ADAGIO is fancied to set a tempo the others can’t match in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (2.55) at Cheltenham tomorrow.
The David Pipe four-year-old has earned his place at the top of the weights, having followed a Grade 1 Coral Junior Hurdle Triumph at Chepstow in January with second placings in Cheltenham’s Triumph Hurdle and the Anniversary 4-Y-O Junior Hurdle at Aintree last spring.
She boasts the perfect 4-4 record at Cheltenham, so it would be no surprise to see last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase heroine PUT THE KETTLE ON repeat her success of 12 months ago in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase (2.20).
The extended three miles, three furlongs of the Jewson Click And Collect Handicap Chase (1.45) should prove ideal for EMPIRE DE MAULDE, while I LIKE TO MOVE IT stands out in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle (3.30).
Fontwell Park stages the Oberon Investments Southern National Handicap Chase (3.10), in which GAME LINE, yet to finish out of the medals in eight starts for Peter Bowen, should give a good account.
He has been off games since his second in the same race last year, but the handicapper has given TAP TAP BOOM a chance in the Oberon Investments Salmon Spray Handicap Hurdle (3.43).
At Punchestown, ECHOES IN RAIN is a worthy favourite to give Willie Mullins a record 11th success in the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (2.05).
Tips for every race at Cheltenham
1.10 THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE
1.45 EMPIRE DE MAULDE (NAP)
2.20 PUT THE KETTLE ON
2.55 ADAGIO
3.30 I LIKE TO MOVE IT
4.00 TIMEFORATUNE
