Festive Racing Day 2 Preview

Off the back of such an emphatic win for Thistlecrack yesterday, it’s hard to see a more impressive horse over the festive period or in fact this season.

There is however the small matter of the Welsh National as well as a host of other tasty looking races as we look to build on the small loss yesterday. If you followed every tip then you will be down by less than your stake per race – all in all, not bad going.

We start with the 13.20 at Leopardstown with the might DOUVAN. Such a fine and mighty horse should romp home but at 2/9, there is not much value so each way punters should take a chance on Black Hercules.

Next is the money back special if second or third (Skybet all customers) at Chepstow in the 13.25 and it would be silly to place an each way bet here considering the offer. I’m opting for ROLLING DYLAN who impressed last time out and could kick start a great day for Richard Johnson.

A similar race is the 13.45 at Kemtpon with ALTIOR a ridiculous price at 1/7. A smart jumper and almost too impossible to catch on the ground, I can’t see Marracudja getting near even at his best.

The 14.20 at Kempton is the most intriguing race of the day. With only 4 horses, it looks like a 2 horse race between Special Tiara and SIRE DE GRUGY. The latter carries a whole chunk of weight but I think he is by far the superior horse in the field and can justify his rise.

We see the Welsh National at 14.40 at Chepstow with Native River the hot favourite. After impressing hugely in the Hennessey at Newbury last month, it’s hard to see anybody coming close on even terms but he is carrying a considerable penalty and I can see CAROL’S DESTRIER passing him on the run in. Skybet are paying 6 places for all customer so an each way stake is the more desirable bet for this race.

If you have any money left over, there’s a big field to choose from in the 15.00 at Leopardstown. I’ve opted for COLM’S DREAM after dominating in Ireland last season but we haven’t seen him since.

The final race of interest today is the 15.05 at Wetherby. Judging by the market, course winner APTERIX is correctly the favourite to be on.

 

#CHELTENHAMFESTIVAL DAY 3

Day 2 started shaky but if you’ve followed each tip for the first 2 days, you’re currently looking at around 33/1 profit. So if you staked a total of £10 of each selection, you’re at least £300 up. If you’ve utilised the correct markets and offers, you’ve lowered your losses so have even more profit. And let’s just take another moment to get over Sprinter Sacre’s incredible run. Thousands have been won and lost on him and here was another rise in the emotional rollercoaster.

Thursday is an even tougher day than day 2 with some close fields to choose from.

RACE 1

This, for me, is a 4 horse race. The each way appeal is BLACK HERCULES at 11/2 although Ruby Walsh may be hampered by his fall at the last yesterday so I’ll be backing GARDE LA VICTOIRE at 4/1. Interestingly entered into this race rather than any on day 1 and has the leading jockey Richard Johnson on board.

RACE 2

If you pick the winner of this race, you’ve done well. No clear favourite in an open field. A little each way shout in both Our Kaempfer at 10/1 and OSCAR SAM at 18/1 with the latter getting my vote.

RACE 3

Betbright have paid out on VAUTOUR winning a different race at the festival despite not running it. Vautour’s owner owns Betbright so read what you like into that. He should romp home easily at 8/11 but JOSSES HILL loves a place if he doesn’t fall over and Nico De Boinville is hot property on board. Faller insurance is a must due to his history.

RACE 4

The World Hurdle is the main event today and attracts a fine field of horses. THISTLECRACK is the likely victor and you can get him at 7/1 by creating a new 888 Sport account. In a field this strong, it’s hard to pick a backup but AUT PTITS SOINS makes the most noise at 14/1.

RACE 5

Assuming Sam Twiston-Davies shows up, STILETTO looks a generous price at 9/1 with the remainder of the field lacking in form and the weights all over the place. Skybet are paying 5 places for this race for all customers.

RACE 6

A new race for this year so no history to go on. Limini hasn’t looked as convincing as a 4/5 price horse should for me and there is an incredible amount of winners in this field such as Actinpieces, Tara Flow, Bloody Mary and Tea In Transvaal. I’m opting for SMART TALK who has absolutely galloped to victory for me this season at 13/2.

RACE 7

The Kim Muir is anyone’s game. Past strong finishers such as Splash of Ginge, Alternatif and Grandad’s Horse all offer each way appeal but UPSWING takes the fancy of the bookies and if you have any money left, 9/1 is a good price.