Cheltenham day 1
1.30 This looks an open renewal but I am going to side with a well fancied runner in Vautour. The Irish have a good record in this race and Vautour should be suited by the track and has a nice blend of speed and stamina.
For those looking for something at longer odds Josses Hill, Un Ace and Vaniteur all make some appeal. Un Ace was a winner at Doncaster last month and acts on good ground. Josses Hill is open to improvement but I see that Barry Geraghty has elected to ride Vaniteur who is a winner last time out.
In summary then, Vautour is the selection with Un Ace, Vaniteur and Josses Hill, in that order, the each way picks.
2.05 I find it difficult to choose between Champagne Fever and Rock on Ruby who both have excellent course form but I am going to burden Champagne Fever with my selection, in part because of the “Mullins” factor. A small each way saver on Valdez would be tempting.
2.40 There are concerns over the jumping of Hadrian’s Approach but he looks well handicapped and represents a leading stable. Alfie Sherrin looks the main danger.
3.20 This is very difficult to call. Last season’s Triumph winner Our Conor looks to have a great chance but horses from his age group have a miserable record. The New One is 4 from 4 at Cheltenham and was a winner at the Festival in 2013 while the talented My Tent or Yours was runner up in the Supreme Novices last season. The selection is My Tent or Yours
4.00 Quevega goes for her 6th Festival win and is hard to oppose. Glen’s Melody and Down Ace have each way chances.
4.40 Foxrock is a winner of his last two starts, at Navan and Naas and with Katie Walsh riding looks to have an outstanding chance. Shutthefrontdoor represents a stable that do well in this race and he looks to have the stamina required for this marathon test. The lightly raced Suntiep is a super jumper and could be suited by the trip while Shotgun Paddy is another who scores well in the jumping department.
Foxrock and Shutthefrontdoor are the selections.
5.15 Pendra has an outstanding chance with ground trip and weight looking favourable. Art of Logistics is another I like while Present View is on the upgrade and the drying ground will not inconvenience him.
ahorse 