Merriebelle Plate Tip: Art Mauresque

Paul Nicholls might not have the star names of the recent past but he’s sure to pick up a handicap or two at the Festival and Art Mauresque  has an excellent chance in the 4.10 contest.

Twelve months ago, he was sent off 11/1 for this race but was pulled up. He returns off an 11lbs higher mark but his form is much better as a result.

Art Mauresque started the season putting in a career best performance to win at Chepstow. The form of the race is solid with the runner-up winning a class 2 handicap at Kempton, confirming the good impression on the clock.

A seventh place in the BetVictor Gold Cup was respectable on ground that turned against him and he’s been saved for Cheltenham since then. Paul Nicholls potentially ran him too often last season and it is interesting to see he’s been campaigned much more lightly this time round.

From November to February, Art Mauresque is 0/5 but the rest of the year he is 6/11. Good ground brings the best out in him and he will have conditions to suit at Cheltenham.

Despite the big weight, he should run well and is young enough to still be improving. Back him at 25/1 with Paddy Power and get 5 places at 1/5 odds and money back if he finishes second.