The rain has finally arrived and we should have decent sized fields for the Open Meeting at Cheltenham. More Of That (9/2 from 6s) is the new favourite for the BetVictor Gold Cup with Paul Nicholls‘ Frodon out to 5/1 ahead of this morning’s 48-hour declaration stage. Remember BetVictor are betting each way six places on the race to celebrate their sponsorship.
In the opener at Ludlow this afternoon Happy Diva (1.35) is taken to break her maiden tag for Kerry Lee whose string have been running so well, albeit in defeat, of late. The selection is not one of the stables’ stars but she has shown enough over timber to suggest she could take a modest contest – and this is a moderate contest.
The Oliver Sherwood yard are quiet at present but a couple of their string have run well in defeat and I hope to see Moscato (2.35) get his head in front having shown distinct promise over timber when third at Ascot last month. The grey is a decent stayer on the flat and he looks sure to appreciate this step up in trip to 2m 5f having ran over the minimum distance of 2m on his hurdles debut.
I thought By The Boardwalk was given too much to do at Exeter last time but jumped and travelled as if he was coming to hand, and the handicapper has seen fit to drop the selection by a couple of pounds. He must go close but if Basford Ben (3.05) gets a soft lead in front he could take some pegging back. The selection is 7lbs higher than when scoring at Carlisle back in May but he won by a long looking 11 lengths on that occasion and, if in the same mood, might not be for passing.
At Towcester Londonia (1.15) has a feather-weight to travel and might be good enough to add to his Ffos Las win back in June for Graeme McPherson. The four-year-old didn’t have the race run to suit on the level at Kempton last time but this stiff two miles should suit.
Tanit River (1.45) has often suggested that he would be well served be a thorough test of stamina and he is tried over an extended 3m for the first time in the four-runner novices’ handicap chase. The selection has finished runner up in his last couple of starts but on each occasion he was doing his best work at the end. There is plenty of stamina in the distaff side of the family and the Tim Vaughan stable are in good form.
The feature is the 2m 6f Handicap Chase and there is plenty of pace in the race with Always On The Run and Jimmy The Jetplane confirmed front-runners and I will take a chance on Milan Bound (3.15) who will have the race run to suit and made a pleasing reappearance over timber for Jonjo O’Neill. I would be happier if the yard were back amongst the winners but they look primed to hit top form sooner rather than later and it would be a nice fillip for the yard if they had a winner on the eve of the Cheltenham Open Meeting.
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