Open Season

Tomorrow sees the first of the three day Open meeting at Cheltenham. It is to be televised on channel 4. King Harald can win the first race under top weight, he has won over the course, the distance and on the ground so can defy an absence to win again. In the grade 2 novices hurdle Over Sixty can win to deny Nicholls and Walsh another win. He receives 10 lbs from American Trilogy, he showed some good bumper form before scoring well on his hurdling debut. Ornais can win the PP Graduation Chase for NIcholls, he finished a very creditable 5th in the P O'Sulivan at the festival. And has won on softish ground before and is a decent price at 13/8. 

A very good turnout for the cross country chase, with lots of good horses entered. I have managed to wittle it down to 2 horses, last years runner up Puntal and Garde Champetre. The latter mentioned has won over this C&D at the festival and should be a leading player today. Puntal finsihed a staying on 3rd in his last start in this race last year. If he is fit enough he could make the frame. One interesting horse in Pass Me By, back at Suzy Smiths and not running under top weight in handicaps, he could warrant e/w support. 

The 3-35 handicap is just as difficult a puzzle to solve. Again I have it down to two horses, Templer and Lordsbridge. The fore mentioned goes well on softened ground and is likely to have come on alot for his latest run, he looks a good price at 20/1. Lordsbridge finished 4th of 16 in a similar contest here back in October and again goes well on softened ground. A leading contender. 

Herecomesthetruth can win the last for Nicholls who's chasers are always respected. He won well last time at Chepstow after a break and can build on that performance with a win here.