Keith Melrose Highlights Overlooked 20-1 Shot at Cheltenham Friday
Keith Melrose, El-Balad’s betting expert, identified a noteworthy value bet in the Turners Handicap Chase set for 1:50 PM. He expresses confidence in two underdogs, Cruz Control and Blaze The Way, who both have the potential to challenge the favored L’Homme Presse.
Key Insights on Cruz Control and Blaze The Way
Melrose highlights Cruz Control, a horse that previously triumphed at Aintree during the Grand National meeting. He notes that the betting market may have overlooked Cruz Control due to a disappointing run last time at Newcastle, where he struggled and stumbled while running on challenging ground.
He explained, “Cruz Control went off 11-2 for the Rehearsal but tends to perform better after his initial race.” Melrose believes the horse could be an undervalued option at odds of 18-1, given his past performance and the tactics of his connections.
On the other hand, Melrose believes Blaze The Way, trained by Mags Mullins, possesses potential that is not fully recognized in the betting market. If the horse were under a different trainer, Melrose argues it would likely draw more attention and be priced lower than its current odds.
Additional Considerations
Robbie Wilders, another expert, supports Melrose’s enthusiasm for Blaze The Way. He pointed out that the horse displayed a career-best Racing Post Rating over 2m2f in his latest outing, suggesting he may improve significantly.
Wilders also provides insight into the opening novice hurdle race at 12:05 PM, where he recommends Our Boy Stan. He expresses skepticism about the chances of Henderson chasers, anticipating they may go off at shorter odds than warranted.
Noteworthy Bets and Predictions
- 12:05 PM Novice Hurdle: Our Boy Stan – Recommended by Robbie Wilders
- 1:50 PM Turners Handicap Chase: Blaze The Way – Recommended by Keith Melrose
- 2:25 PM Veterans’ Chase: Fugitif – Recommended by Robbie Wilders
With promising insights from both Melrose and Wilders, the upcoming races at Cheltenham are poised to deliver excitement and potential for bettors.
