Dave’s Dream to become reality at Cheltenham
The first big jumps meeting of the season starts at Cheltenham today and Cue Card looks an exciting prospect for years to come in the jumping world.
Running in the Grade Two Cheltenham Collection Sharp Novices' Hurdle, he should be able to continue his impressive start to hurdling where he won a novices hurdle at Aintree last month by a very impressive 13 lengths. That run was over two-and-a-half miles and the drop in trip to just over two miles should allow him to run at the pace he wants.
Colin Tizzard might only have two winners over hurdles this season but that shouldn’t matter given Cue Card’s impressive performance last time out.
He was unbeaten in two bumpers, winning over course and distance in the Champion Bumper here last March, and if you’re hoping his price drifts before the off you’re in dream world. He’ll stay odds on all day but for a reason.
Dave’s Dream could become reality today in the Paddypower.Com Handicap Chase as the Nicky Henderson-trained horse looks to win on his first outing of the season.
Normally that might be a worry but this gelding has won first time out before three times, indicating he likes to run fresh with the two-mile trip definitely suiting his style. Consider that he likes faster ground – the going is good today – and that he’s running 5lb below his hurdles mark and Dave’s Dream looks the one to be on today.
His jumping over fences is suspect, which is a bit of a concern, but add the fact that Barry Geraghty is taking the ride and the seven-year-old could be tough to beat.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is always a race of high interest and it will be hard to oppose Garde Champetre. Trainer Enda Bolger has won five out of the last six of these races and Garde Champetre is 3-5 over course distance.
He won this race last year at the same weights and on good ground. The ground might be a tad fast for him but with rain forecast at Cheltenham later today that should help this 11-year-old.
Tags: