Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
Paul Nicholls has announced this morning that jockey plans have been settled for his pair in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Sam Twiston-Davies on Saphir Du Rheu and Nick Scholfield on Aux Ptits Soins. Twiston-Davies had the choice, apparently and I’m slightly surprised by the outcome, in light of the pre-racing gallop the two horses did at Kempton on Saturday.
To my eyes, Aux Ptits Soins showed more promise under Twiston-Davies, with Scholfield aboard Saphir Du Rheu that day. Interpreting gallops is a tricky matter, however, and, of course, Aux Ptits Soins has not raced since the last Festival, which may be offputting for a jockey with another possible ride in the race.
William Haggas’s only recent runner, Muthmir, came up short when favourite at Lingfield on Saturday, although that was a pretty good reappearance run in the circumstances. The Newmarket trainer may get back in the winning vein at Wolverhampton today with Our Channel (4.00), a Derby runner from the year before last who got back on track with victory at Chelmsford last time.
That was just his second start since a gelding operation and the way he travelled in the cheekpieces (retained today) suggested he should still have a bit in hand on his revised rating, now 5lb higher. He’s 100-30 because the market prefers Bravo Zolo, who has been finishing fast but too late so far this winter.
At 15-2, I’ll give Les Gar Gan (5.00) another spin in the closer. From a stable that continues in good form, he won over this course and distance on his penultimate start and has excuses for his flop in an amateurs’ contest last time, even though he was partnered by one of the better riders in that class.
Tipping competition – a new week
Congratulations to Crasivo, who held on to win last week’s competition despite a winnerless Friday on a final score of +15.50. Ellandback (+13.25) got closest. Mr Crasivo, we’ll be in touch by email.
For one final week, thanks again to 32Red bookmakers, we can offer another £25 ante-post bet on any race (for which betting is available) at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. You can see 32Red’s Cheltenham markets here.
To kick things off, we’d like your selections, please, for these races: 3.05 Plumpton, 4.20 Ayr, 5.00 Wolverhampton.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
And post your tips or racing-related comments below.
