Cheltenham returns following last month's Festival with the traditional two-day April meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. It provides competitive racing and late opportunities before the end of the winter jumping season in ten days' time.
The feature race on the Wednesday card is the opener, the two and a half mile Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) with twelve runners declared.
TRAINER WATCH: DAN SKELTON IS WORKING AT A 21% WINNING STRIKE RATE IN LAST 14 DAYS
Heltenham is one of the market leaders bidding for a four-timer after three progressive victories this season all coming over similar distances, improving from Class Four to Class Two company last time at Newbury. Trainer, Dan Skelton has been in solid form in the last few weeks (21% winning strike rate in last 14 days) and this six-year-old is likely to find further progress.
Captain Tom Cat placed on this card in 2021 and returned to his best form just over a week ago at Plumpton when almost making all in the Class Two Sussex Champion Chase (Handicap). The quicker forecasted ground is likely to suit.
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On the shortlist is Gemirande, a consistent seven-year-old who was a close second at Newbury six weeks ago. Others that deserve a mention include Super Six, three-time course and distance winner Coole Cody and Unanswered Prayers who was successful here in November.
The Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle is a competitive looking Class Two handicap hurdle over two and a half miles where Bold Endeavour will be seeking a sixth victory under rules. He faces an easier task after a strong fifth in the Coral Cup Premier Handicap Hurdle at last month's Cheltenham Festival. Master Chewy caught the eye here in December when second in a novice hurdle. He found the competition too tough in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle (G1) at the Cheltenham Festival and will appreciate the return to an easier level.
JOCKEY WATCH: JAMIE MOORE OPERATING AT A 33% WINNING STRIKE RATE IN LAST 14 DAYS
Yorksea, ridden by Jamie Moore, could be one for the placings having produced a strong fourth (ahead of Master Chewey) in the Betfair Hurdle (Premier Handicap) at Newbury in February where the form has worked out well. Lallygag is a consistent six-year-old for trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Harry Cobden combination stepping up in trip.
The biggest field of the day has been declared for the three and a half mile Holman Handicap Chase which includes Wake Up Early who has been enjoying these kind of staying chase events this season. He faces Almazhar Garde who was a good second in the three mile Grand Military Gold Cup Chase at Sandown along with last time Ffos Las winner To Be Sure who steps up in grade and Midlands National sixth Max Dynamo. Didero Vallis has placed at the Festival here in the past (2022) and could feature. Checkitout is a strong stayer not to be dismissed.
