It does seem that we are about to get some more turf racing after a couple of weeks of the all weather stuff.
The cross country race tomorrow is in doubt but the remainder of the card should be OK according to the clerk of the course.
The first race is a novice chase at 12.10. Although only 6 line up none can be safely ruled out. Reve de Sivola is something of a favourite of mine. He has plenty of class and has shown a very willing attitude in his races. He has run 6 times at Cheltenham without recording a win there which is a worrying statistic. He was runner up to the high class Peddler’s Cross at the track last season though, beating the other 15 runners. He has had some problems with his jumping but if those have been ironed out he would have a strong chance here. He seems to act on any ground.
Wishfull Thinking fell at the first fence on his chase debut but has since won at Wincanton. A winner 3 times over hurdles he should be well suited by both the going and the left handed track at Cheltenham. Rebel du Maquis has won his first 2 starts over fences for Paul Nicholls having previously been placed in France. He hasn’t been seriously tested yet and it is difficult to gauge just how good he is. He is clearly best suited by good ground though.
The other one that I would want to consider is Spirit River. Winner of the Coral Cup over hurdles last season he had been jumping well until falling at the 11th fences on his chase bow at Newbury. He has bundles of class and is a leading contender here. There are some really nice prospects in this and the result will come down to which of them jumps the best. Spirit River would be my choice.
The 12.40 is an open looking big field handicap hurdle. Higgy’s Boy won 3 times last season, handles good ground and was an encouraging 3rd at Sandown on his seasonal appearance. He looks a sporting each way bet.
The Grand National winner Don’t Push It reappears in the 1.50 but his main target for the season is likely to be Aintree in April. His stable companion Synchronised is another National winner; he took the Midlands equivalent last season. The ride of Tony McCoy he would ideally want plenty of cut in the ground. Lush Life won at Ascot and Sandown last season. He will handle the ground and comes from a stable adept and placing horses in this type of race. Solway Sam has won 5 of his 10 starts with all those wins coming on good or good to soft. He has an each way chance but Lush Life is the selection.
In the 2.25 my 2 against the field are Palypso de Creek and Forest Pennant. The 3.35 will probably centre around Prince of Pirates and Al Ferof. They both look horses to follow this season but on this occasion I would slightly favour Al Ferof. Drumlang, named after a salmon pool on the Isle of Mull is well regarded by his canny trainer and is one to look out for as the season progresses.
My thanks to Emily Russell for today’s picture.
Bye for now
ahorse 