It’s the first big festival of the jumps season, as we go back to Cheltenham for the November meeting. Day Two features the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
London Waters
12:35 – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade Two) – East India Dock @ 9/4 (General)
Normally I wouldn’t tip juveniles, but East India Dock represents something. For one, he represents the connections from last year’s Cheltenham November win. For two, he won on good ground by a considerable distance. In the three weeks that have past he may have improved, so don’t take so lightly on him. Plus, his trainer is operating at a 23% strike rate. Consistent form for an in-form stable.
Also, take a chance om Static, each-way. His form reads well, especially finishing within a neck of Liam Swagger at Wetherby. He clearly has a liking for these conditions and can act on them for an in-form trainer in Olly Murphy. 6/1 (General).
A Technical Problem
1:10 – Steel Plate & Sections Ltd Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase – Transmission @ 4/1 (William Hill)
Transmission makes a lot of sense. One is the fact that he’s arguably been treated by the handicapper to become second weight. The second is that Hyland won in some style at yesterday’s fixture. With form like that, and a top jockey on board (conditional or not), he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Each-way placings belong to Jimmy The Digger, who finished second last time out at the October meeting. He showed a lot of promise that day and will improve for a lot from his runner-up finish. 10/1 (William Hill).
The L’Eau Cheltenham Sun
1:45 – Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase (Grade Two) – L’Eau Du Sud @ 10/11 (William Hill, BetVictor)
After Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason achieved a double victory in Bahrain with Spirit Dancer, they’re most likely complete a double with L’Eau Du Sud. After running out a 10L at Stratford, he looked like winning potential at Graded level. This looks like easy pickings for a horse that soon compete in Grade One Chases in the near future.
Destiny Calls
2:20 – Paddy Power Gold Cup (Premier H’cap) – Ginny’s Destiny @ 11/4 (General)
Ginny’s Destiny has been the bet of the meeting, since entries were made public. He follows the same page as Stage Star, no prep run and off a mark of 155. Despite racing off a true mark, he represents a great chance for trainer who has won this race twice with Stage Star, Al Ferof and the lesser Caid Du Berlais. Ginny’s Destiny has every quality that Stage Star possesses.
Another that should be taken note of is In Excelsis Deo for the Harry Fry stable. The trainer has already put a line through his Galway run and should be taken on his run back in April in a limited handicap chase over course and distance by nearly five lengths. With nearly the same conditions, he can certainly operate as an each-way angle at 12/1 (William Hill).
