Friday’s tips for Cheltenham

Cheltenham 1:30 - Walkon (NAP)

Everything points to Walkon in the opener here. A strong horse from France, having won course and distance and from a stable with form aplenty - this is the stand-out horse in the field. If anyone is going to challenge from further down the field, it's Jumbo Rio who picked up a Grade 2 win at Leopardstown recently, and has been a model of consistency over the years.

Cheltenham 2:05 - Dave's Dream

This is a tough one - and there are ifs and buts all over the place. Dave's Dream is our tentative selection, and only because his recent, excellent, win came at the weekend. Maybe this race has come too soon, and maybe not. That's the true test of a quality horse. However, Aachen and Raise Your Heart both also have excellent chances. Aachen was going to run earlier in the week and has been saved for this one - on an upward curve, 8/1 each way is a decent shot for this horse that knows how to win. However it's back to Dave's Dream who has the quality.

Cheltenham 2:40 - Cape Tribulation / On Raglan Road

Far too many question marks again here, although Cape Tribulation does have some very impressive form behind him, and this one does look made for him. Already 100-30 favourite with most bookmakers, Cape Tribulation is a deserved favourite. On Raglan Road is interesting, and represents value at 14/1 each way. A faller last time out at Doncaster, On Raglan Road has only ever know first or second, so a return to form could be on the cards. Well worth the each-way money.

Cheltenham 3:20 - Madison du Berlais

Are you ready to back against Kauto Star and Denman? When Denman is 6/1, you should seriously think about backing him - last year's magnificent winner is not a 6/1 shot - and Kauto Star is not a 2/1 shot either. However, they have to lose at some point - and Kauto Star's latest victory was not as convincing as previous ones. Denman, of course, as we all know, has had health problems. So it's worth looking down the field at Neptune Collonges and Madison du Berlais, and we're plumping for the latter. That excellent Kempton win last time out - with Denman lagging behind - was enough to make us think that this is a Gold Cup horse. So even if you're not convinced, go each way. To be honest, most of these entries are quite tempting - Exotic Dancer has every chance as well, but in the end, Madison du Berlais does look set up for the Gold Cup this year, and the odds represent very good value.

Cheltenham 4:00 - Christy Beamish

28/1 is the best you'll get right now for Christy Beamish and make sure you get it each way. I don't listen much to recent form as much as I do to race pedigree, and when a horse likes a race, you have to follow its race pedigree. Christy Beamish likes this particular race - just as Pride loves the Prix de l'Arc (without ever necessarily winning it). Juveigneur is the horse they all have to beat in this race, but my each way money is going to be on a horse that just loves the 4:00 on the final day at Cheltenham.

published: 13th March 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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