Hi all,
Saturday is all about Cheltenham Trials Day—an exciting and informative day of racing.
While there’s plenty of quality on offer, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s value bets to be had. Five of the seven Cheltenham races feature short-priced favourites with strong claims, making it tricky to find a betting edge.
ITV Racing will broadcast nine races live—five from Cheltenham and four from Doncaster. Both cards offer something for punters, but Cheltenham’s Trials Day steals the show. I previewed Doncaster’s big betting race the Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase on Wednesday. You can read my thoughts on that race here.
N.B. When I started writing, the ground was good. Heavy rain has since changed it to soft, good to soft in places, which could alter the dynamics in several races.
Cheltenham
Here’s a race-by-race breakdown of Trials Day, including all seven Cheltenham races:
12:40 – Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race) – 2m 4½f
Not featured on ITV but one of the more competitive races on the card.
Billytherealbigred is unbeaten in two over fences and should relish the step back up in trip. His stablemate Jagwar also looks progressive and capable of better.
Masaccio drops back to this distance after being outclassed at Kempton in Grade 1 company. A repeat of his second to The Jukebox Man would put him in the mix.
Whistle Stop Tour another dual chase winner, whose capable of better, but the drop in trip raises a question mark.
1:15 – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) – 2m 1f
East India Dock is one of the best British juveniles so far this season. He looked classy when winning the Grade 2 here last time and should take all the beating again.
Quantock Hills, an improving C&D winner last month, could sneak into the frame.
1:50 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m 4½f
Iroko landed the Martin Pipe at the 2023 festival and looks well-treated for his handicap chase debut. He should go well despite falling early (not his fault) at Ascot last time.
Ginny’s Destiny is a three-time Cheltenham winner with Grade 1 form. If back to his best, he’ll be dangerous. The rain has come at the right time for him.
Imperial Saint is thriving this season with three wins at Aintree. He’ll need to prove he handles Cheltenham, but his jumping gives him every chance.
Moon D’Orange is improving and may enjoy this drop in trip but must progress again to land this competitive heat.
2:25 – Betfair Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) – 3m 1½f
L'Homme Presse wasn’t quite at his best when third in the King George but still holds standout claims here. Evens looks fair and the ground is now in his favour.
Gentlemansgame ran a big race in the Savills Chase last time. He’s a solid player if reproducing that effort.
Chantry House, the 2022 winner, comes off a C&D handicap win. He’s inconsistent but saves his best for Cheltenham and can’t be ignored.
3:00 – Unibet Hurdle (International Hurdle) (Grade 2) – 2m 1f
It’s Constitution Hill’s world—we’re just living in it. Enough said.
3:35 – Betfair Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) – 3m
Crambo showed real grit to win the Long Walk Hurdle last time and remains the one to beat.
Gowel Road is ultra-consistent around here and has place claims, though he’s hard to win with.
Strong Leader flopped in the Long Walk but has had wind surgery since. Ignore that run, and he’d be a much shorter price here—big chance if back to form.
4:10 – Ais Novices' Hurdle (Classic Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) – 2m 4½f
Potters Charm landed the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle on Boxing Day. He’s versatile ground-wise and should progress again for the step back up in trip.
Bill Joyce has solid form, now the rain has arrived to ease in the ground can give the favourite a race.
If you want my final Saturday picks you can get them here.
Good luck with your Trials Day bets.
John