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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham Christmas Meeting Day 1 Tips

FRIDAY RACING TIPS — CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MEETING

13.50 Cheltenham – Handicap Chase

In the first televised race at Cheltenham, I find it pretty hard to get away from Chianti Classico (13/8 fav).

He’s versatile when it comes to the ground and I know he has a career-high mark to deal with, but he’s a proper graded horse running in a handicap.

He goes well at Cheltenham and I think he looked better than ever at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance which was probably a career best.

I think he’s likely the classy act here once again and should take all the beating.

Megan’s Tip: Chianti Classico WIN

14.05 Bangor On Dee – Maiden Hurdle

This looks a nice opportunity for Kevin’s Pride (SP) to get off the mark over hurdles.

He was narrowly beaten at Carlisle on his hurdling debut and his jumping was a bit messy, but I’d imagine he’s done a bit of practice since then.

If he can pull that side of things together, he’ll take all the beating and it looks like a nice opportunity that John McConnell has spotted.

Megan’s Tip: Kevin’s Pride WIN

14.25 Cheltenham – Veterans’ Handicap Chase

These Veterans’ Chases are always really competitive, but the one I like is Dashel Drasher (11/2).

He ran a huge race on his chasing return behind Pic D’Orhy at Ascot and we know he goes well at Cheltenham.

Changing him from fences back to hurdles seems to have sweetened him up by the looks of how he ran last time and I think he’ll run another massive race here.

Copperhead (7/1) is probably overpriced and could be the one to back each-way. He’s been in top form this season.

Whether the handicapper is catching up with him I’m not too sure but, if they go at a strong pace, he might just be able to run into the places.

Megan’s Tip: Dashel Drasher WIN; Copperhead E/W

14.40 Bangor On Dee – Handicap Hurdle

Strackan (SP) dictated at Uttoxeter when winning last time. He was beaten on his return but the form of that defeat at Worcester is strong with the winner, Double Powerful, winning twice subsequently.

I think he’s still nicely weighted and he has a big chance.

Captain Potter (SP) is a massive each-way price and he could well outrun his odds.

He was going okay before slipping up at Catterick last time, he’s been unfortunate not to run on a couple of occasions since but I know Brian Ellison thinks he’s got a bit of ability and he could just surprise a few.

Megan’s Tip: Strachan WIN; Captain Potter E/W

15.00 Cheltenham – Cross Country Handicap Chase

I’m going to go with Stumptown (4/1) here.

He’s taken really well to the banks races and he’s got good, consistent form at Cheltenham, in general.

He’s likely to bowl along on the front end and, sometimes, that can be the place you want to be in these Cross Country races - avoid too much of the hustle and bustle.

Hopefully, he can get into a nice rhythm on the front end. He stays so I don’t think that will be an issue either.

I do think we will see a better performance from Latenightpass (6/1) who got tired on his return at the Grand Sefton.

He goes well in these types of races and he won this 12 months ago off of a four-pound lower mark.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see him improve from his return at Aintree and put up a better effort this time around

Megan’s Tip: Stumptown WIN; Latenightpass E/W

15.35 Cheltenham – Handicap Hurdle

I still think Doyen Quest (7/4 fav) is unexposed at this trip. Four from eight over hurdles shows he’s very consistent and he was very impressive at Cheltenham last time.

He was held up and quickened up nicely at his first time at this trip and there could be more to come over the three miles.

He’s obviously gone up in the weights, but I still don’t think we’ve reached the bottom of his ability yet.

I’ll back Wonderful Eagle (11/1) each-way. He was behind Long Draw (9/1) when they last met but I feel this horse stepping up in trip could make his jumping that much better because he has more time to concentrate on his hurdles. I think that will help him.

He’s a good stayer on the Flat and I don’t think the three miles will be any harm for him. He might just be able to sneak into a place if things fall right.

Megan’s Tip: Doyen Quest WIN; Wonderful Eagle E/W

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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