Yesterday’s Review

0.75pt e/way L’Eau Du Sud (116) – The race appeared to be going exactly as predicted with the selection looking to have the race at his mercy when left in the lead two furlongs out. Unfortunately, his tame finishing from recent races repeated itself here, and he weakened into fourth on the run-in.

1pt e/way Take No Chances (111) – The slowest run race on the card with the first and second home racing in the first two positions, and the selection held up in rear. She did very well to stay on into third place, and save the each way money. Result 3rd 33/1 adv…22/1 SP.

0.5pt e/way Stuzzikini (PU) – The selection never threatened, and looked a long way off his Troytown Chase form.

0.75pt e/way Muscika (102) – Another fine effort from the eleven year-old just finding the favourite too strong. He didn’t get the uncontested lead we were hoping for, but still finished nicely from a prominent position. Result 2nd 7/1, 13/2 adv… 10/1 SP.

Today’s Advice

THE NEW LION (21f Novice Hurdle Grade 1) – The opening (1.20) race on today’s card at Cheltenham, the Turners Novices’ Grade 1 Hurdle, looks to be one of the most exciting races of the whole four days. The Willie Mullins trained unbeaten favourite Final Demand was mightily impressive in winning his Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown by 12 lengths from Wingmen while recording a (114) speed figure on the clock, and looks a fine stamp of a horse. However, the selection’s win in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury looked to be even better as he toyed with his opposition before coming home 4 3/4 lengths clear of Wendigo while recording a similar speed figure. It would not be an overstatement to say that it looked to be one of the most impressive National Hunt performances of recent years. Owner JP McManus certainly thought so too, and he was delighted to purchase the son of Kayf Tara from Darren Yates. The Gordon Elliott trained The Yellow Clay looks another strong contender having recorded a (121) speed figure at Navan last November when coming home 10 lengths clear of Where’s My Jet in a Grade 3 hurdle . While the selection has yet to put up a speed figure as strong as The Yellow Clay, the manner of his performances would indicate that he might have too much speed for his rivals. I am happy to have a sporting interest on the exciting six-year-old at the prices on offer.

2pts win The New Lion (5/2 William Hill/Ladbrokes/Coral) 1.20 Cheltenham