We start at Wetherby, and their handicap hurdle at 13:45 over 25 furlongs. Overall it's probably no better a race than you might expect of a 0-115, but that only serves to make Dream Again Boys an even more tantalising prospect. He's got the stamp of a fairly useful stayer about him, having a stout pedigree (by Presenting out of a Roselier mare) and plenty of size. There's only one time that Dream Again Boys has shown anything like his full worth, that coming when he landed something of a gamble at Lingfield in February. That race was over 19 furlongs, and the longer trip here should be right up Dream Again Boys' street. He might not need to improve first time up, but if he's ready he's sure to take plenty of beating.
We see the best bet at Cheltenham on Paddy Power Gold Cup day not the big race itself (though you can read our take on that here), but 40 minutes earlier in the race now named in honour of Henrietta Knight. This does look a strong renewal of what's normally a Grade 3 contested by old or slow sorts, with the likes of Teaforthree, Harry The Viking and Problema Tic all on their way up as stayers. We've deliberately missed one there, though, namely ex-hunter Bradley, and for our money he's the most interesting of all, at least on the day.
Winner of the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown in February, Bradley has won both over three and a half miles (off an 8 lb lower mark at Haydock) and at this course. Stamina is definitely his forte and, with him remaining unexposed, we can see Bradley taking another step forward to land this valuable prize for the burgeoning Fergal O'Brien yard.
We nip up the motorway for our final SmartPlay, which comes in the 15:10 at Uttoxeter, a handicap chase over two and a half miles. It features two of particular interest in Noble Legend and No No Bingo and, of the pair, we're siding with the former. It would be fair to say that neither Noble Legend nor No No Bingo won much of a race last time out, but there has generally been more to like about Noble Legend's career so far. Still only five, he's been most assured in his jumping when winning his last three starts and, although the handicapper is starting to react, his remaining unexposed couple with his admirable way of going about things makes Noble Legend an attractive choice for the four-timer.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Dream Again Boys @ 6.05/1 in the 13:45 at Wetherby
Back Bradley @ 8.07/1 in the 13:55 at Cheltenham
Back Noble Legend @ 2.915/8 in the 15:10 at Uttoxeter
