Cheltenham
1.30 Back 9 Grumeti and 15 Sadler's Risk e.w at 6/1+. Grumeti and Sadler's Risk look just the types for this race as tough ex flat horses with a touch of class. Their trainers also both know how to win this race. 17 Urbain De Sivola e.w is worth saving on at 16/1+ from the front as he looks slightly underrated on his excellent Newbury win and is better than last time after a lay off.
2.05 Back 8 Desert Cry e.w who is crying out for a fast run race and looks a fair price at 33/1 to come flying home given such circumstances. 27 Citizenship looks a real improver and is the type his trainer does so well with. 10 Dirar e.w at 16/1+ was given a poor ride by Carberry in this race last year and is another who would appreciate coming off a very fast pace. This was probably the Plan A! ever since last years race and its interesting to see Carberry has been put on Gordie's (MacDonalds best customer) other runner now. I was interested in the very progressive 5 Ubi Ace now he has joined Jonjo but I'm put off McCoy not riding when his mount for JP 13 Alderwood doesn't exactly look an obvious plot.
2.40 4 Boston Bob looks the banker of the day. (May trade bigger in running). 14 Mount Benbulben is a good prospect (especially on softer ground) and is probably better than when he was beaten by Bob at Navan but still has a stiff task to turn around the form and Boston Bob just looks so solid and finds loads off the bridle so should love coming up the hill after coming under pressure. 15 Rocky Creek has each way possibilities and is one to remember for when he goes chasing as he is a nice big type. Nicholls has moved him him up to the boxes beside Kauto and Big Bucks which is a positive sign and he is likely to improve greatly especially when he gets Daryl Jacob off his back. Brindisi Breeze is another nice soft ground chasing prospect for the North and I hope the don't ruin the horse running here because he shouldn't be.
3.20 I don't have any strong view although I would like to see 7 Long Run and his toff jockey get stuffed and it would be brilliant for racing if Kauto Star could go out on a high for all it would surprise me. Weird Al goes well fresh and can go well each way and I hope Quel Esprit can improve. I will have small bets on 4 Diamond Harry e.w because 40/1 looks too big for a horse of his class after his wind operation despite perhaps not being at his best at this course and 13 Time For Rupert e.w at 50/1 who loves this course, in the hope of them grabbing some place money.
4.00 6 Cloudy Lane and 15 On The Fringe e.w with a saver on the improving 4 Bradley at 33/1+ e.w. I don't think 5 Chapoturgeon will stay this trip unless its a crawl.
4.40 Back 6 Toner D'Oudairies at 6/1+ who looks very much laid out for this to give his owners back to back wins in the race. (Sir Des Champs won it last year). 14 Bourne was impressive last time admittedly getting a lot of weight but Smad Place boosted that form yesterday and he looks to have a solid chance. At a bigger price 17 Grandads Horse e.w is an improving horse and 16/1+ looks fair for his excellent up and coming trainer/jockey seeking their first Cheltenham Festival success.
5.15 Back 16 Lucky William e.w at 16/1+, 19 De Boitron e.w at 10/1+ and 14 Bellvano e.w at 16/1+. I know Bellvano is an absolute monkey but there is every chance of this fast run race really suiting him and it's not hard to see him arriving late absolutely cruising in this. I will leave Mr Carberry to put his experience on Harchibald to good use after that! Lucky William is a fair novice who fits into the stats of this race well off a low weight and has a good chance. De Boitron has caught the eye all season and was always a likely plot for this and will be so much better if it is genuine good ground. Favourite Kid Cassidy is a nutter and looks place lay material over these fences to end a bad week for the champ.
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