Andy Holding & Tom Love Cross-Sport Double Day Three

Like most Cheltenham handicaps in recent times, unexposed and lightly-raced novices tend to come to the fore and this race is no different. Pulling all the different strands together, strong cases can be made for plenty, but the pick of those in that category in this year’s renewal could well turn out to be THE SHUNTER (best price 5-2). 

Expertly handled by Emmet Mullins, the son of Stowaway has made dramatic strides up the ranks this season and his victory over a typically deep field in the Greatwood Hurdle here in November strongly suggested he was a horse going places. Given a mid-season break with a view to coming back to the home of National Hunt racing later in the campaign, the eight-year-old returned to action in cracking form by finishing a close-up third in a white hot handicap chase at the Dublin racing festival and its form that has already stood the test with the likes of Entoucas and Mitchouka going on to hit even greater heights subsequently. Successful himself on his return to these shores in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso 12 days ago, The Shunter arrives here on the crest of a wave and with a clear round it’s easy to see him going close to pulling off a well-planned coup with a 100k bonus on the table. 

Both Teams to Score (best price 4-5) This tie is on a knife edge with Simon Kjaer heading in late on to make it 1-1 after the first leg at Old Trafford. With that away goal it means a clean sheet here would see the Rossoneri through, however it is difficult to keep this United side out especially on the road. Both teams to score therefore looks a nice angle in here between two well match sides.