4:10 Cheltenham Tips

HEADS UP had five starts in bumpers, winning once. That sole win came on his third start when winning by 24 lengths. He rounded off last season by finishing second to Bambino Fever in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. He won on his first outing over hurdles, winning a maiden hurdle at Listowel (2m, Good to Yielding). That was a good performance off the back of a 197-day break. Finishing second (3 lengths) to No Drama This End over C&D last time (Soft) is very good form, with the winner that day the current favourite for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Festival. Danny Mullins gets aboard for the first time today, and he is in good form. Over the past 14 days, this jockey has ridden 4 winners from 29 rides with a further 7 finishing in the placings. That’s a strike rate of 13.79%, yielding a level stakes profit of +129.00. He also has a good record at Cheltenham, riding 2 winners from 21 rides and a further 5 placed finishes in the past 12 months. That’s a 9.52% strike rate to a level stakes profit of +4.50. 11/2 looks like a very generous price. (NAP).

Taurus Bay has won both races for the Ben Pauling / Ben Jones partnership, which has been doing really well recently. This one won only a point on soft ground easily, then made a good debut for this yard, winning well despite a few dodgy leaps. Kicked around Aintree last time to get the double in a 3-runner.

Olly Murphy's 6yo is well thought of at the Wilmscote yard and ran well from an uncompromising position in the G2 Winter Novice at Sandown's Tingle Creek meeting when second to the eventual Challow Hurdle winner.

Has performed well in three starts over hurdles, with a third-place finish sandwiched between two wins. Further improvement remains likely, and the yard has been in good form. Holds an each-way chance at least.

A competitive and fascinating last race. Joe Tizzard really likes Kriptic Jim and was impressed with his last win under a penalty. His odds seem far too long. The yard hit form again yesterday with a double. His form looks solid, so a big run can be expected.