WOT A CHANCE TO WIN
BOOST your Festival war chest with WOTZIZNAME (3.40) in the South West Racing Chase at Taunton.
A useful hurdler, Harry Fry’s gelding has taken well to fences and recorded a career best when beating the classy Mount Mews in novice company at Doncaster last time.
The eight-year-old won’t mind any cut in the ground and can improve again stepped up to 3m 4f by his in-form handler.
GEORGINA JOY (2.10) can claim a competitive handicap hurdle for trainer Nigel Hawke.
The five-year-old put in her best effort to date over timber when second to Hoo Bally Diva over course and distance and remains unexposed as a stayer.
The 2m 4f handicap hurdle is also trappy but I’m rowing in with VADO FORTE (4.10). Tom Lacey’s gelding is thriving over timber and should relish this step up in trip after chasing home The Dubai Way over two miles at Warwick.
GENERAL GIRLING (4.20) has hit form and Ron Hodges’ veteran remains well handicapped after his good recent second at Wincanton.
■ Willie Mullins revealed that Douvan is likely to go for Thursday’s Ryanair Chase at the Festival.
The trainer believes the 2m 5f Grade 1 is an easier option for the superstar’s belated comeback than a clash with stablemate Min in Wednesday’s Champion Chase.
The Closutton handler has a particularly strong hand in the Ryanair as he will also be represented by defending champion Un De Sceaux.
Mullins also said Faugheen would wear first-time cheekpieces in tomorrow’s Champion Hurdle.
The gelding will be fitted with the headgear in a bid to help him recapture the form that saw him land the Grade 1 two years ago.
Faugheen is one of 13 entries for tomorrow’s Champion Hurdle where he clashes with title-holder Buveur D’Air and stablemate Yorkhill. Footpad, Saint Calvados and Petit Mouchoir are among five in a cracking renewal of the Arkle while red-hot favourite Getabird heads 20 in the Supreme.
Noel Meade is confident about the chances of Road To Respect in Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The progressive chaser is fighting fit and the trainer believes he will stay the stiff 3m 2f at the Prestbury venue if the going is not too soft.