It’s Racing Post Gold Cup (1.50) day at Cheltenham and the Grade 3 handicap headlines a seven-race card at Prestbury Park on Saturday.
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Racing Post tipster Graeme Rodway previews Saturday’s action at Cheltenham for MansionBet.
12.05 Cheltenham – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle
Gary Moore won this race two years ago with Botox Has and has an outstanding chance with Yorksea, who takes the same route having finished third behind Knight Salute in the juvenile hurdle at the November meeting last month. That is the best piece of form on offer and Yorksea ran the final half mile in a similar time to the winner, suggesting he should be hard to beat.
Selection: Yorksea @ 3/1
12.40 Cheltenham – bearrene.com Novices’ Chase
It’s hard to get away from My Drogo, who would have won but for falling at the second last on his chase debut here last month and was by far the best of these over hurdles. I’m not convinced he was foot perfect before coming down, but he jumped adequately enough to think he can get round and that should be good enough.
Selection: My Drogo @ 1/3
1.15 Cheltenham – Simon Claisse Handicap Chase
I was impressed with Editeur Du Gite when he made all in a good time at the course last month and that made it three wins from his last four starts. The Gary Moore-trained seven-year-old is improving rapidly and a 7lb rise in the weights may not be able to prevent him winning again. This doesn’t look like a strong race and he may be too progressive.
Selection: Editeur Du Gite @ 5/2
1.50 Cheltenham – Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase
This can go to Fusil Raffles, who was second in a hot running of the Marsh over course and distance last season and has run two solid races this campaign. I’m not sure he was ideally suited by 3m at Wetherby last time, but he still won, albeit fortunately, and the return to this trip at a stiff track might suit Fusil Raffles. He can outclass them on his return to a handicap.
Selection: Fusil Raffles @ 7/1
2.25 Cheltenham – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Blazing Khal beat Gelino Bello and Current Mood in a slowly run race over 2m5f at this track last month, but this will be a different test over 3m on the New course. I’m not convinced that is the strongest piece of form in the race, either, and Barony Legends looks the better option. He bolted up by 27 lengths in a good time at Lingfield and can improve.
Selection: Barony Legends @ 6/1
3.00 Cheltenham – Unibet International Hurdle
This doesn’t look like a strong running of the race and Sceau Royal might be too good for them. He was outstayed by Not So Sleepy in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time, but had previously won well at Kempton and Wincanton. He is well suited by this track, with three wins, a second and third from ten starts here, and he might just be better than these.
Selection: Sceau Royal @ 5/2
3.35 Cheltenham – Close Brothers Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
Wynn House had Hotter Than Hell behind when winning in a good time at Wincanton last month and that might prove the key piece of form. I was impressed with the way Wynn House finished that day and she was no stronger than at the finish. A 3lb rise in the weights doesn’t look too harsh and Alan King, who saddles three here, has a good record with mares.
Selection: Wynn House @ 11/2
*All odds correct at time of writing.