Horse Racing Betting Tips: Side with a couple of long shots in the Close Brothers

ONLY two favourites have been successful in the 14 renewals of this trappy 20-runner Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (4.50pm), so tread carefully.

The three Irish raiders that head the betting are all hugely respected, but I’m not in a hurry to take a single-figure price in such a wide-open looking contest.

Riders Onthe Storm won well at Punchestown last time and is probably still ahead of the handicapper, but for me he has to prove he stays.

Tower Bridge is probably the most interesting of the market leaders and could be well-treated on his Grade One novice hurdling form.

However, I am going to take a chance on a couple of the home team at what appear to be monster prices.

First up, joint top-weight RED INDIAN slips in here under the radar for little known Leicestershire trainer Kelly Morgan.

Having bolted up on heavy ground on his chasing debut at Ayr, he was thrown in at the deep end when finishing fourth in the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

I’m not sure many of these could mix it in that company and it was a hell of a run to split Santini and Bags Groove.

Last year, he finished sixth in the Coral Cup and his ability to handle bad ground is another huge positive.

Admittedly, he needs to brush up on his jumping as he showed when unseating last time, but at 20/1, he looks worth an each-way bet.

The other one I’m interested in is Alex Hales’ HUNTSMAN SON who can be supported at the same price.

He has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for his recent Newbury success, but that was a smart performance after wind surgery and he is a lively outsider.

POINTERS

Red Indian e/w 4.50pm Cheltenham

Huntsman Son e/w 4.50pm Cheltenham