Cheltenham returns on Friday and GG Editor Rob Plumbridge goes through the card to give his selections for each race as we welcome back the jumps.
Back his selections with SBK and you can get £30 in Free Bets when you stake just £10.
1.35 Showcasing Sustainability Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
A wide-open handicap to start, and as with many races at this year it’s a bit of a guessing game as to which of the horses that are coming back are going to be fit.
That isn’t too much of a worry for LIVELY CITIZEN who has a solid record when fresh, without winning he has put up some very good performances coming off a break.
Crucially he has great form at Cheltenham having won here twice and also has a 2nd to his name. That should bode well for him here and he’s beaten a few of these in the spring. Archie Bellamy also takes off a handy 6lbs to boot so he rates a good each way bet to start us off.
2.10 squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase
Race fitness won’t be an issue for ASH TREE MEADOW who had a tune up at Tipperary when 2nd in a novice Chase earlier this month. He’s a talented individual who was a winning machine last year, and seems to run a good race more often than not.
He was 4th in the Galway Plate last season, only beaten by some solid, higher rated types, and he could have much more to give over the Winter for Gordon Elliott. It won’t be the strongest bet of the day, but he certainly has a great chance here.
2.45 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
Another tricky contest where the charms of She Is Electric and Music Drive are obvious and compelling. They are however, well found in the market and this race can throw out an upset or two.
I’m more inclined to look for an each way play in this with many bookmakers offering good place terms. THE WOUNDED KNEE is a tentative selection at a lovely big price at 25/1 here. He comes seeking a hat-trick, the latest a brilliant 7 length hack up job at Perth. That was over 3 miles so this shorter trip with a fast pace will be no issue and he will be staying better than a few of these late in the race.
3.20 888Sport Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
I’m going to take a chance here on the outsider of the lot here in FOUND ON for local trainer Martin Keighley. He is a rapid improver who came back from a 132 day break with an easy win in a Class 3 last time.
He should be fully tuned up for this and can continue his improvement and give a good run for the money here. He gets in here off a featherweight and it will be tough for many of these to give weight away coming off a break. He has Hang In There to beat but I can see him giving him a race here.
3.55 Abu Dhabi Digital Exchange Handicap Hurdle
FRANCKY DU BERLAIS is one of a few who run at a much smaller hurdles mark than their chase one in this and he looks to have a huge chance at the weights. He’s rated 147 over fences and runs here at 133.
A break was needed after a busy summer campaign where he won a Group 1 and should have freshened him up ready for this. He rates as a big player along with Coole Cody who likes it round here but has to shoulder plenty of weight.
4.30 Andrew Malam Lifetime In Racing Award Winner Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase
There’s no respite for punters on a fiendishly tricky card to begin the jumps season at Cheltenham. It’s 15/2 the field here and cases can be made for any number. I’ll be having two plays in this.
Firstly, JIMMY THE DAGGER goes well fresh having won last year after 316 days off the track. He’s a few pounds lower than his peak racing and there could be more to come from him this season. He looks comfortable enough at 3 miles having placed a couple of times at the distance and can go well for Henry Daly.
At huge odds I also like MARRACUDJA who its safe to say is a better hurdler than chaser. At 11 years old he’s been around a bit and was always going to need his prep run last time after and should be sharp. The trip shouldn’t be an issue, despite never going this far he has won at a little over 2 miles 6 furlongs.
5.05 Foundation Developments Ltd Maiden Hurdle
As always with races of this nature the market should be very informative, particularly around the Irish raiders. However, I’m siding with the unbeaten TWINJETS who looks like a good one for the future. I was really impressed with his latest win at Haydock which he did in style.
Hopefully he’s in the same vein of form and can do the same today and can finish the double off in style.
Cheltenham Selections
1.35 Lively Citizen e/w (12/1)
2.10 Ash Tree Meadow (10/3)
2.45 The Wounded Knee e/w (25/1)
3.20 Found On e/w (12/1)
3.55 Francky Du Berlais e/w (8/1)
4.30 Jimmy The Dagger e/w (12/1) and Marracudja e/w (40/1)
5.05 Twinjets (3/1)