Browne’s Bookmakers, Listowel

IN the Supreme Novice it’s all about Melon at the moment. He was very impressive last time out. He ticks all the boxes and Willie Mullins has a great record in the race. He’s not going anywhere else as this has been his target race now for some time. Altior isa super star in the making and it’s just a case of sitting back and enjoying this one. In the Champion Hurdle it looks an open contest and everything that was considered favourite has gone out of it. Nicky Henderson has a strong hand in the race but maybe Petiti Mouchor for Henry De Bromhead ticks a lot of boxes and I think he’ll go off favourite on the day.

In the RSA Chase, Alpha Des Obeaux is one I’d give a squeak to at around 12/1. He ran second to Thistlecrack last year in the Stayers’ Hurdle and I think Mouse Morris will have him in top form. Douvan is proving to be one of the greats and he’ll take some stopping in the Champion Chase. But Sire De Grugy is a horse that always runs a great race and he might be the best of the rest. But there’s unlikely to be many runners in the race, so in terms of an each way bet it’s not so good.

In the Cross Country Chase, Cantlow off level weights is one definitely with a great chance and around 5/2 is probably a fair price. In Thursday’s JLT Chase, if Yorkhill goes in this race even at a skinny 2/1 or 7/4 - he could be the real deal. In the Ryanair Chase it looks like Un De Sceaux will be the one to beat and even around 3/1 looks a good price. But there’s also horses like Josses Hill and Vroum Vroum Mag entered in the race. In the Stayers’ Hurdle, Jezki for me at 6/1 ‘non-runner no bet’ is definitely way too big. This is a hard race to win but Jezki for me at 6/1 is a giveaway. There’s no way he goes off at that price if he runs.

The Triumph Hurdle on the Friday used to be a minefield of a race until they split it with the Fred Winter Hurdle. As a result, it’s a little easier to back the winner than it used to be and the Triumph has had top of the market winners over the last few years. Defi Du Seuil is probably the one to beat.

In the Gold Cup, Thistelcrack’s omission makes it interesting. But the best of the Irish is Djakadam for me and he’s done well to be placed in the past two years. He’s now an 8 year old which fits the profile of the race. He jumps and he stays and if there’s any chink in the armour this fella could find it. I thought he ran well last time out and there’s only ever been one day for this horse in Willie’s mind and that’s Gold Cup day. It’s Djakadam for me.

“Cheltenham always produces its fair share of basket chases, but every owner, trainer, and jockey long to be there in March, if only once in a lifetime.” - Bill Barich.

Berkie Browne of Brownes Bookmakers, Listowel