Cheltenham Festival: Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Thoughts

Nigel Twiston-Davies has horses running at Cheltenham this week and here he shares his views exclusively with myracing.com about their chances and why.

Nigel’s Charity Bet

Nigel’s Charity Bet on Saturday was a winner at 14/1!

Nigel’s pick for his £25 Charity Bet for Tuesday is:

3.30pm Cheltenham (Champion Hurdle)  – The New One to Win at 6/1

£25 returns £175 if he wins which will be donated to the Injured Jockey’s Fund

Tuesday’s Runners

Double Ross (40/1), Algernon Pazham (33/1), and Ballykan (40/1) – Ultima Handicap Chase 2.50pm

“I honestly can’t split the three of them and they all arrive with an each way chance if things go their way. Algernon Pazham is a good stayer and we have always liked him a lot but we aren’t convinced he is well handicapped off a mark of 139 which is over a stone higher than he has won off before – he is in good heart but the weight may yet tell. Double Ross will wear cheek pieces for the first time today and we are hoping they will sharpen him up a little- he schooled well in them this morning so fingers crossed. Ballykan may be the best handicapped of the three and ran a good race when fourth to Theatre Guide at Kempton last time out, but as I said – I honestly don’t know what order the three of them will come home in.”

The New One (6/1) – Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 3.30pm

The drying ground is perfect for him and I feel the recent weather is really helping – soft is fine as is good to soft and it looks like it’s heading that way. Two years ago he was knocked back ten lengths when badly hampered early in the race and was still beaten less than three lengths at the line, and has a troubled preparation last season with both feet and back issues that made it difficult to get him to Prestbury Park 100% for a race where they have to be at their very best. Even then, he ran a blinder in fifth behind perhaps the best Champion hurdler in many a year in Faugheen. This season we have had a trouble free run since November and I couldn’t be more pleased with his preparation – right now I am really excited about tomorrow and can’t wait for the race.”

Bally Beaufort (50/1) National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup 4.50pm

“Not a lot to add about this eight year old that isn’t in the form book already, but he is a thorough stayer and a very nice horse who we think a fair bit of. I can’t say he is going to win this extremely competitive race, but he may sneak in to a place at a massive price, and we are certainly hoping for a big run as always.

Nigel Twiston-Davies will be back each and every week with his thoughts exclusively for myracing.com as well as every day over the Cheltenham Festival and other major meetings! To see what our tipsters are tipping at Cheltenham, click here to see our Cheltenham Festival tips section!