2:40 Cheltenham – Reve De Sivola to star over longer trip
Published:Picking from the top four in the Cheltenham betting has proved a prudent strategy in the Spinal Research Handicap Chase in the past and Reve De Sivola looks the horse to beat in this year’s renewal.
Nick Williams’ six-year-old is 10/1 in the Cheltenham odds and has to have a serious chance if he can get his lacklustre jumping in order.
A step up to three miles should help in this area as the race will be run at a slower pace, while his connections believe that stamina is the horse’s strong suit.
Reve De Sivola has displayed form at Cheltenham in the past when chasing home Peddlers Cross in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival, while he produced a fine display to beat the highly thought of Wishfull Thinking at the course over fences in December.
Meanwhile, Reve De Sivola also fits the criteria of previous winners of being weighted under 11st and with an official rating of just under 143.
The other leading contender which ticks these boxes is Sunnyhillboy, who can be backed at 6/1 in the Spinal Research Handicap Chase betting.
Sunnyhillboy finished second at the Cheltenham Festival 12 months ago in the Byrne Group Plate and has also run reasonable races in stiff company this season in both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Vote AP Gold Cup.
Bensalem is the favourite in the betting at 9/2 and races off the same mark as in the race last year, when he looked set to register victory until falling two fences from home.
However, the fact the horse has been running over hurdles all season could be seen as a slight concern, while he has failed to secure victory in his last seven starts.
A £20 stake on Reve De Sivola winning the Spinal Research Handicap Chase would return £200. New customers can sign up here for a free £60 bet.
