The Novice Tipster

  Grand Annual  1st Vanderpoel 7/1 - 70 2nd Calico 16/1 - 65 3rd Jazzy Matty 8/1 - 60 3rd Ryans Rocket 8/1 - 60   Vanderpoael was impressive in this. Ground and trip is perfect, he has never been to Cheltenham, there is one slight worry in that, he has raced 4 times right handed and won 4 times. He has never won left handed only placed and that did happen on a track similar to Cheltenham. He has claims Calico always runs well at Cheltenham, the ground and distance will be fine. Big negative is he is very highly handicapped.  Jazzy Matty won this last year, and is 8lb higher now. Its a bit to ask, he still ticks the boxes though. Ryans Rocket, i thought would be higher, he is a reserve and he will need some to drop out. He will love the trip and going. He has come 6th out of 7 at Cheltenham before. Its only one run so im inclined to not be too concerned. My Selection: Vanderpoal 7/1    

2:40 Coral Cup  1st Minella Missile 50/1 - 90 2nd Impose Toi 8/1 - 85 3rd Saint Anapolino 20/1 - 50    4:40 Grand Annual  1st Dancing On My Own 16/1 - 60 1st Western Zephyr 20/1 - 60 2nd Primoz 50/1 - 55 3rd Fringill Dike 25/1 - 50 3rd Third Time Lucki 25/1 - 50

  1st Andy Dufresne 5/1 - 75 2nd Third TIme Lucki 10/1 - 70 3rd Prince Escalus 33/1 - 65 - reserve 4th Before Midnight 20/1 - 60 This is a race i had a horse and it was Third Time Lucki, so i am happy to see him here. Andy Dufresne had not come to my attention though. He carrries topweight which wont be easy but does have a tongue tie to assist him. He was 2nd in this last year off the same mark on heavy ground and that possibly is what found him out as he has 11st 11lb last year and carried 12st this year but it wont be as testing. He likes the track, he likes the ground, he has claims.  Third Time Lucki is 2/2 over fences at Cheltenham including a Grade 2 Novice Chase. My only slight concern is that he wouldnt want it soft, but he is a 2 time winner on soft and can act in it. He gets the distance and likes Cheltenham, he has big claims.  Prince Escalus is a reserve, but the ground shouldnt be an issue although he would prefer better ground, and the distance is fine. I a...