12:15 Cheltenham

Monday 1 January 2018

All12:1512:5013:2514:0014:3515:1015:45

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Listed)

Off time: 12:15 | Winning time: 5m 26.5s

Ainchea²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Cooper| T: C L Tizzard

4/1

Flemensfirth gelding, cost €155,000 as a three-year-old. Confirmed the promise of a good second here on debut when winning at Sandown last time. This looks tougher but likely to improve for step up in trip and make his presence felt.

Form: 21

Aye Aye Charlie⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien

4/1

Was running a big race here at the International meeting before falling 3 out. Proven over this trip and won a bumper on soft ground. While there's no doubt he needs to improve, it's still early days and that's possible for a yard hitting some form.

Form: 3614-3F

My Charity³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 121

40/1

Has improved for the switch to hurdles, and followed a placed effort at Worcester with a good third of 11 at Doncaster last time out, albeit had little chance with the winner. Others bring stronger form-lines to the table.

Form: 5-523

Ollie Vaar^h1³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: L Heard| T: R J Price

100/1

Has shown some promise on both career starts but this by far his toughest test to date and not easy to make a case for. Wears a first-time hood.

Form: PF-54

Onefortheroadtom⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Geraghty| T: H Fry| BF

8/1

Point-to-point winner who scored on Rules debut at Exeter before he was turned over when odds on at Worcester last time, looking in need of a step up in trip. Gets that here and capable of resuming progress for powerful connections.

Form: 1-13

Springtown Lake²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 139| D

7/2

Had the beating of My Charity at Worcester on seasonal return and would have won again at Wincanton if not for an unlucky fall at the last. Good second behind a high-class rival in a Sandown Grade 2 last time and this looks easier. Leading claims.

Form: 202-1F2

Tikkanbar⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland

3/1

Won a couple of bumpers in testing ground before he was a little out of his depth in Grade 2 Aintree bumper. Taking return at Plumpton saw him justify favouritism but has to prove he can do it back up in Grade now. Proven in the conditions at least.

Form: 2110-1

Whatmore³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Andrew Tinkler| T: H D Daly| OR: 132

9/1

Won back-to-back races five months apart at Aintree and Bangor respectively and left with a bit too much to do when close fourth at Haydock last time. Has a bit to do on official ratings with Springtown Lake but not ruled out if handling conditions.

Form: 42R-114

Forecasts

Tikkanbar (3/1), Springtown Lake (7/2), Ainchea (4/1), Aye Aye Charlie (4/1), Onefortheroadtom (8/1), Whatmore (9/1), My Charity (40/1), Ollie Vaar (100/1)

The form of SPRINGTOWN LAKE's latest effort looks strong and he was unlucky not to win the time before when falling after the last. A repeat of those efforts may be enough to take this contest. Whatmore perhaps should have won at Haydock last time and is likely to appreciate his first try at this trip today. Tikkanbar was impressive when winning on return and deserves a crack at this level.