Millar's Method: Cheltenham specialist can defeat prolific winner on Saturday

If a short-priced play isn't your idea of a good bet, especially on a competitive day of racing, make sure you have a second look at Ross Millar's selections.

1.30 Cheltenham, 3m novices’ hurdle

Since teeing off this season from his new base at Naunton Downs, Ben Pauling has had his string in fine order as proven by his 27% strike rate.

He’s represented in this novices’ hurdle by a former prolific performer in point-to-points called Twig, who has run well in both of his starts under rules. His latest win at Warwick was supremely impressive - he travelled powerfully and got to the front exceptionally easily, and the official half-length winning margin was solely down to him idling badly when in front. 

Twig gets 5lb from the majority of the field here and, providing he adapts to being switched to hurdles (there is no reason why he won’t), he’s more than capable of landing this under Beau Morgan, who knows him well having ridden him to victory seven times. 

Selection: Twig @ 9.2

2.05 Cheltenham, 3m1f handicap chase

On his last run over fences here off a mark of 142, Coeur Serein finished a fine fourth. 

He was just eight lengths behind subsequent Ultima winner Corach Rambler,  who he gave 8lb, while subsequent Grimthorpe Chase winner Undersupervision finished just a length ahead in third in receipt of 6lb. The vet reported that Coeur Serein had been struck into that day, so it’s plausible his effort was compromised. 

Coeur Serein then produced two decent efforts over fences at Exeter, before reverting to hurdles. He performed creditably in both the Pertemps Final (eighth) and in the Grade 3 handicap at Aintree (fifth).

He can capitalise on his reduced mark of 137 over a trip and track that is sure to suit this stamina-laden son of Fame And Glory. Any rainfall is a welcome boost to his chances. 

Selection: Coeur Serein @ 8.6

3.15 Cheltenham, 2m handicap chase

Clear The Runway has landed a number of prizes this summer and consequently advertised the training talents of Laura Morgan as he climbed from a mark of 98 to his current rating of 142. 

However, all of his wins have come at lesser tracks against moderate summer campaigners and this looks a lot tougher off a 7lb higher mark.

While he is just short of top-class, Editeur Du Gite is still a high-class performer, especially at this track. He runs here off a mark of 153 - the same rating as when he finished fourth in last season's Grand Annual, though on that occasion very soft ground exposed his stamina in the final 100 yards. 

This is nowhere near as tough and, with Josh Moore sadly sidelined, the excellent Niall Houlihan renews the partnership with his useful 3lb claim. Providing he’s fully tuned for this opening assignment, he should be far too good for the opposition and can end Clear The Runway’s impressive winning streak.

Selection: Editeur Du Gite @ 4.2

Saturday’s Horse Racing Tips

Twig (1.30 Cheltenham) @ 9.2
Coeur Serein (2.05 Cheltenham) @ 8.6
Editeur Du Gite (3.15 Cheltenham) @ 4.2