Hi all,
Due to time, it’s a shortened preview today.
Cheltenham
1:15 – Spreadex Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 2m ½ f
The strong travelling Sky Pirate is interesting dropped back to the minimum trip with Tom Scudamore, who combined with trainer Jonjo O’Neill to win the Ladbroke Trophy, in the saddle. He’s got a nice light weight and although he remains a maiden after tens runs over fences, he’s got the talent to win a handicap chase like this. Trainer is 2-3 with his runners in the past 8-years.
Ibleo made an excellent return to action when running Amoola Gold to a short head at Ascot 42-days ago. Up 5lb, but easing ground has come in his favour. He’s only had the four starts over fences and it’s not difficult to think he can improve further to defy his new mark.
Forest Bihan was 4th of 19 in the 2019 Grand Annual over C&D. He fell at the 4th over hurdles at Haydock last time on his first start since winning the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last October. Not without an each-way chance if anywhere near to his best.
1pt win – Sky Pirate – 100/30 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
1:50 – Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – 2m 4 ½ f
Al Dancer finished 3rd of 16 to Coole Cody in the Paddy Power. I think he can turn the tables on the winner here at the revised weights and on the stiffer new course.
Top-weight Master Tommytucker is getting better and better with racing and last time out beat five rivals in a graduation chase at Haydock which has been one in the past by stablemates Clan Des Obeaux and Politologue. Harry Cobden opts for him rather than stablemate Saint Sonnet. The latter isn’t totally out of it either. Granted he disappointed in the Paddy Power, was beaten when falling three out, but it’s possible he needed the run that day
The North has a big player in the Brian Ellison trained Windsor Avenue. The 8-year-old showed his well-being when finishing runner-up to Imperial Aura in last month’s Colin Parker Chase at Carlisle. That was his first start since a wind-op. Any rain would be welcomed and I can see him going well on his handicap chase debut.
Midnight Shadow took advantage of Champ falling two out to win the Grade 2 Dipper Chase over C&D in January and disgraced when 6th of 12 back here in the Marsh Chase at the Festival. The Sue Smith stable was struggling for winners when he ran poorly in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on his seasonal return. He’s surely better than he was able to show last time and would have each way claims if back to his best.
Irish Raider Chatham Hill Lad would be another with each way claims should trainer Michael Winters bring over the 8-year-old for the race. He’s an improving handicap chaser who won’t mind the forecast rain.
Verdict: One of those races where it’s probably worth going with two or there against the field. My choices are Al Dancer and Windsor Avenue and I wouldn’t be shocked if Saint Sonnet if ran much better than he did here in the Paddy Power.
1pt win – Al Dancer – 6/1 @ Bet365
1pt win – Windsor Avenue – 8/1 @ Bet365
3:00 – Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) – 2m 1f
If there’s a Champion Hurdle contender in the field it’s Goshen. He needs to win this though and win it well.
Song For Someone could well get an uncontested lead here and he’s proven over further. An improver he shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the drop back in trip.
Ballyandy normally runs well at Cheltenham, twice a winner, and was beaten a neck in this 12 months ago. The 9-year-old has finished runner-up under big weights in two handicaps this season here and at Ffos Las. The soft ground has come at the right time and he’s got a solid each-way chance.
1pt each way – Ballyandy – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Doncaster
3:15 – bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m
Boldmere needed the run when fourth on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow but was slightly disappointing 9/2 favourite when only 4th of 13 at Bangor last time. The ground was very soft that day and both last season’s chase wins, including C&D, came on good to soft so today’s going should be ideal for the 7-year-old.
Jersey Bean is improving with each start over fences and is seeking the hat trick after wins at Newton Abbot & Exeter. Up 10lb for the last of those wins in a better race but capable of going close.
Give Me A Copper goes well fresh he she showed when winning the Badger Beers Trophy at Wincanton (good to soft) last October, off 4lb lower. Poor run at Ascot in December but that was on heavy ground. Won’t be far away if at his best.
Manofthemountain won four of his five starts over fences. Beaten 4/1 favourite when 4th of 10 at Cheltenham 49-days ago. Maybe it was the step up into Class 2 company that did for the 7-year-old that day or maybe he didn’t like Cheltenham. If it’s the latter he’s a player here.
1pt win – Manofthemountain – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Fairyhouse
2:12 – Sizing Pottsie ran Felix Desjy to 1 ¾ lengths in a Grade 2 at Punchestown last month. Two mile and soft ground are his optimum trip. Handicap debut and with a bit more improvement is the one they all must beat.
1pt win – Sizing Pottsie – 4/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
Cheers
John