Lush Life gave us a winner at 8/1 (12s were on offer earlier) and of course for his trainer Nicky Henderson who is 60 today. In the opener though, another Henderson trained horse Spirit River was a major disappointment. The race was won by the determined Reve de Sivola from Wishfull Thinking. The latter did particularly well having been badly hampered by a faller at one stage.
Prince of Pirates took the last despite running green. His main market rival crashed out at the second last when leading. Both look decent prospects and Al Ferof should soon make amends as long as the fall has not shaken his confidence.
The interesting horse in the 12.10 is A Media Luz who was good enough to contest Group races on the flat in France. She makes her hurdles debut here. If she jumps OK she has to be in with a real chance.
Time for Rupert will take some beating in the 12.45. Runner up in the World Hurdle last season he won on his chase debut in a race where today’s winner Reve de Sivola was 4th. His form figures at Cheltenham read 1221, he will handle the ground and the trip looks ideal. His main dangers look to be Quinz and Cannington Brook. The former has already won twice over fences this season, as Exeter and Ascot while Cannington Brook ran with promise on his chase bow over course and distance last month.
Banjaxed Girl and Restless Harry may run well at decent prices in the 1.20 but I just prefer the strong travelling Sentry Duty for this.
Master Minded is a very short price in the 1.55 and given that he has been beaten on his last 2 visits to Cheltenham it might be worth a small each way interest in Somersby.
The 2.30 looks pretty competitive. The form of Robinson Collonges was given a boost today by the performance of Wishfull Thinking. Mad Max could run well. He should be all the better for his run in the Paddy Power. Noble Alan and Sunnyhillboy will both appreciate the ground.
The 3.05 looks to be between the Supreme Novices winner Menorah and the exciting newcomer Cue Card. Both horses are unbeaten at Cheltenham and this should be an informative race. I am not sure this is a race to bet on but if pushed for a selection I would go with Menorah who has the form in the book.
Galant Nuit is an interesting runner in the 3.40. I see he is entered in the Welsh National at Chepstow over Christmas and this looks like a prep for that race.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn
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