Cheltenham Festival 2010 - Day Four Analysis

Apologies for a shorter write up today due to internet difficulties which have plagued us all morning. Alberta's Run was a cracking winner for us yesterday, hope you all took the 25/1 advised ante post last month.


1.30 Cheltenham - Jcb Triumph Hurdle (grade 1)

Alavian to win @ 9/2 (Sporting Bet)

Tough race as ever, Alavian would be 7/2 if he was proven on this ground and he looks the classiest of this lot by some way. Said to be working well and has had a trouble free prep.

2.05 Cheltenham Vincent O'brien County Handicap Hurdle

Secret Dancer each-way @ 20/1 (Paddy Power, 5 places, guaranteed)

Has some serious Cheltenham form behind Loosen My Load and Zaynar too, over a trip which stretched him. Gambling stable pulled off a big coup the other day. 20/1 is massive and first five home are paid.

2.40 Cheltenham Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Tell Massini to win @ 9/2 (Generally, guaranteed)

Again a slight question mark with the ground but I think he is the class act in this field. Has had an excellent season, and I think a good, sound horse should go on good ground; I actually think 9/2 is good value.

3.20 Cheltenham Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cooldine each-way @ 10/1 (Bet 365, 1/4 odds)

I've always thought Kauto would be vulnerable this time around. He is an all time great but I really don't know how often he can go to the well. I don't believe Cheltenham is his best track (Kempton is) and I want to take him on at odds on. I was keen on Denman, but can't have him after Newbury last time out. Cooldine is the up and coming horse, his form with Joncol is absolutely rock solid and 10/1 each-way is great value.

4.00 Cheltenham Christie's Foxhunter Chase

Baby Run to win @ 13/2 (Coral, guaranteed) WON

Not a race to get hugely involved in but Baby Run seems to have had the best prep and this could be his year.

4.40 Cheltenham Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Radium each-way @ 14/1 (Bet 365, 5 places) E/W 2nd

Again a minefield, Radium looks a little quirky but the big field might suit and he looks very unexposed. 14/1 is big.


5.15 Cheltenham The Grand Annual

French Opera each-way @ 10/1 (Bet 365, 5 places) E/W 2nd

French Opera looks rock solid each-way material, 1/4 first 5 places with Bet 365.