Good racing yesterday. What a finish by Champ in the RSA! Envoi Allen looks something special and Politologue causes a huge upset in the Queen Mother (I was finally right about Defi De Seuil!). Tiger Roll ran well in defeat. Winner looked good. A third National looks beyond him but what a racehorse he's proved to be.
Thursday:
1:30 - Fascinating opener and I'd love to see Faugheen and Samcro battle it out. It's mad to think that Faugheen only won one Champion Hurdle such was his dominance in the division in the past. Last years third in the Supreme Itchy Feet is obvious threat as is fast improving Mr Fisher who I'd just about make my selection given stable form. Reserve Tank is a really interesting one each way who hasn't been seen since November but will improve bundles with a bit of sun on his back.
2:10 - Always difficult. Davy Russell has won this in his last three rides and The Storyteller is a very good horse so no surprise the market has found him as well as bumper winner Relegate. Such a big field I'd rather take one at a bigger price. Jatilwuh is interesting, as are Guitar Pete and Kilbricken Storm but I like the way A Great View has been plotted for this and he's the each way selection.
2:50 - I've been very strong on A Plus Tard for a while in this since his visually impressive win in the novice handicap last year was backed up with a grade 1 victory over Chacun Pour Soi. However, he has 4lbs to find on Min still and 2lb to find on Frodon. I'm not 100% convinced Min shows his very best form at Cheltenham. Frodon on the other hand has done little wrong this year, picking up a good grade 2 last time out and losing little in defeat to Lost In Translation in a gruelling Betfair Chase. I could see him repeating here although I can't shake the feeling he's vulnerable to a real Grade 1 performer. A Plus Tard is a tentative win selection assuming that as a 6 year old he continues to improve. I could see one of the three market principles flopping and Aso has always run well in this and looks a decent place bet at 25/1.
3:30 - Paisley Park looks leagues ahead. They tried every trick in the book to get him beat last time and he still won. The rest is a who's who of exposed 3m Hurdlers. I could see any one of Bacardys, L'Ami Serge, Penhill, Summerville Boy, City Island, Tobefair hitting the frame. Apples Jade wears headgear (I think for the first time?) but I feel she's lost enthusiasm for it. Each way selection would be either Emitom for Warren Greatrix who won this with Cole Harden (though his last run at Cheltenham was dire) or Ronald Pump who may not have the quality but is an unknown entity at this point.
4:10 - no strong fancy. I like Springtown Lake and Ben Dundee e/w
4:50 - Market usually finds the winner and it looks like it will be Minella Melody. with Willie Mullins' Concertista the obvious danger.
5:30 - Lot of good Amatuer riders in this nowadays. Again, market has found them. I'd give Milan Native or Diese Aba a go at prices.
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