Ed Quigley: Three tips for the weekend and a 25/1 selection for the Plate at Cheltenham

Generally one of the quieter weekends of the National Hunt calendar, it is often a case of calm before the storm with the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner. Paul Nicholls has his string back in working order again, and he has a couple of horses potentially running at Newbury on Saturday that have been in my notebook...

The Greatwood Gold Cup (13:50 on Saturday) is a race that Nicholls has a splendid record in, winning eight of the last 12 renewals, and he is well represented here with horses entered. The pick of his trio in my view would be TAMAROC DU MATHAN who has had a stop-start time of things since landing last year's Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton. He enjoys a flat track and some decent ground, so hopefully conditions aren't too soft for him, as eased to a mark of 142, and stepping back up in trip, he looks to have major claims. This will be his second start after a wind operation, and a bold bid could easily be expected.

GETAWAY TRUMP is clearly not the force of old, but now has a handicap mark that reflects that, and shouldn't be overlooked off a mark of 137 if he lines up in the BetVictor Seniors Handicap Hurdle (15:37 on Saturday). His official rating has now dropped to a mark of 137, some 18lb below his peak. This extended 2m4f should suit him perfectly, as it is evident he has lost a bit of zip. In this sort of company he could easily show an improved performance, and is one to keep on your radar for the Ditcheat maestro.

Up at Kelso, ESPOIR DE ROMAY looks to have every opportunity to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier Chase (14:40 on Saturday). The Kim Bailey-trained eight-year-old hasn't been seen since finishing third to Fiddlerontheroof in the Colin Parker memorial last October. Officially rated 160, he is the class act in this race, and the step back up in trip should suit. He is versatile in regards to underfoot requirements and can strike here for the Kim Bailey team who have started to hit some form.

As far as the Cheltenham Festival is concerned, the Plate Handicap Chase comes under the microscope, and with the Sam Thomas team having a good season, STOLEN SILVER can run a big race at massive odds in the Handicap Chase over an extended 2m4f. He made jumping errors at Wincanton last time out, but that was very soft ground, and if we got a decent surface in a couple of weeks time he could easily get involved off a mark of 144. He has some good form in the locker at Prestbury Park, including when beaten a neck by Editor Du Gite over 2m earlier in the season, and he was beaten just over a length by Chantry House in his novice hurdle days when conceding weight, so the track holds no fears. I like his profile.

Advice:
Tamaroc Du Mathan, 13:50 Newbury, Saturday 5th March, 1pt 12/1 (generally)
Getaway Trump, 15:37 Newbury, Saturday 5th March, 1pt win
Espoir De Romay, 14:40 Kelso, Saturday 5th March, 1pt win
Stolen Silver, Plate Handicap Chase, Cheltenham Festival, Thursday 17th March, 25/1 (generally)

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