Take a chance on best-fresh chaser running a big one after lengthy absence

Kauto Riko 2.15 Cheltenham
Buy at 3 on index

This relative of Kauto Star has a fair share of ability himself and his best form puts him right in the mix so there is little downside to buying him on the index at just three.

The key to him might be being fresh. He recorded his first British win following a 248-day absence on his reappearance in 2016 and was also successful first time out the following season when he landed a novice handicap chase at Newcastle after 250 days off the track.

He proved he is capable of running well in big-field handicaps when finishing a running-on eighth of 22 in the Plate at the 2019 festival. That performance came following a 61-day break.

His return to action last season was his best effort yet as he was beaten by only three-quarters of a length behind the 161-rated Top Notch in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. Kauto Riko was getting 4lb from a rival rated 18lb his superior after 269 days off.

He was well held behind Simply The Betts in the Plate in March, but he didn’t go into that race fresh and the effort can be forgiven.

Kauto Riko was dropped 5lb in the weights following that run and if he is ever going to land a big one, it will probably be first time out in a race like this. He has had wind surgery since his last run too and that could also spark a return to form.

1.40 Cheltenham

Sporting (50-25-10) 27-30 Fusil Raffles, 15-18 Eldorado Allen, 13-16 Quel Destin, 8-11 Gumball, Zarkareva, 6-8 Le Patriote.

Match bet 2.75-4.25 Fusil Raffles/Eldorado Allen.

2.15 Cheltenham

Sporting (50-30-20-10) 12-15 Mister Fisher, Saint Sonnet, 11-14 Simply The Betts, 8-11 Al Dancer, 7-9 Slate House, Siruh Du Lac, 6-8 Happy Diva, Spiritofthegames, 5-7 The Russian Doyen, 4-6 Coole Cody, Sky Pirate, Brelan D’As, 2-4 Aso, 1-3 Domaine De L’Isle, Kauto Riko, Fidux, 0.1-1 Pinson Du Rheu.

Match bet 0.75ch Mister Fisher/Saint Sonnet.

2.50 Cheltenham

Sporting (50-30-20-10) 20-23 Tea Clipper, 12-15 Dandy Dan, 9-12 Dell’Arca, 8-11 Mrs Milner, Debestyman, Golan Fortune, Tobefair, 7-9 On The Blind Side, 5-7 Poker Play, Weather Front, 4-6 Good Man Pat, 2-4 Who’s My Jockey.

Match bet 2.25-3.75 Tea Clipper/Dandy Dan.

Place bets with seven bookmakers without leaving the free Racing Post app. Same prices, same offers, live video. Every race, every day. Search 'Racing Post App' to download for free