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I wasn't really sure if I wanted to put anything up today given the Greatwood is only the real punting race for me. Small fields are the dish of the day at Cheltenham, and when is something going to be done about it? Won't bet on it changing anytime soon, even with the change of ground conditions. The BHA need to look at the state of British racing urgently.
2:55 Cheltenham - 2m½f (2m87y) (Old) Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle
7 places are on offer from Skybet, and if you can get on than it's some value in the market if you fancy anything at decent odds. I have 2 to put up. One with a decent chance, and one who probably isn't good enough to win but with 7 places it makes sense from an each way angle.
BUA BOY is the horse who catches my eye the most with his current rating, and the fact he's still fair value at 14/1 from an each way point of view. His recent form is strong with his last run at Listowel being the main bit of evidence from a form angle to suggest he can improve further. 2nd behind Dysart Diamond, who's been an improving mare since Christmas with plenty of decent runs, whilst Eskylane has won a handicap hurdle well since (Magic Tricks down the field finished 2nd to Eskylane next time out). Advanced Virgo was also down the field in that race, and they are set to lock horns again and has a good chance too, but the bookmakers never take liberties with a Charles Byrnes runner in the United Kingdom. Good ground suits Bua Boy, whilst he's been a model of consistency in his last 6 runs with only one poor run within that (soft ground a possible excuse for that). His form alongside Arcadian Sunrise is also a notable bit of form at Galway in the summer, and I can't pass up the opportunity of 14/1 with Skybet paying 7 places.
The other selection is a horse who was put up on the blog a couple of weeks ago in the shape of STRAW FAN JACK. The Geordieland gelding finished a fine 2nd at the Showcase meeting at Cheltenham, running well in a race which turned into a sprint from the home turn before just being nailed late on. The fast pace will suit him here and he's already had a prep run which will give him a fair shout if he's involved in finish up the hill. The only worry is that Cheltenham run in October hasn't been franked with the winner performing abysmally on Friday at the course, however he had to give a stone and a half to the race fit winner that day so it could be a race not to take literally. Rated 134, he could be weighted well to run a decent race for connections and the 7 places each way at 25/1 is a decent enough price to take.
Selections
BUA BOY 2pts e/w @ 14/1 (Skybet 7 places)
STRAW FAN JACK 1.5pts e/w @ 25/1 (Skybet 7 places)
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