‘The Steeple Times’ examines the tipsters’ selections and offers 3 options for today’s Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 – as well as an 80/1 outsider in a later race
Today, after finishing up +106% with a 1st for Flooring Porter at 12/1 and a 4th for Beacon Edge at 13/1 in the 3.05pm, a 4th for Milliner in the 1.55pm and a 2nd for Farclas at 7/1 in the 3.40pm at Cheltenham yesterday for our racing followers on email, we are looking at three EACH WAY BETS in today’s Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021:
3.05pm Cheltenham – The WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 Steeple Chase (12 runners, 4 places)
The Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated in 1924 and is a Grade 1 National Hunt race over a distance of 3 miles, 2 furlongs and 70 yards. It features 22 fences and its winner takes home £263,766.
The race’s ‘roll of honour’ features notable chasers such as Arkle, Best Mate and Kauto Star and the winner in 2019 and 2020, the Paul Townend – Willie Mullins combo Al Boum Photo, again returns today as 5/2 favourite.
Looking for something a little more tempting in terms of odds in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021, our selections for EACH WAY BETS go to:
Favourite of all at The Steeple Times and 2nd in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2020, the Aidan Coleman – Nicky Henderson combo Santini (pictured top winning at Newbury) at 11/1 (The Sun ‘Matt Chapman’, POSTDATA) is our number one horse of choice to back in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021
Racing Post says: “Close 2nd to Al Boum Photo here last year but less convincing this winter.”
Matt Chapman for The Sun adds: “I’m backing SANTINI eachway for Nicky Henderson and Aidan Coleman. Santini was only just touched off in last year’s renewal and on that form if he improves a bit he’s got every chance at long odds. Those odds are because of disappointing efforts this term – but there have been reasons for each of them. I’m keeping the faith.”
Also in the same race, Bryony Frost – Paul Nicholls combo Frodon at 14/1 is our second option to back in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021 is also suggested as our final option for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021
Racing Post says: “Excellent course form; fine King George win on Boxing Day; easy lead unlikely.”
Marlborough for Daily Telegraph adds: “Frodon is another thoroughly likeable chaser who has enjoyed a wonderful association with Bryony Frost, most recently when winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day; he can make yet another bold bid from the front.”
Also in the same race and 3rd in last year’s race, a small punt on Robbie Power – Colin Tizzard combo Lostintranslation at 33/1
Racing Post says: “Huge effort when close 3rd in this race last year but has had worrying defeats this winter.”
In other races today at Cheltenham, we are looking at EACH WAY bets on:
1.55pm Cheltenham – The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Race (26 runners, 6 places)
Moore double Fifty Ball at 15/1 (The Sun ‘Fiver Flutter’, Racing Post ‘Dark Horse’)
Racing Post says: “Fine second in the Betfair Hurdle last time and could have more left in the tank.”
Jake Aldrich for Racing Post adds: “Very good second in the Betfair Hurdle last time out and can take another step forward from just 4lb higher with a strongly run 2m to suit.”
The Sun adds: “He ran a cracker when second in the red-hot Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time. He handled the hustle and bustle of that big field and will have no problem getting up the Cheltenham hill.”
Also in the same race, Twiston-Davies double Gowel Road at 15/1 (Daily Telegraph x2, Daily Mail ‘Gimcrack’, Daily Express, The Star)
Racing Post says: “Strong at the finish at Newbury the last twice and this stiff finish should suit.”
Marcus Armytage for Daily Telegraph adds: “Gowel Road – improving novice who will come into this unexposed and brimming with confidence.”
Charlie Brooks for Daily Telegraph adds: “Gowel Road has only had four starts in his life over hurdles and still looked quite green when winning at Newbury last time. Up 6lb in the handicap for that, but he could have more improvement in him.”
2.30pm Cheltenham – The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race (17 runners, 4 places)
Vanillier at 16/1 (Racing Post, SPOTLIGHT)
Racing Post says: “VANILLIER may spring a surprise. Promising staying novice until blotting his copybook last time; not underestimated.”
Also in the same race, Jack Kennedy – Denise Foster combo Torygraph at 5/1 (Racing Post, The Times, Daily Record, At The Races ’Top Tip’)
Racing Post says: “Much improved since stepping up to this sort of trip and his recent form stacks up well.”
Marcus Armytage for Daily Telegraph adds: “Torygraph – winner of his last two who is guaranteed to stay.”
At The Races concludes: “Denise Foster’s gelding had a subsequent Grade 3-placed horse behind when successful at Thurles last time and was giving that rival 12lb too, so looks capable of landing the spoils in this.”
Also in the same race, a small punt on Jonjo O’Neill Jr – Colin Tizzard combo Oscar Elite at 33/1
Racing Post says: “Point winner who made a bright start under rules but hasn’t progressed as expected.”
3.40pm Cheltenham – The St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase (18 runners, 4 places)
Lorcan Williams on Porlock Bay at 15/1
Racing Post says: “Interesting type at bigger odds… Ex-French 10yo who has made a promising start to British career; possibilities.”
Marlborough for Daily Telegraph adds: “Porlock Bay is a consistent chaser and can give another good account of himself here.”
Also in the same race, It Came To Pass at 8/1 (The Times, Mirror, The Star, At The Races ’Top Tip’)
Racing Post says: “66-1 winner of this contest in 2020; holds every chance if back to that standout form.”
At The Races adds: “Billaway was beaten 10 lengths behind IT CAME TO PASS in last year’s renewal and it is difficult to understand the difference in price between the pair at the time of writing. The latter needed the run last time on ground that was less than ideal, and the 11-year-old will be very well suited to this drying surface under Richie McLernon. He won’t be anything like the 66/1 odds of 12 months ago, but still represents some value and will have been trained with this day in mind by Eugene O’Sullivan.”
Also in the same race, a small punt on Jonjo O’Neill double Monberg Gold at 80/1
Racing Post says: “Has form figures of 2UP2 since switched to hunter chases; much more is needed from him.”
Happy racing today and enjoy great success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2021. It’s certainly a great day for it and it’s only sad that that famous ‘Cheltenham roar’ was not heard to cheer the runners and riders on this year.
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