Cheltenham, Friday
NORTH SHORE is a lively outsider in what is a pretty impenetrable Triumph Hurdle (1.20). He had some decent form in France, and it’s quite notable that Gavin Cromwell has really chucked him in the deep end on both runs in Ireland. He’s acquitted himself quite well both times, but there must be a chance he takes a good step forward given how well the stable has been going this week. His pedigree would suggest slightly better ground might help as well.
SINNATRA looks the right sort of weaponry with which Dan Skelton can take on the Mullins might in the County (2.00). He’s been cleverly campaigned to get his five runs in without his mark going up, and his form behind Captain Hugo and Act of Innocence has been very well advertised. He won’t mind a drop of rain, and looks a horse on a sharp upward trajectory.
PANIC ATTACK gets a narrow vote in the Mares’ Chase (2.40). She has been brilliant against geldings in really competitive races this season, with her super-assured jumping her biggest asset. She’d have been a viable contender for the Ryanair, and can put it up to Dinoblue and co here.
KING’S BUCKS could outrun biggish odds in the Albert Bartlett (3.20). His trainer holds him in high regard, and he looks to be screaming for a proper trip to unlock his full potential. He’s had a spin round this track, and his whole season looks to have been geared towards a big performance in this race.
SPILLANE’S TOWER is the Gold Cup pick (4.00). Figures give him a little to find, but this is a tightly matched group, and he is surely peaking at the right time, and with overnight rain to help his cause. His early chase form bears the closest scrutiny: a brace of Grade Ones and pushing Fact to File really hard. It’s been more mixed since, but he’s been set some odd tasks in the interim, and now he seems to be on the right track. I loved the way he jumped round here last time, hardly given a hard race, and Harry Cobden will find it easy to economise his energy.
BARTON SNOW is very dangerous to underestimate in the Foxhunters’ (4.40), despite slight concerns about his stamina. He has absolutely bolted up on his last six starts, has coped easily with Cheltenham, and represents a trainer with noted success in this sphere.
ACT OF AUTHORITY is probably a solid enough each way pick in the Martin Pipe (5.20). He was runner up to Wodhooh last year – no disgrace in that – and is able to race off a similar mark under the same jockey with headgear applied.
