Racing
Cheltenham Place 6 preview | 5th May
16.50 – John Wyke Aka Mr Guinness Memorial Open Hunters’ Chase – 2m
TAKETHEPUNISHMENT isn’t getting any younger but he is a winning machine in point-to-points and has continued his great work with success in his 3m Kelso hunter debut last April before a good third at Perth a month later. The 13-year-old has gained a couple of 3m point wins this spring and it is interesting to see him drop in distance. If he can go the early gallop, he could have the ammunition to outrun his odds. FIER JAGUEN habitually jumps to the right but he is another winning machine in points and has sound claims with a clear round.
Selections: TAKETHEPUNISHMENT, FIER JAGUEN
17.25 – Lycetts Insurance Brokers Intermediate Point-To-Point Hunters’ Chase – 3m2f
ALL IS TRUE has won his last 3 outings in points and represents a trainer and jockey who are a potent force in these events. He is only 6, so he could be a serious contender for all the major events next season in this sphere and is fancied to take the spoils. THESHODDYTRADESMAN has won four of his last six points and is probably the biggest danger.
Selections: ALL IS TRUE, THESHODDYTRADESMAN
18.00 – KTDA Open Hunters’ Chase – 3m1f
TRIO FOR RIO has won this race for the last two years and has warmed for his potential hat-trick with spins in recent points. He is sure to make a bold bid to defend his crown. MORATORIUM chased home the former in this last year and has been targeted at the race again. He was beaten a long way at Exeter last time but we can ignore that and he should do better here as he attempts to reverse last year’s form.
Selections: TRIO FOR RIO, MORATORIUM
18.35 – INEOS Grenadier Mixed Open Hunters’ Chase – 3m2f
PREMIER MAGIC defied odds of 66/1 to claim the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and if he can prove that performance to be no fluke, he should be too good for these. I will advise covering with ENCOUNTER A GIANT, who has won his last two points and could make the frame.
Selections: PREMIER MAGIC, ENCOUNTER A GIANT
19.10 – Barrie Wells Trust Box4Kids Mares’ Open Hunters’ Chase – 3m1f
SINE NOMINE is taken to upset Highway Jewel, who is progressing through the ranks and absolutely trounced her rivals by 12 lengths at Stratford last time. This clearly demands more but she is open to tons more improvement and could be about to produce another career-best in order to take this assignment.
Selections: SINE NOMINE
19.45 – Remembering Gabe Mahon Open Hunters’ Chase – 4m
SHANTOU FLYER has a phenomenal record at this course and made the frame at the Cheltenham Festival yet again when a keeping on third in the Foxhunters at last month’s Festival. He won very easily at Exeter last time and is undeniably the best horse in the race. If he doesn’t get himself too far back, he should be flying up that hill, which has served him well multiple times at the venue over the years.
Selections: SHANTOU FLYER
