Racing
Cheltenham betting tips: Santini could have the beating of Bristol De Mai
Our horse racing guru Cheltmental nailed the Win 6 in this meeting last year and repeated the trick more recently at Newbury. He’s confident of another strong showing this time and reckons that Santini, in particular, will take all the beating. He’s trying to take down the £10,000 Win 6. Agree with his selections? Then join his Syndicate here.
Cheltmental: “Having successfully navigated the Win 6 in this Trials Day last year and, more recently, at Newbury this season, I’m hopeful of another bold show. In particular I’m confident in the last three races so happy to play with cover early on.”
12:40 – THE FINESSE (GRADE 2) – 2M 1F
Not the greatest renewal of this race and if any bets were to be struck then price would have to be a huge driver as there’s a good amount of unknown.
MONTE CRISTO will be favourite given connections and probably does set the form standard, although I wouldn’t be marking him down as a 140 like the BHA have.
ROWLAND WARD is very interesting, but the ground might not be as dry as he’d like to show his best, which he will need at this level.
GALAHAD QUEST needs to show more than he has done but he’s progressive and well thought of.
GEROLAMO CARDANO was a good winner of his only start, and despite the form taking a heavy knock after I think with normal progression, he could run well.
Selections – MONTE CRISTO, ROWLAND WARD, GALAHAD QUEST, GEROLAMO CARDANO
13:15 – NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE – 2M 5F
IMPERIAL AURA looks to be the standout runner in this race but he’s going to be short. Of course, being the standout runner he’s entitled to be short, however there comes a point where there might be better value options elsewhere, or at least for cover.
MERCY MERCY ME could be better than his current mark if he’s now sound but having been so lightly raced there’s always some caution to be taken. GOWITHTHEFLOW will be interesting tactically in here, especially if trying to force the issue and I like the horse.
SULLY DOC AA is another I like and I’m adamant he’s better than 127 so at a bigger price he’s likely to be shouldering some of my support. COURT MASTER comes here in good form, and while it’s not to be taken literally, has that winning point form in front of top weight JARVEY’S PLATE and is 26lbs better off here despite being 1lb out of the handicap.
Selections – IMPERIAL AURA, SULLY DOC AA, MERCY MERCY ME, COURT MASTER, GOWITHTHEFLOW
13:50 – HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) – 2M 5F
Looks a tidy enough Handicap with a few in with definite chances. LALOR was good the last day and can go well again, as can WARTHOG. SPIRITOFTHEGAMES was a bit unfortune he bumped into WARTHOG the last day but it was good to see him back to some level of form and I give him a chance.
COUNT MERIBEL is always interesting in these types of races and HIGHWAY ONE O ONE is just 2lb higher than when second in this race last year. MY WAY is a rogue of a horse and may never win a race, but the cheekpieces did appear to help and despite being 1lb out of the handicap he carries a featherweight.
Selections – LALOR, WARTHOG, SPIRITOFTHEGAMES, COUNT MERIBEL, HIGHWAY ONE O ONE, MY WAY
14:25 – COTSWOLD CHASE (GRADE 2) – 3M 2F
On paper this looks a nice competitive race and this is one the bookies seems to have priced up about right. SANTINI is the one I’d like to see take this and I think he’ll come out on top. BRISTOL DE MAI away from Cheltenham might prove a bigger threat to him (unless it was Newbury) but he should be next best in here.
Pace will play a huge part in how he fares I think because I’m not sure he’s suited to a really strong gallop at this track. DE RASHER COUNTER is a nice horse and despite his Ladbroke Trophy win being knocked, I thought it was a good effort and I think he will prove best of the rest.
Selection – SANTINI
15:00 – THE CLASSIC NOVICES’ HURDLE – 2M 5F
KING ROLAND might well be one of the good things of the day and I couldn’t convincingly oppose him for win purposes but I do think there are a few interesting runners in here.
That said, the likes of HOUSE ISLAND, ROCKET LAD, TIME FLIES BY & HARRY SENIOR might just be having a decent battle for the places.
Selection – KING ROLAND
15:35 – CLEEVE HURDLE (GRADE 2) – 3M
PAISLEY PARK is undoubtably the one to beat but it’s interesting to see how IF THE CAP FITS & SUMMERVILLE BOY fair. They both have their own questions to answer so the likes of KILBRICKEN STORM & L’AMI SERGE will be popular for the places.
Selection – PAISLEY PARK
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