Cheltenham Open: Sunday

The Sunday of Cheltenham’s Open Meeting brings to a close three days of high quality action.

1:10 Novices´ Chase (Grade 2) Cl1 2m
Paul Nicholls has won the last three renewals and he saddles the hot favourite Al Ferof (5/6 with William Hill). Winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdles in March he is 12/1 (Boylesports) for next year’s Arkle.

Nothing in the field can get near his hurdle form and therefore it is left to Lancetto (11/1 with BlueSq), a winner of both his chase starts to provide him with any sort of test.

Selection: Al Ferof 5/6 (William Hill)

1:45 Shloer Chase Cl2 2m
Gauvain was a surprise winner of the race last year and it is 3/1 (Betfred) that lightning strikes twice. Never quite top class, he would need the market leaders to under peform.

Woolcombe Folly is the evens (Coral) favourite having won half of his eight starts over fences, however he has lost his last three. It is starting to look like he is also short of championship race winning quality.

West With The Wind (4/1 Victor Chandler) is also a prolific winner, with six victories over fences from his ten starts. Unfortunately his one poor run came at Cheltenham when he was pulled up in the Arkle, he might be better suited to flat tracks.

There are question marks over the three main protagonists but the tentative vote goes to West With The Wind

Selection: West With The Wind (4/1 Victor Chandler)

2:20 Greatwood Handicap Hurdle Grade 3 Cl1 2m110y
A useful pointer for the Champion Hurdle but the last horse to win both races was Rooster Booster eight years ago.

Sanctuaire looked the have the world at his feat when an impressive winner of the Fred Winter in 2010. Troubled by breathing problems we have only seen glimmers of that form since. If his health problems have been fixed over the summer then 14/1 (Bet365) could be a big price.

Moon Dice 7/1 (Bet365) won the valuable Galway Handicap Hurdle in July, proving his trainer correct, that he is a high class horses. His best performances have come after a layoff, further enhancing his prospects.

Selection: Moon Dice 7/1 (Bet365)

2:55 Intermediate Handicap Hurdle Cl3 2m5f
A big field and a difficult race to asses with horses towards the starts of their careers. Cheltenham form has a habit of repeating itself and Tenor Nivernais 10/1 (Ladbrokes) can improve for the step up in trip after finishing seventh in last seasons Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap at the Festival.

Selection:  Tenor Nivernais 10/1 (Ladbrokes)