Five bets for the new jump season

I would normally stay tipping on the flat for a couple more weeks but this weekend’s Newbury and Doncaster cards make no appeal, gambling wise, while the return of a Saturday jump card at Cheltenham is hugely welcome. On balance, I prefer betting on national hunt racing because it’s easier to get attached to the horses that are racing year after year – and to get to know their preferences, their dislikes and their quirks.

However, I always bet with caution in the early weeks of a new season because it is impossible to know which horses are fit and which are not, especially when they are making their seasonal debuts. Before I address tomorrow’s Cheltenham card, I am going to put up three ante-post bets which I think are good value.