GG Editor Rob Plumbridge picks out his best bets for a stellar afternoon of action on ITV at Cheltenham and Doncaster.
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NAP: Noble Yeats (2.25 Cheltenham) – 2/1
This race is a cracker with a few of these eyeing up the big prize here in March. As much as you have to respect Protektorat, everything went his way in a pretty poor Betfair Chase last time. I was much more impressed with the job NOBLE YEATS did at Aintree and I think it will be a similar story today. With Ahoy Senor and Frodon up front we’re almost guaranteed a good test here. That will play right into the hands of the Grand National winner, who also showed he has a turn of foot when needed that day. Sean Bowen is a huge plus on board and he can cement himself as the Gold Cup 2nd favourite here.
Double:
Epatante (2.05 Doncaster) – 1/3
Almost impossible to look past Nicky Henderson’s top-class mare EPATANTE in this. The former Champion Hurdler may not be that force, but she’s much, much better than today’s opposition. She’s lost absolutely nothin in being defeated by superstar Constitution Hill in recent outings, and is surely a shoe-in here. Her odds reflect that but there’s so much in her favour today and she’s miles ahead on ratings. She rates a confident selection in the double.
Paisley Park (3.00 Cheltenham) – 11/8
I expected PAISLEY PARK to be odd-on here being the only one of these of true Grade 1 ability as a stayer. He’s shown himself to still be a big force this season over the longer trips and without old adversary Champ in the mix today I think he will be adding another win to his already impressive CV. Expect the usual flat spot, but he’ll be finishing faster than anything else where it matters.
Outsider: Twig (2.40 Doncaster) – 11/1
I’m going to take a chance that TWIG is up to this level. He’s plenty experienced enough and blew the field apart last time in a lower grade, suggesting he was capable of mixing it in better company. He has a good run at Cheltenham to his name, when 2nd to the talented Shearer, and the pair were some 27 lengths ahead of the nearest challenger. He’s a strong stayer as he proved that day, and at the odds I’m quite keen on him to prove he’s good enough to tackle Graded company.