Ladies’ Day at the Cheltenham Festival has some star attractions like defending 2m champion chaser Altior and Grand National hero Tiger Roll in the Cross Country.
They are short prices, however, and punters looking for value could do a lot worse than backing Meticulous each-way in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper which closes Wednesday’s card (17:30).
Trained by Joseph O’Brien, who is tipped to do well at Cheltenham, this five-year-old is by Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory and out of an Oscar mare.
After winning by nine lengths in comfortable fashion on his racecourse debut at Killarney over the summer, Meticulous was fourth next time up at Leopardstown in a tougher race.
He improved for that second outing, however, when a closing at the line 1 1/4 lengths second to Envoi Allen in a Grade 2 at the same venue during the Dublin Racing Festival last time out.
While Meticulous now meets the winner off 3lb worse terms, a truer gallop may have suited him better and he ought to get that around the undulations of Cheltenham.
Joseph’s younger brother Donnacha O’Brien is booked to ride him on a rare appearance under National Hunt Rules for owner Michael Tabor of the Coolmore set.
That catches the eye and there’s still value in the standout price of 8/1 with 888Sport as smart punters latch on to this gamble.
Envoi Allen, meanwhile, is battling it out for favouritism with Blue Sari. Both also represent powerful connections in the horse racing world.
While the Gordon Elliott trained, Cheveley Park Stud owned Envoi Allen arguably brings the best form into the race, Blue Sari is very inexperienced but the sole representative of Willie Mullins and JP McManus.
No four-year-old has won the race since Cue Card, so taking that into account Meticulous can press his claims and at least hit the frame here.
Bet of the Day: Meticulous each-way at 8/1 with 888Sport in the Champion Bumper.
