Cheltenham’s April Meeting betting preview: Best picks for Wednesday 17

Top Tipster and Broadcaster, Ed 'Longshot Ted' Quigley has been amongst the winners lately, and is back with his best bets for the opening day of Cheltenham's April Meeting.

Ted's April Meeting bets for Cheltenham Racecourse, Wednesday Apr 17

Find the following picks for Cheltenham Wednesday 17 races. Play on the races with our best expert-rated horse racing betting sites:

• Cheltenham 1.30 - Encanto Bruno - bet with Copybet
• Cheltenham 2.05 - Lallygag each way - bet with BetMGM
• Cheltenham 3.15 - Hymac  - bet with AK Bets

Cheltenham 1.30 - Encanto Bruno

This race is an absolute belter, where the 'home' team have some strong representation. However, I think this can go the way of Ireland and the Gavin Cromwell trained ENCANTO BRUNO. THe 6-year-old has been a little bit in the doldrums recently, but has faced some stiff tasks, including in Grade 1 company on unsuitably soft ground. I think that could well be the key here - he swerved the Cheltenham Festival because of deep ground, as he is a much better horse on a sounder surface.

This race looks perfect for him, given that the ground at Prestbury Park is drying up, and Encanto Bruno has two wins from three visits to the track. All in all I think he has a lot going for him, and Gavin Cromwell has had a stunning season - especially with his runners at this track. Keith Donoghue takes the ride and I like the chances of this combination here.

🏇 Back Encanto Bruno at Copybet 🏇

Cheltenham 2.05 - Lallygag each way

Paul Nicholls won't be throwing the towel in any time soon on his quest for another trainers' title, and it is a case of every little helps at the moment in regards to prize money. With over £13,000 on offer to the winner, this is a good prize, and keep your eyes on the Ditcheat representative, LALLYGAG. The 7-year-old has been a little underwhelming this season, but dropping to a mark of 128, he is now looking dangerously well handicapped on last season's form.

He stayed on up the hill nicely to finish third in this race 12 months ago, and everything looks in place for a big run here considering he gets into this year's renewal off a 4lb lower mark. Harry Cobden is in the saddle, and a bold each-way bid is on the cards with underfoot conditions very much starting to turn in his favour. 

🎇 Bet on Lallygag each way at BetMGM 🎇

Cheltenham 3.15 - Hymac

The Harry Fry team are coming into form, and despite his inexperience over fences, I can see a big run from the talented HYMAC in this Handicap Chase over 3m4f. He is yet to win over obstacles and it would be fair to say that his transition to fences hasn't been plain sailing, but there are signs that things are starting to click. Pulled-up on his Chase debut at Chepstow, he has followed that run with a third-placed effort at Taunton, and then a staying on second at Uttoxeter last time out, where he didn't look best served by the drop in trip back to 2m4f.

However, he was starting to get his act together in the jumping department, and he shapes to me like he will be really suited by this thorough examination of stamina. Eased to 120, and upped markedly in trip for this first time, I think we can see significant improvement for this assignment. Johnny Burke takes the ride on the 8-year-old, and I like their chances.

🏇 Bet on Hymac at AK Bets 🏇

Don't forget Ed will be back on Thursday to preview Day 2 of Cheltenham's April Meeting!

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.