12.55 Cheltenham

Henry Daly landed a classy mares’ race with Briery Belle at Warwick yesterday and QUEEN SPUD (Best price 5-1) could post a bold show as she bids to complete a hat-trick. There is a chance the selection is purely a Fakenham specialist as both of her latest victories have been recorded at that track and she is unbeaten in four starts at the Norfolk venue. However, she jumps well in the main and stays strongly, attributes which should stand her in good stead on her Cheltenham debut and she is taken to continue her handler’s fine recent run.

Queen Spud - 0.5pts e/w @ 5/1

1.30 Cheltenham

One of those Cheltenham handicaps where it wouldn’t be a surprise whatever won. In those circumstances, rather than play heavily at the front end of the market, it sometimes pays to take a chance at a big price and BALLYNAGOUR (Best price 28-1) certainly fits that category. First the disclaimer, David Pipe’s charge is hardly a trustworthy conveyance these days as he proved when pulled up on his comeback in the BetVictor Gold Cup. However, that is why he is a huge price this morning and I’m convinced the return to a marathon trip can help a horse who boasted the class to finish four lengths behind Cue Card at Wetherby just over 12 months ago. The selection retained enough ability to finish second in a couple of valuable summer handicaps and his price looks daft for a previous Grade 2 winner.
A Good Skin (Best price 7-1) has saved some of his better efforts for Prestbury Park and could be ready to peak following a couple of encouraging efforts at Chepstow and Ascot respectively. He is worth a saver.

Ballynagour - 0.5pts e/w @ 28/1
A Good Skin - 1pt @ 7/1

2.05 Cheltenham

A defeat of God’s Own at Aintree in October stamps Third Intention as the class act in this field. However, he was fourth at the festival over these fences when his stamina appeared to give way over today’s trip and he could be vulnerable to the genius of Enda Bolger and CANTLOW (Best price 15-8). The selection impressed at Punchestown last month over the banks and his yard has farmed this race in the past 10 years with four victories, including 12 months ago with Josies Orders.

Cantlow - 1pt @ 15/8

2.40 Cheltenham

FOR GOOD MEASURE (best price 13-2) caught the eye with a decent performance over course and distance in October and could be ready to strike today. Philip Hobbs probably wasn’t too disconcerted that his five-year-old was beaten that day as it was stablemate Golden Doyen which inflicted the defeat and a drop in trip failed to pay dividends last time when For Good Measure could only find one pace in the concluding moments of the competitive handicap won by Clondaw Cian. However, a combination of a step up in trip and better ground could produce a more positive result.

Read Sam Turner's tips every day in the Daily Mail or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing

For Good Measure - 0.5pts e/w @ 13/2