Cheltenham - New Year's Day 2011

Ah, the first races of 2010, and they're good ones too at Cheltenham to start off the day. 

While the opening race on the New Year's Card (12.20) has the look of a very good one potentially, it's not the most attractive race given that I wouldn't want to be backing a short priced favourite first time in 2011. The consensus is that Nicky Henderson's promising Bobs Worth will be able to win this ahead of Astracad, who ran as well as could be expected in the face of a stiff task last time. 

The best value at the prices may well be SAFRAN DE COTTE & MASTER BEAU (as recommended by Ed Quigley), who showed promise in their starts last time out and may be worth an each/way poke.  

Lethal Glaze is one to note as well given that his flat form suggests improvement. 


There's the first staying handicap chase of the season in the shape of the 1.30, which looks a minefield by any standards. 


Quilhimar has to be at the forefront of many people's minds, for all that his form is patchy to say the least. He runs well here though and you'd like his chances on course form. The horse with the best recent form looks sure to be Buffalo Bob, who won well at Newbury recently and should go close if repeating that although a big step up in trip doesn't inspire confidence. MAJIMAR hasn't inspired confidence with 2 falls on the National Course the last twice but he's on a good mark and has the ability if putting in a good round of jumping today, so he gets the each/way call ahead of the Silotar at 17/2. Officer De Reserve and My Will are on good marks.

King's Legacy is the one they want in the 3m handicap hurdle (3.10) and he is only 4-1 and 7-2 from 5-1 in places. He should have a lot more to give after a good reappearance third behind For Non Stop and Grands Crus, and rates the one to beat. Stablemate Gwanako, Phillip Hobbs's Kilcrea Kim, and Den Of Inquity are all others to consider. However, David Pipe may hold all the ace with 2 of his 4 horses, in JUNIOR and CHARTEUX. He (the latter) hasn't raced since disappointing in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival here last March but that was an atrocious race and anything that got into the first 10 did well. He was unbeaten previously and should like better ground here after a break. JUNIOR has been progressive over the last year and should like the slight drop down in trip after a long break, as he'll be much fitter and paid the price for going upfront on such sticky ground. Hopefully he'll be fitter for that today and both are each/way prices.