Spillane’s Tower Poised to Defeat Grey Dawning on Cheltenham Trials Day
The upcoming Cheltenham Trials Day will feature some exciting horse racing action, including the much-anticipated Cotswold Chase. Scheduled over a distance of three miles and one furlong, this event has served as a traditional trial for the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup. In this year’s race, four contenders will compete for the title, with the Betfair Chase champion, Grey Dawning, currently leading the odds.
Key Competitors in the Cotswold Chase
Among the contenders, JP McManus’ Spillane’s Tower is gaining attention, alongside L’Homme Presse and the dual Stayers’ Hurdle champion, Flooring Porter. This year marks Flooring Porter’s debut in chasing, adding an intriguing element to the competition.
Expert Opinions on the Front Runners
- Declan Rix: Rix expresses skepticism about Grey Dawning’s chances, citing concerns about his form leading into the Gold Cup. Despite carrying a penalty, he opts for L’Homme Presse, believing the competition may not pose a significant threat. Rix notes L’Homme Presse’s impressive past performance and suggests that the current course conditions will suit him well.
- Kate Tracey: Tracey supports Grey Dawning, despite acknowledging that his odds are low. After an impressive victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, she believes that he remains a formidable opponent, even with the added weight he is carrying. She emphasizes that the other competitors have weaknesses, which have contributed to his short price.
- Sam Boswell: Boswell defends Spillane’s Tower amid criticism, highlighting his past form against Galopin Des Champs. Although Spillane’s Tower has not won at a festival yet, Boswell points to his strong three-mile performance history, aside from a setback at Kempton, indicating he could be a good betting option.
Looking Ahead
The Cotswold Chase promises to be an exciting precursor to the Cheltenham Gold Cup scheduled for March. As these contenders prepare to face off, their performances will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
