THE SCOUT, BRITAIN’S No1 TIPSTER, ON TODAY’S FESTIVAL RACES
1.30 (ITV, RUK)
KALASHNIKOV can get the meeting off to an explosive start for punters. Amy Murphy’s runner won the Grade Three Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in scintillating style and that bodes well for a big run here even though he is now up to Grade One level for the first time. Kalashnikov is a really consistent type as his form figures of 11121 underline. Getabird, from the Willie Mullins’ winners factory, is a worthy favourite after winning a Grade Two at Punchestown last time out. Burst clear of his rivals that day and his turn of foot could be seen to good effect here.
2.10 (ITV, RUK)
FOOTPAD can take this prize back to Ireland for the MullinsWalsh partnership. After a near 200-day break he has run up a terrific sequence of three wins, improving for each run. Ended his pre-Cheltenham campaign with a decisive defeat of Petit Mouchoir in the Grade One Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown, where he came home five lengths clear of that rival. Petit Mouchoir was no match for him that day and it might be left to the improving Saint Calvados to chase Footpad home.
2.50 (ITV, RUK)
COO STAR SIVOLA has a great chance under Lizzie Kelly, who has had a fantastic season so far. Her mount produced a career-best performance when storming home by 14l at Exeter last time out. Hard to know what he beat that day, but he is definitely on the upgrade.
There are dangers aplenty in this big field and each-way punters could be well served by supporting Gold Present, who won a Listed race at Ascot last time.
3.30 (ITV, RUK)
See pages 30-31
4.10 (ITV, RUK)
APPLE’S JADE (nap) can land this for the talented Jack Kennedy, who will be riding for Festival specialist Gordon Elliott. Apple’s Jade has won his last five on the spin, culminating with a hard-fought success from Supasundae in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The former Mullinstrained winner will go off at odds-on so each-way players might like to consider siding with La Bague Au Roi, trained by Warren Greatrex. Richard Johnson takes the ride on the seven-year-old
who stayed on strongly when winning at Ascot in January. MS PARFOIS (treble) has the size and stamina to take this. Wasn’t suited by slow gallop at Ascot when second to Black Corton, but lack of pace is not going to be an issue here with 16 amateur riders vying for a good position in this four-miler. With the talented Will Biddick in the plate, Ms Parfois looks the one to beat.
Elliott has won this in two of the last three years and his
Jury Duty must be respected. The sevenyear-old has been a model of consistency this season with two wins and three seconds from five outings.
MISTER WHITAKER (nb) can score for footballer-turned trainer Mick Channon. Took his form to a new level with a win over the course last time. The ground that day was softer than he had ever encountered before and it will be even deeper this afternoon.
Provided he can cope he should give a good account with Brian Hughes doing the steering. Although yet to win over fences, De Potting Shed looks the main threat.