Cheltenham Tips: Timeform’s best bets for Saturday’s meeting

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

13.30 – Rexem

REXEM shaped with plenty of promise on his hurdling debut in a race which has worked out well and he has progressed to win his last two starts since. He scored with a bit up his sleeve at Killarney last time, in command two from home and readily stretching clear from a subsequent winner. John McConnel has won the last two renewals of this and Rexem looks a big player with this longer trip entitled to bring even more out of him. Smart chaser Saint Palais should have more to offer back in this sphere.

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14.05 – Couer Serein

There are quite a few to consider but the assessor has taken a chance with COUER SEREIN’s mark on his return to action. He would have made an impressive winning debut over fences last season but for crumpling on landing after jumping the last and he didn’t manage to progress from that on his next two starts over fences. Couer Serein didn’t run badly back over hurdles after and he is an interesting prospect back over fences. The Hollow Ginge was runner-up from 10 lb higher in this a year ago and is unlikely to lack for fitness given the yard he represents so he has to be considered, too.

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14.40 – Pied Piper

PIED PIPER and Knight Salute fought out a thrilling finish to the Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree in the spring and look the pair to focus on. Knight Salute was awarded that race in the stewards’ room, but Gordon Elliott’s charge, who was third in the Triumph, and also won so impressively over this course and distance last season, is the one with scope to improve further this time round and can make a winning return.

15.15 – Dads Lad

None of these can be ruled out in what looks a cracking contest, but a very strong pace looks on the cards which should suit Willie Mullins’ improving young chaser DADS LAD, who made it two from three over fences in great style at Killarney in August. He ran creditably in a competitive event back over hurdles last time and remains with plenty of scope in this sphere from this sort of mark. Editeur du Gite and the prolific Clear The Runway have more to offer too and are greatly respected.

15.50 – Botox Has

The handicapper hasn’t credited BOTOX HAS with much improvement for his Fontwell Grade 2 success in February (went up only 1 lb) and that viewpoint could turn out to be lenient. Gary Moore’s charge has a good record when fresh, goes particularly well at Cheltenham and may have too many gears for Irish raider Shoot First, who disappointed last time but shaped very well at Galway prior to that. Didtheyleaveuoutto and Panic Attack complete the shortlist in a typically competitive renewal.

16.25 – Life In The Park

There was much to like about the way LIFE IN THE PARK took to fences when making a winning start in this sphere at Listowel and he may well go on to take high rank among the staying novice chasers this season. He jumped well in the main and put the race to bed with an eye-catching move between four and three out. This longer trip will suit and he’s a big player. With Ash Tree Meadow due to run here on Friday, his participation has to be in doubt and, with stamina concerns surrounding his stablemate Chemical Energy, Mahler Mission, a useful novice hurdler last season, is likely to emerge as the main danger.

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17.00 – Strong Leader

STRONG LEADER is a brother to Strong Glance, who dominated this division, and he could hardly have been more impressive when making a winning start at Warwick in May. He displayed plenty of raw ability and looks a big, rangy type who should have much more to offer. He also took plenty of time to pull up after the line and he appeals as very much a horse to keep on the right side. Gentle Slopes, Kayf Legend and Earth Cry are others to consider in what looks a very hot bumper.

Timeform’s Cheltenham Tips:

13.30 – Rexem
14.05 – Couer Serein
14.40 – Pied Piper
15.15 – Dads Lad
15.50 – Botox Has
16.25 – Life In The Park
17.00 – Strong Leader

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

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