Caid Du Berlais (NAP) is an each way selection to win the Foxhunters Chase (4.10) on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival. The Rose Loxton trained horse was 5th in the race last year on softer ground than he will encounter today, before he demolished a similar field at Punchestown on his next start. On better ground, I think this horse will reach the frame.
The Gold Cup (3.30) is wide open. The ground is drying out which doesn't suit Native River. Clan des Obeaux has arguably better form going right handed. Presenting Percy has a great record at the Festival, but he has endured an unusual preparation. No horse has won the Gold Cup without a seasonal victory over fences in 90 years, a statistic Presenting Percy will attempt to overcome. Willie Mullins has not won the race to date and saddles 4 runners, which are Bellshill, Kemboy, Invitation Only and Al Boum Photo.
It is Al Boum Photo that I like. The fall in the novices' chase here last year may have cost him a place. Subsequently, he won a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse and should have won a Grade 1 at Punchestown, but his big race jockey today, Paul Townend, ran out by mistake. His run at Tramore on New Year's Day was good on the clock and as a 7 year old, he may possess the progressiveness to be on the premises. The double figure price factors in the question marks over his ability to get the trip and his jumping.
Bun Doran (4.50) is a course and distance winner that has been put away for the Grand Annual Chase. He showed improved form in the autumn and could reward each way backers.
And I received a positive word in a recent interview from trainer Jessica Harrington for Discordantly (5.30). This horse has been running against decent yardsticks and now tries his luck in a handicap. He could out-run his odds at a tasty price.
Good luck with your selections!
€500 Charity Bet with Betfair:
€125 each way on Caid Du Berlais in the 4.10 at 7/1
€75 each way on Al Boum Photo in the 3.30 at 14/1
€25 each way on Bun Doran in the 4.50 at 14/1
€25 each way on Discordantly in the 5.30 at 25/1
