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In episode four of Racing Post’s Upping the Ante, Majborough dominates discussion after another alarming round of jumping, raising doubts about his Champion Chase prospects despite retaining a powerful engine. Allete Thompson delivers the standout performance of the week, quickly establishing himself as a major Champion Chase contender in a division where Marine Nationale has yet to reappear and Majborough continues to regress. Brighter Days Ahead loses support for the Champion Hurdle amid mixed campaign signals and a lack of recent form, while Ballyburn is labelled the most vulnerable short-priced Festival favourite, with concerns about stamina and the depth of the staying division. The Lamba and No Dramas Desmond receive strong praise among the novice winners, with The Lamba’s toughness and adaptability marking him out as a leading Arkle player. Market talk focuses on drifting prices for Majborough and Brighter Days Ahead, increasing momentum behind Allete Thompson, and the potential for a major ante-post collapse if Sergino returns with a statement win at Christmas.
Watching Episode 4 of Upping the Ante by Racing Post, I came away with a much clearer picture of where the season is heading and a few opinions shaken. Majborough was the big talking point for me, for all the talent he clearly has, his jumping was so messy that I couldn’t help but question whether he’s a genuine Champion Chase horse at all. On the flip side, Allete Thompson absolutely lit up the episode, the lads were buzzing about him, and I have to say, he looked every inch a top-class two-miler. I also found myself agreeing with the scepticism around Brighter Days Ahead, her campaign feels muddled and her form just isn’t trending the right way. The Lamba impressed me too, especially with the way he handled adversity mid-race, and I thought the discussion about Ballyburn being a vulnerable favourite was spot on. Overall, it felt like a turning point episode, really shaping your early Festival thinking.
4.5/5
| Horse | Race | Trainer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majborough | Champion Chase | Willie Mullins | Jumping concerns; not written off |
| Wingman | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Added to “dirty list” |
| Brighter Days Ahead | Champion Hurdle | Gordon Elliott | Campaign doubts; opposed |
| Lossiemouth | Champion Hurdle | Willie Mullins | Hard to beat at Christmas |
| Ballyburn | Stayers’ Hurdle | Willie Mullins | Considered too short in the market |
| Final Demand | Novice Chase | Willie Mullins | Strong favourite; short price |
| Ellete Thompson | Champion Chase | Willie Mullins | Standout performance; leading player |
| The Lamba | Arkle Novices’ Chase | Willie Mullins | Tough, improving; copes with adversity |
| No Dramas Desmond | Novice Hurdle | Paul Nicholls | Promising; must prove more in Challow |
| Hurricane Pat | Novice Hurdle | Not mentioned | Improving type |
| Sober Glory | Novice Hurdle | Not mentioned | Respected formline |
| Galin | Bumper/Maiden Hurdle | Not mentioned | Progressive; big future |
| Kim Rock | December Gold Cup | Not mentioned | Strong handicap chance |
| Jaguar | December Gold Cup | Not mentioned | High-class but burdened with weight |
| Westwood | Handicap Chase | Not mentioned | Solid each-way angle |
| Kyra | Mares’ Hurdle | Not mentioned | Strong favourite; little opposition |
| Conman John | Albert Bartlett | Not mentioned | Leading novice staying hurdler |
| Reckless Spending | Albert Bartlett | Not mentioned | Likely improver |
| Sergejino | Champion Hurdle | Willie Mullins | High-class; health key |
