Thursday – Day Three at Cheltenham Tips, Betting Preview

This is Ladbrokes World Hurdle Day, and I have my best bet of the week on Thursday in the feature race. With Cheltenham half way through, now is the time to make some big money ! Here are my bets for Thursday.

1:30 Jewson Novice Chase, Wishfull Thinking, Win 7/2 with Bluesq

 I don’t like backing favourites as a rule but this one looks a very good bet and could be easily the best horse in the field. He beat Calgary Bay last time out at Cheltenham and though lightly raced boasts a 50% strike rate, with five wins from ten races. I would suggest that he is a worthy favourite and should get things off to a good start on Thursday.

2:05 Pertemps Final, Kayf Aramis, Each Way 25/1 with Stan James

 Always a competitive race, to say the least. One horse I love is Kayf Aramis who is well in credit with me and could run another good race here at a big price. I will have a minimum stakes each-way bet on Nigel Twiston-Davies’ nine year-old. He will be fit and ready, that is for sure and you cannot question his heart. This is one horse that gives his all. He has not won since moving for Venetia Williams but showed last time at Haydock that may change sooner rather than later. At the price I will take my old friend to do me a favour, again, each-way. 

2:40 Ryan Air Chase, Voy Por Ustedes, Each Way  14/1 with Paddy Power

At a big price, making his debut for Nicky Henderson Voy Por Ustedes has to be worth a cheeky flutter. Henderson has his team in fine fettle, with his horses running well. It is a big leap of faith to think he can come back and win but if anyone can pull it off then it is Nicky Henderson. A place still pays a decent return so as i say a sporting flutter is on the cards here for me on the former Champion Chaser. 

3:20 World Hurdle, Big Buck’s Win 5/4 with Betfred

 I have already backed, heavily, Big Buck’s at 5/4 for this. I can not believe that price and will eat my hat if he goes off bigger than that on course. I will be amazed if he doesn’t emulate Quevega and make it three wins in successive years at the Cheltenham Festival. Grand Crus is probably the best challenger that Big Buck’s has faced but in my book he is way better than the rest and will win. This is my best bet of the week. Certainly at the 5/4 I am more than happy.

 4:00 Byrne Group Handicap, Agile D’or, Each-Way 9/2 with William Hill

 Another difficult handicap for us to solve. Hopefully this should be straight forward. I think Nicky henderson has plotted this one up for a win and I think he will have plenty in hand to land this. Not the biggest price winner you will ever back, but judging by the way he won at Newbury he is a very decent horse indeed.  He has a mark of 138 over fences but was rated a fair bit higher over hurdles, which says to me that he could be very well handicapped. This is a decent each-way bet to nothing! 

4:40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup, No Bet.

 Not a race for me! Amateur races are tough at the best of times, this is definitely one for an early finish. I hope to be well ahead and will not get involved here.