Vega’s always worth a gamble
THE test of the Turners Novices’ Chase could bring about big improvement in Facile Vega at Cheltenham today.
He’s probably disappointed a little bit in his last couple of runs over two miles, but I think stepping up in trip could bring about huge improvement in him and I’d be willing to give him another chance.
Paul Nicholls’ runner Ginny’s Destiny is probably the big danger to him, but Facile Vega could give Willie Mullins and Paul Townend another winner here.
Teahupoo is my banker for today’s action at the Festival and I strongly fancy him to win the Stayers Hurdle after finishing third in the race last year.
He has had much better preparation this season, he was a good winner of the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December and this race has been the plan for him since.
The rain has come, the ground is going to be on the easy side for him, Jack Kennedy is riding out of his skin so he has everything in his favour and he could provide Gordon Elliott with another win in the race.
Ted Walsh has a fancied horse towards the top of the Pertemps market in Gaoth Chuil, but I like Gabbys Cross in this for Henry de Bromhead, with Darragh O’keefe on board.
He’s not the best jumper in the world, but there are only two hurdles in the last seven furlongs of the race so that will help him, he’s a strong stayer and I think he’s a good each-way bet.
Envoi Allen was an excellent winner of the Ryanair Chase 12 months ago and I strongly fancy him to follow up in the race this year.
I’ve been very sweet on him for a long time, he’s been working very well at home and Davy Roche, who rides him out every day, is very happy with him.
The ground is against Banbridge so I think this looks like Envoi Allen’s. He goes well fresh and he could be very hard to beat.
In the Plate Handicap Chase, Crebilly looks to be very well handicapped for Jonjo O’neill. He looks ten pounds well in on his form and could be a good thing here.
Saint Felicien is a novice who could be open to improvement and he has an each-way chance, but my preference would be for Crebilly.
The Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle sees one of the clashes of the week between two really exciting ma resin Brighter days ahead and Jade De Grugy.
Two miles on this course can often prove a stamina test and that will suit Bright er days ahead, who my preference is for.
Derek O’connor had a winner in the last race on Tuesday when partnering Corbetts Cross to victory in the National Hunt Novices’ Chase for JP Mcmanus and he could provide the owner with another success in the Kim Muir.
His mount, I no the way ur think in, looks like he’s been laid out for this race by Gavin Cromwell and he could take all the beating under Derek, who is like having an extra seven pounds in hand in these races.
I was absolutely delighted to see Captain Guinness win the Champion Chase yesterday.
If ever a horse deserved to win a Grade 1, it was him. He’s been knocking on the door for so long.
Henry had him in fantastic form. He’s a great man for getting horses ready for Cheltenham and they’ve all been running great this week.