Cheltenham Tips: Andy Holding's Wednesday Racing Tips

The worst kept secret in racing has been realised with Sir Gerhard parachuted into this race rather than tackle the Supreme on Day One (probably just as well he didn’t run against Constitution Hill) and although it might well have been a process of elimination by all concerned, he still arrives here with by far and away the best form courtesy of his Grade 1 success at Leopardstown a month ago. Back in second that day was THREE STRIPE LIFE (best price 7-1) and although it’s difficult to categorically say he will turn around the form over further, the extra half a mile might bring the pair closer together. Fourth in last season’s Champion Bumper, Gordon Elliott’s gelding has produced a decent body of work since switching disciplines and his latest effort and the one prior at the Dublin venue give him every chance of finishing in the frame at the very least. A little unlucky on the first occasion behind stable mate, Mighty Potter - a bad mistake two out being his downfall – the son of Leading Light did very little wrong behind his old rival two months later and it’s worth pointing out that while he did get beaten six lengths, he was, in turn, miles clear of the rest. Bred to get further, the more serine gallop should suit and working on the theory that wherever the favourite finishes he should be bang there, he rates a solid each-way alternative at the morning odds. 

A bigger field than anticipated, so even though both Galopin Des Champs and Bob Olinger run elsewhere, it will still take some winning. The renewed rivalry between Bravemansgame and Ahoy Senor is one of the main narratives, but while they are both respected, they are worth taking on with L’HOMME PRESSE (best price 7-2) and CAPODANNO (best price 7-1). 

Connections of the former have decided to come here rather than face the thankless task of flying the flag for GB in the Turners and that choice looks to be the right move based on his profile. Venetia Williams’ gelding has displayed the rare trait of speed and stamina in all four of his wins over fences and there’s no doubt his latest victory was his best. Although it might well have been a weak contest by Grade 1 standards, the son of Diamond Boy still clocked a time befitting a race of its magnitude, and he did so without being fully extended. Prior to that spectacular 21-length romp, the seven-year-old had put on a jumping clinic when winning over today’s course and with the added advantage of being one of the only horses in the field who has proven himself around here, he ticks plenty of boxes.

The latter could have done without coming here off the back of an unseat at Leopardstown, but prior to that untimely exit he has just about one of the best pieces of form coming in here. Runner-up to the top-class Bob Olinger in a Grade 3 at Punchestown, Willie Mullins’ gelding was keeping on in the manner of a horse who’s crying out for a step up in trip and there’s no doubt had he not failed complete last time, there’s no way he’d be anything like his current odds around the 8-1 mark. 

As anticipated, a proper minefield of a handicap with numerous permutations, but under the proviso that track form often counts for plenty in a race of this nature, GOWEL ROAD (best price 11-1) comes right into the equation.

The son of Flemensfirth was impressive when beating Unexpected Party with a bit to spare over the C&D here in November (decent final circuit sectionals) and based on his next two efforts over shorter trips, connections have clearly had this at the back of their minds since. Unsuited by a crawl over two miles at Newbury next time, he had to be carried out on his shield in a quality handicap at Lingfield last time and with the heavy ground also considered to be not entirely in his favour, his performance can be upgraded. A likeable type with a willing attitude and a profile befitted many previous winners of this prize, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ gelding is a must for any shortlist.

Facile Vega has looked an aeroplane on both his starts to date and he appears the one to beat based on all known form and speed figures. However, working on the basis that wherever Willie Mullins’ gelding finishes, JOYEUX MACHIN (best price 33-1) should, in theory, be within striking distance of his old rival, Paul Nolan’s gelding rates a decent each-way alternative in the ‘with and without the favourite’ markets.

A faller when looking the most likely winner of his only point-to-point run, the son of Saddler Maker was switched to his current stable seven months later and on the evidence of his first attempt from his Enniscorthy base, he looks a very promising recruit. Although no match for Facile Vega in the closing stages of what turned out to be a strongly-run contest at Leopardstown, he impressed with the way he travelled through the race and the fact he managed to finish miles clear of the rest – including several highly-regarded types – says a good deal about his natural ability. A smooth winner of his latest start at Navan despite meeting all sorts of trouble in running, the five-year-old, who said to be a really cool, relaxed dude at home, should easily be capable of outrunning his odds.