‘It’s going to be very hard work’ – Three mud lovers at Cheltenham on Friday 😍

Cheltenham is well known for being a huge test of stamina. The very stiff uphill finish has ended many a horse’s chances over the years. Conditions are set to be pretty soft for their meeting on Friday which means it’s going to be very hard work to get home. With this in mind, we’ve picked out three horses with proven records on soft ground. You can check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

12.40 Cheltenham

Grey Dawning has a terrific record on soft ground and is also unbeaten on heavy. Dan Skelton’s charge is likely to find the conditions very much to his liking on that evidence. It was a fine performance at Haydock last time out and he easily dispatched the classy Gaillard Du Mesnil. This isn’t the most competitive novice chase you’ll see at Cheltenham this season and he should oblige.

1.50 Cheltenham

Mad About Sally has run on soft ground three times, winning twice and finishing second once. That should stand her in good stead here. It was a career-best performance at Chepstow last time out and further progress shouldn’t be ruled out, despite a 9lb rise. The drop in trip isn’t a cause for concern, as the race should be a significant test of stamina.

3.35 Cheltenham

Paricolor kept on really nicely to finish third here over 2m5f last month. The return to three miles should suit, on the evidence of that run. David Pipe’s charge is 1lb out of the handicap here but his impressive total of four wins from eight starts on soft ground can even the odds. If reproducing a similar effort to last time out, he should be there or thereabouts once again.

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