Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day Two

 


14:50 - Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Sa Majeste has been all the rage in this in the build up to the festival and it's easy to see why punters would latch on to him,  a completely unexposed hurdler having had just two starts for Willie Mullins. The first of those starts he disappointed at 13/8 in April 2023, but last time out he was impressive when beating Noble Yeats over 2m4f at Christmas. However, that wouldn't be the grand national winner's optimum trip and I'm wary of backing Sa Majeste on the basis of that run alone.

I really fancied Doddiethegreat to run a huge race in this when I first looked but the form of the Henderson stable is certainly tempering my enthusiasm, with 5 of his 6 runners being pulled up on day one. That being said, everything is price related and he drifts enough (would want 12/1+) then I will end up backing him.

There is certainly no worries regarding Henry De Bromhead's stable form and BALLYADAM looks to be a solid option with almost all firms paying 6 places each-way. He has finished 5th in the last 2 runnings of the county hurdle and finished off his race well in both. Recent runs suggest this 2m4f trip will suit and those at the top of the weights have a decent record in the race, so having to give weight away all around isn't a huge concern.

Another I want to back with the extra places in mind is GUARD YOUR DREAMS. His Cheltenham form figures read 71135, with the last three of those runs coming in Grade 2 races. Clearly he's had some issues emphasised by the 660 day absence prior to his return this season. Both runs this season have come in grade 2 contests over 2m and given all his top 5 career RPRs have come over 2m3f+, the combination of a drop to handicap company and step up to 2m4f could see him outrun his current odds.


BALLYADAM 14/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

GUARD YOUR DREAMS 33/1 - 0.5 Points Each-Way


16:50 - Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Followers of this blog were rewarded with a 25/1 winner in this last year when MASKADA stayed on strongly to beat Dinoblue a shade cosily. That rival has won 4 times since including a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and is rated 19lb higher as a result, whereas Maksada is only 8lb higher. That is partly as she hasn't matched that form since, but she did at least show she retained a good amount of her ability when 3rd behind Champion Chase favourite El Fabiolo at Cork in December. I can't shake the image of her bolting up last year and she holds good claims of going back to back.

I'm also going to have to back LIBBERTY HUNTER after his hugely impressive victory at Cheltenham last time out when running down Matata - subsequent Grade 2 runner up and 4th in Tuesday's Arkle. That run confirmed the promise of his earlier Wincanton win and there is a strong chance a mark of 137 could seriously underestimate his ability, with testing conditions sure to suit he rates a strong bet on Wednesday.


MASKADA 9/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

LIBBERTY HUNTER 9/2 - 1.5 Points Win




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