For a short time last night, I fooled myself that I quite simply didn’t fancy anything strongly and would focus my attention on Sedgefield today. Thankfully, I came to my senses and for better or for worse, we’ve gone full tilt today with a Cheltenham betting bonanza in the Tips Den. Here goes nothing…
Note: Some of the bets below may not suit some, who are after just the one selection. But there is method to the madness. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle bets in particular, are just me trying to utilise the wealth of concessions on offer from bookmakers
Today’s Selections
CHELTENHAM
1.30 – Irving E/w 4/1 double stakes William Hill 5 E/w places
1.30 – Josses Hill E/w 20/1 (get best odds guarantee + 4 places) double stakes, The Liquidator E/w 20/1 William Hill 5 E/w places, Gilgamboa E/w 11/1 William Hill 5 E/w places
2.05 – Grandouet E/w 10/1 generally
2.40 – Muldoon’s Picnic, Pacha Du Polder E/w 33/1, 50/1 (get 5 places)
3.20 – My Tent Or Yours E/w 7/2 generally, double stakes
4.00 – Jennies Jewel E/w 22/1 w/o Quevega Bet Victor
4.00 – Highland Retreat E/w 18/1 Bet Victor
4.00 – Quevega to win by 6 lengths or more 7/2 Skybet
4.40 – Shotgun Paddy E/w 11/2
5.15 – Tony Star, Buthelezi E/w 25/1, 28/1
Comments:
Well it is Cheltenham, so you can forgive the apparent madness listed above. With bookmakers falling over themselves to offer punters great value. Hills are offering an incredible 5 places in the Supreme, so it makes perfect sense to have several bullets to fire in the race.
Irving is the main selection. He looked like an aeroplane last time out, the better ground is sure to suit and he could win this very easily if he can translate his speed and quality going left-handed for the first time over hurdles. There have been questions over his ability to stay, but he did beat Kasba Bliss over 1m6f on the flat!
Josses Hill is a horse I like a lot and his drifting out to 20/1 – for all Geraghty has jumped ship to Vaniteaux (who I also like!!) – has made him an obvious inclusion for the Supreme shortlist. The Liquidator was imperious around here at the Paddy Power meeting but flopped badly next time out at Kempton. He surely hasn’t become a bad horse overnight and if Pipe can get him back to his best, he’ll go well. Lastly, Gilgamboa is a good friend to these columns and at 11/1 with 5 places on offer, he is a no-brainer. A horse who stays really well, jumps for fun and will enjoy the strong pace and hustle and bustle nature of the contest.
Grandouet was put up at 20/1 ante-post for this and at 10/1 on the day with the ground coming right for him, he still has E/w appeal in a very tough and open Arkle. He is a horse with stacks of natural ability, who was tanking when falling in the Champion Hurdle last year, and I would love to see him put it all together today and get involved.
My Tent Or Yours has been capable of a showstopping performance for some time but hasn’t really had the conditions to display it until today. They should go a nice, even pace for him and if he is as good as I think he might be, then he should win. Hurricane Fly is the horse they all have to beat in the Champion Hurdle – no question, but I’m hopeful My Tent Or Yours has what it takes.
The remainder of selections consistent of some, hopefully, value picks in the supporting races. Best of luck this afternoon whatever you choose to back!!
NOTE: If you’re new to the Tips Den, visit this link to the first post, which will give you some background and details as to what it is all about –
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