Over the past few years, Cheltenham Trials Day has often failed to live up to its name, with limited genuine Cheltenham hopes coming here.
This year, it’s all different. I think this is the best trials day we’ve seen for some time, there’s plenty of Cheltenham Festival clues to be had here, and we should be in for a great day of racing.
Below, I’ve got thoughts on all six races that have festival implications, plus a handicap that doesn’t, but has a horse I really like in it.
12:40pm – Triumph Hurdle Trial
The two leading contenders here are up in the betting for the Triumph Hurdle in March, and a good win for either would see them probably contest favouritism. Maestro Conti (10/1 for the Triumph) and Minella Yoga (20/1 for the Triumph) are the two runners, and my preference is definitely the former.
I thought Maestro Conti was excellent on British debut, to make it two from two after winning a hurdle race in France before his move to Dan Skelton. The form of that Kempton win hasn’t really been tested yet, but on the eye test alone, it was impressive.
A step up, but I think Maestro Conti jumps right into the Triumph picture with a win here.
1:15pm – Handicap Chase
A race that doesn’t have too many Cheltenham implications, but one that I like an each way runner in.
The market will centre around Jagwar, who’s likely to be very short for a race of this nature. Instead, I like Northern raider Prairie Wolf, a good winner of a competitive race at Aintree over Christmas, and for a yard that continue to have a great weekend record in good heats.
Up just 3lb for that win, I think he’s still handicapped to go well.
1:50pm – Cross Country Handicap
With the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival now a handicap, these trial runs actually mean something.
Final Orders won in great style at the last meeting, but a 9lb rise in the weights will definitely make this tougher.
However, looking at the current betting, and the way he won last time, I think he’s value to win again here. J’Arrive De L’Est is back to try and turn the tables, but at the prices, I’ll side with Final Orders having a little more to give.
2:25pm – Cotswold Chase
All eyes on Grey Dawning, winner of the Betfair Chase on his only other start this season and coming here before going to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Currently 12/1 to win the Gold Cup, I think he would have to win this race very well to be cut much in price, as the competition isn’t that high.
I think he wins this, he’s odds on and rightfully so, but I still can’t have him for Cheltenham as I don’t think he’ll stay strongly enough in a truly run race (which we will get) and over the extra furlong.
3:00pm – International Hurdle
For me, the most interesting race of them all on the day, and a true clash of two Champion Hurdle hopefuls.
Sir Gino, back hurdling after the troubles surrounding Constitution Hill, was electric when winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
He beat Golden Ace by six lengths that day, so the first question to ask is whether you think The New Lion would have beaten Golden Ace by six lengths at Newcastle, had he stood up.
I don’t think he would have, and the reason for that was the pace and small field, two things against him here.
I think The New Lion needs an electric pace over this distance and won’t get it until the Champion Hurdle.
For me, Sir Gino takes this, but I’d be interested in seeing what price The New Lion is for the Champion Hurdle, because he could actually become the value for that race by losing this one, with plenty against him.
Before this contest, Sir Gino is 5/4 for the Champion Hurdle, and The New Lion is 4/1.
3:35pm – Cleeve Hurdle
Impose Toi is the clear British hope for the Stayers Hurdle and an 11/2 shot to win that race at the moment.
He’s 11/10 to take the Cleeve Hurdle, and looks to have strong claims, as he’s had the beating of most of these already this season.
Winner of his last three, a handicap, Grade Two and the Grade One Long Walk at Ascot, the last two have seen Strong Leader in behind, his main rival here.
I think the Irish have a much stronger hand for the Stayers, so wouldn’t be interested in that, but Impose Toi should have enough to once again beat his British rivals.
4:10pm – Classic Novices’ Hurdle
Those running well here are likely to head to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle in March, and Act Of Innocence is the shortest in the betting for that race from these runners at 14/1.
However, behind him in the betting for the Turners, and likely behind him in the betting here, Taurus Bay is the one I prefer.
Currently 33/1 to win at the Festival, he’s the one horse from this card that I’d pick to back antepost, in the hope of a big run on Saturday.
Two good wins over slightly shorter at Stratford and Aintree, the latter being a decent race In thought, he also looks sure to improve further for the extra couple of furlongs he’ll be encountering here.
I’m hoping he wins this and goes onto bigger and better things, including a big run at the festival.
Cheltenham Trials Day Tips
- 12:40pm – Maestro Conti
- 1:15pm – Prairie Wolf (EW)
- 1:50pm – Final Orders
- 2:25pm – Grey Dawning
- 3:00pm – Sir Gino
- 3:35pm – Impose Toi
- 4:10pm – Taurus Bay