2m4½f (2m4f127y) (New) Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
SILVER HALLMARK has to be backed for this classy handicap as he’s got all sorts of form that suggests he’s well handicapped off 145. We know he’s closely matched with the now 159 rated Ladbrokes Trophy second Fiddlerontheroof as he’s previously been beaten a head by him off level weights and 10 lengths when conceding 6lb. This is his handicap debut and he makes a lot of sense at 7/1. FUSIL RAFFLES is another handicap debutant that has really solid Cheltenham form but has spent most his career racing in Grade 1s. His classy chasing form includes the beating of Grade 1 horses like Asterion Forlonge, Chantry House and Shan Blue throughout his novice campaign, and, while he’s thrown in plenty of stinkers, he’s worth every pound of his 152 rating and has earned it running in deeper waters than most handicappers. That could give him a class edge and he’s value at 8/1.
1pt win Silver Hallmark @7/1, 13:50 Cheltenham, Saturday
1pt win Fusil Raffles @8/1, 13:50 Cheltenham, Saturday
2m1f (2m179y) (New) Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
I can’t quite fathom why HEAVEN HELP US is available at 12/1 for this race. On weight adjusted ratings she’s 1lb superior to Sceau Royal – albeit she has earned her rating over a longer trip – and she really ought to be a good deal shorter in the betting. She’s had very viable excuses (trip and a jumping error) for her two defeats since bolting up in the Coral Cup, and Cheltenham form is worth its weight in gold. This is not a deep race and she has every chance.
1pt win Heaven Help Us @12/1, 15:00 Cheltenham, Saturday