Chelt sat 2:20 Divilabother 28/1

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i have found myself a fascinating proposition in DIVILABOTHER at 28/1, a horse whose recent achievements deserve considerably more respect than his price suggests. Tristan Davidson’s eight-year-old has been enjoying a remarkable run, winning four of his last six races and arriving at Cheltenham following a determined success over nearly three miles at Uttoxeter earlier this month. More importantly, he has already demonstrated his effectiveness on good-to-soft ground, winning over three miles and a furlong at Cartmel in August. This is unquestionably a sterner examination than those summer assignments, but there is something compelling about a horse who keeps finding ways to win. With Harry Reed maintaining the partnership and the trip presenting no obvious concerns, I believe the bookmakers may have underestimated just how much improvement remains in this flourishing stayer.

The case
The principal obstacle could be ACE OF SPADES at 13/2, representing the formidable Dan and Harry Skelton combination. Unlike several of his rivals, this seven-year-old has already shown he can handle Cheltenham, finishing runner-up over virtually this exact distance on New Year's Day. His subsequent victory over three miles and a furlong at Huntingdon confirmed his stamina, while earlier success on good-to-soft ground provides further reassurance should conditions ease. There is, however, a question worth asking: why did his form unravel in the spring? His efforts in the Pertemps Final and at Aintree were disappointing, and he returns from a break needing to rediscover his best. Nevertheless, if the Skeltons have him ready for this seasonal reappearance, he possesses the class and course experience to make life extremely uncomfortable for my main selection

For those looking beyond the obvious contenders, IDAHO FIRE at 15/2 brings recent winning momentum into the equation and earns the each-way position, although the possibility of softer ground introduces a genuine concern. His stronger recent performances have come on good going, so any significant deterioration in conditions would weaken his appeal. Then there is BLIZZARD OF OZ at 33/1, the intriguing outsider whose old ability makes him difficult to dismiss entirely. Once trained by Willie Mullins, he demonstrated his staying credentials with victory over almost three miles on soft-to-heavy ground at Thurles in March. His more recent efforts have been considerably less convincing, and a change of stable adds another unknown, but the booking of Harry Cobden catches the eye. At such generous odds, he is the sort of horse who could make a mockery of expectations if a return to hurdling and a searching stamina test rekindle his enthusiasm.

The verdict
This Pertemps qualifier looks precisely the sort of competitive Cheltenham handicap in which reputation can prove expensive and recent progression can be worth its weight in gold. Ace of Spades has the established credentials, Idaho Fire has the momentum, and Blizzard of Oz has the forgotten ability to spring a surprise. But I keep returning to one simple question: why is a horse who has won four of his last six races, stays the distance and has already won on good-to-soft ground available at 28/1? Divilabother must bridge a considerable class gap, and Cheltenham's demanding finish will expose any weakness, yet his consistency, fitness and determination offer a persuasive case at the price. The favourites may have the stronger reputations, but the I am prepared to oppose them. DIVILABOTHER is the selection to win the Cheltenham 2:20 — and at 28/1, he could provide a spectacular start to the afternoon.


1 DIVILABOTHER  28/1
2 ACE OF SPADES 13/2
3 IDAHO FIRE 15/2
4 BLIZZARD OF OZ
Value outsider 33/1