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The Cheltenham Open Meeting kicks off with some of the hottest novice chasers currently in the game. Won last year by Grands Crus, and previously by ‘The Tank’ Denman, this race is unusually a good pointer towards the RSA Chase four months later at the festival in March. Two of last season’s top hurdlers were DYNASTE and FINGAL BAY, and they will lock horns here for the Pipe and Hobbs stables respectively. Carlito Brigante, Unioniste and Thehillosuisneach make up the numbers, but it seriously looks a two horse race. Dynaste has supposedly been pleasing connections really well since schooling began back home, and rated 161 over hurdles, he gave Big Bucks a scare, albeit a very quick and swiftly despatched one. Fingal Bay gives him 5lb, and although rated lower over hurdles, he looks like he was always going to be a chaser, and is a very physically imposing colt. He won his novice chase in good style, and although not overly impressive, that is just his style of running. I expect him to win this, en route to tackling The Feltham Chase at Kempton.
The two mile handicap chase is a one that Nicky Henderson has a tremendous record in, and it is no surprise to see him with a strong chance here once again with Tanks For That under Barry Geraghty. Kid Cassidy goes under AP McCoy and is a warm favourite for the champ. Oh Crick finished seventh in this race last year off a 3lb lower mark, and the likes of Free World, Takeroc and Salute Him would have to be passed due to terrible recent form, albeit with lowering handicap marks. Consigliere is of interest for the Pipe team, with the teams heralded record in handicaps around Prestbury Park, obviously warrants respect. The one who strikes most appeal is SILVER ROQUE for the rejuvenated Fergal O’ Brien yard, with Paddy Brennan on board. Up 2lb for finishing second to a next time out winner in the form of Gus Macrae, and looks to still is a well handicapped horse.
The Grade 2 novices hurdle looks a cracker, where Dodging Bullets is an extremely warm favourite after hacking up over course and distance last month. He was far from disgraced when finishing fourth in The Triumph hurdle, before the finishing sixth at Aintree and does look potentially very good, but not for me. Nor is Tominator, with the stable form being questionable, barring a double on Wednesday. RIVER MAIGUE was a horse I followed keenly last season, winning his second of two bumpers after being snapped up after a good point to point win. He won his bumper in impressive fashion and could be the dark horse in the field. Court Minstrel is also respected, but giving weight away to the field, could be vulnerable.
The rest of the three races look a very tricky punting proposition, with the cross country, an apprentice handicap and an amateur riders race rounding off the card. The one from the three that strikes most appeal looks to be TITAN DE SARTI, who looks to be way better than a mark of 123 suggest. Jeremiah McGrath is possibly the best apprentice in the field, and with the money already coming in, he could be a good thing. He finished third in a good maiden hurdle behind Court Minstrel and The Romford Pele, and the second won in a very facile manner yesterday. The rest of the form is very, very strong.
1.15 Cheltenham – Fingal Bay (Nap)
1.50 Cheltenham – Silver Roque
2.25 Cheltenham – River Maigue
3.35 Cheltenham – Titan De Sarti (Nb)
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
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