Cheltenham host a terrific eight-race card on Saturday 24 January, as Festival Trials Day will see some of the premier UK-trained runners put their Cheltenham Festival credentials on the line. The likes of Sir Gino, The New Lion and Grey Dawning will strut their stuff at Prestbury Park on what should be a superb day’s racing. The Tote Placepot is sure to attract huge interest and all you have to do is pick a horse in each of the first six races, and if they all place then you win a share of the massive pool on offer
Our in-house tipster Steve Chambers delves through the form and picks out his Tote Placepot selections for Cheltenham’s Festival Trials day this weekend.
Leg 1: 12.05pm Cheltenham – Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase
Leg 1 Selections: (2) Califet En Vol
Nicky Henderson’s Califet En Vol has run well in defeat in two novice chases at Cheltenham this season, but it’s the switch to handicap company for the opening race at Cheltenham at 12.05pm that can prove the difference. The Seven Barrows inmate was last seen finishing third behind the classy duo of Miami Magic and Regent’s Stroll and off a mark of 137 he looks more than capable of finally landing a first win over fences, at the third time of asking. Well fancied in the betting, he’s potentially the class act in the race and with experience around Prestbury Park sure to count for a lot then he can kick us off with a win.
Leg 2: 12.40pm – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle
Leg 2 Selections: (6) Minella Yoga
Maestro Conti was a taking winner at Kempton during their Christmas meeting, but Minella Yoga left a lasting impression when downing Act Of Innocence at Newbury at the end of December. With that contender bidding for Grade 2 glory later on in the afternoon, the Paul Nicholls-trained Minella Yoga can give the form a huge boost in the Triumph Hurdle trial at 12.40pm. The aforementioned pair dominate the betting, but Minella Yoga could be the selection at a bigger price, in what should be an intriguing renewal.
Leg 3: 1.15pm Cheltenham – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase
Leg 3 Selections: (2) Jagwar
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero’s Jagwar was a superb winner of the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and he returned with a very promising run when third in the December Gold Cup last month. Sure to come on for that run, the JP McManus-owned runner should be more than capable of winning the 1.15pm event and could even turn into a possible outsider for the Ryanair Chase at the festival. Now rated 149, he’s only 1lbs higher than that December Gold Cup, so he still looks capable of shining in handicaps off that mark, and while Booster Bob will be a big danger it’s the green and gold silks that can reign here.
Leg 4: 1.50pm Cheltenham – Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase
Leg 4 Selections: (7) Tommie Beau, (8) Placenet
Final Orders and J’arrive De Lest fought out the finish of the last Cross Country race held at Cheltenham and that pair return to battle it out again in leg four at 1.50pm. However, it could be worth taking on the pair with some bigger priced contenders and Tommie Beau is one that relished the Cross Country course last time before taking the wrong route. He’s not been seen since over the course, but a return to the venue could see him galvanised. Meanwhile, Placenet ran well when fourth behind Final Orders back in December and off the same mark of 127 he’s better off with the winner that day, and could at least make the frame.
Leg 5: 2.25pm Cheltenham – Betfair Cotswold Chase
Leg 5 Selections: (1) Grey Dawning
Only four go to post for the Cotswold Chase at 2.25pm, so you have to pick the winner of the contest to get through in the Tote Placepot. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning is a red-hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup trial and the Betfair Chase hero can prove to be a cut above his rivals. Spillane’s Tower is a lively adversary, but has struggled to show his best form of late, whilst L’Homme Presse and Flooring Porter are in the twilight of their careers and will find it hard against a class act in Grey Dawning, who should saunter to success.
Leg 6: 3.00pm Cheltenham – Unibet Hurdle
Leg 6 Selections: (2) Sir Gino
Another four runner event concludes the Tote Placepot at Cheltenham on Saturday so you have to pick the winner. Sir Gino and The New Lion are set for a real battle royal in the Unibet Hurdle at 3pm, but it’s current Champion Hurdle favourite Sir Gino that can land the prize and solidify his place at the head of the betting for the Champion Hurdle. Imperious on his return at Kempton, Nicky Henderson’s star will have too much speed for The New Lion, who is arguably better over a further trip.
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