Cheltenham Tips: Charlie Huggins' Friday Accumulator

Three horses to include in a multiple on Friday . . .

Matata (2.25 Cheltenham)

Fourth over course and distance in the Arkle when finishing a place behind subsequent Aintree and Punchestown Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps. The six-year-old can be excused a poor run in top-level company on what was his final start of the season on Grand National Day and has to be respected now back in a handicap. Matata was beaten only a length by Libberty Hunter on the New course when giving the winner 11lb on New Year's Day. Libberty Hunter went on to be second in the Grand Annual off 7lb higher before finishing third in a Grade 1, so that form is strong. A rating of 147 is admittedly 4lb higher than his last run in this sphere, but that may not prevent the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned chaser from providing Daryl Jacob with a Cheltenham winner in his final season in the saddle.

Gale Mahler (3.00 Cheltenham)

Rapidly improving mare who is seeking a seven-timer. The five-year-old's form has continually been franked, most notably her two and a half length success over Flying Fortune at Uttoxeter in June. The runner-up has subsequently gone one better in all four of her starts since, including when landing Worcester's Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final and the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle. That suggests Gale Mahler should be capable of following up her Listed victory at the Galway festival in this Grade 2, where she receives weight from all five of her rivals.

Potters Charm (4.10 Cheltenham)

Matata's trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies could saddle a double, should Potters Charm extend his unbeaten record under rules to three. The five-year-old was bought for £105,000 after finishing runner-up in an Irish point last November and has scored by a combined winning margin of 14 and a half lengths in a Ffos Las bumper and Worcester maiden hurdle since. This is a much tougher assignment, but Potters Charm's trainer thrives at this meeting and his jockey Sam Twiston-Davies arrives off the back of riding his 1,500th winner in Britain at Ludlow on Thursday.

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