Betting Tips Cheltenham Open 2013 Pt 3

Expect to see Godsmejudge go off as the betting favourite here and, if you can get a decent price, he may be worth an each way selection as he has only finished outside of the top 3 on two occasions during his last nine races. He captured the Scottish Grand National and will be using this race as his seasonal debut. Alan King places his contenders well and he has every chance against this field. 

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The Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase is the feature contest of the day and there are a real slew of excellent jumpers set to tackle this race with a full two-stone handicap between the top and bottom ends. Many come into the race in a rich vein of form and that complicates things for those of us who are looking for value primarily. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you’re going to stick with a form contender or maybe be a bit cheeky with a lower-profile selection that could outrun their odds. 

Battle Group ended last season with a bang by capturing his last three races of the year - one of which was a Grade 3 hurdle, one was a listed chase and the other a handicap hurdle. All of the victories came against very large fields and he has demonstrated a real acumen. The fact that the former Juddmonte horse is pointed in this direction speaks volumes and he has some creditable performances at Cheltenham to his credit. He finished fourth at the festival last year and finished third in a 13-strong contest this past January. 

Battle Group is particularly live if he gets Tom Scudamore. 

Astracad is definitely worth a look here and he has been knocking on the door for some time and is due for a victory. Nigel Twiston-Davies has already had him out three times this year and it looks like they are ready for another kick at the can here. 

Nicky Henderson’s Finian’s Rainbow is definitely the one to watch here and many will likely be backing him to kick on get the victory as top weight. Champion Court is a very creditable runner as well and he has every chance here if he runs to his ability. 

The next race is the 3:00 - the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Hurdle which goes 3m1f110y and has a few interesting runners. Bally Legend scored on debut this year and looks like an interesting option for Caroline Keevil. While the 147 RPR doesn’t look like the greatest rating it does appear to be a horse that is coming into form at the moment. A good price on an each-way could pay serious dividends.