A look at Thursday’s Cheltenham picks with BetVictor’s racing ambassador Sam Boswell.

Marsh Chase (13.30)
Samcro to win 5/1

“Samcro deserves a mention here. Put in his place by Faugheen over Christmas, he has had well-documented health issues. That said, if he was right, he would surely take a hand in an event of this nature. His price and background coming into the race makes him to my mind a good win only bet; it will be the case he either goes close or will not even be in the mix at all. At 6/1, I will back him to win again at the Cheltenham Festival.”

Pertemps Final (14.10)
Relegate to win 13/2
Skandiburg (NB) to win 11/1

“A race we all enjoy trying to find the winner of, but rarely do many manage it. Relegate is my first choice. She has clearly had issues and is lightly raced. A winner of the Champion Bumper in 2018, she ran nicely when staying on well in her qualifier for this. Her jumping is my one concern but off 137 I have to have hope she has schooled better and should travel well in this race.”

“My other dart at the race is Skandiburg. Olly Murphy is clearly a very talented trainer and a Festival winner is a case of when not if.”

Ryanair Chase (14.50)
A Plus Tard (NAP) 7/4

“The Ryanair delivers my nap of the week. A Plus Tard was one of the most impressive winners of the Festival last year and whilst that came in a handicap, he has progress to look one hell of a talent.”

Stayers’ Hurdle (15.30)
Paisley Park to win 4/6

“The Stayers holds one of the most popular bets of the week. Paisley Park returns to defend his crown and looks to hold every chance of becoming a legend in this distance.”

Festival Plate (16.10)
Simply The Betts to win 7/2
La Bague Au Roi – Each Way 12/1

“We have seen a big move in the market for Simply The Betts. Harry Whittington’s course and distance winner has seen his form franked earlier in the week and must have a great chance of continuing his brilliant form this season.”

“My alternative selection is going to be La Bague Au Roi. She has been a brilliant mare for connections and steps into a handicap chase for the first time. ”

Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle (16.50)
Concertisita – Each Way 7/1

“Minella Melody for Rachael Blackmore heads the betting and has to carry a penalty in this grade two race. As good as she has looked this season, I am slightly worried this could just prove enough to dent her chances of scoring for Henry De Bromhead. At the current price of 11/4, I can leave her and look to back Concertista each way.”

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir (17.30)
Milan Native – Each Way 12/1

“Gordon Elliott’s horses have been in good form this week and Milan Native can give each-way backers a great chance of ending the day with some profit.”