The Cheltenham Festival once again provided some wonderful racing and drama aplenty. I can’t claim too many successes on the tipping front but I suspect that I am not alone in that respect. There were a few winners that I probably should have had. Menorah’s previous run put me off his chance while I deserted Copper Bleu, Great Endeavour and Pause and Clause having followed them all season. The value of previous Festival, or at least course form was evident on a number of occasions, not least in the case of Weapons Amnesty in the RSA Chase.
Kauto Star has been prone to the odd serious blunder throughout his career but in the past they have happened at the last fence with the race won. This time he made a serious mistake at a much earlier stage. I must admit I had my doubts about Imperial Commander’s stamina. He had though ran Kauto Star desperately close at Haydock and his form at Cheltenham has always been top notch.
The big race tomorrow is the Midlands National at Uttoxeter where conditions may not be as testing as in many previous years. The admirable Halcon Generlardais has a consistent record in the top handicap chases for stayers and has slipped down the weights a fair bit. The ground may not be soft enough for him though and the form of Alan King’s horses would also have to be a negative. A lot of the runners seem to need soft ground so I am inclined to go for Iris de Balme who acts on a sounder surface, stays well and looks reasonably handicapped.
With the start of the flat season just around the corner there is a decent all weather card at Lingfield where The Scorching Wind should go close in the 2.25.
Today’s picture of Imperial Commander and Kauto Star is courtesy of Kate Tann.
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