Cheltenham Preview Friday

THE NOVEMBER MEETING KICKS OFF FROM CHELTENHAM ON FRIDAY! Previews available for all 6 races on the card including main dangers to our bets.

Make sure you scroll right down to the bottom to see any multiples we are placing. These can be added direct to your bet365 bet slip.

Cheltenham Preview Friday

1.10 Cheltenham Market Insurance Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 2m5f
1.45 Cheltenham Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase (Class 2) 2m
2.20 Cheltenham SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase (Class 2) 2m4f
2.55 Cheltenham Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2) 3m6f
3.30 Cheltenham Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f
4.00 Cheltenham Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 2m1/2f

 

Cheltenham 1.10

We kick off the day at Cheltenham with one of the most competitive races of the day with 20 runners separated by just 7lb. A few of these are in top form and have the potential to get much better as well. SKATMAN gets the vote after making it 2 wins from 2 hurdle runs on his seasonal debut at Newton Abbot last month. He won easily over 2 miles beating Yggdrasil who has franked the form this week. He will be even better at this trip and is the one to beat.

An Tailliur has won his last 5 over hurdles and is only up 4lb for his last win. He doesn’t win by far but is always doing enough so he must be a danger. My Bobby Dazzler is interesting at a big price on his Aintree run before the break. He may have needed last months run and could be overpriced as a result.

Cheltenham 1.45

The likeable EDITEUR DU GITE was in the process of running a really encouraging race on return when unseating at the last at Ascot last month. If none the worse from that I think this lightly raced 7yo can continue his progression here. Gary Moore is going great guns and this horse definitely still has scope off a mark of 140. He will be ridden forward under his 5lb claimer and if he gets into a decent rhythm over these fences he might just take a bit of catching.

Stolen Silver made a winning start for Sam Thomas at Market Rasen but this is tougher and I’m not massively convinced by his profile. I think he needs more to follow up. Magic Saint looks the danger as I thought he needed the run at Wetherby and he should be spot on for this now having won it second time up last season off the same mark. Kap Auteuil could also run well but this is definitely tougher again for him.


Cheltenham 2.20

We have been looking forward to seeing the return of MY DROGO since he routed them at Aintree. He should be perfect for fences but it is just a shame he only faces one rival. My Drogo was one of the best novice hurdlers last season and if taking to fences he will be in all the big races at the end of the season. If ready to roll here we should see him pick up his rival turning in and pull clear.

Gin On Lime is rated 7lb inferior to his rival here but does have form over fences. Based on all known form she would need to step forward to beat the selection or win it tactically which I can’t see Harry Skelton letting it happen in a two-runner field.


Cheltenham 2.55

Easily the most competitive race of the day so it won’t surprise you that I’ve taken two against the field. The favourite at the time of writing is BALKO DES FLOS and I do think he has a big shout. This horse is all about stamina as he showed when finishing an excellent second to Minella Times in the Grand National. He was given a nice pipe-opener over hurdles at Galway last month and that would have left him spot on for this. He is definitely the class horse in the field and with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle he is likely to have plenty of supporters.

At a bigger price FREEWHEELIN DYLAN should go well for a long way. He ran creditably in defeat when midfield in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan 4 months ago and given he goes well fresh he could be handicapped to have a big say here off a mark of 147. I can see him taking well to this discipline so a big run beckons. Dangers include the French horse Diesel D’allier who won this a couple of years ago impressively (keep an eye on how long he takes to saddle up as took forever that year) and Back On The Lash who may also relish this test.


Cheltenham 3.30

This has been won by some really nice horses down the years and GELINO BELLO may well be another one for Paul Nicholls. He powered clear to make a winning hurdles debut at Aintree last month and with scope to improve plenty yet he should make it 2-2 in this discipline here. That win at Aintree was backed up by the clock and it’s going to take a good one to stop him.

Off Your Rocco is chasing a hat-trick but has to give the selection 5lb. Blazing Khal comes over from Ireland and shouldn’t be underestimated either but I think he might just lack that class-edge the favourite looks to have. This is a good race and the winner should go on to make into a nice prospect.


Cheltenham 4.00

I found myself leaning away from those at the top of the market here and I’ve decided to take a chance on a big price in CASTEL GANDOLFO. This race has sprung a 33/1 shock for the last two renewals (Red Hot Chilly in 2018 and Lively Citizen last year) so it might not be the worst approach going. This horse has already won twice this season at Fakenham and Worcester and even in defeat since he has run really well. Given time they have likely had this race in mind and if he steps forward again he could easily get competitive at a double-figure price. If he can get a good position early and just track the pace round he could definitely land a blow.

Stablemate City Derby is fav at the time of writing and he does look a horse on the up having won easily at Perth when last seen. An opening mark of 111 almost certainly underestimates his ability but he does lack experience which would be a concern. Belgoprince won a fiercely competitive race on the Flat at Navan last month and has to be feared form this trainer back over hurdles. The thriving Samba Dancer best of the rest – Fergal O’Brien has a really strong hand.

Cheltenham Mixed Acca

The November meeting kicks off from Cheltenham on Friday and we have included another Mixed Acca. THIS LANDED A 16/1 WINNER AT THE WEEKEND! Pays 10/1!

Cheltenham Mixed Acca

Cheltenham 1.10 Skatman PLACE (3 PLACES)

Cheltenham 1.45 Editeur Du Gite PLACE (3 PLACES)

Cheltenham 2.20 My Drogo WIN

Cheltenham 3.30 Gelino Bello WIN

Pays 10/1!