DAVY RUSSELL: Cheltenham Saturday

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elighted to partner Bless The Wings to a win in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Friday.

The 12-year-old rolled back the years and thoroughly enjoyed himself, staying on like a trooper to go one better than he did in the Festival edition of the race back in March.

I’m riding again at Cheltenham on Saturday on the second day of their International Meeting and back  in Ireland for Navan on Sunday where I ride Poli Roi in the featured Grade 2 hurdle on the card.

First up, the two rides from Cheltenham.

Saturday

CHELTENHAM

JAMESON (12.45pm)

I was onboard Whisper when he won this last year and am looking forward to trying to follow up aboard Jameson in a race that looks wide open – despite there being just the four runners.

The Twiston-Davies stable are in good form and Jameson has now had three starts over fences and run well in all of them – winning a handicap at Sandown and then a close second last time in Newbury when only caught close home.

He’s had plenty of experience which will be a big help.

It’s likely to be more testing ground but he seems versatile and coped well with soft ground over hurdles last season. Back in novice company he and Sedgefield winner Kalondra both have to give 5lb away but I’m hopeful of a good run in a race that could easily get tactical.

Caspian Caviar Gold Cup (1.55pm)

I don’t have a ride in the feature but will be keeping a close eye on the top weight Clan Des Obeaux. I beat him in a match earlier this season at Kempton when he made Whisper work really hard off level weights. That was a great effort given Whisper’s close second in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury. Paul Nicholls is going through a real purple patch so I can see Clan Des Obeaux running a big race off top weight.

JOHN CONSTABLE (3.05pm)

He’s on a hat-trick after wins at Haydock and Market Rasen before finishing down the field on the flat in the Cesarewitch. He will need a massive effort to keep that run going on softer ground and in a much more competitive field. The New One seems to own this race and bids for a fourth win, he goes really well in the ground. I saw Melon exercising on the track this morning but this looks a much tougher Grade 2 than the one he won at Down Royal last month.

I’ll be back later on Saturday for my Navan thoughts on Sunday.

---

YOUR SAY

If you have a question for Davy drop us a line at content@www.starsportsbet.co.uk and we’ll try and include in the next blog…

---

BET WITH STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321

---