It looks likely that we will have racing on today at Cheltenham and I’m relieved as I’m hopeful regarding a few each way pokes today.
BROKEN QUEST looks a little bit big for me at 20/1 in a race where ground and trip are a concern for a few. David Dennis’ gelding is advancing in years but judging by his last run here he still has plenty of life in him. The shorter trip last time out was against him and he will be much more comfortable with today’s extended trip which should bring his stamina into play and hopefully break his rivals’.
Similar comments in regards price apply to OAKLEY in the 3.00 who looks to have been teed up for this race by trainer Richard Bandey. A really likeable two mile handicap hurdler when under the supervision of Philip Hobbs, it looks like Bandey has brought him back to his best this year. He travelled very well at Wetherby last time out and only tired late on but with that run under his belt at a track where he has ran well before I’m hopeful he can at least bag a place today.
The best bet today, again at 14/1, has to be INDEFATIGABLE. Paul Webber’s mare loves it around here and is back down to the same mark she won the Martin Pipe off a few years back. The step up to three miles here is what really entices me to this mare as she should really improve for it. It’s a flakey enough race for a Cheltenham handicap hurdle and I’m more than hopeful this mare can go close.
Cheltenham 2.25 – Broken Quest
Cheltenham 3.00 – Oakley
Cheltenham 3.35 – Indefatigable
Saturday
The December Gold Cup at Cheltenham looks wide open tomorrow so I am going to have two darts at the board. First up is outsider FERN HILL who won impressively last time out at Uttoxeter. Ben Case’s horse has always looked like the type who could excel over fences and he has to an extent now being rated 140. His accurate fencing technique will stand him in good stead in a race like this and he could outrun his odds.
The eye is always drawn to Venetia Williams‘ horses in these big Saturday races and her FRERO BANBOU could burst onto the scene tomorrow now stepped up in trip. I don’t doubt that he will stay the distance, my only worry would be the ground but he has performed admirably enough the last twice on similar ground to suggest he will handle it. A mark of 141 and a price of 8/1 could look very silly tomorrow.
Cheltenham 1.50 – Fern Hill / Frero Banbou
