S.P.Read Esq: Cheltenham Open Meeting
Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the racing on Friday afternoon at CHELTENHAM and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.
Got there with the distances at Clonmel yesterday. The distances made up at 40.25 and I bought at 35 on Star Spreads – so a profit of 157.50 points to the recommended stake.
The three-day Open meeting gets underway at Cheltenham today when the new Princess Royal Stand will be officially opened prior to racing.
It’s then eyes down for some cracking jumping action and today’s six races include the spectacle of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.
There will be plenty of clues for the Festival itself – although it’s worth pointing out that none of the winners on the corresponding card last year went on to taste further glory in March.
For me, without doubt, the most interesting race on today’s card is the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at 2.15, despite it just attracting a field of four.
But what a strong line-up it is, with all four winning last time out. Market leader is the John Ferguson trained Penglai Pavillion who is unbeaten in three starts. He’s a revelation since switching to the jumps having failed to be placed in five starts on the flat when trained by Charlie Appleby. He was particularly impressive when winning at the October meeting here and only had to be shaken up for a four and a half length success.
Northern raider Shantou Village has won his two races (one bumper) with consummate ease and it’s hard to tell just how good he could be as he didn’t race on the flat.
David Pipe’s Champers On Ice scrambled home to win at Punchestown but the runner-up, First Figaro, won at Galway next time out and the pair finished 28 lengths clear of the third, so that form has a very solid look to it.
Alcala romped home at Worcester but is the outsider of the quartet – mainly due to him looking slightly more exposed than his rivals.
A tough call but at the prices I am taking a chance with Champers On Ice.
The above race will be pivotal to distances players on Star Spreads.
At a spread of 28-31 I’m a seller. The same card weighed in at only 16.25 lengths last year and the racing looks even more competitive this year.
CLICK FOR CHELTENHAM MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS
RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)
SELL DISTANCES for 30 points at around 28 with STAR SPREADS
- Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
- Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.
