THE VOICE OF VALUE (@TheVoiceOfValue) has been part of our Festival squad for the last two years and nailed a 16/1 winner on Tuesday. Here's his verdict on the Fred Winter.
Cheltenham 16:50 | Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | ITV4
Never a whole lot of form to go on, this race is prime hunting ground for a trainer with one up his sleeve that hasn’t been found out by the handicapper yet. Last year I managed to find the winner in the shape of Diego Du Charmil and perhaps the same approach will yield a winner this year.
Nicholls holds key
Paul Nicholls is a master with the French imports at this age. He seems to be able to identify the best horses and then develop them into competitive hurdlers and chasers in Britain. The two he has entered in the race this year are Dolos (10/1 10BET) and Dremcatching (12/1 10BET).
He was originally quite bullish about Dreamcatching but in recent days the word seems to be that Dolos is working very well at home.
Stan Sheppard is a useful young jockey who gets a weight allowance and will improve Dreamcatching’s chances even further. I’m tempted simply to back both of them against the field in a tried and tested approach to finding the winner.
A notable mention must also go to Divin Bere who beat my fancy for the Triumph Hurdle last time out and must therefore be in with a very strong chance. I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from backing him but 5/1 is just a bit on the short side for me.
Best Bets
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – Dolos (10/1 each-way 10BET)
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – Dreamcatching (12/1 each-way 10BET)
