Pennellis scored at 11/8 for Paul Ferguson on Thursday. Today he has three selections from Cheltenham; 1:50: Cue Card; 3:35: Aegean Dawn; 4:05: Time For Rupert
A fantastic opening day to Cheltenham’s Open meeting on Friday, where Champion Bumper winner Cue Card (1:50) can make it two from two over timber in the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ Hurdle. Early price; 8/11 888Sport
Colin Tizzard’s stable-star was faultless on his hurdles debut at Aintree last month and looks a cut above his rivals here.
The closing Steel Plate And Sections Novices’ Chase has thrown up two subsequent Gold Cup winners in the past four years, with Denman and Imperial Commander scoring in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and this year’s renewal looks well up to standard.
World Hurdle runner-up Time For Rupert (4:05) is a high-class recruit to the chasing ranks and, though he will be seen to better effect back over 3m later in the campaign, it is worth chancing that his class can carry him home against some equally exciting chase debutants. Early price; 10/3 Stan James
The third and final horse to note on day one is Aegean Dawn (3:35) who makes his debut for Nicky Henderson after a year off and in a race the trainer has won for the past two seasons. Early price; 9/4
The winner of a Kempton bumper and his sole novice hurdle for the Alner’s, the five-year-old looks potentially well treated on a mark of 114 for this handicap debut.
Friday’s selections:
1:50 Cheltenham: Cue Card
3:35 Cheltenham: Aegean Dawn
4:05 Cheltenham: Time For Rupert
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2010-11 is available hot off the press from the 1st October for just £9.99
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase