Cheltenham 1.55 - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final -
Cheltenham 1.55 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle - Group 3 Class 1 - 3 miles - 23 run
A very competitive race as you can imagine and we'll start with Sean and his thoughts on the Irish contingent.
Many see THE BOSSES OSCAR as a show in for this race, based on the Trainers record in the race, I doubt the shenanigans in the Yard will affect TBO too much but the form book suggests it is not as clear cut with other Irish horses as the hype may suggest.
The Bosses Oscar lost to DANDY MAG at Leopardstown over Christmas, the Elliott yard just didn't seem to be firing at the time and the Mullins yard were but they finished close enough for the Odds disparity here to look worth considering Dandy Mag again. In fact both have been given hefty rises by the British handicapper and one who sneaks in from that same race around 10-12 pounds well in after a less hefty rise by the British handicapper is MRS MILNER and I fancy that one to do some damage off a mark of 134.
Of the British contingent Ian thinks Imperial Alcazar who would have wanted deeper ground is too short on proven form, Champagne Platinum has been well backed but is no more than a solid contender, Milliner rates a danger with two decent runs off a long break for the Hobbs Team, and Come on Teddy should be looking to place at least for Tom George with a Course and Distance winn off mark 0f 127 and placed off today's mark of 134. All of those are clear dangers.
Storm Goddess is being heavily backed but not totally sure why as though a horse of potential it doesn't really stand out and at bigger odds amongst the home contingent Ian thinks that STORM ARISING who always seems to finish off races strongly for the Paul Nicholls team and REDFORD ROAD a Course and Distance winner who looks primed for this for the Twiston-Davies yard could both outrun big Odds and run in to enhanced places in what would seem to be one of the most competitive races of the day.
If you want a "shrapnel bet" Kansas City Chief 6th in this in 2020 off 133, 3rd over Course and Distance last Autumn off 128 should give you some fun off a mark of 126 at 50/1
TRACKERS - Mrs Milner + The Bosses Oscar + Dandy Mag (Sean) all 1/2 point each way / Redford Road + Storm Arising - 1/4 point each way both (Ian) - 4 points staked