Cheltenham
1.30pm
This looks a really tricky race to call but Battleoverdoyen is my idea of the most likely winner. He has a faultless record and you had to be impressed by the way he beat Sams Profile, himself a very fair horse, in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas last time. Hopefully, the softer ground won’t be an issue for him. I really hope Seddon shows what he is capable of; I am still convinced he is a really good horse, and a big field and a strong pace could really see him step up on his hurdling form so far.
2.10pm
I think Paddy could have a better chance on The Worlds End than odds of around 20-1 suggest, and he could be a fair each-way bet. He is a horse I love and he would have a big form chance on his win here in December. If he can handle conditions – and there is no doubt in my mind that he would prefer better ground – then he has the class to be right there in the finish. Apparently, he has worked and schooled really well in the first-time cheek pieces he wears here.
2.50pm
Apple’s Shakira caught my eye in here. She hasn’t been out since pulling up at Sandown in December and disappointed a few people when only fourth in the Triumph last season but I think the ability is there if they can unlock it. She is down to a mark of 140, and I just think this step up in trip may suit her under a quiet ride.
3.30pm
I’m going to stick my neck out here and say Altior, with his old rival Min to follow him home again!
4.10pm
I can’t look beyond Tiger Roll. This is one machine of a horse, and he must in some form to do what he did to a good field over hurdles at Navan last time. I know he is a short price, but he has a huge chance of following up his win in the race last season.
4.50pm
Even though he has top weight, Torpillo may be the answer to this puzzle. He didn’t run his race at Haydock last time but I was impressed with him in heavy ground at Sandown previously, and he will have his conditions.
5.30pm
Master Debonair will probably face the softest ground he has encountered and hasn’t raced since November, but he has course form and he showed a good attitude here last time.
