It's BIG price Friday at Cheltenham....

Thursday, 12th December 2024

It’s BIG price Friday at Cheltenham….

In ATC today….

…. I swing the bat in tomorrow’s handicaps at Cheltenham….

I’m on OUR POWER in the 1.50 – he’s easy to back at prices ranging from 16s to 20s….

I’m on RAFFLE TICKET in the 2.25 at 14s….

…. and I’m on ZAIN NIGHTS at 12s in the 3.35….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below…. 

Read on….

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In the 1.50 at Cheltenham….

OUR POWER can be backed at prices as big as 20s this morning – he’s easy to back at 18s & 16s….

…. which seems big to me – and I can’t resist having a swing….

For sure he’s been off the track 377 days after a truncated campaign last term….

…. and his sharpness must be taken on trust….

But he’s won good races off the back of long lay-offs in the past and trainer Sam Thomas clearly knows how to get him right at home….

For sure there’s a suspicion that he prefers a right-hander and a record of zero wins from five goes at Cheltenham suggests that it’s not his favourite track….

…. but it’s not like he can’t go left and a close inspection of his Cheltenham form reveals that he ran well in a very good Ultima – won by Corach Rambler with Fastorslow in second….

I did think they might wait for the Silver Cup at right-handed Ascot later in the month – over a quarter-mile shorter….

…. but they’re turning out here – with the yard producing four winners from ten runners over the last month – and with quality 3lb claimer Dylan Johnston on his back….

The booking is interesting. If the horse really does need the run then why bother?

Is it shorthand code to the handicapper – suggesting the horse needs pounds clipping from his rating….

If that’s the case then why not run him without the claimer so that he gets beaten on his own merits….

Or perhaps Sam Thomas is just trying to give his charge the best chance possible tomorrow. I don’t know. But I do like the horse and I do like the price….

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In the 2.25 at Cheltenham….

Some firms are up with four places and – at the prices – the one for me is RAFFLE TICKET at the general 14s….

He’s still very much unexposed despite being a 10yo chaser….

…. and he might well prove to have a bit too much up his sleeve for some of the more gnarled and shop-worn veterans he takes on here….

Yes, he’s up 8lbs for his win at Aintree in May and he’ll have to do it tomorrow at the first time of asking….

…. but he’s produced winning performances off breaks before and the 8lb rise looks surmountable when you look at the horse he beat at Aintree….

Soul Icon – a 7yo – has risen a few pounds up the rankings himself since….

…. producing a big performance in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen and going well in the G2 Rising Stars Novice Chase at Wincanton….

There’s likely more to come from him and it’s no sure thing that the handicapper has put the stopper into Raffle Ticket….

The big plus he has in his corner is Harry Cobden – the top-drawer rider has ridden the 10yo in his last four races and the pair have struck up a decent relationship….

They might well fall short. This is a step up in class from what they’ve been doing….

…. but there’s plenty of potential in the mix – and the price is there to be had….

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In the 3.35 at Cheltenham

The ground was all wrong for ZAIN NIGHTS last time at Haydock – in a race where only five of the fifteen that went to post finished….

It’s perfectly feasible that the gruelling test that afternoon has left a mark….

…. but back on better ground at a trip he’s really improved for over the last 12-months….

…. the 5yo could leave that showing behind off a mark of 130….

…. and I reckon he’s a fair price at 12s under Harry Cobden on a track he’s proven his mettle on….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back tomorrow with picks for Saturday….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

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