Racing TV's Andrew Blair White follows up on his opening Betway blog with three selections for Saturday's racing at Cheltenham.
I am very much looking forward to returning to Cheltenham for the first time for the new season on Saturday – where there is an enjoyable seven race card to get stuck into. For all that the Friday card might be a little bit thin on the ground for runners, Saturday’s card represents plenty of decent and competitive action.
The 2.55 race is the first port of call for me on the card – with the 3m1f handicap chase boasting a good prize pot, and nine horses have been declared to go to post. Here Comes Georgie will have his followers, and one must always be concerned when Dan Skelton gets one from other yards. He has the magic touch when it comes to these new recruits. However, I am going to opt with the idea that he might take this first run for the yard and my preference is for KATATE DORI 7/2 .
Katate Dori enjoyed a highly productive 2024/2025 season, culminating in winning the Racing Post Chase at Kempton Park. He felt the effects of that last season – where he struggled to land a blow in some of those big handicaps. However, optimism can be taken by the fact his best run was here on New Year’s Day when a close second in a very similar contest. He returns here off a mark of 132 and this race does not look too deep on paper. His trainer’s runners often run well at this stage of the season also. He is currently 4/1 with Betway – and that makes more than enough appeal to me.
Back Katate Dori at 4/1 in the 2.55 at Cheltenham
The 3.30 race is the Masterton Holdings Hurdle for juveniles from last season and plenty of these competed in strong juvenile races last season. I have landed on INDIAN RIVER 3/1 – who certainly would have needed the run when down the field on Market Rasen on his return. His juvenile form was rock solid, with a third in the Aintree Grade 1 behind Mange Tout the standout piece of form. His trainer has had 11 winners already this jumps season and is operating at 39%, and I am hopeful this horse can add to that. He makes appeal at 11/4.
Back Indian River at 11/4 in the 3.30 at Cheltenham
I had been trawling through the Galway card originally scheduled for Saturday to see whether there were any nuggets there, but with that meeting being redirected for Monday due to high winds – my final selection returns to Cheltenham.
The 4.05 race is a very intriguing Novice Chase and with what lacks for runners, makes up for in quality. Derryhassen Paddy will have a lot of eyes on him after a smart novice hurdle campaign two seasons ago and a novice chase season which was sadly curtailed early last year. Taking on Cheltenham so early in one’s novice chase career can be tough though, and preference is for the experienced BUTCH CASSIDY 5/2 – who is beginning to fulfil quite a lot of his early potential. After a relatively low-key life to fences, he has put in two excellent efforts in summer Irish novices’ – winning impressively on both occasions. His jumping is becoming more assured and with that vital experience under his belt, he could well hold the edge over his inexperienced chasing rivals. At a price of 11/4 – he makes appeal to me.
Back Butch Cassidy at 11/4 in the 4.05 at Cheltenham
Some excellent action all in all this weekend and whether you are punting or having your notebooks out for future races – there should be plenty to look forward to. Enjoy your racing.
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