Select a Stable

RACING POST RATINGS

Steve Mason gives his views exclusively to selectastable.co.uk

DOUBLE UP WITH KAUTO AND DREVER

WITH the possible exception of betting shop millionaire punter Fred Craggs, it's highly unlikely that anyone's going to find the winner of all ten races in Select A Cheltenham Stable, but I'd be very surprised if the winning list doesn't include two winning bankers.

With double points available, it's clearly very important that both bankers go in and, in terms of Racing Post Ratings, the two who stand out on the figures are Kauto Star (right) and Inglis Drever.

The Totesport Gold Cup is being billed as a match between Kauto Star and stablemate Denman, but the reigning title holder goes into the race with a healthy 5lb cushion and, talented as he is, I doubt that Denman will prove superior to the outstanding chaser of the past 15 years.

Worries about the wellbeing of Howard Johnson's string have abated somewhat of late and a healthy Inglis Drever should confirm his superiority over Blazing Bailey in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

However, with seven points available for the runner-up spot, it could pay to double up with the Alan King-trained runner rather than make a token selection for one of the more difficult races.

The Champion Chase can quickly be whittled down to four with a chance and again it makes sense to put two in. Tamarinbleu's Ascot win is the best form on offer, but it's not hard to envisage the progressive Master Minded improving past him.

If the forecast rain materialises, The Listener will be tough to beat in the Ryanair Chase, while Sizing Europe boasts the form and the potential to make him a well-above-average champion hurdler.

I can't remember a year when the novice events looked so open, but course specialist Joe Lively could be a bit of value for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase while, if his jumping holds up, Tidal Bay has the talent to take what could turn out to be a substandard Arkle.

Franchoek brings a good level of form into Friday's Triumph Hurdle and, though not banker material, should go very close.