2009 CHELTENHAM OPEN SATURDAY BETTING TIPS

While everybody’s eyes will be on the main fixture of the day, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, there are still a number of very interesting races with some supremely enticing money-making opportunities on offer with top bookmaker Victor Chandler. While most sites are still listing starting price, we’ve got a solid idea of where the money is going to be come tomorrow’s action. In the opening race, the Prestbury Juvenile Novices Hurdle, I expect the punters to pile onto Tony McCoy and Barizan at a price of evens or lower. He is a big favourite, and a justifiable favourite, coming into the race with form of 131111. If you’re looking for an each-way tip to beat him, I would recommend Screaming Brave and Pistolet Noir- who are expected to be at around 7/1 and 8/1 at the off. Only 3 horses will contest the Ultima Frontrunner Solutions Novices Chase. Pettifour should be short-priced ahead of Toby Jug and Kanpai, but I would jump out and give this one to Tobu Jug who boasts 3 on the bounce. Pettifour is a better horse, but I fancy Toby Jug to get a better trip. In the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase we have one of the most wide-open fields of the day.  I expect very stiff competition between Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Hello Bud and Jonjo O’Neill’s Don’t Push It, both at 6/1. Russian Trigger is expected to attract some attention at 13/2, but I’ve got my eye on Venetia William’s Zacharova at 8/1. Great Endeavour (around 5/1) will likely lead the way in the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Handicap Hurdle but I expect stiff competition from Lie Forrit (6/1 or possibly 5/1) and Earth Planet (6/1). Comply or Die is also listed for this race but will likely carry a lengthy price despite his excellent name recognition. He is good at the distance though and if you fancy a return to previous form, the former Grand National winner could be the ticket for you. In the final race of the day, the Ultima Business Solutions Novices Handicap Hurdle, Vinnes Friend is expected to attract a very good price as will Dinarius and Psi. If you’re looking for an outside tip, try Alazan from PJ Hobbs who comes into the race on a 212 and is the youngest horse in the race.