Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Not just any old Iron

Timeform Radio Tip / Rory Delargy / 18 April 2012 /

" class="free_bet_btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">

Rory selects a pair of bets on day one of Cheltenham's April meeting

"With a step up looking sure to eke out a bit more improvement, Iron Chancellor looks grossly overpriced at around [17.0]."

Rory Delargy is on duty paddock-side at Cheltenham for the April meeting. Below, he puts up his best bets on day one of the two day meeting...

Given its proximity to Aintree's Grand National meeting, the card at Cheltenham today is surprisingly strong and competitive, and easy pickings appear at a premium. One of the more interesting contests of the day is the extended three-and-a-half handicap chase at 14:35. Many of the runners are struggling for form or have well-established limitations, including possible favourite Bob 'N' You who was made favourite to beat The Giant Bolster when the pair made their chase debuts, but has never looked likely to justify that reputation.

Ballycarney is interesting for the in-form Emma Lavelle yard, but is still a rather sketchy jumper, and can ill-afford any mistakes here. Iron Chancellor unseated Robbie Henderson in the National Hunt Chase here last month, suggesting that he too has issues in that department, but he's actually looked an assured jumper when partnered by a professional, and I'm happy to overlook that blip. His previous win at Southwell looked a bit of a gimme at the time, but the performances of the runner-up Battle Group since mean that win should be given more credibility, and a return to positive tactics under Choc Thornton can see him back to that level of form. With a step up to this trip looking sure to eke out a bit more improvement, he looks grossly overpriced at around [17.0].

King and Thornton can complete a double in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at 15:10 courtesy of Jetnova. The Luso gelding has had a disappointing campaign to date having won three times last season, but that's largely due to an abortive stint over fences. Given a break and switched back to timber, he ran very well to be third to the useful, if quirky Timesawastin at Haydock last month. That flat two-and-a-half miles was barely stiff enough for him, but the stiffer track here will suit, especially with tearaway Fiulin to set things up, and he is only 1lb higher than when gaining his last win. The Pier ran well at Wincanton last time, but doesn't shape as if wanting a test of stamina at this trip (can be keen), and Ben de Haan's Native Gallery looks the chief threat. He ran very well in defeat at Uttoxeter last time, but a 7 lb rise for that defeat may anchor him.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>