After a brief hiatus, ‘The Eagles Punt‘ returns with a foray into the world of horse racing which is more to this writer’s specialty than football.
The Cheltenham Festival is the biggest meeting of the National Hunt calendar, the centre piece of the gambling year. The first five races are televised and are shown on Channel 4.
As a prelude, I tend to avoid the short priced obvious favourites instead going for the value options who may be less likely to win, but will provide more of an option at a price.
For example, Tuesday’s racing sees four hot favourites from Willie Mullins yard in Douvan, Un Des Sceaux, Faugheen and Annie Power. They are all expected to win, but an accumulator of all four would only pay around 17/1.
The selections for tomorrow are as follows:
- 1.30 Supreme Novices Hurdle – Shaneshill (10/1) each way
- 2.05 Arkle Chase – Clarcam (18/1) or go for a value bet with Court Minstrel (20/1)
- 2.40 Festival Handicap Chase – The Druids Nephew (10/1) each way
- 3.20 Champion Hurdle – The New One (4/1)
- 4.00 OLBG Mares Hurdle – Lunique (20/1) or Bitofapuzzle (25/1) each way
- 4.40 National Hunt Chase – Cogry (14/1) each way
- 5.15 Novices Handicap Chase – Thomas Crapper (7/1) each way
*Prices courtesy of Paddy Power at time of article published
NAP: Thomas Crapper – Having been run across a variety of distances and courses this season, and not seeming to try massively hard, the horse has had his handicap brought down to the same mark as last year, where he came a close second to Don Poli (who was giving weight), who is a hot favourite for the Novice Chase on Tuesday.
NB: The Druids Nephew – Ran well in the Hennessey Grade 1 chase earlier in the season, and seems to be well in hand and looked on favourably by the handicapper. Ridden by Barry Geraghty and has been spoken about in promising circles throughout the weeks until the festival.
Best Each-Way Shout: Shaneshill – Ran a close second in last year’s Champion Bumper before overturning the form at Punchestown later in the season. Has been dropped back down to two miles, but needs to slightly improve his jumping to be in with a chance in what looks a hot race.
Usual Disclaimer: Gambling is for over 18’s (says the 24 year old who has been gambling for about 16-17 years), and only bet money that you can afford to lose.
