It’s always been the plan for CAPTAIN TOM CAT to reappear here at Cheltenham today before embarking on a chase career. Dr Richard Newland’s progressive hurdler racked up a couple of victories in late summer last year and took a similar event here at the course over a similar distance in October. Soft ground didn’t suit after that but his shrewd connections highlighted this race as his likely next target before he enters the novice chase division in the summer. With Cillin Leonard taking a valuable 7lb off I think he is on a workable mark and I’d be surprised if he is out of the frame.
Another horse who should be knocking on the door is STORM GODDESS who hasn’t the best of fortune when running here at Cheltenham previously having unseated twice. However, that run of luck has to change at some point and being the dour stayer that she is she should relish 3 miles around here. A good second at Newbury last time out confirmed she remains in good heart and I’d love to see her get her head in front this time.
Cheltenham 2.40 – Captain Tom Cat
Cheltenham 3.50 – Storm Goddess