After strong doubts earlier in the week, it looks like all systems go at Cheltenham tomorrow for Trials Day. It's a quality card being under two months away from the festival, so time to bring in the expertise to assess a couple of races. Calum Madell, @calummadell, weighs in with his preview.
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2:25 – Argento Chase
There are doubts about a number of these but Tidal Bay is the most solid option by far and he’s run some superb races of late. He did have a setback earlier in the week and even though Paul Nicholls wouldn’t run him if he wasn’t 100% sound, it is something you have in the back of your mind.
Imperial Commander is of course the real fly in the ointment as he wins this comfortably if returning to the racecourse with his best form after a long layoff, especially in receipt of 10lb. Connections would be pleased with simply a good run though.
There’s still doubts for me that Grand Crus and Hunt Ball are up for a slog in the mud like this over three miles, even though both ran crackers at Kempton last time.
The fragile but talented Weird Al could well take advantage if the race falls apart but a chance is taken on Cheltenham specialist MIDNIGHT CHASE to take the race again. He beat Tidal Bay last year and though that rival has improved since, there’s no denying he loves the course and will be primed for this. His season hasn’t been brilliant of late but there have been glimmers of promise and this will confirm a lot more. For that reason he’s worth taking a chance on for small stakes.
Wayward Prince is very much a reformed character this season but was entitled to win last time in receipt of weight and this requires a lot more. Similar can be said of Cape Tribulation who took advantage of a nice handicap mark over fences when winning the Roland Meyrick. Quartz De Thaix is worth a chance in this sort of grade while Calgary Bay has a bit to prove, Little Josh won’t be good enough and Hey Big Spender has a lot to prove.
Advice – Midnight Chase 1pt e/w @14/1 generally
Read more of Calum's musings on his blog.
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2:25 – Argento Chase
There are doubts about a number of these but Tidal Bay is the most solid option by far and he’s run some superb races of late. He did have a setback earlier in the week and even though Paul Nicholls wouldn’t run him if he wasn’t 100% sound, it is something you have in the back of your mind.
Imperial Commander is of course the real fly in the ointment as he wins this comfortably if returning to the racecourse with his best form after a long layoff, especially in receipt of 10lb. Connections would be pleased with simply a good run though.
There’s still doubts for me that Grand Crus and Hunt Ball are up for a slog in the mud like this over three miles, even though both ran crackers at Kempton last time.
The fragile but talented Weird Al could well take advantage if the race falls apart but a chance is taken on Cheltenham specialist MIDNIGHT CHASE to take the race again. He beat Tidal Bay last year and though that rival has improved since, there’s no denying he loves the course and will be primed for this. His season hasn’t been brilliant of late but there have been glimmers of promise and this will confirm a lot more. For that reason he’s worth taking a chance on for small stakes.
Wayward Prince is very much a reformed character this season but was entitled to win last time in receipt of weight and this requires a lot more. Similar can be said of Cape Tribulation who took advantage of a nice handicap mark over fences when winning the Roland Meyrick. Quartz De Thaix is worth a chance in this sort of grade while Calgary Bay has a bit to prove, Little Josh won’t be good enough and Hey Big Spender has a lot to prove.
Advice – Midnight Chase 1pt e/w @14/1 generally
Read more of Calum's musings on his blog.
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