It is dangerous to let the heart rule the head when betting at Cheltenham, not least after a desperate hard-luck story such as Goshen’s mishap at the final flight in last year’s Triumph Hurdle. But there is as much substance as there is sentiment in a bet on Goshen (3.05) to give 7lb to Honeysuckle and Epatante in Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle.
The clock suggests that his 22-length win in the Kingwell at Wincanton last month was every bit as good as it looked, and 4-1 is a fair price for Gary Moore’s hurdler to finally bring Honeysuckle’s 10-race winning streak to a close.
Cheltenham 1.20 Despite the lack of runners, Appreciate It still looks very short here to win a race that has had just one seven-year-old winner this century. Metier recorded a strong time when successful in the Tolworth in January, yet still looked to have something left in the tank, so Harry Fry’s runner makes much more appeal at around 9-2, and don’t rule out a big run at a huge price from under-the-radar Grumpy Charley.
Cheltenham 1.55 The scratching of Energumene a few days ago appeared to leave this at the mercy of Shiskin, but it also removed one of Allmankind’s rivals for the lead from the equation. Dan Skelton’s runner still has something to find with the favourite, even on his recent Warwick form, but if his jumping is sound and he gets his way in front, 9-2 could be a fair price for an upset.
Cheltenham 2.30 Aye Right has put up several big performances in defeat already this season and the form of his 10-length second in the Ladbrokes Trophy was franked by the winner, Cloth Cap, earlier this month. With Richard Johnson taking over in the saddle, he could foil the big gamble on Happygolucky.
Quick Guide
Greg Wood’s Tuesday tips
Southwell
12.30 Sezina
1.00 High Security
1.35 Qaaraat
2.10 Beat The Heat
2.45 Daafr
3.20 Holiday Magic
3.55 Brandy Station
Cheltenham
1.20 Metier (nb)
1.55 Allmankind
2.30 Aye Right
3.05 Goshen (nap)
3.40 Concertista
4.15 Homme Public
4.50 Next Destination
Sedgefield
1.45 Dream Over
2.20 Sabbathical
2.55 Getaway Jewel
3.30 Oxwich Bay
4.05 Mongol Emperor
4.35 Game Line
5.05 Teasing Georgia
Newcastle
5.15 Sergeant Major
5.45 Lasting Legacy
6.15 Mostahdaf
6.45 Artistic Rifles
7.15 Healing Power
7.45 Al Suil Eile
8.15 Marta Boy-
Cheltenham 3.40 This race has the second short-priced favourite of the day from the Willie Mullins stable, and Concertista is difficult to get away from as she bids to follow up her win in the novice event for mares 12 months ago. Dame De Compagnie, last year’s Coral Cup winner, could give her most to do.
Cheltenham 4.15 As competitive as they come, even at this meeting. Houx Gris is possibly the pick of the market leaders, having lost several lengths with a mistake two out in the Grade One Finale Hurdle at Chepstow, but Homme Public is twice the price, was a neck behind him at levels at Auteuil in October and gets 3lb here.