I love the look of this classy jumper who has loads of improvement to come and looks a Cheltenham Festival punt at 16-1

5 months ago 37

LET’s see if we can hit the big time with our next Festival bet.

I like the look of Noel Meade’s Flanking Maneuver for the National Hunt Chase.

He’s a second season novice and his form ties in well with the likes of Churchstonewarrior and Mahler Mission — unlucky not to win the race at last term’s Festival.

There’s a risk Flanking Maneuver may skip the Festival and go for the Irish Nash.

But I think at 16-1 with Betfair it is a chance worth taking. £25 each-way please.

It’s also worth bearing in mind what Mikey O’Sullivan said after guiding him to victory at Fairyhouse when last seen last month.

He said: “He’s a classy horse and I’d say there is plenty of improvement in him.

“He had loads of graded form so I suppose we’d have been disappointed if he did anything less.

“But the way he did it so smoothly was impressive.”

He’s also owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown, an outfit famed for their awesome, gritty stayers.

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Meanwhile, here are four horse you need for your notebook or trackers.

PRIMOZ – Lucinda Russell

Massive engine and looks smart

INDEEVAR BLEU – Olly Murphy

Green and guaranteed to improve

JOHNNYWHO – Jonjo O’Neill

Huge talent. Challow’s a realistic aim

IROKO – O Greenall & J Guerriero

Looked a natural on chasing debut

Key stat

Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have never won the National Hunt Chase – let’s hope that continues with my ante-post punt!