Racing’s top tipster on who to back – and avoid – this week
Unbeaten chaser’s technique has been flawless and he is a confident choice to beat small but select field
1.30 The time SUMMERVILLE BOY recorded when winning the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown Park last time marks him as smart and the manner of that victory, when he displayed speed and stamina, suggests the demands of this race should suit him well. Kalashnikov was second that day, having held every chance, and was twice left behind by Summerville Boy. Firstly, he became outpaced turning for home and then, having managed to get back into contention, was outstayed up the hill on the run to the line. Kalashnikov has since won the Betfair Hurdle but my figures suggest he did not improve to do so.
Getabird is unbeaten in four races and clearly smart. He has gears and will prove a tough rival. First Flow is progressing with experience and should give another good account. Claimantakinforgan has proved disappointing after a bright start, particularly at Musselburgh last time.
2.10 A small field, perhaps, but plenty of interest.
FOOTPAD is a confident choice and makes appeal as one of the week’s bankers. He was a smart, if not top-class hurdler, but is proving much better over fences. Yet to be seriously challenged in three chases, when his jumping was impressive. In contrast,
Petit Mouchoir – his superior three times over hurdles – has looked less proficient at his fences and was readily put in his place by Footpad at Leopardstown last month. Saint Calvados has been a revelation since switching to fences, where his front-running style has galloped rivals into submission. He might not enjoy that supremacy here.
Brain Power is useful but it is a concern that he has run poorly on both visits to Cheltenham. 2.50 The unexposed KNIGHT OF NOIR appears to have been saved for this competitive contest, not having run since changing stables following his decisive Chepstow win in late October. Tracks with an uphill finish such as this clearly suit him and he has the advantage that he acts on any ground. Vintage Clouds does not know how to run a bad race and was travelling
well enough when coming down two out in this race a year ago. His brave demeanour, though, means that he does not have easy races and that may tell in the closing stages today. Coo Star Sivola loves Cheltenham but does, perhaps, not win as many races as he should. Yala Enki will love the ground.
3.30 BUVEUR D’AIR could yet become one of the Champion Hurdle legends. He ran out an authoritative winner a year ago and has not had to be anywhere near his best to win all three starts this season. He has done all that was asked and still possesses untapped potential. None of his rivals can boast his cruising speed or turn of foot and he will take some beating.
Faugheen is the one horse that could make a race of it, if he is in the form he showed when winning this in 2015, but that is a big if. His well-publicised stebacks have left him more than a stone short of his peak level.
My Tent Or Yours and Wicklow Brave have place prospects.
4.10 APPLE’S JADE should make the most of an easy opportunity in a race that is one of the weaker contests at the Festival. She has it all and would not be out of place in the Champion Hurdle. La Bague Au Roi can run well.
4.50 MOSSBACK has shown the right attitude for this exacting test in heavy ground, when only the brave will be rewarded. He made the useful Monbeg Notorious work hard at Navan last time. Sizing
Tennessee has a touch of class and should enjoy the trip, but can be prone to errors. No Comment and
Jury Duty both have the assistance of top Irish amatuers, always a plus in this event, and appeal most of the remainder.
4.50 Lightly raced young chasers have fared best in recent seasons and REPORT TO BASE fits that profile.
Any Second Now had been showing a good deal of ability in decent races and should enjoy this lessdemanding level of competition. Gordon Elliott has taken the handicap route with De Plotting Shed, who also had championship race entries at the Festival; this looks a more suitable task.
Kayf Adventure looks on a reasonable mark.