Cheltenham 5.20 - Martin Pipe - Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 24 run

 

The top 4 really do pick themselves here, KOPECK DE MEE is the Nap of the Meeting for many and if half the predictions are true 2/1 would be a good win value. WODOOH looks very strong  as the main rival and on form those pair could be well clear. TAPONTHEGO is therefore very good and solid each way value for De Bromhead and of the home contingent EAST INDIA EXPRESS would be 4th rated just ahead of MINELLA SIXO another Irish runner and the second rated home hope NO ORDINARY JOE. Park of Kings and No Questions Asked were the only other ones seriously considered. (Sean / The Advisor)

 

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Cheltenham 3.20 Albert Bartlett - Novice Hurdle - 3 miles - 20 run

 

This will be a real stamina test and with plenty of the runners liking to run prominently a fast pace looks assured so we think proven stamina may come in to play provided they don't get too stretched out and detached.

 

The likes of Wendingo, who has to proven conclusively its stamina, the French raider Jet Blue, Sounds Victorious, First Confession a promising ex 3 mile P2P horse for the Tizzards who may well be an even better horse next season , Nativehill another promising ex 3 mile P2P horse for Henderson and Derryhassen Paddy a similar prospect from the North for Lucinda Russell all deserve and warrant a mention but the top 5 rated are as follows.

 

JASMIN DE VAUX looks an out and out stayer for Willie Mullins and the pick of Paul Townend, WINGMEN will be a tough opponent from the Elliott yard who will be desperate for a win despite the usual cop of big priced place horses, INN AT THE PARK may notionally be the 4-5th Mullins rated but with Danny up this one looks one who could really stay on and up up the hill here in to a place and INTENSE APPROACH is we feel the most likely of the front runners to hand about for a place and a canny booking for Sean Bowen. 

 

Fishery Lane is 5th rated on collateral form with Inn At The Park and the best of the UK hopes on Ratings for those who like that option would be NATIVEHILL for Henderson 

 

(Robin T + Sean)

 

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2.00 County Hurdle - Handicap - 2 miles 1 furlong - Class 1 - 16 run 

 

This looks like a smash up at the top of the market between Absurde and Kargese and a small reverse F/Cast may be a clever play.

 

We don't think that Ethical Diamond is quite in that ability range and Our Champ is a likely pace angle but one that may fade late on.

 

In terms of each way value for 3rd place or to pick up any pieces we'd suggest HANSARD is the best of the home team and McCLOREY as a bit of a dark horse from a smaller Irish yard and one with some proven stamina at up to 2 miles and 3 furlongs who could be staying on and on up the hill if the pace is too frantic (Michael G / RJ)

 

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4.40 Hunter Chase - 3 miles 2 and 1/2 furlongs

 

Angels Dawn and It's On The Line look a most likely 1-2 and again a crafty reverse F/Cast may be an idea and if you want a T/Cast add the equally capable Willitgoahead.

 

A few bookies pay enhanced places though and with that in mind a few small e/w pokes may be a good idea.

 

SHEARER and FAIRLY FAMOUS for the home team should really be the next pair home at double figure Odds and if you want a really solid stayer then ONTHEROPES looks very attractively priced. 

 

RYEHILL is very well thought of in Ireland and if there is a dark horse to take on their top 3 it would be this one.

 

Small stakes are the order of the day though

 

(Robin + Michael)

 

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PLACEPOT 

 

1.20 - 2 East India Dock / 7 Lulamba (*Willy De Houvelle is a small e/w single play suggestion for 3rd place)

2.00 - 7 Kargese / 2 Absurde

2.40 - 2 Brideshill / 1 Dinoblue

3.20 - 9 Jasmin De Vaux / 18 Wingmen

4.00 - 6 Inothewayurthinkin / 2 Banbridge

4.40 - 24 Angels Dawn / 10 It's On The Line

 

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