Cheltenham preview (13.05): Sew On Target weighted to strike
Published:
David Metcalf | November 12, 2015
Sew On Target is back down to a handy mark, so looks decent value to land the 2m handicap chase that kicks-off proceedings at Cheltenham’s three-day Open meeting (13.05).
This Colin Tizzard trained gelding is a bold jumper who was last successful over course and distance back in December off a mark of 135.
Sew On Target made all and galloped on strongly when pressed to pull clear and beat Astracad by five lengths.
The 10-year-old went on to perform with credit in hix nest three starts, including when eighth of 30 to Rajdhani Express in the Topham at Aintree off 142 and a solid third to La Bacardy at Market Rasen.
Sew to be On Target
Sew On Target is now able to race off 137, just 2lb higher than when last victorious, and that gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective on the pick of his form.
The son of Needle Gun should also now be spot on to do himself justice after shaping as if needing the outing on return to action over course and distance last month, and another plus is that Sew On Target has run some of his best races at the track.
With Brendan Powell in the saddle, everything looks in place for a big run.
La Vaticane has seal of approval
There are plenty of dangers in a wide open contest, and one that commends plenty of respect is La Vaticane.
The six-year-old won three times over hurdles and fences last season when trained in France, and made a pleasing start for new handler David Pipe when second of 17 to Theinval in a handicap hurdle at Kempton back in March.
La Vaticane looks the type who should have more to offer now switched back to fences, and a mark of 134 could well underestimate his ability.
Pipe loves to plunder The Open meeting, and La Vaticane is held in very high regard and has reportedly been working in terrific style at home.
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