Ed Quigley’s Ante-Post Armchair for Tuesday 3rd January

Ed is back with two big-priced fancies for the Cheltenham Festival

WEVEALLBEENCAUGHT produced a battling display to knuckle down to win at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day under a determined Sam Twiston-Davies. It may only have been a Maiden Hurdle he won, but it was full of promising sorts and having pulled over a length clear when having to battle up the Cheltenham Hill, it was noticeable how far it was back to third - over 20 lengths. Time will tell, but I think that was a smart performance, and he makes plenty of appeal for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at 25/1.

Game effort 🏇

The exciting Weveallbeencaught opens his account over flights at the second time of asking for @NigelTwistonDav & @samtwiston @CheltenhamRaces

Some debut from point winner Rock My Way too! pic.twitter.com/0ygFqzT3cZ
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 1, 2023

You have to bear in mind that was just the six-year-old’s second start over hurdles, and this raw imposing individual is learning fast and, based on that performance, would enjoy an even greater test of stamina. He found more when needed, and stepping up to 3 miles in March can bring out even more improvement, especially if there is a bit of cut in the ground. Let’s not forget, he was thrown in the deep end on his hurdling bow when third to Hermes Allen - form which subsequently looks red hot considering the Paul Nicholls representative has just laughed at his rivals in winning the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle.

Nigel Twiston-Davies states, “he may have one more run, but we might just head straight to the Albert Bartlett”. I can’t see them going anywhere else other than the three-mile event in 10 weeks’ time, and on Soft ground, he’s a player.

Ed's Ante-Post Tip

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

Weveallbeencaught looks a big price for the Albert Bartlett

At 25/1 a £10 bet would return £260

Cheltenham Festival

Elsewhere, and bringing in the Hermes Allen form, the runner-up in the Challow, YOU WEAR IT WELL, ran an absolute stormer for the Jamie Snowden team. Sent off 16/1, she was two from two going into her toughest assignment to date, yet produced a sparkling effort in defeat under patient tactics from Gavin Sheehan. In the aftermath, Snowden has said that she “will probably head straight to the Mares’ Novice Hurdle” for which she can still be backed at 20/1.

I am slightly surprised at that, as I think she could be a real force back against her own sex. 2m1f on the New Course should be absolutely fine for her, and I can see her putting up a bold show should she get there in one piece, where resuming her customary front-running tactics wouldn’t be an issue.

Ed's Ante-Post Tip

Mares Novices Hurdle

You Wear It Well looks a strong bet if she lines up come up March

At 20/1 a £10 bet would return £210

Cheltenham Festival

Betting Advice

Weveallbeencaught - Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival - 1pt win @ 25/1 (bet365)
You Wear It Well - Mares’ Novices Hurdle, Cheltenham Festival - 1pt win @ 20/1 (bet365)

* Betting odds correct at the time of publication. All odds are subject to changes.

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