Timeform 1-2-3: Cheltenham Festival: March 18th

Cheltenham Tips / Timeform / 17 March 2010 / Leave a comment

Alfie Sherrin's owners - Paul Barber & Harry Findlay - should have plenty to smile about at Cheltenham on Thursday

It's safe to say it's been a Cheltenham Festival for the bookmakers so far but we're following the motto of golfer Jack Nicklaus who once said 'resolve never to quit, and never give up, no matter what the situation'.

"While those banking on the likes of Dunguib and Master Minded have been left licking their wounds, the shrewdies here at Timeform House have been waiting patiently for the Pertemps Final and Alfie Sherrin.."

Sticking to the handicaps may prove the most profitable route on Thursday.
Kicking off with the opening race, the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase, and Hey Big Spender (1.30) from the Colin Tizzard yard can get us off to a flyer. Hey Big Spender has taken well to chasing, jumping soundly on the way to wins in competitive handicaps at Newbury and over course and distance in January. An 8 lb rise for his latest win looks very fair given the way he powered clear up the Cheltenham hill, and he looks the type who'll continue to improve for a while longer.

While those banking on the likes of Dunguib and Master Minded have been left licking their wounds, the shrewdies here at Timeform House have been waiting patiently for the Pertemps Final and Alfie Sherrin (2.05), who is favourite for this with good cause. The form of his Newbury success last month has worked out a dream, with three next time out winners coming from the race, and a 12 lb rise likely underestimates him considerably.

David Pipe saddles three in the Byrne Group Festival Plate and handicap chase debutant Great Endeavour (4.00) looks the one to side with. Great Endeavour was a useful hurdler, and has time on his side over fences, shaping well twice in defeat having won at Towcester on his first chase outing in November. He was fancied for the Coral Cup last season, but not given a hard time once his chance had gone, and twelve months on, he should give a better account of himself.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Back to win on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival:

1.30 Hey Big Spender
2.05 Alfie Sherrin
4.00 Great Endeavour

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Tags: Alfie Sherrin, Cheltenham Festival, David Pipe, Hey Big Spender