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Saturday 23rd October

 Cheltenham is very much in the spotlight this weekend but it looks a tricky card on Saturday and I must admit I found it difficult to find a bet. A number of those that did catch my eye at Cheltenham were a little shorter than expected. I was tempted to leave it alone and use it as an informative card going forward rather than trying to force a bet.

However, I was drawn to an old friend who did the column a few favours last season, particularly here at the December meeting when he returned to the minimum trip. Since then, he has been extremely progressive, culminating in a success at the Festival in the Grand Annual. Of course, the horse is Sky Pirate and returning to his ideal conditions can go close in the handicap chase at 3.30, despite having to shoulder top weight.

As mentioned, he finished last season winning the Grand Annual (off 7lbs lower) and went up 25lb in all in the ratings from his December win. Given his run style though, we may not have seen the best of him yet and he can potentially be a Graded horse this season. He will need to be probably to give all this weight away, but aside from Before Midnight, I don't see too much upturn in his rivals.

The aforementioned should ensure the race is run at a good pace and that could play right into the hands of Sky Pirate. The stable are in excellent form and while his fitness must be taken on trust, one would imagine they would like to know where they are with him to see which way they might go this season. Given I thought he would be favourite, he just about rates value at his current price of 11/4.


0.5pt win Sky Pirate (11/4 General) Cheltenham 3.30


Current P/L since June 2020:

Total Staked: 109.5 points

Total Returned: 152.65 points

Total Profit: 43.15 points


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