In the opener at Cheltenham tomorrow (12.15) Balzaccio looks the value each way bet. He probably didn’t beat a lot when winning at Haydock last time but he looks the sort to improve with experience.
Punchestowns was very impressive when beating subsequent winner Ballydub and preferred to Serabad and Junior in the 1.20.
In the 1.55 Buck the Legend is one I like especially if the ground is testing. My other fancy is the Coral Cup winner Naiad de Misselot who has been runner up on both his chase starts so far.
Imperial Commander sets the standard in the 2.30 on the strength of his Paddy Power triumph. Form that has been franked by runner up Barber Shop who has won well since. Three Mirrors seems unlikely to get his ground with the forecasted rain. Silverburn is potentially a well handicapped horse and can give Imperial Commander most to worry about.
The 3.05 is a fascinating contest that should tell us plenty about these Champion Hurdle contenders. Binocular looks too short a price at around 7/4 and the other Henderson runner Chomba Womba makes more appeal at the odds. Crack Away Jack will be a serious threat if his hurdling stands up to the test while Katchit will be hard to keep out of the frame given his excellent record at Cheltenham.
I fancy Diamond Harry to extend his unbeaten record in the 3.35 although the Paul Nicholls runner Massasoit is no mug either.
Moving on to Doncaster and the 12.30 I am hoping that Greenbridge can get his head in front after a couple of slightly disappointing efforts. Otage de Brion and lease Lend are the other runners from my list to follow in this race.
I thought about Uffa Fox as a bit of an outsider in the 1.05 but he probably needs decent ground and that could be a problem.
Daldini is slipping down the weights and has an each way chance in the 1.40.
In the 2.45 Leading Attraction, Noir et Vert and Merigo are the 3 that interest me. Leading Attraction ran well last time out at Wincanton where he jumped much better and he gets the selection.
My best bet at Lingfield is Lodge Lane in the 2.40, while in the 12.55 Picture this looks interesting. At Fairyhouse I fancy Taravada to get the better of Robin du Bois.
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