Another mouthwatering team for our star columnist on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. Check out his exclusive horse-by-horse guide.
16:50 Dads Lad
He’s a horse who won good races for us over both hurdles and fences and has good form around Cheltenham. I think he has the speed for the Grand Annual. We don’t have much of a record in the handicap chases at the Cheltenham Festival but hope to break our duck one day.
16:50 Dinoblue
Has some very good runs in novice races in Ireland. This is her first handicap, but she jumps like a professional and it will be interesting to see if she can cope with what is likely to be a fast and furious pace in the Grand Annual.
17:30 Captain Cody
Jody sticks with him having run well at Punchestown on his first start for us before winning nicely at Limerick. The soft ground will be a big help to him.
17:30 Chapeau De Soleil
Is still a maiden but has been doing some tremendous work at home. His first run for us at Fairyhouse was good but he hung out to his left and the track here should negate that problem. He’s a horse with potential but we’ll have to see if it comes out fully here today.
17:30 Chosen Witness
Won at Limerick on very heavy ground and these conditions will suit. I’d imagine he’ll be one who will be very forward in the race. Things didn’t go right for him at Leopardstown last time and he’s a dour stayer. The more rain that falls the better chance he has.
17:30 Fact To File
Patrick rides him and we think he’s improving. He’s an older horse and I think age is going to be a big factor by the time we come to the last race on Wednesday. Conditions could be very testing by then.
17:30 It’s For Me
The mount of Paul Townend and very impressive at Navan. He has every chance.
17:30 Lecky Watson
Still a maiden albeit winning and getting disqualified at Punchestown. His runs are good enough to book a ticket to this race, but he needs to improve to be involved in the finish.
17:30 Loughglynn
Very impressive and showed all the qualities you’d look for in a future three mile chaser with a brave, dour win at Naas. He’s another who will be staying on all the way up the hill.
17:30 Western Diego
Won very well at Naas and went into a lot of people’s notebooks. He’d be a tough ride, but Rachael Blackmore is booked and he’s one of our top drawer entries and will go close.
17:30 Westport Cove
Looked very smart when winning at Fairyhouse and comes here with his chance. We’re hoping for the best.
17:30 Fun Fun Fun
She impressed me hugely with her win at Leopardstown when I thought she was only half ready. She blew up in that race at the two furlong marker but got her second wind and did it well. She’ll be fitter here and with the seven pounds allowance has every chance.
Follow the Cheltenham Festival on Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org
