It seems a bit obvious now he has been supported into a short priced favourite but ENCANTO BRUNO looked a great bet last night at 5/2. Gavin Cromwell’s charge is a different beast on this better ground and proved so when winning here easily in October. Connections have had to bide their time and miss big Spring targets due to the ground but they can gain their compensation at Cheltenham today at the main expense of Peaky Boy.
It’s boring I know, but SEA INVASION looks the best handicapped horse in the 2.05. Chris Gordon’s youngster hosed up at Plumpton last time seemingly appreciating the extra distance for which he went up 7lb. Switched back into a more competitive race he certainly has more on his plate here but I think he should improve again and prove the one to beat.
I took a punt on CASTEL GANDOLFO at 25/1 last night and it’s positive to see his price collapse this morning. A Cheltenham specialist without winning too often here, he always seems to save his best for Prestbury Park and given connections gave him a recent spin on the flat to blow away the cobwebs, I suggest they may mean business today. Fergal O’Brien jocks up his daughter, Fern, here which again makes it look like a bit of a plan. The stable are in good form and I expect another big run.
Cheltenham 1.30 – Encanto Bruno
Cheltenham 2.05 – Sea Invasion
Cheltenham 5.00 – Castel Gandolfo
