Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Monmiral can return to form at Cheltenham
Nicholls targets Aintree for Monmiral
Day two of Cheltenham's Christmas Meeting and Planet Sport Bet ambassador Harry Cobden previews his some of his mounts on Saturday, December 16.
12:05 (Cheltenham) Kabral Du Mathan
My first ride of the day is Kabral Du Mathan. I haven’t had too much to do with him so far, but he looks a nice horse.
His French form has worked out well and he looks an exciting recruit for the team. We should know plenty more about him after this.
12:40 (Cheltenham) Mofasa
Mofasa is another lovely horse. He’s tremendous jumper and travels really well too, so I’m looking forward to riding him.
I’ve got a feeling he might be better left-handed as he jumped left around Huntingdon last time and I’d like to think he’s got a few pounds up his sleeve. He’s a very likeable horse.
13:50 (Cheltenham) Monmiral
I obviously had a decision to make in the December Gold Cup and I’ve gone with Monmiral.
It wasn’t an easy decision, but I just thought if Monmiral can return to the form that saw him win the Grade 1 at Aintree a couple of years ago, he has to go close here.
He could still be very well-handicapped and he felt great when I schooled him a few days ago.
I think I just chose him over Il Ridoto as I think Monmiral could still have a few pounds in hand, while Il Ridoto probably doesn’t have much to hide from the handicapper.
He’s a great each-way bet, but I thought, if Monmiral was back to his best, he’d take a lot of beating.
Paul [Nicholls] has targeted this race and as we know, he doesn’t often miss when he lines up for one.
14:25 (Cheltenham) Threeunderthrufive
I then ride Threeunderthrufive. He ran a really good race in the Badger Beer at Wincanton last time where we had to give the winner plenty of weight.
He seems in good form at home and I worked upsides him on Thursday morning and he went nicely.
I can’t say he’s well-handicapped, but he’s one who rarely runs a bad race.
15:35 (Cheltenham) Ilovethenightlife
I close the day on Ilovethenightlife. She was disappointing at Wincanton last time but on her best form she’d be in with a shout in this.
Joe [Tizzard] will hopefully have her ready to go and she looks to have a solid-enough chance.
READ MORE: Saturday ITV Racing Tips: Best bets for Cheltenham and Doncaster on December 16
