Betting.Bet Cheltenham Ante Post Racing Tips Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:11 | Winning time: 5m 15.35s

Espoir De Romay^p⁵⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-9| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 135| D

9/1

Very capable sort who has been lightly raced in recent seasons. Offered more than on his return when seventh of 12 in a strong race at Newbury (3m) the start of last month and has been dropped 2 lb.

Form: P/52-307

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Lowry's Bar³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 126| C

11/10

Irish point winner who readily maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles when going 3-3 in 5-runner handicap at Wincanton (15.2f, heavy) 36 days ago. Has more to offer, especially now stepped up in trip. Leading claims.

Form: 2-111

Uncle Bert²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 124| BF

5/1

Resumed with victory in 2m4f Perth handicap in September before creditable fourth in Silver Trophy. Not disgraced when fifth at Newbury in early December but ran poorly when pulled up here 4 weeks ago. Bounce back needed.

Form: P-14F5P

Minella Blueway²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 121| CD

15/8

Winning Irish pointer who confirmed previous promise under Rules when easily opening his account in a 14-runner C&D maiden 4 weeks ago. Heads into handicaps now and open to further improvement.

Form: 12-321

Non-Runners

Pentland Hills³⁹

Weight: 12-2| Age: 9

T: N J Henderson J: Freddie Gordon

Wild Max⁵⁷²

Weight: 11-6| Age: 9

T: P F Nicholls J: Harry Cobden

Ree Okka⁴⁰

Weight: 10-10| Age: 8

T: H Fry J: J J Burke

Forecasts

Lowry's Bar (11/10), Minella Blueway (15/8), Pentland Hills (9/2), Uncle Bert (5/1), Espoir De Romay (9/1), Wild Max (10/1), Ree Okka (14/1)

LOWRY'S BAR had more in hand than the final margin suggested on his handicap debut at Wincanton and, with further progress on the cards, especially now upped in trip, he's taken to defy a 6 lb rise and make it 4 from 4 under Rules. Minella Blueway is open to further improvement now switched to a handicap, with veteran Espoir de Romay not taken lightly having been eased 2 lb for finishing seventh in a strong race at Newbury on his most recent outing.