Cheltenham and Musselburgh Preview

1:35 Cheltenham Handicap Chase Cl2 3m2f110y
A wide-open handicap chase with Richard’s Sundance the 6/1 (Boylesports)  favourite. Good ground is unlikely to play to his strengths; his wins have come in testing conditions.

At a more satisfying price, Wogan looks worth a chance at 12/1 (Bet365). He runs well fresh and two years ago he picked up a valuable Doncaster handicap. He is back down to his last winning mark and in May he ran a decent fourth at Worcester, suggesting ability is still there despite the advancing years.

Selections: Wogan at 12/1 with Bet365

2:10 Cheltenham Victor Chandler Chase Handicap (Grade 3) Cl1 2m5f
Previous Cheltenham form is on display with Calgary Bay (8/1 with Bet365) and Ghizao (6/1 with Bet365) separated by 1.5 lengths after good runs in the Spinal Research Gold Cup in December. Both have leading chances again.

Duke of Lucca (6/1 with Boylesports) was a wide margin winner on his last start but he is back up in grade today and has struggled in better company before.

Selection: Our tipster likes Hidden Keel at 14/1 with Boylesports (read his thoughts here)

2:25 Musselburgh Handicap Hurdle Cl2 2m
Scotland see in the New Year with a high quality handicap hurdle on their Musselburgh card. Marsh Warbler tops the weights and the betting at 4/1 (Stan James). He finished fifth in the Ladbroke at Ascot and was 8 lengths behind Grandouet at Haydock. He could be a grade horse in a handicap. 

Desert Cry wasn’t suited by the sluggish pace in the Ladbroke and his run is best forgiven. A stronger gallop will help and he looked progressive prior to his flop at Ascot. He can be given a second chance at 5/1 (Skybet).

Selection: Desert Cry at 5/1 with Skybet