*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
Sure, there are four runners in the Turners Novices’ Chase but it’s all about the big two… Bob Olinger and Galopin Des Champs!
An Irish battle is set to ensue between the winners of last season’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle and Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle but which camp are you in for the 1.30pm at Cheltenham?
WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS!
Bob Olinger boasts two wins from two starts over fences but critics have argued that he hasn’t stepped up a level from his hurdling form since going chasing, while Galopin Des Champs achieved less over flights but has wowed on his two chase spins.
Generous Uncle Paddy’s giving away a FREE £/€5 BET to spend on any of today’s renewals so if you fancy splashing your freebie in Thursday’s opener at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival then we’ve rounded up our experts’ best bets below.
1.30 Cheltenham tips
Gina Bryce: It’s hard to forget the devastating display served up by BOB OLINGER in last year’s Ballymore and few will be scarred more by the memory of his backend than Harry Cobden on Bravemansgame who wearing a head cam that day allowed us the most illuminating of glimpses into the brilliance of a horse leaving dust in his wake despite over racing int he early part of the race. Two from two since his switch to the larger obstacles he has been short of that spectacular best so far but the return to Cheltenham and the better ground will see him take another step forward ahead of an exuberant and clearly supremely talented Galopin Des Champs who in my view may just find himself in Bravemansgame’s shoes come the business end.
Matt Chapman: It’s a pathetic turnout. In such a small field it’s hard to get away from the horse who will get an uncontested lead and that is GALOPIN DES CHAMPS. Last year’s Martin Pipe winner has looked a natural over fences for Willie Mullins this season and he should be very hard to catch under Paul Townend.
Mick Fitzgerald: I have gone round and round in my head between Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger and the market is even struggling to split them. It could come down to jumping and we know that Galopin Des Champs is a very good jumper. He will make ground at the obstacles, but BOB OLINGER is a very, very good horse and his ability to travel strongly through the race is assured. He just needs to improve his jumping a bit and the drying ground should help that. He might just get the better of Gallopin Des Champs in what will prove a fascinating contest.
Frank Hickey: This is a really exciting race that is a match. Bob Olinger is the turn of pace horse and his jumping his fine but he hasn’t improved for chasing. He is still very good though. GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has really improved for chasing though and has been really impressive in both starts. The small field probably means that Paul Townend can dictate the race the way he wants and that might be key. If he can put a little pressure on Bob Olinger’s jumping and get him under pressure coming down the hill, then he will win.
Timeform: Only four runners, and essentially a match between GALOPIN DES CHAMPS and Bob Olinger but it should still be a race to savour between two top-class chasing prospects. Henry de Bromhead’s imperious Ballymore winner has the better hurdling form but Willie Mullins’ Martin Pipe scorer has looked something special since sent over fences and his fine jumping is likely to prove the deciding factor.
Ruby Walsh: This is a match between GALOPIN DES CHAMPS and Bob Olinger and I’ve always been in the Willie Mullins camp. Galopin Des Champs is faster and a brilliant jumper. Bob Olinger’s jumping hasn’t been as good yet.
1.30 Cheltenham tips summary:
Gina Bryce – Bob Olinger
Matt Chapman – Galopin Des Champs
Mick Fitzgerald – Bob Olinger
Frank Hickey – Galopin Des Champs
Timeform – Galopin Des Champs
Ruby Walsh – Galopin Des Champs
- Like Paddy Power News? Or maybe you just like to whinge? Tell us what you think in our reader survey
Cheltenham Day 3 Tips
- Cheltenham Tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s day 3 top picks for Thursday
- Cheltenham Tips: 12/1 fancy leads Gina Bryce’s Thursday Cheltenham Festival best bets
- Cheltenham Tips: Frank Hickey’s Cheltenham Festival day three best bets
- Cheltenham Tips: Matt Chapman’s 7 best bets for day three of Cheltenham 2022
- Cheltenham Tips: Ruby Walsh’s cheat sheet for day three at Cheltenham 2022
- Cheltenham Tips: Paddy Power’s Thursday cheat sheet for day three of the Festival
The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
