*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
13:15 Induno
INDUNO proved a big disappointment when last seen in competitive action, but he had looked promising up to that point, notably winning a bumper at Ffos Las and a novice hurdle at Sedgefield. He deserves another chance to confirm himself a useful prospect after 11 months on the sidelines, with an opening mark of 115 looking more than fair for David Pipe, who won this race with Duc de Beauchene in 2019. Tango Boy remains with potential and is feared along with Steal A March.
13:50 Beat The Judge
BEAT THE JUDGE shaped encouragingly when third behind Rouge Vif in a handicap over this course and distance at the Showcase Meeting. Making just his fourth start over fences, he acquitted himself well for one so inexperienced, finishing with running left after being forced to race wide throughout. He can race from the same mark here and looks sure to give another good account, especially as he may yet have more to offer. Magic Saint rates a big threat returned to what is probably his optimum trip, leaving Fanion d’Estruval to complete the shortlist.
14:25 Protektorat
PROTEKTORAT created a deep impression when making a winning start to his chasing career at Carlisle three weeks ago, jumping boldly in front and ultimately coming home unchallenged (won by seven lengths). He gets 3 lb here from chief market rival Southfield Stone and possibly has more scope for improvement than that rival on just his second start over fences, so this looks a good opportunity for him to maintain his unbeaten record in this sphere.
Cheltenham LIVE!
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED FOR ALL OF TODAY’S ACTION WITH:
- THE BEST FAST RESULTS FROM THE TRACK
AND
- COMPLETE RACECARDS FOR EVERY RACE TODAY
MORE TIPS: Our best bets for Saturday’s first Paddy Power MILLION POUND GIVEAWAY qualifier
15:00 Easysland
EASYSLAND is still only a six-year-old and very much the up-and-coming force in this division. He won all five starts in 2019/20 and produced his best effort yet when winning the Glenfarclas Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on the last occasion, beating Tiger Roll by 17 lengths in dominant fashion. The dual Grand National is in opposition again here, but Easysland is even better off at the weights this time and very hard to oppose as a result. He can extend his winning sequence to eight.
15:35 Does He Know
DOES HE KNOW is improving all the time and proved himself a useful hurdler when winning a novice over this course and distance at the Showcase Meeting. asserting on the run-in to land the spoils by four and three quarter lengths. This will be tougher under a 3 lb penalty, but he’s unlikely to have finished improving yet and is fancied to complete the hat-trick at the expense of Ballymillsy, who could prove a different proposition on his second start over hurdles after shaping better than the bare result at Lingfield.
16:05 The Bees Knees
THE BEES KNEES proved himself much better than an opening mark of 118 on his handicap debut at Musselburgh nine days ago, quickening clear in the straight to win by 15 lengths in impressive fashion. The quick turnaround here is a slight concern, but he looks sure to take plenty of beating if continuing in the same rich vein of form. He remains with potential and is undoubtedly well treated under a 7 lb pen
Timeform’s tips for Cheltenham on Friday
13:15 Induno
13:50 Beat The Judge
14:25 Protektorat
15:00 Easysland
15:35 Does He Know
16:05 The Bees Knees
More Friday tips
- Mick Fitz’s Cheltenham Lucky 15
- Paddy’s panel of experts deliver their Cheltenham best bets
- Frank Hickey’s fab 4 for Friday
- Jason Weaver’s slick 6 picks for the flat
- Matt Chapman’s 4 to fly at Cheltenham
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
