Cheltenham 2008 - Thursday

2:00 Jewson Novices Handicap Chase

An open betting heat and another of the races where there are a number of horses with multiple entries.

Luckily the betting is now at a stage where you can bet non runner no bet, so you get your money back if your selection does not run.

In light of the above concession an investment in Silverburn is a must, if he runs in the race he has an outstanding opportunity to take the honours.

3:25 Ryanair Chase

The Ryanair has many interesting entries, however with a large number of the entries likely to race elsewhere at the festival I suggest keeping your powder dry on this one. Two key factors to consider are what will actually run, plus the going. If the going gets soft then The Listener will come into the calculations.

3:15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle

The World Hurdle, if the betting is to be believed, looks to be a one horse race, with defending champion Inglis Drever available at a best price 11/10. This follows his convincing victory in last Saturdays Cleeve Hurdle at the same course. In the Cleeve he beat arch rival Blazing Bailey, however in last years Cleeve the tables were turned.

The chances are that Inglis Drever will win again this year, however with the bookies offering 12/1 against Blazing Bailey I think he is worth an early each way investment. Since writing the original review Blazing Bailey has now been backed into a best price 6/1. Inglis Drever is a well backed even money shot, although a number of layers are going odds on.

4:00 Racing Post Plate and 4:40 Kim Muir

Very boring here but these are another of the races where it is best to hold fire until the running intentions are clear.

5:20 Pertemps Final

This is another race in which it is worth taking advantage of the non runner no bet concession.

Backboard is a progressive, well thought of, gelding who has been laid out for this race. The big concern is the going. If the going is good or good to soft he will run and will have an excellent chance at 7/1. If the going is any softer he will not run, so the money is refunded.

Recommendations

Jewson Silverburn 2pts e/w at 7/1 (nrnb) non runner

World Hurdle  Blazing Bailey 2pts e/w at 12/1 Unplaced

Peremps Final Backboard 3pts e/w at 7/1 (nrnb) Pulled up

Daily Total: £100 loss

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