Cheltenham 2.05 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 2 - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 15 run - Good to Soft

 

A competitive race where a few who have been very progressive step up in Class in to deeper waters and come up against a few more exposed types who could be on very good handicap marks at this tail end of the main Jumps season.

 

The one to beat is Hendersons East India Express who ran very well for a long way at the Festival but who had a target on its back turning in and was gobbled up. This would not be such a deep field and if they can run with a bit more restraint he's the one to beat, I would not put you off a win saver at 3/1 but I think there is better e/w value overall.

 

Typhoon Flyer is upped in Class and upped 6lbs and may take on the Henderson horse and I'm not sure that would be wise for either. Spirits Bay is also upped in trip and I think a bigger danger than the named pair so far for a Yard that deserves a bit of luck, he is my 4th best rated in this field. Doyen Quest won this last year and Skelton will be desperate for a repeat but he's best part of a stone higher today.

 

I'm most keen on AMERICAN SNIPER who runs off his last winning mark of 122, who has a Course win on the Old Course and for whom I think this is the optimum trip. He's a nice price and I'll be very disappointed if he's not very competitive today. WHATSUPWITHYOU is a veteran now but has held his form well, winning on penultimate run, he runs off a pound lower than last season, likes The New Course and again, it will be disappointing if he's not bang in contention up the final climb. Of the less exposed types Ballytecho was my highest rated and 3rd best rated overall and would come in to play IF we had a non runner before the off. (The Advisor)

 

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Cheltenham 3.15 Handicap Chase - 3 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 15 run - Good to Soft - (New Course)

 

A number at the top end of the market are definitely in form but posed questions in deeper and better company here so may be vulnerable.

 

Yes Day has won his lst 2 races, up 4lbs and probably the most likely to win from the top of the market if you want a small win saver at 4/1 then feel free.

 

AJP Kingdom was in good nick in the Autumn but comes off a 5 month break up in Class, upped 5lbs , up in trip and I think will be seen in better light in the Summer Jumping season and some of the bigger summer long distance races. Ask Brewster is up 9lb's and 4 furlongs and up in Class, Planned Paradise is also upped in Class but is generally solid and dependable. Illico De Cotte for the Skelton team is my 3rd top rated but has a tendency to fade late in races at trips from 3 miles to 3miles 6 furlongs but would be a handy reserve if we get a non runner. Northern Poet at big odds is capable but inconsistent and may be over the top for the season.

 

I really like REGARDE a Haydock winner at the trip off 117, up to 120 but may have scope to improve again on second run back after a wind operation that seems to have helped already. Michael is VERY keen on the Elliott runner JUMPING JET who could be well handiapped and not clobbered by the UK handicapper despite top weight and whose Irish form at the trip looks very solid (RT / MG)

 

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