FREEWHEELIN DYLAN is the value option against compatriot and Grand National runner-up Balko Des Flos in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (2.55) at Cheltenham on Friday.
Last April, the Dermot McLoughlin-trained nine-year-old caused the biggest shock in the history of the Irish Grand National when scoring at 150-1 under Ricky Doyle.
The Irish challenger has run well twice in his homeland subsequently, including when sixth in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan in July.
Freewheelin Dylan looks an interesting recruit to the banks-and-hedges discipline, and another good account is on the cards.
After completing his career as a novice hurdler with a Grade 1 success at Liverpool in April, MY DROGO should get off to a winning start over fences in the SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase (2.20).
Dan Skelton sees the son of Milan, the nine-and-a-half-length victor of the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, so there will be long faces among connections if My Drogo fails to see off sole rival, Gin On Lime,
The Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (1.45) rates a good opportunity for KAP AUTEUIL to continue his winning run, while OFF YOUR ROCCO is the selection for the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (3.30).
Friday tips
11.50 BATOCCHI (NAP)
12.20 GREENGAGE
12.50 KING OF THE SOUTH
1.25 VOODOO QUEEN
2.00 NEPTUNE SEAS
2.35 NIGHT ON EARTH
3.10 NOTIONS
3.40 RABAT
12.30 HEAD ON
1.00 PEUR DE RIEN
1.35 FILE ILLICO (NB)
2.10 BLACK POPPY
2.45 FINISHER
3.20 CATBIRD SEAT
3.50 TIBBIE DUNBAR
1.10 AN TAILLIUR
1.45 KAP AUTEUIL
2.20 MY DROGO
2.55 FREEWHEELIN DYLAN
3.30 OFF YOUR ROCCO
4.00 SASHENKA
4.30 EXCELING
5.00 DANCE AT NIGHT
5.30 AL NAFIR
6.00 IMPERIAL CROWN
6.30 ALPHONSE LE GRANDE
7.00 UBER COOL
7.30 LOVE DREAMS
8.00 IESHA
