Friday 16 March
1:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle Grade 1 2m1f
I was very impressed with Grumeti on his last run. I am also quite keen on Darroun who is a strong strayer and should like the ground. Pearl Swan has scope to improve and Urbain de Sivola is another to consider. However for my selection I will go for Sadler’s Risk who stays well and the form of his second at Kempton was franked today when the 4th home was a festival winner.
2:05 Vincent O´Brien County Handicap Hurdle Grade 3 2m1f
Moon Dice and Citizenship represent a strong Irish challenge. Ted Spread disappointed at Sandown in Saturday but it is too soon to write him off. Snap Tie has been off the course to a very long time but he could just be very well handicapped. Raya Star and Magnifique Etoile are others to consider.
The Irish have done well in this race in recent years and Moon Dice and Citizenship look the pair to be on.
2:40 Albert Bartlett Novices´ Hurdle (Registered As The Spa Novices´ Hurdle Race) Grade 1 3m
Boston Bob will be hard to beat here. The ground will suit Sea of Thunder while I also like Brindisi Breeze.
3:20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Grade 1 3m2f110y
Given the prices it is worth trying to come up with something to beat the front two. Kauto Star has had a training fall, there are doubts about the well being of some of the horses in the yard and I don’t think he would have beaten Long Run at Kempton over a couple of furlongs further. Long Run will be hard to beat but with the stable in red hot form his price will be short. Burton Port is consistent and has never fallen and if he has come out of his last race OK should go well. For my selections though I will go each way on Quel Esprit and Weird Al.
4:00 Christie´s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup 3m2f110y
Selections are Salsify and Chapoturgeon.
4:40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Hurdle 2m4f110y
Selections Bourne and Molotof.
5:15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Handicap) Grade 3 2m110y
Kid Cassidy, Astracad, Toubab, Lucky William and De Boitron form my short list. I will narrow this down to three, Toubab, Lucky William and Astracad.
Picture of Kauto Star courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.
Good luck
ahorse 