Cheltenham Trials Day: Saturday 29th January 2022 - An Utterly McFabulous Trials Day

It’s Festival Trials Day on Saturday and we have a fantastic eight-race card on offer, despite some smaller than ideal fields.

There are plenty of very real clues on offer for the Festival in March, and we have a firm selection in each race.

12.15 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – CORMIER

We should have a lively betting heat to kick off with over two miles and a furlong, with a handful of runners in with chances.

Hydroplane has form figures of 2113P1 over the past ten months and could still be significantly improving, while conditions could be just right for a big run from Lively Citizen who is the likely market leader.

There is great value however in Brian Ellison’s Cormier near the top of the weights. Although disappointing last time, that was over on the Old Course and he has been slowly improving all the time.

Despite that, he’s actually down 3lbs in the weights since a good run at Ffos Las in October where he showed the kind of speed he might need on this surface and rates a small bet.

12.45 (Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Grade 2) – FOREVER WILLIAM

Having won on his only start to date, Pied Piper is the rightful favourite for this Triumph Hurdle trial. The gelding beat 19 runners at Punchestown, is trained by Gordon Elliott and is ridden by Davy Russell so he has plenty of ticks in plenty of boxes.

That said, Pied Piper’s win was on pretty soft ground and things will be very different in this event. Iceo is the horse we think many will back against him, but it could just be that Forever William has what it takes at a big price.

Alan King’s runner was a good winner at Newbury on his hurdling debut in December, and while he improved a little on his second run he didn’t do so by as much as would have been anticipated.

His run in third was on softer than ideal ground however and it was at Grade 1 level, making it impressive overall. Forever William is highly regarded, has potentially superior speed and is great value in the market.

1.20 (Novices’ Handicap Chase – Class 2) – OSCAR ELITE

A tough race, with several horses hard to judge owing to their likely different rates of improvement as novices.

Imperial Alcazar has been runner-up twice over fences but can improve plenty on this ground, while When You’re Ready was a beaten favourite last time out on soft and will also appreciate underfoot conditions.

Your Darling showed good speed on chase debut on better ground too, but Oscar Elite is the one we reckon may improve past this field at the weights.

Colin Tizzard’s seven-year-old might have gone close to winning here in his first chase but for falling, while his run at Grade 2 level last time was very solid despite the horse having bled. Fully fit now, we should see him reach a new level under Brendan Powell.

1.55 (Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – MAGIC SAINT 

Another tough race to call, one in which Farinet should command plenty of respect as well as the inevitably associated betting cash.

Paul Nicholls’ Magic Saint however looks more interesting. Having tumbled from a rating of 159 to 147 he has regressed overall. However, he’s only eight and is far from done yet.

In fact, he has steadily improved over his past three runs with the level he is likely to reach now in reality likely about to exceed his handicap mark.

2.30 (Cotswold Chase – Grade 2) – SIMPLY THE BETTS

An important Gold Cup trial. Nicky Henderson’s Chantry House may go off at odds-on for this and he is, up to now, correctly labelled as the class horse in the race.

He pulled up however in the King George, is rated only 3lbs superior to Simply The Betts and has to give his main rival 4lbs.

For his part, Simply The Betts has done very well around Cheltenham in the past and is reaching the sort of level required in a race of this nature. He is the value ahead of the jolly and Aye Right.

3.05 (Cleeve Hurdle – Grade 2) – McFABULOUS 

Another major trial (Stayers’ Hurdle), another JP McManus/Nicky Henderson favourite. This time, Champ is the runner in question and he could be long odds-on by go-time.

A good former chaser, Champ won the Long Walk Hurdle over this three-mile trip, beating today’s main rival and former Stayers’ Hurdle winner Paisley Park in the process. Both horses are ten now though and while they may keep up to that level, they may not progress.

Step in McFabulous. Always highly regarded, Paul Nicholls’ runner won the Relkeel and reached a mark of 158, five less than today’s favourite. He is better than that, he needed the run last time and his trainer is adamant three miles is his trip so we should see a career high now.

3.40 (Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – HILLCREST

Still known to many as the Classic Novices’ Hurdle, this Grade 2 race is a fine one but the quality this time round isn’t the best. With that, it may simply be pertinent to stick with favourite Hillcrest who has achieved more than the others so far.

True, Henry Daly’s runner carries more weight than his rivals but he has done more than enough to warrant it and he should be able to confirm his superiority over this field with a clean round of hurdling.

4.15 (Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – NELL’S BELLS

The excellent Brian Hughes is booked for five rides on the card, but he may have to wait for the lucky last to grab a win.

He rides Donald McCain’s Nell’s Bells in the closing bumper race, a six-year-old mare who absolutely routed her field at Carlisle in December. From that we can’t really tell where her ceiling is, which is undoubtedly a good thing and we think this stiff competition will bring the best out of her.

New Years Day Meeting: 1st January 2022 - Bank on Millers in the Dipper

A fantastic New Year’s Day of action is on the cards at Cheltenham, potentially in front of a 30,000-strong crowd.

What the ultimate effects of that big crowd will be are yet to be discovered, but watching from afar and taking a punt on our seven selections could be the best way to start your year!

12.15 (Novices’ Hurdle – Listed Race) – GET A TONIC

A fascinating start to the seven-race card. The likely strong favourite here is I Am Maximus for the Nicky Henderson stable. A winner at the second time of asking over hurdles, the now six-year-old scored nicely from Raymond Tusk and previously beat My Drogo in a bumper race.

At a glance that all reads like strong form so his position in the market is understandable, though a look at the form of the horses he’s beaten recently shows that he is potentially at no higher a level than Hillcrest and Get A Tonic who are preferred at the odds.

It was a close call between the two initially for us, but ultimately Get A Tonic’s speed figures on soft ground are more impressive meaning she may just get through this surface a little faster than Hillcrest.

The other factor was that both horses are officially rated 128, yet the mare Get A Tonic gets the 7lb weight pull which could prove to be very crucial for the Skelton team.

12.50 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – DESTINEE ROYALE

It’s close at the top of the market for this 3¼-mile event between Honest Vic, Destinee Royale, The Wolf and Undersupervision.

Honest Vic is in good form but carries comfortably the most weight among the main contenders and may just struggle in these conditions.

The Wolf and Undersupervision could be pretty closely matched at the weights, but the one that stands out the most for us is Venetia Williams’ Destinee Royale who is worth backing.

Having her first run for 283 days, which isn’t a big negative, Destinee Royale has easily the most potential in these conditions. Despite being a beaten favourite back in March, she was going over 3½ miles there and may have had a problem, but her form before that is the best on offer here versus the official ratings.

A comfortable winner at Wetherby over three miles in February, she is capable of a good deal more now just with natural improvement and so looks the best handicapped horse in the line-up.

1.25 (Dipper Novices’ Chase – Grade 2) – MILLERS BANK

The Dipper, as it is still known to many despite sponsorship, may yet provide us with a big Festival clue. It seems as though four can be taken against the field this time around with all worth watching between now and March.

Of the quartet, it could be rather close all things considered between Fantastikas, The Glancing Queen and probable favourite L’Homme Presse, but while the form of the latter looks the strongest at a glance, he does give away 3lbs and there is plenty to like about Millers Bank against him.

Alex Hales’ runner was as impressive as any of these on his chase debut in late October, while he looked well set to win at Grade 2 level in November at Newbury but for falling two from home.

Assuming he can handle the softer going, which we think he will, he could simply prove to be the best horse in this line-up and is good value too.

2.00 (Paddy Power New Year’s Day Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – ADMIRAL BARRATRY

Another big 2½-mile Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham, one in which the Racing Post Gold Cup winner and runner-up, Coole Cody and Zanza, are bound to be popular.

Alnadam and the much-improved mare Vienna Court are also respected, but there is a lot to like about Lucy Wadham’s Admiral Barratry at bigger odds. An easy winner last time out, he has plenty more to give and handles these conditions well.

2.35 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – TAMAR BRIDGE

Famous last words and all that, but Tamar Bridge is a pretty confident selection in this three-mile handicap hurdle.

He’s at the top of our ratings and the top of the betting anyway after winning his last three hurdle races, but it also appears that the race conditions today may bring plenty more improvement out of him.

His form is very good, but he has little speed and so it appears he’s been winning despite the 2½-mile trip and not because of it. This three-mile distance on soft ground is sure to bring the best out of him, which makes him well handicapped ahead of Whatsupwithyou, Pileon, Ask Dillon and My Bobby Dazzler.

3.10 (Relkeel Hurdle – Grade 2) – McFABULOUS

Former chaser Brewin’upastorm is all the rage here and it’s easy to see why after a recent impressive handicap win.

He’s very much in our thoughts, as is Guard Your Dreams and Stormy Ireland, but it could be close between the three which leaves us looking for the potential standout runner.

There is one, and it’s McFabulous for Paul Nicholls. Always thought of as a potential star after winning a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in 2019, he’s reached a mark of 158 over hurdles, the same as the favourite, and has now had a break after wind surgery.

There’s no doubt that he has more to give in the future than his main market rival, conditions look good for him and he can add to his tally of three Grade 2 career wins before moving up to the top level once more.

3.50 (Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – BEYOND BOUNDARIES 

This one-mile, six-furlong bumper is an intriguing end to the card. Given the nature of the race, one in which we know little about the contenders, it’s always possible that something unexpected comes out of the pack and so we always recommend you check the betting in the moments before the off.

On what we know right now however, three horses stand out. Poetic Music first of all is two from two for Fergal O’Brien, will have been expertly prepared no doubt and may improve for the step up in trip having won last time over a mile-and-a-half.

Iliade Allen is the other last-time-out winner of interest, however newcomer Beyond Boundaries is fascinating and is worth chancing at the odds.

Representing top Flat connections Andrew Balding and King Power Racing, Beyond Boundaries is a full brother to Western Australia who reached a peak rating of 110 on the level. If he were to make a belated debut in the mid-80’s for a Flat runner, which is eminently possible, that would perhaps make him too good for this field.

International Meeting Day Two: Saturday 11th December - Sceau to Put Up Royal Performance in International

Day 2 of the International Meeting promises to be another belter. With two Grade 2 events, the Racing Post Gold Cup and a key trial for the Triumph Hurdle on the card we have plenty to get our teeth stuck into on Saturday.

12.05 (Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Class 2) – MESSAGE PERSONNEL

After finishing third on his hurdling debut in a similar contest albeit at Grade 2 level last month, Yorksea has the best provable form and is the rightful favourite on the book for Gary Moore.

More interesting however is Message Personnel. His French form is hard to quantify and he carries a 7lb penalty, but his odds are juicy and there is plenty to like when you dig a little deeper.

Dan Skelton’s new recruit beat Selma at Dieppe in July, a horse whose subsequent form gives Message Personnel the look of a runner that could just be at a higher level despite the penalty.

As we know so little about these juveniles it’s better to go with potential along with form rather than only the latter so he gets the nod, Interne De Sivola also making the shortlist.

12.40 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – MY DROGO

The major competition hasn’t turned up for this extended 2½-mile novice chase and so it’s very hard to see beyond My Drogo here.

For those who may not remember; My Drogo was involved in a match race with Gin On Lime at the November meeting and while ultimately the result was a good one for this column, Dan Skelton’s six-year-old was a very unlucky loser!

Both horses appeared to have fallen that day, only for Rachael Blackmore to somehow remain on board her mount and claim victory.

My Drogo is better than that and better than the two rivals he faces here so as long as he stays upright this time, he should land a first victory of his fledgling chase career.

1.15 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – FRERO BANBOU

This race has been named in honour of Simon Claisse, the long-time Cheltenham clerk of the course and a competitive wee bunch of eight horses has been assembled.

On our own private ratings, its very tight between Torpillo, if fit enough after 641 days off the track, Cheddleton who was too free last time and is capable of better, and likely market leader Editeur Du Gite who is the most solid of that bunch.

The one with the potential to offer more though is Frero Banbou. Venetia Williams’ gelding is three from 8 so far and doesn’t seem to have been properly collared by the handicapper.

Having run twice this season already but just eight times over fences in all, even natural improvement would make him potentially the best treated horse in the line-up at the weights and he’s a nice price too.

1.50 (Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – FARINET 

The newly renamed Racing Post Gold Cup is a brilliantly competitive 2½-mile handicap chase, one in which the form of last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is likely to come to the fore.

Winner Midnight Shadow, third-placed Lalor, fourth Dostal Phil and sixth Zanza are all back for more while the runner-up that day, Protektorat, has since demolished a Grade 2 field at Aintree by 25 lengths.

They are all in with chances on the book, naturally, but coming out of novice company now is Farinet of the Venetia Williams yard and he is taken to improve past them off a handy weight.

A very good winner at Sandown in March on his second start in this country, Farinet is capable of very much more and could prove to be great value in the feature event.

2.25 (Bristol Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – BARONY LEGENDS

Blazing Khal managed to see off Gelino Bello over 2 miles, 5 furlongs at the November meeting here and the two reoppose.

Blazing Khal now has a 5lb penalty, but given that he never showed much speed we can assume he’ll appreciate this step up to three miles and so may still be just a step ahead of his old rival who challenges him at the top of this market.

The one to take against them is the unexposed Barony Legends for the Olly Murphy yard. 41 days ago, he was a very, very easy winner at Lingfield over 2m3f and while his ability to stay the trip isn’t proven there is no end of improvement in him and he could be the best value in the race to small stakes.

3.00 (International Hurdle – Grade 2) – SCEAU ROYAL

Make no mistake; Alan King’s star Sceau Royal had a real chance at Newcastle last time in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth, the key trial for the Champion Hurdle back here in March.

While the ground officially was good to soft there, conditions at race time were horrible and Sceau Royal did well just to battle on and claim a close third place behind Not So Sleepy and Epatante.

He’s better than that and he can prove it here with a performance that should make him one of the frontrunners for the big one in March.

Ballyadam will have his supporters, but frankly his form over hurdles doesn’t match up to what is required here. Song For Someone is the likely favourite but, while there is talent there, he isn’t at Sceau Royal’s level in our opinion with a better bet for the forecast at these weights arguably being Guard Your Dreams.

3.35 (Mares’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – TRAPISTA

Paul Webber’s mare Indefatigable is a real favourite around here and hopefully she’ll put up another big performance, but the young pretender Trapista looks like improving to just the right level and may take the lucky last.

Jonjo O’Neill’s horse, trained for JP McManus, made a very successful British debut at Huntingdon back in late October and has been given plenty of time to come to herself and is now ready to go once more.

Indefatigable is indeed next best, ahead of Martello Sky.

International Meeting Day 1: Friday 10th December 2021 - Rocco ‘n’ Roll in Friday Feature Race

There are even bigger and better things to come on Saturday, but Friday sees the first day of the International Meeting hosted at Cheltenham Racecourse and we have a tip for all seven races on the card.

12.05 (Novices’ Hurdle – Class 3) – JPR ONE

Even over two miles and a furlong this hurdle race may take some getting for some of these novices, but despite the need for a little stamina there’s no shortage of class on show either for the grade.

The likely favourite is Hartur D’Oudairies. While he is unbeaten after a bumper win in France and a successful hurdling debut at Warwick in which he was described as “impressive”, he looks far from unfillable to us.

Much of his reputation in the market comes from him carrying the JP McManus colours and being trained by Dan Skelton, but we’ve had his favourites beaten here before at odds and we’re looking to repeat the trick with Jpr One.

Also a winner on his hurdle debut for Colin Tizzard, Jpr One reached a higher level than Hartur D’Oudairies in our opinion and has the capacity to kick on now. Washington and Datsalrightgino can fight it out for places.

12.40 (Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase – Class 3) – CORACH RAMBLER

In what looks like a competitive race for a seven-runner affair, Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell may well be able to make her trip with two horses pay, Corach Rambler being her most likely winner.

The seven-year-old ran well on his chase debut to finish third at 14/1 at Perth in September, and improved upon that when winning very well at Aintree in October.

Off the track since then, he can prove he is on an upward curve, one that would make him well handicapped off his rating of 134. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Derek Fox’s mount is well backed considering he was punted into 5/2 at Aintree before scoring by six lengths.

Eva’s Oskar is next on the list after his win at Chepstow and fine second at Ascot, with Coeur Serein and Undersupervision also considered. Barbados Buck’s probably has to improve plenty at the weights.

1.15 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – QUINTA DO MAR

Quite easy to put numbers against in terms of handicapping here were The Grey Falco, Broomfield Burg, Royaume Uni, Punxsutawney Phil, Castel Gandolfo and Lively Citizen who were all very close on our ratings.

When things are that close, at least on paper, it’s best to look for something potentially very well handicapped and therefore we are taking a chance on Ben Pauling’s Quinta Do Mar.

The six-year-old is on a hat-trick now and won very easily by 31 lengths last time. We’re banking on taking that form at face value and there being more to come and if there is, then there is little doubt that the bay is best at these weights. He just has to handle Cheltenham.

1.50 (Mares’ Handicap Chase – Class 3) – ROSE OF ARCADIA

While it doesn’t work every time, many jumps horses show a factually better performance over fences if taking to them than they do over hurdles. With that in mind, we go for a punt on Cheveley Park’s Rose Of Arcadia here for the Colin Tizzard yard on her chase debut.

She finished her five-run hurdling career on a mark of 119, but it appears that overall, her team thinks that does not truly speak for her ability.

Timeless Beauty represents Fergal O’Brien and can go well, with Jubilympics and Fontaine Collonges also on the shortlist.

2.25 (Betfair Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – ROCCO

Our Grade 3 feature race over 3¼ miles looks like a cracking race, but still an eminently winnable one.

Enrilo may be favourite. He is only 7 and comes from the Paul Nicholls yard so he is an obvious candidate, one that fell last time but showed some solid form before that.

Hurricane Harvey is interesting as are Fagan and Commodore, but we bank on Rocco doing the business for Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies for the first time at Graded level.

Suddenly kicking on and improving after twelve chases, Rocco was a convincing winner last time out at Wincanton in the Badger Beer where he beat Potterman and the aforementioned Hurricane Harvey and there looks sure to be further improvement to come.

He hasn’t been tried over fences around here, but he was a good third at Cheltenham at Grade 2 level over hurdles some time ago and looks primed for the run of his life.

3.00 (Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase – Class 2) – PLAN OF ATTACK

With Tiger Roll and Easysland not on the scene, these cross-country races are wide open and there may be a form turnaround this time.

At the November meeting we successfully went for Back On The Lash to do the business and while another big run is on the cards, the horse back in fourth that day has more to give and a handy 3lb weight pull.

That horse is Henry De Bromhead’s Plan Of Attack. Fourth in the 2020 Kim Muir and a faller when going well in it this year, Plan Of Attack took fourth place and was staying on nicely in the last cross-country race here and it’s easy to see him going a few places better now.

3.35 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – SPORTING JOHN

There will need to be improvement from The Wrekin and Botox Has, who have place chances, but the two to concentrate on in the finale have already battled it out around here at the November meeting and may do again.

Runner-up last month was Fergal O’Brien’s Onagatheringstorm who will surely put in another solid performance, but he was no match for Sporting John that day who perhaps has more to come over hurdles and remains the sensible betting choice.

Sporting John was tried over fences but staying hurdles look like his game and he can land this before moving up in grade.

November Meeting Day Three: Sunday 14th November 2021 - Champion Chaser Back for More

It’s been a brilliant November meeting already, but isn’t over yet! The Champion Chaser and former Arkle heroine, Put The Kettle On, returns to the scene of her most famous successes while the Greatwood Hurdle gives us an early look at some potential Champion Hurdlers for four months’ time.

1.10 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – DOES HE KNOW

Despite the makeup of the Old Course at Cheltenham, this race should be all about stamina as this inexperienced field of chasers tackles three miles while their trainers perhaps dream of future Gold Cup glory.

Oscar Elite comes back from a big break and stayed well enough over hurdles, winning over three miles on heavy ground, while Threeunderthrufive has had chasing experience already and has won over this distance on good ground.

The one that just looks a class above them perhaps is Kim Bailey’s Does He Know. 2-2 over fences, the six-year-old is a course and distance winner now and can still get much better yet.

Ground conditions are fine for him, he jumps these fences well and his handicap mark of 147 does not look anything like beyond him.

1.45 (Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – EMPIRE DE MAULDE

We see champion jockey-elect Brian Hughes at Cheltenham all too seldom, especially with winning chances, but he has a good one in the second race here and in top company too.

This is a good stayers’ race over nearly 3½ miles, one that is perfect for Hughes’ mount Empire De Maulde, trained in Scotland by James Ewart.

First or second in eight of his 13 chases to date, Empire De Maulde has won at Aintree and Kelso over longer trips, yet showed decent speed to run second at Kelso over 2m1f in September and that experience can stand him in good stead here.

He’ll have enough tactical speed to stay in a good position in this race, has the proven stamina to see it out and on the evidence of his latest win should still be a good few pounds ahead of the handicapper.

Yala Enki is not getting any younger and yet is the main danger in terms of the betting, and while he’ll have to be watched for the top Cheltenham pairing of Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost, he may just be outgunned this time.

2.20 (Cheltenham Chase – Grade 2) – PUT THE KETTLE ON

There are just the four runners for this Grade 2 contest, but what a quartet it is. We’re in for a real treat here indeed.

The outsider of the bunch is Rouge Vif, rated 159 and a Grade 2 winner in the past, Politologue (167) is a former Champion Chase winner, while Put The Kettle On (159) and Nube Negra (165) were first and second in the Champion Chase last season.

The quality is all there, and at the weights it may play to stick with the mare Put The Kettle On. Henry De Bromhead’s seven-year-old loves it here, winning the Arkle a year before her big victory here in March.

There may not be much between her and Nube Negra all things considered, but it would be no surprise to see them finish in a familiar order, while even at ten there is life left in Politologue yet who cannot be discounted.

2.55 (Greatwood Handicap Hurdle – Grade 3) – NO ORDINARY JOE

A cracking race; competitive, high-class and full of speed. Whether or not we see a potential Champion Hurdle winner, we will see a brilliant betting event in its own right and it’s JP McManus who may hold the key once again in this division.

Having had the likes of Epatante and Buveur D’Air in recent times, both Champion Hurdle winners, he knows a good one so it would be interesting to hear his thoughts on No Ordinary Joe.

No Ordinary Joe is trained by Nicky Henderson, as were the aforementioned pair of champions, and while he is coming from a lower base, he could yet be something very good in this sphere.

After a decent fourth on his hurdling bow, he’s won two egg and spoon races very easily in preparation for what’s to come this season and that has perhaps looked after his handicap mark somewhat, a mark that appears not to represent his true ability which presents us with a betting opportunity.

He gets the call here, though challengers should be many including Tritonic, Cormier and JP’s other runner Camprond among others. West Cork is also worth watching after nearly two years off the track.

3.30 (Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – I LIKE TO MOVE IT

Unfortunately, we have another four-runner event here and that’s a great shame. Given the level of this race (Grade 2) and the fact that, as the name suggests, it is a recognised trial for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in March, we could have expected plenty more runners.

That said, this is a winter game so the good ground may have accounted for a few potential candidates, while at £28,000 to the winner we can’t call the event particularly rich either which is something that needs to be addressed.

What we’d like to see in that case is an authoritative winner, one that can throw their hat into the ring for March and the most likely horse to do it is I Like To Move It for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

His two hurdle successes so far have been achieved without much fuss and he accounted for Tritonic last time who was a strong fancy for the Triumph Hurdle last year and is in with a shout on this card in the Greatwood Hurdle. Olly Murphy’s Washington is next on the list.

4.00 (Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – TIMEFORATUNE

We finish with another bumper race, and another good one at that with this event more than likely to live up to its Listed status.

Aucunrisque is a strong contender, as is Flying Sara on what we know so far, while having had only one run there could be lots to come from Nicky Martin’s Leading Choice and that one should be watched in the betting throughout Sunday.

The boring but safe choice however is Timeforatune. The likely market leader, Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old is two from two now and has so far reached a level just above that of those in opposition here.

 

November Meeting Day Two: Saturday 13th November 2021 - Hobbs Star to Grab Paddy Power Glory

Day two of the November meeting is a cracker. The highlight of Saturday afternoon is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, while some exciting young chasers and juvenile hurdlers are also in action as their trainers have an eye on the Festival in March.

12.30 (Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Grade 2) – MAGISTRATO

Known as the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle, this race is a natural step for these three-year-olds en route to the Triumph Hurdle in March.

Naturally with these types there isn’t a great deal of form to go on, but the form we have seen points very much to Magistrato being the best of this particular bunch.

He won ever so easily at Chepstow on his British debut for Paul Nicholls and he reached a similar level when winning in France. He handled good racing ground last time so shouldn’t be finding things too quick here either.

At a nice price his main rival may be Caramelised of the Alan King yard. He’d be shorter in the betting had it not been for his loss last time out, which doesn’t take anything away from his overall ability.

1.05 (Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase – Class 3) – STRICTLYADANCER

While Mindsmadeup and Another Venture also appear to have chances, it looks tight to us between Strictlyadancer, Minella Encore and Opposites Attract for the win with the first named just preferred.

Christian Williams’ seven-year-old gelding won very nicely over this course and distance last month, doing so in the style of a horse who could go on to achieve plenty more than the 5lb rise he’s been handed in the ratings.

He is a solid player here, as is Minella Encore who also won last time out for Dr Richard Newland while Opposites Attract has been off the track since April but has a generally progressive profile.

1.40 (November Novices’ Chase – Grade 2) – THIRD TIME LUCKI

A small but select field for this high-quality novices’ chase, one in which the favourite genuinely stands out. That favourite is Third Time Lucki, a winner on his chase debut for Dan Skelton.

The six-year-old was a good hurdler too, he ran sixth in the County Hurdle back in March, but the bigger obstacles look as though they suit his style perfectly.

Sent off favourite around here last month, he dispatched his four rivals with the minimum of fuss under Harry Skelton, ultimately winning by 8½ lengths but that margin could have been much wider.

Mick Pastor has been kept busy by Paul Nicholls and could prove to be the main danger if remaining in good form, while Captain Tom Cat beat Mick Pastor last time but at these weights will need to improve a wee bit now.

2.15 (Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – ZANZA

Another good renewal of this usually enthralling 2½-mile handicap chase.

Fascinating candidates include the 1-2-3 from last year, Coole Cody, Spiritofthegames and Al Dancer, along with one-time Arkle hope Lalor who now tops the market having been moved to Paul Nicholls’ yard.

There’s been some strong money for Protektorat this week for the Skelton team, which is no surprise, while Brian Ellison’s Nietzsche and Philip Hobbs’ Dostal Phil are also not out of this.

It’s Hobbs’ other hope that gets the nod however – Zanza. After a good start to chasing, he had bad luck in running three times in a row. He did run on nicely for third in the Haldon Gold Cup last time out however so he’s fit, in form and capable of much more than his handicap mark.

2.50 (Handicap Hurdle – Listed Race) – PROSCHEMA

Sporting John is very interesting here going back over hurdles, while Dragon Bones and Ballymillsy are no forlorn hopes.

Right from his Flat racing days however, it’s always been felt that there is some real talent in Proschema and he can land this on just his second try over three miles.

He was second to Indefatigable, fine form indeed, and that was in Grade 2 company. Paul Webber is now looking at Grade 1 races for his mare, and it’s easy to envisage the Skelton team doing the same with this chap in good time making this a good opportunity at Listed level.

3.25 (Intermediate Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – UNEXPECTED PARTY

This is a competitive looking handicap hurdle over 2 miles, 5 furlongs and it’s one in which it could prove to be fruitful to side with Dan and Harry Skelton once again.

Their Unexpected Party, challenging Mackelduff for favouritism going into the weekend, won very easily over this trip up at Wetherby and looks the type to really move on and up from here.

In his short career so far he has already shown a liking for good and good to soft ground, so there should be no worries about underfoot conditions, while even having moved from 109 to 120 in the handicap means little given the form he’s shown – he’s better than that.

Benson could yet prove to be the one to give him most to do. A Listed handicap hurdle winner last winter, his form is solid but was achieved on heavier ground. Gowel Road was the other horse taken into consideration.

3.55 (Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – BONTTAY

We’re backing Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan once again in the last, as their Bonttay looks the most likely winner of the mares’ bumper.

The four-year-old got her career underway with a win at Market Rasen in the summer, before scoring again around here last month at a huge 22/1.

She clearly has plenty of ability and no doubt a lot of improvement to come from where she is now, so gets the nod to land the closer.

In behind we liked the look of both Leading Theatre and Where’s Maud Gone who can both go well also.

November Meeting Day One: Friday 12th November 2021 - Nicholls to Land First Ballymore

We kick off three days of terrific action at the November Meeting on Friday, as the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle highlights a good-quality card.

Bigger races are still to come over the weekend, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Greatwood Hurdle, but for now we have a selection in all six of Friday’s races.

1.10 (Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – NEON MOON

We kick off with what looks like an incredibly tight, competitive handicap hurdle for the conditional jockeys. 20 runners go to post for this event over 2m5f, but a few of them do stand out against the field.

Captain Blackpearl may yet improve for Dr Richard Newland having had a breathing operation, while there is little to choose between Art Approval (Fergal O’Brien), Skatman (Paul Nicholls) and An Tailliur (Jonjo O’Neill). Looking arguably the best value however is Neon Moon for the David Pipe team.

Only a five-year-old and with plenty of improvement to come, he opened up at more than double the price of market leader Skatman but has all the right attributes to be able to land this race.

Having had a win op of his own, Neon Moon improved greatly on his second hurdle start back in March and his handicap mark now looks lenient.

1.45 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – KAP AUTEUIL

It’ll be all about speed if the rain stays away for this two-mile handicap chase around the Old Course.

Paul Nicholls has another favourite here in Magic Saint, but one could argue that he has an ever so slightly regressive profile and so while he can still put in a big run, backing him off topweight is not advised.

Sam Thomas’ Stolen Silver perhaps has a better shout having beaten two rivals very easily four weeks ago. He and Aintree’s Red Rum Handicap Chase winner Editeur Du Gite have sold chances, but they may both be vulnerable against Kap Auteuil, now on a five-timer.

Toby Lawes’ runner has been winning, mostly easily, and going up in the handicap appropriately but there’s a strong suspicion that he’s not done yet and his speed between the fences could make the difference here. Hatcher is also worth considering.

2.20 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – GIN ON LIME

A deeply disappoint field of two will take part in this race. After only three were initially declared, Fancy Foundations has come out to leave chase debutant My Drogo to face the mare Gin On Lime only.

That said, it’s disappointing in quantity only with both of these young chasers likely to go on and reach a very good level this season.

Gin On Lime is favoured as the outsider of the pair, purely on the grounds of value. So often in such races the long odds-on favourite cannot perform to expectation, usually because of a lack of pace.

If My Drogo happens to front-run things may be different, but as he’s used to stalking it may well be that Gin On Lime can do her own thing up front and could just kick away from a slow pace. At least, that’s the thinking.

2.55 (Cross Country Handicap Chase – Class 2) – BACK ON THE LASH

Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead may well win the dual for us in the previous race, but we’re going against their likely market leader around the cross-country course.

Balko Des Flos is indeed a top challenger, as is Talkischeap despite some recent pull-ups, but the one we like best of all is the latter’s stable companion Back On The Lash, a horse the name of which will resonate with many a post-lockdown visitor to the track.

Back On The Lash has time on his side as a seven-year-old and seems to really want a trip. If that turns out to be true, then over this three-and-a-quarter miles he can reach new heights now under jockey Sean Bowen.

He’s not badly priced either and so is given the nod, although others including Alpha Des Obeaux, Freewheelin Dylan and Plan Of Attack can also have a major say in the contest.

3.30 (Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – GELINO BELLO

Other than My Drogo, two horses in this Grade 2 contest will already be in some notebooks with the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in mind and so we watch with great interest to see how Gelino Bello and Off Your Rocco get on around here.

The latter has to carry a 5lb penalty for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell, but comes into this race in great form after wins at Listowel and Limerick.

Gelino Bello, representing Paul Nicholls who has not managed to win a race known as the Hyde Novices’ Hurdle since its inception in 1996, can get the job done though and is favoured.

He was mightily impressive at Aintree last month on his first outing over hurdles, and while there isn’t much yet to back up the form of the race, it seems to be more than reliable and he put that race to bed with the minimum of fuss.

Blazing Khal and Current Mood are probably best of the rest, but they’ll have to suddenly improve plenty to mix it with the big two you’d feel.

4.00 (Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – CITY DERBY

At around 7/1 the field on the first show this race has looked very tricky to solve, but there are variables to take into consideration that may just give us a heads-up.

As we’ve mentioned plenty of times before, Fergal O’Brien does very well here and the O’Brien-McPherson Racing team are beginning to scale new heights.

It could be prevalent then that they have a solid third-favourite here in the shape of Samba Dancer. A winner of all three of his most recent runs, he comes into the race in sparkling form and has impressive numbers to back him up in terms of speed etc.

Ahead of him in the pecking order however appears to be City Derby, the choice of Paddy Brennan, who might just prove to be a step ahead of the handicapper.