Tuesday 13 March 2012
1:30 William Hill Supreme Novices´ Hurdle Grade 1 2m110y
The Irish are very bullish about Steps to Freedom’s chances in the opener. He is suited by good ground and the yard is coming into some form. Add in the fact that he is a course and distance winner and he clearly has a big chance.
Midnight Game is another Irish challenger of some promise as shown by his win at Naas in January. He is another suited by good ground. Montbazon is held in high regard by his trainer Alan King and the horse has an excellent record on the prevailing ground. On his only previous visit to Cheltenham he finished 3rd in a bumper. Vulcanite handles any ground and comes from a stable in good form.
Cinders and Ashes has done little wrong over hurdles winning 3 on the bounce despite running in unsuitable soft and heavy ground. Prospect Wells represents the Paul Nicholls team who have a good record in the race. A former classy flat horse, his neck second to Steps of Freedom last November at Cheltenham puts him in with a chance. Galileo’s Choice is another classy ex flat horse that has more potential than most in this field and will handle the ground.
Galileo’s Choice may just walk it but of the Irish contingent I just prefer Steps to Freedom as I am a big fan of course form at Cheltenham. Cinders and Ashes may prefer a flat track and given the strong vibes behind Montbazon he may turn out to be the best of the home team. That pair would be my 2 against the field. If you are looking for an outsider then Vulcanite looks over priced at 20/1
2:05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase Grade 1 2m
This looks to be between Al Ferof and Sprinter Sacre. Al Ferof looks solid and has course and distance form so at the odds I will go for him as there are slight stamina and perhaps also jumping doubts about Sprinter Sacre.
2:40 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase Grade 3 3m110y
The Package looks as though he has been laid out for this. His Cheltenham record is excellent and he is potentially well handicapped. Hold on Julio is lightly raced and is a progressive sort but his jumping has been a bit sketchy. Quantitiveasing has a good record at Cheltenham and has plenty of experience in big field handicaps. If he gets the trip, he failed to stay in the Irish Grand National, then he will be hard to keep out of the frame.
3:20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy Grade 1 2m110y
This looks to be between Hurricane Fly, Binocular and Zarkander. Zarkander won the Triumph at last year’s Festival and looks to be improving judged on his recent Newbury win. Binocular comes here in good form and although he is unpredictable he would be bang there if at his best. I am going to go for Hurricane Fly though. He is very highly regarded in Ireland and we may not have seen the best of him yet. Outside of the front 3 Brampour could go well at a big price.
4:00 Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country Chase) 3m7f
The Irish have a great record in the Cross Country and have most of the fancied runners at the head of the market. Uncle Junior and Sizing Australia both make some appeal.
4:40 OLBG Mares´ Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares´ Hurdle) Grade 2 2m4f
Quevega is something of a standing dish in this race and is hard to oppose. Swincome Flame could run well at a bigger price.
5:15 Pulteney Land Investments Novices´ Handicap Chase (Listed Race) 2m4f110y
This looks an open race.
Triolo D’Arlene looks potentially well in and should like the track. Vino Griego was 4th in this race last year and has largely been running well this season without winning. White Star Line has only run 3 times over fences and both trip and ground look ideal for him. Going Wrong could go close on the evidence of his two wins at Sedgefield while top weight Hunt Ball is another for the short list. Bless the wings is the selection though. He could just have a little in hand of the handicapper. Triolo D’Arlene, White Star Line and Going Wrong are the others I like.
Today’s pictures feature Hurricane Fly (top) courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller and Binocular courtesy of the artist Sarah Clegg.
ahorse 