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Day 2 provided us with 3 winners and 5 places (3 of them over 14/1) during another episode of the Willie & Ruby show. The day really belonged to the new 'tank' on the block though, Sprinter Sacre. He certainly lived up to his nickname of 'The Black Aeroplane' as he flew round Prestbury, winning unextended from Cheltenham stalwart Sizing Europe. Time form have given him a provisional rating of 179p for today's saunter, already putting him ahead of Kauto Star. This feels a little flattering but time will tell and remember he's only seven.
Day 3
Golden Miller novices
The reputation of Dynaste goes on the line here and he should confirm the low odds. After sideswerving the RSA for fear of bad ground I fear he might have a bigger battle on here. Aupcharlie may need further but Texas Jack's last 2 runs have shown him improve and the form of the RSA now makes him look very good value and an each way on him is advised. Captain Conan may be the one to expose any chinks in the Pipe horses armour but we'll see.
The reputation of Dynaste goes on the line here and he should confirm the low odds. After sideswerving the RSA for fear of bad ground I fear he might have a bigger battle on here. Aupcharlie may need further but Texas Jack's last 2 runs have shown him improve and the form of the RSA now makes him look very good value and an each way on him is advised. Captain Conan may be the one to expose any chinks in the Pipe horses armour but we'll see.
Pertemps final
Traditionally one of the hardest races to pick the winner of, this year is no different. Lots of plots being hatched in darkened rooms by candlelight lead many a horse to this race. Form is not always the best guide. Consistency is. For that reason our main selection is Jetson. Jessica's charge has been thereabouts in some good handicaps on the other side of the Irish Sea without quite getting up and comes here with the right credentials. For some each way value try Ely Brown who won his qualifier in a slog at Warwick or Junior who is well treated on his best chase form.
Traditionally one of the hardest races to pick the winner of, this year is no different. Lots of plots being hatched in darkened rooms by candlelight lead many a horse to this race. Form is not always the best guide. Consistency is. For that reason our main selection is Jetson. Jessica's charge has been thereabouts in some good handicaps on the other side of the Irish Sea without quite getting up and comes here with the right credentials. For some each way value try Ely Brown who won his qualifier in a slog at Warwick or Junior who is well treated on his best chase form.
Ryanair chase
A good preparation and solid form makes Cue Card an easy pick here. The former bumper winner has also been placed at the last 2 festivals and his only blot this year was at Kempton on terrible ground where he was still on the bridle 3 out, only to not get home. I can't have First Lieutenant although I know most of the jockeys, trainers and punduits fancy him and his form is the best on offer but always in defeat. I prefer an animal that knows how to get his head in front. Champion Court could be the best each way and his last run can be ignored when not fully fit.
A good preparation and solid form makes Cue Card an easy pick here. The former bumper winner has also been placed at the last 2 festivals and his only blot this year was at Kempton on terrible ground where he was still on the bridle 3 out, only to not get home. I can't have First Lieutenant although I know most of the jockeys, trainers and punduits fancy him and his form is the best on offer but always in defeat. I prefer an animal that knows how to get his head in front. Champion Court could be the best each way and his last run can be ignored when not fully fit.
World Hurdle
The ground is the key to this race. On soft ground Reve De Sivola wins, on good-ish ground Oscar Whisky wins. The form of their Cleeve hurdle tussle is the best on show and given the improving ground and weather we just side with Oscar Whisky who gets his chance for a major Cheltenham crown in Big Bucks' absence. Best of the rest may be Solwhit who looked a superstar when winning the Aintree Hurdle four years ago but has had time off due to injuries. He has returned well and as a 9yo he will find this slower pace more suitable.
The ground is the key to this race. On soft ground Reve De Sivola wins, on good-ish ground Oscar Whisky wins. The form of their Cleeve hurdle tussle is the best on show and given the improving ground and weather we just side with Oscar Whisky who gets his chance for a major Cheltenham crown in Big Bucks' absence. Best of the rest may be Solwhit who looked a superstar when winning the Aintree Hurdle four years ago but has had time off due to injuries. He has returned well and as a 9yo he will find this slower pace more suitable.
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| Oscar Whisky in full flight |
Byrne Group Plate
Another competitive handicap here where many have a chance. Poquelin is now returning to a winning mark, Divers has been laid out and really tempts me but the first selection is Cantlow who has been kept away from the better novice races for this. He is a progressive sort and we certainly havent seen the best of him. For each way value we have 2 picks. Tartak is now on a very handy mark and hasnt been running badly, particularly over too far last time. Kapga De Cerisy is from the in-form Venetia Williams stable and beat 'talking horse' Fago by 15 lengths last time.
Kim Muir
A very difficult race to put any faith in due to all the pilots being amateurs, sometimes just having the right jockey is worth 5 lengths. Romanesco and Alfie Sherrin are probably worth a small punt.
Cross Country
The postponed cross-country race is up next. We have this as a straight match between Arabella Boy and Bostons Angel although at the prices Boston's gets the vote. A former RSA winner who didn't seem to progress, he has took well to these unique tests. His last run can be ignored as struggled over some of the banks but this is an easier course. Recommended to back him each way. We also think Shakervilz is an amazing price each way and is probably our strongest each way selection of the whole week. The booking of Katie Walsh is also a bonus.
Cross Country
The postponed cross-country race is up next. We have this as a straight match between Arabella Boy and Bostons Angel although at the prices Boston's gets the vote. A former RSA winner who didn't seem to progress, he has took well to these unique tests. His last run can be ignored as struggled over some of the banks but this is an easier course. Recommended to back him each way. We also think Shakervilz is an amazing price each way and is probably our strongest each way selection of the whole week. The booking of Katie Walsh is also a bonus.
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