Racing
Cheltenham Place 6 preview | 1st January
12.20 – Favourite From The Sun Now Daily Maiden Hurdle
INNATENDUE went close here in November, only a neck behind Cannock Park, who subsequently made the frame in a Grade 1 race on his next start, and could go one better. I’ll cover CHAMPAGNE TWIST, who should improve from his hurdle debut fourth at Ascot.
Tips: Innatendue, Champagne Twist
12.55 – Close Brothers Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
PETIT TONNERRE ran a tidy race when fourth in Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown and remains capable of bettering that performance in this much easier race. FINE CASTING also ran well when runner-up in the testing ground earlier this month and should be thereabouts.
Tips: Petit Tonnerre, Fine Casting
13.30 – Paddy Power Handicap Chase
ANGELS BREATH will love conditions and must be well handicapped off a mark of 139. The step-up in trip coupled with the drop in grade can see him outclass these. The hat-trick-seeking INCH HOUSE is the obvious threat, but he will find it difficult to beat the former at this venue.
Tips: Angels Breath, Inch House
14.05 – Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
SHAKEM UP’ARRY has run well in some top-quality handicaps this year, including when sixth in the Coral Gold Cup last time. The shorter distance will be right up his street, and he can give the favourite STAGE STAR most to think about. The latter has to be considered.
Tips: Shakem Up’arry, Stage Star
14.40 – Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle
SPRINGWELL BAY has won four of his six hurdle starts and has to be shortlisted after impressing in winning here last time. MY BOBBY DAZZLER is a pound below his last winning mark and ran really well on his last visit here, so he could go well at decent odds.
Tips: Springwell Bay, My Bobby Dazzler
15.15 – Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2)
BOB OLINGER is a strong fancy to make it three-from-three at this venue. He won very nicely at this level last time, and this former two-time Cheltenham Festival winner will be in his element under these conditions. He can get the better of last year’s winner, Marie’s Rock.
Tips: Bob Olinger
