Cheltenham Festival 2016 betting: Our Thomas and Missy Tata can run well in Fred Winter
In the run-up to Cheltenham, Paul Nicholls has been very keen on the chances of Diego Du Charmil in the Fred Winter (4.50pm, Wednesday).
He has had three runs in France and looks to be on an attractive mark. The champion trainer also won this race last year so there is plenty to like.
His 6/1 quote is short enough, though, especially when you see that the last four winners of this race have all returned between 25/1 and 40/1.
I’m therefore taking a look further down the field and the first one who catches my eye is Tim Easterby’s OUR THOMAS.
He has sneaked in right at the bottom of the weights and, although he’s been beaten in his last three races, his best performance was at Doncaster in his prep race.
Decent ground will suit and his connections won this race two years ago with Hawk High, so he simply looks over-priced at a general 25/1.
Gordon Elliott won this prize back in 2013 with Flaxen Flare and saddles the well-fancied Campeador and MISSY TATA this year.
The former has been backed from an opening show of 20/1 a few weeks ago into 7/1, but hasn’t been done any favours by the handicapper.
Having been aimed at a Grade One on his Irish debut, he is obviously held in high regard and may not be fishing in the handicap pond for long.
However, at the prices, preference is for stablemate Missy Tata at 16/1.
She carries 9lbs less and was an impressive winner on debut at Down Royal before finishing second in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse last time.
Top Irish jockey Bryan Cooper takes the ride and she looks like another who can outrun her price.
Pointers
Missy Tata e/w, 4.50pm Cheltenham
Our Thomas e/w, 4.50pm Cheltenham