HORSE RACING: Leading pundit Charlie McCann gave betrescue users another winner last week. This week the former Talksport man takes a look at Saturday’s jumpers at Cheltenham and Doncaster
No Denman on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham but plenty of clues for the Big Meeting in March including Pistolet Noir who has moved stables since his last start and makes his debut for Paul Nicholls in the juvenile hurdle due off at 12.55.
The Nicholls’ runner has scared off the much of the opposition although the French raider Good Lord was backed off the boards at Newbury last time and is surely better than he showed on that occasion.
Denman’s defection means the featured Argento Chase (2.35) looks wide open. Carruthers and Madison Du Berlais will have their supporters but neither has looked completely at home over the Cheltenham undulations and we may see a surprise with the progressive Inchidaly Rock a threat to all.
The big betting race of the weekend is the Skybet Chase (3.25) at Doncaster. Paul Nicholls has saddled two of the last five winners of the race and he is doubly represented in a race that lacks the quality of previous years.
Sonowyouno (1.10) caught a tarter in Master Of The Hall at Sandown last month and was surprisingly dropped 2lbs for the effort. He ought to go well in the opener at Doncaster whilst Alan King has his string in better form of late and Nikos Extra (2.20) looks well weighted although both his successes have come racing right-handed.
I can pass on a very good word for Sprinter Sacre in the bumper which closes the card.
The nap is Big Zeb (1.30) who is reported back to his best for the Tied Cottage at Punchestown on Sunday.
Be lucky
Charlie
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