Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham December Meeting Day 2 Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Cheltenham 1.50 – December Gold Cup
I’m going with the solid candidate here in the form of Vincenzo (9/2).
He ran a cracker when second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here in November and it’s a performance that looks even better now with the winner, Panic Attack, bolting up in the Coral Gold Cup.
Vincenzo has only finished out of the first three on three of his 14 career starts, so he is about as consistent as they come and I expect him to be bang there again.
The likely favourite Jagwar (7/2 fav) is clearly a massive danger and, if connections are right that he’s a Ryanair horse, he’ll win this well.
I do worry about his jumping though – he has a tendency to belt a fence and with all the weight he has to carry that’s enough to put me off.
Megan’s Tip: Vincenzo WIN
Cheltenham 2.25 – Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At BetMGM.co.uk Handicap Chase
A race that doesn’t need any introduction!
The one I like is Excelero (11/2), who won very well at Warwick on return to this trip last time out.
If he can get into a similar rhythm on the front end, I think he’ll prove very hard to pass.
His stable has begun to catch form, which is always a positive too.
Megan’s Tip: Excelero WIN
Cheltenham 3.00 – Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Conman Jon (6/5 fav) looks a very solid favourite to me and I expect him to take this out well.
I was impressed by him last time over course and distance and the form has been franked with the runner-up, Great Fleet, winning well at Kelso subsequently.
Connections think a lot of him and I think he’ll prove a very talented stayer. This looks a nice opportunity stepping up in grade.
Megan’s Tip: Conman Jon WIN
Cheltenham 3.35 – Download The BetMGM App Mares' Handicap Hurdle
I’m hoping my Dad’s Jubilee Alpha (2/1 fav) can reverse the form with Sweet Caryline (3/1).
I thought she looked a bit rusty at Wincanton where she made a hash of the second last and I expect her to improve significantly from that here.
Megan’s Tip: Jubilee Alpha WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
