Cheltenham International Meeting | Tips and Preview with Andy Holding

George Elek is joined by Andy Holding to look ahead to Saturday's racing at Cheltenham with the annual International Meeting taking place. With frosty weather forecast overnight we're keeping everything crossed that the action will still go ahead.

The day's card starts with the Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at 12.05pm. At the time of recording three firms have priced the race up with Nusret the favourite at a best price of 6/4 compared to worst odds of 11/8. Scriptwriter and Perseus Way come next in the betting with 11 set to run. Andy is keen on Perseus Way here.

Next up it's the Novices' Chase with just three declared. Monmiral is a heavy favourite, as short as 2/7 in places with a best price of 4/11 and has the in-form Harry Cobden booked for the ride. Kissesforkatie and Art Approval complete the trip at best odds of 7/2 and 10/1 respectively.  

The Handicap Chase looks a competitive affair at 1.15. Editeur Du Gite heads the field at 11/4 but 7 of the 8 runners are at single figure odds. Gumball, Thyme White and Dolos look the biggest threats. Third Time Lucki lines up too looking to bounce back from two disappointing runs at Ascot and Exeter.

The Gold Cup Handicap Chase is another typically open looking affair. Harry Cobden rides 9/2 favourite Il Ridoto with Stolen Silver, War Lord, and Simply The Betts also declared and towards the top of the market. Cheddleton looks an interesting runner at 20/1, Rishi Persad was keen to get him on side when previewing the race on this week's episode of Racing Weekly. Andy meanwhile thinks Fern Hill is also overpriced at 20/1.

The Grade 2 International Hurdle is the big race on the card with five declared to run. Epatante is the 6/4 favourite as she runs for the first time since her humbling defeat to Constitution Hill in the Fighting Fifth. I Like To Move It and Knappers Hill look set to provide her with a strong test and Andy throws First Street into the mix as well and thinks he's the one to be with.

The penultimate race on the card is the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. Weveallbeencaught and Outlaw Peter look set to contest this one with Thomas Mor and Grand Soir also declared. Andy thinks Outlaw Peter has a 'touch of class' and expects him to run in the Albert Bartlett at the festival in March.

The day ends with the Mares' Handicap Hurdle. Nico de Boinville rides favourite Theatre Glory at a best price of 3/1. Martello Sky, Lady Adare and Nina The Terrier aren't far behind with all three between 4/1 and 11/2.

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