Tuesday’s closing race, the four-mile National Hunt Chase, can go to lively 33/1 outsider MULCAHYS HILL for Warren Greatrex.
Last seen over two-and-a-half miles in Grade 1 company at Sandown, which was his first run back after a wind op that ‘transformed him at home’, we shouldn’t take that form literally as there will be no comparison with the steady crawl of the National Hunt Chase.
His trainer is adamant he stays and that soft ground is exactly what he wants, so it’s safe to blame the Grade 1 pace of that Sandown run for defeat and expect an improved performance at Cheltenham.
Sometimes it takes two runs for the effects of a wind op to be felt – although I’m not banking on it – and there are enough reasons to believe he’ll improve for the step up in trip.
He’s a sound jumper too, so ticks almost all the boxes and looks a bit of value; however I’m not sure an each-way bet is wise as I prefer to bet that way when I’m confident that, if not winning, we’ll at least hit the frame, and I couldn’t be confident of that.
OK Corral would be the biggest threat to my eye, as he’s the one horse in the race that wouldn’t look out of place in a Grade 1, and can also boast Festival form from his narrow second last year.
1pt win Mulcahys Hill @33/1, 17:30 Cheltenham, Saturday
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