Racing
Cheltenham Place 6 preview | 15th March
13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle
BUNTING would have finished even closer with a clear run when fourth behind a couple of these last time out and has a better chance than his odds suggest. MAJBOROUGH ran well when third on his stable debut and has more to come, while the unbeaten hurdler SALVER is another to consider.
Tips: BUNTING, MAJBOROUGH, SALVER
14:10 BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle
ZENTA is a Grade 1 winner lurking on a dangerous mark and must have every chance of being competitive, while MAGICAL ZOE was second in a Grade 2 race here last year and is another who has sound claims, while KING OF KINGSFIELD has finished second in a pair of Grade 1 races this season and is another with a great chance.
Tips: ZENTA, MAGICAL ZOE, KING OF KINGSFIELD
14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
HIGH CLASS HERO has won all five of his starts for Willie Mullins and should relish the step-up in trip, so he must be shortlisted. THE JUKEBOX MAN has won three of his five starts and could go well for the in-form Ben Pauling team, while subsequent Grade 1 winner READIN TOMMY WRONG can also be considered.
Tips: HIGH CLASS HERO, THE JUKEBOX MAN, READIN TOMMY WRONG
15:30 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has won his last two starts in the manner of a horse who is just as good as last year. The reigning and defending champion should be hard to beat. His main danger could be GERRI COLOMBE, who should get a lot closer to the favourite over this trip under suitable conditions.
Tips: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS, GERRI COLOMBE
16:10 St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
FERNS LOCK won very nicely last time out, and this bold front-running operator has an excellent chance of providing David Christie with his first Cheltenham Festival winner. I am sweet on his chances, although SAMCRO has twice succeeded at this meeting and could make a serious impact despite his advancing years.
Tips: FERNS LOCK, SAMCRO
16:50 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase
DINOBLUE is the clear highest-rated of these at 160, and after winning four on the bounce, including a Grade 1 race, she lost little in defeat behind El Fabiolo last time out. This trip shouldn’t be an issue, and she should be tough to beat. RIVIERE D’ETEL was unlucky in this race last year and has the class to give the favourite plenty to think about.
Tips: DINOBLUE, RIVIERE D’ETEL
