On previous years, this approach has proven a winner!
1:30 Cheltenham -
Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Aidan Coleman in the ownership of J P McManus. Unbeaten and hoping to remain that way. Henderson has Constitution Hill who could well start favourite.
2nd 5/1 -1pt
2:10 Cheltenham -
The Arkle Trophy. I do like Alan King as a trainer who knows his horses and I will be hoping Edwardstone can continue his good form of four wins after being brought down back in early November. This son of Kayf Tara out of the mare Nothingtoloose has been in flying form as an eight-year-old and I will be betting on the nose.
1st 5/2 +2.5pts
2:50 Cheltenham -
A giant field of 24 for the Ultima Handicap Chase over 3m 1f. A very open race with the favourite Floueur priced 15/2, but I'm opting for Kim Bailey's Does He Know whose been in very consistent form with three out of four wins this year and a second place. A course and distance winner, I'll be having a small each-way bet on this gelding.
Unp 11/1 -1pt
3:30 Cheltenham -
The Champion Hurdle Trophy. A smaller field of eight horses aged from 7 - 10 years of age. Rachel Blackmore, who was the toast of Cheltenham & the Grand National last season has a prime opportunity to get her name in the headlines riding Henry De Bromhead's Honeysuckle who is an exceptional mare unbeaten in 14 starts. Last year saw her win this race in impressive fashion. The ground will be a touch faster this year but the crowd will be willing this partnership to win in style.
1st 8/11 + 0.72pts
4:10 Cheltenham -
One for the girls - The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle over 2m 4f. 12 horses take part jumping 10 hurdles. Willie Mullins gets the nod here with Stormy Ireland with Paul Townsend in the plate. This course and distance winner, she finished 5th in this race back in 2020 when behind Honeysuckle. This slightly faster going may help.
4th 7/2 -1pt
4:50 Cheltenham -
I do like the Juvenile Hurdles over 2m 1/2f. Another large field of 22 runners. Gaelic Warrior heads the field for Willie Mullins. I'm having a small each-way bet on Joseph Patrick O'Brien's Champion Green in the familiar silks of J P McManus who is a 12/1 shot. Rachel Blackmore takes the ride and I get the feeling she's going to have a very good day.
Unp 14/1 -1pt
5:30 Cheltenham -
The smallest race of the day. I'm sure a few punters will be using this as their get out of jail stakes. Amateur jockeys at the ready and Mr J J Codd gets my vote for this 3m 6f chase with 23 fences. Run Wild Fred isn't much of a price but with an official rating of 158 he could have an advantage on the field.
2nd 15/8 -1pt
Total on the day - 1.78pts
Good luck to all.
