Jewson Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase
China Rock was 4th in the Ballymore Properties Hurdle last season. He is a sound jumper and should be suited by both trip and ground. Door Boy has already won twice over fences this season. He seems to act on any ground and goes well fresh. Hey Big Spender won over course and distance at the end of January and looks a most progressive sort. Fiendish Flame has never been out of the first 3 over obstacles and represents the McCain yard that had such a good winner today in Peddler’s Cross. Tony McCoy rides Jered who is a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and certainly won’t mind the ground. Ferdy Murphy saddles The Hollinwell, a real old fashioned chasing type. Connections have always held this horse in high regard and he is two from 3 over fences. Copper Bleu represents the in form Hobbs yard while the best of Nicky Henderson’s runners looks to be former Imperial Cup winner Dave’s Dream who will be suited by the ground. David Pipe saddles Great Endeavour who is another in with a chance.
China Rock looks an interesting Irish challenger here. He has a touch of class and will be suited by the ground. He is my selection, although I can see Hey Big Spender, Jered and Dave’s Dream running well..
Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle)
The lightly raced Alfie Sherrin has a lot going for him in this. He was an impressive winner at Newbury in a race that has worked out well. The other one I like is Ainama who looks to have been laid out for this. Both trip and ground should be ideal for him and he goes well fresh so a 111 day absence is not a problem. Time Electric and Smoking Aces look the best of the Irish challenge but Alfie Sherrin and Ainama are my two against the field.
Ryanair Chase
Tranquil Sea and Poquelin were first and second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier in the season and both have outstanding claims here. Of the pair I slightly favour the Irish horse. Barber’s Shop has plenty of talent but has had the misfortune to run into the likes of Kauto Star and Denman. He doesn’t face opposition of that quality here and may well be racing over his optimum trip. Albertas runs will have his favoured ground and has each way prospects as does Schindler’s Hunt but my two against the field are Tranquil Sea and Barber’s Shop.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
We have seen a few “certainties” turned over already this week but I really can’t see Big Bucks losing here. Tidal Bay likes Cheltenham and looks an each way alternative while others to consider as bigger priced each way possibles are the improving Time for Rupert and Lie Forrit who looks over priced at 50/1.
Byrne Group Plate Handicap Steeple Chase
I have rather a long short list for this. Sunnyhill Boy, Song Songs, In Compliance, Watch My Back Atouchbetweenacara, Chapoturgeon and Aigle D’Or. Narrowing it down a bit further I have ended up with Chapoturgeon, Sunnyhill Boy and Song of Songs.
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase
I think Shillingstone ticks most of the boxes for this.
Up at Hexham Nicky Richards can have a successful afternoon with Noble Alan (2.55) and Premier Sagas (3.35).
Today’s picture, courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller, is of the former World Hurdle hero Inglis Drever.
ahorse 