Tote Ambassador Paddy Flood takes on the Pool School Team in a head-to-head Placepot challenge this week at the Cheltenham Festival.
Don’t forget, at tote.co.uk we’re offering a free Placepot for all customers every day at the Cheltenham Festival. (CLICK HERE)
Leg One - Triumph Hurdle
Paddy’s Pick - Vauban
Very good the last day in Leopardstown, he looked like he improved after his Punchestown run and he could even improve again. If he improves again he's going to be extremely hard to beat. Pied Piper was really good at Cheltenham last time but I think Vauban is the one to beat him.
Pool School - Vauban & Pied Piper
Hard to split these two top drawer talents, it's wise to take both and hopefully move on to leg two.
Leg Two - County Hurdle
Paddy's Pick - Colonel Mustard
holds Solid form behind Jonbon and Sir Gerhard, has a nice racing weight - has to go close.
Pool School - Colonel Mustard & Surprise Package
Colonel Mustard looks to have the stand pieces of form in this race and runs off a handy mark to go close.
Surprise Package was better than ever when taking out the Imperial Cup at Sandown last weekend, has strong claims here again.
Leg Three - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Paddy's Picks - Ginto & Hillcrest
Ginto looks a really good stayer, and he jumps well. Definitely worthy of his short price.
Hillcrest is a beast of a horse, he’ll definitely stay - think he’ll fight out the finish with Ginto.
Pool School - Ginto & Hillcrest
Two standouts in this one. Hillcrest is a beautiful enormous type, looks every bit a chaser for the future, will stay this trip strongly.
Unbeaten thus far over Hurdles, Ginto has shaped like a real stayer. Has the right profile to do well over this course and distance.
Leg Four - Gold Cup
Paddy's Pick - Al Boum Photo
I think he can regain his crown, I hope they ride him handy. he just couldn't reel them in last year, they should make the running with him. The vibes haven't been great with his work but they've had plenty of time to get him right.
Pool School - Galvin & Tornado Flyer
Galvin is strongly fancied for this and rightly so. He showed a willing attitude to win at Leopardstown and is already a Cheltenham festival winner of the past. Has to hit the frame.
A lively outside that just might prove to be top class is Tornado Flyer. A runway winner of the King George VI at Christmas, he steps up the two extra furlongs for this assignment.
Leg Five - Hunters Chase
Paddy's Pick - Billaway & Winged Leader
Billaway was really good in Naas the last day, that was a good confidence booster prior to coming here.
Winged Leader has got a lot of ones next to his name, he's done nothing wrong.
Pool School - Billaway
Possibly banker material, has a habit of losing in a tight finish but that doesn't matter in the Placepot.
Leg Six - Mares' Chase
Paddy's Pick - Elimay
Came close in this race last year, getting 3lb off Concertista - that should be enough to beat her.
Pool School - Elimay
Perhaps vulnerable to the younger improvers but she is a great yardstick in this division. Second in this race last year, she is a reliable selection in the final leg.
