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18/04 Cheltenham Preview: Havingagoodtime Is The One In The Fillies’ Handicap Hurdle

Syndicate Captain Cheltmental returns with his preview of Thursday’s £10,000 Win 6 Pool at Cheltenham.

 

14:05 – Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) 2m 4f

Despite Posh Trish carrying top weight here, she is the one to beat and the only two dangers appear to be Indefatigable & The Cull Bank. The former was in front of Posh Trish in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at The Festival and she’s proved herself as a decent mare when almost running down the errant Lady Buttons. The Cull Bank is unexposed, and her last start was visually impressive and she’s well worth a shot in here.

Selections – Posh Trish, Indefatigable, The Cull Bank

 

14:40 – Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Chase Series Final (Listed Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) 2m 4 ½ f

Bits and pieces of form to tie in some of these runners but the majority of the field are quite inconsistent. If we assume we’ll see the best of every horse then Kupatana should take this but she’s a law unto herself and always a risky proposition.

Little Miss Poet is another who could go well but she often makes mistakes which she can’t afford round here and I’m not sure this will be a track to suit either of those although they hold form chances.

Desirable Court is interesting as she’s been solid since her wind op but she does have to face Blackdown Hills on significantly worse terms than the last day although she in her own right had struggled before that run although I think she’s a spring performer.

Majestic Moll ran poorly at this meeting last season in a Handicap Hurdle but she’s a better horse this season and since chasing and I think she has a chance.

Selections – Kupatana, Blackdown Hills, Majestic Moll

 

15:15 – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) 2m 4f

Fiddly looking big field handicap and with 16 runners declared any non-runner bring the places down from four to three. With that in mind I’d want some cover in here and no better to place to start than with those who have course form.

Cap Soleil & Brillare Momento are at different stages of their careers but are both racing off nice marks. Oscar Rose is hard to catch right but she ran well enough in the race last year to earn a spot on the slip and both Late Night Lily & Storm Goddess showed me enough at Newbury on their respective last starts to suggest they’re coming here with chances.

Finally the Irish raider of Agusta Gold has lots in her favour and typically finishes in the frame.

Selections – Cap Soleil, Brillare Momento, Oscar Rose, Late Night Lily, Storm Goddess, Agusta Gold

 

15:50 – Mares’ Handicap Chase (Class 3) (5yo+ 0-130) 3m 2f

This might be the leg to make or break the day as I’m finding it hard to fancy anything with any degree of confidence. I do think Molly Childers is a nice enough type on her best form as is Cabaret Queen but both have been poor of late.

Sheneededtherun carries bottom weight and gets nearly two stone from Molly Childers so, while she’s got no form to shout about, she ran OK on stable debut which means she might be able to get involved.

Selections – Molly Childers, Cabaret Queen, Sheneededtherun

 

16:25 – Fillies’ Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (Class 1) (4yo) 2m 1f

Mares’ Juvenile Handicaps are often full of horses just searching for anything to boost their profile when breeding but I do think Havingagoodtime might be a fair sort and she looks well treated.

Via Dell Volte is another mare I think is capable so she’d be the one who might pick up the pieces if the main selection doesn’t get the job done.

Selection – Havingagoodtime

 

16:55 – Mares’ Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+) 2m

Most of this field would usually be seen over further so the race pace could play a big part here.

I do think Happy Diva is the classiest runner here and that’s confirmed by who she’s been racing against and the fact she’s top weight. Even with that weight I think she’s the one to beat but a few of the field might not be suited to this track so it’s hard to pick out any genuine dangers other than Pique Rock who carries a 7lbs winners penalty and, like Happy Diva, has been running over further.

Whatduhavtoget could be the fly in the ointment if she does take to the course.

Selections – Happy Diva, Pique Rock

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