This years Cheltenham Festival has been touted as one of the most open contests in years with the top quality horses entered accross the cards all seeming to have a case for a win. For each way punters like myself who like to find something at longer odds, this means there is some pretty nifty prices around on some good horses who are likely to place.
These are races on day one of the Festival (Tues 15th) where I've picked out some lively outsiders, or horses at decent odds for my each way money.
SUPREME NOVICES.
It's all been about CUE CARD, and admitedly he looks like a special horse. But beyond that there is a whole charge of massive prices and the 2nd, 3rd places will have to be filled by something. We shouldn't forget either, that in recent years the favourites haven't put their nose on the line in front. The last of these was Brave Inca in 2004 who was 7/2 favourite, beating War of Attrition (33/1) who of course went on and won a Gold Cup. There is also still talk and chinese whispers wether or not the ante post favourite will go for this race, or stand up with the big boys, taking on the Champion Hurdle, but this is something I hope does not happen!
Ebaziyan won this in 2007 at a massive 40/1, whereas the last 2 years have been won by 12/1 shots, Go Native, and a big contender in this years Champion Hurdle, Menorah. So do not rely on the favourite here.
My each way money would have gone for Sam Winner, but he is now going for the Triumph Hurdle, so I will opt for RECESSION PROOF (8/1). Not an overly huge price for him, but was impressive when beating a classy field in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury. At a bigger price, MEGASTAR (25/1) for Gary Moore would be my second selection. A very consistent horse who should have a few behind him come the line.
ARKLE
This years Arkle looks to be a very interesting race with top of the betting MEDERMIT a very worthy favourite and likely winner. After a scare earlier in the season that his enthusiasm for racing could be a problem, he has proved himself a top contender over fences, beating same race rivals here such as Rock Noir and the impressive Captain Chris.
The horse I'll be backing each way is a bit of a controversial pick as he has disapointed hugely this season, but I think MIKAEL D'HAUGENET (16/1) deserves another chance with a small each way bet from me at least. Lets not forget his impressive win in 2009 in the Ballymore, allbeit over hurdles. I'm not giving up on this one just yet! (edit: Have been advised he's more likely to be going for the RSA, so hold on to your pennies for now, but would still fancying him each way on the Wednesday).
STEWART FAMILY HANDICAP CHASE
For me there is a horse that stands out in this race at a big price. REVE DE SIVOLA (12/1) has shown himself as less than fluent over bigger obstacles, but loves it round Cheltenham, and I cannot identify much within the race that should finish in front of him. If he stands up, which he has done dispite his uncomfortable looking jumping, he should bound up that hill and be very close, if not in front. And you can be certain that his jumping has been worked on at home ready for Cheltenham.
CHAMPION HURDLE
What. A. Race. I am literally dribbling over this one. Packed to the brim with superstar horses, it is a shining light at this years festival, and one that I for one cannot wait for. It's a race that's baffling many of us, but I am in camp PEDDLERS CROSS (6/1). He still remains unbeaten, and one of his scalps includes Binocular, although admitedly Binocular looked below par that day. He and other big fancy Menorah both have the course form, as both are winners from last years Festival, but it's Peddler's that edges it for me. KHYBER KIM (16/1) looks a big price due to a disapointing last time out at Kempton, but I can look passed that and he will have the each way money. Another horse I think could run well at a huge price is CLERKS CHOICE (50/1), but he will have it to do to be in the top 3 in this company.
Pic - My day one losers.
