Niall Cronin Cheltenham 2019 Tips – RSA Chase

It says a lot for the Pertemps Final at this meeting when for the second year in a row the previous winner is a likely favourite for the RSA Chase.

The best of the British is Santini but his preparation hasn’t been ideal and he could be vulnerable now for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

Delta Work beat his seemingly more fancied stable companion Glenloe in the Pertemps Final here last year but his progression hasn’t stopped since and his career going fences looks to have brought out even more improvement.

Le Richebourg would have been a short priced favourite for the Arkle but..

Delta Work had his measure in the Drinmore over 2m4f and he impressed again when winning at Christmas.

Elliott opted against running him on quick ground at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival and that can prove a shrewd move as he arguably is better with an ease in the ground.

The novice chases this week appear to lack depth and this is no different really. Willie Mullins doesn’t even have a runner.

Santini was beaten by La Bague Au Roi and has missed a few days within the last week or so which can’t be ideal, although at this stage of the season he won’t lose or need much more fitness.

Santini’s La Bague Au Roi run might have been a good effort behind a high class mare but on a line through Kaiser Black you would expect Delta Work to come out on top here. It could be a good day for Gordon Elliott.