Kalashnikov clear favourite for Peterborough as racegoers return to Cheltenham

Kalashnikov has seized favouritism for the rescheduled Grade 2 Fitzdares-sponsored Peterborough Chase (1.50) as racegoers return on day one of the International meeting at Cheltenham.

Four runners had been hard to separate at the head of the market, but Kalashnikov is now clear favourite at 7-2 having been as big as 5-1 overnight.

Cheltenham Friday racecard

As a result of the support for the Grade 1 novice chase winner, Fanion D'Estruval, Mister Fisher and Top Notch have been easy to back, with Glen Forsa (14-1 from 16) the only other contender attracting interest.

There has also been money for Sarasota Star (12.40) and Sweet Adare (1.15), who have both been clipped into 8-1 (from 9).

The ground at Cheltenham was eased slightly to good to soft, soft in places (from good to soft) on Friday morning following 4mm of rain overnight.

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "There may be a few showers this morning but once racing is under way, it is expected to be dry and mild this afternoon."

There are three non-runners at Cheltenham, with Little Bruce taken out of the 3.00 and Sykes and Dell' Arca withdrawn from the 3.35.

As well as five races at Cheltenham, ITV4 will show the 2m7f handicap hurdle at Bangor (2.05), with the programme starting at 1.15.

Read more on Friday's racing at Cheltenham:

One key runner for each of the six ITV4 races on Friday

'I daren't wait another 24 hours' - Henderson dodging rain with Mister Fisher

One trainer, one jockey, one race and one horse to watch at Cheltenham on Friday

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