It’s trials day at Cheltenham this afternoon, live on ITV Racing. Ably supported by Doncaster and the Sky Bet Chase, it looks another afternoon full of clues. There have been three notable market movers for the action which are below. Find all of our horse racing tips for Saturday on the site.
Torn And Frayed was 14-1 on Thursday after the final declarations were made for today, currently a best-priced 5/1. He has shown more than enough ability this season to think that a mark of 131 is on the light side for him.
It’s fair to say he should’ve won off 133 at Ascot before idling on the run-in, overhauled by Falvoir. He then ran My Drogo to six lengths at Cheltenham and although he was a little flattered to get that close, it is still a smart piece of form. Perhaps Haydock heavy didn’t help last time so it would be no surprise if he bounced back.
The Sky Bet Chase is always hugely competitive. Storm Control was as big as 33/1 on Thursday and is now into single-figure odds. He bounced back to form at Newbury last time out, digging deep on the run-in to regain the lead having been headed.
He has a five-pound penalty to carry for that here but he won off this mark at Cheltenham in December 2020 so he is still on a fair mark. Kerry Lee when speaking to the Racing Post said “he’ll appreciate the track and trip” so this looks an interesting mover.
While 7/4 into 5/4 does not look the biggest move on paper, the volume of cash required to make that move is not to be underestimated. Hillcrest has been well touted up, not only as a smart performer but also because of his size, trainer Henry Daly saying he is taller than his measuring stick.
He has shown some smart form, beating I Am Maximus at this track last time. His main market danger is once more a Nicky Henderson-trained rival so the continued support could prove to be significant this afternoon.
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