With under a month now until the Cheltenham Festival, this weekend’s racing is arguably one of the last chances for punters to gauge important information for the Festival before it begins. Decent jumping cards at Ascot, Haydock Park and Wincanton go ahead and I fancy a short-priced but in my opinion a banker double for today’s racing.
Selection 1: Yanworth 2:45: Wincanton
Yanworth has emerged as a live Champion Hurdle contender this year and if he is to have any chance in the two-mile championship showpiece, a win today is vital.
Alan King’s charge won well at Kempton Park last time and faces five rivals who he should really have the beating of, some including Ch’Tibello which he has in fact already beaten.
Wincanton like Kempton is a sharp track but with the addition of cheek-pieces for today’s contest, they should hopefully sharpen him up and he looks banker material in a weak edition of the Kingwell.
Selection 2: Cue Card 3:35: Ascot
A faller in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup when seemingly traveling well, Cue Card has had to live in the shadows of stable-mates Thistlecrack and Native River this year. However, in this extended two-miles and five furlongs contest, he will appreciate the slightly shorter trip in preparation for the Gold Cup and again should win this if he has any chance in next month’s Blue Riband event.
Colin Tizzard’s charge was beaten by Irish Cavalier in the Charlie Hall Chase earlier this season but it would be disappointing if he could not reverse those placings today.
Everything looks set for Cue Card to win this before heading to Cheltenham in March.
