The big-race specialist predicts another Cotswold Chase upset

Paddy Power 45 Sleeps To Cheltenham Trophy Handicap Chase

1.50 Cheltenham

Surprisingly, the winner hasn’t run in the handicap over the course and distance on New Year’s Day in which Cepage finished sixth. That may have come too soon after the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, in which he was a close fourth and which is a much better guide anyway.

Lalor ran a cracker in first-time cheekpieces on New Year’s Day, having been below par for over a year. The 4lb rise isn’t helpful, but the better ground will suit. The race distance is a fraction over 2m5f, which is an unknown.