Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Monmiral can return to form at Cheltenham

12:05 (Cheltenham) Kabral Du Mathan

My first ride of the day is Kabral Du Mathan. I haven’t had too much to do with him so far, but he looks a nice horse.

His French form has worked out well and he looks an exciting recruit for the team. We should know plenty more about him after this.
 

12:40 (Cheltenham) Mofasa

 

Mofasa is another lovely horse. He’s tremendous jumper and travels really well too, so I’m looking forward to riding him.

I’ve got a feeling he might be better left-handed as he jumped left around Huntingdon last time and I’d like to think he’s got a few pounds up his sleeve. He’s a very likeable horse.

 

13:50 (Cheltenham) Monmiral

 

I obviously had a decision to make in the December Gold Cup and I’ve gone with Monmiral.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but I just thought if Monmiral can return to the form that saw him win the Grade 1 at Aintree a couple of years ago, he has to go close here.

He could still be very well-handicapped and he felt great when I schooled him a few days ago.
 
I think I just chose him over Il Ridoto as I think Monmiral could still have a few pounds in hand, while Il Ridoto probably doesn’t have much to hide from the handicapper.

He’s a great each-way bet, but I thought, if Monmiral was back to his best, he’d take a lot of beating.

Paul [Nicholls] has targeted this race and as we know, he doesn’t often miss when he lines up for one.

14:25 (Cheltenham) Threeunderthrufive

I then ride Threeunderthrufive. He ran a really good race in the Badger Beer at Wincanton last time where we had to give the winner plenty of weight.

He seems in good form at home and I worked upsides him on Thursday morning and he went nicely.

I can’t say he’s well-handicapped, but he’s one who rarely runs a bad race.

15:35 (Cheltenham) Ilovethenightlife

I close the day on Ilovethenightlife. She was disappointing at Wincanton last time but on her best form she’d be in with a shout in this.

Joe [Tizzard] will hopefully have her ready to go and she looks to have a solid-enough chance.

 

READ MORE: Saturday ITV Racing Tips: Best bets for Cheltenham and Doncaster on December 16