Cheltenham Day 1 Sectional Timings Preview

By using sectionals were are capable of adjusting ratings for horses who went too fast a pace or too slow. This means were should get a truer picture of their ability. Several caveats to the data should be made.

These ratings were achieved over a variety of trip, track and going; they don’t account for horses easing down in facile victories either. Data is from October 2015 onwards.

1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Min has something to find on ratings but is there more to come after two facile victories? Holly Bush Henry isn’t without hope at a massive price, good speed rating last time out and the form has been franked.

2.10 Arkle Trophy

Douvan might not have the top rating but has run fast times with consummate ease. Vaniteux or Fox Norton could give him a race which might force Douvan to run a monster rating.

2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase

Those at the top of the weights (Shanahan’s Turn & Holywell) have clocked good speed ratings as you would expect from classy types. Ballykan, Indian Castle and Band Of Blood have all managed decent speed ratings relative to their lower official marks.

3.30 Champion Hurdle

Annie Power looks a dodgy favourite, winning a nothing race in a moderate time. The New One and Hargam clocked excellent times in defeat on Boxing Day at Kempton, just to prove what a big miss Faugheen (158) is.