Winners, winners, winners!!!
Last night’s preview yielded 5 winning tips plus Jurisdiction, advised each way, which was third at 10/1. For the record the winning quartet was; Pistolet Noir (7/2), Pettifour (8/11), Tranquil Sea (11/2), Lie Forrit (11/4) and Quel Esprit (4/9).
The first couple of races at Cheltenham tomorrow will be informative but are not really betting propositions. Tataniano was most impressive when winning at Exeter and looks a really nice prospect. A clear round will surely see him home in the 1.10.
Master Minded makes his reappearance in the 1.45 where his only serious danger, and that could be a considerable danger, will be Well Chief. Well Chief is better off at the weights than when runner up to Master Minded in the Champion Hurdle and in theory should come close to reversing the form. I have a gut feeling that Master Minded will come out on top again – but I wouldn’t put money on it.
The Greatwood Hurdle at 2.20 is a much more competitive affair. James De Vasy comes into the race in good heart having won well at Chepstow last month. Although he has gone up in the weights as a result of his win he stays and handles soft ground so he is definitely one for any short list. Philip Hobbs has won this race in the past with both Rooster Booster and Detroit City and is represented by Cockney Trucker this time. He was 3rd in the County Hurdle over course and distance and runs off the same mark here. That puts him in with a very good chance if he handles the ground OK. Medermit was only beaten a neck in the Supreme Novices over course and distance and handles cut in the ground. He has top weight but 3 recent winners of the race have carried 11 stone 10 to victory. Ronald Des Mottes won twice over hurdles last season and has won on soft and heavy ground so must come onto the equation. Northern challenger Issaquah is another to consider but my two against the field would be Cockney Trucker and Medermit.
I don’t have a strong view on the 2.55. I see Great Endeavour, third behind Lie Forrit this afternoon, is down to run but must be a doubt after his efforts today. If David Pipe does turn him out again I suppose that would be a tip in itself.
Reve De Sivola won the Persian War Novice Hurdle at Chepstow and could well follow up in the 3.30 a race that the stable won last season with Diamond Harry. Reve De Sivola handles soft ground, has run well at Cheltenham before and his stable are going well. Bobby Ewing could be the danger. An Irish points winner he won at the first time of asking over hurdles at Uttoxeter. He is yet to encounter soft ground. Ballyoliver may be better than his bare form suggests and could run into a place at a silly price. Lastly at Cheltenham Lidar is my selection in the 4.00.
At Market Rasen Sir Boreus Hawk looks worth an each way interest in the 1.35.
At Punchestown Sizing Europe should be able to continue his progress over fences in the 1.05 although the ground would be a slight concern. A small saver on China Rock is recommended.
In the 2.05 Venalmar and Lenabane look the pair to concentrate on. Clan Tara was only beaten a head by the highly rated Pandorama on his chase bow last month and can go one better in the 12.35.
Hurricane Fly and Solwhit clash in the 2.40. This is an intriguing race and will give us an indication of just how good Hurricane Fly is. A race to watch rather than bet on.
The picture of Detroit City is by kind permission of the artist Emily Russell.
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