Cheltenham
12.10pm
Elysian Flame
This is obviously a tough ask for him on his hurdling debut, but he comes here boasting some serious form on the Flat. He proved to be very progressive this year and ended the season rated 91 after his second in a valuable 1m6f soft-ground handicap at York. If he can translate that Flat ability to hurdles, he is a pretty exciting recruit. I schooled him on Monday and he is a big, scopey 3yo with a lot of class.
12.45pm
Garo De Juilley
He bled at Wincanton last time and he ran well here the time before when second to Slate House. He clearly needs to step a good deal on that form against this level of company, but hopefully, he can bounce back after his latest run and run his race.
2.30pm
Champagne Well
He ran an absolute stormer when finishing second to the very smart Thyme Hill over 2m5f here last time, with some good horses beaten off. He has a 3lb penalty to carry again here and is stepping back up to 3m again, but I think this is the test that this winning pointer wants now and we know he handles the ground and goes well here. I expect another big run, as I really do think he has been crying out for this trip.
