talkSPORT betting tips – Best racing bets and expert advice at Cheltenham on Friday

It’s day one of the Cheltenham Christmas meeting and there are seven races to get stuck into this Friday.

The card kicks off at 12.05 and concludes at 3.35 and we’ve picked out three tips on the card to follow throughout the afternoon.

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Friday’s tips

• 12.05 Cheltenham – Old Park Star – 9/4
• 1.15 Cheltenham – Fortune De Mer – 10/3
• 1.50  Cheltenham – Henry’s Friend – 8/1

12.05 Cheltenham- Old Park Star – 9/4

Old Park Star may not have been the quickest to hit full stride, but the signs at Kempton last month were that he is now very much on the right trajectory.

His hurdling debut had plenty going for it: he travelled with purpose, showed a natural fluency at his obstacles and, when Nico de Boinville asked him to stretch, he did so with the assuredness of a horse who has only just begun to tap into his ability.

The depth of the form looks reliable enough and the performance was backed up by a time figure that suggests there was no fluke about it.

This is often the stage of the season when the yard’s novices really begin to bloom and Old Park Star fits that pattern neatly.

With his bumper efforts standing up well and that Kempton success offering a strong foundation, he looks the one most likely to progress again and could easily prove a tough nut to crack here today

1.15 Cheltenham – Fortune De Mer – 10/3

Fortune De Mer has the profile of a novice on a steep upward trajectory and the 1.15 at Cheltenham looks another ideal staging post for his progression.

His breakthrough in the Grade 2 here in October marked him out as a hurdler well above average; he travelled like a seasoned campaigner, was quick and accurate at his obstacles and crucially showed grit up the hill to fend off Doctor Blue.

Cheltenham clearly brings out the best in him. He relaxes, jumps with economy and finds generously when pressure is applied, exactly what this track demands.

His latest run came at Ascot, where he conceded weight and still emerged with great credit and perhaps should have won.

With conditions in his favour and his course form a notable asset, Fortune De Mer looks primed to take another step forward.

1.50 Cheltenham – Henry’s Friend – 8/1

Henry’s Friend has quietly developed into one of the most dependable staying chasers in training and this contest sets up perfectly for him to show it again.

His comeback win at Ascot was the performance of a seasoned, improving stayer – travelling strongly, jumping cleanly and finding plenty when it mattered to land a competitive Grade 3.

It marked him down as a horse who has not just retained his ability after a demanding campaign, but may actually be progressing.

A searching stamina test is exactly what he wants. His career-best displays have come when the race turns attritional and his Newbury success last winter – powering six lengths clear in a deep handicap – remains a standout piece of form.

Cheltenham holds no fears either; his smooth, economical way of racing is tailor-made for the long run down the hill before stamina kicks in up the straight.

With Ben Pauling’s team in form and Henry’s Friend traditionally improving for a run, this second start of the season could bring him forward again.

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