Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders` Handicap Chase - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 16/03/2017

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders` Handicap Chase - Cheltenham Festival

March 16, 2016 17:30pm - Cheltenham

Cheltenham Festival

Distance: 3m 2f

Runners: 24

Winner: £40,233.00

Going: Good (Soft in places)

Doctor Harper unseated his rider here last year but could make amends this time round. His jumping has improved since then and he will racing off the same mark. He was way down the field at the Open meeting at Cheltenham in November but bounced back with a narrow second place behind Tour Des Champs at the same course on New Year`s Day. The nine-year-old was pulled up at Warwick less than a fortnight later but should be arriving here much fresher. What`s more, jockey Lisa O`Neill will be full of confidence after bagging her maiden Festival winner on Tuesday.

Squouateur was successful three times over hurdles but has yet to win over fences. However, he impressed when coming home in second place behind Westerners Son in a 2m handicap at Naas last month. His stable won this last year and he has covered similar distance without disgrace at Aintree.

Alvarado has Grand National pedigree having twice finished fourth in the showpiece event at Aintree and also came second in last year`s Scottish National. However, the steady plodder may just get out-paced by some of his rivals here.

Betting odds and tips

Squouateur is the pick in the win market but each-way punters should consider Doctor Harper and Alvarado.

Squouateur can be backed at a best price of 6/1, while Doctor Harper can be backed at a best price of 14/1 with Bet365. Alvarado is also worth an each-way bet at a big price of 28/1.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Cheltenham races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders` Handicap Chase winners - Last three years:

2014: Spring Heeled (7) - Robbie McNamara (Jim Culloty)

2015: The Package (12) - Jamie Codd (David Pipe)

2016: Cause of Causes (8) - Jamie Codd (Gordon Elliott)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/03/2017 10:47:35) but are subject to change.