Cheltenham Festival 2016 Betting: You’ll be leaving at dawn if this one wins the Pertemps
The Pertemps Final (2.10pm) used to be the type of race where trainers could hide their light under a bushel.
That is now more difficult as horses have to finish in the first six in a qualifier to get into the big one.
Charles Byrnes is a massive target trainer and his LEAVE AT DAWN looks primed to go very close.
The six-year-old son of Presenting ran really well at Cheltenham in November and this has surely been the plan ever since.
He finished fifth last time out at Leopardstown in a qualifier and that was enough to get his place in the final.
Some might question his ability to stay, but that last run was on very soft ground and tomorrow’s better surface will suit him more.
Barry Geraghty has chosen to ride him over If In Doubt and Cup Final which is a tip in itself. Take the 7/1 with Betway.
Missed Approach was an impressive winner at Newbury’s Hennessy meeting and he has been kept fresh for this. He’s just a little too short for me at 10/1, though.
Taglietelle always has to be respected in this type of race, especially as top Irish apprentice Jack Kennedy takes off 3lbs.
But the one at a bigger price who appeals to me is Our Kaempfer, who I tipped ante-post at 18/1 a couple of weeks ago.
Charlie Longsdon is yet to train a Festival winner, but this seven-year-old finished third to Thistlecrack in a Grade One hurdle at Aintree last April.
He was unluckily brought down at Haydock in November and I think he’s well-handicapped.
Pointers
Leave At Dawn 2.10pm Cheltenham
Our Kaempfer (already advised 18/1) 2.10pm Cheltenham