Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix return in search of winners at Cheltenham and Doncaster, the latter live on Sky Sports Racing …
With the Cheltenham Festival fast approaching, many of the leading contenders head to Prestbury Park on Saturday in search of victory to underline their credentials for the main event in March.
To kick off this week’s show, the team turn their attention to the Cleeve Hurdle, completed over three miles in 3.35pm.
Hosted by Kate Tracey …
I love a strong leader, but he was very disappointing on long walks and had that wind operation, which suggests there was a problem there, not just that it was just a day. You probably want to see him run so he knows it’s not something that’s going to happen again, and I’m happy to see him go at 5/2 without being backed.
For my choice, I am willing to forgive CrambaPrevious Cheltenham form, given that he was far from himself when running in last year’s Standions Hurdle -and I would recall him taking that long success at a walk.
At the races ‘declan rix …
I think this is a crazy betting race, I really do. Crambo was a huge drifter in the cobbler’s hurdle last year and ran accordingly, but he did the same in the long walk, which suggested his preparation was off, as there was no way he was a 9/1 shot in the Formbook.
I’m not sure what to make of that contest as Beauport all these supposedly top class stands with Bridle and HiddenValley Lake and Blueking D’Oroux have since let that form down. He’s a good jumper, has a lovely attitude and is a really lovely animal, but maybe he had a tough race on the last day because they galloped so well, so I’m taking him on.
At prices A strong leader Hoping the wind surgery worked, it just looked like he was starting to get into the reel before he disappointed last time and everything seemed to be coming together, but it’s a big question mark.
Betvictor’s Sam Boswell …
I’m going to fight him Cramba here. I filled him in at Ascot, looking for a Christmas miracle and he delivered. He had to do it again, which I think is a big question for me to answer, but I kind of went through this race and thought, why isn’t he going to do that again? In the long walk he was bettered than quite a few decent horses and I know the second favorite (a strong leader) pulled back and has since had a wind operation but I need to see it work before I get involved with him.
I think Crambo should back that effort, he’s a horse he’s always thought highly of, and I think he’s potentially the only contender to cut short behind the warm favorite for the Stumper’s Hurdle in March. I know it will mean a lot to local trainer Fergal O’Brien and his team, and I won’t go crazy, but I thought she was fairly priced at 15/8.
Watch the weekend’s winners in full on the AT The Races YouTube channel
