Cheltenham Placepot picks: Tom Segal with his perm on Greatwood Hurdle day

Small fields have been a hot topic of conversation so far this jumps season, but they can heighten the chances of a decent Placepot pay out because of the reduced number of places available.

That is the case at Cheltenham with the Shloer Chase (2.20) having only attracted four runners. However, all of them have a shot at winning and it was tempting to put all of them in. That would have led to a huge perm though, so it's probably best to side with the Champion Chase one-two Put The Kettle On and Nube Negra.

There is no doubt that the turn out for the Jewson Click And Collect Handicap Chase (1.45) is disappointing in terms of quantity and quality, but it does provide a good chance for Empire De Maulde to follow up his easy Kelso success.

I would include the well-handicapped The Mighty Don as well, as he wasn't disgraced in the National Hunt Chase at the festival last season.

The Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (2.55) is by a million miles the most competitive race on the card and the Irish seem to have three good chances. It wouldn't surprise me if Jesse Evans started favourite and he must go well after hacking up on the Flat last time.

The best of the home guard may well be Galice Macalo, who ran amazingly well despite pulling far too hard in a good race at Chepstow on her comeback run.

Threeunderthrufive jumped very well at Exeter last time and will be hard to keep out of the frame in the opening novice chase (1.10), while I Like To Move It should have little trouble following up in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (3.30).

It's probably not the strongest renewal of the bumper that concludes the card (4.00) and Aucunrisque should be hard to keep out of the frame after a good run at the track last time.

Cheltenham Placepot perm

1.10
2 Threeunderthrufive

1.45
4 Empire De Maulde
5 The Mighty Don

2.20
1 Nube Negra
4 Put The Kettle On

2.55
3 Jesse Evans
18 Galice Macolo

3.30
1 I like To Move It

4.00
1 Aucunrisque

1 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 1 x 1 = 8 lines

Did you know that you can now play the Tote Placepot for as little as 1p per line? Sign up for a Tote account here

Sunday’s free tipping:

Sunday's free racing tips: five horses to consider putting in your multiple bets

The Punt Daily: Robbie Wilders' horseracing tip at Punchestown on Sunday

Paul Kealy's Sunday banker at Cheltenham

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute