Now that we have said goodbye to the flat season the jumpers can really take centre stage. The new season steps up a gear tomorrow with the start of the Paddy Power meeting at jumping’s spiritual home at Cheltenham.
The first race is a 24 runner conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at 12.45, so clearly not an easy start for the punters. Tony Martin sends Top of the Charts across from Ireland and this one does look to have solid claims. He has a touch of class having finished 2nd in the Ascot Stakes on the flat, he has shown himself to be in good form with performances on the flat and over hurdles in recent months and he will like the ground. The stable won the race last season.
Ballyfoy represents our list to follow in the 1.20. He beat Boychuk at level weights last season and is better off here. He will handle the ground; he stays well and should give a good account.
The cross country race at 2.30 will not be to everyone’s liking but I find these races very watchable. Spot the Difference attempts to win this for the 4th year running at the age of 14. I hope he does but he is a bit on the short side as a betting proposition. The Paul Nicholls pair Royal Auclair and Le Duc should d go on the short list. Royal Auclair will handle the ground and has the benefit of a recent run. He was 5th in the race last season. Le Duc was 3rd in the Festival cross country over course and distance and is another that will act on the ground. Puntal is a quirky sort but loves firm ground and stays all day. He won the Whitbread a few years back beating Royal Auclair by a short head and has completed the course in the last two Grand Nationals. Freney’s Well is a lightly raced type and comes into this with strong credentials as he was 2nd to Spot the Difference in the La Touche Cup at Punchestown. He would be my selection with perhaps a saver on Le Duc.
I was impressed with the way Snap Tie won over course and distance last time out and he will do for me in the 3.05. Kirbybroguelantern, an easy winner at Limerick 4 days ago could be the danger.
Another recent course and distance winner that could go in again is Imperial Commander in the last race at 3.45. For those of you who like that sort of trivia Imperial Commander started his career in a bumper at Cheltenham where he beat Snap Tie into 2nd place.
Up at Newcastle in the 12.05 My Arch makes his hurdles debut for Martin Todhunter. He was rated 87 on the flat and stayed 12 furlongs so could be an interesting recruit.
Be lucky
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