Racing

Cheltenham Win 6 Preview | 24th January

By Steven Dowler

12.05 Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase

BARLOVENTO is proving to be largely consistent and was a game winner at Kempton when last seen. He is only 4lb higher with more to come, so he should go well. PUSH THE BUTTON finished in front of a subsequent Grade 2 winner when second last time out and is another to consider, while QUEBECOIS cannot be ruled out.

Tips: BARLOVENTO, PUSH THE BUTTON & QUEBECOIS

12.40 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2)

The Jane Williams-trained LA LUNA ARTISTA is unbeaten in two starts and was really impressive when scoring on hurdles debut last time out. This is a step up in grade but she’s open to further improvement and could yet rank higher. I will also cover with fellow unbeaten duo MINELLA YOGA and MAESTRO CONTI, who are the obvious dangers based on the market.

Tips: LA LUNA ARTISTA, MINELLA YOGA & MAESTRO CONTI

13.15 Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

DONNACHA has only finished out of the frame twice in 18 career starts and has turned in two solid efforts in defeat this season by finishing second. He should be competitive once more, while market leader JAGWAR and bottom weight JAVERN ALLEN must enter calculations based on the form they’ve displayed to date.

Tips: DONNACHA, JAGWAR & JAVERT ALLEN

13.50 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

J’ARRIVE DE L’EST ran a huge race on ground plenty quick enough when second over C&D on stable debut last month and will meet the reopposing winner on 6lb better terms. With so much more to offer in this discipline, I fancy him to win this event. As a back-up, don’t rule out ANNUAL INVICTUS, who is well handicapped and could make a bold bid if taking to the obstacles.

Tips: J’ARRIVE DE L’EST & ANNUAL INVICTUS

14.25 Betfair Cotswold Chase (Grade 2)

All four must be covered. GREY DAWNING was a good winner of the Betfair Chase when last seen and this former Cheltenham Festival winner is the one to beat. L’HOMME PRESSE, FLOORING PORTER and SPILLANE’S TOWER all have top-class form in the book though and it would come as no surprise to see any of them succeed if Skelton’s charge doesn’t. A tricky little heat.

Tips: GREY DAWNING, L’HOMME PRESSE, FLOORING PORTER & SPILLANE’S TOWER

15.00 Unibet Hurdle (Registered As The International Hurdle) (Grade 2)

This can go the unbeaten SIR GINO. I have full respect for The New Lion but Nicky Henderson’s charge looks every inch a superstar and has dominated some very good horses so far in his career. He sparkled in the Christmas Hurdle on his return from a layoff, so provided he doesn’t suffer the bounce factor, this C&D winner can cement his Champion Hurdle position at the top of the betting.

Tips: SIR GINO