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12:05 – Yorksea
YORKSEA showed plenty of promise when third in a Grade 2 at this track last month, running to a high level for a hurdling debutant as he was beaten only three lengths in a race featuring several previous winners. He appeared to finish with running left and that form reads very well in the context of this race. With further improvement on the cards, he rates a confident selection to get off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt.
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12:40 – My Drogo
MY DROGO is every inch a chaser on looks and he was set to make a winning start over fences when falling two out at this track last month, his first real mistake of the race. The highest-rated novice hurdler in Britain last season, he seemed none the worse after that mishap on chasing debut and this looks a good opportunity for him to get back on track before going on to bigger and better things.
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13:15 – Frero Banbou
FRERO BANBOU stepped up on his reappearance when third at Newbury last time, sticking to his task well as he passed the post eight lengths behind the winner. That appeals as strong form and Frero Banbou certainly showed enough to suggest that he is on a workable mark. It would be folly to rule out further progress as well given his career trajectory and another bold bid is expected for the in-form Venetia Williams, who has saddled four winners from her last seven runners.
13:50 – Farinet
FARINET achieved a useful level of form in just two starts in Britain (formerly trained in France) last season, showing a really willing attitude when last seen winning in dominant fashion at Sandown in March. This will be a tough return from an 8 lb higher mark, but Farinet is likely to go on improving over fences and the booking of Rachael Blackmore very much catches the eye. He could be another high-profile winner on the card for Venetia Williams.
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14:25 – Blazing Khal
BLAZING KHAL made it two from two over hurdles when winning a Grade 2 at this course last month, finding plenty for pressure on the run-in to beat Gelino Bello by two and a half lengths in comfortable fashion. Gelino Bello is 5 lb better off at the weights here, but there should be more to come from Blazing Khal over hurdles, particularly now stepping up to three miles. He can defy the penalty to bring up his hat-trick.
15:00 – Song For Someone
SONG FOR SOMEONE is a very smart hurdler on his day, as he showed when winning this race 12 months ago. He ran right up to his best when filling the runner-up spot in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot last time, sticking to his task well to be beaten a little over three lengths behind Buzz (who received 6 lb from Song For Someone). A repeat of that effort might be good enough to see him resume winning ways in what doesn’t look the strongest renewal of this Grade 2.
15:35 – Trapista
TRAPISTA is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles to date, first making a successful debut for Gabriel Leenders at Angers in March and then following up for Jonjo O’Neill at Huntingdon in October. She looked a bright prospect on the last occasion, drawing clear in the straight to land the spoils by five lengths. It’s unlikely that we’ve seen the best of her yet and a BHA mark of 131 looks potentially lenient for her handicap debut.
Cheltenham betting tips:
12:05 – Yorksea
12:40 – My Drogo
13:15 – Frero Banbou
13:50 – Farinet
14:25 – Blazing Khal
15:00 – Song For Someone
15:35 – Trapista
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