Cheltenham Thoughts 26/1

Not that much action this week, apart from the disappointment of Hidden Cyclone being ruled out of the RSA and the saga of whether or not Grands Crus takes his chance in that race or the Gold Cup. Him being ruled out of Saturday's Argento Chase is good for me with the price I have on Captain Chris for that race but it makes Cheltenham plans all the murkier. I've decided to have a small bet on Last Instalment in the race anyway. I was at Leopardstown when he won over Christmas and was impressed with his big, strong appearance and his jumping in ground that wasn't that soft. I make him a likelier winner of the RSA than Bob's Worth who hasn't the chase form to justify his position in the market.

Since my last Cheltenham post I've laid back my stake on Oscar Whisky for the Champion Hurdle for a small profit, topped up slightly on the odd selection and backed the Dessie Hughes trained Magnanimity in the Gold Cup market without Long Run and Kauto Star. Naturally this is wide open and Magnanimity appeals at the price. He got injured in the RSA Chase last year but showed admirable guts in plugging on for fourth place and whilst it's a race that hasn't worked out well he has a valid excuse for possibly running below form. He blew up when travelling fine first time out in the Lexus and plainly needed the race. He runs in the Hennessy Gold Cup next month and I'm hopeful of a bold showing before he takes his chance at Cheltenham.

Supreme:
Simonsig £20w @ 14/1

Arkle:
Sprinter Sacre £150w @ 53/10


Festival Handicap Chase:
Planet of Sound £5w @ 24/1

Baring Bingham:
Simonsig £20w @ 15/1

RSA:
Last Instalment  £20w @ 81/10

Champion Chase:
Wishfull Thinking £20w @ 20/1

World Hurdle:
Mikael D'Haguenet £15w @ 34/1 and £10w @ 72/10 (w/o Big Bucks)


Ryanair:
Medermit £15w @ 20/1
Rubi Light £10w @ 86/10

Spa Hurdle:
Mount Benbulben £25w @ 14/1


County Hurdle:
Empire Levant £10w @ 16/1

Gold Cup:
Time for Rupert £50w @ 16/1
Captain Chris £10w @ 33/1
Magnanimity £10ew @ 25/1 (w/o Kauto Star and Long Run)


Non Runners - total of £40 lost