12:35, JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle
Precious Man 7/2, 2pts win
This looks like a very good renewal of the Juvenile Hurdle that starts the day. Ex-Godolphin owned Secret Force looks likely to be popular after dotting up on hurdling debut but the combination of stiff track and soft ground could leave him vulnerable to a couple of French recruits. Parchment looks classy when winning at Clairfontaine on his only start and is respected but Precious Man could be the one to side with. The scopey son of Almanzor built on his debut promise to down the favourite at Auteuil last time out in a race that has thrown up a few subsequent winners. He ate up the ground late on that day and left the impression that a track like Cheltenham would really suit. The recent recruit to the Skelton yard will appreciate the give in the ground and can defy a penalty for his in-form stable.
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13:10, Debenhams Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase
Imperial Alex 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
These are always difficult races and this looks like an amateur jockeys handicap chase that is no different. Herakles Westwood is an improving second season novice who could go well whilst Jubilee Express brings the best form to the table after finishing 2nd in last year's Welsh National. Aurea Fortuna could be absolutely chucked in and is feared although now well found in the market. Kelce ran a cracker here at the Open Meeting and looks sure to go well again. At the prices however, Imperial Alex makes appeal for the Tom Lacy yard. A 3 time winner on mostly soft ground during the spring of 2024, the now 8 year old lost his way a bit last year before bouncing back in no uncertain terms at Perth in May when battling on well to win off a 3 pound lower mark. His current figure isn't beyond him.
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13:45, Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase
Be Aware 2/1, 2pts win
2 subsequent Champion Chase victors have won this in the past 15 years (Dodging Bullets and Put The Kettle On) whilst L'eau Du Sud claimed it last year before taking out the Henry VIII at Sandown 3 weeks later. Burdett Road is the best hurdler amongst these but has a lot to prove going chasing and the Irish mare July Flower was a commanding winner on her chase debut 27 days ago. She's respected but this is a much harder race and it could be that Be Aware emulates his stablemate and takes out this race for the second year in a row for the Skeltons. A classy hurdler, the 6 year old put in a professional performance to give weight away all round at Stratford on chase debut 16 days ago and his proven stamina will be a help here on a stiffer track on soft ground. He already looks a better chaser.
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14:20, Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Vincenzo 10/1, 2pts win
Panic Attack 12/1, 2pts win
I put up both runners earlier in the week and it looks as though both will have decent chances.
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