3:30 Cheltenham Tips

Bound to improve on last start under what looked a soft enough ride from Harry on handicap debut. They think he's better at 2 and a half miles than 3, so it could be his day here. Obviously, you never know when they actually want to win with these handicap runners. However, he could pick this up before a return to listed/low-level graded races. Holloway Queen is one to watch, as I would expect her to leave her last two runs behind this season. However, she may just need the run at this point and is planned for fences, as apparently she's grown huge. Maybe one for next time.

Only the top 3 in this are rated above 127 and 7 of the last 9 winners of this have fallen into that bracket. The other 2 rated above 127 haven't raced here before but French Ship was very impressive when winning here last time out. That was the first time that the excellent Ben Jones has ridden him and the real clue to his chances here is just how good the time was compared with previous runnings of that race. He's been hit with an 8lb rise but I think he's cracking value to go in again.

Kap Boy looked impressive when winning at Perth 25 days ago on his stable/handicap/seasonal debut, a race where the runner-up won at Ayr yesterday (Wednesday). Olly Murphy's 6-year-old looks unexposed and will relish every drop of rain that falls on Prestbury.

The 5yo mare has 2 wins from 4 over hurdles. Trained by Nicky Henderson, she’s returning from a seven month break and you could expect improvement from her time off. She was a wide margin Listed hurdle winner on her second start and a decent 4th in a Grade 2 on her next start. Her opening handicap mark of 127 looks attractive and the going could be ideal for her come Saturday.

De Temps En Temps won here at Cheltenham last time out. Won despite almost falling and the extra distance looks sure to suit.

This horse looks like an out and out stayer. Looks to be fairly handicapped and will handle the testing going at Cheltenham.

4-year-olds have a pretty good record in this race, having won twice since 2018. Lavender Hill Mob showed enough at around 2m last year to suggest he has potential over obstacles. However, having shown his best form on the flat at 12f+, I'd suggest there's more to come at staying trips over hurdles. He has won on heavy ground on the level and won a decent handicap from a mark of 94 back in May before finishing a respectable 5th at Listed level 51 days ago. A mark of 119 looks more than workable to me with headgear retained and stepping up 5f in trip.