Torn And Frayed and Sam Twisted Davies winning a Handicap Chase at Cheltenham© Photo Healy Racing
Wingmen, Seddon and Stumptown are among well-fancied Irish contenders at Cheltenham on Friday but our Formscan experts have dug deeper to find three bets at bigger prices. From potential stars in the novice contests to some old favourites in the Cross Country and the Veterans’ Chase, it promises to be an entertaining day of action.
UK Formscan - Caldwell Potter justified odds of 2/11 at Carlisle on his first attempt over fences and is expected to appreciate stepping up in trip. However, all of his best form has come with plenty of cut in the ground and a lack of rain in the forecast would have to be a concern. With that in mind, SPRINGWELL BAY is taken to gain a second victory over fences to complement his Listed success at Chepstow in October. He didn't seem to quite see out an extended 3m at the November Meeting and the return to this distance is likely to see him in a better light. Jango Baie was a smart hurdler who has the scope to go far over the larger obstacles and may end up being the main threat to the selection. (17-2 with William Hill)
UK Formscan - Nico De Boinville partners Willmount instead of the same owner's Bo Zenith of the Nicky Henderson pair, with the former making his first appearance since pulling up in last season's Challow. It remains to be seen if he is well handicapped or not off a mark of 130, while his stablemate returns from an even longer layoff having gone close in a Grade 1 juvenile event at Aintree when trained by Gary Moore. Wreckless Eric went up 8lb for scoring here last month and is capable of taking another step forward, as is the four-timer seeking To Chase A Dream, but TINTINTIN may offer some value. A C&D winner in April, he was far from disgraced when fourth in a strong renewal of the Greatwood and the switch to the New Course promises to bring about further improvement. (11-2 with William Hill)
UK Formscan - Shakem Up'arry recorded a C&D double in the Plate here back in March, but was then disappointing in the Topham off this 6lb higher mark so TORN AND FRAYED makes more appeal. Nigel Twiston-Davies' 10-year-old won a competitive veterans' chase at Warwick with plenty left in the tank and can confirm superiority over runner-up Eldorado Allen, despite the worse terms. Dashel Drasher returned to chasing with a creditable third at Ascot and is not without a chance off his current rating. Copperhead is another to consider. (11-2 with William Hill)
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