Yesterday’s Review
2pts win The New Lion (116) – A race that delivered the finish we had all been expecting as the big three in the betting turned into the home straight with the race between themselves. The selection showed that he could use the extra gears, that he looked to possess last time out, in this even stronger contest despite having to be switched at a vital stage when challenging up the home straight. A battle royale ensued between The New Lion and the “figure” horse The Yellow Clay with Harry Skelton’s mount proving just three quarters of a length too strong. It was a surprise that he eventually went off the outsider of the three with Final Demand weakening into third place. Result 1st 5/2 adv…3/1SP.
Today’s Advice
SPRINGWELL BAY (2m 4f 127y Novices Handicap Chase Grade 2) – This eight-year-old course specialist has been improving nicely with two wins and two places from his last four races. Last time out over course and distance he cruised home nine lengths clear of Marble Sands from a nine pound lower handicap mark under his regular pilot Jonjo O’Neill Jnr. His second place finish behind Jango Baie last December has been advertised since by the winner in Tuesday’s Arkle. He looks the class act of the (2.00) Cheltenham and the only danger could possibly be a more lightly weighted rival like a Nurburgring or Moon D’Orange.
PROTEKTORAT (2m 4f 127y Ryanair Chase Grade 1) – Last year’s Ryanair Chase winner has been brought to the boil nicely for a repeat victory in this race by trainer Dan Skelton, and took care of another of today’s rivals Djelo by twenty three lengths last time out at Windsor. The favourite for today’s race Fact To File has been a shade disappointing the last twice behind Galopin Des Champs over the extended three miles at Leopardstown. It could well be that the drop back in trip for today’s (3.20) Cheltenham could be just what the doctor ordered, but I am happy to let him win at the prices. It will be interesting to see how second favourite Il Est Francais copes with his first visit to Cheltenham, as he has shown such a liking for Kempton, having performed so well in The King George.
AN PEANN DEARG (2m 4f 127y Handicap Chase Grade 3) – This former point to pointer has won his last two Handicap Chase races over 17 furlongs at Leopardstown, and looks to have a decent chance in today’s (4.40) Cheltenham. Trainer Paul Nolan has been getting a fine tune out of the eight-year-old, while jockey Sean O’Keefe (who has been on board for his latest victories) retains the ride. Last time out in a Listed race he made nice headway from a midfield position before taking up the running at the final fence coming home seven lengths clear of My Mate Mozzie. The runner-up that day finished a solid fourth in yesterday’s Grand Annual Chase. The favourite for today’s contest, Jagwar, looks a difficult nut to crack as he has won three of his last four, and won cosily over course and distance last time out. I am happy to have a small interest on both at the weights for today’s contest.
0.75pt e/way Springwell Bay (13/2 Ladbrokes/Coral, 6/1 General 5 places) 2.00 Cheltenham
0.75pt e/way Protektorat (6/1 Paddy Power/Betvictor, 11/2 General) 3.20 Cheltenham
0.75pt e/way An Peann Dearg (14/1 William Hill/Ladbrokes/Coral 5 places) 4.40 Cheltenham
1pt win Jagwar (7/2 William Hill/Ladbrokes, 10/3 General) 4.40 Cheltenham