Upping The Ante – Episode 2

The second episode of the Racing Post’s Cheltenham guide, Upping The Ante is available here. The focus today is of course last weekend’s Betfair Chase, with Gavin Lynch pinpointing the one horse who actually did their chances any good for the Gold Cup, and it’s not Bristol De Mai. It was a puzzling race that raised more questions than it answered, with Lynch stating that he wouldn’t be having a bet in it yet. There are updates on the current Antepost favourite Presenting Percy, and plans for him and redzone.bet, the sponsor, reveals their liabilities for the Gold Cup. We have our own Cheltenham Clues for the weekend each Monday.

There were reflections on their earlier selections, including an apology from David Jennings as his selection for the Arkle, Paloma Blue, disappointed this weekend, and thoughts on the weekend’s most eye-catching performances. Lynch reveals where he would be most excited to see Politologue, suggestions that the trip precludes him from winning a Gold Cup. Having stayed on gamely under considerable pressure, If The Cap Fits looks better suited by a step up in trip, and should go for the Stayers’ Hurdle, and the Troytown winner, Tout Est Permis, could, with some improvement, become the new Road To Respect, progressing from handicaps into graded company.

And of course, the focus isn’t limited to what we saw this weekend. Next weekend’s Fighting Fifth provides further Cheltenham clues. Lynch suggests that it is not the two-horse race between Buveur D’Air and Samcro that the market suggests, and presents reasons why the latter won’t win the Champion Hurdle. The Gold Cup clues do not have to wait until the King George, with Newbury’s Ladbrokes Trophy likely to provide some more, with Total Recall having announced his claims in that race. Lynch says that he has concerns regarding Antepost second-favourite Kemboy and he reveals who is of more interest. Furthermore, Sunday’s Fairyhouse meeting should provide even more Cheltenham indicators.

Lynch reveals his current nap for the Festival, one of his favourite horses in training and a solid bet in the Cross Country Chase, along with the usual weekly Antepost bets, enhanced by redzone.bet. This week’s selections are – 

• Le Richebourg – JLT Novice Chase 20/1 out to 28/1 – a left-field selection for Lynch, this Joseph O’Brien-trained novice chaser has been most impressive since sent over fences. He needs good ground and should get it in the JLT, and if he wins Fairyhouse’s Drinmore on Sunday, he would move into odds of around 8/1. Considering that those at the head of the market look unlikely to take part, this is huge value at 28/1.
• Rhinestone – Ballymore Novice Hurdle 28/1 out to 33/1 – an underestimated sort who was undercooked going in to Naas, however, he still won. Jennings thinks he has a serious engine, and considering how well-regarded he is by connections, with the expected improvement, he could go right to the top.