JLT (Remember ti utilise the Ladbrokes and Sky Bet offers)
My tentative selection is Garde La Victoire. He has had 4 runs at Cheltenham, form read 2,1,1,1,
Douvan and No More heroes will run elsewhere.
Bristol De Mai is fairly consistent never out of the first 3 in England and jumps well.
Outlander has been running well in Ireland but disappointed me at last years festival and is short enough in the betting.
Black Hercules could be interesting each way.
Pertemps
Don’t back the French. French breds are 0/64 in this. Horses that won last time out have a good record.
My horses against the field are:-
Leave at Dawn although it is too short now. Everyone is the preview nights says it is well handicapped.
If In Doubt Ran a great race in the RSA last year and one for the shortlist. JP loves a handicap plot at the festival. Cup Final 10/1 is his too, trained by Henderson, Wouldn’t put you off that.
Missed Approach also won last time out and Our Kaempfer was brought down when still going ok.
Ryanair
We are not sure of all the runners of this one yet. A lot have multiple entries.
With the news that Vautour runs in this he should win this. If you can get even money or better then take it.
Vibrato Valtat 10/1 has run some very creditable races over 2 miles, so is interesting stepped up to 2 miles 4f.
Village Vic has had a resurgent season winning 2 handicaps over course and distance. He has a chance but horses going from handicaps to graded races have a poor record.
Al Ferof is too slow and never wins after Christmas. Although he has had a break and this could be a poor renewal. I still can’t have him.
Road to Riches and Valseur Lido are the possible owners running. Both need a trip in my view and should be in the Gold Cup. RTR likely will go there with Valseur Lido coming here.
Vroum Vroum Mag goes to the Mares Hurdle.
Smashing only interesting on soft ground,
Taquin De Seuil has been supplemented but beaten 38 lengths last year in this.
Dynaste won this two years ago but has been badly out of form. If he returns to his best he could go close.
Josses Hill 12/1 has always been a decent horse. His jumping has let him down at times but in his last race he was so impressive with his jumping.
Will probably back something as well else once the final declarations are announced.
World Hurdle
Thistlecrack 6/5 has been head and shoulders above everything since Aintree last year. He’d have to go close.
If the ground is good then Whisper and current champion Cole Harden (Had a 2nd wind op) are worth considering each way if you don’t want to back one at a short price.
Kilcooley needs soft ground I think
Aux Ptits Soins has had one race in England and that was a festival win in the Coral Cup. I heard Nicholls say that he and Saphir Du Rheu (last seasons runner up) did a 5f galllop in which APS never came off the bridle. Seems a tough ask after being off for a year and Nicholls isnt shy in talking up his horses.
Brown Plate
The declarations for this race are up in the air with most having multiple entries.
One I have backed is John’s Spirit. He’s a Cheltenham Specialist and has dropped down the weights this year and is on a nice mark. Jonjo is always worth following in h/caps.
Mares Novice.
A new race added to the festival this year.
The Irish are talking like favourite Limini can’t get beat. Banker of the meeting for some. Ruby Walsh says she will win at Royal Ascot as she is so classy.
Brian Ellison’s Smart Talk was described by him as the best he has had. And she might chase Limini home.
Kim Muir
This is normally a race for plodders. I have backed 3 against the field at bigger prices than they are now.
Doctor Harper could well be the best handicapped horse at the festival and should run here! Codd booked to ride
Cause of Causes Has a great record around Cheltenham
The Giant Bolster Has run some great races in the Gold Cup, if he turns up here you coudn’t rule him out on a course he likes dropped in class
