Ahead of a pivotal weekend in the racing calendar, with the Cheltenham Festival on the horizon, our expert tipster Steve Jones has identified some compelling each way value from Saturday's Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham. The action kicks off on ITV, offering a crucial preview of form and conditions for the main event in March.
Steve Jones' Each Way Selections for Cheltenham
With soft ground expected to play a significant role, Jones has pinpointed three horses that could outperform their odds and secure lucrative places for savvy punters. Each selection comes with a 1-point each-way stake recommendation, focusing on value in competitive fields.
Uncle Bert (1.15 Cheltenham)
The Twiston-Davies family, including Nigel, Willy, and Sam, are likely to be in high spirits as Uncle Bert lines up in the 1.15 race. Recent heavy rainfall at their Cotswolds base, just a short distance from the course, has created ideal soft ground conditions that this horse thrives on.
Uncle Bert demonstrated his stamina in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow over Christmas, where he fell tired at the second-last fence. While that marathon distance proved too demanding, his performance highlighted his grit. He has since shown impressive speed for today's 2m4f trip, winning comfortably at Aintree last month with a front-running ride.
With only five chase starts under his belt, he remains less exposed than many rivals and should easily secure a prominent position. Back him each-way at 11-1, with several bookmakers paying out on four places.
Secret Des Dieux (12.05 Cheltenham)
In the earlier race, Secret Des Dieux is tipped to utilise his slick jumping ability. He made a successful chase debut with an easy victory at Fakenham in October, a tight track that demands accurate jumping, despite the sharp 2m distance not suiting him perfectly.
He later finished third behind useful opponents at Newbury, where the trip again seemed inadequate. A close fourth behind today's likely favourite, Barlovento, over 2m4f at Kempton on Boxing Day suggested he needs a stiffer stamina test, which the softer ground at Cheltenham should provide.
This improving six-year-old from James Owen's yard appears underestimated in the market. Take the 16-1 each-way value, with potential for a strong finish.
Placenet (1.50 Cheltenham)
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase features unique obstacles that not all horses relish, but French raider Placenet looks a solid each-way proposition. He finished fourth over this course and distance last month, making a costly error three fences from home that put him at a disadvantage during a crucial phase.
Despite this, he rallied well up the final climb, beaten by just ten lengths. That experience over these distinctive fences could prove invaluable, giving him an edge over less seasoned rivals. Support him each-way at 8-1, with most firms offering five places.
As the racing world turns its attention to Cheltenham, these tips from Steve Jones offer a strategic approach to Festival Trials Day, blending form analysis with conditions to highlight value bets. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the spectacle of top-class jump racing.
