- 1,612
- 9
- 38
One of his rivals who is not really feeling the love sufficiently is STAGE STAR, whose win on this course in January came under a big weight and at the chief expense of one of the better-handicapped horses in training at that time, Datsalrightgino.
The clock backed up the interpretation of the form as smart, and while Stage Star probably needs to do more here, he may not need to do much more. His odds look generous, and he appeals as an each-way proposition in what is a nine-runner affair.
I will not be getting involved in the Pertemps Final at 2:10 (usual remarks about it providing a useful time comparison with the Stayers' a bit later on), though the clear favourite Thanksforthehelp does look to have been let off lightly for a facile win at Chepstow last time.
Nor will I be playing in the Plate Handicap Chase at 4:10, in which I made it 10/1 the field (including Fugitif). But the Jack de Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle at 4:50 looks a tasty proposition despite the big field.
Luccia is an understandable favourite given how impressive she has been, but it is worth noting that the horse she slammed at Exeter last time, Palace Boy, went off at 200/1 and finished last in the Supreme on Tuesday. It is also worth noting that she and three others are penalised in this.
Neither HALKA DU TABERT nor NIKINI, among her rivals, is, and I like them both. The former beat a decent type in Eabha Grace easily and in a fast time at Naas just before Christmas, seeming well suited by a good gallop and soft ground (which are likely here).
She came unstuck in a better race at Fairyhouse last time but probably did not have enough use made of her that day. Nikini has not been seen since coming out best at the weights against the likes of Magical Zoe and The Model Kingdom in a Grade 3 at Down Royal in November, and the bookies/punters seem to have forgotten about her judged by her odds.
She had won both her starts over hurdles before that, albeit against ordinary opposition. As with the Stayers' earlier in this piece, I reckon it is worth splitting stakes on the pair.
The leading flat stayer Princess Zoe adds some glitz to this contest, but she achieved little when dead-heating for first at Punchestown on her only outing over hurdles.
Angels Dawn was my longer-term fancy for the Kim Muir at 5:30, looking well handicapped still after unseating when likely to go close last time, but she has not exactly been missed in the betting.
1:30 CHELTENHAM - TURNERS NOVICES' CHASE 0.5 pt e/w STAGE STAR
3:30 CHELTENHAM - PADDY POWER STAYERS' HURDLE 1 pt win TEAHUPOO, 0.5 pt win KLASSICAL DREAM
4:50 CHELTENHAM - JACK DE BROMHEAD MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE 1 pt win HALKA DU TABERT, 0.5 pt win NIKINI