Paul Townend previews his rides on Day Two at Cheltenham
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Day Two of the Festival begins with The Big Getaway (1.30), a horse we like a lot. Obviously this won’t be easy against the likes of Envoi Allen and Easywork.
We weredisappointed he got beat the first day. He righted that wrong on his second runover hurdles for us.
He is amassive, big-striding horse. It’s hard to say he will beat Envoi Allen but Iwould hope he could hit the frame.
Allaho (2.10) is my ride in the RSA. He got beaten first time out by Easy Game but was very impressive on his second run in Fairyhouse.
The tripshould suit and there is not a massive field either, which will be a help.Touch wood he jumps very well. He takes on Easy Game again but I think thebenefit of a couple of runs and this trip will suit Allaho.
Franco de Port (2.50) put up a nice run when he won on his first start for us but has been beaten a couple of times since.
It’s a bighandicap, a bit of a lottery. The race can be won and lost by the time you getto the back of the first flight if you are unlucky. If he can get into a nicerhythm, he might be a little each way play.
Willie hasplenty of runners in it but Franco de Port looks like he might have a littlebit of improvement, even though he has plenty of weight.
Appreciate It is the stand out horse in the Bumper. I ride Ferny Hollow (5.30) who put it all together the last day and was impressive doing it. He can be very keen so will need plenty of luck. The faster they go the better.
We can’tride in bumpers in Ireland so I don’t know how strong the form is, but he hasbeen working well at home.
Paul.
