Thursday 10th March 2016

Two further Cheltenham Festival bets have been added to the portfolio:

2:50 Tuesday “Ultima Handicap” - Kruzhlinin EW 10-1.

4:50 Wednesday “Fred Winter”- Diego Du Charmil EW 7-1.

Kruzhlinin was impressive on his first start for trainer Philip Hobbs, he beat Le Reve in good style in what looked a strong race. Reports on the day suggested Kruzhlinin would improve for the run as it was his first outing for almost a year.

The selection looks to have been saved for this race, the handicapper raised him 10lbs but connections have held fire despite entries in some other valuable handicaps. It seems the Hobbs yard still think he’s fairly treated and from what I’m hearing a big effort is expected next week. The Grand National could be on the cards after Cheltenham

I can’t tell you much about Diego Du Charmil as we’ve not see him race in the UK. His trainer, Paul Nicholls has deliberately not run him though. Rumours suggest Mr Nicholls is very happy with the rating of 132 the English handicapper has given the horse and he's sat on that and not blown it by running.

The Fred Winter is bit of a minefield for punters but Diego Du Charmil looks worth a few bob EW.

Bets so far:

Buveur Dair EW 7-1 – Supreme Hurdle.

Thistlecrack & Yanworth EW double “pays 4-1” World Hurdle & Neptune Hurdle.

Kruzhlinin EW 10-1 – Ultima Handicap.

Diego Du Charmil EW 7-1 – Fred Winter.