Cheltenham Racing Tips: Chantry House worth another chance

NAP: Chantry House worth another chance

Chantry House - 14:30 Cheltenham

Chantry House needs to bounce back from a complete no-show in the King George VI Chase at Kempton last time, but he is clearly much better than he showed there and it's probably worth putting a line through that run under the circumstances.

Trained by Nicky Henderson, Chantry House showed top-class form when racking up a hat-trick over fences prior to his King George flop, ending last season with a pair of Grade 1 wins in novice company at Cheltenham and Aintree before making the most of a good opportunity on his reappearance at Sandown in December, seeing off his sole rival with the minimum of fuss.

The extra emphasis on stamina here should play more to the strengths of Chantry House than Kempton did, and he also appeals as the type to benefit from the application of cheekpieces.

This looks a good opportunity for him to get his career back on track before a potential tilt at the Gold Cup.

NEXT BEST: Hillcrest can stay unbeaten over hurdles

Hillcrest - 15:40 Cheltenham

Hillcrest made it two from two over hurdles with an effortless victory at Wetherby in December, drawing clear from before the third last to land the spoils by 20 lengths.

That was a fairly useful performance and Hillcrest took his form up another notch when running out a comfortable winner of a listed novice hurdle over this course and distance on New Year's Day, beating the well-touted I Am Maximus by two lengths.

Clearly a smart prospect, Hillcrest remains open to more improvement and he is fancied to give weight and a beating to his five rivals in this Grade 2 to extend his winning sequence over hurdles to four.

EACH-WAY: Farinet can follow up from Sandown

Farinet - 13:55 Cheltenham

Farinet resumed his progress with a decisive victory at Sandown three weeks ago, seeming well suited by the return to more positive tactics.

He was never far away in the early stages and the result was never really in any doubt in the straight as he steadily drew clear, ultimately winning by five and a half lengths in the style of a horse who should have more to offer.

A 6 lb rise in the weights is unlikely to prove beyond Farinet and the booking of Lucy Turner, who is decent value for her 7-lb claim, also gives cause for optimism in his follow-up bid.