2m½f (2m87y) (Old) Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Major money has come for Irish hope Jesse Evans and it’s easy to see why given the manner of his fast finish in a hot Galway Hurdle. He looks well handicapped but 9/2 is far too short with 19 opponents to beat. I really like the chances of the slick jumping STRAW FAN JACK at big odds. He was second in a handicap at the October meeting conceding 21lb to the winner -who was going some way to advertising that form next time up when falling at the last when leading in a handicap on Saturday – and has some eye catching back form including a head defeat when conceding 11lb to Fifty Ball, who represents top handicap form from last season. With the generous place terms, I’ll take two in this race and can’t ignore CAMPROND for Philip Hobbs. He won the Persian War and followed up with a novice hurdle success at the October meeting – both in fine style despite hitting a couple of obstacles. He looks like a pacey horse and won’t be wanting for stamina as he’s proven over further now. The drop in trip is a bit of a concern but if does find this a bit too quick he still has an outstanding chance of running into a place. He’s improving.
1pt each-way Camprond @16/1, 14:55 Cheltenham, Sunday (1-6, 1/5 various)
1pt each-way Straw Fan Jack @22/1, 14:55 Cheltenham, Sunday (1-7, 1/5 Sky Bet)