Nico de Boinville: “It makes sense to switch back to hurdles and attempt to win the race he did last year”

12.50pm Cheltenham

Califet En Vol

A very good novice hurdler who came back pretty sore after his final run at Aintree last season, he made a satisfactory start to his chasing career here when second to a smart prospect in Sixmilebridge. Again, not many runners here but a race that will take plenty of winning, and hopefully he will have learned a lot from last time.

1.25pm Cheltenham

Excello

He obviously ran no sort of race in the Becher last time, and maybe 3m2f in testing conditions found him out. Either way, at least he got dropped 1lb for it, he had earlier run very well in the Grand Sefton, and this better ground will suit him. He hasn’t run to his best in two starts here but he has chances if it all clicks.

2.35pm Cheltenham

Lucky Place

He has run two satisfactory races over fences this season, but it makes sense to switch back to hurdles and attempt to win the race he did last year, when beating Gowel Road and Golden Ace. He carries a 6lb penalty here and meets an up-and-comer in Kabral Du Mathan, among others, but he clearly has his chance. We also have Jingko Blue in here, who will hopefully improve for his Haydock return.

3.40pm Cheltenham

Mariole

This looks a hot bumper but he finished second on his sole outing in France, and it’ll be interesting to see how he shapes here. This will be a good starting point for him.https://www.unibet.co.uk/racing#/event/202601011500.T.GBR.cheltenham.7

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