It’s a tricky card at Cheltenham tomorrow but one I’m itching to get stuck into. I’ve now done the trends for both the Juvenile hurdle that kicks off the card and the Paddy Power Chase and if you’ve signed up you can get them here - http://www.festivaltrends.co.uk/amember/guide/paddypower.pdf
Or you can still sign up for free here - http://www.festivaltrends.co.uk/amember/signup.php
I’m not interested in the 3 runner novice chase and so this just leaves 3 races to take a look at…..
1.55 He’s on my list of horses to follow and as he’s got his going at his favourite track I’ve got to go with MALJIMAR. The trip is really going to stretch him, as he always seems to die in the last 100 yards or so, but he deserves a big prize and his recent run should have him spot on for this. 8/1 looks about the right price for this one. Gallant Nuit doesn’t seem to like Cheltenham while Don’t Push It appears too high in the handicap and so, of the others I reckon Chelsea Harbour could prove the biggest danger to the selection. He was last seen on these shores falling early on in the National but he races here off a mark 11lb less than at Aintree and after 2 recent runs should be ready to mount a serious challenge.
3.10 The one that stands out a mile for me in this race is MAUCAILLOU. He ran 2nd in the conditional handicap on this card last year, where he found only Andytown too good, but what catches my eye is that he gave his rival 4lb that day. Tomorrow he is set to receive 17lb and I would hope that is enough to avenge his 2 1/2 length beating. He also ran 3rd to Fair Along at Cheltenham in December, which shows he acts on the track, and with soft ground holding no fear for Maucaillou I make him a great each way bet at 12/1. Likely favourite Lie Forrit was all set to win on his re-appearance run at Aintree before unseating his rider but it’s worth noting that he now has an extra 9lb to carry than that day and he had been ridden along to get into a challenging position.
3.45 After his gallant run last weekend I thought PSI would be favourite for the finale on the card but it seems the Irish have the likely jolly in the shape of Vinnes Friend. Quite what has been going on with this horse is anyone’s guess as after a string of no-shows and a couple of pulled ups he suddenly romps home as the 7/2 favourite off the same rating as his previous run. He’s probably thrown in off his rating but I’m sticking with George Moore’s horse and at 7/1 he’ll do for me.
For the £100 to a Grand Challenge I’ll be doing;
TRUMPSTOO £1ew
MALJIMAR £1ew
BALLYFITZ £1ew
MAUCAILLOU £1ew
PSI £1ew
+ 10p ew Lucky 31.
I’ll also be doing a Placepot for 5p on the following perm…..
1-8 / 1-2-3 / 4-6 / 5-9-15 / 5-11 / 3-8 = 144 bets
Good luck,
Gavin.