AFC WIMBLEDON vs FLEETWOOD TOWN - LEAGUE ONE HOME FIXTURE 2021/22 SEASON [27th NOVEMBER]

Saturday 27th November 2021 3pm
AFC Wimbledon will host their latest League One game at Plough Lane for the 2021-22 season against Fleetwood Town, Both sides are at the lower end of the table and will be looking to make a push over the coming month to improve their position. Wimbledon have not been at their best in the league of late, lost their last two games in the league before a win 1-0 against non league Guiseley in the FA Cup, then the games against Portsmouth which was another late defeat 2-1 and Crewe on Tuesday where we conceded first but turned that around and ran out 3-2 winners despite a late comeback of their own by Crewe and two quick bookings (actually received a straight red) resulting in a dismissal for the Dons Ayoub Assal in stoppage time. 
UPDATE - Ayoub Assal’s six-match ban has been rescinded after a successful appeal by the club. Ayoub was incorrectly shown a straight red card in the dying seconds of Tuesday's home match against Crewe Alexandra. The referee mistakenly believed he had spat at an opponent and that automatically triggered the FA’s minimum six-match suspension for such an offence.  However, evidence submitted by us which included witness statements and video footage - alongside confirmation from Crewe themselves that Ayoub did not spit at one of their players - was presented to the FA earlier this morning and the sanction was subsequently overturned. As a result of this appeal Ayoub will now be available for the squad to face Fleetwood at home on Saturday.

After the Tuesday night fixtures we are currently in 18th position in the league one table on 20 points. Our manager Mark Robinson said that there's no panic in the Wimbledon ranks. We are not playing too badly the results are not going our way of course, but we do create chances, the team is relatively inexperienced and if it were not for Nik Tzanev in goal we would be in a far worse position. Some of the players just need a bit more poise in front of goal, and no need to panic. Mark Robinson has said that Henry Lawrence is likely to be in the squad to face Crewe after recovering from tonsillitis. The on-loan Chelsea right-back, who has made an impressive start to life at Wimbledon, missed the visit to Portsmouth after his return from England Under-20 duty, but he’s primed to return on Tuesday night. Also a check on Darius Charles who was also absent for the Portsmouth defeat at the weekend. “I need to check on Darius. He was out doing a bit today, but he just has a few problems with his hip, so I just need to check, but apart from Darius there is nothing new from Saturday in terms of injuries.” 

Recent League One Results (Tuesday night)
AFC Wimbledon 3 - 2 Crewe Alexandra
Oxford United 3 - 1 Fleetwood Town

Onto today's game itself this Saturday day in League One and our opponents today, Fleetwood Town are currently managed by Simon Grayson. After their opening 17 fixtures they sit in 22nd place on 14 points. They were brushed aside by Oxford United midweek and will be looking to bounce back against us. Fleetwood are captained by midfielder Jordan Rossiter who joined the Cod Army initially on loan two seasons ago and previously with Rangers and Liverpool. Rossiter didn't feature last weekend and so it might be Tom Clarke who will continue to deputise as captain. Their top scorer so far is Danny Andrew who is a defender so I suspect gets forward a lot or goes up for set pieces, we will need to pay attention to this. 

Head to Head

Our head to head form against Fleetwood Town since our return to the league as AFC Wimbledon is quite even, since 2012 we've played fifteen times, winning five, losing six and the remaining four were draws. Of course we also played them in the non league days, famously beating them home and away in the 2011 play offs 8-1 overall.

Starting XI's [Confirmed]

AFC WIMBLEDON 

Win Odds - 11/10 [William Hill]

Tzanev (Gk),  Osew,  🟨Heneghan,  Csóka,  Guinness-Walker,  Woodyard (c),  Hartigan, ⚽Assal,  ⚽McCormick,  Rudoni,  Palmer

SUBS - Oualah (Gk),  Marsh,  Chislett,  Awokoya-Mebude,  Pressley,  Lawrence,  Jenkins

FLEETWOOD TOWN
Win Odds - 5/2 [William Hill]
Cairns (Gk),  ⚽Johnson,  Holgate,  Clarke (c),  Andrew,  Morris,  Batty,  🟨Matete,  Lane,  Morton,  ⚽Garner

SUBS - Crellin (Gk),  McLaughlin,  Boyle,  🟨Edmondson,  Biggins,  Clark,  Johnston

Selected Bets On This Match;

• Over 1.5 goals in 1st half @5/2.
• Ben Heneghan to score at any time @9/1
• Penalty to be awarded and scored @7/2.
• Bookings over 45 points @11/5.

⚽Half Time Score - 0 - 1  [Garner 35']

First Half Comments;

Kick Off 3pm today at the Cherry Red Records, Plough Lane Wimbledon stadium, we will keep updated with events here. The Dons get us underway on a cold afternoon, hopefully there will be plenty to keep the fans entertained and active. End to end with little final effort in the opening ten minutes, one blocked shot from Jack Rudoni for the home side, need to settle. The visitors get into the game as Danny Andrew also sees his shot blocked, something surely about to give soon. Didn't take long, 18 minutes on the clock and Fleetwood thought they had taken the lead, but Callum Morton's effort is chalked off. Couple of bookings for Jay Matete and Ben Heneghan still no sign of a goal though. Then of course on 35' Fleetwood do score as striker Gerard Garner hits a left foot shot into the centre of the goal. Why do we always struggle against teams in the bottom half? Very poor showing again in the opening half at home, sometimes wonder why we cannot get up and at them from the start.

⚽Full Time Score - 2 - 2  [Assal 53', McCormick 79']  [Johnson 84']

Match Summary;
Okay so the positive is that we didn't lose having been behind at half time, but the annoying thing is another victory taken away from us by a team in the bottom four, we seem to struggle always against these sides. Nearly ten minutes of injury time too. Should have been back to back wins but not to be. Assal scored again which is good, after his red card was overturned from last week. Sure we will see the same rhetoric from the management team and next week it's the FA Cup 2nd Round. Yes I am a bit annoyed, also because I had us in a nice looking accumulator the rest of which came good. Perhaps I should have known better than to back us by now. ;( 

My Man of the Match - Ollie Palmer.

Attendance - 7,405.

Today's Referee - Our match referee for this afternoon will be Mr Robert Madley, a former Premier League referee until 2018 and now plying his trade in the EFL. So plenty of experience, hopefully that will mean a no nonsense approach, averages about 3.5 bookings per game in recent seasons. Will have assistance from Andrew Aylott and Samuel Ogles while our fourth official today is Conor Farrell.

Next league one fixture;
  vs Accrington Stanley (Away)
  Tuesday 7th December @7:45pm.

KEMPTON PARK HORSE RACING 2021 - MEETING #31 WEDNESDAY 24th NOVEMBER

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse a season of evening meetings following the events on a Wednesday night on the all weather flat track under the lights. We will continue blogging throughout 2021 till the end of the year. Started well this season pleasantly still ahead as we push on through the autumn still in profit and now into November with only around a month of the season left to go now. AFC Wimbledon found out their second round opponents when Cheltenham beat Gillingham in their replay, before then we have an away fixture against Portsmouth at the weekend took a first half lead but lost 2-1 with the hosts scoring a late winner. Then on Tuesday night a game against Crewe where surely three points are a must now in the fight to stave off relegation worries, a 3-2 win for us was useful as we have often struggled against teams in the bottom six. Next weekend we will host Fleetwood Town another team struggling in the league.

Returning to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) we will be keeping a rolling record of profit/loss all the way through from January till the Boxing Day 'King George' fixture in December. A successful opening first half of the year during 2021 went a little behind in the middle of the season but now we are back in front as we ease towards the end of the year and are looking very healthy with profit for the season now standing at +43.465 points and further success expected so we will continue to keep a record to SP throughout the season.

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 33/49 (67.34%). We reset the counters for 2021 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently standing at 35/46 (76%) after another success at the latest meeting and we shall see how things progress as the end of the calendar year draws nearer. 

This week will be our 31st Wednesday evening meeting of the year. Tonight's meeting will now begin earlier than expected with an eight race card to enjoy, we will still have four handicaps including a 2yo nursery contest. Also a valuable stakes contest over a mile (Hyde Stakes) due off at 19:15. We will begin early evening with our opening race which will commence at 16:45 with the opening division of the two year old maiden contest over seven furlongs, then we should end the card around about 20:15 with the final handicap event which is run over just under a mile and three furlongs.

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 somewhat cloudy afternoon and early evening with a chance of some rain showers in the forecast while the temperature is not likely to get much higher than around 7C tonight.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

18:15  Try Our New Super Boosts At Unibet Nursery Handicap (2yo)

1m  [Class 5  14 runners]

Our events begin with a nice open looking Nursery event, where Deacs Delight [7th @13/2] is interesting again having run well in defeat here last time, has the same 7lb claimer on board again too (Mohammed Tabti) and a repeat effort should be thereabouts. Also having another look at They Don't Know [2nd @18/1] who was runner up at a big price when last seen at Chelmsford, is lightly raced and could have a say for trainer Darryll Holland.

Winner - (10) Master Richard @15/2 [Rowan Scott].

18:45  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap

1m  [Class 5  12 runners]

Returning from a spell of hurdling back to the all weather is Pink Jazz [5th @50/1], is the only course and distance winner in the field and won here back at the start of the year, needs to be on a going day again but at 20/1+ is certainly worth a chance in the place markets as well as the win. Do also like the possibilities of Bearwith [3rd @9/4], the three year old won at Wolves before a decent runner up effort at this track, is up in the weights but this is a lowly handicap and with Tom Marquand booked by trainer Brian Meehan and improvement is still possible.
Winner - (7) Green Power @50/1  [Darragh Keenan].

19:15  British Stallion Studs Ebf Hyde Stakes

1m  [Class 1  10 runners]

Orbaan having been campaigned off marks in the low hundreds might find a return to this level at this time of the year a change of pace and scenery, doesn't run on the all weather that often, but two good place efforts at Doncaster off this sort of mark suggests that a win might not be that far away. The Frankel filly Lady Rockstar a winner at Wolves in October had been consistent in her previous four runs prior to that and as the only 3yo in the line up today has plenty of time and scope still.
Winner - (9) Madame Tantzy @80/1  [Georgia Dobie].

19:45  Unibet Fillies' Handicap

1m 3f 219y  [Class 4  8 runners]

Having kept on for third last time out here Pretty Sweet [2nd @11/4f] is considered strongly over this extra furlong which ought to suit her well. The stable have had a great year and we expect to see a few more of his horses over the winter, Adam Kirby keeps the ride once more. La Hulotte [3rd 100/30] won here two weeks ago and steps forward another furlong too, didn't look like stopping anytime soon that day so we think well worth a chance again tonight with David Probert in the saddle once more.
Winner - (6) Lower Street @6/1  [M Dwyer].

20:15  Unibet New Instant Roulette Handicap
1m 2f 219y  [Class 3  7 runners]

Our finale for this evening is over a middle distance trip which ought to be ideal for Fox Vardy already placed several times and now dropping down a little on the weights. Has acted on different surfaces so I don't expect the all weather to be any inconvenience here either. Another to run in the colours of the King Power Racing is Crown Power [Non Runner] who was a runner up here three weeks ago in a similar looking race, gets weight from the rest and could be a great opportunity to score.

Winner - (1) Naval Commander @10/3 [David Probert].

Staked - 10 points.       Returns - 1 points.

Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. All results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. Our winning start to 2021 has continued and we remain in front to the tune of +43.465 points to a level stake at SP coming into this week's 31st meeting. No success this week so losing -9pts. That put's us on +34.465 points now.

Lays - 35/46 We had a good season last year again with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. These continue to go quite well given we are into the final few months of the year, and they are generally very short prices, including another successful fav beaten during the last few meetings. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps.

Tonight's Lays;

17:15 - Sound Angela  [7f 2yo Maiden]. Won @9/4   😞

We will have another midweek floodlit meeting here on Wednesday 1st December so keep well and hopefully we can have a successful 2021.

CHELTENHAM NH NOVEMBER MEETING - SUNDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2021

The November Meeting Sunday returns on Sunday 14 November, and as our only Sunday fixture of the season, it's one that is famed for our world-class free Family Fun and entertainment for Club/Tatts ticket holders. The Family Fun zone, situated in the marquees they will provide a safe space for your tribe to let off steam. The children’s TV character Bing will be making personal appearances throughout the day and you can find out more info in our Family Fun tab above. Don’t forget that U18’s go free here.

There's plenty to enjoy out on the track as well with six thrilling races, including the feature race of the day in the shape of the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle. The Shunter won the 2020 renewal, ridden by Robbie Power and trained by Emmet Mullins, before going on to glory at The Festival™. Make sure you are there this November to see who could be following in his hoofprints.

At 11:00am there will be a minute silence to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Enjoy the final day of a great card with racing live on ITV. 
Surface:   Turf.
Going:     Good, Good to soft in places.

1:10  The mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase

3m 80y  (Class 2  5 runners)

Small fields appear to be the order of the day today, with the exception of the Greatwood Hurdle later, our opener only has five runners at the declaration stage. Think you could make a case for each of the runners here, start with Does He Know trained by Kim Bailey and a winner of both his two chase starts this season, including a course and distance win in a small field here last month. The next one is Threeunderthrufive (Paul Nicholls) who has also run twice over fences, and the first of those was a defeat by Does He Know at Chepstow when sent off odds on. Could reverse that form, is with strong connections, and he won his next chase by 15L so the trip and soft ground would pose no fears. Over from Ireland we have Streets Of Doyen (John McConnell) a previous course winner here over hurdles, has also had two previous chase runs, winning in a big field at Galway before a poor round of jumping at Worcester where he finished 3rd. Needs to improve his jumping but with time ought to have a good future over fences.

Oscar Elite is having his first look at fences today, Colin Tizzard will know what is expected, but lightly raced 6yo over hurdles, second in the Albert Bartlett at the festival, then went on to be placed at Aintree too. One to consider seriously despite the lack of experience, and probably my pick of the five runners today. Our final runner in the line up is Undersupervision for the Twiston-Davies team. Runner up to Does He Know here when last seen, might need a bit more experience to see what he can do the only five year old in the line up.

Winner - (2) Threeunderthrufive @11/4  [Adrian Heskin].

1:45  The Jewson Click and Collect Handicap Chase

3m 3f 71y (Grade 3  5 runners)

Another small field chase now, those that have staying power and more experience, Yala Enki should be able to bowl along up front, did unseat in the Grand National, but generally the further the trip the better, and although 11yo now has won each of past couple of seasons to suggest no back number yet. Go Another One over from Ireland, another decent stayer also mixes hurdles form too, similar handicap mark to his wins at Cork and Perth this season. Forza Milan [Non Runner] is likely a back number, no evidence to suggest this is his trip, although ran well enough at the Festival to say this course holds no fears, is not for me today though. The Mighty Don has a certain appeal to me as a Wimbledon fan of course, needs to improve his jumping and probably best to watch, along with Rocky's Treasure who struggled of late and has had a wind operation, so the one to really have a look at is Empire De Maulde is a former Kelso and Aintree winner, stays well, a 5lb rise might not stop further success.

Winner - (1) Yala Enki @3/1  [Bryony Frost].

2:20  The Shloer Steeplechase (Grade 2)

2m  (Grade 2  4 runners)
A four runner race, cannot discount any of these, Nube Negra (D Skelton) along with Put The Kettle On (H De Bromhead) appear to have the majority of the market share between them, but you cannot overlook the quality of Politologue if Paul Nicholls has him fit to fire on seasonal debut (and he did win the Tingle Creek first time out last season). Put The Kettle On won this very race twelve months ago and clearly one to follow again, Rouge Vif is no back number either and makes up the foursome, won on seasonal reappearance last year in a handicap but didn't really push on as expected in three races after that. I'll side with Politologue today though (2nd, good run, no match for the winner up the hill though).

Winner - (1) Nube Negra @9/4  [Harry Skelton].

2:55 Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
2m 87y  (Class 1  19 runners)
The feature race for Sunday, and by far the largest field, is the twenty runner Greatwood Hurdle. Nicky Henderson’s No Ordinary Joe looks just that and moves into a handicap for the first time in this two-mile contest. He’s only had four starts to date and this is a very different test for a novice. Dan Skelton’s West Cork has challenges to overcome himself, namely this is his first run since February 2020 lightly-raced this will be his sixth outing and his first in a handicap too. David Pipe’s Adagio may still only be four but he doesn’t lack experience and finished runner-up in both the Triumph Hurdle and Aintree’s four-year-old Hurdle back in the spring; not bad for a horse that was bought out of a claimer in France though top weight might be tricky especially if the ground turns to soft come Sunday. (Runner up @11/1 carrying top weight in a big field, should have more races in him this season one to follow)

In the quest to find some value, I’m going to take a chance on a 25/1 shot who’s stable are flying right now. Galice Macalo is trained by Jane Williams who is operating at a 29% strike rate at the time of writing. This mare is entitled to have come on for her solid reappearance run at Chepstow (finished fourth) last month off an unchanged handicap mark.

Winner - (13) West Cork @11/1  [Harry Skelton].

3:30 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Sharp Novices' Hurdle)

2m 87y  (Grade 2  3 runners)

Another four runner affair run as a trial for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, first up is I Like To Move It [N A Twiston-Davies] a useful dual bumper winner and unbeaten over hurdles landing a similar four runner event here last month. 

The ex French winner Sonigino [Non Runner][now with P Nicholls] should be well primed for this Uk debut, a bit behind on pure ratings but the one likely to improve for the change of scene. Another well regarded recruit to hurdling is Dan Skelton's Pikar ran well to finish only a length behind a long odds on winner at Chepstow last time and should have learned from that experience.  Finally the only 5yo in the line up is Washington [O Murphy] Is presently unbeaten having won both bumper starts last season and maintained unbeaten record in ready fashion on hurdles debut at Bangor.

Winner - (1) I Like To Move It @4/6F  [Sam Twiston-Davies].

4:00 High Sheriff Of Gloucestershire And Racing Remember Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed)

2m 87y  (Class 1  8 runners)
We end the meeting with another 'bumper' contest where eight have been declared which includes just the one debutante in Sukat (D Bridgewater) the rest of the field have all had some experience and plenty of previous winners too.
Timeforatune has won both his starts and now trained by Paul Nicholls for owner John Hales, as has the 6yo mare Flying Sara (Jack Barber) who has been off the track for a while so we shall have a small interest on Leading Choice (Nicky Martin) who ran on well at a big price in his sole run so far and looks value to follow up before starting upon a hurdling career. 

Winner - (7) Timeforatune @3/1  [Harry Cobden].

Results will be updated later on during the afternoon and we hope you enjoyed a good weekend too. I hope to be out to visit the racecourses more frequently into 2022, until the next meeting please stay safe, and wrap up warm. 

CHELTENHAM NH NOVEMBER MEETING - SATURDAY 13th NOVEMBER 2021

The November Meeting takes centre stage. Day Two of the biggest Jump racing fixture before Christmas features the iconic Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham Racecourse. The racing highlight of The November Meeting always draws a large, high-class field and was won last year by Coole Cody trained by Evan Williams and ridden by Tom O'Brien. This 2m 4f race should be off about 2:15 and the meeting is of course live on ITV Racing. 
Surface:  Turf
Going:  Good, Good to soft in places

12:30  The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial

(registered as The Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle)

2m 87y  (Grade 2  9 runners)
We start off with a race for 3yo's as a trial for the Triumph Hurdle, nine runners, including a recent recruit from France Yorksea now in the care of Gary Moore. Plenty in with chances but the outstanding form so far appears to lie with Paul Nicholls ex French horse Magistrato who easily took a Chepstow race beating Rocky Man by 12l, the latter re-opposes here again for the Dan Skelton yard. Knight Salute [Won @9/2] might be the one to give the favourite most to do, two wins over hurdles and beat a well fancied Henderson runner last time at Kempton. 
Winner - (2) Knight Salute @9/2 [P J Brennan].

1:05  Jewson Tool Hire Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase

(Conditional Jockeys’ and Amateur Riders)

3m 1f  (Class 3  13 runners)

Large field of chasers now with amateurs riders in the driving seats, we look at the experience of many of these but the form is unlikely to stand up with jumping and control required for such a large field. Looking at the likes of Head to the Stars [Non Runner] for example, recently either pulled up or wins ! Which might it be today I wonder. Top weight here is Opposites Attract, the 7yo will probably jump around but in his own time and might plod on for a place but look elsewhere for the win. Mindsmadeup did win at Down Royal last time out, making all there which could be a good ploy here. Although it wasn't much of a race that Minella Encore won at Fakenham last time he will stay and could have a say at the finish.
Winner - (14) Strictlyadancer @9/4f  [Mr Ben Bromley].

1:40  The From The Horse's Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Steeple Chase

2m  (Grade 2  4 runners)

Just the four declared for this Arkle trial, headed by Captain Top Cat (Dr Newland) winning last time out in a good novice chase but is likely to have plenty to find with Third Time Lucki in the field too. Dan Skelton's chaser won well last time around here and ought to be hard to beat again on his second start over the larger fences, looks likely to be odds on here. Mick Pastor (Paul Nicholls) was beaten by captain tom cat last time and might be able to turn the tables today with a few better jumps here. The field is completed by Sebastopol (T Lacey) who has a string of seconds to his name, 20l behind Mick Pastor at Exeter last time in a match but can complete for the place money on offer with only a small field.
Winner - (2) Third Time Lucki @2/5F  [Harry Skelton].

2:15  The Paddy Power Gold Cup Steeple Chase

2m 4f 44y  (Grade 3  19 runners)
The feature race of the day, now sponsored by Paddy Power, a decent field of twenty have been declared. Won last year by Coole Cody (pictured above) who ought to line up again and was runner up at this course last month. There are plenty of old hands returning again, Aso will bowl along for Venetia Williams and soft ground would see that one in with a chance, while Lalor is another that hasn't really hit the headlines as once suggested and has now joined Paul Nicholls yard and they might be able to re-energise this one but maybe not today. Al Dancer has also moved stabled, with Sam Thomas now and although pulled up last time, should be seen to better effect over this trip and course. While at a large price and low in the handicap Nietzsche can certainly run onto place at least and a recent run on the flat should have prepared him for a return to chasing under Brian Ellison.
Winner - (8) Midnight Shadow @9/1  [Ryan Mania].

2:50  The Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

2m 7f 208y  (Class 1  9 runners)
We return to hurdling now after the big race is complete, a field of eleven are declared, led by Sporting John [Won @9/2] who ought to appreciate the return to smaller obstacles having been pulled up over the Aintree fences last time. Dan Skelton trains the next pair with Proschema (Harry Skelton) the apparent preference over Shannon Bridge (Bridget Andrews). Ballymillsy represents the Nigel Twiston Davies yard, and his 5yo already had a win this season at Newton Abbot, will take some stopping even with this step up in grade. While lurking at the bottom of the weights here is Kansas City Chief who won the Pertemps hurdle here last month at a big price, and despite advancing years (12yo now) don't discount as his experience of this course could well count after the last. 
Winner - (1) Sporting John @9/2  [T J O'Brien].

3:25  The Paddy Power Feel Like A Favourite Intermediate Handicap Hurdle

2m 5f  (Class 2  11 runners)

Headed by Benson who was already a three time winner over hurdles and maybe the heavy ground was a big factor when only fourth last time out. Mackelduff has only raced four times winning his last two the most recent of which quite impressive at Aintree and despite his inexperience clearly one to consider for the future. Unexpected Party is fairly unexposed, won by 8l last time and in excellent hands to continue to progress into handicaps if he handles this track and the hill might be aimed at something in March. 
Winner - (4) Gowel Road @13/2  [Sam Twiston-Davies].

3:55  The Karndean Design Flooring Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed)

2m 87y  (Class 1  15 runners)

We conclude with a two mile bumper, looks extremely open but nothing really outstanding leaps out here. Would not be a race that I would personally get involved with too much but if you are going to do so then would suggest a close eye is kept on both front running filly Betty's Belle and Code Name Lise. While support for Dan Skelton's Signal Point might be significant suggesting that she's shown some improvement as a 5yo follow two average looking runs as a 4yo.

Winner - (4) Bonttay @2/1F  [PJ Brennan].
An update for Sunday's meeting should also be available soon including news of any further inspections if needed.

CHELTENHAM NH NOVEMBER MEETING - FRIDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2021

The three day Cheltenham November Meeting commences this Friday featuring Countryside Day on the opening Friday, a tradition dating back over two decades where money is raised for the Countryside Alliance and Racing Welfare causes.

Countryside Day launches the November Meeting in true Cheltenham style on Friday 12th November. Featuring six excellent races, including The Paddy Power Handicap Chase, which was won by Magic Saint last season, and The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase, where Kingswell Theatre caused an upset over the favourites twelve months ago, it's a day that is jam-packed with top class jump racing.

Off the track, there is an array of exciting Countryside Day Entertainment including a special appearance from Kaleb Cooper from Amazon Prime video's 'Clarkson's Farm' who will be attending a Q&A in the Parade Ring at 11.45am and much more. The Hipcats will be roaming around the Club/Tatts enclosure entertaining you with their jazz music. Make sure you head to the village where The Lucky 15's will be playing in between races.

After racing, we will see the return of the Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale who provides clients the opportunity to purchase quality English and Irish point to pointers and National Hunt Form Horses. The sale is attached to racing and takes place after the last race.

It's time for the NH season to really start firing with another big meeting at the home of NH racing, now that the turf flat season has closed till next spring let's focus on the jumpers.

Surface: Turf

Going:  Good [Good to soft in places] 

Cross Country: Good.

1:10  The Markel Insurance Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race
Qualifier for The Challenger Staying Hurdle Series Final

2m 5f  (Class 3) [20 runners]

Huge field to kick us off with, 20 runners declared to jump off here, headed by Henry Daly's The Wrekin who was a three time hurdle winner already this year and has a decent conditional jockey in Ben Godfrey on board. While winner of his last five runs An Tailliur represents Jonjo O'Neill and his improvement might not have come to an end yet, only 2lb higher here for that latest success. Plenty in with chances and I'd have a place wager on Art Approval (WON @10/3) a good run at this track last time when finishing fourth, has couple of wins prior to that.
Winner - (14) Art Approval @10/3 [Peter Kavanagh].

1:45  The Paddy Power Handicap Chase

1m 7f 199y (Class 2)  [9 runners]
Nine runners headed by Paul Nicholls' Magic Saint a course winner but has to lump 12st 1lb around here, however was the winner of this last year with a similar weight and Angus Cheleda takes off a useful 5lb. Moon Over Germany is the only one I'd rule out entirely, clearly not in form and the 10yo needs either a break from chasing, or a change of scenery. I'll have Kap Auteuil and Bathiva against the field here to make use of their decent weight received from the others. 
Winner - (5) Editeur De Gite @4/1 [N F Houlihan].

2:20  November Novices' Chase

2m 4f 44y  (Class 2)  [2 runners]
A disappointing field of just three at the declaration stage, two come over from Ireland, Fancy Foundations (Gordon Elliott) N/R won his first two chases and then fell three out at Tipperary, could still have a say but the outsider in the betting - now showing as a non runner we are down to a field of two. Next is the 5yo mare Gin On Lime [WON @7/4] (Henry de Bromhead) has plenty of chase experience and was the winner of the Tipperary race mentioned above, has a 7lb weight allowance over Fancy Foundations and will also benefit from Rachael Blackmore in the saddle. The home challenge rests with My Drogo, looks a short odds on favourite for this which can only be on home work and stable reputation as this will be his chase debut. Although an excellent novice hurdler and clear winner of his final start at Aintree I'd rather take a chance on the Irish horse than a short price about the fav.
Winner - (2) Gin On Lime @7/4  [Rachael Blackmore].

2:55  The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeplechase

3m 6f 37y (Class 2) [13 runners]

Won last year by Kingswell Theatre (pictured above) beating off a quality field that included the dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll (pulled up that day), and previous winner Easyland too, who was an odds on fav finishing fourth. Will be a test of stamina over this unique course configuration. As far as I can see there isn't anything of that calibre in the thirteen declared here. The Irish trainers have excelled over this unique course and could have the answer again with Balko Des Flos the 10yo is well clear of the others on ratings and ought to enjoy this, second in the Grand National and although unseated Rachael Blackmore here at the Festival still looks the one to be following. Potters Corner has at least been round here before and ought to complete in his own time, while Back On The Lash is trying something new. As an outsider to consider looking at Singing Banjo who has experience in Ireland over the banks at Punchestown and at 20/1+ could be of interest. >> 2nd @20/1
Winner - (6) Back On The Lash @4/1  [S Bowen].

3:30  The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
(formally known as The Hyde Novices Hurdle)

2m 5f (Grade 2)  [6 runners]
A competitive looking grade two hurdle now where top one is Off Your Rocco (G Elliott) who has only tasted defeat once out of his five career runs to date, should be well prepared to give a good account today. The home challenge Kayf Hernando (D Skelton) one last time out at Carlisle and with a strong yard who surely wouldn't be sending this one here without showing something back at home. Glencassley remains unbeaten over hurdles with a victory at Wetherby when sent off 1/7F, sired by Yeats so you would expect that stamina isn't an issue for this further step up in trip.
Winner - (2) Blazing Khal @9/2  [D J McInerney].

4:00  Racing TV Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

2m 87y (Class 3)  [18 runners]

We end the first day with a big field handicap hurdle, twenty runners declared with plenty of previous winners and 7/1+ the field the most wide open contest of the day. A winner of both his starts since moving over from Ireland Howdyalikemenow (Evan Williams) is at least in good heart and can run well here also including Samba Dancer (Fergal O'Brien) won here last month at this level although that was a conditional jockeys event. One at a big price to consider is Kalyptra runner up at Wincanton and 25/1 here, lightly raced and while this is a step forward wouldn't surprise to see a decent run and a sneaking into the top four.
Winner - (12) Mc Alpine @33/1 [JP O'Sullivan].

Updates for Saturday and Sunday will follow soon, and we should also have the results here too, enjoy the meeting.