The big betting race of the day is the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2.30), and Easter Meteor looks worth siding with at 12/1 on his first start for David Pipe.
The Pipe family have a tremendous record in the race with David’s father Marin winning it seven times and the current Pond House maestro saddling Great Endeavour to land the spoils in 2011.
In Easter Meteor he has inherited a decent horse who won three times and was placed on four occasions from 13 starts when trained by Emma Lavelle, and is a fascinating contender judged on his run in the contest 12 months ago.
The eight-year-old had a length lead and was staying on strongly when coming to grief at the second last, leaving the way clear for Johns Spirit to go on to victory.
Whether Easter Meteor would have won had he stood on his feet is open to debate, but the gelding was showing no signs of stopping and would have been bang there at the finish.
He now meets the winner on 9lb better terms, and the switch to Pipe may well bring about further improvement.
It’s also interesting that connectiosn are now fitting Easter Metepr with the tongue-tie for teh first time at a meeting thye love to target.
Easter Meteor also has a good record fresh and with Tom Scudamore in the saddle he looks well worth a each-way wager in a wide open contest in which some bookmakers are paying 5 places.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Easter Meteor (12/1 Paddy Power, Sky Bet, William Hill – BOG, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)