Cheltenham 3.35 Race Preview

A high-class 2-mile handicap chase worth over £52,000, this contest has drawn a fascinating field of fast-ground specialists and course-and-distance veterans. The pace promises to be strong, which should set the race up perfectly for a thrilling finish up the famous Cheltenham hill.

The Key Contenders

MATATA (12-0)

• Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
• Jockey: J J Slevin
• Form: 212133-

The class act in the race, Matata carries the top weight of 12-0 for a reason. His emphatic 10-length win in a Class 2 at Windsor last January (off a 5lb lower mark) was hugely impressive, a performance that saw him jump to the front and run his rivals ragged. He proved he belongs at a high level with two solid 3rd-place finishes in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company afterwards, though he did make a bad mistake at Aintree. He has a great record at Cheltenham (1 win, 2 places from 4 starts) and is a bold, front-running jumper. If he is fully fit for this seasonal reappearance, he is the one they all have to beat, though the 12-0 burden is a major ask.

CALICO (10-10)

• Trainer: Dan Skelton
• Jockey: Harry Skelton
• Form: P13432-

This 9-year-old from the powerful Skelton stable looks to have a major chance. He finished his last season with a career-best effort, running 2nd in a valuable Grade 3 handicap at Aintree. He is a proven course performer (1 win, 2 places from 6 starts) and is now 15lbs better off with Brookie for a 4-length defeat at Doncaster back in March. That is a significant weight swing that should see him reverse the form. He handles good ground well and comes from a yard that excels at having their horses ready first-time-out.

THIRD TIME LUCKI (10-5)

• Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
• Jockey: Jonathan Burke
• Form: 26505-11

A resurgent force. This 10-year-old is a two-time Cheltenham winner who completely lost his way last winter. However, a move to Fergal O’Brien’s yard sparked a revival, and he ended his season with two dominant, confidence-boosting wins at Uttoxeter and Bangor in the spring. He is a superb jumper on his day and adores good ground. He comes into this race fit, in-form, and 12lbs lower than his peak rating. If he can continue his renaissance, he is dangerously well-handicapped.

BROOKIE (11-3)

• Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
• Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
• Form: 17312-4

Brookie had a phenomenal novice campaign last season, winning a Doncaster handicap (beating Calico) before finishing an excellent 2nd in a Grade 1 at Aintree and 4th in a Punchestown Grade 1. He has proven his class. The big question is the handicap mark. He is now rated 149, a full 19lbs higher than for his Doncaster win. He has a lot to prove off this new rating, especially with the significant weight pull that Calico now enjoys.

Best of the Rest

• UNEXPECTED PARTY (11-3): Another Skelton runner, he was last seen finishing 2nd in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He has a fantastic record here (1 win, 3 places from 9 starts) and clearly relishes the track. His 7lb claimer, Harry Atkins, is a rising star. Not to be underestimated.
• JASKO DES DAMES (10-4): The sole Irish raider from the top Henry De Bromhead yard. He was 5th in the Grand Annual and ran a blinder to be 2nd in a major handicap at Listowel 33 days ago. This means he arrives with a crucial fitness advantage over most of his rivals and must be respected.

Verdict

This is a red-hot contest, but the handicap weights could be decisive.

CALICO looks primed for a big run. He finished last season in the form of his life, acts on the course, and has a major pull at the weights with his old rival Brookie.

Third Time Lucki is the “dark horse.” If his summer revival is to be believed, he is handicapped to win this comfortably, but he must prove he is still the horse of old. Matata has the class, but the 12-0 weight on his seasonal return is a huge challenge. The race-fit Irish raider, Jasko Des Dames, could be the one to spoil the party for the British contingent.

1-2-3 Prediction:

1. Calico
2. Third Time Lucki
3. Jasko Des Dames