Cheltenham Festival - Festival Plate Preview

In terms of quality, the Festival Plate is on a par with the paddy Power Gold Cup which takes place over course and distance at the Open Meeting in November.

Last year’s Centenary Novice Chase winner Divers finished third in that race and will be amongst the favourites to triumph this time around.

Ferdy Murphy’s charge has subsequently been out of sorts however a lenient weight and return to Cheltenham should revitalise the eight-year-old who will be dangerous if the contest is run to suit and he gets plenty of racing room.

Divers will still have to find a little with Great Endeavour however who romped to paddy Power Gold Cup victory before posting a decent effort in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury three weeks later.

David Pipe’s star has been given a long rest following those excursions and will undoubtedly be a force if able to cope with a significant rise in the weights.

The eight-year-old is renowned for going well fresh and of course, he has that all important Cheltenham form in the book, which also includes a victory in this race two years ago.

Should Great Endeavour be unable to cope with the extra weight, there are a number of potentially unexposed handicappers further down the field that could land the honours at decent odds.

Venetia Williams’ Renard will need to jump a little better if he is to win at the Festival but the seven-year-old has been prominent this season after a series of good performances in handicaps – and his odds of 25/1 look far too big.

Carrying just 10st 10lbs, Renard may be able to get into contention off a good strong gallop and is fancied to stay on up the hill, at least into the place money.

Aerial from the Paul Nicholls yard also looks extremely well in following his recent success in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.

That victory came on the back of a decent effort over course and distance and a penalty may not be enough to prevent a follow up - especially as Nicholls is notorious for getting swift improvement out of his handicappers.

Calgary Bay merits a massive amount of respect after his gutsy Cheltenham win on New Year’s Day, but despite a success next time out in the Skybet Chase at Doncaster, the Festival Plate looks a step too far for Henrietta Knight’s charge even though he is built to cope with big weights.

Tranquil Sea and The Giant Bolster are other good horses at the head of the handicap with Cheltenham form however their marks will probably have slide before getting their noses in front again.

One other possible contender though under the category of ‘potentially unexposed’ is Seabass. The Ted Walsh trained nine-year-old has been a revelation this campaign in Ireland, racking up five victories on the bounce en route to a possible tilt at the Grand National.

The Festival Plate trip could be on the sharp side for him however he appears versatile at a range of distances and the long term Aintree goal should not put punters off – especially as Ruby Walsh is likely to be in the saddle.

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09/03/2012     © Frixo 2024