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Unlucky Irish raider can make amends at Cheltenham
The drive and determination of Tom Scudamore to return in time for Cheltenham’s Open Meeting is enough of a pointer to his positivity concerning his mounts across the three days.
He has not got to wait long as he rides a strongly fancied runner in the opening race of the meeting.
French import La Vaticane created a pleasing impression on her first run in this country in March at Kempton. She ran second in a Class Two Chase, the same grade as she tackles today.
The stable has been well known through the years for racking up the victories at the meeting.
Tom has appeared on Channel 4 Racing for the last couple of weeks as he recuperated from an injury, and when asked for a horse to look out for he offered up Champers On Ice, who appears in the 2.15pm on Friday.
Sky Bet will give you your money back
if your horse LOSES in the 1.05pm Cheltenham (Friday)
There must be easier races in which to tip a winner but I do like the look of one in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.
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At the Festival I thought that Dogora was unlucky in-running when long-time leader Toutancarmont ran out. Both the Willie Mullins runner and Quantitativeeasing were tucked in behind travelling extremely well. The latter was carried out while Dogora could not get out of the impending incident and stopped in his tracks. He did manage to claim fourth but the damage had been done.
I acknowledge that Dogora has won only twice from 18 starts, and last time being back in January 2013. The only thing preventing me from backing him is that he should be a double-figure price so I’m hoping for better than the current 8-1.
When Dogora was closing in on the leaders when falling at Punchestown on May behind stablemate Uncle Junior, another who caught the eye in that race was Josies Orders who was badly hampered and then unseated rider two out. The race is never without excitement and drama and I hope there is enough value to entice me at some point before the race.
For the 3.25 be across the partnership of Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh. They team up with Dollar And A Dream, who has been favourite for his last four hurdle starts with a win at the Galway Festival. The horse did not enjoy the most fortuitous run on his latest escapade at Listowel, but does compensation await?
Good luck across the three days and and let the fun begin.
Tanya Stevenson Friday Cheltenham tips:
2.50 Cheltenham: Dogora
3.25 Cheltenham: Dollar And A Dream at 7-2
Tanya Stevenson Friday Cheltenham pointers:
1.05 Cheltenham - Paddy Power Handicap Chase:
There has only been one winner aged older than eight in the last ten years
Only three of the last ten winners had previously won at the course
Nine of the last ten winners were a single figure starting price. Bold Henry was the exception last year
Over the last twelve years, Nicky Henderson’s last ten runners have resulted in three winners and two thirds
Seven of the last ten winners carried 10st-9lbs or less
Sam Twiston-Davies and Astracad have teamed up 27 times for four wins, four seconds and three thirds
1.40 Cheltenham - Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase:
The last nine winners were aged six
Eight of the last ten winners came from the first three in the betting
The last ten winners had had no more than one run previously in the current season
Seven of the last nine winners had run in the same year’s Cheltenham Festival
Winners of the race include Taquin Du Seuil, Dynaste, Grands Crus, Imperial Commander and Denman
More Of That has won both his hurdle races at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson has won the race three times
2.15 Cheltenham - Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle:
In 2012 Coneygree won the race at 8-1!
Only two of the last ten favourites have won (2008 Diamond Harry & 2011 Fingal Bay)
Only three four-year-olds have won in 25 years
Eight of the last ten winners were aged five
All of the last ten winners finished either first or second last time out
Eight of the last ten winners had run no more than once over hurdles prior
Nine of the last ten winners had run at either Cheltenham, Chepstow or Uttoxeter on their most recent run
2.50 Cheltenham - Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase:
Eight of the last ten winners came from the first three in the betting
Uncle Junior is encountering the cross country fences for a 12th occasion having won twice, second twice and third once
Any Currency’s record over the unique fences reads ninth, third, second, fourth, won, second
Uncle Junior’s record over the cross country fences in November is won, won, second, second
Eight of the last ten winners have been aged ten or over
Seven of the last ten winners were Irish-trained
