Back Bob Hall to give O'Neill a lift

For all of Rob Wright's tips on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, click here

Given the size of the fields, winner-finding at the Cheltenham Festival is always tough and I find that, if you can pinpoint a race where you don't fancy those at the head of the market, the best policy is to back two or three outsiders.  On that basis, the William Hill Trophy (4.00) looks the race to concentrate on today, as the favourite, An Accordion, is likely to be let down by his suspect jumping. 

The two to concentrate on are Bob Hall and Patsy Hall.   The former is one of the few in this field to remain relatively unexposed over fences and he has a good record in big-field handicaps at this track.  He has yet to prove that he stays this far, but there is plenty of encouragement from his pedigree that he will relish this step up in trip and, still available at 16-1 with Coral, Hills and Ladbrokes, he is good value to give trainer Jonjo O'Neill a welcome boost.

Patsy Hall is the other potential handicap blot.  Trained since the start of this season by the shrewd Tony Martin, he thrashed the classy Aces Four here as a novice and his handler reports that he has recovered well from the minor problems that caused him to disappoint in the Hennessy.  He looks worth a saver at 13-2 with William Hill.   

On the betting exchanges, Chapoturgeon (5.20) is worth backing for a place at around 3-1.  The form of his latest success at Wincanton has worked out well, with the runner-up, Pagano, winning subsequently, and he is over-priced here because he carries the second colours of David Johnson.  Johnson also owns the favourite and likely winner, Ashkazar, but Chapoturgeon is a useful horse in his own right and will be hard to keep out of the frame.