Am expecting soft ground for the opening day given what has come down in Shropshire this morning so that will obviously play a part but it’s Cheltenham so here goes. Looking for value wherever possible so shortlist of three in each race with a note or two about my favoured selection.
Supreme:
1. Thomas Darby
2. Aramon
3. Klassical Dream
Am hoping the going will be good enough for this opening race, the selection has been improving all season for connections including a win over course and distance. Chances are there is still some more to come and at current prices he represents a decent each way prospect.
Arkle:
1. Hardline
2. Us and Them
3. Kalashnikov
Is already a consistent type and interesting that connections have opted for this from the number of entries he held. Has a bit to find with some of his rivals but with plenty of confirmed front runners in the race he might find the leaders coming back to him after the last and take the prize.
Ultima:
1. Lake View Lad
2. Royal Vacation
3. Calipto
Unbeaten this season with wins at Newcastle and Wetherby in decent three mile events. Not an easy task in this off top weight but is ultra consistent and normally a sound jumper so a bold bid is expected.
Champion Hurdle:
1. Sharjah
2. Buveur D’Air
3. Silver Streak
Has shown steady improvement this season since finishing in midfield in last years Suprem. Clearly has a lot to find to trouble the market leaders but deserves his place in this and might just sneak a place.
Mares Hurdle:
1. Roksana
2. Limini
3. Alletrix
Very much a progressive type and had just the one run so far this season, a respectable third at Sandown over two miles. Is already a grade 1 runner up at Aintree last year and could give the short priced favourite something to think about.
Close Brothers Chase:
1. A Plus Tard
2. Riders onthe Storm
3. Highway One O One
Travels well in his races and has a touch of class about him. Only had three starts over fences but all have been in decent sized fields which will help in this. Major player.
National Hunt Chase:
1. Atlanta Ablaze
2. Impulsive Star
3. Le Breuil
Has had a good season, winning mares chases by wide margins. Seems to possess plenty of stamina and is normally a safe jumper, both attributes which should see her run well in this competitive finale.
Am expecting soft ground for the opening day given what has come down in Shropshire this morning so that will obviously play a part but it’s Cheltenham so here goes. Looking for value wherever possible so shortlist of three in each race with a note or two about my favoured selection.
Supreme:
1. Thomas Darby - Placed @ 28/1
2. Aramon
3. Klassical Dream - WON 6/1 (F/C landed)
Am hoping the going will be good enough for this opening race, the selection has been improving all season for connections including a win over course and distance. Chances are there is still some more to come and at current prices he represents a decent each way prospect.
Arkle:
1. Hardline
2. Us and Them - Placed @ 14/1
3. Kalashnikov
Is already a consistent type and interesting that connections have opted for this from the number of entries he held. Has a bit to find with some of his rivals but with plenty of confirmed front runners in the race he might find the leaders coming back to him after the last and take the prize.
Ultima:
1. Lake View Lad - Placed @ 25/1
2. Royal Vacation
3. Calipto
Unbeaten this season with wins at Newcastle and Wetherby in decent three mile events. Not an easy task in this off top weight but is ultra consistent and normally a sound jumper so a bold bid is expected.
Champion Hurdle:
1. Sharjah
2. Buveur D’Air
3. Silver Streak - Placed @ 100/1
Has shown steady improvement this season since finishing in midfield in last years Suprem. Clearly has a lot to find to trouble the market leaders but deserves his place in this and might just sneak a place.
Mares Hurdle:
1. Roksana - WON @ 10/1
2. Limini
3. Alletrix
Very much a progressive type and had just the one run so far this season, a respectable third at Sandown over two miles. Is already a grade 1 runner up at Aintree last year and could give the short priced favourite something to think about.
Close Brothers Chase:
1. A Plus Tard - WON @ 6/1
2. Riders onthe Storm
3. Highway One O One
Travels well in his races and has a touch of class about him. Only had three starts over fences but all have been in decent sized fields which will help in this. Major player.
National Hunt Chase:
1. Atlanta Ablaze
2. Impulsive Star
3. Le Breuil - WON @ 14/1
Has had a good season, winning mares chases by wide margins. Seems to possess plenty of stamina and is normally a safe jumper, both attributes which should see her run well in this competitive finale.
Fingers crossed.
Ken
A decent day and a nice profit to take forward to day two. Hope the approach helped a few.
