Racing expert Sam Turner previews today's live races from Cheltenham
13.55 Cheltenham
This could well represent a severe test of stamina for these mares especially if Sparkling River takes them along at a good gallop. She ground out a game front-running victory at Warwick and could be dangerous if allowed to dictate terms again. However, SHEER POETRY (Best price 10-1) acquitted herself well over hurdles at this venue last time and could be worth chancing at a nice price for her in-form handler.
The selection was raised a stone for a wide-margin defeat of Song Saa at Worcester, but she stays well and coped with easy ground admirably last month. Her handler has enjoyed a wonderful time of late courtesy, of among others, Beer Goggles and Sheer Poetry could hand him another high-profile success.
Timeforwest was noted staying on nicely at Exeter and is marked up as one of the chief dangers if she copes with the deep ground.
14.30 Cheltenham
The first-time blinkers may well instigate a better performance from the classy Southfield Theatre, but he looked disinterested in cheekpieces at Sandown and preference is for WOTZIZNAME (Best price 11-4) and Robinsfirth who both arrive in good heart. The former stayed on well to win a novice handicap at Exeter last time and a 5lb rise doesn’t seem excessive for a horse that is lightly-raced and stays well.
Wotzizname might have been pulling himself up in front at Exeter and may have more improvement left in the tank as he could be the type to save a little for himself.
15.05 Cheltenham
It was a shade disappointing that JOSIES ORDERS (Best price 2-1) couldn’t get the job done as a well-backed favourite at Punchestown when narrowly repelled by Mtada Supreme. The selection still looked a little ring rusty that day despite having previously enjoyed a spin over hurdles and his rival held on gamely after poaching first run in the straight. Josies Orders should be sharper mentally and physically now and, although he inherited last March’s Glenfarclas Chase when the winner was subsequently thrown out, that was his first ‘defeat’ in four starts over these fences.
15.40 Cheltenham
The progressive duo Arthurs Gift and The Dutchman head a lengthy shortlist for a cracking finale which features any number with claims. The former arrives on a hat-trick courtesy of wins at Worcester and Market Rasen and may not have finished improving, while The Dutchman had no answer to Sam Spinner at Haydock but remains of interest.
The same comment applies to talented mare JESTER JET (Best price 10-1) who barely came off the bridle to score at Plumpton last week. This race represents a much stiffer ask, but she is thriving at present and appeals as the type to improve again granted a stronger race with an end-to-end gallop as she may not want to hit the front too soon.
