The Open meeting at Cheltenham kicks off on Friday with a typically competitive six-race card. The going is reported to be good to soft so I am hoping that the Cotswolds avoids the torrential rain that has been battering other parts of the UK this week.
I have never been a great fan of the Cross Country Chase but it seems to be surviving the test of time and a few old favourites are back in action tomorrow. The favourite is last year’s winner Balthazar King who has since gone on to finish a courageous second in the Grand National. He won in France in September so will presumably be fit enough to do himself justice and old rival Uncle Junior may now be past his prime at 13. He won’t be any great value but should win with the ground in his favour.
Colour Squadron was pulled out of the Paddy Power Gold Cup to run in the novice chase here and his greater experience could be decisive. There are some very exciting novices in opposition, notably Dell’Arca who won the Greatwood Hurdle last year and ran well in all of the top two-mile handicaps. I am convinced that Colour Squadron would have won last time had he been held up for longer and compensation awaits.
The Amateur Riders race which opens the card looks very tricky but I am just going to side with Dan Skelton’s Mister Grez. He probably needed his recent run to put him straight and Bridget Andrews is good value for her 5lbs claim.
The second race does not look any easier but I just have a sneaking suspicion that Anay Turge has been laid out for this event. The grey won it 12 months ago and was given a gentle introduction last month. Jamie Moore looks a significant booking and he could reward each-way support at a decent price.
It’s nice to see Ruby Walsh back in the UK and he replaces the injured AP McCoy on Jonjo O’Neill’s Champagne Present in the 3.00. The four-year-old looked sure to win at Aintree last time but was beaten in a photo with the front two quickening all the way to the line. Blaklion looks the one to beat after his gutsy win at Chepstow.
I was expecting to see Nicky Henderson’s Cup Final at a good price in the last but he has been installed as favourite. He came up against Irving last season but was slightly disappointing subsequently. He is held in high regard at home so should be tough to beat off a rating of 125. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he wins but Cassells Rock could be the better value. He was runner-up in a £75k race on the level in September and stayed on well over hurdles last time out. This uphill finish looks right up his street.
Mister Grez 1.15 @12-1 Bet Victor
Anay Turge 1.50 @15-1 William Hill
Colour Squadron 2.25 @5-2 Bet Victor
Champagne Present 3.00 @4-1 William Hill
Balthazar King 3.35 @5-4 Totesport
Cassells Rock 4.05 @7-1 Bet365
