More Cheltenham trialling action to come this Saturday at both Newbury and Warwick, with the feature William Hill Hurdle taking centre stage, as well as the Denman and Game Spirit Chases. Plus, Mares action at Warwick featuring a Willie Mullins entrant. Tips are found below.
Newbury
Not So Brave
2:25 – William Hill Denman Chase (Grade Two) – Djelo @ 4/1 (William Hill)
This race is competitive but shouldn’t throw up any Gold Cup contenders so let’s appreciate the race in its own right today. Bravemansgame has not looked himself at all this season and I’m not a fan at all. Hitman, whilst second in this race, appreciates less trip. Eldorado Allen and Sam Brown are both handicappers and Le Patron should not be involved in a race like this.
That leaves us with Djelo and Ga Law. Djelo was floored by Protektorat in the Fleur De Lys and Windsor but still finished 21 lengths ahead of the third placed horse. The trip will be ideal on a flat surface and already took at Grade Two out this season with the Peterborough Chase. This rates an ideal opportunity in a weak-ish field.
Ga Law should get his ground today, after he was pulled out of the Cleeve Hurdle on Cheltenham trials day. On what is home turf for Jamie Snowden, this race will have been in the back of his mind and if he places in this field, it shouldn’t do too much harm for his mark for a run in the Festival Plate, if he’s sent there. Nice price at 8/1 (William Hill).
Libberty Bell
3:00 – William Hill Game Spirit Chase (Grade Two) – Libberty Hunter @ 3/1 (General)
This race is now wide open, with the absence of Sir Gino. Even for a one raced novice over fences, he would still outclass this field. But now it’s a case of who can fill his shoes? I’ve gone with an ultra-consistent horse Libberty Hunter, who finished third at Aintree in a Grade One. On return in handicap company, he bolted up at Cheltenham to win handsomely by four lengths. He’s best seen fresh and has taken 56 days in between races, so looks a great chance.
The Tizzard’s target this meeting well and JPR One won’t be without a shout. He beat Matata last season in Grade Two company and beat Djelo (see above) in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter at the start of this season. He then took part in the Tingle Creek, where the form is handsome with both Jonbon and Solness winning three Grade One’s between them. 9/1 (General).
Three So Bad?
3:35 – William Hill Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – Mirabad @ 16/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)
This race is all about trends. Horses have to be ideally rated between 130 and 149, aged between five and seven, and ideally at the start of their hurdling careers. Mirabad checks these boxes. Now a second season novice, although was running in novice races in November. He’s still relatively unexposed in handicap company, finishing third at Ascot and winning at Cheltenham. He hasn’t been seen since, which shows that they have aimed him at this race given his impressive performances recently. He’s won first-up off a break and has to be considered, even at double-figure prices.
Secret Squirrel cannot be ignored. Not because he’s favourite, but because he also fits those trends. Even with a penalty, he’s well handicapped and Hughie Morrison has had two winners from seven runners recently, so the yard place their horses well. He stayed on strongly at Windsor and what’s to say he can’t do it again. 5/1 (William Hill).
I am not abandoning Minella Missile either. Excuse her first run back at Windsor, she will now strip fitter and be of notable danger. She is Grade Two winner over hurdles, and represents the archetypal Graded horse in a handicap. She looked very talented that day and many dismiss her chances. Do so at your peril. 28/1 (William Hill).
Warwick
Lovely Outfit
2:40 – Unibet Mares’ Hurdle (Listed) – You Wear It Well @ 5/1 (William Hill)
With the Kingmaker an open and shut case, this looks the best race of the afternoon at Warwick. Gala Marceau will headline the field but returning after 280 days, I feel a Kargese-esque performance may befall her. You Wear It Well carries a penalty but positively returns to hurdling. She drops in grade, in this sphere, and can put an iffy chasing career behind her to return to her favoured profession.
The very best of luck!
