Well what a cracking first day at the Cheltenham Festival with the amazing mare Quevaga notching her sixth win at the meeting. This was a superb training feat by Willie Mullins who always does so well in the big jump races when you consider he buys his horses at the lower end of the spectrum unlike Nicholls and Henderson.
It was great to see J.P.McManus win the Champion Hurdle with Jezki proving that even A.P. can pick the wrong one at times. Although it has to be said that The New One would have won had he not been hampered by the fall of the ill fated Our Conner.
One thing I did notice was it seemed yesterday to be an advantage to be up or near the pace as on the drying ground it was very difficult to cut back the prominent racers.
I wonder what did you all think of the Channel 4 coverage on day one?
Me personally I thought they were a shambles apart from a recorded snippet from Allister Down on the Champion Hurdle and as for commentator Simon Holt well he should have gone to Specsavers!
Moving on to today’s action it looks explosive and also decent sand racing at Southwell and Kempton where some of my best bets will be racing.
However for Howies Hottie I have got to stick with Cheltenham as this horse is one I have been waiting for a while. We are going to play in the Coral Cup which is the 2.40 a handicap hurdle over 2 miles 5 furlongs. This is one the the most competitive races of the whole meeting.
My selection is Cotton Mill from the John Ferguson yard. John is Sheikh Mohammeds top bloodstock advisor but also trains a small team of talented jumpers.
Cotton Mill has some hot form to his name and has run well behind yesterday’s 2nd in the Champion My Tent Or Yours. Also he was in the process of running a big race on this track against Simonsig when running out two from home.
He has a decent racing weight and at the time of writing is available at 25/1 although sponsors Coral only have him at 16/1. So shop around and get the biggest price possible.
EYECATCHERS
JUMPERS
Sgt Reckless trainer M.Channon – Came from a mile back to finish 4th in the Supeme Novice hurdle yesterday. With a better run he would have finished at least 2nd and given the winner plenty to think about.
The New One trainer N.Twiston-Davies – Easily the best horse in the Champion and without being hampered would have won. If he goes to Aintree would be the nap of the meeting.
Jimmy The Jetplane trainer K.Bailey – Disappointed at Doncaster last week but I know he is a lot better than that and could pay his way in time.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Moonday Sun trainer Amanda Perrett – The trainer failed to take my advice and ran him over 10 furlongs last week, I believe a drop to the mile is the answer.
Manomine trainer C.Brittain – Ran a good 2nd at Lingfield after a lay off and will strip fitter next time out.
Vitznau trainer k.Clitterbuck – Veteran who still retains ability in low grade races.
Sofias Number One trainer R.Bowring – Could have won last week but for pulling to hard early doors but still held on for 2nd. Actually runs today at Southwell and can go close but Tartan Trip would be a danger.
Back Next Wednesday have a good week and be lucky.
Howard Davis.
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