Cheltenham 2008 - Wednesday

2:00 Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle

Wednesday's opener is not an easy race to decipher, especially as it is one of those races where there are many multiple entries. As ten "experts" for their views and you will, most likely, get eleven different selecions.

Historically the winner has come from the top end of the betting and I do not see this year being any different.

For me it is an Anglo / Irish clash with the home side represented by Alan King's Group Captain and the visitors by Tommy Cooper's Forpaddydeplasterer.

Group Captain has proven form in big field handicaps, so he will not be intimidated. Unbeaten since switching to obstacles he has improved for every run and there is no reason why he should not continue to improve.

Forpaddydeplasterer looks to be a chaser in the making, indeed at one point connections considered by-passing a hurdling career completely. Tommy Cooper may not be Irelands best known trainer, however he knows the time of day and his charge has beaten some handy types in his runs so far this season and his place in this race is totally justified.

If forces I would side with Group Captain, however, a small investment in both will be the recommendaion.

Others to consider include County Zen and Hold Em, both available at decent each way prices (around 25/1 and 33/1 respectively). Whereas at the top of the market, favourite Aigle D'or and Paul Nicholls Breedsbreeze are others for the shortlist.

2:35 Royal and Sun Alliance Chase

The betting is headed by Albertas Run and Air Force One who finished first and second respectively in the Reynoldstown at Ascot in February.

There is no reason why these two should not be fighting out the finish here as well.

The only difference being with a three pound turn in the weights I see the placings being reversed with Air Force One being the better prospect.

However, like most races at the festival, the Irish should not be ignored and Willy Mullins sends over Pomme Tiepy a 5 year old mare who has done little wrong. She loves cut in the ground and with the promised forecast she could well be in luck. Available at 8/1 I think she is a more value bet tha the favourite.

3:15 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother CHampion Chase

The Champion Chase is the centrepiece of day two of the festival.

I have made no secret of the fact that I am a great admirer of the defending champion Voy Por Usteds. The horse has been my banker for the past two festivals.

I am still inclined to go for him again this season, although I think the current price on offer, 7/2, is a tad on the skinny side. Luckily a large number of punters don’t like the horse and, like last year, I can see his price drifting nearer the day. If his price gets anything near 5/1 I will be a backer.

One reason for the weakness in Voy Por Usteds is the support for Twist Magic, currently trading at a best price 9/4. However I have doubts about the horses temperament and I am not convinced he will run well in the supercharged atmosphere of Cheltenham.

Since writing the original review Master Minded has seriously entered the betting, generally available at 5/2, as a consequence Twist Magic has drifted out to 3/1.

One problem with punting this far in advance is many horses are entered in several races, making it difficult to know where any given horse will run.

Tamarinbleu is one such horse, much improved this season, the 13/2 on offer for him in this race looks to be reasonable value and worth a small investment.

4:00 Coral Cup Hurdle

At first glance the Coral Cup looks to be a punters nightmare, however closer analysis points to a single winner.

Unfortunately the bookmakers agree and consequently Tony Martin's Leg Spinner is a best priced 9/2 and it is 10/1 bar.

Logic says look for something to be placed, but that is not as easy as it sounds and I am sticking with a win bet on the jolly.

4:40 Peter O'Sullevan National Hunt Cup

The longest race of the festival and one confined to amateur riders, this race has a terrible record for favourites.

Current favourites for the race come from the Nicholls and Pipe yards with Ornais and Over The Creek battling it out for favouritism at around four or five to one.

However a bit further down the betting Venetia Williams has an interesing contender, Back On Line. Capable of being held up or front running this eight year old old mare has been running over progressively longer distances and the further she runs the better she seems to do. Priced at 12/1 she offers good each way value.

5:20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Another Irish benefit with plenty of strong contenders.

I see no reason why this year should be any different. Willy Mullins has a good record in the bumper, however I like the look of Noel Meade's Corskeagh Royale, winner of decent bumpers at Punchestown and Navan. At 10/1 the price is good as well

Recommendations

Ballymore Properties Group Captain 2pts e/w at 6/1 Unplaced
                                    Forpaddydeplasterer 2pts e/w at 5/1 Unplaced

Royal and Sun Alliance Pomme Tiepy 2pts e/w at 8/1 Fell

Champion Chase  Tamarinbleu 1pt e/w at 13/2 Unplaced

Coral Cup Leg Spinner 3pts win at 9/2 Non Runner

National Hunt Cup Back On Line 2pts e/w at 12/1 Placed at 8/1

Bumper Corskeagh Royale 1pt e/w at 10/1 Placed at 7/1

Daily Total: £85 loss

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