Two at Cheltenham

First Lord Du Cuet runs at Cheltenham Today

Today we have two runners at Cheltenham, Tough Approach and First Lord Du Cuet.  Tough Approach runs in the opening race of the day, the maiden hurdle over 2 miles at 1.10pm and Jack Tudor rides.  Our four year old ran nicely on rules and stable debut in a bumper at Newton Abbot last month, staying on nicely to be third.  This track will suit better and he will appreciate any rain that falls.  He was runner up on his only start in an Irish point to point and jumps nicely at home and shows a good attitude.  This looks a tough race but he should be doing all his best work late on up the hill and we will learn a lot more about him this afternoon.

First Lord Du Cuet runs in the 2.20pm handicap chase over 3m3f and Jack Tudor rides.  He had a terrific debut season over fences last term without getting his head in front.  He is a strong traveller but didn't always find as much as he promised in the latter stages of his races.  Hopefully a wind operation during the summer may have helped his finishing efforts and hopefully he can run a big race at about 12/1.  He stayed the trip well enough in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last term and even this looks a competitive race, he handles the track and ground and I think he can run well.  His regular work rider is Leanne and he is part owned by her father Pete and MCP so there is a bit of pressure for him to run well.  He is a lovely horse and deserves to get a first victory over fences and hopefully it might be today!

Today they also race at Fontwell over jumps and up at Newcastle on the all-weather.  In Ireland they have their second day of racing at Navan.

What do you call a guy pouring water into a glass?  Phil!  Happy Sunday!