TEMPLEGATE is approaching Friday’s races with a positive outlook, aiming to identify one or two winners.

Check out all of his selections detailed below.

STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap)

After winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan recently, he displayed potential as a future National contender. His strong finish over three miles highlights his capabilities as a true stayer. There’s ample opportunity for improvement over his current handicap rating.

BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb)

Having fallen in this race last year, he made a comeback with a strong second-place finish against Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham. Given how closely he pushed this top-class horse, he should excel in these conditions and might replicate past success.

DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble)

He had plenty left in the tank when he won at Haydock last time out, and the increase of 7lb in weight shouldn’t hinder his performance.

Templegate’s analyses

CHEPSTOW

1.05

NOCTE VOLATUS boasts an excellent track record at Chepstow, having clinched victory decisively against a large field at this distance last October.

He demonstrated another strong performance at Ascot, finishing powerfully in the closing stages. Returning to the same handicap mark, he stands a solid chance.

Lowry’s Bar secured his first chase win at Exeter 21 days ago and continues to progress; though he may prefer softer ground, he is a notable competitor.

Le Milos has dropped 5lb below his last winning mark but hasn’t finished strongly in recent outings. A resurgence from the Skeltons would not come as a surprise.

Although Venetia Williams may not be as dominant as she was a few weeks back, Georges Saint remains a threat.

He faced a tough challenge at Ludlow last time but had previously earned a couple solid wins over this distance, suggesting he could hold an advantage on the handicapper.

Fidelio Vallis was pulled up on his recent return after a year-long absence at Newbury but had a standout win at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.

1.40

NIETZSCHE HAS maintains an impressive French profile, narrowly missing out on a Grade 1 win at Auteuil last month.

He has good pace for this distance and appears to prefer softer ground, heightening his potential for improvement.

Opec earned a Listed win at Newbury last month with a convincing margin.

She managed the race with confidence and benefits from the mares’ allowance, enhancing her chances. Although this competition is tougher, she should manage well.

Static, now in the hands of Olly Murphy, was third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 last time.

He’ll need to elevate his game; however, he’s still early in training with his new team.

Hot Fuss has shown promise on the flat and recently won his first hurdles race at Sandown. This race is significantly stronger, but he could still secure a top placement under Harry Cobden.

Melon had a strong performance on his hurdles debut at Doncaster just two weeks ago. He’ll need to raise his level in this competitive field.

2.10

DANS LE VENT has seen nearly a stone drop from his last winning hurdles mark and showed promise at Haydock last month.

He possesses abundant stamina for this distance and is well-priced for a top-three finish for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.

Woodie Flash has improved while being held up in his last two races, winning at Ffos Las and finishing a close second in competitive conditions at Lingfield last time.

A 5lb rise appears justifiable over his preferred distance.

Madaket finished just behind Woodie Flash last time and is 3lb better off in the weights today.

Phantomofthepoints would benefit from additional rain, as he thrives in muddy conditions and was close at Haydock last month. He’s a genuine stayer who may take the lead, securing an advantageous position.

Bill Baxter returned to hurdles, finishing second at Uttoxeter recently, and holds an each-way chance at this revised mark.

Tune In A Box won a prominent event at Punchestown in April and followed it up with a strong fourth at Cheltenham last time. He’s set up well for this distance.

2.50

STUZZIKINI looked like a National contender when he won the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan recently.

He finished powerfully over three miles and shows the qualities of a genuine stayer. He has the potential to exceed his current handicap rating.

Elliott has another strong entry with Where It All Began under Sean Bowen. He finished respectably in eighth at the Irish National and arrives here fresh and eager.

Galia Des Liteaux has been prepared for this, putting in a solid performance in the Coral Cup at Newbury recently. He would benefit from softer ground but should remain competitive.

Iron Bridge, who placed a distant third in this race last year, runs 6lb lighter in the handicap today and has a fair chance at matching that performance.

Monbeg Genius returned strong as a runner-up at Haydock and has previous success here. He’s expected to excel in this stamina test.

Fontaine Collonges carries a significant weight but made a notable impression by defeating Monbeg Genius at Haydock most recently.

He’s up 8lb but should remain competitive, although he would prefer a softer surface.

Sam Thomas’s duo, 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express, both have place prospects, though they might lean towards more rain-saturated ground.

KEMPTON

1.20

LARCHMONT LASS found the 2m4f distance a bit too sharp while finishing a reasonable third at Sandown last time.

She fared much better in a more challenging test at Wetherby, winning on her return, and seems set for improvement with Nicholls and Cobden.

Fortuna Ligna appears to be a solid each-way option after a respectable outing at Ascot last time. She can be erratic but possesses considerable ability.

Pawpuri showed signs of rust during her first hurdles outing in nearly a year last month but performed well for an extended period before tiring late on.

This longer distance should suit her, making her a strong contender.

West Balboa runs the risk of disappointing, despite showing more talent than displayed recently.

She is capable of significantly better than shown at Doncaster last time, particularly with a valuable 7lb concession from her rider.

Della Casa Lunga secured a solid second in Listed company last time and has undergone a wind operation since. She needs to return to her best form.

1.55

This promises to be an exhilarating contest as chase debutant SIR GINO could outperform Ballyburn.

Nicky Henderson has lauded Sir Gino’s schooling, and he validated his worth by winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle last month.

His best performances have come over this distance, and his course victory gives him a notable edge.

Good ground is advantageous for him, whereas Ballyburn has only shown competitive form in softer conditions.

Willie Mullins’ entry is imposing and appeared effortless, winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths.

He has a Grade 1 win at this distance, though he seems like he could benefit from extra yardage.

It would be surprising if Rubaud performed well in his chase debut despite solid hurdles form.

He claimed Listed honors at this course and distance in October, but this competition is tougher.

2.30

BOOTHILL fell in this race last year but showed strong form with a second-place finish behind Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham recently.

He kept close behind that top horse and should appreciate these conditions; a repeat performance may suffice.

Martator continues to defy expectations after winning comfortably by 11 lengths at Ascot last month.

That victory marked his fifth consecutive win for Venetia Williams, and he thrives over this distance on good ground.

The handicapper has raised him another 11lb, but that may not hinder his performance.

Edwardstone finished behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time.

He was going well when he fell four out but may find it challenging carrying top weight in this competitive field.

Sans Bruit couldn’t match Martator last time, casting doubt on a potential turnaround in form today.

3.08

FRERO BANBOU won decisively at Newcastle last time, and the 7lb rise does not concern, as he has triumphed at this mark before.

Jockey Charlie Deutsch has showcased his talent with stamina-chasers this season, placing him well for another victory with Venetia Williams.

Weveallbeencaught is expected to be more comfortable at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month.

His previous performance at this grade resulted in a close second, making him a solid each-way prospect.

Dreaming Blue found a liking for the longer distance, winning at Ludlow last time, although he occasionally makes mistakes. A 3lb increase seems fair.

Highstakesplayer previously won over course and distance in April and achieved a strong second-place finish at Ascot prior to a subpar effort at Newbury last time. He has been lowered to an appropriate level here.

Golden Son has shown improved form at this specialist circuit and will benefit from being fitter following a rusty return at Newbury recently.

Templegate’s selections

WETHERBY
11.50 Let’s Go Joe
Returned to form with a win at Doncaster last time.

12.25 Maghlaak
Strong on the flat and knocking at the door as a hurdler.

1.00 Campaign Trail
Had a winning debut at Doncaster recently.

1.35 Dare To Shout
Consistent performer, came close at Kelso last time.

2.15 Cruden
Started well over hurdles at Cork and has switched stables since.

2.45 Pay The Piper
Performed well on his last two visits to this venue.

3.20 Blue Bellamy
Strong in points and nearly won at Market Rasen last time.

CHEPSTOW

12.00 Julius Des Pictons
Victory last time, with moderate miles completed.

12.30 King William Rufus
Finally secured a win at Ascot and back under penalty.

1.05 Lowry’s Bar
Solid performance over fences at Exeter, still more to offer.

1.40 Nietzsche Has
Consistent, nearly captured a French Grade 1 last time.

2.10 Dans Le Vent
Ready for a return to optimal distance.

2.50 Stuzzikini (nap)
Improving stayer, in fantastic form at Navan most recently.

3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble)
Won impressively at Haydock recently, and the form has been validated.

KEMPTON

12.45 Nardaran
Flat winner, looks set for a strong start under Paul Nicholls.

1.20 Larchmont Lass
Likelihood to strike again now back at her preferred distance.

1.55 Sir Gino
Class act over hurdles; positive feedback from schooling.

2.30 Boothill (nb)
Winning history here and a strong run behind Jonbon previously.

3.08 Frero Banbou
Thrived on the challenging trip when winning at Newcastle recently.

3.38 Willmount
Potential to revive his career under Nicky Henderson’s guidance.

WOLVERHAMPTON

4.00 Havana Sky
Continuing a winning streak, with another excellent opportunity ahead.

4.30 Enacting
Demonstrated promise in both outings, more improvements to unveil.

5.00 Best Rate
Finished strongly to place fifth at Lingfield last time out.

5.30 Merchant
Showed improvement post-debut, finishing second at Newcastle last time.

6.00 Currumbin
Strong start for this yard with a win at Southwell recently.

6.30 One Night Stand
Displayed best form over this course and distance.

7.00 Come On John
Consistently put in good performances, strong run most recently.

7.30 Master Of Combat
Capable of achieving his fifth win here from a competitive handicap mark.

8.00 Forever Proud
Secured a strong second over this course and distance last time.

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