2020 Cheltenham Trials Day Tips For ITV Live Races

I am still not sure what happened Lord Schnitzel in the Thyestes. He jumped beautifully for the most part but he disappeared into the Gowran Fog when nearly leading 5 out and when they reappeared at the 3rd last he was out of contention. The race report says he made a mistake at the third last fence, which he did, but he was already going backwards by then. Maybe he just didn’t stay but only the jockey knows what really happened. It is trials day at Jumps HQ on Saturday and some big reputations are on the line. Dave Stevos is hoping for a change in fortune today, check out his free 2020 Cheltenham Trials Day tips below…

Cheltenham Tips 1.50pm – Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

We were on Lalor last time out over C&D at big odds and he just failed in a thrilling finish. He was beat by two noses into 3rd and it marked a big return to form. Aidan Coleman will know him a lot better this time too. I am a big fan of this horse and have followed him since his debut bumper win at Wincanton. However, his record is far from consistent and he is no banker to repeat his last display. I would love to see him win but he is short enough at 6/1 given his overall profile. If he runs at the festival in March and gets better ground, that could be the time to back him.

One that looks interesting off a mark of 129 is Northern raider Cool Mix. This likeable grey horse is very consistent and has only finished outside the first 3 on five occasions from 17 starts. His trainer has campaigned him well, admittedly, but he still has some decent form in the book. He has reached the money in 6 of his 8 chase starts, winning once and finishing 2nd four times. Cool Mix bounced back to form on his last outing after a couple of below par efforts.

Iain Jardine’s charge ran a cracker at Musselburgh last time off a mark of 127 (20f gd/sft). He was a bit unlucky, stumbling after jumping the second last, but it was a big step in the right direction. A few snippets of his form suggest 129 should be within his compass, even if he could have found an easier race to prove it. At odds of 28/1, Cool Mix is worth a small each way interest.

2020 CHELTENHAM TRIALS DAY TIPS: COOL MIX E/W @ 28/1

Cheltenham Tips 2.25 – Cotswold Chase (Grade 2)

Santini was touted as a Gold Cup horse by some this year but has had a wind op and might need a run to regain confidence. He looked as slow as a boat last time and he could be a Grand National horse, eventually. Slate House very impressive at Kempton but he is a horse I still can’t trust fully. If he wins today I think it will dispel any doubts about his attitude.

Top Ville Ben is exciting to watch and will try to make all. He will go out on his shield no matter what the final result but I suspect 25f at Cheltenham might stretch him, especially if Bristol De Mai hassles him for the lead. The way the race is likely to unfold could suit De Rasher Counter and his stamina is assured. He won very nicely last time at Newbury and he was in the process of running well behind Santini over hurdles here when falling at the last on his only previous start at this track.

Another one who shouldn’t be overlooked is Mister Whitaker for in form Mick Channon. This horse loves it at Cheltenham and while his stamina is unproven, his racing style could be ideal for this race. If they go fast up front Jonathan Burke will happily sit and wait out the back and if they go too hard, he could easily pick up the pieces. He is related to a couple of 3 mile winners so he might stay and his only previous try at the trip was inconclusive. At odds of 25/1 this previous course Grade 2 winner is a tentative e/w selection. De Rasher Counter could surprise with a big run too.

2020 CHELTENHAM TRIALS DAY TIPS: MISTER WHITAKER E/W @ 25/1

Cheltenham Tips 3.00 – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

8 go to post in this 20f Grade 2 for Novices and 7 of them have realistic chances. King Roland is the favourite after his Exeter romp last time, but I think House Island will give him a proper race. Paul Webber’s 6yo son of Casamento ran a blinder on his Graded debut at Sandown (20f sft). He helped force a strong pace, he looked green as grass at times and he still only went down by 0.75L to Enrilo.

That horse was outclassed behind Thyme Hill in a Grade 1 next time but there is no disgrace in that. House Island was giving the winner 3lb too at Sandown, another reason to mark up the performance.  If Gavin Sheehan can poach an easier lead here, House Island could be hard to reel back in. He got racing a lot earlier than ideal with the fav Happygolucky at Sandown and still beat that rival by over 7L. I think there could be a lot more to come from this fella and at double figure odds he is the each way pick

2020 CHELTENHAM TRIALS DAY TIPS: HOUSE ISLAND E/W @ 12/1 NAP

2020 Cheltenham Trials Day Tips 3.35 – Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2)

This race is all about one horse…the mighty Paisley Park. Last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle winner is the favourite and rightly so. The surprising thing to me is his price. At the time of writing 5/6 is available. This horse has passed every test he has faced in the last season and a half and If The Cap Fits is his latest one. He won over 19f last time at Ascot and previously prevailed by a head at Aintree on good over 24f. He beat two good mares that day, Apple’s Jade and Roksana, giving weight to both.

Taking on Paisley Park off level weights may be too much for him though. He is a different proposition to the mares he beat at Aintree and while the handicapper gives him a proper chance, I am not so sure. In fact, if he jumps well I think Summerville Boy could chase Paisley Park home. He beat Roksana convincingly last time and he is 2/2 when completing this season. The 2018 Supreme winner is back in form after a season in the wilderness and if his pedigree is anything to go by, he should relish this trip. I’ll just be watching this race though and will be cheering Paisley Park on. No bet.

2020 CHELTENHAM TRIALS DAY TIPS: NO BET