The Cheltenham festival meeting has finally arrived! It seems like trainers have been talking about nothing else since the flat season finished in November and the action gets under way at 1.30 with one of our best bets of the meeting in Irving.
We tipped him back in December at 16-1 and he is now a top-priced 11-4 for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He has done nothing wrong all season, other than perhaps one or two sticky jumps. That is a concern in a big field as he cannot afford to guess at one like he did at Kempton last time out. Nick Scholfield can hopefully keep him out of trouble but he’ll have to keep an eye on Ruby Walsh on Vautour.
The one I want to be on each-way is Gilgamboa at 12-1 who was only committed to this race yesterday. He won the competitive Boylesports Hurdle last time out and that was a great run for a novice. I’ve always felt that the gap between a top handicapper and a Grade 1 winner is a lot closer than it seems and he looks cracking each-way value. Better still, Paddy Power will refund your win bet if he is 2nd, 3rd or 4th as a special offer!
We’re on Dodging Bullets at 6-1 in the Arkle. I must admit that I am very surprised to see only 9 runners. I don’t fancy Champagne Fever at all at his odds and I’m leaning towards Rock On Ruby. I tipped him at big odds when he won the Champion Hurdle in 2012 so I have a soft spot for him. The small field is a great boost to his prospects as he has very limited jumping experience.
Hadrian’s Approach is a tentative selection in the Festival Chase at 2.40. Nicky Henderson has been quite vocal in his opinions on this horse but the big worry is his jumping. He has blundered away his chances here before and I’ll be hoping that Barry Geraghty can steer a careful path through a packed field. He does seem to be better in a smaller field but he’s worth a small bet at 10-1.
Glens Melody was value for more than her narrow victory at Warwick last time and could sneak into the frame at a nice price in Quevega’s race. If the great mare is in tip-top shape nothing will beat her but it is worth looking for value as she is now ten years of age and has not had a prep race. Finally, have a small each-way on Ohio Gold at 25-1 in the last. He was third last year and has been prepared by Colin Tizzard for this race all season.
1.30 Ante-post Irving at 16-1
Gilgamboa at 12-1 Paddy Power (money back if 2nd, 3rd or 4th special offer)
2.05 Ante-post Dodging Bullets at 6-1
Rock On Ruby at 9-2 Paddy Power
2.40 Hadrian’s Approach at 10-1 Unibet
4.00 Glens Melody at 16-1 BetBright
4.40 Ante-Post Foxrock at 9-1
5.15 Ohio Gold at 25-1 Skybet, William Hill
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
