consequence of that a lot of his horses are pretty well weighted.

A really good staying handicap hurdler for the West Country handler, the nap selection has only twice raced over fences and those runs were over two miles and two-and-a-half miles, very much an insufficient test of stamina for this seven-year-old.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Hoe Joly Smoke ridden by jockey Harry Skelton (right) on the way to winning the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Sandown Park, Esher, March 8, 2025
Horse racing / 15 November 2025
15 November 2025

Including races at Cheltenham, Wetherby, Uttoxeter and Navan

gamble? Take No Chances ridden by Kielan Woods (left) on the way to winning the Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, in January
Horse Racing: Wetherby, Ascot, Newmarket and Down Royal / 1 November 2025
1 November 2025
Connor Beasley riding Commanche Falls on Betfred John O'Gaunt Stakes Day at Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, June 8, 2024
Horse racing / 2 August 2025
2 August 2025

Including races at Goodwood, Newmarket and Thirsk

Jockey William Buick celebrates on board Notable Speech after winning the Sussex Stakes during day two of the Goodwood Festival, Chichester, July 31, 2024
Horse Racing / 12 July 2025
12 July 2025

Including races at Newmarket, York and Ascot