Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on day one of the Cheltenham Festival; Singlefarmpayment @ 2.50 and Beware The Bear at 4:50. Preview…
All eyes will be on Altior on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, with many expecting a rout in the Arkle Trophy, while the Champion Hurdle is the showpiece event on the card.
However, the day’s selections come in a couple of the supporting races, starting with Singlefarmpayment (2:50) in the Ultima Handicap Chase.
An improving novice, Tom George’s seven-year-old was still going well when being brought down at the course on trials day, having won at the track back in December. Conditions should suit and, if he can settle into an early rhythm, he should go close granted look in running.
Beware The Bear (4:50) beat Singlefarmpayment at Ascot back in November and is taken to land the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase, for Nicky Henderson and Sam Waley-Cohen.
The seven-year-old followed up in a similar contest at Newbury the following month and, though he lacks the experience of those ahead of him in the market, he looks the type that could flourish for going up in distance. At home on a decent surface, conditions look right and both horses should be backed each-way.
Tuesday’s selections:
2:50 Cheltenham Festival: Singlefarmpayment; 7/1 bet365
4:50 Cheltenham Festival: Beware The Bear; 8/1 bet365
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