Grand Annual Chase Tips

Grand Annual Chase Preview

Dan Skelton frequently devises strategies to steer horses toward particular races.Unexpected Partydidn’t make the cut in last year’sGrand Annual, and looking at the campaign thatUnexpected PartyFollowing his positive season win at Chepstow, it's clear that returning to a known contest is a priority for Skelton.Grand AnnualPerhaps tuning another horse for this race is on Skelton's agenda as the conditions seem more favorable this time.

At16/1 each-waywithBet365for5 placesWilling to take a chance with just a single selection in this race, especially since the other horse of interest, Libberty Hunter, now offers unfavorable odds for his inexperience in such races.

Inexperience isn't associated with this runner, having 11 fence races under his belt, six of which were on this very course.Unexpected PartyNotably, he is attempting a handicap chase over a 2-mile distance for the first time in his career.CheltenhamI firmly believe the horse will deliver his finest run over a 2-mile stretch on soft turf in the midst of a well-paced race where he maintains his position no further back than the middle of the pack, circumventing potential traffic issues.

Impressive performances in last year's Turners Novices’ Chase as well as this season’s Paddy Power Gold Cup demonstrated his aptitude, though it’s worth noting he struggled beyond 2m4f on this challenging path.

Unexpected PartyA lingering concern could be that he might favor a more level track or a less demanding finish, but considering Skelton's resolve, he seems prepared and finely-tuned for action.

The current wager looks appealing, aligning perfectly with what seems to be his ideal setup for this inaugural attempt.

So, at16/1 each-waywithBet365for5 places,Unexpected PartySteve Mullington’s Recommended Bets for the Grand Annual Chase

Upon spotting odds of 25/1 for Gordon Elliott’s runner, Call Me Lyreen, in this 2-mile Grand Annual, I was immediately intrigued.

The seven-year-old is returning from a 154-day hiatus with the talented Sam Ewing as the jockey. Quietly backed by Elliott, Call Me Lyreen holds a promising chance if his jumping technique has improved slightly, and he appears to be in good condition.

Other potential surprises in the Grand Annual include course and distance champion Dads Lad (10/1), who shares a similar trajectory to Call Me Lyreen, and Before Midnight (20/1), who boasts a favorable course and distance record as demonstrated during the October Meeting 2021.

The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase at 4.50 on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival presents itself as a stellar renewal, presently featuring 9 horses rated 150 or higher and an additional 14 rated 140 or above.

Call Me Lyreen – EW @ 25/1 with Bet365

When examining the entrants' profiles, many have showcased commendable winter form, promising competitive readiness, yet may not offer much in terms of future improvements.

It’s accurate that exhibiting improvement isn't a necessity to clinch the Grand Annual, and often, being suited to the race dynamics holds significant value. Interestingly, in the past decade, novices have won thrice, with Alderwood in 2013 having only four chase outings and Chosen Mate in 2020 with merely three.

Thus, victory is achievable, provided you have a horse primed for the galloping charge, possessing the tempo to maintain position and save enough for a finishing flourish.

Enter Emma Lavelle’s Red Rookie, at odds of 20/1 each-way with Paddy Power or Betfair Sportsbook, offering placements for 5 positions and NRNB. Equipped with all necessary qualities, this horse appears to promise even more over future fences.

It's uncertain if this is the intended plan, given his Arkle entry, and the possibility of a quieter run before focusing on Aintree remains. But should he pursue the Grand Annual, Red Rookie distinctly stands out for his potential.

This robust 7-year-old chestnut has been out of sight since his commanding win in a fiercely contested Hereford novice chase. Despite battling unfavorable conditions including track sharpness and ground, he ultimately favors a left-handed course setup.

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Insights

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Here's what our experts suggest for the Grand Annual Chase happening at 16:40 on Wednesday, March 12th, during the Cheltenham Festival.

Top horse racing analysts Will Smith and David Young have shared their insights. Don't miss out on our extensive Cheltenham betting advice for even more races.

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