Monster gamble going down on JP McManus runner at Cheltenham on Thursday

It is very rare for top owner JP McManus to go through a week at Cheltenham without at least one winner. He has tasted much Grade 1 success over the years but also knows how to set one up for a handicap plot.

After taking an early look at tomorrow’s card, we have spotted a big gamble taking place. The horse has already halved in price at the time of posting (33-1 into 14-1 at around 3pm on Wednesday) so this could turn out to be a huge punt.


3.40 Cheltenham Thursday

Running in the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase, twenty-three runners are set to go to post for this ferociously competitive contest. It will be run at a frantic clip over the extended two-and-a-half miles.

The big gamble horse is the Anthony Honeyball trained Sully D’Oc AA and Richie McLernon will do the steering. He is running off an attractive mark of 137 and has to be taken seriously.


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Now a seven-year-old, the gelding was a four-time winner in France. It has taken him a bit of time to adjust to his new surroundings but he bolted up on seasonal reappearance at Ascot in October.

The runner-up has since gone on to win a Class 3 Newbury handicap impressively whilst the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and a horse who unseated rider have all won subsequently. This is rock solid form.

He travelled well for a long way when sent off favourite at Newbury latest. A final flight mistake cost him dearly and he was beaten two lengths. There should be a lot more to come.


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