Thursday’s Cheltenham Tips plus bet 100 get 200 from Ladbrokes

Cheltenham 1:30 - Naiad du Misselot / Pancake

Question marks over all of these, but Pancake's last outing at Haydock was an indication that he can do this trip, and do it relatively well. However, with blinkers on for the first time, nobody can really say what's going to happen with Pancake, so 25/1 is a fair reflection of a horse that has the potential, yet has the question marks hanging over him. So it's back to Naiad du Misselot, winner of the Coral Cup last year. A bit more is required than was shown in the last couple of outings, but it's Cheltenham Pedigree that counts here, and Naiad du Misselot has bags of it.

Cheltenham 2:05 - Ballydub / Foreman

10/1 against Ballydub is as good as you'll get, and it's probably just about right. Lightly raced, I've taken Ballydub ahead of the brilliantly named P'tit Fute, as the latter is top weight on the race with the handicapper looking on eagerly. It does look like Ballydub has been set up for this one race, so it's a tentative pick. Foreman is even more tentative, but this is a horse I've watched over a number of years, and while times may have been tough of late, there are signs that Foreman is picking up, and 40/1 is a fantastic each-way bet. 3rd in the Arkle a couple of years ago, a recent second at Chepstow sparked memories. Get that each-way on before the odds fall.

Cheltenham 2:40 - Voy Por Ustedes

It's hard to oppose Voy Por Ustedes in the Ryanair chase, especially when you consider the consistency of this evergreen horse compared to Our Vic, whose ups and downs seem to currently be in the 'downs' phase. Evens and 7/1 bar shows how confident the bookies are - and if anyone is likely to oppose Voy Por Ustedes in the 2:40, then it's likely to be Tidal Bay. Last year's big Arkle winner loves Cheltenham, has what it takes, but needs to come here with all guns blazing if he's going to get past Ustedes.

Cheltenham 3:20 - Punchestowns / Blazing Bailey

If you're going to oppose Kasbah Bliss - and one swallow does not a summer make - then look at Punchestowns who may be an erratic jumper, but certainly has what it takes to get round Cheltenham. Bags of pace, stamina, and character. I like this horse, and I'll take it to give Kasbah Bliss a real run for its money. Further down the field, I'm surprised to see 25/1 against Blazing Bailey - a decent record in this particular race gives Blazing Bailey a decent stab at a place. It's about pedigree and consistency - if the horse likes the race, give it a shot.

Cheltenham 4:00 - Or Bleu / Notable d'Estruval / Oceanos des Obeaux

Question marks again hang heavy over this lot - but two stand out as having the right conditions - Or Bleu and Notable d'Estruval. The third pick, Oceanos des Obeaux might have been found out by the handicapper, but loves to lead from the front and represents a very good each-way opportunity. However, the French-sounding pair of Or Bleu and Notable d'Estruval are the two I would turn to. Or Bleu has come up trumps a couple of times lately in soft conditions, while Notable d'Estruval may just find the distance a little too strong, but shows plenty of character and determination. In a tricky field to separate, that might just make the difference.

Cheltenham 4:40 - Pretty Star / Le Duc

Two each-way chances for you in the final race of the day. Pretty Star is stepping up after proving a model of consistency around the country, having never been out of the top 4 in his last 6 races. A "tough sort" who is always improving, 25/1 is an excellent punt at each-way. Le Duc comes into this race with a little bit of form under his belt. A very fine win over course and distance last year showed that he's no stranger to Cheltenham victory, and this is only his second race back since that win last April - the return race was a second at Haydock, so the cobwebs have been shaken off. 25/1 again for a very good each-way shot.

published: 12th March 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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