Cheltenham Open Meeting 2009

The 3 Day Cheltenham Open Meeting got underway today (Friday 13th) and certainly whetted our appetites for the months ahead. Tomorrow sees the feature race of the three days the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase worth £150,000 and run over 2 miles 4 furlongs. It does look a very tricky affair and with the anticipated heavy rain forecast the ability to act on the going and stay beyond the race distance will be a major factor. According to Pete might well fit the bill. He did all his racing over 3 miles last season winning four times. He has to be kept to left-handed courses, likes to make the running and has a good racing weight tomorrow. Maljimar (pictured) ran well in this race last year and eventually finished seventh. Next time out he very nearly won at the Festival in the William Hill Trophy where he lost by a neck to Wichita Lineman who was given a fantastic ride by Tony McCoy. This year Maljimar runs in the Servo Trophy Handicap Chase worth £55,000 and run over 3 miles 3 furlongs. He has already had a run over the Cheltenham course this season which should have put him spot on for tomorrow. He has to be patiently ridden which should help him stay the distance of this race which is unknown territory for him. For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".