Cheltenham each-way tip: Reduced mark can aid title defence for Pink Legend
Horses jumping fence at Cheltenham
The bookies have Somespring Special as odds-on favourite to land this two-mile mares’ chase, but that short price could help pave the way for enhanced each-way value elsewhere.
16:25 Cheltenham: NAF Mares’ Handicap Chase (2 miles 62 yards)
Certainly, Anthony Honeyball’s six-year-old will relish this return to smaller obstacles, and if able to replicate the form that earned her two hurdling wins at Fontwell this time last last year, then she should take some beating.
That said, she arrives on a quick turnaround following her win over Plumpton’s fences just four days ago, and easy victory or not, if that heavy ground left its mark, then Somespring Special could be more vulnerable than the market suggests.
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Her seven rivals have a few boasting decent past form, with top weight Found On stringing five wins together two years ago, and landing another victory and a runner-up spot at Market Rasen last autumn, before pulling up over a longer trip at Kempton last month.
She could well bounce back under Sean Bowen, as could Sacre Coeur, who also looks interesting for the in-form Skelton yard, while Royale Margaux and out-of-handicap Lost Connections will be looking to improve on their second and third places in this renewal 12 months ago
The notable winner of that race was the reappearing Pink Legend, who eased nearly three lengths clear of Royale Margaux, with Lost Connections a further 10 lengths adrift.
Suggested best bet: Pink Legend in the 15:50 at Cheltenham
A year is a long time in racing, of course, but the fact that Venetia Williams’ veteran mare is 10 pounds better off this time around, while those two closest rivals have only been eased a couple of pounds apiece, appears to set her up nicely for a return to form here.
She returned from her summer break in good shape, landing a Listed mares’ chase at Newbury just before Christmas, and shaping up equally well to come fourth of eight in the Yorkshire Silver Vase at Doncaster nine days later.
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Her form since the turn of the year definitely needs a line drawing under it, but she should find the improving ground at Prestbury Park more to her liking, and that should help her give Charlie Deutsch a much better ride at her happy hunting ground.
- Tip advised by Sotnas Horse Racing on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Cheltenham racing tips: Best bets for Thursday April 18
