The recent rain that has hit Prestbury Park has tempted connections of TERREFORT to take their chance and the Scilly Isles winner comes here with potential for further improvement to come.
For each-way supporters, Kemboy may represent a little bit of value as his form over hurdles looks pretty strong and his jumping, apart from the last when he won at Fairyhouse, has been very solid.
2.10pm: Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (3m)
Louis’ Vac Pouch has been saved for this since winning an Aintree qualifier in the autumn where he got the better of FORZA MILAN but Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding looks to potentially have more to offer over 3m and ground conditions will be no concern to this full-brother of last year’s Grand National winner One For Arthur.
Others worthy of consideration include Who Dares Wins, runner-up in the Coral Cup last year, and top weight Thomas Campbell who should prove to be happier back in handicap company.
2.50pm: Ryanair Chase (2m5f)
The race originally revolved around the star chaser of the north Waiting Patiently and whether he took his chance in this having proven himself to be decent in the Ascot Chase when getting the better of CUE CARD. In the absence of Ruth Jefferson’s horse, the 12-year-old holds a very realistic chance of winning the race for a second time having done so five years ago.
Standing in the way of a fairytale result is last year’s winner Un De Sceaux who arrives here having won both his starts this season but the form of those performances aren’t particularly strong and the Ryanair he won last year has only produced one other winner since.
3.30pm: Stayers’ Hurdle (3m)
The Jedd O'Keeffe-trained Sam Spinner is a leading fancy thanks to his victory in the Long Walk, while Nigel Twiston-Davies's stable stalwart The New One is set to tackle three miles for the first time as he makes his seventh consecutive appearance at the Festival.
UNOWHATIMEANHARRY was sent off 5-6 favourite for this race 12 months ago but was touched off in the end by Nichols Canyon. Harry Fry’s ten-year-old can run a big each-way race you feel this year flying just off the radar.
4.10pm: Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Plate (2m5f)
Gordon Elliott has been bullish about the chances of THE STORYTELLERand nominated this as the target recently. He was favourite for the Martin Pipe before a setback curtailed his season.
4.50pm: Trull House Mares Novices’ Hurdle (2m1f)
The banker of day three looks to be LAURINAwho has looked very good in this division having won a maiden at Tramore and a Grade 3 contest at the end of January at Fairyhouse by 11 lengths.
The form of that has worked out subsequently with the runner-up bolting up at the Dublin Racing Festival in a handicap and there is little in the way of opposition to Willie Mullins’ mare.
5.30pm: Kim Muir (3m2f)
Several of these will have been laid out for this contest with familiar names like Mall Dini, Squouateur and Pendra all looking likely to do battle against one another again.
The trio all have concerns to overcome. Mall Dini is yet to win a race over fences and shaped in this last year as though a step up in trip would suit better, Squouateur has been sent off favourite for a couple of big handicaps but has ultimately disappointed each time, while Pendra has a 365 day absence to overcome and threw this race away last year.
He possesses valuable Festival form with his second to Tiger Roll in the National Hunt Chase, has been running consistently throughout the season, and has had a wind-op since his last start which could bring about further improvement.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
Gordon Elliott's exciting six-year-old extended his unbeaten record to six with an eye-catching display in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. Bookmakers rate him an 8/11 chance to take top honours.
The Alan Spence-owned On The Blind Side, who is three from three over hurdles, having also won his bumper and a point-to-point, has not been seen out since landing a Grade Two race at Sandown in December. Nicky Henderson will be hoping his runner can lower the colours of the hot favourite.
2.10pm: RSA Steeple Chase (3m 1/2f)
BLACK CORTON and Bryony Frost are definitely the story of the season and they could well round off their remarkable campaign together with victory in the RSA.
Since setting out together in the summer, the pair have faced the starter eight times together and only met with defeat once, at Newbury in December.
Monalee is also prominent in the ante-post market for the Henry de Bromhead team.
Paul Nicholls’ Topofthegame is an interesting type in this race and his Sandown victory last time was most impressive. The six-year-old is likely to be arriving on the premises late.
Nicky Henderson’s WILLIAM HENRY could be a Grade One horse in the making. He won the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle in January and could quite easily be quite a few pounds ahead of this field.
Max Dynamite could also have what it takes to strike for Willie Mullins in the Coral Cup. The smart Flat performer also has good form over jumps and could be too classy for his rivals here.
Ordinary World was in the process of running a great race in the Coral Dublin Chase before making a juddering mistake at the last. He could easily outrun his odds in this.
4.10pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase (3m 6f)
Cause Of Causes will be bidding for a remarkable fourth Festival success and back-to-back wins in this race before going onto Aintree for a tilt at the Grand National.
The 152 rated ten-year-old is naturally going to be very hard to oppose, however his veteran stablemate BLESS THE WINGS may represent better value in the race.
The thirteen-year-old saw off several of these rivals in the December version of this race and he expertly knows how to plot his way around this course and could do it blindfolded.
4.50pm: Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap (2m 1½f)
After wins at Plumpton and Fontwell Lisp headed to Haydock for the Victor Ludorum Hurdle where he came a creditable third despite a serious mistake at the second last.
That was a good race by four-year-old standards with the first and second horses looking like useful yardsticks.
Scottish Triumph Hurdle runner-up Act Of Valour is also of interest given Paul Nicholls’ fine record in this race.
5.30pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f)
Anthony Honeyball’s ACEY MILAN looks a prime contender for the closing race on the card on Wednesday. The four-year-old has won three of his NH flat races to date, the latest in Newbury’s Listed Bumper. That came on the back of his win at the same level at Cheltenham. He looks like he should run yet another big race.
Willie Mullins’ Tornado Flyer has Hurricane Fly blood in his pedigree and will be a popular choice amongst the Irish punters in the lucky last.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
The great and the good of the horse racing world gathered at St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham, last week to discuss all things Cheltenham Festival 2018 at the 888sport Cheltenham Festival Preview night in association with Birmingham City Football Club.
Host Derek Thompson was joined by 888sport racing ambassador and broadcaster Emma Spencer, leading jockey Andrew Thornton, former rider Carl Llewllyn and Grand National-winning trainer Oliver Sherwood as they put out their tips for the four day extravaganza.
The Willie Mullins-trained, Ruby Walsh-ridden Getabird is hot favourite for the Cheltenham Festival curtain-raiser, but Emma is sweet on the chances of recent Betfair Hurdle winner Kalashnikov, who will appreciate the soft conditions.
Andrew Thornton has concerns for Getabird going left-handed, while Carl Llewllyn also doesn’t like the favourite and joined Emma in her support of Kalshnikov.
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Another Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh fav goes for glory in the Arkle, Footpad, and Emma once again is opposing the fav here, fancying Saint Calvados to make it four out of four over fences for trainer Harry Whittingdon, a point of view also supported by Thornton, who says the heavy conditions will to the gelding’s liking.
Carl Llewllyn is in the Petit Mouchoir camp, and believes Footpad is ‘poor value’.
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Llewllyn brought out an interesting stat: just three favourites in the last 54 Cheltenham Festival handicaps have gone in, bad news for anyone backing Coo Star Sivola.
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For many, last year’s winner Buveur D’Air is their Festival banker of the week, and the panel were in unanimous agreement: Nicky Henderson’s star hurdler will do the business once again.
Did you know we’re going 1/4 odds on ALL each-way runners at the Festival!
Emma is very sweet on the fav, Apples Jade, while Andrew Thornton has one at a massive price, Midnight Tour. Oliver Sherwood is another going against the favourite and has picked out Warren Greatrex’s Le Bague Au Roi, who will appreciate the testing going.
The Irish are apparently very keen on the chances of the Ted Walsh-trained Any Second Now, with Carl Llewllyn revealing trainer Ted Walsh, who rarely backs his own runners, has lumped on the horse.
Last year’s Pertemps Hurdle winner Presenting Percy will be ‘tough to beat’, according to Emma Spencer, with Carl Llewllyn calling the Patrick Kelly-trained seven-year-old a ‘worthy favourite’.
Unsurprisingly, the panel were torn on what is one of the most fiendishly tough handicaps of the week.
Emma Spencer says Le Breuil is ‘really fancied’ by the Ben Pauling team, while Andrew Thornton likes the chances of the Henderson-trained Burbank. Carl Llewllyn reported that jockey Brian Hughes rates Mount Mews his best chance of the week.
Did you know only three favourites have won in the last 54 Cheltenham Festival Handicaps?
Despite a late injury scare, only ‘an act of God’ can stop last year’s winner Altior taking this again, according to our panel.
With the Willie Mullins pair Douvan and Min in opposition, it promises to be one of the races of the week, but the panelists were unanimous: Altior cannot be beaten!
Cause of Causes goes for an incredible fourth win at the Festival in the but the panel are split on his chances.
Emma Spencer is firmly in his camp but Andrew Thornton likes the chance of stablemate Tiger Roll, while Oliver Sherwood fancies Kim Bailey’s The Last Samurai.
Spencer says she was told owners Gigginstown don’t like having runners in the Bumper but have made an exception for their Felix Desjy.
Thornton says punters should ignore the poor form of Phillip Hobbs and have an each-way squeak on his Crooks Peak, while both Llewllyn and Sherwood said they are backing Acey Milan to do the business for Anthony Honeyball.
Emma and Carl like Paul Nicholls’ Modus on the strength of his past Festival form, with Llewllyn also a fan of Gordon Elliot’s Shattered Love, which could be ‘great value’.
Oliver Sherwood says first time blinkers could work the oracle for Colin Tizzard’s Finian’s Oscar.
Sherwood has been lobbying owner JP McManus to run his The Organist in this race, which he says has a ‘cracking each-way chance’, with Llewllyn agreeing the horse is a ‘good mare’.
Spencer likes the chances of Galway Plate winner Balko de Flos, but the rest of the panel are firmly in the Un De Sceaux camp, yet another favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, although Sherwood gives a slight sneak to Cloudy Dream, who would be a factor if the ground dries.
Carl Llewllyn is convinced The New One can finally win a championship race at the Festival, having failed several times to land the Champion Hurdle.
Llewllyn, assistant to the horse’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, says he has been lobbying his boss to run the popular ten-year-old over the Stayers’ three mile trip for several seasons and believes the distance can help bring about a long overdue victory.
One of Tommo’s bets of the week is the seven-timer chasing Maria’s Benefit, but the rest can’t look beyond Laurina, who Thornton compared to the wonder mare Quevega. ‘Point steer, don’t move… and win as far as you like,’ was his verdict.
Apple’s Shakira is a hot favourite for Nicky Henderson, but Andrew Thornton reckons the trainer’s other runner in the race, We Have A Dream, will take all the beating.
“When this one passes the line, it’s going quicker than at the last – it’s a thorough, through stayer and I think it’ll win,” said the jockey.
Thornton branded Santini ‘one of the worst favourites of the week’ and instead plumped for Chris’s Dream, going for the hat-trick for trainer Henry de Bromhead. Llewllyn and SherwoOd are both Chef Des Obeaux fans on account of his jumping and the conditions.
The panel were unanimous: favourite Might Bite will not win the Gold Cup. Sherwood called it his ‘lay of the meeting’ and Thornton said it was a non-stayer.
Spencer and Llewllyn are both on Our Duke, while Sherwood says Definitely Red is a definite each-way chance.
Thornton is a big fan of Gordon Elliot’s Dr Phoenix, who bolted up in a Grade 3 last time out, while Sherwood says Paul Nicholls’ Tommy Silver will prevail.
In Turkey, there probably won’t be any shocks – Bayern take a five goal lead into the second leg but Bestikas will want to play for pride in front of their home supporters.
But in the other last-16 clash, there is still everything to play for. Barcelona head into the second leg as favourites to progress but if anyone can mastermind Chelsea to a surprise win, it is Antonio Conte.
The tie is firmly in the balance at 1-1 and an early goal for the visitors could see Barca get nervous. Here are my thoughts on Wednesday’s double header:
BESIKTAS vs BAYERN MUNICH
Besiktas are now just three points behind Super Lig leaders Galatasaray and Senol Gunes’ side may decide to rest players in favour of their domestic efforts.
Jupp Heynckes is a fantastic football manager and he has transformed Bayern into genuine Champions League contenders this season.
The Bavarians may also rest a couple of key men ahead of their clash against RB Leizpig. As is the norm, Bayern are clear at the top of the Bundesliga table but Heynckes will be taking no chances.
Predicting a result either way is tough so I’ll go with ‘NO’ in the both teams to score market at a very appealing 31/20. The gulf in class between the two sides was clear for all to see in the first leg and Bayern may go for the jugular here.
In some ways, Bayern have been Europe’s forgotten team this season; Manchester City, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been in the limelight.
This is the ideal opportunity for Heynckes’ side to send out a real message to their Champions League rivals.
TIP: Both teams to score - NO @ 31/20
BARCELONA vs Chelsea
Still widely regarded as one of the best club sides on the planet, Barcelona are hard to look past in this contest. When you've got Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in attack, you are usually difficult to oppose.
Chelsea may come to rue Andreas Christensen’s mistake in the first leg. The Blues were 1-0 up with less than 15 minutes remaining when his individual error gifted Barcelona a way back into the tie.
Since then, Antonio Conte’s side lost successive Premier League fixtures against the two Manchester clubs but got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace. At the very least, Chelsea will be confident of scoring.
An exciting encounter awaits at Camp Nou and the travelling Chelsea supporters may be disappointed with the result.
Barcelona aren’t the invincible force that they were under Pep Guardiola but they are still very difficult to beat at home and Conte’s men will find it tough to stay focused throughout.
The EVS available for Barcelona to win a relatively high-scoring fixture represents solid value and punters should snap that price up. Goals are usually on the cards when these two teams go up against each other…
TIP: Barcelona to win and three or more goals in the match @ EVS
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are already in the Champions League quarter-finals. This week we will find out which four teams will complete the draw.
The first leg of this tie was one of the worst matches all season. The Manchester United performance was similar to so many they have produced this season. Set up to avoid defeat rather than win, Jose Mourinho’s side leant on reflex magic from David De Gea to stay level.
Chances were almost non-existent for Manchester United at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan a couple of weeks ago. With the tie goalless after 90 minutes, though, they are still favourites to progress but will be under severe pressure should they give up the first goal at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Sevilla’s flickering hopes of a top four finish were as good as extinguished at the weekend as they fell to defeat to Valencia. The La Liga side have been up and down this season, which has – for a large part of the campaign – been down to their poor finishing. Their first leg struggles in front of goal were no shock.
Away form has hardly been great, either. Sevilla have taken 18 points from 14 La Liga matches on the road this season, losing eight of them. A draw would at least force this one to extra time, but the signs are not good.
The comeback victory for Shakhtar in the first leg leaves them 2-1 up heading to the Italian capital. Cengiz Under’s first half strike keeps Roma well in the tie, however, with the away goal meaning even a mere 1-0 victory would put the Serie A side into the last eight.
Shakhtar will be comfortable sitting deep on Tuesday. Their attacking players are all capable of carrying the ball in transition and are a threat on the counter. The advancing full-backs of the hosts are vulnerable to pace on the break. Bernard and Marlos will be looking to get behind Aleksandar Kolarov and Alessandro Florenzi down the flanks at every opportunity.
The onus while the score is level is on Roma to find the net. That’s not been an issue for them, though, having scored seven in their last two Serie A outings. The 3-0 thumping of Torino at the weekend was the perfect preparation for what is the biggest match of their season to date.
Chances were pretty even in the first leg. It took a wonder goal from Fred to put Shakhtar’s noses in front heading to Rome, and it might have to be a moment of individual magic to turn the tie again.
Early goals could provoke a high-scoring affair. As Roma chase the game, this could become end-to-end, and that’s why I like the price on over 3.5 goals.
TIP: Over 3.5 goals @ 31/20
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
The 2018 Champion Hurdle will take place on Tuesday, March 13th at 3:30pm. It is a Grade One National Hunt hurdle, run over two miles and half-a-furlong, for horses aged four years and upwards. 13 runners go to post:
Buveur D’Air
He is the defending champion and from what we have seen of him so far this season he is going to take some beating.
He won the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his opening race of this season, despatching a weak field at odds of 1/6 and not even coming off the bridle at any stage. Similar wins in both the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and a Listed contest at Sandown advertised his dominance once more.
With Faugheen’s frailties well documented, he is the clear favourite to claim his second crown on Tuesday and is rightfully going to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the week.
Ch'tibello
Dan Skelton’s seven-year-old kicked off this season with a decent fourth place behind My Tent Or Yours, The New One and Melon in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham. He then went down by half a length to The New One at Haydock in their Champion Hurdle Trial. Last time out he found Elgin two-and-a-half lengths too good in the Kingwell Hurdle.
The J.P McManus-owned Charli Parcs has thus far failed to hit the heights connections were expecting of him and he really is up against it in this race on all known form lines.
He finished sixth behind Defi Du Seuil in the Triumph last year and his best placing this term was second at Newbury first time up.
Elgin
Elgin was supplemented into this race at a cost of £20,000 at Wednesday's confirmation stage.
Alan King's six-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season thus far, landing a competitive handicap at Ascot, the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton from five starts.
He will certainly give the Elite Racing Club a great day out whatever the result.
Faugheen
Faugheen will be bidding to regain his Champion Hurdle crown and would be one of the most popular winners of the week if he did so.
Injury forced the 2015 hero on to the sidelines for the best part of two years, but he looked as good as ever when making a successful comeback in the Morgiana Hurdle.
He blotted his copybook when he was mysteriously pulled-up at Leopardstown, but then ran respectably when second to Supasundae in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
At ten-years-old however, you have to wonder whether his best racing days are behind him.
Identity Thief
Henry de Bromhead's Identity Thief comes here on the back of finishing second to Forge Meadow at Gowran Park in the Red Mills Hurdle.
Identity Thief’s last visit to Cheltenham was in 2016 when he could only manage sixth place in this race behind Annie Power.
The eight-year-old looks much better suited to chasing these days.
John Constable
John Constable won twice over hurdles during the summer, including a runaway victory in the Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park in May, and has run creditably in his two starts this winter.
He finished a close sixth in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December before coming home second, beaten a length and three quarters, behind Buveur D’Air in the Listed Contenders Hurdle at Sandown Park in February.
Melon started off this season with a fluent win at Down Royal. He was far too keen for his own good when beaten in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, leaving very little in the tank for the finish and was disappointing again in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
Melon ran well in the Supreme last season and has been competing in the top level contests but he has not quite lived up to the hype. This would be the perfect stage to silence his critics.
Mick Jazz
Mick Jazz took advantage of Faugheen's Christmas flop but was firmly put in his place in the Irish Champion Hurdle when Supersundae and Faugheen powered clear of the chasing pack.
Gordon Elliott’s seven-year-old has always acquitted himself well in this grade but will probably need some of his rivals to underperform to have any realistic chance of winning.
My Tent Or Yours
Nicky Henderson’s veteran hurdler is no stranger to Cheltenham and this race having been run out of it three times up the famous hill.
He finally got his just reward for consistency when beating a decent field here in the International Hurdle in December.
The nine-year-old is officially the third highest-rated horse in the race, behind odds-on favourite Buveur D’Air and 2016 winner Faugheen and many pundits are touting him as a potential dark horse in this.
A Grade One winner on both the flat and over hurdles, he took the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in April as well as being a previous winner of the Country Hurdle at the Festival.
He ran well in this race last year after planting himself for a few seconds so supporters will be hoping he jumps off on terms on Tuesday.
Yorkhill
The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is talented, but has not found things going to plan over fences this season, having won the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham twelve months ago.
A previous winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle in 2016, the switch back to the smaller obstacles may spark his season back into life but makes him a risky horse racing betting proposition in this race.
Verdana Blue
Verdana Blue is the only mare in the race and she will need to run a career best to trouble the judge in this feature.
She was well beaten in the Betfair Hurdle last time out and has shown no kind of form that would put her up there as a serious contender in this.
My selection: Buveur D’Air (nap) Wicklow Brave (nb).
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
Nicky Henderson holds a strong hand yet again with his juveniles Apple’s Shakira, a full-sister to star mare Apple’s Jade, who has won three times at Cheltenham this season and bids to go one better than her sister who finished second to Ivanovich Gorbatov in 2016.
The master of Seven Barrows also saddles WE HAVE A DREAM who, at the prices, looks the value play. A Grade 1 winner of the Finale at Chepstow, he has proven himself tactically versatile and won nicely at Musselburgh despite his trainer admitting he had left plenty of work still to do with him.
Alan King has a fine record with his juveniles and Redicean has continued to progress at a rapid rate of knots. His jumping was spot on at Kempton and he has vital speed from the Flat which will aid his cause.
Mr Adjudicator and Farclas look best of the Irish challenge but will need to step up on what they have achieved.
2.10pm: County Hurdle (2m1f)
Flying Tiger has been well backed over the past couple of weeks and the case is fairly simple. Last year’s Fred Winter winner who caught the eye against potential Champion Hurdle contenders in the Kingwell at Wincanton and the handicapper left him on a mark of 140.
A Hare Breath goes exceptionally well when fresh and has been saved for this having won a handicap hurdle at Sandown in December.
2016 Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov is becoming well handicapped once again and drying ground on the Friday will firmly be in his favour.
Whatswrongwithyou could be a very interesting contender with him likely to be aiming for the £100,000 bonus by winning the Imperial Cup and this contest. He looks on a fair mark.
Willie Mullins has won this race four times since 2010 and perhaps one of his more interesting handicap entries of the week is WHISKEY SOUR. A very fortunate Grade 1 winner in Ireland over Christmas, he shaped okay when fourth to Samcro in the Deloitte and he looks fairly treated on his achievements.
2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (3m)
An attritional test for any horse with experience being the key to the race. Every winner of the race has had at least five runs which rules out leading contenders Santini and Duc Des Genievres. Both have shown very good form and are exciting individuals for the future but a race of this nature may prove too much with the pair having only had three runs apiece in their whole lives.
Chef Des Obeaux has been rather impressive since stepped up to 3m and his ability to handle testing ground will always aid him in paying his way through the deep winter ground. Drier conditions would be a slight concern.
Poetic Rhythm won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle in tenacious style at the expense of Mulcahys Hill and he has to be considered with him possessing enough experience.
At the prices, a chance is taken on WHITE MOON as he looked a very good prospect before having excuses when well beaten by On The Blind Side at Sandown. The step up to 3m is in his favour and ground should pose no issue.
3.30pm: Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m2f)
We will have a full preview of Cheltenham's feature race available later this week. More to follow...
4.10pm: Foxhunters Chase (3m2f)
Jamie Codd has been secured for the ride on Burning Ambition, a prolific point winner, who won on Rules debut at Limerick before finishing a good second to Gilgamboa at Punchestown last month. While he looks to possess plenty of ability, there are concerns about his resolution for a finish having been outbattled last time and his stamina for 3m2f.
Foxrock has been to Cheltenham twice before and disappointed both times so has a lot to prove regarding travelling over.
Punchestown Champion Hunter hero Balnaslow needs to improve considerably having pulled up last time in a point but could very easily return to form in a race he outran his odds in last year.
Paul Nicholls has stated that WONDERFUL CHARMis his best chance of a winner all week and, with Sam Waley-Cohen in the saddle, he is likely to be ridden a bit more forcefully than last year when second to stable companion Pacha Du Polder.
4.50pm: Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)
Arguably the most difficult handicap of the week with plenty of unexposed novices with Graded aspirations for the future.
Diese Des Bieffes has been well supported in the lead up to this with the likelihood of James Bowen taking the ride. His last couple of runs have been encouraging at Kempton, including when fifth to stablemate William Henry in the Lanzarote, and this stiffer track looks likely to suit.
Deal D’estruval looks well treated on his second to Off You Go at the Dublin Racing Festival and the step up in trip looks in his favour, while other Irish contenders of interest include Dortmund Park and Early Doors, who both have solid Graded form to their name and are relatively unexposed.
Another with more to offer is SPRINGTOWN LAKE who chased home leading Ballymore contender On The Blind Side at Sandown earlier in the season and his tenacious attitude will see him right there at the finish when plenty have cried enough.
5.30pm: Grand Annual Chase (2m½f)
The last chance for the get out stakes with the hurly burly of one of the fastest National Hunt races on the entire calendar with little margin for error.
Nicky Henderson will be hoping for a third win in the race named after his father and Theinval is, surprisingly, his only representative. He shaped well when last seen on New Year’s Day and was subsequently dropped 3lb for that effort.
His former inmate at Seven Barrows has also had a preparation towards this contest all season in Vaniteux but his 0-10 record at Cheltenham tempers enthusiasm.
One who could pose a threat at a bigger price is 2016 Fred Winter winner DIEGO DU CHARMIL. His comeback run after a setback was promising behind Saint Calvados and 143 looks a very tempting mark compared to his hurdles rating.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
The Premier League is entering the home straight. We are at that point where teams begin to see doors close, and it’s bordering on last-chance saloon for a few teams. In some cases, that has passed and they are requiring divine intervention.
As is now tradition in these parts, we are looking at the Premier League’s 3pm kick-offs…
Everton vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
There’s unrest again at Goodison Park. Sam Allardyce has almost squeaked his side over the line to safety, but several dire performances have seen the former England manager criticised.
The football has been bleak, and failure to win this match could see Allardyce edge towards the door.
Brighton, meanwhile, have been the story of the league recently.
A five-match unbeaten run featuring three victories has pulled the Seagulls level on points with the Toffees, and Chris Hughton might finally be about to receive the acclaim he has deserved for so long.
I like the 7/10 price on Brighton to avoid defeat. Hughton’s side are secure at the back, having conceded just 38 goals this season, and have a knack for scoring goals at the right time.
TIP: Brighton to win OR draw @ 7/10
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs SWANSEA CITY
Swansea’s Carlos Carvalhal revival recovered from an awayday hiccup at Brighton to smash West Ham last weekend.
Home form continues for the Swans, but their road troubles are still prevalent, though they have lost just once in four away matches.
Huddersfield’s home form is not great either. Their 4-1 win over Bournemouth was a needed relief from relegation pressure, but they had conceded seven goals in their two home matches prior to that.
Last time out they were ineffective, and calmly seen off by Tottenham at Wembley.
The visitors have been hard to beat away from the Liberty Stadium, even if results have not been fantastic. The onus is on the Terriers to push for a win here, but I think Swansea will frustrate them and this could eke into a low-scoring draw.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 13/25
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs SOUTHAMPTON
One point and one place separate these two in the league at the moment. The Magpies are marginally ahead of their Saturday afternoon visitors, but could be in the bottom three by Monday.
Rafa Benitez’s side have won just one match in seven in the league, but have lost only two in that span.
Southampton are no strangers to a draw themselves. The south coast club have tied a league-high 13 matches thus far, including their last two.
Like so many of the matches this weekend, this will be cagey rather than expansive. Pragmatism from Benitez and Mauricio Pellegrino could make this a tough watch.
TIP: Under 2.5 goals @ 3/5
West Bromwich Albion vs LEICESTER CITY
West Brom’s defeat last weekend was the final nail in their Premier League coffin. Alan Pardew’s calamitous spell at the Hawthorns has left the Baggies playing for nothing but pride in early March.
The visiting Leicester are winless in five league matches, and have not won in their last five away from home.
Claude Puel’s side have little to play for either this season other than chasing Burnley for seventh. The Foxes have not been as poor as results suggest, however. They are deserved favourites to win this one.
Barring a shock performance from the hosts, I fancy Leicester to win this comfortably. West Brom are in freefall. It’s surprising Pardew has lasted this long, but a heavy defeat here could provoke managerial change.
TIP: Leicester to win @ 31/20
WEST HAM UNITED vs Burnley
Burnley are without a win in seven straight Premier League away matches, having failed to score in five of those fixtures.
Sean Dyche’s side returned to form of sorts with their win over Everton, but are still my underdogs for this one.
David Moyes’ side were dismantled by Swansea last weekend, just as they were by Liverpool the week before.
The Hammers are deep in relegation trouble. Moyes still has to deal with a lengthy injury list, and will likely stick with a 3-4-3.
I think the hosts will get back on track in this one. There isn’t great value to be found anywhere, so I’m siding with West Ham to avoid defeat as they aim to rebuild their cushion from the bottom three.
TIP: West Ham to win OR draw @ 3/10
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.
He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.
Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.
Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.
Statistics and trends (based on the last 15 renewals)
15/15 – Had won no more than twice over hurdles before 14/15 – Had won between 1-2 times over hurdles before 14/15 – Had raced within the last 6 weeks 13/15 – Carried 10-13 or less 12/15 – Aged 6 or younger 12/15 – Rated 124 or higher
The weight trends for this race are particularly interesting as based on those facts alone you would be tempted to discount Call Me Lord, Chti Balko, Whatswrongwithyou, Le Patriote, Huntsman Son and Fidux.
Age would also be a negative for the well fancied Whatswringwithyou.
The last five winners
2017 – LONDON PRIZE 10/1 2016 – FLYING ANGEL 9/1 2015 – EBONY EXPRESS 33/1 2014 – BALTIMORE ROCK 7/1 2013 – FIRST AVENUE 20/1
The five-year-old is one of two runners for Nicky Henderson, who also fields ante-post favourite Whatswrongwithyou in the contest, which offers the winner a rather tasty £100,000 bonus if they can follow up in any race at The Festival next week.
Whatswrongwithyou certainly looks like a candidate who could push the bonus incentive close. He is entered in both the County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe next week and he could easily figure even with an extra penalty incurred on Saturday.
He was beaten a length by Ainchea over course and distance in December and the form of that race has looked strong since. He is currently sitting on a mark of 139 after recording back-to-back Newbury wins with a nine-length verdict over Rockpoint last time out.
Dr Richard Newland, who won this contest 2015 with Ebony Express, immediately earmarked this race for Le Patriote (nap) after his win at Ascot last month.
Le Patriote won with a lot more in hand than the official distance of a length in last month's Ascot race and he should confirm superiority over runner-up Friday Night Light.
Silver Streak should enter into calculations based on the form of his good second to Hunters Call in the Grade Three Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle at Christmas. He was unable to show his obvious potential in the Betfair Hurdle when unseating his pilot at the second.
Another horse chasing the Sandown-Cheltenham double is the John Quinn trained Master Of Irony, who has been given a break since finishing fourth in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury in December.
Alan King’s Fidux has run all his best races at Sandown and looks the obvious each-way type. Fidux won twice as a juvenile hurdler before going to Cheltenham for The Festival, where he ran in the Fred Winter. Although not making the frame on that occasion, he finished third to Call Me Lord and Dolos in his next race on Jumps Finale day at Sandown.
Kerry Lee’s Gassin Golf would have to defy the no horse older than 8-y-o winning since 1984 hoodoo but the gelding does appear to reserve some of his best races for the Esher track finishing in the frame four times from five attempts.
Harry Whittington is seeking a fourth win in as many starts this season with Octagon, a horse who has worked his way up from sellers. Whittington reports the eight-year-old to be in “great shape”.
Highway One O One has not been seen since Boxing Day at Fontwell and has the option of running in either this race or the EBF final on the same card. Chris Gordon is not the type to shirk away from a challenge and he may well chance his hand here with the six-year-old. The gelding has certainly been supported well in the betting.
Huntsman Son has been holding his form pretty well this season and his second place to Remiluc in the desperate ground at Cheltenham last time showed he is an out-and-out battler.
Chti Balko was once considered good enough to run in the Grade One novice hurdle at Aintree but has never quite hit those heights. He could however get his ground this weekend and we could see a different horse here. The handicapper hasn’t still got him on a mark of 140 for nothing.
888sport suggests: Le Patriote (each way)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Steven is a sports and horse racing enthusiast and is a member of the Horseracing Writers and Photographers Association (HWPA) in the United Kingdom.
He is a regular visitor to Paris Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and a lifelong fan of the Aintree Grand National, a subject he writes about 52 weeks of the year. Last year he reached the impressive milestone of attending the last 30 renewals of the Grand National.
Steven graduated from the University Of Lancaster in 1996 with a B.A (Hons) in Urban Policy & Race Relations (major) with Contemporary Religions & Belief Systems (minor) and still wonders if any of these help him find the winners?
He writes for a number of websites and online publications and you can sometimes hear him at the weekend discussing racing on a number of local radio stations.
All eyes will be on Wembley Stadium for Wednesday’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus – can Mauricio Pochettino’s men get the job done? Only time will tell.
Spurs showed plenty of mental strength and resilience to bounce back after going two goals down in Turin and punters will fancy the north London outfit to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Manchester City have one foot in the next round and Pep Guardiola’s side will be difficult to beat on home soil. The Blues have been sensational at the Etihad Stadium this season and another win looks likely here.
This is the ideal chance for Pep to rest a few of City’s star men as the Blues edge closer to the title. Check out our top tips on Wednesday’s action below…
Manchester City vs FC BASEL
Wholesale changes are expected; City ran out 4-0 winners in the first leg in Switzerland. The Blues have been untouchable in recent months – Guardiola’s side have scored 18 goals in seven Champions League games.
The Premier League champions-elect will be confident of snatching another convincing triumph in this fixture. City are a 7/10 chance to put three or more goals past Basel once again.
The visitors have struggled since the turn of the year. Basel have lost four of their previous five competitive fixtures and another defeat looks likely here.
Despite their struggles, it will be a much-changed City lining up at the Etihad and the visitors will be confident of testing the hosts. City are a class above most of their opponents but it would be foolish to write Basel off just yet.
Basel’s away record in this competition isn't great but City may took their foot off the gas – they have important fixtures approaching. I’m expecting Pep’s men to win but 11/8 for an away goal is a good price when you take everything into account.
TIP: Over 0.5 away goals @ 11/8
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs Juventus
Spurs are unbeaten in 17 competitive matches and it is difficult to back against the north London side on that form.
Pochettino has matured into one of the finest managers in world football and his stock will rise rapidly if Tottenham reach the quarter-finals. Harry Kane will receive plenty of betting attention as per usual – he is 49/50 to score in 90 minutes.
The Serie A champions will be quietly confident of glory here – Massimiliano Allegri’s men are certainly capable of turning things around.
A solid defensive performance is required for Juventus to advance to the final eight; Spurs will need to be fully focused on stopping the Italian side. An early Juve goal will do nothing for the nerves…
Spurs’ Wembley woes are well and truly over. The Premier League side have enough quality to cope with Juventus and an early goal for Tottenham could set the tone for the rest of the evening. 6/5 is well worth taking for a home victory.
TIP: Tottenham to win @ 6/5
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.
He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.
As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.
