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Florida Dreams should be hard to beat in the opener for Nicky Richards. He has the best form in the race after a respectable fifth in the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day. He will have to concede a 7lb penalty to his rivals after his win at Ayr earlier this season, but he’s the class act here. Panhandle Slim won at Sedgefield last time out, and he could be the danger, but he might find the trip to be on the sharp side, dropping back down in distance.
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There are a few horses in this race that have different profiles, including some that are making their debut over fences. Doyen Du Bar falls into that category, and he could be open to even further improvement after he blitzed his rivals at Kelso over hurdles last month. However, I am going to go for Martator, who just keeps bumping into one after a pair of frustrating second-place finishes at Newbury. The seven-year-old gelding still looks to be on a decent mark of 117, and Venetia Williams looks to have found a good opportunity to get his head in front this time around.
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Several trainers have decided to make the long journey north to Carlisle for this race, which is worth noting and that’s why I am going to go for the Anthony Honeyball trained Ask Lileen. This daughter of Soldier Of Fortune, has some attractive form next to her name which included beating Grade 1 winning mare Apple Away in a point-to-point. The last time we saw her she finished fourth on her hurdles debut at Fontwell, but she might have just needed the run that day. I think she’ll shape better here and the stiff uphill finish will play to her strengths.
3.02 –Â Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Mares’ Handicap ChaseÂ
This is a tight little affair, but my slight preference is for Royale Margeaux. She has been progressing well this season, which included a decent second in a warm contest at Cheltenham in December. The last time we saw her, she finished fifth in a Listed Mares’ Chase at Doncaster, but this looks to be an easier assignment than her previous task, and she can defy topweight here. Lilith won this race last year, and she’s unlikely to be far away, while cases can also be made for previous course winners Malaita and Mulberry Hill.
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El Jefe has been a cash machine for punters this season, and he might not be done with yet. He’s won his last three races and is likely to be there or thereabouts again, though he does have to defy an 8lb rise for his recent win at Haydock. The Famous Five seemed to get the hang of things when winning at Leicester last month. The handicapper has raised him 6lb for that success, but I think he’s got the scope to improve further, and he’ll be suited by this track. He gets the nod from me.
4.07 – Follow Rhino.Bet On Instagram Handicap Chase
The one that stands out for me is Breeze Of Wind, who has won his last two starts at Sedgefield and Uttoxeter. It looks like Stuart Coltherd has found the key to him by stepping up in distance. He’s now 5lb higher this time around, but I think there could be more to come from him over staying trips and, he looks hard to oppose. Natty Night has been a consistent performer, and he could be the danger after winning at Leicester.
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We might have saved the class act of the card for the lucky last in the shape of Mister Meggit. The son of Shantou hosed up by 12 lengths over this course and distance back in November. It looks like he is held in high regard by Jonjo O’Neill, who has given him an entry in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. Even though he does have to carry a 7lb penalty for his previous win, I’m going to stick with him here. When it comes to the others, I suspect Lieutenant Mayne and San Frandisco will be chasing him home.
