Nap of the Day: 11/10 shot to book Cheltenham Festival ticket?

It's a new week - hopefully a much warmer one - as far as my Nap of the Day column is concerned and I'm hoping to get things off to a flyer.

Ayr is the destination and a Olly Murphy/Sean Bowen runner is the selection on Tuesday.

FINGLE BRIDGE is fancied to score in what looks a match between a couple of Cheltenham Festival hopefuls at Ayr on Tuesday.

Olly Murphy's eight-year-old takes on Meetmebythesea for Ben Pauling and JP McManus in this "Chasing Excellence" novices' chase over 2m½f - and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the pair renew rivalries in the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase at HQ in March.

But first, they do battle in the north and it's the son of Flemensfirth I fancy to emerge victorious.

After following up a defeat on debut in a bumper at Uttoxeter in October 2022 with an 18-length victory at Chepstow a couple of months later, the selection spent the next 714 days on the sidelines.

He ran out an eight-length winner of a maiden hurdle back at Uttoxeter on his return before Christmas 2024, prior to seeing off the 120-rated Wellington Arch for the O'Neill's at Market Rasen in the new year.

That rival has since gone on to frank the form in no uncertain terms, winning a Grade 3 handicap at the Aintree Grand National Festival off three pounds higher, earning a further 10lb hike (to 133). After that, he placed in a similar event at the Punchestown Festival.

Fingle Bridge was then tried in a Listed affair at Exeter, maintaining his unbeaten record over hurdles with a two-length triumph over Paul Nicholls' Regent's Stroll (now 146).

That was the selection's ultimate start over the smaller obstacles, making his chasing debut at Exeter a few months ago, finishing an eye-catching second to Arkle favourite Lulamba. He was then the only finisher in a two-runner race at Uttoxeter before Christmas. A non-event.

For me, his form is superior to that of Meetmebythesea. I'm a fan of the latter, but he only just beat a 134-rated rival last time out, in receipt of six pounds. More is needed if Fingle Bridge performs to his best.

I also think, as this is only his second run - he needs another to qualify for the Jack Richards - and he's been off the track for a couple of months, he might not be as sharp on the day.

I'd be surprised if any of Dedicated Hero, Big John Wayne or From The Clouds was good enough here. It's surely between the top two in the betting - and it's Fingle Bridge for me.

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