Popped this here as no specific topics yet.
HANDICAP BETS THIS WEEKEND
SkyBet have now opened their books on all races at Cheltenham and I had my eye on a few in the handicaps so had a play on these, feel free to dismiss or approve.
Be nice
JAGWAR - Ultima @ 10/1
Returned in December when a staying on 3rd to Glengouly in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Racing Post race review read "kept on final 110yds, did well in the circumstances" as the race didn't really pan out for him and he stuck on well, looking like a trip of 3m could be more his cup of tea.
He went onto my Ultima list right there and then, he could get an entry into the Plate on the same day but I think 3m on the tighter old course should be perfect for Jagwar and I think he'll have a right chance.
KONFUSION - Ultima @ 14/1
My back up Ultima horse, won the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day easily, jumping well and travelling like a smart horse.
Yes it wasn't a great race, in fact it was pretty poor but he won as he liked and connections after the race said the Ultima looks his sort of race, so he'll do for me. He is improving, has won previous 2 races and trainers (Parkinson & Smith) have had a good season and have had runners in this race in the past I think, well Sue Smith so he'll do for me.
MADARA - TrustATrader Plate @ 25/1
Has ran some big races at Cheltenham in the past, most recently when 2nd to Gemirande in the December Gold Cup back in December 2024 when going off a very well backed 11/4fav.
Picked up an injury and been out for a while and only recently returned at Wetherby over Christmas when 5th of 6 in a 2m chase, where lets say he was ridden gently and even the Stewards held an inquiry but as usual nothing was done.
This looked the perfect pipe opener for him after his long lay-off, he ran OK and jumped neatly before tiring, he might even go straight to Cheltenham now ?
This race was highlighted by Dan Skelton in the early stable tours and I thought the 25/1 was pretty generous, so had a few quid on him to win.
WADE OUT - NH Chase @ 12/1
This Olly Murphy novice chaser has won his 2 novice chases so far this season and this race was nominated as his target when he won his previous race at Cheltenham in November. He didn't jump great in that race but he stuck on well, all he does is stay and he must run well in the not quite the 4 miler, especially with the likelihood of Sean Bowen on top, which is a huge plus in this race over this trip.
Has some solid form in the book, he beat the very smart Wendigo on chase debut and he's well fancied as the EW poke in the Brown Advisory.
I thought the 12/1 on offer was reasonable as target confirmed, you'd be pretty sure he's stay the trip and Sean Bowen doing what he does, also William Hills opened at 10/1 and quickly cut him to 8/1 so they have had a few bets go on him.
THE WALLPARK - NH Chase @ 25/1
A bit of a punt this one but at 25/1, I think its fair to have a poke at these sort of prices.
He is a very talented horse, he was a smart staying hurdler but hasn't set the chasing ranks alight, that is very fair but look a little further into these races.
On his chase debut early November he finished 11th, beaten by the very smart Irish Panther over an obviously inadequate 2m trip, in late November over 2m 5f he finished 10th beaten by Jimmy Du Seuill and over Christmas again over 2m 5f, he finished 7th to Koktail Divin, these are all top horses in very good races.
His current mark is 145 which is the limit for this race, so hopefully no Irish tax, to qualify for the NH Chase he now needs to run in a chase of 3m so I'm hoping for a run over 3m soon where he again jumps neatly and finishes 3rd or 4th, gets dropped a pound or two and if that happens, he won't be 25/1.
I suspect he'll also be getting backed for the Kim Muir and that certainly could be his target, but at 25/1 I thought he was worth a little bet, he just jumps out at me as a JP hype horse on the Preview Night circuit so I'm getting in early.
ADDITIONAL.....
I am waiting on a price for PIED PIPER - NH Chase, have asked Hills and SkyBet.
Chase mark dropped to 144, qualifies for the race and Gordon ran him in his often used prep race at Cheltenham in October so this race look his target.
He jumps well, stays forever and must arrive at the scene very late, think he'll run a massive race, just need a price for him now !!!!
