The pick of the prices at Cheltenham on Sunday....

Last Updated: 18.11.2023

Saturday, 18th November 2023

The pick of the prices at Cheltenham on Sunday….

PUNCTUATION looks a big price (again) at the general 16s for tomorrow’s Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham (3.30)….

In January he was 4/15 in a decent race at Cheltenham in January – sent off favourite….

He must have made a noise that day because he was given a wind-op immediately after….

…. before heading to Sandown for a heavy-ground Imperial Cup in which he was sent off at 22s and pulled-up….

On paper it might look like he bombed out – but that wouldn’t be the case….

… he was chopped for room before two out and trainer Fergal O’Brien described him as running a ‘massive’ race up to that point….

Next time at Aintree on soft ground (sent off at 40s) he won a decent handicap for conditionals and amateurs under Liam Harrison – stringing the field out behind him….

Opponents that day included Blueking D’Oroux, A Different Kind, JPR One, and Knickerbockerglory….

…. and they’ve all franked the form one way and another since….

Punctuation is up 8lbs for that win but is still rated just 137….

…. and with 5 wins from 11 goes over hurdles to date he could have more to offer yet….

…. especially in the testing conditions he gets tomorrow….

He’s fit too – having warmed up for this with a win on the flat up at York last month on soft ground….

…. and his yard is in very good heart with eight winners over the last fortnight….

The 6yo will like the ground better than most of his opponents tomorrow….

…. he’s already got a win over course and distance in the book (albeit on good ground last December)….

…. and he’s overpriced and underestimated in my book…. 

  • My other bet tomorrow….

ROSE OF ARCADIA is the bet at the general 10s (there’s a bit of 12s & 11s about) in the Jewson Handicap Chase (2.20)….

She was progressive last term – registering two wins from five goes over fences….

…. and she can build on a handy mark of 130 this term….

…. for a Tizzard yard that’s in good fettle right now….

She certainly won’t mind plenty of give underfoot – she relishes the mud flying….

…. and she’s match-fit having resumed with a win over hurdles at Newton Abbot last month….

The pick of the prices….

To recap on my bets for tomorrow….

In the 3.30 @ Cheltenham….

  • Pick of the prices – PUNCTUATION (16s generally)

e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 5. It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally….

In the 14.20 @ Cheltenham….

  • Pick of the prices – ROSE OF ARCADIA (10s generally)

e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 6. It’s 1/5 the first 5 generally….

Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Consult Oddschecker – you may find better quotes and terms than advised….

  • Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back next week….

Meantime – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Nick Pullen

Against the Crowd