Cheltenham Preview Saturday
DAY 2 OF THE NOVEMBER MEETING LIVE ON ITV RACING ON SATURDAY! Plus action on the AW from Lingfield. Previews for all 6 races.
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 Saturday
1.40 Cheltenham From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) 2m
2.15 Cheltenham Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 2m4f
2.50 Cheltenham Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) 3m
3.05 Lingfield (AW) Betway Golden Rose Stakes (Class 1) 6f
3.25 Cheltenham Paddy Power Feel Like A Fav Intermediate Handicap Hurdle 2m5f
3.40 Lingfield (AW) Betway Churchill Stakes (Listed Race) 1m2f
Cheltenham 1.40
The way THIRD TIME LUCKI jumped when slamming rivals on his chase debut over C&D last month was a joy to behold and a repeat of that would see him remain unbeaten in this sphere. Harry Skelton has come down on a couple of high profile chasers from the yard in Shan Blue and My Drogo in recent times so he’ll be keen to get this one in the bank. I really can’t see him beat and he looks a really smart horse going forward. He was quite keen the last day but a toe in would be ideal.
Captain Tom Cat may well go from the front and that should help the fav settle. The latter was back to winning ways at Wincanton last week and has Mick Pastor held on that form. He should run well but the selection looks a cut above. Sebastopol is out his depth on all known form.
Cheltenham 2.15
The maximum field of 20 go to post for the Paddy Power Gold Cup this year and there are a couple I quite like in here. PROTEKTORAT returns after 219 days off looking to continue his fine chasing form (12211). He was last seen winning the Manifesto at Aintree in April which looks top form. He has to carry top weight here but I think he has more to come and goes very well fresh.
My other bet in the race is MIDNIGHT SHADOW who we saw run a cracker behind Allmankind in a Grade 2 at Aintree last month. That was very good form considering the company but also it was his first run since February. He loves Cheltenham and has gone well here off higher marks so will run a big race at a decent each way price.
Coole Cody won this off a 4lb lower mark last year and could be the danger after having a run over hurdles to set him up for this. He is a bigger price than I thought he would be as well so certainly one to keep in mind. Galahad Quest is also worth a second look having shaped really well when third at Wetherby so I certainly wouldn’t put you off him running a big race.
Cheltenham 2.50
It’s a shame as I was really keen on Dragon Bones for this but with her now out it looks a good chance for Dan and Harry Skelton to strike with PROSCHEMA. He won competitive handicaps here and at Aintree last season and was an encouraging fifth in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow on return. He built on that to run a cracker when second to Indefatigable in a Grade 2 at Wetherby last time and reaching peak fitness now looks sure to go close here.
Ballymillsy is tough and impressed at Newton Abbot so could also play a hand despite an 8lb rise. Sporting John won the Scilly Isles at Sandown impressively in February but his jumping still has to be a concern even back over hurdles following a wind op. Onagatheringstorm best of the rest now going handicapping.
Lingfield 3.05
This looks a cracking renewal of the Golden Rose and last years winner GOOD EFFORT looks the one to beat after a mixed season. He has disappointed in some much better races on turf but every time he runs on the the all-weather he raises his game. His run in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle behind Chil Chil would be good enough to win this so he gets a confident vote to defend his crown.
Harry’s Bar and Exalted Angel look the biggest threats with the latter thriving on the all-weather and could be a good bet to follow the selection home. Misty Grey is a good looking sort who certainly wasn’t disgraced behind the latter when third over C&D last time so also has to be respected if fully tuned up.
Cheltenham 3.25
The hat-trick seeking MACKELDUFF looks a good bet to win this for Olly Murphy and Aidan Coleman. We were with him at Aintree and he certainly didn’t let us down producing a career best to win impressively. He quickened up in the style of a progressive young horse and looks to have a bright future. He is only going to improve again and while this is tougher I’d have him favourite for this so I still think there is a bit of juice in his price at around 7/2 at the time of writing.
Unexpected Party is the danger as he dotted up on handicap debut at Wetherby. The handicapper has reacted raising him 11lb but another big run looks on the cards. At a bigger price I thought Benson could run well (and I might end up backing him for a place). He certainly wasn’t disgraced at Ascot and this step up in trip could suit given the way he ran on the last day. He has also had a wind op so I think he’ll get involved.
Lingfield 3.40
This year’s renewal is made more interesting by PYLEDRIVER turning up here. He is the best in the field by at least 9lb and even with a Group 1 penalty he is the one to beat in much easier company than he is used to. He has ran well on the all-weather before and the drop in trip isn’t that worrying as he is pretty versatile. 9/4 looks generous at the time of writing and I expect him to go off shorter than that.
Dubai Warrior won this race easily last year but hasn’t been as good since. He was last seen at Dundalk in September and that may have just been to get him fit. If running to the level of last years win he will be a threat at a big price. Felix needs to bounce back but also has to be respected as he will relish this return to the AW here.
ITV Racing Mixed Acca
More racing from Cheltenham on Saturday plus AW action from Lingfield. We have included another Mixed Acca. Pays 16/1!
ITV Racing Mixed Acca
Cheltenham 1.40 Third Time Lucki WIN
Lingfield 3.05 Good Effort PLACE (3 PLACES)
Cheltenham 3.25 Mackelduff PLACE (3 PLACES)
Lingfield 3.40 Pyledriver WIN
Pays 16/1!