There's a Phoenix rising from the frost to warm us up as jump racing hopefully swings back into top gear at Cheltenham today.
PHOENIX WAY (1.50) looks primed to bring his best form to the table in the Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Chase.
They are sure to go a fast pace in this 2m4f handicap and that will suit Harry Fry’s hope.
He was a smooth winner at Ascot around this time last year before finding hot 3m contests too taxing later in the season.
There was a huge amount to like about his return to action at Chepstow over Christmas and he should be much sharper today. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1. Several bookies are paying out on six places.
You’ll need plenty of stamina for the Festival Trials Day card as there’s a bumper nine races.
PIKAR (4.10) runs in the last of them.
He had some smart novice form last season behind the likes of Knappers Hill and Jonbon.
His first victory on his return to action at Chepstow confirmed his promise and he simply failed to see out 2m4f on testing ground at Newbury on New Year’s Eve.
The return to 2m should be ideal and Dan Skelton has had his team in terrific form so far this year. Have 2pts win at 5-1.
JAVA POINT (3.15) will like the good ground at Doncaster in the Sky Bet Chase.
He had some good hurdles form and he has developed into a nice staying chaser.
Last year’s novice season yielded three wins and he should be spot on for this after solid efforts this term at Newbury and Cheltenham.
The demands of this race, where they are likely to go a sound gallop, should suit Tom George’s hope. Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. The sponsors are paying out on five places.
HURRICANE BAY (2.40) should appreciate stepping up to 3m for the first time in the Albert Bartlett River Don Novices’ Hurdle.
His jumping has been good since he switched from bumpers to hurdles and he put that to good use when successful at this track in November.
He kept on galloping despite being outspeeded by useful Supreme Gift at Huntingdon on Boxing Day.
This test should help Lucy Wadham’s runner improve a fair bit. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1.
