Architect has five betting tips for Saturday's racing at Cheltenham.
13:13 Cheltenham
The Dan Skelton-trained COCO MADEMOISELLE is an extremely consistent mare and came close to making a succession chase debut when narrowly denied by the race-fit Hometown Boy, who is rated in the 140s.
The way she travelled into that race was eye-catching, and she’s sure to have come on plenty for the run, so off an opening handicap mark of 122, she has every chance of going one place better.
13:50 Cheltenham
GRANDEUR D’AME finished fourth in this race last year off a 3lb lower mark when the ground was too soft for him, and he’s improved a lot since, including a decisive win over the subsequent Paddy Power Gold Cup first and second-placed horses at Chepstow.
Alan King has deliberately kept him fresh since then, and the handicapper has only put him up 4lb, so off a low weight for the second time in this race, there’s no reason why he cannot be in the mix at the very least again. He’s a major each-way contender with plenty in his favour.
14:25 Cheltenham
This isn’t a strong race, and it presents the grade-dropping MASTER CHEWY with an excellent opportunity to gain compensation for his fall in last week’s Tingle Creek by registering a third win over fences.
The seven-year-old is the class act in the field, and although he has fallen in two of his last four starts, he bounced back from the first of those to finish a neck second in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.
That is the best form on offer, and he was well clear of the reopposing third Libberty Hunter, who I cannot see turning the tables. This Grade 2 winning chaser can outclass these returned to calmer waters.
15:00 Cheltenham
Skyjack Hijack has proved a revelation in recent months, but he will do well to pull off similar tactics around this course, especially coming up against unexposed and better opposition, including CLONDAW GENERAL.
Kim Bailey’s charge showed the utmost professionalism when scoring on his hurdle/rules debut at Worcester. Even after mistakes at the third and last flights, he picked up really well to win with so much in hand.
This expensive purchase will strip even fitter now, and he represents a stable in good form. This course should also play to his strengths, and I’m quite optimistic about him being the horse to give the favourite the most to think about.
15:35 Cheltenham
ROYALE MARGAUX has yet to win for this stable, but she’s made the frame numerous times, including three times at this venue, and has a good chance to finally get her head in front.
She finished a narrow second over C&D at this meeting last year and only found one too good at Ascot last time out, where it appeared as though the three miles stretched her stamina.
This trip will suit better, and she’s only gone back up 4lb. Given her effectiveness at this track and arriving into the race in good form, I have an incline that she will be extremely competitive.
