_edited.png)
15:05 Cheltenham – International Hurdle
The major race this Saturday afternoon sees a Grade 2 hurdle take place at jumps HQ where the unbeaten Pentland Hills aims to keep his streak on track now that he’s competing against older and more experienced opposition for the first time. Now at the age of four the Nicky Henderson trained course and distance winner is going to be facing his toughest test to date but if he lives up to the hype then he’s bound to have a great chance.
Fellow Cheltenham Festival victor Ch’tibello has an opportunity of claiming another course victory however, in my opinion, isn’t the classiest type and is perhaps open to a few likely improvers.
The two major dangers to our selection has to be Call Me Lord who’s been competing at this level for a couple of seasons now and put in a decent effort to finish second on his seasonal reappearance. He’s a Grade 2 winner who deserves a tonne of respect but it seems like he’s hard to place and trainer Nicky Henderson isn’t quite sure what is best trip is. The other horse worth noting has to be Elixir De Nutz. The five year old has already claimed a victory here at National Hunt’s premier race course and raced up a three timer last year. With victories over Grand Sancy and Jarveys Plate now being franked this season his form looks very solid and perhaps doesn’t have some of the questions his rivals have to answer but it’s hard to see past the favourite but if punters are looking for each-way value I couldn’t put you off Colin Tizzard’s runner.
Of the remainder Gumball could be over priced and perhaps has the talent to snatch a place but Pentland Hills looks by far the one to beat this afternoon.
PENTLAND HILLS (WIN)
ITV RACING:
13:55 Cheltenham – Lalor (E/W) & Clondaw Castle (E/W)
14:10 Doncaster – Sam Spinner (WIN)
14:30 Cheltenham – Valtor (WIN)
14:45 Doncaster – Paseo (WIN)
15:05 Cheltenham – Pentland Hills (WIN)
15:20 Doncaster – Cloth Cap (WIN)
15:40 Cheltenham – Mega Yates (E/W)