1:30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
I have a particularly miserable tipping record in this race over the years so I am trying to break a losing sequence. Sam Winner had some impressive form earlier in the season winning twice at Cheltenham before getting bogged down in the mud at Chepstow. He sets a decent standard here. A Media Luz was a classy type on the flat in France but was too free when 7th behind Sam Winner here in December. She was then runner up to stable companion Grandouet at Newbury. She then fell at Kempton when in the lead before finally getting off the mark over hurdles at Huntingdon. Stamina could be a problem and the quicker the ground the better. Like A Media Luz the mare Unaccompanied gets a 7 lbs weight allowance from the geldings. Decent on the flat she has won both her starts over hurdles in Ireland. Soft ground would help her cause and the same could be said of Houblon des Obeaux, a winner on heavy ground at Haydock last month.
My selection is Sam Winner with a small saver on A Media Luz although if the ground turns to soft the other two horses mentioned would come very much into the reckoning.
2:05 – Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Dirar boasts some useful form. A winner of the Ebor on the flat he was 3rd in the Galway Hurdle and has a good chance as long as the ground does not get too soft. Two other Irish challengers to consider are Alaivan and Blackstairmountain. The former was third in the Triumph last season and has won both his stats this term. The latter enjoys decent ground and does not look badly handicapped.
Soldatino won the Triumph last season but has been a little disappointing this time. This step up in trip may be what he needs though. Get me out of here was second in the Supreme Novices last season but his last 3 runs have not been encouraging. He has had a soft palate operation since his last run and a return to his best form would put him in with a good chance.
My three against the field would be Dirar, Get me out of here and Blackstairmountain.
2:40 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 1)
I am quite sweet on Court in Motion for trainer Emma Lavelle. He is yet to finish out of the first 3 apart from a fall at Exeter last year. Gagewell Flyer has won all 3 of his starts over hurdles this season all on soft ground the last two at Grade 2 level. Champion Court was an impressive winner here in November and if we ignore his last race then he must be on the short list.
Court in Motion is the selection with Gagewell Flyer and Champion Court respected. If the ground were to ride soft then Gagewell Flyer should not go unbacked.
3:20 – totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)
Much as Denman and Kauty Star are wonderful horses I can’t really see either winning. They are both 11 now and no 11 year old has won since 1969. Imperial Commander is the reigning champion and has an impressive record at Cheltenham having won 6 of his 10 races there. He is very much the one to beat and will almost certainly be involved in the finish. Long Run, the King George winner is the likely favourite. His French form is top class and his jumping has improved a lot since lasts season. There are perhaps slight doubts about the track for him. It may be that he is more of a Kempton horse than a Cheltenham one. His stable has not been quite firing this week which could be a concern.
I have had Long Run down as my selection for weeks but I am going to change my mind. Imperial Commander has such good course form and goes so well fresh that I am going to put him up as my selection. They do say never change your mind!
If you are looking for an outsider to back each way then Tidal Bay and Weird Al would be my suggestions. If we were to get significant rain then Pandarama would be an additional selection.
To summarise then, Imperial Commander is the selection with a saver on Pandarama on soft ground. Tidal Bay and Weird Al the pick of the outsiders.
4:00 – Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
This looks a quality renewal. Last year’s winner Baby Run should again go well while Dante’s Storm is another to consider.
4:40 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Sir Des Champs looks interesting. A winner at Auteuil he went on to win his first start in Ireland for Willie Mullins. Rain would help his chance. Last season’s Imperial Cup winner Qaspal is another to note
5:15 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3 Handicap)
Nicky Henderson will be keen to win this race in honour of his father. He has Tanks for That and Anquetta which both command respect. Shoreacres looks potentially well handicapped and is worth considering as is the 2009 winner Oh Crick. For my selection though I will go for I’msingingtheblues although he would not want soft ground. In the event of a significant change in the going Shoreacres would be the selection.
Good luck
ahorse 