Bible Lord put himself in the picture for the Paddy Power Gold Cup with a defeat of the well treated Bauhaus on Friday, jumping well in the main, but that aspect of his game has let him down in several previous Cheltenham outings, making him an unappealing bet. A 7lb hike in the weights also seems harsh on balance.
Wetherby's bet365 Mares Hurdle was memorable mostly for Barry Geraghty's aberration in taking the wrong course, but the winner Santia put up a fair effort and marginal improvement would give her a chance of placing in the David Nicholson Mares Final come March.
The Charlie Hall saw Deep Purple put up a decent performance to give weight to the higher rated placed horses although he's still going to be hard to place. He doesn't appeal as a likely King George winner and has had leg problems which mean he's best kept away from Cheltenham. Connections have mentioned the Ascot Chase and that race, over 2m 5½ furlongs, seems an ideal target before Aintree. He looks likely to avoid a clash with Kauto Star at this stage, which is understandable.
Fair Along bounced back to his very best to rout his opponents in the John Smith's West Yorkshire Hurdle. He proved last year that he's good enough on his day to reach the frame in the World Hurdle and as long as he retains his enthusiasm, he remains a useful yardstick to measure the contenders for that race by.
The United House Gold Cup H'cap Chase was won by outsider The Last Derby, but he makes limited appeal to follow up given the expected hike in the ratings. The runner up Aimigayle stayed on in typically doughty fashion from the last and is up to defying her new mark of 137. Can't Buy Time remains one to be interested in despite never being competitive.
Dani's Girl highlighted the talents of her trainer Pat Phelan and rider Peter Toole in winning the Williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle but is now 8lb higher for future races and will find it harder from such a mark. Third horse Micheal Flips remains the one to take from the race while the ground had gone against Alsadaa who needs it on the firm side.
Master Medic didn't disappoint in taking the Byrne Group Handicap Chase from Fix The Rib, with both horses looking a cut above their rivals. The handicapper has reacted by putting them up 10lb and 7lb respectively, but they will remain competitive.
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