It's not often that horses are able to run to form at all 3 of Cheltenham's pre-Christmas meetings, but the vagaries of the weather have plenty to do with that, with October's meeting often run on firmish ground before muddy conditions prevail later in the year. That hasn't been the case this year, with similar going conditions in evidence for all 3 meetings. That's good news for supporters of Johns Spirit in tomorrow's big race, but he's not the only one aiming for a hat-trick of wins, and the best bet on Friday is the criminally undervalued Thomas Crapper, who lines up for the Citipost Handicap Hurdle at 15.15.
Robin Dickin's gelding belied the poor form of his yard to score with comfort in October, and proved that wasn't a flash in the pan (geddit?)when following up last month, allowed to go off at an inflated price presumably due to the unfashionable status of his stable rather than a reading of the formbook. He didn't win his last race by such a clear margin, but could be called the winner some way out only to idle markedly after kicking for home on the turn. Responding gamely when joined after the last by Angles Hill, he looked to hold on with a bit to spare. That win came over a shorter trip, but he promises to stay three miles, and remains on a perfectly reasonable mark. The form of that win looked solid at the time, and has proved so, with three of the seven to have raced since winning, and another pair running at least as well in defeat. Charlie Poste may have been guilty of pressing the button too soon on Thomas Crapper last time, but that merely disguised his superiority, and he's likely to keep this strong traveller in check for a little longer today. Angles Hill reopposes, but is only marginally better off, albeit with Conor Shoemark now taking over, and the conditional's claim is certainly value at present. That said, I think he'll struggle to reverse the placings.
The EBF novice hurdle at 15.45 is a cracking contest, with a trio of exciting prospects going head to head. Garde la Victoire and Doctor Harper are defending unbeaten records, and merit maximum respect, but it would be very dangerous to underestimate Ballyalton, who has also won his last 2, and takes up his engagement here in preference to a more ambitious tilt at Saturday's Relkeel Hurdle. Ian Williams has been in fine form for some time, and his charge has already lowered the colours of the exciting Oscar Rock. That win came over a much longer trip, but he didn't look at all short of gears when running away with a two-mile event at Uttoxeter on his previous outing, and has the strongest form on offer. The likelihood of a contested pace will bring his undoubted stamina into play, and he looks overpriced at the odds currently on offer.
Recommendations:
Both at Cheltenham
Back Thomas Crapper @ [6.8] in the 15:15 (NAP)
Back Ballyalton @ [4.4] in the 15:45 (NB)
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