Horse Racing returns to Cheltenham this weekend for the famous Christmas Neeting, with the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase the feature race.
Jagwar is the current favourite, but the lack of a recent run may catch him out, and I have one pick to take him on with…
Check out my best bets below!
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
12:40 Cheltenham – 1 PT E/W | Zertakt – TBC
It appeared the race was at Zertakt’s mercy 14 days ago, until he was caught late at Newcastle by Dom Of Mary. Nevertheless, that was a performance of a future winner, and the quick turnaround indicates he’s come out of the race well, and connections will be keen to make amends. The obvious danger is The Jukebox Kid, for whom Ben Pauling does well when sending young horses over fences. If he continues to progress, he holds a strong chance, but it seems sensible to get stuck into Zertakt.
1:15 Cheltenham – 1 PT E/W | She Is For Me Boys – 4/1
With She Is For Me Boys, you are getting an eachway price on a horse who has done nothing wrong over fences and very little wrong in her career to date. It is hard to gauge her full ability, but my gut feeling is she is still better than a mark of 111. On paper, this is a tricky contest to call, with plenty of the runners winning last time out. But Jamie Snowden’s talented runner beat a good horse last time out and looks very impressive indeed. Realta Liath probably rates as the biggest danger here, mainly due to the Warren Greatrex operating at a very impressive 47% strike rate.
1:50 Cheltenham – 1 PT E/W | Hoe Joly Smoke – 9/2
There was something about Hoe Joly Smoke’s performance in the November Paddy Power Gold Cup that made me want to back it next time he runs. He may find a couple too good again, but he will land a big pot at some point and I will be onboard when he does. He has to reverse the form with Vincenzo, who finished second, but with a more prominent ride it is certainly possible. Of the rest, Kim Roque is a fascinating runner, and I would put no one off backing him at 6/1. He jumped excellently over course and distance last time out, just appearing to be caught out late for race fitness, which should be no issue this time.
3:35 Cheltenham – 2 PT WIN | Jubilee Alpha – TBC
Jubilee Alpha massacred two out on seasonal debut, and still nearly won at a time where Paul Nicholls’ horses were badly needing their first run of the season. If she improves her jumping, the stiffer track should suit and I would be confident she will reverse the form with Sweet Caryline, who re-opposes. She is the class angle in the race and I would be disappointed if she doesn’t get her head in front. For all the talent a horse can hold, they need to win races and have a strong body of work to show their true ability. Hopefully Saturday is the day she begins to kick on.
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