JUST three weeks to go until Cheltenham and we’ve got the handicap entries to get stuck into.
But before trying to unpick those puzzles, a horse caught the eye for the National Hunt Chase at the weekend.
Templegate reckons Saint Roi is not without a shout at the FestivalSportsfile
There was a lot to like about KILBEG KING when finishing second in the Reynoldstown at Ascot.
He would have beaten winner Henry’s Friend but for a sticky jump at the last and he was gaining with every stride until the line came too soon.
Anthony Honeyball’s hope has plenty of stamina so the longer trip of the National Hunt Chase should be ideal.
He won a big handicap hurdle at last year’s Punchestown Festival so this is his time of year and decent ground suits best.
Betfred are currently biggest at 16-1 and he looks a decent bet to make the frame at least.
BET: KILBEG KING each-way in the National Hunt Chase at 16-1 with Betfred
Looking at the handicaps, it’s tricky knowing which horses are going where but we’ll have a stab at a couple at big each-way prices.
I’m assuming Jonjo O’Neill is keeping MONBEG GENIUS fit for the Grand National but if he appears in the Ultima, he’d be worth a very close look.
He was behind National winner Corach Rambler and Galopin Des Champs’ conqueror Fastorslow in the race 12 months ago and there shouldn’t be anything of that class in the line-up this time.
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He’s higher in the weights but was a good third in the Coral Cup last time and the 12-1 with Bet365 looks fair enough and you’ll get your money back if he doesn’t run.
We have already advised an each-way bet on Theatre Man in the race and he’s now into 14-1 from the advised 25s.
BET: MONBEG GENIUS each-way in the Ultima at 12-1 with Bet365
WHITE RHINO should sneak in near the bottom of the weights for the Pertemps Final and the 14-1 with Bet365 stands out.
Trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero won the Martin Pipe at last year’s Festival and have a good chance this time.
When we mentioned him just after Christmas, he still had to qualify for the race and managed that with a nice quiet third at Huntingdon.
He has a cracking record in a big field at Cheltenham with a first and second from two attempts this season and his handicap mark of 129 still has room for improvement.
BET: WHITE RHINO each-way in the Pertemps Final at 14-1 with Bet365
SAINT ROI proved once and for all that Grade 1 company is too sharp for him when having a quiet spin in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown earlier this month.
The Grand Annual has long been the aim for Willie Mullins and that test will be much more up his street.
He showed his liking for Cheltenham with a good third in the Arkle last season and has been brought along quietly.
He was second in hot company at Aintree on good ground but a little bit of cut is ideal.
He’s in the Plate as well but the Grand Annual looks a more suitable target over two miles and he’s the only Willie Mullins runner entered.
BET: SAINT ROI to win the Grand Annual at 8-1 with several firms including Coral
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