Cheltenham Saturday Betting Preview Part 1

The Open Meeting at Cheltenham is going to be an especially tantalizing one this year as we’ve got a solid selection of six races set to run this Saturday. Expect some of these to be races that set the tone for much of the season, as there are a number of notable preps unfolding on the day. 

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The first of which is a JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, a Grade 2 event, going 2m110y. The well-rated Vasco Du Ronceray had Tony McCoy booked for the trip last time and they were able to get the job done relatively easily with a 32 length margin separating them from Cool Hand Luke. Sent off at a slim 1/5 for that effort at Hereford, it was an ungraded effort against juveniles though he was able to navigate the weight penalty with zero signs of actual effort. 

Expect Vasco Du Ronceray to relish the good to soft going and keep his momentum rolling as he seeks three on the bounce. 

Undefeated McVicar lines up for Alan King’s yard and he’s got some interesting breeding, particularly on the dam’s side. A modest flat runner he broke his maiden on the seventh time of asking and then scored about ten races later in a 5K handicap at Ascot. He’s looked nothing but quality since skipping over to the hurdles action and he’ll be considered the chief spoiler here - having won his last race by a hefty 15 length margin. 

He went right to the front that day and never looked back, defeating what looks to be a tougher group than Vasco Du Ronceray dealt with in his last effort. This victory came over soft going and he didn’t take quite as much money on the day with a 30/100 price tag floated at the off. Robert Thornton retains the mount here and will be looking to move forward with a big victory. 

Paul Nicholls saddles Far West in this one and he could also prove be a thorn in the side of Vasco Du Ronceray. He shifts over after just a single effort at Auteil and won handily by a 12 length margin in a juvenile hurdle at Chepstow. He demonstrated more tactical speed there - stalking the leader before moving decisively two out. His score came over soft going and he’ll likely be able to take advantage of slightly firmer going when Ruby pushes the button. Walsh’s presence adds credibility to the unseasoned hurdlers win claims.