by Mick Fitzgerald’s Cheltenham tips
13:10 – Bob Bob Ricard (Each Way)
1:45 p.m. – Intensive approach
2:20 p.m. – Broadway boy
2:55 p.m. – Gowel Rd
3:30 p.m. – The bottler’s secret
16:05 – Moon D’Orange
16:40 – Block rocking beats (each)
*All prices are up to date with our nifty widgets, while odds in the text are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
A very open 2m 4f Novices Handicap Chase and BOB BOB RICARD looks like something worth having. He ran a decent race over hurdles last time, but is a two-time winner over fences. He is a good jumper, makes good progress in his races and makes a solid impression in every respect.
This beginner’s 3m hurdles will have a maximum of five runners competing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t competitive. Irish trainer John McConnell has a good strike rate at Cheltenham and his INTENSIVE APPROACH saw him run a good race at Chepstow a few weeks ago. That may have given him enough to secure this prize while traveling up to three miles. Millforce seems the obvious alternative.
I can’t look past former track winner BROADWAY BOY who jumps and travels so well in his races. The six-year-old could have an exciting season ahead.
A Pertemps qualifier for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival that presents a dilemma. If you win, you are in the final, assuming you are within the weights at the time of registration. However, you could miss your handicap mark. You also need to finish in the top four in qualifying to earn a spot next March. Zain Nights appears to be a contender, but last season he needed a run or two to start his winning streak. The alternative is GOWEL ROAD, which may be the safer option for victory.
BOTTLER’SECRET ran very well in the prized Punchestown Four Year Old Hurdle when chasing home Kargese last May. Nürburgring finished third on the day and went on to win the Galway Hurdle, so it was a hot race. Dodger Long can chase him home.
MOON D’ORANGE is back with John McConnell after a spell with Fergal O’Brien last season and recently ran a good race third behind Fascile Mode at Punchestown. He jumps and travels well and that is an advantage here. He will know what is required.
The market may be the best guide, as some of the larger stables have a few well-behaved newcomers to the field. However, I choose a prize that comes from a smaller stable and that is BLOCK ROCKIN BEATS, trained by Oliver Signy. He trained French Paradoxe to win a few races for my racing club and he really likes this runner. He could have a solid chance either way as he is ready for this competition.
Mick Fitzgerald’s racing tips
13:10 – Bob Bob Ricard (Each Way)
1:45 p.m. – Intensive approach
2:20 p.m. – Broadway boy
2:55 p.m. – Gowel Rd
3:30 p.m. – The bottler’s secret
16:05 – Moon D’Orange
16:40 – Block rocking beats (each)
*All prices are up to date with our nifty widgets, while odds in the text are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
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