Road to Cheltenham: 14/1 Gordon Elliott novice has the perfect Martin Pipe profile

Our weekly Cheltenham Festival ante-post series continues and we turn our attention to the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. It may be a little unorthodox to take aim at a handicap at this stage but the horse in question is the ideal candidate. This Gordon Elliott-trained novice hurdler has a similar profile to last year’s winner and looks tailor-made for it. You can find our other selections here and we also provide free daily tips across British and Irish racing.

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Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Wingmen (14/1, Paddy Power) certainly wasn’t a cheap purchase at £250,000 and his bumper form last term suggested that he’s more than capable of earning that back. The second of his two wins in that sphere came at the Punchestown Festival, which is always a good sign.

The son of Kayf Tara was a cosy winner on hurdling debut at Navan in November and he saw out the 2m4f trip well. Things didn’t quite go to plan when dropped in trip at Cheltenham after that and he lacked the speed to seriously challenge the winner.

Third behind stablemate The Yellow Clay in a Grade 1 over 2m4f when last seen, that was an ideal trial for a race such as the Martin Pipe. He has lots of ability but isn’t quite ready to mix it with the best of the best so the handicap route makes perfect sense.

Connections won this very race last year with Better Days Ahead, who had a very similar profile to Wingmen, and that definitely bodes well. Gordon Elliott nominated him as a dark horse to follow this season and Cheltenham Festival success would vindicate that confidence.

Wingmen @ 14/1 (Paddy Power) Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Previous Selections

Better Days Ahead @ 16/1 (Paddy Power) Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase

Ginny’s Destiny @ 40/1 (Paddy Power) Ryanair Chase

Magical Zoe @ 20/1 (bet365) Mares’ Hurdle

Potters Charm @ 25/1 (bet365) Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Jalon D’Oudairies @ 16/1 (bet365) Turners Novices’ Hurdle

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