Topofthegame (2.10) is the NAP selection to win the RSA Novices' Chase, race two on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. The Paul Nicholls trained chaser was second at the Festival last year, but was always going to be better over the larger obstacles. He ran very well at Kempton at Christmas, but his jockey went too soon. I think he could be a Gold Cup horse of the future and his trainer is a master at improving horses.
Castlebawn West (1.30) could outrun his odds in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle. He is a battler, demonstrated by his win at Leopardstown over Christmas and the softer ground may suit. It certainly helped Willie Mullins' other runners yesterday.
Another Mullins horse, Killultagh Vic, may be an each way play in the Coral Cup (2.50). This horse is a previous Festival winner over hurdles and was fancied for the Gold Cup last year. Conditions will be in his favour and he can make the frame.
There is stable confidence behind the Jessica Harrington trained Got Trumped in the juvenile hurdle (4.50). This horse is expected to improve for softer ground. He has been running against smart juveniles and could be over priced.
As for the other races, Altior looks bombproof in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30). Tiger Roll bids for back to back wins in the Cross Country Chase (4.10), but is short odds. The race can have chaotic moments and it is often set up for a sprinter. It's not a punting race in my opinion. The Bumper (5.30) is also a difficult puzzle. The Joseph O'Brien trained Meticulous is interesting with his brother Donnacha riding, but I'll be taking a watching brief.
€500 Charity Bet with thanks to Betfair:
€300 win on Topofthegame in the 2.10 at 7/2.
€40 each way on Killultagh Vic in the 2.50 at 12/1.
€30 each way on Castlebawn West in the 1.30 at 28/1.
€30 each way on Got Trumped in the 4.50 at 22/1.
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