THE first day of Cheltenham has was full of surprises and huge disappointments with Buveur D’Air falling in the Champion Hurdle. where surely he would have be crowned champion for the third time.
Today Unibet Ambassador Nicky Henderson can watch Altior win the Champion Chase and continue his extraordinary unbeaten run. This striking individual deserves all the plaudits and I’m looking forward to seeing him receive a fantastic ovation at the home of jump racing.
Tiger Roll is an extraordinary little horse and we can look forward to him following up his success last year in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase.
Thoughts on our Wednesday runners @CheltenhamRaces here in my @UnibetRacing blog #ad https://t.co/jCfiW7OFcE
— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) March 12, 2019
Let’s hope we see Altior and Tiger Roll both win.
Outside of these champions there are plenty of exciting each-way opportunities.
1.30 Ballymore Hurdle 2m 5f
Whilst Champ will be top of the market, there is a good each–way opportunity with Beakstown.
Beakstown looks a thorough stayer and no surprise he goes for this rather than Albert Bartlett, given the softer ground, as it’ll ride like 3m. Came off a strong pace to win going away at Warwick and although that needs stepping up on, this will be a fast-run affair and it will suit him.
Brewin’ Upastorm was in front here in a Grade 2 on Festival Trials Day when falling at the last and providing that hasn’t affected him he has serious each – way claims, having finished fourth to Champ at Newbury on his penultimate start. His trainer Olly Murphy has always spoken very highly of him.
2.10 Cheltenham RSA Chase 3m
Topofthegame (nap) has been steadily progressive for Paul Nicholls and his second to La Bague Au Roi at Kempton last time is just about the best piece of form in the race. Previous effort when second to Defi Du Seuil remarkable given he threw race away at the start. Will stay and handles soft. Big chance.
Ballyandy hated it over fences but much happier now back hurdling and looks on a fair mark for one with a bit of quality about him. Last two efforts solid handicap form, travels well and the faster they go up front the happier he’ll be. Handles cut and should be in the frame at worst.
4.10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
We can also celebrate the extraordinary Tiger Roll, who won the Glenfarclas
Cross-Country Chase last year ahead of winning the Grand National. Off level weights he looks unbeatable, having won a hurdle race last time at Navan when not looking fully fit.
4.50 Boodles Juvenile Hurdle 2m
This French import Fine Brunello really caught the eye when second to stablemate Fakir D’oudairies (fourth in Supreme) here at Cheltenham on Festival Trails day, giving the impression there was plenty of form of improvement in the locker. French recruits have an excellent record in this race.
Oi The Clubb Oi’s might have gone close to beating Quel Destin at Doncaster but for being squeezed out of things late on, a run that makes him look very well treated off 130 here. Ground a concern but not enough to completely put me off.
