Day 2 Cheltenham Preview

Mullins domination may continue into the start of day 2 with highest rated Back in Focus favourite for the 4m National Hunt Chase. He looks the class act in the field and the step up in trip looks in his favour as he seems a dour stayer. The booking of Derek O’Connor for Rival D’Estruval is noteworthy and Tofino Bay has pieces of form which appeals yet looks held by Back in Focus despite getting big help in the saddle from Nina Carberry. Truthfully after seeing P Mullins outridden by Jane Mangan on Sunday, him riding his father’s horse does not inspire confidence, but despite this 3/1 seems more than fair.

I believe Pont Alexandre is far too short for the Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle at 6/4 and less. Course and distance winner The New One appeals most. I loved his run the last day in defeat to At Fishers Cross, pulling clear of solid yardsticks Coneygree and Whisper. Before that the Twiston Davies charge had been hugely impressive against soft opposition. He may improve for better ground too but has shown he handles a test over C & D. Taquin du Seuil has good form in the book (good 2^nd to My Tent or Yours in Ascot) and is highly thought of, as is Rule the World  of Mouse Morris’. I don’t take his beating of Minsk and Champagne Fever anywhere near literally (As C Fever was found post race to have a lung infection, Minsk made horrible mistake with a circuit to go and both went too quick early), despite this he could only win and win well he did. Minsk is an infuriating type. At 40’s though I’m willing to forgive each way. His fourth to Jezki in Fairyhouse where he was just tapped for toe, his comprehensive beating of Glens Melody, serious flat ability and excuse for the margin of defeat vs Rule the World makes the big price hard to turn down. Though one worry is that he may be better right handed and his most recent run at Leopardstown was poor to say the least.

Unioniste’s form got a boost with Golden Chieftain winning the JLT Tuesday. Course winners won 4 races on Day 1 and this is a big plus for the Nicholls runner. Boston Bob done well to win in Leopardstown latest and should relish the stiff test of an RSA as well. Hadrians Approach will be near Unioniste in the finish. I slightly prefer the English here in terms of value. Terminal is highest rated but looks 2^nd string. Goulanes has made hard work of each of his victories but respected. I think Ruby maybe the difference in a tight affair but no real bet for me.   

For a while the Queen Mother looked a bore but now it excites me. Mail De Bievre and Santuaire may well soften up Sprinter Sacre for the first time and it is my hope and belief at the prices that Sizing Europe will land the killing blow. Sustained pressure on Sprinter from the aforementioned French named pair may be the key, and Sizing Europe’s flawless jumping and top class ability sees him a cracking each way bet for me tomorrow at 6/1. Sprinter Sacre may well win again impressively but this is a big and final step of going down in the history books as a 2m great, but Sizing Europe for me is his toughest opponent test yet.

In a fiercely competitive renewal of the Coral Handicap, Pendra and Cash and Go make most appeal. With 5 places on offer one can afford to back a couple of selections in search of profit. I would have preferred to see Rattan in the County Hurdle on Friday.

I’ve little clue in the Fred Winter and hope to get a result as a layer.

The bumper is a great betting race; the amount of racecourse whispers, preview bankers and gallop watchers naps for the race creates great hysteria in the market. For what it’s worth I was most impressed with Le Vent D’Antan of Liz Doyles in Leopardstown and I can see Sgt Reckless travelling supremely well into the race at the bottom of the hill with Hughsie perched to provide a great trading opportunity.

It’s a great card, enjoy and the best of luck.

Peter