Yesterday’s Review
1pt e/way Madara (99) – The selection appeared to be in with every chance until a bad mistake three out from which I was surprised he even kept going, finishing a well beaten ninth.
Today’s Advice
Fil Dor (2M 4F 127Y Ryanair Chase) – Even with the ground forecast as Soft with about 2-3mm of rain due on the New Course today, I was still wary of those at the front of this market due to ground, form and value. After putting a line through most of them, I decided to take a flier on an unexposed type in the unexposed Gordon Elliott trained six year old. This race looks like it has been the target for some time now, and the ground should hold no fears for him. There is plenty of stamina in the pedigree, and a recent second place finish behind El Fabiolo at Cork in a Grade 2 Chase on a Soft/Heavy surface reads very well both on the clock and on form. He looks worth a small interest to shake up those at the front of the market.
Buddy One (3M Stayers Hurdle) – This horse has been frustrating since smashing up the clock over course and distance last November. He hasn’t appreciated the slow pace of Graded races since switching from handicaps, and last time out was pulled up and scoped badly after Leopardstown. A better pace should be set today with Flooring Porter and Dashel Drasher in today’s field, and hopefully if he is back to his best he can travel sweetly into the contest and show his best.
Theatre Man (2M 4F 127Y Plate Handicap Chase) – This eight-year-old caught the eye when staying on into second behind Ginny’s Destiny over course and distance in a very good time in January. Connections had been leaning towards a step up in trip, but with the ground riding as Soft as it has been, have decided to stay at this trip. The main point is that he appears extremely well handicapped off a mark of 137, and looks well worth his position at the front of the market. Conditions should suit, and hopefully he can provide a clear round of jumping.
0.5pt e/way Fil Dor (25/1 William Hill, 22/1 888sport, Skybet, bet365 4 places) 2.50 Cheltenham
0.5pt e/way Buddy One (50/1 General 4 places) 3.30 Cheltenham
1pt win Theatre Man (7/2 General) 4.10 Cheltenham