Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has some fine chances on the opening day of…
2.10 Cheltenham, Thursday, March 16
Tobefair has improved out of all recognition since joining Carmarthenshire trainer Debra Hamer two seasons ago, winning all seven starts and rising an astonishing 62lb in the handicap. The Central Park gelding faces far and away his toughest task to date, stepping up to Listed level for the first time off a 9lb higher mark than when beating Morello Royale by 1½ lengths in a 0-145 contest, over 3 miles, at Newbury last month. However, the fourth horse, Bryden Boy – who was beaten 15½ lengths – has since won a similar race at Doncaster, so the form looks strong, even in the context of this race. Tobefair has won on good, good to firm and soft going, so should run his race whatever the weather at Prestbury Park and it would take a brave man to state, categorically, that he can’t extend his winning sequence to eight.
Selection: Cheltenham 2.10 Tobefair to win (17/2 with Betfair Sportsbook)