Cheltenham on Saturday 28th is the main meeting of the weekend, and they hold a very competitive 7 race card. The card starts at 12.55 with the JCB Triumph Hurdle qualifier, and plenty of pointers can be had from this race regarding the ‘big one’ at the Cheltenham Festival. All are unexposed and looking to improve, so ultra tough to pick a winner, but those in with a chance are Pearl Swan, Hinterland and Sadler’s Risk, with the latter being the selection. Phillip Hobbs was pleased with his debut win over hurdles and he should improve a good deal from it. It’s over 2 miles and 1 furlong, which should be ideal for him, especially with the ground looking to be racing with a bit of cut. Paul Nicholls is mob handed at Cheltenham this Saturday, so it’ll be interesting to see how much prize money he picks up on the way to another Champion Trainer title. He has entries in every Cheltenham race this Saturday and those from his yard that stand out are Hinterland (12.55), Criqtonic (1.30), Aerial (2.05), The Minack (2.35), Rocky Creek (3.10) and Edgardo Sol (4.15). All have win chances and so are worth a look at in the market. The 3.40 race will be viewed by millions, not just from a betting perspective, but for the fact that Big Bucks goes for yet another win. Again Paul Nicholls is the trainer, and if this horse wins, which he should, then to roof will come off the grandstand. It will surely be his final race before he heads of to the Cheltenham Festival in March, so fingers crossed he can win yet another big race. Cheltenham is a left handed, galloping, undulating and testing track, with stiff hurdles and fences. The Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster (2.50) is another race that stands out, and with it being over 3 miles, it’s sure to be a great test of stamina with the ground on the soft side. Nicky Henderson has said in the week that he expects a big run from Shakalakaboomboom , and that’s good enough to invest a bit of hard earned money. He jumps well enough, stays well enough, and should have the race run to suit. It’s another 7 race card from Doncaster, so plenty to divulge, even though it lacks the class of Cheltenham.
Sunday sees Ffos Las (youngest race course in the UK) in Wales hold a meeting, and despite being average racing at best, it’s a great course for those with their heads in the form book. Wise Move will be popular in the 3.00 race, as with being trained by Nicky Henderson, he looks sure to improve again and go well. Leopardstown (jumps) and Sedgefield (jumps) make up Sunday’s action and it’s worth popping over to Ireland to take a look at the 1.55 race at Leopardstown. Jigalo will be looking to end a recent run of seconds with a win, so stick a fiver on him.
