THE second day of The International Meeting at Cheltenham and a fascinating card with the Unibet International Hurdle looking a cracking renewal. Goshen makes his first reappearance at Cheltenham since so unfortunately unseating Jamie Moore at the last in the Triumph Hurdle. He was my Unibet selection that day and was the obvious choice without question. Today is different and I’m afraid I have to look elsewhere as his two runs on the flat have failed to convince me that he can perform in the style he did last season against a strong field including Sceau Royal, Silver Streak, Ballyandy and my selection Song For Someone.
An intriguing and exciting day’s racing awaits as ever and I’m looking forward to being at Prestbury Park tomorrow.
Enjoy.
Cheers!
The Wine Tipster
1.15 Cheltenham – 2m Handicap Chase
Sky Pirate is certainly not the most straightforward and yet this seven-year-old is clearly talented. Last month in the big Handicap feature he looked like the winner coming to the second last when about to make a serious challenge but unfortunately he blundered badly.
However, he kept on though before fading towards the finish. Today it is interesting that Sky Pirate is coming back in trip to two miles rather than go in the Handicap feature at 1.50 and that Tom Scudamore takes the ride.
Unibet 11/2 each way
1.50 Cheltenham – Gold Cup Handicap Chase 2m 4f
Midnight Shadow needed his seasonal debut at Aintree in the Old Roan Chase when fading out of contention after travelling near the front of the race for most of the way. Midnight Shadow won over course and distance here when taking the Dipper Novices’ Chase here in January and he ran a good race in the Scilly Isles at Sandown when second to Itchy Feet in a race where the first two were well clear. At The Festival he finished sixth behind Samcro when running well for a long way. Midnight Shadow is two from four on the new course and can strike today.
Unibet 17/2 each way
Huntsman Son is a ten-year-old having only his eight-career start over fences and has strong each way claims at a minimum. He really impressed when taking a Listed race after a big absence at Wetherby last time when smoothly travelling through from the back of the field to easily defeat Two For Gold. He has gone up 9lbs for that success and this puts him on a career high mark, yet he hasn’t many miles on the clock.
He has always had some class and beat Slate House at levels at Newbury. He has run twice previously at Cheltenham, finishing unplaced behind A Plus Tard and second in his other start.
Unibet 14/1 each way.
2.25 Cheltenham – Novices’ Hurdle 3m
Ashtown Lad can take this competitive contest for the Dan Skelton yard, who are in good form. Last time out at Uttoxeter Ashtown Lad won easily when stepping up to two mile seven furlongs, having been successful at Wetherby on his penultimate start over a shorter trip. Ashtown Lad is clearly improving, looks straightforward and given his performance at Uttoxeter this distance really suits.
Unibet 5/2 win
3.00 Cheltenham – Unibet International Hurdle 2m 1f
Song For Someone can make the big step for the Tom Symonds team on his first trip to Cheltenham. Last time out he beat Call Me Lord at Ascot, with the now retired Laurina back in third. However, what was so visually impressive was his jumping and the way he travelled.
He had on his previous start showed tremendous determination to get up to beat Diego Du Charmil at Kempton in February when third jumping the last.
He looks very straightforward and is certainly an improver, who can take on the much more experienced runners like Ballyandy (must be placed) and the course looks sure to suit.
Unibet 5/1 win
3.35 Cheltenham – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle 2m½f
Indefatigable (nap) for the inform Paul Webber team was tipped in my Unibet column when winning at The Festival at 28/1. Today, she isn’t of course that price, however she does have a good chance of scoring another Cheltenham success, even off a top weight of 11st 12lbs.
This mare has an excellent course record of 5121, with her second to Dame De Compagnie when giving her 5lb (same weight as today) in this last year a top-class performance. On her seasonal debut at Kempton Indefatigable ran over three miles and didn’t get the trip when third and will be much sharper today too.
Unibet 4/1 win
