If you cannot get excited about Saturdays like this then National Hunt racing is not for you!
My money is on the following horses…
1.30 Doncaster
Bellenos – 3/1. Shorter than I would normally back but still great value to me. This is a very exciting, unexposed horse who I think may well have a touch of class. He won well at Ascot and this is his trip. He jumps well and should be right there near the finish.
1.50 Cheltenham
Wishful Thinking – 7/1 – My main fancy of the day in truth. The ground has turned heavy which means this will be a slog but he has a great record at the distance, has a good record at Cheltenham and has class. He is top weight for a reason and that is because on what he has achieved so far he is the best horse in the race. All of the others have something to prove, and 1 or 2 may well bounce back to form but I will stick with him. I am aslo on Our Mick as this is a mini system that I follow – McCain horses in first time blinkers.
2.25 Cheltenham
Restless Harry 10/1. I was pleased when watching the Morning Line that Tom Segal, Mr Pricewise, also fancies this horse. For me he is good value and connextions have been expecting a big run for a while – he truly delivered last time out. In a race which has a history of upsets, I will take my chance with him. If he completes, and doesnt make errors, he should be there at the death.
2.50 Leopardstown –
Colbert Station 12/1 EW Across the Irish sea for an ultra competitive handicap chase. This is more of a profile pick. Superb record in December/January and he has won or placed in all 4 of his races at the course. Given that you get paid for 4 places, for a trainer that has won this before, I am hoping for a big run.
That is it for the main races I have looked at. There is the SkyBet Chase at 3.15 as well. While I have not looked at this in too much depth just yet Unioniste should go very close but the price is getting a bit prohibitive. He has been heavily tipped and backed and there is good reason. He is the class horse and will run a big race. The one that I may have a small EW bet on for interest is Time For Rupert, who is the other class horse in the race. He has it all to prove on his comeback trail from injury, but if recapturing any of his old sparkle may make 14/1 look a silly price.
Good Luck
