Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Cheltenham Festival 2013 - Thursday

Struggling for time today, so quick picks for tomorrow's races...

1.30 Jewson: On official ratings Dynaste has upwards of nine pounds in hand over the field and is the form selection.

2.05 Pertemps Hurdle: Paul Nicholls has said Sam Winner is his best chance of a winner at the entire meeting while Dan Skelton put up American Trilogy as the stable's best outsider of the entire meet. A look through American Trilogy's form suggests he may not quite stay this trip - I prefer Warwick winner Ely Brown who has shown plenty of improvement for Charlie Longsdon and rates an each-way wager at around the 20/1 mark.

2.40 Ryanair Chase: Only eight runners but a rather trappy looking affair. Riverside Theatre, owned by James Nesbitt and partners, beat Albertas Run in this last year; Albertas is probably past his best at the age of twelve but he has proved a fine servant who shows his best form on good ground. Cue Card has been diverted from the Champion Chase, First Lieutenant the Gold Cup, while Menorah doesn't jump well enough. In the past eight renewals the winner has come form the first three in the bettng on seven occasions - First Lieutenant hasn't won since his novice days so Cue Card gets the vote.

3.20 World Hurdle: No Big Buck's so an open-looking affair. Reve De Sivola's neck defeat of Oscar Whisky at the track seven weeks ago is a key piece of form. Doubts about Oscar Whisky's ability to stay the trip were dispelled that day and the drying ground may just help Nicky Henderson's charge - I'm going to give Oscar Whisky another chance...

4.00 Byrne Group Plate: Ballynagour made an impression on his debut in this country for the Pipe yard but course and distance winner Hunt Ball is given an each-way chance over this trip on drying ground.

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