Cheltenham
12:05 JCB Triumphe Hurdle Trial
Adrien Du Pont for Paul Nicholls is the short priced favourite having won his two races so far, although he was stripped of the second one by the stewards. He is highly regarded and sure to make a bold bid to continue his run.
Leoncavallo has won all five of his races so far with his last win beating Sceau Royal by a nose. The form put the three market leaders all extremely close and it is really tough to split them.
Sky Lino for Nick Williams was well beaten by Adrien Du Pont and Sceau Royal on his debut as Chepstow before finishing second at Bangor on much softer ground. On the face of it that doesn't appear that impressive a performance but he ran free for over a mile prior to the race and crashed through some plastic rails. He also raced very freely, therefore it was a pretty impressive performance to get second place. If he continues to improve I think he can get much closer to those two on this softer ground and has a chance at a very big price.
13:15 Union Group Handicap Chase
Eastlake ran well for a long way at Newbury last month before falling away and he has slipped to an attractive mark. He is just five pounds higher than when he won this race in 2o13 and I expect a really bold showing from him today. Barry Geraghty again takes the ride, I think he will keep him handy throughout and hopefully have enough left in the tank to take him clear up the hill.
13:50 Caspian Caviar Gold Cup
Irish Cavalier was travelling the best up until two out in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month only to empty pretty quickly, as if something wasn't quite right. He comes here from the same mark with a lot of his rivals having taken a bit of a rise in the weights. I expect another big run from him today with Paul Townend on board and think he has a great chance of making the frame.
This is a wide open race with the first five of the Paddy Power Gold Cup all reappearing and Little Jon the likely favourite at 8/1.
Today's Selections
12:05 - Sky Lino - 1 Point @ 25/1 (Betfred, Betvictor, Paddy Power)
13:15 Eastlake - 1 point @ 13/2 (Betvictor, William Hill)
13:50 - Irish Cavalier - 1 point each way @ 10/1 (Most Firms)