Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham & Doncaster Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Doncaster 2.05 – Futurity Trophy
Benvenuto Cellini (5/4 Fav) has been very impressive the last twice including at Group 2 level last time.
He goes on any ground and looks like the one they will have to beat. Christophe Soumillon has chosen him over the yard’s second string and I think he will be very well-backed.
For me, he looks a potential Derby candidate. He stays very well and the slower ground is certainly no issue for him.
He is the one to beat in what is possibly not the strongest Futurity Trophy we’ve had in recent years.
Megan’s Tip: Benvenuto Cellini WIN
Cheltenham 2.20 – 3m Handicap Chase
I like Rock My Way (5/1f) in this one.
He’s had a wind operation and this is his first run since. He hasn’t been with the Tizzard’s for all that long and there could be further improvement to come.
He ran very well at Cheltenham previously last year, he’s a strong stayer, goes well fresh and he will enjoy the ground, so there are plenty of positives.
Joe Tizzard’s horses ran very well early in the season last year, and I imagine he will have them ready again this time round.
Megan’s Tip: Rock My Way
Cheltenham 2.55 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
These Pertemps qualifiers are always quite tricky to work out, but I’ll go with Long Draw (11/2f).
He goes well at Cheltenham, is very consistent and Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen are on fire. It’s almost getting to the point when you can back them blind as virtually everything they run seems to win!
I think he’ll go very well, but my each-way shout is Chart Topper (6/1) for the Mullins team.
I think this horse is likely to run a big race at a nice price, and it’s probably a tip in itself that Willie is sending him over.
He has plenty of weight on his back but might have just been overlooked.
Megan’s Tip: Long Draw WIN; Chart Topper EW
Newbury 3.10 – Horris Hill Stakes
Stellar Sunrise (11/2f) is a horse I have followed since seeing him on his debut at Goodwood.
A son of Space Blues and physically throughout the season he has done extremely well. He’s progressed and got stronger and bigger as the year has gone on.
I think they’ve quite rightly taken their time with him and it seems as if he will go well on any ground. He is a really straightforward type, and it was nice to see him win two of the big meetings at the Goodwood and the Ebor Festivals.
He’s a talented horse up in Grade but the step up is deserved and it would be no surprise to see him run a huge race.
Megan’s Tip: Stellar Sunrise WIN
Cheltenham 3.30 – Masterson Hurdle
Give It To Me Oj (1/2f) looks a very solid favourite and I think he’s a good thing of the day. I know he’s a short price but he has returned to the Flat in unbelievable form.
I’ve always liked this horse and at the back end of last season we saw him run well in a Grade 1 at Aintree and then win at Sandown after that as well.
He is a talented horse, and the ground is perfect. He is very versatile in that way, and good-to-soft is ideal ground for him.
A very talented four-year-old, he certainly looks like he is going the right way, and I expect him to take all the beating in this one.
Megan’s Tip: Give It To Me Oj WIN
Cheltenham 4.05 – Novices Chase Hurdle
I like Welcom to Cartries (9/2), who has got cheekpieces on for the first time.
Back chasing, he is a horse that was aimed pretty high in his first couple of chase starts and this is maybe a more realistic target.
He didn’t disgrace himself by any means over fences at Sandown and I just think there is more to come from this horse this year.
Cheekpieces are an interesting addition, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him run a massive race for my Dad, Paul.
Megan’s Tip: Welcom to Cartries WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
