Hi all,
Slowly but surely, I’m getting there. I wish my sense of taste and of course with-it appetite was fully back to normal. However, fingers crossed I’m feeling well on the way to clearing the virus.
It’s the first day of Cheltenham’s two day International meeting. The seven-race card has seen 73 horses stand their ground.
One of the 73 is 2020 Gold Cup runner-up Santini, who is set to have his first start for trainer Polly Gundry carrying top weight in the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap Chase (2.25). The nine-year-old has not been seen since being pulled up in the Gold Cup in March.
Sporting John a handicap hurdle winner at the last meeting will face ten rivals in his bid for back-to-back Cheltenham successes in the 3m handicap hurdle (3.35).
The ITV cameras are covering for four races live from Cheltenham and one from Bangor as part of a five-race programme.
In today’s preview I have had a look at three of the ITV races.
Cheltenham
1:50 – F Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares’ Handicap Chase (Challenger Mares’ Chase Qual’) (Class 3) – 2m 4 ½ f
Fontaine Collonges got off the mark at the second time of asking over fences when winning at Warwick last month. The mare showed great tenacity to rally, after a mistake three out, and get up on the run in. I think she can confirm placing with Warwick runner-up Precious Eleanor.
The most interesting of her ten rivals looks to be Rose Of Arcadia who makes her debut over fences. The 6-year-old shaped with plenty of encouragement on her seasonal reappearance when a 3 ½ lengths 3rd of 7 to Wynn House in mares handicap at Wincanton last time. Looks the type who will improve for going over the larger obstacles.
2:25 – Betfair Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) – 3m 2f
Santini faces nine rivals in his first start in handicap company. If the switch in yard has had the desired effect, then the 9-year-old is on a winnable mark.
Enrilo last season’s Bet365 Gold Cup first past the post is sure to be popular with punters. The 7-year-old was still travelling well enough when falling at the fourteenth in Ladbroke Trophy at Newbury last time.
Commodore was in the process of running well when unseating his rider at the last in this race last year. First run since another wind operation and his first start pulling up in the Wincanton in February. Went close on last year’s seasonal reappearance at Haydock and is on a decent mark.
3:35 – Citipost Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 3m
Sporting John will be a warm order to back up his recent C&D success. The 6-year-old is 5lb higher today but I think he can confirm places with runner-up Onagatheringstorm and third Kansas City Chief.
Ask Dillon won over C&D in April and is 2lb lower here. However, he’s been well beaten on his three starts so far this season.
Botox Has, twice a winner here in the past over much shorter and was a respectable 12 ¼ length eighth of 19 in Greatwood Handicap Hurdle here last month. Must prove he stays further than 2m 3f but at least the first time cheekpices could eke out some improvement.
Saint Dalina twice a winner last season she improved for the fitting of cheekpieces last season. Producing a career best when winning on her last start in March. She had to dig deep to prevail that day but she stays well and won’t be inconvenienced should the ground ease further. If ready to roll on her return looks the one to give Sporting John most to think about.
Betting Advice:
Cheltenham
2:25 – 1pt win – Santini – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power and 1pt win – Commodore – 4/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:35 – 1pt win – Saint Dalina – 11/1 @ Bet365 or 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Cheers
John