Horse racing tips and best bets: Tritonic set to showcase Cheltenham Festival credentials

There's another packed weekend of racing up and down the country

Johnny Ward
Friday 26 February 2021 10:02 EST
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Adrian Heskin riding Tritonic
Adrian Heskin riding Tritonic (Getty Images)

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We are entering last-chance-saloon territory for horses with designs on the Cheltenham Festival, but Tritonic can book his place by taking today’s Close Brothers Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2.25) at Kempton.

Backed into 8-1 on the Betfair Sportsbook for the Triumph Hurdle in recent days, Alan King’s son of Sea The Moon has more on his plate after his successful hurdling debut at Ascot, but his jumping is a major asset for a four-year-old. He can confirm his superiority over Casa Loupi.

The presence of a ten-year-old, Coole Cody, is anomalous in the Close Brothers Pendil Novices' Chase (1.50). Hitman has not been declared, Tamaroc Du Mathan instead representing Paul Nicholls.

Stamina is a bit of a concern for Harry Cobden's mount. As such, Go Law is preferred at 13-8. He looks likely to be sent to the front by Gavin Sheehan, who will be keen to emphasise the son of Sinndar's proven stamina power. He's three from four over fences so far.

The rather perilous state of British prize-money is emphasised in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (3.00), which has a winning purse of just £12,814. Atholl Street has strong claims here for Nicholls on the back of two bloodless wins at Taunton, but Cape Gentleman rates a fascinating raider for Emmet Mullins.

Cape Gentleman produced a sparkling performance to win the Irish Cesarewitch. He should be fine dropping back in distance and the key to his participation here is Mullins' pursuit of better ground than is the case in his homeland, with Jonjo O'Neill Jr booked. He's 15-4 on the Betfair Sportsbook.

There's £75,000 up for grabs in the last of the televised races, the Close Brothers Handicap Chase, a race with each-way potential for punters, with 18 runners.

This is a bit of a nightmare to solve, with few having anything in hand and seemingly equally few sure to run their race. Olly Murphy's strike-rate (19pc in his first three seasons in Britain) has dropped to 13pc this season but, even so, The Butcher Said is one of the more interesting.

There's some cracking all-weather action at Lingfield, the pivot race the Group 3 Betway Winter Derby (2.40). Father Of Jazz, by the mighty Kingman, was very popular in the market for this midweek and makes plenty of appeal after his win over course and distance last time, for all that this is new territory for him.

Racing coverage is brought to you in association with Betfair. Build your free bet pot for Cheltenham with Betfair. Bet £20 across UK & Irish racing, Get £10 free bet on the Cheltenham Festival. Runs every Saturday. Terms: Min £20 in Exch bets on Saturday races, excludes ante-post. Max £10 free bet per qualifying day, awarded 15/03. Betfair Rewards ‘Basic’ customers excluded. T&Cs apply

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