CHELTENHAM SUNDAY

WET weather returned for Cheltenham’s opening fixture of 2017 on New Year’s Day.

However, connections of 20/1 chance Shantou Flyer were hardly complaining as a mud-spattered Aidan Coleman brought the seven-year-old home three lengths ahead of Village Vic in the valuable BetBright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase, a Grade 3 event over very nearly two miles, five furlongs.

Last year’s winner Village Vic, ran a fine race and still led approaching two out. His 11st 11lb proved just too much and Shantou Flyer, receiving 9lb, came to take it up.

The favourite battled on well but went down by three lengths with Top Gamble close up and Tenor Nivernais keeping on in fourth.

Shantou Flyer, formerly with Colin Bowe in Ireland, was a very good novice and stays well. He joined Rebecca Curtis in Pembrokeshire some five months ago and this was his stable debut.

FITNESS

With the yard going well, fitness was no problem and soft ground proved ideal.

Interestingly, last year’s form in the race worked out very well, with Top Gamble finishing third again off a mark 6lb higher and 2016 runner-up Tenor Nivernais, up 7lb, dropping to fourth.