Cheltenham Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) 14.35 UK Time
Kabral Du Mathan, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Harry Skelton, produced an impressive performance on his stable debut when winning a handicap hurdle at Haydock by twelve lengths on good to soft ground.
He had shown consistent form previously, with seconds in handicaps at Ayr, Windsor and Ascot on good to soft and soft.
He handles good to soft well, which bodes positively for today’s good ground.
No prior experience at Cheltenham, but he has performed on similar undulating tracks.
His current handicap rating of 154 is the joint highest in the field.
Recent form marks him as progressive and fit, with class at this level after a strong reappearance.
Lucky Place, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, was beaten a length and a half in a beginners’ chase at Newbury on good to soft last time out.
Prior to that, he finished third in a similar contest at Ascot on good ground.
He won this race last year on soft at Cheltenham when over hurdles.
He acts on good and good to soft going.
Strong course record, including a victory and other solid efforts at Cheltenham.
His handicap rating of 153 puts him right in contention, though he carries a penalty.
Fitness is assured from recent chase runs, and returning to hurdles could see him bounce back.
Proven at Grade Two level with experience on tracks like this.
Jingko Blue, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by James Bowen, finished seventh in a handicap hurdle at Haydock on good to soft, possibly needing the run after a break.
He unseated his rider in a Grade Two chase at Ascot on good before that.
Previously won Grade Two and novice chases at Windsor and Uttoxeter on soft.
He has pulled up at Cheltenham in a Grade One hurdle on soft in the past.
Performs on good to soft and soft, with some evidence of handling good.
His handicap rating of 144 is competitive.
Recent form indicates improvement likely second time out, with fitness building.
Has Grade Two winning experience over fences and stays the trip well.
Gowel Road, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, finished seventh in a handicap chase at Cheltenham on good to soft last month.
Before that, third in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on soft.
Earlier, eleventh in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on good.
He has wins on good to soft through to heavy.
Excellent course form, including a second in this race last year and other wins and places at Cheltenham.
Handicap rating of 145 is solid, but carries a penalty.
Recent form has been mixed, with a poor chase effort but better over hurdles prior.
Fitness from recent outings, and suits this course and good ground.
Kamsinas, trained by Fergal O’Brien and ridden by Jonathan Burke, was second in a beginners’ chase at Southwell on good to soft over three miles.
Prior to that, second in a similar race at Ludlow on good over three miles.
Before fences, tenth in a handicap hurdle at Aintree on good.
He acts on good and good to soft.
Has placed at Cheltenham in the past.
Handicap rating of 136 is the lowest here.
Recent form shows consistency over fences, now back to hurdles.
Sharp fitness from recent runs in December.
Has some Grade Two exposure and prefers stamina tests.
The Real Whacker, trained by Patrick Neville and ridden by Sean Bowen, finished last of five in a Grade Two chase at Wetherby on good ground.
Before that, second in a handicap hurdle at Perth on good over three miles.
Earlier, fourth in Grade One chases at Aintree and Cheltenham on good to soft.
Handles good and good to soft well.
Strong chase form at Cheltenham, including a Grade One novice victory.
Handicap rating of 146 is respectable.
Recent form disappointing in latest chase but better over hurdles before.
Fitness should be there after a recent outing.
High-class at best, though the trip might be on the short side over hurdles.
Simulation Results:
Kabral Du Mathan 46.14%, Lucky Place 18.28%, The Real Whacker 16.14%, Jingko Blue 11.79%, Gowel Road 4.91%, Kamsinas 2.73%.
The equivalent fractional odds from these percentages are: Kabral Du Mathan 7/6, Lucky Place 9/2, The Real Whacker 26/5, Jingko Blue 15/2, Gowel Road 19/1, Kamsinas 35/1.
The best bet is Kabral Du Mathan.
Value selections: The Real Whacker, where the live odds of 18/1 are higher than the calculated 26/5.
There are no steamer bets.
