Racing

Cheltenham Place 6 Preview | 1st January

12.15 Enquire About The Cheltenham Bloodstock Club Maiden Hurdle

In the opener, the vote goes to STEP AHEAD. He has run well on all three starts to date to make the frame, including when second on hurdles debut last time out. He appears to have been crying out for a step up in distance, so with improvement to come, I can see him making a serious impact.

Tips: STEP AHEAD

12.50 Ellenborough Park Hotel ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase

REGENT’S STROLL opened his account in good style last time out despite it only being a match-race and he’d expected to take high rank for connections in due course. The seven-year-old was much the best of these over hurdles and is fancied to win this en route to better things.

Tips: REGENT’S STROLL

 13.25 Betfair Handicap Chase

I really like SHANNON ROYALE in this event, who looks very well-handicapped off a mark of 135 on British debut. The seven-year-old finished a close-up second to Dancing City at Punchestown last December and also beat the 149-rated High Class Hero. If Sean Bowen can get a tune out of him, then I think he’s a major player.

Tips: SHANNON ROYALE

14.00 Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

GLENGOULY bounced back to form when taking the December Gold Cup over C&D 19 days ago with a bit up his sleeve and this looks like a slightly easier event. He’s up in the handicap, but remains nicely treated based on last year’s form and can follow-up under another positive Sean Bowen ride.

Tips: GLENGOULY

14.35 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) 

The feature race can see KABRAL DU MATHAN continue his progress up the ladder. He was electric when scoring on stable debut at Haydock and has a lot more to come. I see no reason why he won’t appreciate the step up in distance, so he can hopefully justify favouritism.

Tips: KABRAL DU MATHAN

15.10 Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle

DOUBLE POWERFUL reverts back to hurdles after two non-completions over fences. However, the seven-year-old has a really solid record in this sphere in handicaps, he has winning form at this venue and connections have booked Sean Bowen to ride. I think he has every chance.

Tips: DOUBLE POWERFUL