10/1 Edgbriar can repeat the dose
Edgbriar looks cracking value at 10/1 to land back to back successes in the 2.40 at Cheltenham today.
Paul Webber’s gelding enjoyed finest hour when capturing this prize on his reappearance last season and providing Dominic Elsworth with a win on his comeback ride from injury.
Although he failed to subsequently go on to better things, he clearly goes well fresh and off just a 1lb higher mark is handicapped to take all the beating.
His handler is very hopeful of a bold showing.
He said: “I am hoping that Edgbriar returns to Cheltenham in similar form to last year. He has run well fresh before and has done plenty of work at home. The ground will be alright for him and he knows his way round there.
“He ran well in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last year after going up in the weights, but the ground is important to him and I think that we have learnt to space his races a little bit more compared to last season.
At 10/1 he looks terrific each-way value.
Daily Sport rcommended bet 3pts each-way Edgbriar (10/1 generally available – BOG firms)
11/2 Balthazar ready to be King
Balthazar King has a terrific record fresh and makes plenty of appeal at 11/2 to make a winning seasonal reappearance in the 3.50 at Cheltenham.
Philip Hobb’s seven-year-old developed into a useful novice chaser around 3m this time last year, and didn’t need to be at this best to win two more in the spring under today’s ground conditions.
Those to wins came off a rating of 140, and the handicapper has certainly given him a chance by allotting him an opening mark of 136 for this campaign.
He also has course form to his name, having put up a cracking effort when chasing home the useful Wayward Prince here last November.
Another encouraging stat is that he has scored after lengthy lay-offs on three occasions, so first time up could be the time to catch him.
With Richard Johnson in the saddle he looks sure to go close, and at 11/2 I think he is good value and will take all the beating.
At 11/2 he looks an each-way steal.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Balthazar King (11/2 generally available)
Catcherinscratcher can leave Irish eyes smiling
Irish raider Catcherinscratcher is a progressive sort who makes plenty of appeal at 4/1 in the opener at Cheltenham today (2.05).
Henry de Bromhead’s charge won his first two starts over hurdles on good ground in impressive style before finding the going too soft when fourth to Bullock Harbour at Kilbeggan last time out.
He attempted to make all that day, but could not find another change of gear in the holding ground and could only keep on at the one pace to be beaten just over 5 lengths.
The quicker ground at Prestbury Park will see him in a far better light, and his handler – who sent out a juvenile winner yesterday – has given him a nice break to freshen him up for this.
I rate him a useful prospect and expect him to get back on the winning trail.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Catcherinscratcher (4/1 Stan James)