Monday 1st January 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to my first preview of 2024 where the focus is on Cheltenham and their New Year’s Day meeting. I’ll have four selections throughout the afternoon so, as ever, make sure to gamble responsibly if you are having a punt.
12.55: Close Brothers Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: My first selection of the afternoon comes in the 12.55 which is a novices handicap chase that’s contested over two miles and half of a furlongs. I’ve sided with Petit Tonnerre here for the team of Jonjo O’Neil and Jonjo Jr. He posted a fine effort on seasonal reappearance here when second to Homme Public in a Grade 2 novice chase, and then found the Grade 1 at Sandown a bit too quick for his liking. This represents an ease in grade, and I think back in Cheltenham he can be seen to best effect. Petit Tonnerre – 11/4 (Win)
1.30: Paddy Power Handicap Chase: Next up it’s the 1.30 which is more handicap chase action over three miles and a furlong and a half. I think that this can go to Inch House who’s another runner for Jonjo O’Neil and Jonjo Jr. He’s a horse who’s well-regarded and has been backing that reputation up on track when winning his last two outings, both coming within handicap company at Newbury. He’s rising in the weights but I think he still has more progression yet to come and is facing exposed rivals here. Inch House – 15/8F (Win)
2.05: Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase: It’s the Paddy Power New Year’s Day Chase at 2.05, which is ridden over two miles and four and a half furlongs. I find it hard to see past Stage Star here who currently heads the betting for the team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He was fantastic here back in November when winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup by four months, and if turning up in the same form here he’s going to be tough to beat. He’ll have a big weight to carry against some improving rivals, such as Richmond Lake, but I think he’s got more than enough class to get the job done. Stage Star – EvsF (Win)
2.40: Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle: My fourth and final selection of the day comes in the 2.40 which is a handicap hurdle that’s ridden over a distance of three miles. I’m with Springwell Bay here who’s a third pick of the afternoon for Jonjo O’Neil and Jonjo Jr. He was last seen when winning here at the November Meeting, which was a comfortable success. I think that there’s still more to come from him, and despite having to carry top weight here he’s the horse that has the strongest form on offer. If he’s at his best, he’ll be tough to beat. Springwell Bay – 4/1 (Win)
