Tuesday’s Cheltenham tips

1:30 Cheltenham - Medermit / Cousin Vinny

Medermit is our tip to upset the big favourite Cousin Vinny. Currently 10/3 with most bookmakers, Cousin Vinny ticks all the right boxes, except that he has not really been tested by quality opposition. This field might not be of the highest quality, but there are some serious tests in there for a horse whose jumping has not always proven itself to be 100%. Medermit is our choice at 14/1, having won at Ascot last time out on good to soft ground against some extremely strong opposition. Watch the odds tumble on this one later on in the day. Our other one to watch, at 16/1, is Aachen - a lovely city and a very promising horse. It might not be this year for Aachen, but a little each-way bet could be tempting, and watch out in the future for this one.

2:05 Cheltenham - Golden Silver

We're looking at Golden Silver in the Arkle - maybe for an each-way bet currently at 18/1 as we write. This improving Irish horse loves the conditions - and the overnight rain will have helped. The main opposition will no doubt come from Follow the Plan and Tatanen, although the latter is carrying a little too much weight for the Arkle.

2:40 Cheltenham - Millenium Royal / Wichita Lineman

Millenium Royal gets shortlisted on the back of some strong form, especially with a win at the compact Enghien racecourse just north of Paris, which always raises my interest. Wichita Lineman is another one that comes in on some decent form and backing will probably come because of Tony McCoy. However, in such a big field, it's hard to back someone outright, which is why I'll be going low and each-way on this particular race.

3:20 Cheltenham - Celestial Halo / Osana / Punjabi

It would be all too easy to back Binocular in this one - so I've looked a little further down the field, and connections claim that Celestial Halo is on an upward curve. After being beaten twice by Binocular, it could be third time lucky for this horse who does, admittedly, prefer stronger ground than this. Osana was beaten at Sandown by Celestial Halo, but came second in this outing last year and has the track record and the pedigree to cause trouble once more. At 10/1 and possibly lengthening, this is an excellent each-way bet, but my each-way money has already gone on Punjabi this weekend, at 25/1. A seriously underrated horse, Punjabi was third in last year's Champion Hurdle and has since looked value for that placing. There is nothing to suggest that Punjabi won't enjoy today, so those odds are way too long.

4:00 Cheltenham - L'Ami / A New Story

Having only seen L'Ami and Garde Champetre in action, I can only comment on these two and say that the favourite, L'Ami, is good value at 2/1. Garde Champetre has been given some extra weight, which gives L'Ami the advantage in what is sure to be a compelling Cross-Country chase. One horse I've got my eye on, though is called A New Story. 14/1 with Totesport this morning, A New Story has not won for three years. However, this contender has been improving, and certainly looks good for a place.

4:40 Cheltenham - United / Carole's Legacy

There is nothing to suggest that United, at 5/1 with most bookmakers this morning, will not have a great afternoon. After having missed last season, United has returned in top form, and looks to be among the stronger contenders for this fascinating final race of the day. Wins at Ascot and Haydock earlier this season (against serious opposition) are backed up by course pedigree. She's in the running and those odds will undoubtedly tumble later in the day. One of the more interesting outside bets is Carole's Legacy. 4 wins out of 5, admittedly at a lower level than today, suggest that the horse has a knack for picking up wins, notably at Newbury, and it will be interesting to see how she goes against stronger opposition. Definitely one to watch, and maybe one for the each-way punter.

published: 10th March 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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