Cheltenham 2023 is finally with us and each day of the Festival Tote are guaranteeing a whopping £1 Million in the Placepot. Editor Rob Plumbridge gives you his selections and guide on how to play Thursday’s bumper ‘Pot!
Also, for this year’s Festival Tote are giving away £20 in Free Bets to new customers who stake just £5! Claim this superb offer below:
Leg 1: (6) Mighty Potter (3) Banbridge
Mighty Potter should get punters off to another big start here as he has some exceptionally high form in his first season over fences. Gordon Elliott’s charge has the best form in this by some margin, has won in softer conditions and the only unknown really is the course. All being well in that department, he should fill one of the places on offer.
Banbridge, who beat Appreciate I last time will appreciate the extra distance here and goes in as an insurance.
Leg 2: (1) Salvador Ziggy (3) Maxxum (15)Hector Javilex
Gordon Elliott loves taking out this race having won three on the bounce. He looks to have a very solid chance with Maxxum who has been making hay this season and looks a danger to all.
For the same yard, Salvador Ziggy also goes in with a handy 7lbs taken off by his jockey. He got in with a fourth over C and D last time and that looks like a canny bit of placement by his trainer.
Lily Pinchin takes off a valuable 3lbs for Hector Javilex who has won once and placed once in two outings here and should be able to outrun his odds.
Leg 3: (9) Shishkin
The mighty Shishkin looks sure to go well in this. The rejuvenated superstar loved the step up in trip and comes here as a hot favourite following that Ascot win. If he’s in that mood and not inconvenienced by the rain, he’ll take an absolute world of beating.
Leg 4: (2) Blazing Khal (7) Home By The Lee
On recent form Blazing Khal makes loads of appeal in this, if you can ignore a setback to his preparation. He’s 4/4 from hurdles and has been so impressive this season. He won the Boyne Hurdle after a 428 day lay off and there looks to be loads to come from this unexposed stayer.
I’ll also take Home By The Lee here who seems like another rock-solid option. He was 6th in this last year and the ground is right for his chances. He looks a better horse this year and can go even better.
Leg 5: (1) Haut En Couleurs (8) Datsalrightgino
Haut En Couleurs could be the unexposed one in the line up and might be in lightly on handicap debut for powerful connections.
Datsalrightgino looked strong up the hill when 2nd earlier in the year and still could have some improvement in him if the headgear does the trick. He seems a consistent sort who will be suited by this.
In a tricky leg it’s worth throwing in Stolen Silver too, who equally loves it round here and should be up there early on.
Leg 6: (1) Luccia (5) ahorsewithnoname (12) Lot Of Joy
Luccia can emulate Love Envoi and win this again for the Brits. She has looked a mare out of the top draw over hurdles in her short career and will be a short price to take this for Nicky Henderson.
The yard also run Ahorsewithnoname too who was runner up in this last year, and has run some fine races on the flat since.
Willie Mullins has a great record in this race having won it 5 times so we will add Paul Townend’s choice Lot Of Joy to complete the final leg.
Recommended Bet
Leg 1: (6) Mighty Potter (3) Banbridge
Leg 2: (1) Salvador Ziggy (3) Maxxum (15)Hector Javilex
Leg 3: (9) Shishkin
Leg 4: (2) Blazing Khal (7) Home By The Lee
Leg 5: (1) Haut En Couleurs (8) Datsalrightgino
Leg 6: (1) Luccia (5) ahorsewithnoname (12) Lot Of Joy
72 lines @ 40p a line = £28.80