13:15 Cheltenham

13:15 Cheltenham – IBERICO LORD – 1pt WIN 

Best odds of 6/1 available at time of publishing.

Consistency isn’t his strong point, but IBERICO LORD is a high-class horse on his day. Nicky Henderson’s top-weight is a former Greatwood Hurdle and Betfair Hurdle winner and shaped quite well here on his return last month. This is significantly easier, so off a pound lower mark, an improved showing could be well on the cards.

13:50 Cheltenham

13.50 Cheltenham – THE SHORT GO (NAP) – 1pt EACH-WAY 

Best odds of 13/2 available at time of publishing.

Darragh O’Keeffe and Henry De Bromhead often do well when teaming up at this course and I really like the claims of THE SHORT GO. The eight-year-old has run so well on all three previous course starts, including when fifth in the Ultima at the Festival. His comeback run when fourth behind Three Card Brag in October was good and he’s likely to have improved from that effort. Off a very low weight, this Irish raider could finally get his head in front at Prestbury Park.

15:00 Cheltenham

15.00 Cheltenham – MISTER COFFEY – 1pt WIN

Best odds of 15/2 available at time of publishing.

In the Cross Country Chase, I’m siding with MISTER COFFEY. It’s crazy to think he’s yet to score over fences but time and time again he’s run well, including numerous times over this unique course. He ran a huge race when only beaten a length by Stumptown in this race twelve months ago and given the winner has done wonders since, a repeat showing could see him go one better.