My selection in the 12.50 at Cheltenham tomorrow is Pistolet Noir, trained by Nick Williams. He made a pleasing debut at Chepstow where he was third behind Olofi. This pair meet again tomorrow but I just feel that Pistolet Noir may have the greater scope for improvement and I am hoping that he will reverse the form.
There is a disappointing turnout of only 3 runners for the 1.20 and it may turn into a tactical affair. Toby Jug abd Kanpai both have winning form over fences but I am going to take a chance with the chasing debutant Pettifour. A classy hurdler he is built to do well over the larger obstacles and his stable traditionally do well at this time of year
Maljimar was only run out of it close home in the William Hill Trophy by the ill fated Wichita Lineman last season and he is one of my fancies for the 1.55. He probably wouldn’t want the ground too soft. One that won’t mind soft ground is the dour stayer Russian Trigger ho won a couple of long distance handicaps last season including the Midlands National.
Our Vic (pictured below) carries top weight in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at 2.35. He has been a grant servant to the Pipe team and has won plenty of prize money. He won this race in 2005 but at the age of 11 there may be younger challengers that make more appeal.
Paul Nicholls has 3 fancied runners. Ruby Walsh has elected to ride Poquelin but there may be a doubt about the horse’s ability to handle the ground if it gets really testing. Tatenen won’t mind the mud. He started last season brightly but in the end rather under achieved. He stays well though and the trip should suit him. Chapoturgeon won the Jewson at the Festival last season but has gone up in the weights as a result. I would be hopeful that he will run a big race.
Tartak was a progressive horse last season but ran poorly on his reappearance at Aintree. Ballyfitz and According to Pete are others to consider but I will take a chance with Tranquil Sea, a horse I have always liked. He does not have a good record at Cheltenham and the Irish have not won this race for some years but he could be on a good mark and he has plenty of ability.
In the 3.10 I like the chances of the lightly raced Lie Forrit whom was probably unlucky when unseating on his last start at Aintree. Soft ground will suit him. Great Endeavour did well for David Poipe last season winning 3 times over hurdles. He may be going chasing later in the season but in the meantime he comes into this race with a decent chance. Andytown in the other one that gets on to my short list. He clearly likes Cheltenham and is yet to taste defeat there. He has gone up a fair way in the weights but has the benefit of AP McCoy in the saddle and cannot be written off. Lie Forrit is the selection though.
Moving on to Uttoxeter I have a short list of 3 for the 1.05. Sullumo and Midnight Chase are respected but I will take a chance with Vamizi who ran 4th to the useful Bensalem over hurdles a year ago at Chepstow. My only selection at Wetherby is Jurisdiction each way in the 3.55.
At Punchestown rising star Dunduib should win the 1.50 but will hardly be a betting proposition. The 3.30 looks to be between Quel Esprit and Hugo de Vindecy with a slight preference for the former.
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.
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