Reports suggest that not to much rain has fallen overnight, so conditions should be fine for Kildisart here. Whilst he’s only half the price when advised, he still rates a pretty solid each way bet and all our previous comments apply.
Ultima Handicap Chase, Tuesday 10th March at Cheltenham – Kildisart (e/w) 20/1 Non Runner No Bet with Bet365, Skybet.
We’d only advise you back him NRNB with either of the bookmakers listed.
20/1 could look a fair price on the day if conditions are suitable as half the field last year were 16/1 or shorter.
Kempton, Kildisart (Notebook comments)
Had been largely disappointing so far this season, albeit being asked to race on very soft ground which he doesn’t seem to really be in love with. This return to dryer ground did suit, but he still raced as though he was a little rusty, not jumping as well as he can and having to be asked to keep a position at times. As a result he lost his position and looked to have run his race turning for home, but to his credit he knuckled down and really battled and stayed on, finishing very nicely on the heels of the front 4. A stiffer test of stamina would be big plus and if Cheltenham get half decent ground for the Tuesday he’d be a massive player in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Whilst he holds an entry over shorter, he looks like he really needs 3 miles plus. He’s also now nicely handicapped, running here off a mark just 3lbs higher than when winning impressively at Aintree last year, which followed an excellent 4th at the Festival in the JLT behind Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation. He is reliant on decent ground (wouldn’t want heavy going) , but following such a promising run we’ll advise you back him for the Ulitma at Cheltenham.