Chicker was sorely tempting ahead of the bumper that closes the Cheltenham card at 4.00pm after Fergal O’Brien’s gelding kept his unbeaten record over course and distance last month despite having to give weight to all of his rivals, but he looked workmanlike to me and may do better once he is stepped up in trip over hurdles – though heavy ground could still see his stamina come into play.
Saint Jeannais would have gone close on better ground but is now a non-runner I am sad to say, and all the money has been for the Gavin Cromwell trained Bud Fox who has to be my selection. A point-to-point winer at Belharbour, he had his sole run in a bumper at Punchestown when he looked as if the race would bring him on despite a staying on victory, and with softer ground and the uphill finish here the Irish money appears to be already down and they will be expecting to collect.
Daily Sport Recommended Bet 1pt Win Bud Fox 4.00pm Cheltenham 11/10 most bookmakers