Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Cheltenham Festival 2007 preview



In three weeks' time the Cheltenham Festival will be in full swing; between now and then there will be ample opportunity to discuss the fancies, the certs and the no hopers. Check out the official Festival website to get a flavour of what I mean. In addition, over the years, a veritable cottage industry has sprung up offering Festival preview evenings where well known racing personalities put their heads above the parapet and mark your card.

In a similar vein I thought I'd be brave and outline my current thinking. I've used the Oddschecker site to quote the best price available at the time of going to press.

Champion Hurdle - I'll be looking closely at Detroit City (11/4) and Brave Inca (9/2). Five year olds have a poor record in the race which makes Brave Inca, who has done it all before, the value.

Royal & Sun Alliance Chase - Denman (6/4) looked the part at Newbury recently. I'll be keeping a close eye on Ungaro (12/1) if he runs this weekend while Boychuk (25/1) appeals as the type to run well at a price provided he gets decent ground.

Queen Mother Chase - Well Chief (7/4) was impressive at Newbury. Newmill (4/1) has been underrated by many. Nickname (7/1) will be of interest if it's soft while River City (50/1) would be fancied to run well at a price if it came up fast.

World Hurdle - Black Jack Ketchum is worth opposing; I think Inglis Drever (5/1) could be the horse to beat him.

Triumph Hurdle - I can't oppose Katchit (7/1) in this race.

Gold Cup - I take Kauto Star (7/4) to land chasing's Blue Riband.

No comments: