Wednesday at Cheltenham Preview and Betting Tips

It was a rollicking day full of exciting races in the opening fixture of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and it’s time to take a look at Wednesday’s big races in hopes to get a leg-up on the betting public. There looks to be plenty of value out there still and, if Ruby remains in form, it could be a banner day for the Irish.

We’re rolling after Al Ferof and Captain Chris both hit in the early half of the card – each commanding around 9/1. Khyber Kim didn’t show up in the Champion Hurdle while Garde Champetre was beaten by half a length after carrying what seemed like a 100 tonne weight penalty. 

National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup

Some respectable contenders line up in this one and there’s all kinds of form if that’s the angle you’re going to play. 4m is a true test so you need a proven stayer on your ticket here. In all actuality this one isn’t a race to drop a substantial sum on as the long-distance always offers up more variables than some might appreciate. Alfa Beat looks the early selection and he comes in unbeaten in a five race stretch that traces back to June 13. He was rated a massive 137  last time out, which was admittedly in September. He has plenty of upside if that last one wasn’t a fluke but 7/2 might be a bit short off that layoff. Nina Carberry is set to pilot Arabella Boy and that one strikes the best balance between value and form. He’s been cleverly-campaigned in Ireland and looks sharp at 14/1. He looks a very strong play in the place markets.

Neptune Novices

Lots of form here as well with So Young taking a co-favourites’ spot alongside Oscars Well having opted for this one in lieu of the Supreme Novices. We’ll see if the move pays off for connections with both of them boasting very pleasant form and priced at 11/4. Rock On Ruby knows what he’s doing and he looks set to make the most of the conditions under foot. His 6/1 looks excusable as the field is a bit lean on proven talent.

RSA Chase

Mikael D’Haguenet will not be going off at 10/1 if the punters continue to pile onto Ruby Walsh so if you’re looking to get into the mix here then you’d better back him now. Time For Rupert is obviously the big story and that’s excusable considering his Cheltenham form. He’s been campaigned exclusively at Cheltenham since December of 2009. He put in credible second place finishes to Tidal Bay and Big Buck’s last season on the hurdles circuit and he does look the standout novice on the 3m+ circuit. 2/1 is a bit short for some, so using him in a multi-race wager with some of your other quality selections might prove to be a coup at the windows.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Easily the most exciting-looking race on the opening day’s card – the Queen Mother pits the talented Big Zeb up against Master Minded once again and these two will be ready for an absolute battle over the 2m distance. There’s a few interesting outsiders here and they’re usually more than worth a look once you have two hot favourites in the race as they sometimes cancel each other out. Fan-favourite Captain Cee Bee will certainly take some money at 8/1, Sizing Europe as well. Master Minded with Ruby Walsh aboard will look a quality bet at 10/3 for a number of punters.

Coral Cup

There’s lots to like about the Coral Cup and whoever gets this one right is looking at a very solid payout. Walkon attracts attention at 16/1 while Aegean Dawn might be underpriced for some at 6/1 but he does boast all sorts of form and enters the race undefeated. A recent victory over Mille Chief adds some appeal for sure. This one will be a proper cavalry charge with so many contenders so any outsider contenders who get a very smart ride could find themselves still in the mix on the run-in. Don’t discount some of those 40/1’s.

Fred Winter

AP McCoy saddles Titan De Sarti in this one and the four year-old Nicky Henderson charge could be set to make a real statement here. He’s been a there or thereabouts type in his brief career and enters the race a tough beaten favourite last time. I’m willing to give him a bit of credit for that one as I think they’re still trying to find their feet with him. The jockey switch from Geraghty to McCoy could be key. Dhaafer looks in the mix from a ratings-standpoint and trades at an enticing 14/1.

Champion Bumper

This one is always a wild ride and there’s more than a few that catch the eye here. Cinders and Ashes is priced at 12/1 and deserves respect. He was headed on the last stride in a nice Cheltenham prep on New Year’s Day at listed level when sent off at 6/1. He is only four and the Juddmonte-bred still has plenty of room to improve. There is a real chance that he could be all systems go for this one. Keep your eyes peeled on Oscar Magic – a Nigel Twiston-Davies selection that has only raced once – a winning effort against a field of 17. He looks a live horse and gets six pounds to work with (which, to his credit, Cinders and Ashes gets too). The Sam/Nigel pairing can be a cash register at times and the 16/1 price indicates that punters think he might come home.