The Punt Acca: Andrew Cooper's three horse racing tips at Cheltenham and Newcastle on Wednesday

Salver (3.15 Cheltenham)

The Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle can go to Salver, who was an instant hit over obstacles last season. He rattled off four straight wins before finishing a fine third in what looks a fair Triumph. His return from 260 days off in November was more than satisfactory, indeed it was a personal best in Racing Post Rating terms, and there’s every chance he has more to offer over this longer trip of 2m4f. A slight lack of pace certainly seemed to be his undoing at the festival.    

Papa Don't Preach (5.10 Newcastle)

The handicapper has been quick to drop Kevin Frost’s gelding and he can strike off just 2lb higher than when getting away okay for a change and beating a rival who won his next three starts by two lengths at Chelmsford in October. He met trouble, and finished with running left, at Wolverhampton last time and should appreciate returning to a straight 5f. His best two RPRs on all-weather were achieved at Southwell and here (over this trip).    

Masterclass (5.40 Newcastle)

Recent form figures don’t inspire confidence but a deeper dive into his track and trip run, when returning from over four months off, in November gives hope for a big run off 5lb lower here. He travelled powerfully in that much stronger race (Mondammej and Darlo Pride have gone on to frank the form) and didn’t have much room to manoeuvre at a crucial stage before keeping on. His last-time-out disappointment can partially be explained by him racing with the choke out over a furlong further.

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