2m5f (Old) Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
I’ve long fancied BEAT THE BAT to be a handicap winner in waiting and the signs are very positive that this has been a long-term plan. He’s clearly wanting an intermediate trip but connections have mark minded him by running him in top class handicap hurdles over 2m this season, where he’s been outpaced and slipped 2lb in the ratings. He’s right at the bottom of the weights and has been strong in the market, which is a great sign of confidence from those that know him best. My second fancy is SANDOR CLEGANE who fits the mould of a graded horse making his handicap debut – very similar to last year’s unlucky second Ballyadam. He’s got strong Festival form having placed in the Albert Bartlett and beaten only 10l in last year’s Brown Advisory where he led with two to jump. It’s become a theme of his races over three miles that he’s travelled strongly but not really gotten home, so this drop in trip could be exactly what he wants.
1pt win Beat The Bat @12/1, 1pt win Sandor Clegane @14/1, 14:40 Cheltenham Festival, Wednesday
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