1:30 – Jewson Novices’ Chase (Registered As The Golden Miller Novices’ Chase) (Grade 2)
This looks to be between Robinson Collonges, Wishfull Thinking, Loosen My Load and Noble Prince. Wishfull Thinking has a good record over this distance having won 5 out of 9. He is also a course winner. Robinson Collonges would probably have beaten Wishfull thinking when they met at Wincanton had he not fallen at the third last.
The Irish challenge is headed by Noble Prince and Loosen My Load. Noble Prince can be an indifferent jumper but both trip and ground will suit and he has plenty of ability. Loosen My Load is another that will like the going. He jumps well and is unbeaten at this trip.
I wouldn’t put you off if you want to back any of these but my personal preference is for Noble Prince and Wishfull Thinking, in that order.
2:05 – Pertemps Final (Listed Handicap Hurdle)
This is an open race with plenty of possibles. Chartreaux down at the bottom of the handicap has rock solid form and has shown he acts on the track. Sivota was 4th of 19 at Leopardstown over Christmas. He is a versatile sort that will handle the ground. Alfie Spinner has been in consistent form and comes from a stable whose horses are running well. Barafundle has a sound chance. Won at Newbury in November and looks potentially well handicapped. Lush Life is a course and distance winner, likes the ground and his last run can be ignored as he was unluckily left at the start. Another to consider is the Philip Hobbs runner Duke of Lucca.
My two against the field are Lush Life and Barafundle although I have plenty of respect for Chartreaux and Sivota.
2:40 – Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy Chase) (Grade 1)
Last year’s winner Albertas Run will like the ground and AP McCoy has an excellent record on him but the horse has failed to complete in either of his last two starts and I am going to look elsewhere for the winner. Poquelin was second in this race last year and has won 4 times at Cheltenham. The drying ground will suit him and he looks to have very chance. Kalahari King has run well at the Festival for the last two season finishing runner up in the 2009 Arkle and third in the 2010 Champion Chase. This step up in trip should be in his favour as will the better ground. These are my two fancies.
3:20 – Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1)
I am not sure that this is really a betting race. Big Bucks has held sway in the staying hurdle division in recent years, winning his last 10 races including this one for the past two years. The young pretender Grand Crus has made tremendous strides this year and is a very credible challenger. You pays your money and you takes your chance here really. Grand Crus will have to improve again to beat the champion but he may well do so. His hurdling technique is excellent although on the downside he might prefer some give in the ground. I have to come down one side or the other here and I will side with Grand Crus. Timeform rate him only 2 lbs below Big Bucks so any improvement from the younger horse could give him the edge.
Outsiders do not have a good record in this race. Zaynar could run into a place while Cross Kennon and Mourad also have place claims.
4:00 – Byrne Group Plate (Grade 3 Handicap Chase)
A tricky looking race where I fancy the winner will come from the first 3 in the betting, Aigle D’Or, Quartz de Thaix and Beautiful Sound. The first two are my joint selections.
4:40 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateur Riders)
Galant Nuit was a strong fancy for the Welsh National but missed the race after a training set back. He was a good third in this race last season. Junior is a Royal Ascot winner on the flat and has good course form at Cheltenham. His jockey rode the winner in 2009. These would be my two against the field with Dance Island the best outsider.
Good luck
ahorse 