1.30 Another novice race that seems to have gone the way of the Irish in recent years and in Ballyburn they have what looks on paper a red hot favourite , odds on and rightly so he does look something special. But there is a bit of value to be had in a stable mate I believe. Mercury was something of a talking horse a couple of years ago when he made his debut in a bumper ( trainer full of praise that day too ) It’s taken a while for him to come good , but his jumping was really good at times and he won the last race with terrific ease. Advised Bet Mercury 1/2 pt ew @ 28’1 Bet365
Cheltenham 2.10 There is another Irish hot pot in this in the shape of Fact To File according to the betting . There is no doubting he brings some very strong form into the contest and he should take the beating. But I am going for a small sporting bet on Sandor Clegane who is a bit of late developer over fences , but I thought there were definite signs he was getting his act together last time out , he is a very strong stayer & looked a little unlucky in last years Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle ( just got going a bit too late in the day ) and that showed he was a far bit better over hurdles than some of these way shorter in the betting for this. Advised Bet Sandor Clegane 1/2 pt ew @ 20’1
2.50 This is a race that can often fall to a big priced one & big field handicap form is an always a big plus point as a starting point. Current favourite Sa Majeste has none of that so looks pretty vulnerable to me. This can be said for plenty at the head of the market. Two that have those credentials are last years winner Langer Dan ( same mark as last year’s win too and trainer has few peers when it comes to targeting one for a handicap ) , Maxxum who has not raced over this short a trip since October 2022, but he has sometimes shaped (including in last year’s Pertemps Final here) as if the return to this sort of trip would suit & Brazil who won the 4yo handicap at 2022 Festival on his sole appearance at Cheltenham ( owner also likes a winner or two in the handicap ) . Advised Bets Langer Dan 1/2 pt ew @ 8’1 firms offering 6 places , Maxxum 1/2 pt ew @ 40’1 firms offering 6 places & Brazil 1/2 pt ew @ 16’1 firms offering 6 places
3.30 A race that often falls to one with winning form at this track , so that would discount half the field . With the 4 that remain one stands out above all the rest in the shape of El Fabiolo who would be unbeaten since coming over form France , but for a last flight blunder at Aintree in 2022 ( nearly got back up to win after ) The rest have got plenty to find in my view. Advised bet El Fabiolo 2pt win @ 8’15
4.10 A novelty cross country race that has been dominated by Gordon Elliot for some time now 7 who has 3 of the 4 in the top half of the betting. I am surprised to see blinkers go on Delta Work who has won this the last twice , so that rather puts me off as it could be a hint that the old fellow is going a bit sour. Galvin who was runner up last year just seems to have lost some spark this season , so that leaves Coko Beach who has some very strong form and who looked a complete natural over these types of fences at Punchestown. Advised Bet Coko Beach 1pt ew @ 4’1
4.50 Another handicap that often falls to a big priced winner and often to one who has experience in group 1 or 2 races. That brings in the 2 Skelton runners Calico ( who likes to get on with things and is pretty nimble and quick on his day ) & Unexpected Party ( has found life tough in strong handicaps and Graded company since but he has been cut some slack by the handicapper as a result ) they both could run big races at decent prices for a trainer who excels at targeting these big field handicaps . Advised Bets Calico 1/2 pt ew @ 20’1 firms offering 5 places & Unexpected Party 1/2 pt ew @ 16’1 / 14’1 firms offering 5 places
5.10 A race that is usually dominated by the Mullins yard and they have 9 runners this year . Picking them apart can be very tricky as they are often very lightly raced , but I often think Patrick Mullens the son of the trainer has more idea than most of the strengths of those runners considering he rides most of them in their races previously or schools them at home. This year he has gone for Jasmin De Vaux and that looks a vote of confidence worth noting. Advised Bet Jasmin De Vaux 1pt ew @ 6’1 firms offering 5 places