The Cotswold Chase (2.15), run over 3 miles 1 furlong and 56 yards, has been a poor race for favourites, with no market leader successful in the last 10 years. However, not too many of them could be mentioned in the same breath as this year’s favourite, Thistlecrack, a facile winner of all four starts over fences, including the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, and officially the highest-rated chaser in training in Great Britain. Although available at prohibitive odds (4/9), the former World Hurdle winner is confidently expected to take care of last year’s winner and runner-up, Smad Place and Many Clouds, as he continues his preparation for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Selection: Cheltenham 2.35 Thistlecrack (4/9 with Bet Stars or Betway) to win