THIS weekend’s racing is really the last chance to assess any potential Cheltenham festival horse before the big event itself takes place in just over a fortnight’s time.
A horse I am keen to keep an eye on is Quantatativeeasing, entered in the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton this weekend and a hose well worth keeping in mind for the festival.
As I write he is around the 20/1 mark for Saturday’s big race but I’m not sure he will turn up now that his owner JP McManus has just purchased the race favourite Wyck Hill. If Quantatativeeasing does run I would definitely give him an e/w chance.
If he doesn’t run I would confidently nail my colours to Rolling Aces’ mast. He’s only a 3/1 chance but his form is solid.
Another horse I rate highly called Hadrians approach. He is in my mind as a major RSA Chase contender at the festival and is still available at 14/1 for that particular race. From an ante-post perspective I think that is generous as he really has no other target at the festival and there are still doubts surrounding the first two in the market.
Over in Ireland an old pal of mine attempts to lump top weight round in the Bobbyjo National trial. I rated Quito De La Roque as a Gold Cup horse last year and expect him to show his class at Fairyhouse.
I’m not really one for the all-weather, but a horse who jumps off the page is Planteur in Saturdays Lingfield Winter Derby trial he really is different class to the opposition and is a confident selection.
Selections
Rolling Aces: 3/1 Racing Plus Chase Kempton.
Quantitativeeasing: e/w 20/1 if he runs Racing Plus Chase Kempton.
Quito de la Roque: Bobbyjo Chase Fairyhouse.
Ante-Post selection: Hadrians Approach 14/1 RSA Chase Cheltenham.festival.