Cheltenham 2.10 Mares Chase Final - Handicap - 3 miles 1 and 1/2 furlongs - 13 run - Good (New Course)

 

COCO MADEMOISELLE is the one to beat here and Dan Skelton (who has just withdrawn his second string Lady Jago) will be very keen to pick up a nice prize. This one steps back up to 3 miles and is worth a small "win bet". 

 

Sainte Doctor on a 4 timer may be vulnerable upped in trip, So Said I has run well here in December but looks more of a winter type. The rest mostly look better right handed or on a flatter track, so I think the each way value lies with more speculative types.

 

FLINTARA is very lightly raced, was runner up in this race last season off a mark of 108, likely prepared for this race again and looks sound each way value off a mark of 105. GETBAZOUTOFHERE has placed form on this New Course too, gets the trip and looks very reasonable each way value at 16/1 or higher (Robin)

 

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Cheltenham 2.45 Mares Handicap Hurdle Final - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 20 run - Good

 

The favourite at around 6/1 is the Paul nicholls trained Jena D'Oudaires, at the price but with just potential so far she may be worth a small e/w saver bet. The likes of Greyval, who is very consistent but exposed, Ile De Jersey who returned from a 2 year lay off with a quiet run for the Henderson yard, Bethpage a nice mare but on a high looking mark, Sunday Soldier, who tends to run her best races in April and October and Springs A Girl who is a likely pace angle but usually better right handed are all live dangers in a competitive race but a trio at nice double figure prices really caught my eye.

 

PRETENDING won this race last season, is 8 lbs higher in the handicap but gets first time cheekpieces to aid her here and we do like to follow mares in months that they usually run best and this one has a clear April / October win cycle. MOLTO BENE is generally better in the Autumn and late winter but I am very attracted by a declining mark and I think this is the best chance she has had handicap mark wise since her last win. COULD BE TROUBLE ;is in form, the 4lbs penalty is a niggle but she's clearly spot on right now and at the price, could run an enhanced place in 5th. (The Advisor)

 

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Newmarket 3.00 Handicap - 1 mile - Class 2 - 13 run - Good

 

There are always likely to be "Improvers" in here and a few experienced Class 2 handicappers might on past evidence need the run. 

 

Tribal Chief and Harpers Ferry are worthy if unspectacular favourites, Stukuza needed his first run last season and is very likely to be targeted at marquee handicaps at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood and very much a horse to note. Urban Sprawl will be dangerous as he is AW fit but upped in Class and Waiting All Night also AW fit and an expert on the July Course is a very strongly 3rd rated so a handy reserve IF either of the following don't run.

 

I'm very keen on BULLET POINT for the Haggas yard who have started in better form than they endured most of last season, this one was very progressive last season and the type to kick on this. MYTHICAL GUEST won first time out last season, hets 10 furlongs but races prominently and the sort to make a big if in contention out of the dip, and let that stamina hopefully nick a place at least at around 16-20/1 (RJ)

 

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