The Martin Pipe is not only our last race of the week, but it has the honour of finishing off the entire festival. We hope you’re ahead of the bookies as we delve into the Midlands National tomorrow.

Though only on the schedule since 2009, the roll of honour in the Martin Pipe is something to behold. Sir Des Champs, Don Poli, Galopin Des Champs (who may win the Gold Cup again today), Banbridge and Iroko have all taken this race.

It would seem clear then that as well as taking out those who won’t see out the extended 2½ miles or won’t handle the ground, that we need to put the emphasis on class. Jockey bookings too are important given that they are all conditionals, though it’s not the main concern.

Even better is when we find a classy horse not at the upper end of the weights, which we reckon we have among these six shortlisted runners.

Main Contenders

Answer To Kayf 

Now 2-5 over hurdles, Answer To Kayf has more to give and won nicely last time out over 2m3f on heavy ground at Naas.

We have little doubt that he’ll be staying on where it matters, the only concern being whether or not he is well enough handicapped to make a big enough impact in such a competitive race.

No Ordinary Joe 

Naturally after what happened earlier in the week, punters should be on ‘Henderson watch’ with this horse.

If he runs, be cautious. On the other hand, not every horse Nicky Henderson has been running has been poor and so a market check could be in order as owner JP McManus will surely want to get involved if this horse indeed has any chance.

In terms of form, No Ordinary Joe makes the list on merit. His best work as been done at Kempton in the past which offers up questions about staying up the hill, but he is a solid enough contender.

Ocastle Des Mottes 

We mentioned Ocastle Des Mottes when tipping up Iberico Lord to win the Betfair Hurdle last month.

On that occasion we didn’t see the value in this horse at 7/2 favourite and quite rightly went against him, but things are different now.

In finishing eighth he didn’t run too badly at all. Consider that he had his problems at the start and that was his first run for Willie Mullins, we’re happy to upgrade the performance.

This is a purchase from France his owners clearly think will progress towards the top of the sport. He will be a much better horse today than he was at Newbury, we know he’ll stay and he likes deep ground so there are no worries about him at all.

Off a mark of 137, this is a well handicapped horse with Kieran Callaghan entrusted with the job of guiding him home.

Quai De Bourbon 

Another for Mullins here, this time for Gigginstown and at a much shorter price than Ocastle Des Mottes.

This horse is more obvious for punters (and bookies) having won two from two for the stable so far. Unbeaten horses are always dodged by the layers.

In truth, he was all out to win last time despite going off at 2/5. That’s not to say there won’t be more improvement in him, but it perhaps won’t be as significant as some believe.

Waterford Whispers 

This is another shortie, representing JP McManus and Henry De Bromhead. While his form is very good, again we don’t see as much improvement as some may think owing to the fact that he was beaten last time.

Waterford Whispers has been handicapped pretty closely to his current ability we feel, so even with improvement he may not be treated as well as some others in the race.

What’s Up Darling 

Gigginstown have another representative here, trained by ally Gordon Elliott. A fair price, he’s put in four decent runs so far and isn’t too badly treated, though a place would be a pretty good result in all truth.

Summary

Quai De Bourbon is interesting. Based on how hard things were last time he is too short a price, though there may be more to come from him.

No Ordinary Joe is another in with a serial chance, but the one to be on for us is Willie Mullins’ OCASTLE DES MOTTES and it would be no surprise to see the master of Closutton finish the festival with yet another winner.