HANDICAP HOTPOTS

Trust in target trainer Skelton to hit the bullseye once again

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THE Grade One stars will hog the headlines this week but for plunges, plots and punting value the Festival handicaps can't be beaten.

Starform expert STEVE CURRY picks out six to follow...

TARGET man Dan Skelton is taking aim at a Coral Cup hat-trick with a horse who looks like the handicap bet of Cheltenham 2025.

The trainer has kept BE AWARE tucked up at home since December - other than a racecourse gallop - to protect a mark of 137 for Wednesday's race, which he's won for the past two years with Langer Dan.

And the improving youngster should have a nice bit in hand based on his cracking Greatwood Hurdle effort, when he powered up the hill to almost run down the now 150-rated Burdett Road in receipt of only 3lb.

He has also been crying out for a return to further, and Skelton - who can't stop banging on (his words, not mine) about this lad - has been saving that move for the big day.

Wednesday's other major betting race, the Grand Annual, is the target for JAZZY MATTY, who is fancied to add to his 2023 Fred Winter win.