On Tour touted as each-way wager for Close Brothers Novices’ Chase
Published:
David Metcalf | March 14, 2016
On Tour ticks plenty of boxes in Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase
On Tour looks on a handy mark and a lively outsider in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase which brings proceedings to a close on day one of the Cheltenham Festival (17:30).
The Evan Williams trained gelding showed progressive form over hurdles last season, rattling rattle-up a hat-trick of successes and also running well in some ultra-competitive handicaps.
However, connections always maintained that the eight-year-old would come into his own when going chasing and On Tour looked one to keep onside when making a winning debut over fences at Exeter back in November.
Form of Exeter win extremely strong
On Tour only had to be driven out to beat Otago Trail by a cosy 1/2 a length, and the runner-up is a well-regarded sort who has won twice since and is now rated 154.
That gives the form a solid look, and suggests On Tour is potentially very well-treated off a mark of 138.
The son of Croco Rouge has since gone on to score in similar fashion at Carlisle when value for more than the 3/4 length winning margin, before disappointing last time out when well beaten at Doncaster.
On Tour was never travelling in the latter, but it would be no surprise to see him bounce back having since been given a break to freshen-up.
Progressive Aloomomo a big danger
There are plenty of dangers in a wide-open and competitive contest, and Aloomomo is one that commands the utmost respect.
The Warren Greatrex trained gelding has proved a revelation this season, defying the handicapper to rattle up a hat-trick of successes over fences.
Aloomomo is now 32lb higher in the weights than when successful in the first of those, but is clearly on an upward curve and could still be ahead of the assessor, given that he is only six years of age and remains open to further improvement.
The fact that Greatex also ran Aloomomo is a hurdle contest last time out at Ascot to presumably protect his mark, when a very good third, suggests that he believes he still has a well-treated horse on his hands.
With the 2m 4f trip ideal, and Gavin Sheehan in the saddle, Aloomomo appears to have plenty in his favour and looks sure to go close.
Related
For all the latest Cheltenham Festival content, check out Coral’s dedicated page.
Coral’s top tip: On Tour looks nicely weighted on the pick of his form and worth an each-way wager. The progressive Aloomomo also has plenty going for him in a wide-open contest.
