2m5f (Old) Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
I’ve been backing MONTE CRISTO for this race for months. He was super impressive over Christmas round Kempton but was slapped with a 12lb rise to 145, which is hardly generous yet perfectly fair. We’d be banking on him improving again but he looks a touch of class in what looks a below par renewal. CRAIGNEICHE has got to be backed too. With a very similar profile to his stablemate Monte Cristo, he’s gone up 12lb for winning at Ascot and has looked very green and awkward so far over hurdles. The fact he’s been winning races like that suggests there’s more in the locker, and one thing he will do is stay. I think both have yet to show their best and are in the right hands with Nicky Henderson to peak on the big day.
1pt each-way Craigneiche 10/1, 14:30 Cheltenham, Wednesday (1-6, 1/4 Bet365)
1pt each-way Monte Cristo 10/1, 14:30 Cheltenham, Wednesday (1-6, 1/4 Bet365)