Cheltenham Saturday Betting Preview Part 2

The second race of the day is a handicap novices chase going 3m110y. There’s no out and out superstars lining up in this one but this could be a real fascinating race if a few of them get the type of trip they’ll be looking for. One to watch is Sea of Thunder who was a beaten favourite last time out at Cheltenham a few weeks back. Sire Collonges, a Paul Nicholls charge, got the better of him on the day and he’ll be looking for his third score on the bounce here. He had a tough race last time out and was on the lead setting a good pace before landing improperly and nearly dropping the rider.

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He recovered and asserted himself again - kicking on gamely to win by two lengths. He has won both of his races since switching over to proper fences and, in a field that lacks real star power, this one might set up for him. 

His stablemate There’s No Panic is also one to watch and he’s been able to hit the board in virtually every race since May of 2010. While most of those came over hurdles, he is also undefeated over fences and recorded a victory over the solid contender First Fandango in his debut effort over larger obstacles. He has always been asserting himself hard on the run-in and looked particularly tired on the way home in that first win at the start of October. He was eased a bit on the way home when winning at Fakenham two weeks ago. He hasn’t won at Cheltenham before so that may raise question marks for some. 

The third race of the day, the 1:55, is a Grade 3 chase contest going 3m3f and we’ve got some Gold Cup contenders lining up in this one with Carruthers and Mon Mome both set to tackle this grueling course, likely with an eye on another go in March. Harry The Viking is an exciting contender coming out of Paul Nicholls yard and he did come second in the Amateur Riders Handicap Chase at last season’s festival. Part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, he remains near the top of the ratings and looks to be well in form for this as his seasonal debut. 

Those feeling adventurous may want to check out Ballybough Gorta, a five-year-old Irish jumper who has raced 11 times already this year and still looks to be bang in form. He won his last outing by seven lengths and, though those victories all came at a much lower level - he simply knows how to find the line. Look for him at a big price - but he might just find this field to be beatable.