Balthazar can be crowned King for the third year running
THE JUMPS season is starting to swing into action and Cheltenham hosts its first meetings today and tomorrow. This afternoon’s card looks trappy, but there are a couple of runners that have caught my eye tomorrow.
Emma Lavelle’s yard is on fire at the moment and EASTER METEOR looks set to go very close in the 2m 4f handicap (2.35pm). He has gone well fresh in the past including when finishing second in this race 12 months ago.
Although he has gone up in the weights, he looked progressive when winning at Doncaster last December and he will relish the decent ground. Noel Fehily, who is riding out of his skin at the moment, is an excellent jockey booking.
The highlight at Prestbury Park is the Showcase Trophy (3.45pm) and I fancy the nine-year-old BALTHAZAR KING to pull off an extraordinary hat-trick in this race.
Philip Hobbs’ runner loves Cheltenham and he runs off the same mark as when successful 12 months ago. He also won a Listed cross country chase in France last time and this really is his time of year.
For those of you that live in Surrey, Jockey Club Racecourses have launched a new exclusive free coach service from Reigate to Kempton Park and Sandown Park that will feature a resident tipster.
The trial lasts until the end of the year with a view to extending the service at other locations in the South-East. Visit thejockeyclubspecial.co.uk for more details.
Pointers…
EASTER METEOR e/w 2.35pm Cheltenham
(tomorrow)
BALTHAZAR KING e/w 3.45pm Cheltenham
(tomorrow)