Architect Tips looks at Coral Chase runners at Kempton worth tracking for ante-post bets on the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Al Dancer
Cheltenham Festival Entry: Ultima Handicap Chase - 25/1
The Sam Thomas-trained 11-year-old has plenty of large-field handicap experience at Cheltenham, and a good run this weekend could ensure he takes his place in the Ultima Handicap Chase next month. That remains his only entry across the four days, for which he’s available at 25/1.
He has continued his fine run of form from last season by winning on his return at Chepstow prior to a pair of in-the-frame efforts at Aintree and Cheltenham. If the grey was to succeed at Kempton, his odds would no doubt shorten. His valuable experience and overall record in large-field handicaps will always make him a dangerous horse to discount.
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Blackjack Magic & Forward Plan
Cheltenham Festival Entry: Kim Muir Handicap Chase - 25/1 & 40/1
Anthony Honeyball is set to rely on Blackjack Magic and Forward Plan in the race at the weekend, and, coincidentally, both hold sole entries in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival next month. That tells us that it’s either that target or none at the four-day fixture.
The former, who beat subsequent winner Threeunderthrufive in the Badger Beer at Wincanton on his seasonal debut, is actually priced up at shorter odds than stablemate Forward Plan for the Kim Muir, despite the latter being ahead of him in the market for this weekend’s race.
He can be backed at a general 25/1, whereas the latter is available at 40/1. With both of them holding a good chance of success on Saturday, if either were to win, they would definitely attract bookmaker support ahead of next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Tweed Skirt
Cheltenham Festival Entry: Mares’ Chase - 33/1
Nicky Henderson has Tweed Skirt entered in the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and given she’s prominent in the betting for the Coral Chase this weekend, a win would likely see her take up that engagement next month.
She boasts a good record over fences and is currently 33/1 with most firms for that Grade 2 race in the Cotswolds. She should have plenty more to offer and could book her ticket to next month’s showpiece if she can do herself justice at the weekend, where she's the 11/2 second favourite.
II Ridoto
Cheltenham Festival Entry: Plate Handicap Chase - 16/1
II Ridoto is Paul Nicholls’ only representative in this race at the weekend, and although he will be stepping up in trip, this will allow connections plenty more options if he were to prove he can stay the distance. His only entry at the Cheltenham Festival is the Plate Handicap Chase, so there’s every chance he will drop back in trip to contest that race next month regardless of what he does here.
Click here for my Plate Handicap Chase ante-post preview.
The seven-year-old has a liking for Cheltenham and has already made the frame in all three starts at the course this year. He is 16/1 for that intended assignment, but again, if he were to go close to winning at the weekend, he might even enter single-figure digits for next month’s task. He is one to look out for at the weekend to see how he gets on ahead of next month.
