The memory of Dawn Run might give pause to those intending to lump on Thistlecrack (2.15) for Cheltenham’s Cotswold Chase, his final prep-race before the Gold Cup. The great Irish mare came over for the equivalent race in 1986, when she was also in need of experience over these fences, was sent off at odds of 4-9, cruised clear and then unseated Tony Mullins about a mile from home.
She was good enough to win the Gold Cup, as she proved two months later, but that wasn’t much help to those who backed her in January. Nothing can be taken for granted at Cheltenham.
Even so, it’s tempting to assert that odds of 4-9 represent value in the case of Thistlecrack, who has at least 5lb in hand over all today’s rivals and is still improving. He has been an easy winner on his last three visits to this track, despite a certain stickiness at the fences last time. This task should not be beyond him.
Today’s TV Racing
1.10 Cheltenham The forecast overnight rain should help Aso, who ran a big race when second here in December, has won since and still looks nicely weighted.
1.25 Doncaster Give Me A Copper is a fine prospect but the conditions of this race require him to give 7lb to the progressive and unexposed Happy Diva, which could be a tall order.
1.45 Cheltenham The presence of Special Tiara has made things difficult for Un De Sceaux around here before. If those two fine Irish chasers take each other on from too far out, they risk setting things up for Top Gamble, who put up a fine performance under top weight in a handicap here last time.
2.50 Cheltenham Auvergnat is better off at the weights with his stablemate Cantlow from their Punchestown form and the youngster could make that tell.
3.05 Doncaster There is just no opposing the top-class Vroum Vroum Mag here, for all that her trainer has supplied the beaten favourite in this race for the last two years.
3.25 Cheltenham With form figures of 121 here this winter, Wholestone can be relied on for another sound effort. Any rain will help.
3.40 Doncaster Another Hero is weighted to win a decent prize but the modest form of Jonjo O’Neill’s yard is offputting. The 12-1 looks a bit big about Ballybroker Breeze, a former point-to-point winner who is showing predictable improvement over fences this winter. There was a lot to like about his Bangor success last time and his stamina should put him in the shake-up.
4.00 Cheltenham A field of 15 looks intimidating but most of these have no serious form chance of challenging Unowhatimeanharry. Harry Fry’s classy stayer had mastered Ballyoptic before that one fell at Ascot last time and can confirm the placings on 4lb worse terms.
