In day two of the team’s Weekend Watch Cheltenham previews, the team uncover some gems, including two horses who both Andrew Mount and Dave Young agree are cracking handicap bets.
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1.30 Cheltenham – Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle
Andrew Mount: “Gidleigh Park is a horse I’ve often banged on about on the Weekend Watch. I just love his attitude, and he has been winning in fast times. He was also on the wrong side of the track when winning here previously.”
Dave Young: “I wouldn’t have a major preference for those in behind Ballyburn, who would win this if coming here. If I imagine he is against the exchanges, Predators Gold is a better horse than he showed at the Dublin Racing Festival, and is definitely good enough to make the frame.”
Kate Tracey: “I also like Gidleigh Park, and I think connections are thinking longer term with this horse and will stick to this trip with him.”
2.10 Cheltenham – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
Dave: “At this stage there is not a load of substance to Fact To File’s form. However, Willie Mullins’ team are usually very honest about who their “future Gold Cup” horses usually are.”
Andrew: “Stay Away Fay was third in the Cotswold Chase last time out. Back here in novice company, I’d take him of the top pair, though a race more to watch than bet in for me.”
2.50 – Coral Cup
Andrew: “In the last 15 renewals, backing the top six in the weights would have found you six of the winners. Ballyadam was interesting at a big price and has finished fifth in the last two County Hurdles, staying on strongly. He was third over 2m7½f at Leopardstown last time.”
Dave: “Just copy and paste Andrew Mount’s selection! Ballyadam is one of my biggest handicap fancies of the week. He is on a reasonable mark considering what he has done in his career.”
3.30 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
Andrew: “El Fabiolo leaves the impression that he could whack one. Other scenarios might emerge and my main interest will be an each-way bet on Captain Guinness. Henry De Bromhead has got a good record in this race, winning it three times and had plenty in the frame.”
4.10 – Glenfarclas Chase
Andrew: “Not a race I particularly love. I will throw a bit each-way at Fameaftertheglory for Gavin Cromwell to try and get through the Placepot!”
Dave: “I love the Cross Country! There’s only ever a couple of horses that can win this. Delta Work is going to lap up the soft ground and I have no doubts in my mind that he wins.”
4.50 – Grand Annual Handicap Chase
Dave: “One that I like at a bit of a price is Unexpected Party. His rating got a bit inflated after his first start this season. The slower ground will suit him at this trip and the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase was the start of the team trying to get his mark down.”
Andrew: “I’m also interested in Unexpected Party, I’ve mentioned him in previous Weekend Watches with a view to the Festival. He ran a huge race at 100/1 in last year’s Turners to finish fifth, beaten about seven or eight lengths.”
5.30 – Champion Bumper
Kate: “I really like Teeshan. The British horses have a poor record in recent years, but this horse is notable in the Johnny De La Hay colours because he was all the talk of the Point To Point scene when bolting up by 41 lengths.”
Dave: “I found the winner a long time ago. In a year that’s not vintage, a course bumper winner in Brechin Castle is the one. He got beaten at Ascot, but had to concede tons of weight. I cannot believe his price.”
Don’t forget to check out occasional Weekend Watch pundit, Matty Sutcliffe’s selections for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival as well as Dave Young’s weekly Cheltenham ante-post picks.
Dave Young’s Cheltenham Ante-Post Book
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