2.05pm Cheltenham
Bold Endeavour
I thought he ran a great race to finish fifth in the Coral Cup, particularly as the ground would have been plenty soft enough for him there. He was dropped 1lb for it, the ground could easily be nearer good here if the forecast is correct, which will suit him if so, and I think he has another big run in him.
3.15pm Cheltenham
The Carpenter
This is a very good novices’ hurdle, with a lot of horses kept back from Aintree, and The Carpenter is one of those. We were thrilled with him at Newbury, as he couldn’t have done it any easier there, he has form on this better ground and we would BE hopeful of a bold show here. It is a very competitive race though and it’ll take some winning.
3.50pm Cheltenham
Java Point
I have ridden him a couple of times in the past, finishing second both times, so hopefully he can go one better here. He comes here in fair form after a Ludlow third, he has good course form and hopefully the first-time cheekpieces will help him, too.
4.25pm Cheltenham
On The Blindside
He may be an 11yo now but he showed the fires were still burning when winning at 50/1 for me at Newbury last time. He is 4lb higher here but he has been rated much higher in the past and of course he has some very good course form to his name, too. You can argue his best recent form has been on more testing ground but good going won’t be any problem for him here. In fact, we always thought he needed it earlier on in his career.
