Daily Betting Advice / Simon Walker / 29 January 2011 /

The Cheltenham placepot perm has been ready for a while, so rather than wait for the outcome of the second inspection (I really hope it gets the go-ahead given I'm on my way down there!!), here it is...

12:55 - Realistically, there are four contenders for the two places available in the opener. Local Hero has created a really good impression in winning both his starts over hurdles and could be very good, but the fact of the matter is that he hasn't beaten much on either occasion and that's why we're going to side with Indian Daudaie and Third Intention instead. The former is described as a 'galloping, staying type' by Paul Nicholls and brings with him some strong form from France for his British debut. The simple fact that he's starting off in a Grade 2 suggests plenty must be thought of him, whilst Third Intention achieved plenty when springing a surprise on his hurdling debut at Newbury and has a physique which suggests he's likely to make a much better hurdler than Flat horse.

13:30 - An open-looking handicap and we'll probably need a couple again. Ikorodu Road is a likeable, uncomplicated sort, who represents some strong formlines and, whilst acknowledging the claims of the sure-to-be popular Shakalakboomboom, it's the bottom one Diamond Brook who makes it into the perm on account of the fact that he remains with potential as a chaser after only two starts in this sphere.

14:00 - This is hard. The fact that a strong pace is nigh-on guaranteed should, in theory, make it more straightforward to sort out which ones we want on our side, but there are holes in the claims of most. That's why we're going to take a chance that Noland will be sharp enough to make the first three after his run in a jumpers' bumper last month. He's a notably sound jumper who's well treated on his form from a few seasons ago. One not so obviously well treated but less exposed is Wishfull Thinking. His lack of experience in the jumping department could count against him, but equally the likelihood of a strong pace could bring out the best in this occasionally free-going sort and he has, on occasions, shaped like a horse who could be better than a mark in the 140s might suggest.

14:30 - Again, a race in which plenty have questions to answer. Punchestowns is the obvious one and it would probably be foolhardy to leave him out, but equally he's not exactly bombproof at this level after just four starts over fences so we'll also have The Tother One, who isn't straightforward these days but usually keeps finding if the jockey keeps pushing.

15:05 - A cracking renewal of this Grade 2 novice. It's easy to make a case out for plenty but it's time we started cutting down the lines so let's bank on Backspin. He created an extremely good impression as well as running to a high level of form when accounting for the subsequent Warwick winner Court In Motion in the Challow over Christmas and, if he repeats that sort of performance, it's hard to see three others finishing ahead of him.

15:35 - Another splendid race. Grands Crus has been shaping as though he'll be able to take the step up in grade in his stride, but we'll still have the safety net of Bensalem, too. Alan King's eight-year-old was one of the few from his stable who enhanced his reputation last season and, with the yard going so much better this time around, he looks to have excellent place prospects, still unexposed around three miles and sure to relish the likely emphasis on stamina.

Selections:

12:55 - 1, 5
13:30 - 3, 9
14:00 - 1, 4
14:30 - 2, 5
15:05 - 2
15:35 - 3, 9

= 32 lines

Get cash back on tote bets and multiples on Betfair - click HERE to find out more.

:

:

:

?

: