Cheltenham
12.55 Hollow Tree has done nothing wrong over hurdles and has winning from on varying types of ground. He stays well having won over 1.75 miles on the flat and at the current odds looks a value bet.
1.30 The in form pair of Charminster and Mister Hyde are my two against the field.
2.05 Paul Nicholls has 3 runners in this race and Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Aerial which is a tip in itself. Aerial was 4th in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham and has since won at Ascot in a race where the runner up has since franked the form. Aerial will do for me.
2.35 Diamond Harry is a rather fragile sort but there is no doubt that he goes well fresh and he is certainly one for the short list. Time for Rupert has a very good record at Cheltenham and comes here on the back of a confidence boosting win. Captain Chris is rather a short price given doubts about his stamina and I prefer the other two. Time for Rupert is the selection with Diamond Harry next best.
3.10 Knight Pass won a decent handicap at Kempton on Boxing Day and this lightly taced hurdler may be up to this step up in class.
4.15 The lightly raced Hinterland looks interesting on his first run in a handicap and at a bigger price I also like the look of Dare Me who has top class bumper form and ended last season with a couple of wins over hurdles at Exeter.
Doncaster
1.50 Only 3 runners but a case could be made for each of them. Kid Cassidy has bags of talent and I am inclined to take a chance with him.
2.20 Things have not gone according to plan over fences for Jetnova but he could be interesting here back over hurdles.
2.50 Fruity O’Rooney hasn’t gone up in the weights too much after his win at Kempton over Christmas and is of interest as are Wayward Prince who put in an encouraging effort last time out and the Paul Nicholls representative Aiteen Thirtythree. With his trainer in good form at present Wayward Prince just gets the nod.
3.25 Former point to point winner Rocky Creek could be the answer here. Second on his hurdles bow at Exeter this step up in trip should suit.
Uttoxeter
2.10 Molly Round is a big price and has winning form on heavy ground.
Leopardstown selections;
1.10 Darroun; 2.15 Hidden Cyclone; 2.45 Staying Article; 3.20 Stephanie Kate; 3.50 Far Away So Close.
Turf Trivia
Birmingham racecourse closed in 1965. Lester Piggott rode a double on the last day of racing but the very last race was won by Welshman ridden by the late Greville Starkey.
Picture courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.