Thankfully the punter on Envoi Allen cashed out for a cool quarter of a million before the race as Cheltenham can bring you down to Earth with a bang!
JCB Triumph Hurdle
This looks between the long-time Irish favourite Zanahyr and the highly rated English challenger Tritonic. I have been highly impressed by the former and although a short price, Zanahiyr is a confident selection to continue the Irish dominance.
McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle
Always a difficult race to figure out – when Martin Brassil sends a horse to Cheltenham his chance must be respected and You Raised Me Up had a nice comeback win in Naas recently. However I am going for a big eyecatcher last time out, Éclair de Beaufeu each way at 12/1 in this.
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
The potato race is usually won by a horse with experience who stays really well and for me Barbados Bucks each way at 15/2, off three wins on the bounce, fits the bill.
WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Blue Riband and the race every National Hunt owner would love to win. Al Boum Photo bids to make history by winning three in a row and has every chance to do so. Champ is a danger and Minello Indo could run a big race but I’m sticking with the reigning champ who is currently a very backable 3/1.
St James’ Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
Billaway is plenty short short at 3/1 and I will take a chance on last year’s winner It Came To Pass each way at 8/1. Staker Wallace could run a big race also.
Mrs Paddy power Mares Chase
Elimay is three from four over fences and her only defeat was a second to Allaho, who scorched his rivals in the Ryanair Chase yesterday. Banker material, Colreevy for the forecast.
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Gentleman de Mee from the Mullins yard has been backed as if defeat is out of the question. Langer Dan was very impressive in winning the Imperial Cup last weekend. Gabynako from the Cromwell yard has to be respected. Top three in the betting at time of writing so not much value here. I would slightly favour the Mullins camp.
Happy Punting!