THE SANTI CLAUSE
SANTINI (2:25) can turn on the style for Polly Gundry in the Betfair Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
The gelding has never quite equalled his cracking second in the 2020 Gold Cup for Nicky Henderson but the nine-year-old is back on a winning mark so he can score for his talented new handler.
Some exciting types clash in the novice hurdle but I’m backing HARTUR D’OUDAIRIES (12:05). Dan
Skelton’s charge rates a sure-fire improver after routing Robelli on his timber bow at Warwick.
CORACH RAMBLER (12:40) looks another excellent novice chase prospect for Lucinda Russell after opening his account over fences with a highly impressive defeat of Sail Away at Aintree. The seven-year-old looks a proper Graded performer.
The Catesby Handicap
Hurdle is very trappy but I’ll go with BROOMFIELD BURG (1:15). Nicky Henderson’s horse is nicely unexposed after his second to Silent Revolution at Newbury.
The mares’ handicap chase is even trickier but I’m on TIMELESS BEAUTY (1:50).
Promising over timber, the six-year-old daughter of Yates bolted up from Lilith on her fencing debut at Lingfield.
DIESEL D’ALLIER (3:00) will be revved-up for a big run in the Glenfarclas CrossCountry Chase.
The grey was a good third to Back On The Lash over track and trip on debut and will be fighting fit so he can put that experience to good use in another hot contest.
SPORTING JOHN (3:35) can continue his revival for Phillip Hobbs in the Citipost Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old’s chasing career stalled last term but he hacked up on his return to timber here. The gelding remains well-treated in this sphere so he can strike again with the minimum of fuss.
PARICOLOR (2:05) can shade the MansionBet Handicap Hurdle at Bangor for David Pipe after the five-yearold put in another fine shift when second to the welltreated Starsky at Doncaster.
The gelding is open to plenty of progress as a stayer so he can go one better in a weaker event.