In the Cheltenham Club Handicap Chase (2.40) on Wednesday, Velator has yet to win beyond 3 miles 2½ furlongs, but the way in which he’s been staying on at the end of his recent races suggests an extra quarter of a mile is within his compass, especially on the prevailing good going. The Old Vic gelding remains 8lb higher in the weights than when winning at Newton Abbott in September, but has shown his best form over fences on properly ‘good’ going, so faster underfoot conditions could make the difference this time.
Of course, he also has the services of highly talented conditional jockey Sean Bowen, who takes off a useful 3lb. Bowen Jnr. has certainly been in fine form of late, winning on nine of his last seventeen mounts, including the last four in a row for his father, Peter, and looks to have bright prospects of keeping up the good work. At 8/1 in the early price lists, Velator looks decent value to receive his just deserts after running creditably in defeat on his last three starts.
Selection: Cheltenham 2.40 Velator to win Tipster: David