1.30PM BALLYMORE NOVICES HURDLE – ENVOI ALLEN
This is a simple one. Envoi Allen will win. There’s nothing more to say.
I just think everything he’s done in his career is perfect. He’s achieved way more than any of the others in the race.
You’ve got Sporting John with loads of potential, The Big Breakway with loads of potential, The Big Getaway with loads of potential. But Envoi Allen has PROVED his potential. He is a brilliant jumper, and an easy ride. Just everything about him is spot on.
If you were going to give me a horse to take away from Cheltenham, he’s the one I’d want. Without doubt he’s my best bet of the whole day.
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2.10PM RSA CHASE – CHAMP
Willie Mullins was always looking to run Allaho in this race. I didn’t give him a great ride last year in the Albert Bartlett. I tried to settle him, we ended up in a battle and by the time I’d changed my mind it was too late to get back into contention.
I think he could improve and I can see why Willie’s put him in here. He’s a big, strong horse, a good jumper and looks like he can stay the distance.
But I’m just looking at the Marsh and thinking it’s a weaker race. There’s no Champ, there’s no Copperhead. Despite all that Willie has decided despite that to put Allaho in here.
Minello Indo just hasn’t done it for me this year. Laurina out-sprinted him at Gowran Park and I thought he was only workmanlike at best in Navan on his last outing.
I like Champ, and I think he needed the fall he had last time out. Some have to learn from their mistakes, and Champ was getting away with little mistakes, going low over fences and the like, and he paid the price in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
He banged his head and appeared to be lying on the ground almost wondering what happened. I think that could be the making of Champ. He’s got unbelievable scope, the ability to jump. He’s got everything.
But I just think it might have needed the wake-up call he got in that Dipper Chase.
WATCH VIDEO: PETER CROUCH BECOMES A JOCKEY AND TAKES TO IT LIKE A ROBOT TO, ER, WATER
RESULTS: Cheltenham LIVE! All the winners and losers from Day Two
2.50PM CORAL CUP – FRANCO DE PORT
I rode Franco De Port earlier in the year and I thought he could be a Martin Pipe horse. He got pushed out of that by the handicapper and I can excuse his poor run at Limerick over Christmas.
I think the trip will really suit him and he could be a bit better than the handicapper. I’d say he’d be the No.1 pick of Willie Mullins’ horses in this race.
Canardier has shortened in the betting, but that’s just because he’s moved over to Willie’s yard. Personally, I can’t see it. I watched him last year at Aintree when I thought Barry Gerraghty gave him an unbelievable ride when finishing third. He should have finished fifth.
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- Frank Hickey’s best bets for Friday at Cheltenham
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4.10PM CROSS COUNTRY CHASE – TIGER ROLL
This is a no brainer. There really isn’t anything more to say!
4.50PM BOODLES JUVENILE HURDLE – TRONADOR
Gordon Elliot’s Tronador for me in this one.
5.30PM CHAMPION BUMPER – APPRECIATE IT
Appreciate It is an all-day, every-day for me. Queens Brook was very good in Gowran Park and Ferny Hollow is another one of Willie’s with a few credentials.
If you’re looking for something outside of those with a bit of value, Five Bar Brian. But I’m all over Appreciate It.
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