3m Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1)
The ultra-competitive stayers handicap hurdler can go the way of IMPERIAL ALCAZAR. He ticks all of the boxes for this given he is lightly raced and with just the one handicap win his mark is still relatively modest at 147. He looks like he can make light of a 7lbs rise and looks like he is Fergal O’Brien’s best chance of a winner this week.
He looks set to go off favourite, but I’m happy to take the price as he is one of the likely horses in the race to be able to make the jump into a classy performer as other winners have shown in the past.
11/2 is a short enough price for this handicap, but he looks sure to go close.
At much bigger odds down the bottom of the handicap is a runner for Charlie Longsdon off a mark of 126 in STORM GODDESS at massive odds of 20/1.
Storm Goddess won a Listed Pertemps qualifier by a nose from Stayers Hurdle runner Yournevercall back in November and had a prep run in a flat race last month having been put away for this and is coming into this a fresh horse.
Tom Buckley is booked and claiming 5lbs having won three times when riding this mount previously. Storm Goddess is still just a seven-year-old and will love the quick ground so I can see her running a blinder with previous form at the track.
1.5pts win Imperial Alcazar @11/2, 13:55 Cheltenham, Wednesday
1pt each-way Storm Goddess @20/1, 13:55 Cheltenham, Wednesday (1-6 places, 1/5 odds)