Few things are more wearisome than somebody claiming their horse is underappreciated. But I submit there is a very strong case for saying The Giant Bolster (1.50) deserves a bit more respect, in light of the fact that he is offered at 8-1 for the Betbright Chase, the feature race on Saturday’s card at Cheltenham and a trial race for the Gold Cup in March.
After all, he won this very race last year and I don’t think you could say he beat a weak field, considering that Rocky Creek, Harry Topper and Houblon Des Obeaux trailed him by seven lengths and more. Moreover, The Giant Bolster is unbeaten in three previous visits to Cheltenham for this particular fixture, having also won handicap chases in 2012 (by 17 lengths) and 2011.
This is also the course on which he has been second, third and fourth in the past three Gold Cups, being beaten less than a length in the latest renewal. His recent form is not wonderful, though his Betfair Chase run was by no means bad, but then his form was pretty ropey just before he won this last year.
All things considered, 8-1 is very fair for a horse who is still only 10 and by no means over the hill. Dynaste is favourite but an extended three miles on soft ground around here will be a serious test of his stamina. Many Clouds is likeable and progressive but still has to prove himself at this demanding track.
2.05 Doncaster The two Irish raiders seem the ones to focus on here and it looked as though Analifet would have finished in front of Princess Leya at Leopardstown last time, but for falling at the second-last. Willie Mullins may have found another talented hurdling mare.
2.25 Cheltenham Dare Me would be a real threat if Venetia Williams has him at his peak but that is asking a lot of an 11-year-old after a nine-month absence. A chance is taken on Easter Meteor, who has come back down to a reasonable mark and was right in the argument for the 2013 Paddy Power when coming down two-out. At the available odds, he makes more appeal than Easter Day.
2.40 Doncaster There is no way to fault the form claims of Blaklion, whose two hurdling defeats have both been fine efforts behind the classy Parlour Games after having to make his own running over an inadequate trip. He’s back up to three miles here and will be unlucky to meet something of Parlour Games’s calibre, though there are some rivals with potential.
3.00 Cheltenham With the Colin Tizzard yard flying along, having had seven winners at a 28% strike-rate in the past fortnight, Robinsfirth is interesting here. He was only beaten half a length by a more experienced rival in the equivalent race at this track on New Year’s Day and softer ground this time may make the difference.
3.15 Doncaster In the absence of Easter Day, If In Doubt is a deserving favourite. He showed high-class form in handicap hurdles at this time last year, chasing home Saphir Du Rheu and then Fingal Bay. His rating is only just above that level now, after an up and down start to his chasing career, but the return to handicaps should show him in a much better light. Lost Legend is feared most.
3.35 Cheltenham Saphir Du Rheu comes here after an abortive start to his chasing career. He was a really progressive hurdler last year but it is not yet clear that he belongs at this level and he is a short price in the circumstances. Reve De Sivola has won this before but is generally seen to much better effect at Ascot than at this track. So the way is open for Un Temps Pour Tout, making a belated return to action. He showed real promise in his first three British runs last year and ex-French types can make significant progress in their second seasons after crossing The Channel.
