Dan Skelton previews his day two runners at the Cheltenham Festival
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Cheltenham Betting : Another big day for the stable with Nube Negra (15:05) in the Champion Chase, who is coming here fresh off the back of a layoff since Christmas. That’s because there were no races that fitted in with our preferred timings.
I am very happy with how he looks. He has jumped nicely at home and everything is where we want it. The dry forecast is helpful. There are no negatives and I cannot wait.
We have two in the Grand Annual. Harry rides Not The Fuisse (16:15) who I think, if the ground is really good, will have an each way chance.
He wants real good ground. He’s a strong traveller. He’s arguably better over a bit further but in a fast run race like this you need to stay well. When he’s fresh and well he is at his most potent.
He hasn’t run over jumps since he has had a wind op and I think that has helped him. He’s won a jumpers’ bumper easily in the interim. He looks great and I have had this race in mind ever since the wind operation.
Amoola Gold (16:15) also runs. Bridget rides him and knows how to win on him. He has loads of experience, the race will suit him. I wouldn’t expect to see him on the scene until late on. The early fast pace could catch him out but he will be staying on strongly. He’s the right type for this race if they go off quick.
My outsider tip of the week is Elle Est Belle (16:50) in the bumper. She is a very good bumper horse who has worked beautifully in the build-up to this. We were always coming here, rather than Aintree. She has won at the track and gets 7lb. There are lots of reasons for optimism.
Dan
