Good morning all,
Running a little late today as I fully intended getting to Cheltenham about an hour ago, but the traffic has sadly beaten me. It's very quiet here, the weather looks set fair, and John McCririck is sat next to me. So without further ado, my selections for today at Cheltenham….
12.20 3m1f Novice Chase
Label Des Obeaux (Alan King)
Unexposed at both trip and over fences and shaped encouragingly on first start for 18 months at Exeter. Winner there well regarded and getting a bit of weight here, really doesn’t need to improve that much.
Emerging Force (Harry Whittington)
Will stay this trip and further, so expect him to be front rank from the word go. Possibly made harder work of it at Exeter than was necessary (allowed main rival to get a soft lead) but did it well in the end.
12.55 Mares Handicap Chase 2m4f
For the record, can’t have Queen Spud here. Put in 5-1, I think she goes off double figures. All wins at Fakenham, career high mark, needs improvement.
Song Saa (Tom George)
Seemed to need that first run at Warwick when lookind like getting involved in the finish but got tired late on. Surely improvement to come and any more rain a plus.
Treaty Girl (Ben Pauling)
Thought good enough to tackle Briery Belle et al in a Class 1 here in April, and not disgraced on comeback run at Huntingdon. Aiden Coleman a step up on prev jockey and she could be better class.
1.30 Handicap Chase 3m2f
Cogry (Nigel Twiston-Davies)
Surely deserves a change of luck after three non-completions and clearly none the worse for early Aintree departure at the weekend. Some rain would help, trip and ground to suit, still looks on good mark on last season’s close 4th here.
Sausalito Sunrise (Philip Hobbs)
Lost a shoe when behind here in November but looked big in the paddock and in need of the run anyway. Will strip fitter for that, has a touch of class, and this isn’t the hardest race in the world.
2.05 X-Country Chase (3m6f)
Cantlow (Enda Bolger)
Always had a touch of class, which is a useful tool in these events. Like so many sent to Enda, has taken to Banks events really well and looks the one to beat here.
Third Intention (Colin Tizzard)
Another with a bit of class, and although a slight doubt about the trip remains, they are likely to dawdle round here for the first 3m and stamina may not come into it. Took to these fences well on only attempt and chance here.
2.40 Handicap Hurdle (2m7f)
Valhalla (Colin Tizzard)
Patience running a bit thin but keeps shaping as if there’s a decent prize in him. Reunited with Richard Johnson, may be ridden with a bit more restraint here.
Driftwood Haze (Philip Dando)
Guesswork as to how he will take to the track, but has form on soft that gives him a chance and mark still fair based on last win. May be overpriced, e/w chances.
3.15 Handicap Hurdle (2m)
Whatduhavtoget (2m)
Stunningly obvious but looks chucked in on second to classy La Bague Au Roi and with promise of much more to come, has a first-rate chance. May be overbet, though.
Eddiemaurice (John Flint)
Improving and has now found some consistency. Fourth to Cliffs Of Dover here reads well in context of this race, should be enough pace on up front to help (Allee Bleue and possibly Dresden) and impervious to ground.
3.45 Novice Hurdle (2m)
Pingshou (Colin Tizzard)
A chance to put the Jenkins form to the sword. Shaped nicely in fourth, speed figure achieved decent and looked the sort to follow. Good chance in an open race.
Sumkindofking (Tom George)
Lovely horse in the paddock at Southwell and although little to beat, did it with plenty in hand. Clearly well regarded and this uphill finish should suit (looks like he wants further already).
Gone with Cantlow as the selection today, he looks to have everything in his favour here and ought to take plenty of beating in the X-Country.
Good luck with all your bets today,
David.