ITV Racing Preview: It’s an Oscar kind of day at Cheltenham
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There’s a bumper day of racing this Saturday from across the UK as the ITV cameras head to Cheltenham and Doncaster.
The Cotswold Chase is the feature race of the day from the famous Gloucestershire course.
There are also three other Grade 2 renewals from Doncaster, too. All in all, there’s a superb day of racing ahead.
Let’s have a look at the cards for some tips…
Finian’s Oscar is heading back to hurdling in this renewal of the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Colin Tizzard’s six-year-old was in superb form last year winning four of his five starts. However, a move to novice chasing at the start of this season saw inconsistent results.
We know he loves the cut at Cheltenham and has won on this course before. Bryan Cooper mounts him again and that augers well.
He’ll have plenty of competition but he’s a super horse and is deliciously-priced here.
This Cotswold Chase is a particularly dicey renewal looking at the field. Bristol De Mai is a very short-priced favourite.
And even though Nigel Twiston-Davies’ star is most likely to win here, there’s value to be had elsewhere considering the conditions.
After a poor run at Newbury back in December, American seems to have been discounted. But Harry Fry’s seven-year-old jumps well, loves the soft ground and in a small field, will be very dangerous.
He’s hugely underestimated and is worth backing at an each-way price.
Speaking of upsets, look no further than the 3:15 at Doncaster for a Lively Longshot.
L’Ami Serge is the current hot favourite for this Listed Race but it’s Wakanda who looks interesting at a much large price.
Sue Smith’s nine-year-old was snuffed on the line at Wetherby on Boxing Day and has remained relatively consistent this season.
He’s a sound jumper and has form over this course, reading 42323. He’s well-worth backing over a favourite who flatters to deceive on too many occasions.
1:50 Cheltenham – Shantou Flyer E/W
2:05 Doncaster – Enniscoffey Oscar
2:25 Cheltenham – American (NB)
2:40 Doncaster – Maria’s Benefit
3:00 Cheltenham – Santini
3:15 Doncaster – Wakanda E/W
3:35 Cheltenham – Finian’s Oscar (NAP)
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
