1.30 – This looks like a cracker of an opening race and the crowd will be setting the place alight as these turn in for home. I respect most of these but it’s CONSTITUTION HILL that has impressed me the most this year especially with how he has quickened in deep ground at Sandown. Not many finish at Sandown like he has twice this season and that’s enough to convince me that he might just be a bit special. He has bags of speed and will stay further so he ticks all the boxes here.
2.10 – If EDWARDSTONE was trained by Henderson or Mullins I think he would be an odds on shot here. He’s danced every dance so far this season and has done so in great style. He jumps, he travels and he quickens which is exactly what the Arkle demands. The Irish look closely matched but neither capture my imagination quite like Edwardstone does and I hope he rewards my confidence.
2.50 – VINTAGE CLOUDS was a winning tip for this column last year and it looks as if connections have mapped his season around this race again. He is a year older but he was 11 last year and won in fine style so I don’t see why he can’t put a bold showing in again. He had ran well in this race many times before winning it last year so he clearly loves the track and represents good value at 28/1.
I was on a preview panel with Stan Sheppard on Sunday and he gave a good mention to his ride Tea Clipper so keep an eye on him too.
3.30 – You have to be against Honeysuckle here I think as she represents no value whatsoever. APPRECIATE IT looked a ‘worldy’ here last year when bolting up in the Supreme and although he hasn’t been seen since I think he has a right chance here. Fitness won’t be an issue given his connections and I’m pretty sure, although they haven’t said it, they quite fancy him to go close here.
4.10 – It could be a good day for Willie Mullins today as he has three good chances in this. STORMY IRELAND is rock solid for me and her form at Cheltenham, especially the last day, is really impressive. She is the proven horse in the race and her rivals have to improve to win this in my eyes. At 6/1 she is a serious each way bet.
4.50 – A really interesting race this and I wouldn’t normally advise this but I wouldn’t put anyone off the favourite here despite the fact no one has seen him race on these shores yet. On his French form GAELIC WARRIOR is absolutely thrown in off 129 and connections haven’t hidden the regard they hold him in. He could be a rare festival handicap good thing.
5.30 – I’ve been mad keen on RUN WILD FRED for months now and I like how the race has taken shape. He is a dour stayer with a touch of class who boasts plenty of experience over fences which is a key credential in this race. Gordon Elliott has mapped his season around this race and given he is so good at laying a horse out for a day you have to really respect his chance.
