Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham Trials Day

SATURDAY RACING TIPS

Cheltenham 12.40 – Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle

I was impressed with Minella Yoga (2/1) at Newbury when showing a good attitude and galloping strongly to the line.

He is definitely still improving and is competing in his own age group now too.

This looks a competitive race, one of the most competitive of the afternoon. I’m going to stick with Minella Yoga, who I am hoping can hit the highest level – I think he is very talented.

He beat a good horse in Act Of Innocence on his stable debut, so there’s plenty to like about him.

He is probably taking on physically readier horses. Maestro Conti was good at Kempton and is more of a ready juvenile, but Minella Yoga has a massive engine and can go well again.

Megan’s Tip: Minella Yoga WIN

Cheltenham 1.15 – Handicap Chase

I don’t doubt Jagwar is a very talented horse but his jumping does let him down.

Hopefully he can be sharper for that reappearance run and I can see why he is the favourite.

The jumping issues, despite the ability, make him a risky horse to side with.

Therefore I have gone for Booster Bob (3/1), who impressed me on his return at Newbury.

He won very impressively there and could still easily be improving. He is lightly raced and there is more to come from him.

Megan’s Tip: Booster Bob WIN

Cheltenham 2.25 – Cotswold Chase

The big race of the day has such a small field but Grey Dawning (4/7) looks like he should take this one, having impressed at Haydock.

There are horses here with questions to answer. Spillane’s Tower has become fairly untrustworthy and I can’t work him out.

L’Homme Presse we know is very talented and he made a fair comeback run, but is probably not the force of old.

It looks a perfect opportunity for Grey Dawning en route to his Gold Cup bid

Megan’s Tip: Grey Dawning WIN

Cheltenham 3.00 – International Hurdle

Sir Gino (1/3 fav) for me in another small field.

The New Lion showed his quirks at Newcastle before unfortunately falling, and Sir Gino returned from a long break looking a bit fresh and raw at Kempton. I think he’ll be better and sharper for that.

Sir Gino is a crazy talent and I’ve always loved this horse. He travels well so, if Nico de Boinville wants to go forward, he can make the running.

He is so straightforward and simple in the way he can be ridden. A likeable attitude and big engine make him the pick for me here.

Megan’s Tip: Sir Gino WIN

Cheltenham 3.35 – Cleeve Hurdle

Impose Toi (5/6) and Strong Leader meet again – and it will be the former that comes out on top.

He has reached new heights over this extended distance. He stays well, gets ridden with confidence and I think his last two starts have been very good – you could argue that he was better again at Ascot.

They are not carrying the same weight with the penalties they have to carry, so no weight advantage either way here, and the result will remain the same.

We will see Imposse Toi powering up the hull.

Megan’s Tip: Impose Toi WIN

Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation