1. Ahoy Senor
Last season's champion of this race, Ahoy Senor, faces a crucial moment on Saturday. The recent Charlie Hall and Coral Gold Cup performances could have been better despite previous successes. This led to bettors taking a cautious approach.
2. Capodanno
From the Willie Mullins stable, Capodanno trailed far behind galloping des Champs in the Savills. Nonetheless, the horse showed potential. His triumph at the 2022 Punchestown festival seems distant now. Inconsistent jumping has been his major drawback. he must avoid errors to contend this weekend.
3. Datsalrightgino
Datsalrightgino steps up to grade two after a notable win in the coral gold cup at Newbury. His ability to maintain strong performance towards the end is commendable. He's on an upward trajectory but needs to surpass previous achievements to win here.
4. Royale Pagaille
Royale Pagaille proved his mettle in the Betfair chase, marking a significant grade-one victory. Despite this, he faces a challenge due to a penalty. His track record at Cheltenham is less impressive. His inconsistency at this venue raises concerns.
5. Stay Away Fay
Paul Nicholls' decision to enter Stay Away Fay, last season's Albert Bartlett winner, is bold. Undefeated in two steeplechases, he thrives in the final stretches. This race poses a new challenge, but the conditions seem favorable for him.
6. The real whacker
The real whacker, known for his resilience, won last season's brown advisory. However, his recent performances have been underwhelming. He's expected to lead early and could be a tough competitor if he is in top form.
Analysis:
Despite his success in the Betfair Chase, Royale Pagaille struggles at Cheltenham. He could be a more substantial bet. Ahoy Senor and the real whacker have not been at their best this season. Capodanno's jumping issues are concerning. The focus shifts to the rising stars, Stay Away Fay and Datsalrightgino. The former, with limited experience in steeplechases, presents an exciting choice. However, datsalrightgino, the coral Gold Cup winner, seems the most promising bet at 6/1. This considers his affinity for the three-mile distance and the race's pace.
Betting tip: Datsalrightgino had a strong performance at Newbury. His racing style suits this event, making him the top pick.