Day 1 of the Paddy Power meeting today and a good card looks set to get the juices flowing ready for the weekend.
The 2m handicap chase looks an open race and I quite fancy COASTGUARD STATION to run a big race at a big price. Henry Oliver is a shrewd man and knows how to lay one out for a big race. Having recently given the selection a spin over hurdles, where he ran very well, I'd suggest that he will be spot on for this assignment. A strong staying 2 miler, he has some good form in the book last term and still rates as an unexposed type who could have a big part to play off such a low weight.
I'm struggling to find a reason why BROOK
BAY won't go close off a mark of 110. Connections have stated he will probably appreciate further but I've seen enough in two runs this term to suggest he has enough speed to cope with this stiff 2 miles. Having travelled strongly in both his novice hurdles he has only been beaten by some smart novices so the form has a strong look to it and I'm very surprised to see an opening mark of 110. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck then it probably is a duck – let's just hope he doesn't run like a duck.
Cheltenham 1.45 – Coastguard Station
Cheltenham 4.05 – Brook Bay
Saturday
I've woken every day this week backing a different horse in the Paddy Power Gold Cup but I think I've finally settled on THE REAL WHACKER each way. For me it's between him and Stage Star and I'll be surprised if one or other isn't battling out the finish but the selection is almost double the price and therefore rates the best bet. He will undoubtedly be on the front end and with his accurate jumping I expect him to get plenty under the pump from quite some way out. Sam Twiston-Davies will be able save some fuel ready for the hill which this horse clearly loves. He's a classy sort and he will have to be to carry the weight but I think he could.
The Listed Mares flat race looks open but I'm pretty sure SHARP OBJECT is a cut above them. Her form behind Aurora Vega looks strong with the third already coming out and winning since and that experience will stand her in good stead here for sure. John McConnell knows how to ready a winner around here and it will be no surprise if she wins here.
Cheltenham 2.20 – The Real Whacker
Cheltenham 4.05 – Sharp Object
Sunday
Any further ease in the ground will certainly suit NEMEAN LION in the Greatwood Hurlde on Sunday. Kerry Lee's classy novice showed he has trained on in no uncertain terms as he took
Welsh Champion Hurdle honours at Ffos Las on his return. That should have bought him on plenty and although he has to shoulder top weight here, I'm quietly confident he is a graded horse in a handicap. Luckily he doesn't have to concede too much weight to his main rivals as they are all so closely rated so I'm hoping his class shines through.
Cheltenham 3.30 – Nemean Lion
