Day 3
I will ignore the races being rerun from Day 2 as these were previewed in last night’s bulletin. One thing I would say is to take account of any changes to the going when making your selections.
1.40 Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
This looks an open race (am I saying that too often?). I am going to start with the Irish challenge with both Finger on the Pulse and Ambobo having claims. Finger on the Pulse is still a maiden over fences but on his latest run he came second to the highly rated Glencove Marina at Leopardstown. He won 4 times over hurdles and though he can be a chancy jumper he goes well for Barry Geraghty. He is probably best on soft ground. Ambobo was a classy hurdler and in fact won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham in 2005 when trained in France. He jumped well when winning a beginners chase at Naas on his last start and is one for any shortlist.
As usual Paul Nicholls has a strong ahd in this with Dear Villez the choice of Ruby Walsh. Dear Villez has won his last two starts over fences and the stable seem keen on his chances. He appears to handle any ground. Arturio will be ridden by Sam Thomas. He won over course and distance in January but has gone up a fair bit in the weights as a result. Barber’s Shop beat Silverburn in a bumper on his racecourse debut and has been progressing over fences, winning at Kempton on his latest outing. Incidentally, he is owned by The Queen. The other one I like is Mr Strachan. On his chase bow he ran with great credit behind L’Antartique in a 3 runner affair at Carlisle and then got to within 4 lengths of Arkle winner Tidal Bay. At Christmas he beat Kruguyrova which again is very solid form.
I don’t have a strong view on this one really but would try a small each way on Mr Strachan.
2.55 Ryanair Chase (2m 5f)
Our Vic is a talented but enigmatic character. He has run at the last 4 festivals without winning so I am going to pass him up this time. Mossbank looks the right type for this. He has won twice this season and chased home the formidable Denman in the Lexus Chase. He has a break since then and this trip should be ideal for him. There is perhaps just a slight question mark over his resolution should he get into a battle up the hill. He goes well fresh and gets on well with his jockey Davy Russell. He finished just in front of The Listener in the Lexus. The Listener has since won the Irish Hennessy. He jumps well stays further than this trip but has a very good record when running at distances below 3 miles. He is certainly best in soft or heavy ground and it is just a case of whether he can win on drying ground, although he has won at Cheltenham on good to soft.
L’Anartique is the third one to consider. He won the Paddy Power over course and distance earlier in the season and also won the Jewson at last year’s festival. There is a doubt over Mossbank when it comes to a fight and I will therefore put forward The Listener and L’Antarique as my two against the field. If you are looking for an each way then Turko could go well. He handles good ground well and this is probably his trip. He is an under-rated horse.
3.30 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3m)
I think you have to go for the excellent Inglis Drever to win this race for the third time. Blazing Bailey will run his usual game race and should be challenging for the minor honours. It is interesting though that Choc Thornton has chosen to ride My Way de Solzen, who won this arce two years ago. My Way de Solzen has been very disappointing this season and appears to have lost his way. At his best though he would have a decent chance. Kasbah Bliss is probably best on a flat track.
The Market Man and Kazal look the most likely of the outsiders but Inglis Drever has to be the selection.
4.05 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
I have backed Don’t Push It and Bible Lord for this so here’s hoping. Don’t Push It ran Denman very close in a novice chase a couple of years ago and was going very well in the Arkle last year when falling. He has not run since winning over hurdles at the start of the season and has had an injury but he has a good record when fresh. Bible Lord seems to have found his ideal trip. He won at Leicester last time out beating subsequent winner The Sawyer. Oedipe is the danger. He has been off the track since Boxing Day 2006 when he was a most impressive winner at Kempton. I see that Mick Fitzgerald has elected to ride Crozan which could be a pointer. I will stick with Don’t Push It and Bible Lord though.
4.40 Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (3m)
Robin Du Bois looks like a bit of an Irish “plot” here and it would be no great surprise if he won. Five year olds don’t have a great record in this race though if you are one for the trends. The French challenger Onnix won a listed handicap at Auteil but that was on heavy ground. A couple of home based horses I like are Russian Trigger and Gunner Jack. Russian Trigger is very lightly raced and has won both his starts this season showing a taking attitude in the process. He has had a long break and goes well fresh. Gunner Jack is another without too many miles on the clock with just 4 career starts. He was only beaten a head in the Haydock qualifier for this race and looks to have scope for improvement.
5.15 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (3m 1f 110y)
I was impressed with High Chimes when he stayed on strongly to take 3rd behind Cloudy Lane at Haydock in December and he is my suggestion for this. Openide has quite a good record at Cheltenham and he is one to consider as are My Immortal and Noir et Vert. My immortal’s chance would be helped greatly if the ground rides good.
Good luck
ahorse 