KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - DAY TWO DESERT ORCHID CHASE

Day two of the Christmas Festival is the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid chase day. Named after the charismatic grey who made Kempton Park his own, the day is packed full of quality racing including the mare’s handicap hurdle race, the Wayward Lad novices’ steeple chase [1:20] and, of course, the Desert Orchid chase [2:30].

Dessie, as he was affectionately known, was laid to rest at Kempton Park on the 27th December 2006 - the same day as the inaugural running of the race which was won by the Alan King trained Voy Por Ustedes. It has since been won by an array of Jump racing stars including Sire de Grugy, Sprinter Sacre, Special Tiara and Politologue. In 2019, Bun Duran lead from the front in spectacular style. This meeting will no longer have a limited capacity under current Covid-19 guidelines, with more counties across the Uk going into Tier 4 restrictions this means that racing is returning to "behind closed doors". Fortunately we can still follow the action online or via the ITV racing. 

Huge congratulations to Bryony Frost and Frodon with their huge win in yesterdays King George VI Chase an outstanding performance from a brilliant jockey / horse combination.

GOING REPORT - Good to Soft [Good in places].
WEATHER - Showers expected, max temp 8c.

12:45pm  The Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Introductory Juvenile Hurdle
2 miles  13 runners
Very interesting hurdle for 3yo's and while only one previous winner in the line up (Heross Du Seuil) I am going with a pair of previous runners up starting with Venetia Williams' HONNEUR D'AJONC and the further rain the better usually helps her runners, while Alan King runs HER INDOORS a runner up at Aintree and should progress.

Result - (4) Heross Du Seuil @3/1 [Nico De Boinville]

1:20pm  The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2)
2 miles  4 runners
Small field with the presence of the exciting chaser SHISHKIN the reason for the lack of opposition, will be very short odds for this and probably a race to watch and enjoy. Jumped well last time to win easily and expected to do so again. Stable mate Elusive Belle might be the one for the forecast here, will see how Paul Nicholls Tamaroc Du Mathan fares, had a wind operation then returned to win at Wincanton but looks up against it here.

Result - (2) Shishkin @1/3f [Nico De Boinville]

1:55pm  The Ladbrokes Mares' Handicap Hurdle
3 miles 1/2 furlong   10 runners
A race for the mares headed by the consistent PERFECT MYTH [Non Runner] who has not been out of the first two in her last six runs, could go well again with Richard Johnson booked. MOLLY OLLYS WISHES [WON 9/2] came good in another mares race at Hereford and that might give her some confidence although this would seem to be a step up. The bottom one EMMPRESSIVE LADY is seeking a hat trick and with her weight allowance too could be very interesting too.

Result - (4) Molly Ollys Wishes @9/2 [Harry Skelton]

2:30pm  THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID CHASE (GRADE 2)
2 miles   6 runners
Today's feature race sees ALTIOR reappear in a race he won two years ago, might be on the start of his decline now but still far too good for this surely. Just a small field as expected, he's about 10lb+ higher than the others here so maybe SCEAU ROYAL can follow him home or the newcomer ROUGE VIF as a 6yo can keep improving.

Result - (5) Nube Negra @20/1 [Harry Skelton]

3:05pm  Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Chase
3 miles   13 runners
Two tricky handicaps to end with the first here is a steeplechase over three miles, where DARLAC can make his presence felt having won his latest race on soft ground and trainer Colin Tizzard should have him ready to go again. Paul Nicholls saddle ADRIEN DU PONT who won at this meeting two years ago, struggled a bit since but back to that winning mark and the master trainer has a great record here too.

Result - (5) Royale Pagaille @9/2f  [Charlie Deutsch]

3:40pm  Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle
2 miles  15 runners
The finale a handicap hurdle, large field headed by Christopher Wood who mixes hurdles and flat racing well, likely to be fit enough but the weight concession here might be tricky on soft going. Preference is for FARO DE KERSER who has been racing in France on soft going, winner twice and a young horse who can keep improving, also going to side with THE BEES KNEES who although beaten (4th) at Cheltenham last time ran well was not that far away, and another with youth on his side.

Result - (8) Cadzand @5/2f  [Harry Skelton]

Results will be updated during the afternoon, we will return for 2021 with the traditional opening meeting on New Years Day at Cheltenham. 

Have a good end to the year.

KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - DAY ONE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

BOXING DAY MEETING - SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER  

This event holds some of the most significant races in the Jump calendar, including the Grade 1 Boxing Day showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase won for a second year by Clan Des Obeaux (pictured top), as well as the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, and the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase on day two. Sunday's meeting will be posted up separately. The possibility of a small group of customers in attendance is no more as more counties go into Tier 3 all meetings for the foreseeable future return to behind closed doors. So we will enjoy the racing from home, with ITV covering the main feature races on each day.

Day one focusses on the race that underpins the entire festival – The King George VI Steeple Chase. The race draws incredible talent as horses, jockeys and trainers compete to leave a permanent mark in racing history. The Grade 1 race first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king. It was won by Southern Hero who, to date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old. The King George VI Chase is synonymous with some of the most famous names in racing with Arkle, Pendil, Wayward Lad and Best Mate all taking their place on the roll of honour. 2019 saw an eleventh King George for Paul Nicholls as Clan Des Obeaux notching up back to back wins in the race and is likely to be prepared for a third attempt with the likes of Cyrname and Lostintranslation in opposition.

GOING REPORT - Good to Soft (Good in places).
WEATHER - Expecting scattered showers during the day getting heavier into the early evening and a high of 9c.

12:40pm  The Ladbrokes Watch Racing Online For Free Novices Hurdle
2 miles  6 runners
Small select field of six for our opener today, where the top two are probably going to take much of the focus. Paul Nicholls runs FILIC OU VOYOU who has taken well to hurdles and not been out of the first three in all of his runs to date, plenty of experience and likely to be well supported. Dan Skelton has THIRD TIME LUCKI who has raced three times over obstacles winning his first two and then runner up in a better race at Cheltenham of the pair I would side with the Nicholls horse. However bit of a leap of faith as Nicky Henderson runs GO SACRE GO an ex French horse and the type the trainer would have prepared well for this sort of opening, 12/1 would not be surprised if that went very quickly.

Result - (2) Third Time Lucki @11/10f [Harry Skelton]

1:15pm  The Play Ladbrokes 5-a-Side on Football Novices Limited Handicap Steeple Chase
2 miles 4 furlongs  11 runners
Top weight HOLD THE NOTE could go well for Mick Channon and staying the trip well for a place is what expect again today, ALNADEM carries famous colours here and has improved with his latest win at Sandown probably the pick of the form on offer today. Support for JP McManus' MR ONE MORE could be significant but his jumping will need to improve here.

Result - (10) Killer Clown @9/2 [Adam Wedge]

1:50pm  The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices Steeple Chase (formally the Feltham Novice Chase)
3 miles 7 runners
I still refer to this as the Feltham Chase, a field of seven are declared where IF THE CAP FITS can justify his place ahead of the others in the ratings and will see off both Shan Blue and The Big Breakaway. Paul Nicholls has recent Exeter winner ENRILO here who took that one easy enough but this is surely a tougher assignment.

Result - (6) Shan Blue @7/4f [Harry Skelton]

2:25pm  THE LADBROKES CHRISTMAS HURDLE RACE (GRADE 1)
2 miles 5 runners
With just the five runners declared this should be a prep race for Champion Hurdler EPITANTE, will be prohibitive odds and Trainer Nicky Henderson also runs Floressa remembering that a couple of years ago his fav was beaten then too (Buveur D'Air beaten by Verdana Blue), personally cannot see that happening again today. Ballyandy and Silver Streak both have something to find with the champion, while even Paul Nicholls would be surprised if Diego Du Charmil got into this so a race to watch for me.

Result - (3) Silver Streak @13/2 [Adam Wedge]

3:00pm  THE LADBROKES KING GEORGE VI STEEPLE CHASE (GRADE 1)
3 miles 9 runners
The feature race of the day, where CLAN DES OBEAUX will be seeking a third straight win here, trainer Paul Nicholls has a great win rate but as he runs four here so it's really no surprise. The obvious challenger is CYRNAME who is still the highest rated chaser in training, although well beaten in this last year seems to have come back stronger again and going right handed should see him in a better light too. Lostintranslation was a strong fancy last year too but failed to jump well and his recent run at Haydock was disappointing as well so is passed over. Nicky Henderson is always strong here so last years Gold Cup runner up SANTINI must enter the equation having been supplemented last week for this at a cost of £5k and could be the value against the front two in the market. Some support for one of the outsiders WAITING PATIENTLY who did well two seasons back and only ran once last term when third in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and is a big price could well run into a place.

Result - (4) Frodon @20/1 [Bryony Frost]

3:35pm  The Get Your Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boost Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 5 furlongs 17 runners
The finale has attracted the largest field of the day, seventeen handicappers with plenty of experience but most of the older chasers are still way above their last winning mark, so will go with the pair of 6yo's against the field with DRAGON D'ESTRUVAL (N Henderson) and CLASSIC BEN (S Edmunds).

Result - (5) Monte Cristo @25/1 [D Jacob]

Results will be updated during the course of the afternoon, plus we have the second day on Sunday with the feature race the Desert Orchid Chase. Hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas. 

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020 [HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE]

So that's nearly it for yet another year, and what a miserable year it really has been for us all. So I want to send out some festive wishes to everyone, have a very Merry Christmas may you enjoy a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones. Try not to argue, say hello to your neighbours ...  then eat, drink and ... well yeah actually that'll do it for me. Personally I'll be having a nice quiet one at home alone, treating it as another "bonus Sunday" so having a lovely long lazy day, do some dinner after the Queen has been on and then settle down with a Bond film or something funny perhaps. Not much on I expect but nice change to be off work for the week and maybe there will be a few pleasant surprises along the way.

I have bought myself a nice bottle of Highland Park Whisky, which was one Dad enjoyed, and so I shall be raising a glass to all those no longer with us, Mum, Dad, friends and family. Will have a look at the Kempton Park races for Boxing Day which includes the King George VI chase and there's a feast of football later this week, thankfully I am off till the new year so plenty of time to spare. Doesn't look like I am meeting up with people this year. For Christmas Day itself, before the eating and drinking gets out of control will just be putting on some music and enjoying the day at home alone. Will probably also get some of my Dads model trains out for a bit of a run on a test track I have. The important thing is to just rest, try not to worry about things, and enjoy the day.

I hope you all can have a wonderful time yourselves too.
Have a very Merry Christmas   Martin Xx 

AFC WIMBLEDON v CREWE ALEXANDRA -- 20/21 LEAGUE ONE - PLOUGH LANE 19th DECEMBER 2020

Saturday 19th December 2020 3:00pm

AFC Wimbledon will 'host' their next home game back in Wimbledon against Crewe Alexandra at the New Plough Lane Stadium. Hopefully we can soon have a small crowd in attendance seems that is not quite ready yet. Getting beaten recently by Bristol Rovers 4-2 here and then away to Charlton 5-2 has really put a dent into our hopes and I would rather not be facing yet another relegation battle this season. We have a game on Tuesday night up at Sunderland ending up with a 1-1 draw which leaves the Dons on 21 points and 14th place in the League One table as we head towards the busy Christmas schedule. Crewe will be without their captain Perry Ng, who has been given a six game ban after spitting at an opponent after his side's FA Cup loss at Cheltenham Town. The 24-year-old spat water at Robins coach Wade Elliott after the final whistle of the game on 28 November. Ng, who has featured in every league game for Crewe this season, will not feature again until after Christmas.

Onto the game itself on Saturday in League One and lets have a look at our opponents today, Crewe Alexandrea are managed by ex Rotherham and Morecambe defender David Artell the are currently sitting in 11th place in the league on 26 points. Their recent form is good and arrive on the back of a 2-1 home win against Northampton last weekend and then won again against Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on Tuesday night. While some sides have seen a return for a limited number of supporters in attendance it would appear that this is some months off for Dons fans and worse as we have entered Tier 3 in London.  Hope to see the front pair of Ryan Longman and Joe Pigott continue up front, they came good the other night creating chances, better than the long aimless hoofs up field we started seeing with just a sole front man. Could still do with someone big to attack corners which appears to be a weak spot once again.

Most Recent League Games
Sunderland 1 - 1 AFC Wimbledon

Crewe Alexandra 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

Head to Head
We've only played against Crewe twice and that was back in our first season in League Two back in 2011-12 season. We failed to win having lost the home fixture 1-3 and got a draw 3-3 in the return. Many changes since then but I hope we can secure a win today to even things up a little. 

Starting XI's [Confirmed]

AFC WIMBLEDON 

Win Odds - 13/5 [William Hill]

Trueman (Gk),  Thomas,  Nightingale (c),  Csoka,  McLoughlin,  🟨Woodyard,  🟨Reilly,  Rudoni,  Seddon,  ⚽Longman,  Pigott

SUBS - Tzanev (Gk), Alexander,  Hartigan,  Palmer,  Chislett.  Guinness-Walker.  Kalambayi

CREWE ALEXANDRA
Win Odds - 11/10 [William Hill]
🟨Jaaskelainen (Gk),  Offord,  Lancashire,  🟨Beckles,  Pickering,  Murphy,  Wintle,  ⚽Finney,  Dale,  ⚽Mandron,  Kirk

SUBS - Booth (Gk),  Powell,  Porter,  Zanzala,  Griffiths,  Adebisi,  Johnson

Selected Bets On This Match;

• Over 1.5 goals in 1st half @9/4
• Penalty Taken @11/4
• Joe Pigott to score first @9/2
• AFC Wimbledon to win 1st half @ 3/1

⚽Half Time Score - 0 - 0

First Half Comments;
Kick off at Plough Lane as the visitors Crewe get us going today, the Railwaymen start well and are a possession side, win the opening corner but no significant chances in the opening 5-10 mins. Dons continue to weather the storm and at 20 mins in we still level but having little chances, hopefully we can break and have a few chances ourselves soon. Alex Woodyard picks up the first booking in what has been a quiet first half to date. The final action of a dire half is a booking for Callum Reilly and it's 0-0 at the break.

⚽Full Time Score - 1 - 2    [Longman 90']    [Mandron 60'  Finney 91']

Match Summary;
Thought we got a draw in the 90th min from Ryan Longman having been out played the whole game and going behind to a goal on the hour from Mikael Mandron. But Crewe scored immediately from Oliver Finney to take it 1-2 and this is our season in a nutshell.  

My Man of the Match - None of them, very poor again.

Attendance - None for now, maybe once we exit Tier 3 or in 2021.

Today's Referee - Today's match referee for this weekend will be James Linington from Newport. Appears to have been taking Championship games this season and previous year so is this a step down. Did take our 1-1 draw with Lincoln City last season though, averages under three bookings a game and comes with plenty of experience. Assisted today by Adrian Waters and Carl Fitch-Jackson, with the fourth official duties carried out by Rob Smith.

Dons next league match:
Saturday 26th December 2020 vs Oxford United (Away)
League One Kick off 3:00pm

KEMPTON PARK RACING 2020 MEETING #27 WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse here for another evening meeting as we return to regular action on the all weather flat track under the lights. We will keep blogging throughout 2020 till the end of the year. This will including the two day King George VI NH Meeting to end our season. Plenty of sport this past week too with AFC Wimbledon playing Charlton but losing 5-2, the final F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi won by Max Verstappen and also the heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev which AJ won with a 9th round knockout setting up a showdown with Tyson Fury. 

Back to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) our last meeting here a week ago, where we managed a few wins after meeting #26 we found ourselves in a loss for the year to a figure of -62.265 points, results are always recorded to SP we will aim to get us back into the winners enclosure again soon and see further improvement in the results.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 40/54 (74%). We reset the counters for 2020 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently a decent start with plenty of short priced favourites getting beat, so we now have stats of 33/49 (67.34%) after the latest meeting.

This week we look forward to another Wednesday evening meeting during this interrupted period, this will be meeting #27 for the 2020 midweek season. Tonight we shall be expecting a nine race card with six handicaps to enjoy. The action will now commence at 16:00 with a seven furlong novice stakes and we should end the card around about 20:05 with a Christmas handicap over just under 12f.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a lot of chilly weather and for a strong chance of showers the temperature to reach around 11C by the time the meeting gets underway as Christmas rapidly approaches and spectators return on course.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

17:35  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Nursery (2yo)

1m  [Class 5  11 runners]

Our opening handicap is s 2yo nursery event, SECRET HAUNT [10th 12/1] runs in the colours of HM The Queen has had a pair of runs at Newmarket and will be interested to see what the betting has to say. While BEJING BILLY [9th 28/1] for Richard Hannon was placed here in October and with the excellent Hollie Doyle on board should go close even allowing for the high draw (11).

18:05  Try Our New Price Boosts At Unibet Handicap

1m  [Class 4  7 runners]

Just the seven declared for this one, DELICATE KISS [6th 15/2] has won a couple of races recently at Lingfield and a possible if they can transfer that form over to Kempton, while ESPRESSO FREDDO [2nd 6/1] won here last time out and has plenty of racing experience so the follow up off only a 3lb rise is possible in this select field.

18:35  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap

7f  [Class 4  14 runners]

Although tailed off last time out HIGHER KINGDOM [5th 11/1] has an opportunity if breaking on terms here based on his win at Newcastle and was a winner here on debut over this trip so perhaps that last run was not his true showing. RIVER SONG [14th 100/1] is a lightly raced 3yo who has not been out since March and should be interesting back over seven furlongs gaining further experience.

19:05  Unibet New Instant Roulette Handicap (Div One)

7f  [Class 6  14 runners]

SARAH'S VERSE [10th 33/1] has only raced on five occasions and appears to have improved each time so given a chance tonight in a low grade handicap. While HEDGING [4th 18/1] would probably prefer Brighton (multiple winner and regularly runner) has raced off figures of early 70s and is on 58 today, with jockey Georgia Dobie taking off a valuable 5lb could use all that substantial experience to good use.

19:35  Unibet New Instant Roulette Handicap (Div Two)

7f  [Class 6  14 runners]

Almost exclusively an all weather specialist FUJAIRA KING [5th 14/1] has taken a bit of a drop in the weights and returns here with a decent chance based on earlier wins over the course. While SECRET TREATIES [10th 9/2] is a filly with a couple of all weather wins including here back in October up 4lbs and still with a chance.

20:05  Wishing You All A Happy Christmas Handicap

1m 3f 219y  [Class 5  5 runners]

Only five declared for the finale, all 3yo's and headed by COMBINE [5th 7/4f] the filly a winner at Wolves and although a few pounds higher in the weights should still go well again in this small field. Hotspur Harry has his first Uk outing having moved yards from Ireland might need this, Lord of the Alps won a maiden at Beverley and is of interest for trainer Mark Johnston while LICIT [3rd 4/1] has the most course experience and is our second selection for this while Casa Loupi is still a maiden and although second on last two runs I will leave out of the equation.

Staked -- 12 points.       Returns -- 00 points.
Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. This season we started afresh and will try hard to stop going well behind but all results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. This has been a very disappointing 2020 so far now sees us behind after meeting #26 to the tune of -62.265 overall but we will try and end the year on a positive note.

Lays -- 33/49. We had a good season last year with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps. With two more beaten favs tonight our season ends with 35/51

Tonight's Lays;

16:00 - Touchwood [7f 2yo Novice Stakes]. LOST 2nd 6/4f

17:05 - Kinderfrau [1m 2yo Novice Stakes]. LOST 4th 9/4f

Our final Kempton meeting will be the two day Christmas Festival, featuring the King George VI Chase which begins on Boxing Day 26th December. Enjoy your Christmas remain safe and well.

CHELTENHAM INTERNATIONAL MEETING - SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER 2020

 

THE INTERNATIONAL - SATURDAY

A good start to the weekend with some nice winners on Friday here at Cheltenham and now we look to the second day of the International meeting. It's a competitive card for Saturday includes the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup [1:50] and The Unibet International Hurdle [3:00]. The international hurdle is a top class race in it's own right but also a good trial for the Champion Hurdle later in the season, even though it's been a long time since a winner has emerged from this race (Rooster Booster back in 2002) it has been won by some famous hurdlers. 

Enjoy Saturday's racing with a great card and live racing on the ITV 4 channel (Uk viewers) with coverage of the final four races on this card plus some racing up at Doncaster. 

Surface:   Turf.
Weather:   A sunny day at Cheltenham but a chilly one with a max temp of only 9c.
Going:     Soft.

12:05  JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (3yo)
2m 179y  (Class 2  9 runners)
Nice open hurdle contest where SON OF RED (Alan King) and ADAGIO (David Pipe) are two to take very seriously with the Triumph Hurdle on the agenda at the festival. Preference is for an each way shout on SHAKE A LEG (Dan Skelton) a good handicapper over in Ireland and now tries his luck over obstacles. A nice race to start us off with. 

Result - (4) Adagio @4/9 [Tom Scudamore].

12:40  Jockey Club Cheltenham And SW Syndicate Novices' Chase
2m 4f 127y (Class 2  4 runners)
Only four declared and two are trained by Nicky Henderson FUSIL RAFFLES was pulled up here in a grade 2 novice chase last time and there are a few questions to answer as a result, stable mate CHANTRY HOUSE who is a lively favourite having won 4 from 5 starts in all to date. Paul Nicholls runs QUEL DESTIN and this is only his second try over fences, was runner up first time out and that experience should put him in a good place today. The quartet is completed by LIEUTENANT ROCCO, made a few mistakes on chase debut and might find these a bit too hot today.

Result - (1) Fusil Raffles @16/5 [D A Jacob].

1:15  Spreadex Handicap Chase

2m 62y  (Class 2  9 runners)
All have a good chance in this chase perhaps bar Gino Trail who at 13yo is finding his racing a bit too hot to handle now and regularly pulled up, Paul Nicholls runs two, CAPELAND is probably preferred over MAGIC SAINT but we will oppose him today with ZANZA (Phillip Hobbs) who has mixed chasing wit hurdles and was a winner last time at Newbury. Also like the chances of NIETZSCHE a big price winner of the Greatwood hurdle couple of years back, has still been running into places over fences too and continues to give his trainer Brian Ellison plus connections plenty to enjoy. 

Result - (9) Sky Pirate @4/1 [Tom Scudamore].

1:50  Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase
2m 4f 127y  (Class 1  17 runners)
First of the feature races this afternoon, a big field is headed by MASTER TOMMYTUCKER who has been successful on his last two runs albeit in very small fields and might find the hustle and bustle a bit unsettling unless he can gain an uncontested lead the percentage call is to oppose. One to be interested in having already won over course and distance is COOLE COADY successful in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here in November, had AL DANCER back in third and would be no big surprise if the winner came from one of these. A big price player for the place market could be ANNIE MC trained by Jonjo O'Neill sure to stay the trip well at 25/1 looks overpriced.

Result - (14) Chatham Street Lad @16/1 [D J O'Keefe].

2:25  Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

(Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle)

2m 7f 213y  (Class 1  8 runners)
MAKE GOOD [WON 12/1] has been kept busy on both Flat and NH codes over in Ireland and his latest win was better than the 13L officially recorded since he was significantly eased down, Richard Johnson is booked for today and expecting a big run. While TOOK THE LOT as won a pair of small Bangor races for the Twiston-Davies team and should be monitored closely in the betting market, a place bet for me in an open race.

Result - (4) Make Good @12/1 [Richard Johnson].

Call Me Lord wins here for James Bowen in 2019

3:00  Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2)

2m 179y  (Class 1  10 runners)
The main race for Saturday is the International Hurdle, a field of 10 declared today, won last year by Call Me Lord who reappears again today, the same colours are worn by Sceau Royal too who was beaten by current champion hurdler Epitante in the fighting fifth at Newcastle. The interesting one for me is GOSHEN who unseated when miles clear in last years Triumph Hurdle and should have been unbeaten over hurdles still has had a couple of runs on the flat and must go close if he doesn't lose the jockey this time. VERDANA BLUE is still dining out on beating the then champion hurdler Buveur D'air in the Christmas Hurdle a coupe of years back and is consistent without winning much since but is one for the place money.

Result - (4) Song for Someone @6/1 [Aidan Coleman]

3:35  December Mares' Handicap Hurdle

2m 4f 56y  (Class 2  10 runners)

We conclude today's meeting with a mares hurdle, top weight INDEFATIGABLE [N/R] winner of the Martin Pipe race at the festival and giving weight to all but is still a force to be feared, while MOLLY OLLYS WISHES [N/R] looks a nice price for this and has picked up a couple of similar events this calendar year along with AGGY WITH IT and it's that pair we will back against the field in the lucky last.

Result - (5) The White Mouse @10/3 [Bryony Frost].

Results will be updated later on during the afternoon and we hope you enjoying a good weekend too. We will be back here on New Years Day and hopefully we can start to attend some racing our self in 2021, until then stay safe. 

CHELTENHAM NH 'INTERNATIONAL MEETING' - FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER 2020

Cheltenham Racecourse is pleased to welcome you to The International meeting which takes place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th December 2020, back in 2019 we saw a truly International affair, where we welcomed runners from France, Ireland, and Britain. Across the two days, there are 14 thrilling races, including the Peterborough Chase which has been added into the card we also have the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on Friday, while we have The Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and The Unibet International Hurdle to enjoy on Saturday.

Following the news that Cheltenham Racecourse is in a tier 2 area of England, the racecourse will now be able to welcome a limited number of racegoers when we race after 2nd December 2020. "We’re looking forward to opening our doors again and working hard to make sure we provide an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone who joins us on course".

Friday has a seven race card, including the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase [3:00], and will begin at 11:30 with 'The British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle'. Last years cross country chase was won by Easysland (pic below) who was only 4th in a similar race here last month which was won by Kingswell Theatre.

Enjoy the first of two exciting days of racing with a great card and live racing on the ITV 4 channel (Uk viewers). 

Surface:        Turf.

Weather:       Light rain expected till about 2pm, max temp 10c
Going:           Good to soft.

11:30  British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

2m 179y  (Class 3  6 runners)

An earlier start to allow for the Peterborough Chase later on the card, just the six runners here and I'll be on MAKE ME A BELIEVER [WON 16/5] from the David Pipe yard, runner up last time, was close upsides to the winning favourite there and with that experience is the one for me this time. Paul Nicholls runs LUCKY ONE who finally broke his duck at Southwell by 14L while ANY NEWS is likely to go off favourite here having won both starts to date and could be quite smart.

Result - (6) Make Me A Believer @16/5 [Tom Scudamore].

12:05   International Decorative Surfaces Novices' Chase

3m 1f 56y  (Grade 2  5 runners)

Another small field here, only five to consider, and jumping will be key over the extended three miles. HAPPYGOLUCKY (T. Kim Bailey) won a beginners chase at Stratford and then followed that with an odds on defeat by Getaway Trump in  three runner affair, looks vulnerable on that run, next is L'AIR DU VENT (C L Tizzard) didn't jump that great but still won at Exeter, entitled to improve but mistakes could be more costly here. THE MIGHTY DON (N Gifford) finished in third place in that very same race and might need a few more races to find his way over fences, FABULOUS SAGA has moved yards from Willie Mullins over to Paul Nicholls, this is his first run for two years so maybe some patience is needed so that leaves us with HOLD THE NOTE who has the benefit of plenty of experience over fences without winning for Mick Channon maybe today can be his day.

Result - (1) Happygolucky @13/8f [David Bass].

12:40  Catesby Handicap Hurdle

2m 179y  (Grade 3  17 runners)
NORDIC COMBINED (D Pipe) went close last time out at Taunton in a large field while BREFFNIBOY [WON 15/2] (J Farrelly) has won his last three and takes a step up in class but clearly still in good order. Will be interesting to see if recent course winner LIVELY CITIZEN (David Jeffreys) can back up his big price win here again has no weight to carry here with same jockey booked. [2nd 7/1]

Result - (12) Breffniboy @15/2. [Tom Buckley]

1:15  CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares' Handicap Chase

2m 4f 127y  (Class 3  12 runners)
An interesting chase for Mares headed by the 8yo ARIAN with Richard Johnson booked to ride, won her last two events for trainer Philip Hobbs and Johnson was on board for the latest win. BLACK TULIP [2nd 11/2] is another recent winner and should also go close again having won last year too off this similar mark, while AGENT VALDEZ is another with improvement in her lightly raced over fences gets plenty of weight allowance too .

Result - (12) Madera Mist @33/1 [Alan Johns].

1:50  Fitzdares Club Loves The Peterborough Chase (Grade 2)

2m 3f 168y  (Class 1  8 runners)
Nicky Henderson’s popular performer TOP NOTCH took this Grade Two prize when it was held at its usual home, Huntingdon, last December and he can win again this afternoon. The meeting was lost to waterlogging last weekend but this race has been switched to Prestbury Park today. Henderson also saddles Mister Fisher, who was pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month. Tom George is two-handed with Champion Chase third Bun Doran and recent Newbury scorer Clondaw Castle while Dolos, Fanion D’Estruval, Glen Forsa and Kalashnikov complete the line-up.

Result - (3) Mister Fisher @9/2 [Nico de Boinville].

2:25  Unibet Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

3m 2f  (Class 1  7 runners)
Another Grade 3 chase this afternoon only the seven runners which lessens our each way options, top weighted BLACK CORTON seeks to regain his chasing form having unseated at Ascot last time out, regularly rider Bryony Frost in the saddle. COURT MAID travels over from Ireland and has won four times this year, stays the trip well and looks a safe jumper of fences one to follow. STORM CONTROL recent win here was in a conditional jockey event and will have the same jockey on board today, stays the trip, the opposition looks a little stronger too.

Result - (5) Storm Control @5/1 [Richard Patrick].

3:00  Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

3m 6f 37y  (Class 2  11 runners)
Another cross country event held at Cheltenham, shame they don't set up another track to have this sort of event but that seems unlikely (Punchestown excluded of course). Eleven runners declared, headed by STEP BACK a 10yo and winner of his last two staying chases. Recent Cross Country course winner KINGSWELL THEATRE can also be expected to go well again with Tom Scudamore riding again, caused a little upset then and will be a shorter price today. The Irish threat in these sort of races should never be ignored particularly runners from Enda Bolger who has MY HOMETOWN in the famous JP McManus colours. Ignoring the pulled up status in a hurdle race last time was a neck second over this course and distance two years ago, could still have a big say today. Gordon Elliott also runs OUT SAM and Jessica Harrington runs NEVERUSHACON who was winning two out of his last three races at Punchestown over the banks and could be interesting too. 

Result - (4) Some Neck @18/1 [Mr B W Harvey].

3:35  Citipost Handicap Hurdle
2m 7f 213y (Class 2  14 runners)

Our finale is a tricky looking handicap hurdle, with top weight and recent Aintree winner UNOWHATIMEANHARRY of interest again despite his age of twelve. I'll have to be on the right side of COME ON TEDDY [NAP] (WON 11/2) for personal reasons the 6yo won well over the trip two starts back and 10/1 seems a decent win/place price for me. ON THE BLIND SIDE is another to watch for Nicky Henderson but we will take the other two against the field this time.

Result - (12) Come on Teddy @11/2 [Sam Twiston-Davies].

The results from this meeting will be updated later on during the afternoon and we hope you enjoy a good weekend too, more to come on Saturday here at Cheltenham. Hope to be able to go racing in 2021 sometime, until then stay safe.