ITV Racing Tips from Architect Tips with a Saturday each-way double from Cheltenham.
15:00 Cheltenham
The Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, which is registered as the Bristol Novices' Hurdle, has a really open feel about it. Shanagh Bob looked good on his hurdles debut, but he’s short enough in the betting, and therefore the Dan Skelton-trained ILLICO DE COTTE (best price 7/1) could offer some value against the favourite.
Sent off 10/11f on stable/hurdle debut, when expected to make a winning start, he was turned over into second, but in another stride or so, he would have won. He jumped and travelled very well throughout, and although he couldn’t get the job done, he left the instinctive impression that he would be suited to a longer trip.
I was impressed with his effort in defeat, and the combination of three miles around a course that places more emphasis on stamina should really suit this five-year-old. Add in the fact that he’s pitched into this Grade 2 race on just his second start for the yard, which must mean he’s held in pretty high regard, in all fairness. He makes plenty of each-way appeal.
15:35 Cheltenham
In the final race at Cheltenham, the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Mares' Handicap Hurdle, I really like the chances about Martin Keighley’s ZESTFUL (best price 12/1) who should strip a lot fitter from her comeback fourth at Chepstow.
At first glance, it was slightly underwhelming to see her only beat one rival home, but she was carrying top-weight in mucky conditions and is better judged on her second in a listed race over C&D in April, where she looked unlucky not to come out on top.
A winner of her first two starts over hurdles, she was pitched into a tougher assignment here on her next start, and she fared the best of those held up in the race. She made relentless progress from the back of the field and was just making her challenge when she made a meal of the last hurdle.
To her credit, she rallied gamely under pressure and was closing rapidly on the eventual winner all the way to the finish, and no doubt she would have won in another few strides. She was unlucky not to win her next start as well when she stepped up for three miles and beaten a neck.
Her mark is three pounds higher now, but I think she remains well treated, and that vital piece of course and distance form is among the best in the field. With most bookmakers offering four places, she’s a decent each-way bet.
