CHELTENHAM – SATURDAY
12.05pm
Champagne Well
I was obviously very happy with him when winning here last month. He will probably need to come forward again to win this against the likes of Thyme Hill, but I think he will give them all a race, even if he does have a 3lb penalty to carry. The ground won’t be any problem for him, that’s for sure. It will be the survival of the toughest around there, and none will be tougher than him.
1.15pm
Aye Aye Charlie
He was a very good novice hurdler on his day, a close fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree in the soft a couple of seasons ago, and I was pretty happy with his chasing debut here last month, where he just got tired on his first run of the season. He did need that, so I expect him to be sharper here, and he handles this ground really well. In fact, he will go around here like a tractor on this ground. I really like his chances, and he gets 5lb from the winners.
CHELTENHAM – SUNDAY
3.00pm
Benny’s Bridge
He is one of the favourites for the Greatwood, and he deserves to be. Okay, he went up 10lb for his win here last month but everyone saw how well he won and we know he is two-from-two at the track and loves to come late off a fast pace, which you would have to expect he will get here. This will be the deepest ground he has encountered in his career, and it is an unknown, but I actually think it will be in his favour and he is a horse with a lot more to give. I obviously expect a big run from this improver.
4.00pm
Brief Ambition
He joined us not long after winning his point in April and he showed a really good attitude for me when winning in the soft at Southwell. This will obviously be a lot tougher for him but he is a lovely horse and I think that Southwell race was okay.
