Evening all,
It’s day one of the November meeting at Cheltenham with four races being shown on ITV4 this afternoon. Inside today’s main piece I have looked at five of the six races on the card including the four ITV races. Today’s betting advice can be found at the end of the preview.
Cheltenham November Meeting – Day 1
A six race card for day one of the November Meeting. The first race, the Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle (1:10) that gets the meeting underway, I can happily pass over, as there are better opportunities later on the card. However, most of the ones I like are prominent in the betting and obvious picks.
Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (1:45)
The Glancing Queen did well over fences last season winning two Listed Mares Novice Chases including on seasonal return. Not disgraced in a couple stronger races afterwards. And she ended the season winning a mare’s only handicap chase (2m ½ f) here in April. Goes well fresh and respected off top-weight.
Grey Diamond is a useful handicap chaser at his best. The 8-year-old had a light campaign last season, just three starts. Arguably the best of them was when runner-up on his seasonal return at Ascot. He was still in with chance when making a bad mistake at the last when finishing last of seven at Wincanton in February. Holds no secrets from the handicapper but won’t mind the drying ground.
SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) (2:20)
Pull Again Green won here over hurdles last season and was well fancied to make a winning start over fences (2/1) here last month. His lack of experience over the larger obstacles was apparent that day but he finished a respectable 3rd of 5. Capable of much better over fences and and should get closer here. Tempted to out him up as selection but he faces a couple of rivals in Irish challenger Hereditary Rule who has won his last two starts over fences and Unanswered Prayers, a useful novice hurdler last season, who makes his debut over fences and looks on a workable mark despite being 2lb out of the handicap.
Glenfarclas Veterans’ Handicap Chase (2:55)
Ballyandy was a high class hurdler a few seasons back. However, the 11-year-old hasn’t always convinced that’s he’s as good over fences. He did well back over hurdles last season, winning twice, and he was a credible 2 ½ length 3rd of 7 at Perth (3m) on seasonal return. The drop back to 2m 4f looks a good one and this a good opportunity for him to gain a second win over fences.
Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (3:30)
The most valuable race on the card. The Willie Mullins trained Hubrisko looks to have the strongest form. A winner of a Galway maiden hurdle in September he ran to a similar level when 3rd of 7 to stablemate Champ Kiely in a Tipperary Grade 3 last month. He should by the step up to 2m 5f and looks a worthy favourite, but he faces several potential improvers. Collectors Item looked a nice prospect when winning a Chepstow novice last month on hurdles debut. His Chepstow win came over 2m, but he’s bred to appreciate today’s step up to 2m 5f. Hermes Allen also made a winning start over hurdles at Stratford (2m 6f) 27-days ago. No stamina issues for the 5-year-old who looks set to go onto better things with racing.
Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (4:00)
There are plenty capable of better than they have shown so far. Recent Stratford winner Master Dancer is one, as is Pepe Le Moko, whose yard has been struggling for winners but could be about to turn a corner.
Rathmacknee got off the mark with a comfortable success at Fakenham in May. He should progress further this season and given the form of the Nicky Henderson stable must be respected here on handicap debut.
Hey Johnny got off the mark at the sixth attempt when winning a Clonmel Handicap 15-days ago. He had a bit in hand that day and there should be more to come from the Irish challenger.
Mothill ended last season winning a Fontwell novice in May and returned to action with an improved success on handicap hurdle debut at Chepstow last month. He’s only 4lb higher than last time and is open to further progress.
Phoenix Aquilus couldn’t get competitive in a messy race when 3rd of 7 at Huntingdon last month. The 5-year-old returns from wind surgery and although he faces plenty of potential improvers he’s only had four starts over hurdles himself and he’s not badly handicapped on his flat. I suspect there will be worse 25/1 shots over the next three days.
Betting Advice:
Cheltenham
1:45 – Grey Diamond – 1pt win – 7/2 @ Bet365 & Coral
2:55 – Ballyandy – 1pt win – 3/1 @ Bet365
4:00 – Rathmacknee – 1pt win – 17/2 @ Coral and Hey Johnny – 1pt win – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Coral
Cheers
John