Cheltenham Racing tips
12:40 – Jagwar
13:15 – East India Dock
13:50 – Iroko
14:25 – L’Homme Presse
15:00 – Constitution Hill
15:35 – Gowel Road
16:10 – Potters Charm
*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.
12:40 – Jagwar
JAGWAR is a good-looking sort who has quickly developed into a much better chaser than he was a hurdler, winning his first two starts in this sphere, beating another progressive sort who has boosted the form since at Bangor in November.
He wasn’t disgraced when third to two promising types at Uttoxeter last time, either; that form is looking even stronger now, and he must have an excellent chance from the same mark.
Masaccio doesn’t have The Jukebox Man to contend with this time and seems sure to give it a good go, while Billytherealbigred, a stablemate of the selection, shouldn’t be ignored in receipt of a handy weight-for-age allowance.
13:15 – East India Dock
EAST INDIA DOCK was a useful performer on the Flat for James Fanshawe and has looked among the best in this division since James Owen sent him hurdling.
He landed the odds smoothly on his debut in this sphere at Wincanton in October and routed his opposition in a Grade 2 at this course the following month.
He looked a leading candidate for the Triumph Hurdle on that occasion and is very hard to oppose in pursuit of a hat-trick.
Stencil has his share of ability but is not yet the finished article, so Sauvignon is offered for forecast purposes.
13:50 – Iroko
A good renewal of this handicap chase, but the best is yet to come from IROKO and he is expected to prove himself a well-treated horse on his first foray into handicaps as a chaser.
He looked at least as good as ever when runner-up on his return at Haydock, just unable to reel in a determined front-runner who relished testing conditions, but he made eye-catching headway into contention.
Iroko was hampered and fell at the first at Ascot through no fault of his own and he’s well worth another chance to prove himself a high-class chaser.
Ginny’s Destiny has had excuses on both his starts this term and is another who’s on a tempting mark based on his exploits at the top level in the spring, while Imperial Saint is worth a crack at this level after his dominant all-the-way win at Aintree.
14:25 – L’Homme Presse
This is by no means a vintage renewal of the Cotswold Chase, and L’HOMME PRESSE looks to have found an excellent opportunity to return to winning ways after his solid third in Kempton’s King George VI Chase.
That was his first start for 10 months, so he’s entitled to be sharper for the outing and sets a lofty standard on form in this field.
Irish challenger Gentlemansgame appeals as the main danger to Venetia Williams’ top-class chaser, with 2022 victor Chantry House no forlorn hope of building on his recent handicap success over this course and distance.
15:00 – Constitution Hill
The outstanding CONSTITUTION HILL dispelled an absence and a truncated preparation. It cemented that he’s still very much the one to beat in this division when he became the first three-time winner of the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
It’s hard to envisage Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old having trouble landing this before he bids to regain his Champion Hurdle crown in March. Brentford Hope could well be the one for the forecast spot.
15:35 – Gowel Road
GOWEL ROAD has failed to deliver when previously pitched into graded races.
However, judging by his exploits this season, he looks better than ever at nine. Most recently, he was beaten under a length by an up-and-coming stayer in the Relkeel Hurdle.
A rugged and reliable type, he shades preference ahead of the seemingly fragile Crambo, who got back on track when landing the Long Walk for the second year running at Ascot.
Strong Leader completely misfired in the latter race but will be a danger to all if able to bounce back following a wind operation.
16:10 – Potters Charm
POTTERS CHARM was heading straight to the Cheltenham Festival after his top-level success at Aintree on Boxing Day.
But clearly in top shape at home, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ six-year-old is the one to beat on form and can add another graded victory to his CV to maintain his unbeaten record under Rules.
Bill Joyce lost his unbeaten record over hurdles in the Grade 1 Challow last month but remains with potential. Wide-margin Carlisle winner Gamesters Guy can edge out the undefeated Kdeux Saint Fray for minor honours.
Cheltenham Racing Tips
12:40 – Jagwar
13:15 – East India Dock
13:50 – Iroko
14:25 – L’Homme Presse
15:00 – Constitution Hill
15:35 – Gowel Road
16:10 – Potters Charm
*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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