Bookies blew a huge sigh of relief as El Fabiolo pulled up in the Champion Chase, ruining some punters multiples. But this page still managed to tip up four more winners and a place in the five remaining races. This puts us in profit for the week so far and we aim to do it again today for Cheltenham Day Three.
NAP: Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Brighterdaysahead @ 6/4 (William Hill, BetUK)
Despite being a new race, this year’s renewal looks a hot contest. But Brighterdaysahead is held in the highest regard in the Elliott stable. She adores this type of ground and two double-figure winning distances show that she’s full of talent. Cheltenham has been on the agenda since her first run over hurdles.
Don’t disregard Jade De Grugy, however. She won a hot looking Grade Three in Ireland by six-and-a-half lengths. However, no horse from that race has backed the form up which calls into question how weak this division is. The same can be said for Brighterdaysahead, but her victories have been more impressive.
Majestic Force has a good each-way chance in the race after winning over further and beating the boys in a maiden hurdle on testing ground. Henry de Bromhead has managed to find a winner in the first two days and can end up with another at a big price. 28/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).
E/W BET: Turners Novices’ Chase (GRADE ONE) – Iroko @ 13/2 (General)
I have a bit of affection for Iroko. He’s the flagbearer for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero and has come on leaps and bounds to be here. After impressing at Warwick in November, he picked up an injury that seemingly rules him out for the season. Now the trainers have have back to 100%, he has the ability to try and notch up his second win in as many Festivals. Despite one run over fences, he jumped well at Warwick and has a big engine too.
Grey Dawning should get the better of Ginny’s Destiny here, despite the latter being a three-time course winner. Grey Dawning hit the second last when these two both met at Cheltenham in November. If it wasn’t for that mistake he may have won the race. His jumping has since improved and has potential to go much further. 9/4 (General).
Handicap Best: Trustatrader Plate Chase (Premier) – Crebilly @ 9/2 (William Hill, BetUK)
I seriously think that Crebilly has plenty of ability about him and has been campaigned with this race in mind. His win on heavy ground was tough but proves he’s got an engine. The form might not have been backed up, and it may have been against two opponents, but the handicapper has only risen him a pound. He’s made a few mistakes at Cheltenham in the past, but that seemed to be solved at Exeter.
Saint Felicien enjoyed his first success over fences last time out beating Aime Desjy. He’s improved with each run, reducing the gap between first and second each time before going on to win. On form he seems to handle the heavy conditions. Whilst Elliott hasn’t won a handicap yet, all his horses are campaigned with these sorts of races in mind. 9/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports).
Selections:
13:30 – Turners Novices’ Chase (GRADE ONE) – Grey Dawning @ 9/4 (General), IROKO (E/W) @ 13/2 (General)
14:10 – Pertemps Final (Premier) – Cuthbert Dibble e/w @ 9/1 (Boylesports, BetUK), Gabbys Cross e/w @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred), Springwell Bay e/w @ 16/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, BetUK)
14:50 – Ryanair Chase (GRADE ONE) – Stage Star @ 5/1 (General), Ga Law e/w @ 25/1 (General)
15:30 – Stayers’ Hurdle (GRADE ONE) – Teahupoo @ 7/4 (General), Noble Yeats e/w @ 13/2 (General), Paisley Park e/w @ 12/1 (General)
16:10 – Trustatrader Plate H’cap Chase (Premier) – CREBILLY (HB) @ 9/2 (William Hill, BetUK), Saint Felicien @ 9/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)
16:50 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (NAP) @ 6/4 (William Hill, BetUK), Majestic Force e/w @ 28/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)
17:30 – Kim Muir Challenge Cup – Angels Dawn @ 10/1 (William Hill), Where It All Began @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)
The very best of luck!
