NEW YEAR'S CHELTENHAM NH MEETING -- NEW YEARS DAY 2022

Welcome 2022, Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

We should have been kicking off the new year with the traditional New Year 1st January meeting at Cheltenham, which would have been broadcast live on ITV once again. We have about ten weeks till the Cheltenham festival in March so each meeting should have it's own clues to the future, maybe not so much the big races but the handicaps will certainly attract plenty of interest. 

Last years event was sadly lost to the weather, this year looks much more mild and we ought to start the year in a positive way. It's a seven race card today, the feature events will be the pair of Grade 2 contests, the Dipper Novices Chase and the Relkeel Hurdle which are both run over a trip of 2m 4f.

Going Report - Soft [Good to soft in places].
Weather - Going to be cloudy and wet with plenty of rain forecast on New Year's Day a high of only 13C.

 
Here are our selections for the New Year Day card;
12:15  The Ballymore Novice's Hurdle (Listed)
2m 4f 56y  [Class 1  7 runners].
Seven runners for our opener here on New Years Day, top trainer Nicky Henderson runs two, I Am Maximus appears the first pick on jockey bookings and a bumper winner here on soft ground then has picked up a maiden hurdle at Newbury last time and ought to be ready for this step up. Mot A Mot is his other runner but looks up against it based on all known runs so far. Dan Skelton has his 6yo mare Get A Tonic ready after two wins and rated close to the main Henderson threat.

Result: (2) Hillcrest @3/1  [Richard Patrick].

12:50  The New Four Eighty Restaurant at Cheltenham Festival Handicap Chase.

3m 2f 70y  [Class 2  11 runners].
A tricky handicap chase to review now, might be able to discount the two older horses (Smooth Stepper / Potters Legend) but the rest all could have a say and it's 4/1 the field. Honest Vic has run well without success and dropped a little in the weights too, this could be more his level. The Wolf another who should be able to give a better account for himself, was not that far away last time given that his rider lost his irons before the third last, while Venetia Williams runners usually excel in the mud and her runner Destinee Royale was only defeated by a short head last time and looks sure to stay this trip too which would be a big plus.
Result: (6) Full Back @9/2  [J E Moore].

Messire Des Obeaux winning the rearranged Dipper Chase at Wincanton

13:25  "The Dipper" Novices Chase (Grade 2).
2m 4f 127y  [Class 1  8 runners].
The first of our feature races here, at the early entries stage only nine runners were declared. Was run at Wincanton last year and returns to Cheltenham today with a strong looking line up including 'Come on Teddy' more about that one later. Once again Venetia Williams looks to have a control on the head of the market with L'Homme Presse winner of both chase starts so far this year. Alan King was successful in this race last year and saddles The Glancing Queen who has also won both chases this season, closely matched on ratings and does receive a weight allowance too which must add to her chances here. 

Outsider to note - Come On Teddy, winner of sole chase start and available at 16/1 here, stayed on well that day, jumped well too and might well cause a bit of an upset but at 16/1 also worth a shout in the place markets today.

Result: (2) L'Homme Presse @7/4f  [Charlie Deutsch].

14:00  Paddy Power New Year's Day Handicap Chase (Grade 3).
2m 4f 127y  [Class 1  16 runners].
Big field of sixteen for the Paddy Power chase, top weight Funambule Sivola (V Williams) should go really well despite the burden here made all to win at Ascot and then has been runner up twice in decent contests so clearly in good heart. While Coole Cody got back to winning ways here in the Racing Post Gold Cup about three weeks ago and should be ready to roll the dice one again. Another to have won here was Vienna Court who powered away after the last to secure a mares handicap chase, this is another step up in class but wouldn't put them completely out of the picture.
Result: (12) Vienna Court @10/1  [Sam Twiston-Davies].

14:35  Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle.

2m 7f 213y  [Class 2  14 runners].
Tricky handicap hurdle on the card, plenty with strong winning form none more so than Tamar Bridge though his latest run only scored by a short head and might finally be in the grip of the handicapper after four wins from five runs. The likeable Kansas City Chief won again here (twice successful in three starts at this track) and has been winning with 7lb claimer Victoria Malzard who continues again today. Interesting that The Mighty Don reverts to hurdling after a long run of chasing efforts, has won here for Nick Gifford and not entirely out of it you should get a decent price too. 
Result: (4) Dolphin Square @28/1  [Mr David Maxwell].

McFabulous won the rearranged Relkeel Hurdle run at Kempton Park

15:10  Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2).
2m 4f 56y  [Class 1  6 runners].
The second of our Grade Two contests is the Relkeel Hurdle, the race was run last time at Kempton Park following the abandonment of this meeting twelve months back. That contest was won by McFabulous (pictured above) and Paul Nicholls inmate is in the line up once again here. They were in much better form then and will probably find Brewin'upastorm who was a clear winner at Aintree last time and along with Willie Mullins' runner Stormy Ireland the likely pair to side with against the field. Shame only two places to play for as Guard Your Dreams was a good winner here in the International Hurdle at the last meeting here for the Twiston-Davies team and available at 9/1 would be interesting for a place bet.
Result: (7) Stormy Island @4/1  [D E Mullins].

15:35  Cheltenham Pony Club 'Junior' NH Flat Race (Listed).
1m 5f 209y  [Class 1  15 runners].
We end with a listed class bumper event, bit better than we usually see of this type and there might be a few clues to future races. Three newcomers in the field with Nicky Henderson's Royal Max one to be interested in perhaps. Also looking at Andrew Balding who runs Beyond Boundaries for the King Power Racing Club who would usually see their colours on the flat tracks so a rare Cheltenham runner. Of those with a little experience might pay to consider Iliade Allen (Nick Williams) and Poetic Music (F O'Brien) in a wide open contest.
Result: (15) Poetic Music @7/2f  [P J Brennan].

Results will be updated here later today, and the rest of the New Year fixtures will feature events from Kempton Park on Wednesday nights as well as all the cards at Pontefract on the flat, and the bigger 2022 Festivals from Cheltenham, Aintree, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and Galway amongst many others to enjoy. 

Whatever you do and whoever you are doing it with ... Have loads of fun this year and make it the best one ever.

KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2021 - 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. Trained by the recently retired David Elsworth, will always have a special place at this time of year. The race named in his honour has since been won by an array of Jump racing stars including Sire de Grugy, Sprinter Sacre, Special Tiara and Politologue. Dan Skelton sent out Nube Negra to win the the 2020 running, becoming only the second horse to beat Altior in winning the Desert Orchid Chase.

With the changing government guidelines over attendances at larger events there are a number of measures in place around Lateral Flow Tests and having to show a Covid 'Passport' for us we can follow all the action on ITV racing. 

Going Report - Soft.
Weather Forecast - Showers expected, max temp 9c.

12:45pm  Ladbrokes We Play Together Introductory Juvenile Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 2  10 runners]
The opening race for 3yo juvenile's and we have two last time out winners with Iceo (Paul Nicholls) and Illico Des Places (T Symonds) having to run with a penalty, they will both likely score again this season but today will be opposing them. Titian was one I fancied on his hurdling debut for the David Pipe yard, sadly he fell at the first flight  but we will give him a second chance to make amends here. 

With four newcomers it's difficult to predict how they will fare, Restitution for trainer Alan King might be interesting to many, while Optimistic Belief (Pat Phelan) will need to be settled better than his fifth placing at Sandown last time. 
Result - (1) Iceo @9/4f  [Bryony Frost].

1:20pm  The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2)
2 miles  [Class 1  4 runners]
Just the four runners for this two mile novice chase, possibly frightened off by the appearance of Edwardstone. Alan King's 7yo already successful in two chases at Warwick and Sandown surely a clear round of jumping will be enough to see off this opposition. Solo (Paul Nicholls) is probably the biggest danger, runner up on two chases so far, his trainer certainly knows what is required at this meeting and in a small field could be able to bowl along. The other pair of Do Your Job who fell at Sandown in the race that Edwardstone won, and Raya Time look likely to pick up the place money on offer for completing but a some way off the level of the other pair.
Result - (1) Edwardstone @8/15f  [Tom Cannon].

1:55pm  Play Ladbrokes 5-a-side On Football Mares' Handicap Hurdle
3 miles 121 yards   [Class 2  7 runners]
A three mile mares hurdle up now, shame only the seven declared as limited each way options, but we will take two against the field in an open looking race. Coded Message an 8yo has come down the weights a bit now and usually runs well without getting to the front, will also look at Get The Appeal a winner already this year at Musselburgh and Wincanton should be thereabouts if she can see out the trip.
Result - (3) Emmpressive Lady @3/1 [Sean Houlihan].

2:30pm  THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID CHASE (GRADE 2)
2 miles   [Class 1  4 runners]
Another four runner affair here shame as it's such a highly rated contest and such a huge name in racing attached to it. But it's the return of Shishkin (Nicky Henderson) that should light up this affair, has been off since wins in the The Arkle at Cheltenham and a big race at Aintree, the trainer pulled him out of an earlier reappearance so hopefully spot on today. Easily one the more exciting horses in training and cruised to win the Wayward Lad chase on this card twelve months ago. Greaneteeen won the Tingle Creek chase earlier in the month and will be the biggest challenge to the fav, while Sky Pirate and Before Midnight make up the quartet.
Result - (3) Shishkin @4/9f  [Nico de Boinville].

3:05pm  Play Ladbrokes 1-2-free On Football Handicap Chase
3 miles   [Class 2  11 runners]
Decent fields for the final couple of handicaps today, Morning Vicar (N Henderson) was sent all the way up to Perth by his trainer and secured the win, up a little in class but the trainer has a great record here so 10/1+ looks appetising in the win/place markets and Kauto The King (C Tizzard) a multiple chase winner, three miles the unknown but another at decent odds and this flat galloping track could make it possible.
Result - (8) Five Star Getaway @12/1  [Nick Scholfield].

3:40pm  Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 3  10 runners]
Our finale today, two miles and a big field should see this run at a furious pace, shame only fifteen declared as one more would have given us four places (five non runners now so that's a moot point anyway), typical no generosity at Christmas eh. Top of the tree is Hacker Des Places a lightly raced hurdler and Angus Cheleda takes off a valuable five pounds with his claim, could be improving still, also have a look at John Locke who won last time out with seven pound claimer T Durrell retaining the ride here for the Skelton yard. Down the bottom of the handicap here is Just The Man [Non Runner] and might be a little place bet to have there after his third here last month.
Result - (4) Rowland Ward @10/1  [C Gethings].

Results will be updated during the afternoon, we will return for 2022 with the traditional opening meeting on New Years Day at Cheltenham. 

Enjoy a fun end to the year.

KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2021 - DAY ONE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

BOXING DAY MEETING - SUNDAY 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 last year by Bryony Frost riding Frodon (pictured top) for trainer Paul Nicholls, as well as the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, and the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase on day two. Day two on Monday will be published separately soon. Once again we see a likely reduction in the attendance due to the Omicron variant, whatever happens we should still be able to enjoy this feast of jump racing even if it's just via the ITV Racing channel.

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. 2020 saw a twelfth King George for Paul Nicholls as Frodon scored for Bryony Frost.

Going Report - Good to soft. (Good in places).
Weather Forecast - Expecting scattered showers during the day getting heavier into the early evening and a high of 7c.

12:45 Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novices' Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 2  6 runners]
Opening the meeting with a small field novice hurdle, the six are headed by Paso Doble (P Nicholls) was a fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar standard over hurdles, making it 2 wins from 5 starts when landing odds at Taunton has a leading chance, however will have to jump superbly to see off Broomfield Burg (N Henderson) the JP McManus' owned 5yo has looked a very good prospect winning a bumper and hurdle contest, then runner up twice which should give him the advantage. Both Black Poppy (K Lee) and Robelli (I Williams) are previous bumper winners, should find a race to win soon enough but unlikely to have the quality to trouble the front pair, while Corrigeen Rock (L Russell) and Highstakesplayer (T Lacey) appear to be outclassed today although there is prize money for all.
Result - (2) Broomfield Burg @1/3f  [Nico de Boinville].

1:20 Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
2 miles 4 furlongs 110 yards  [Class 3  8 runners]
Field is led by Sebastopol who had a sequence of runner up places and should have gone in last time out but fell at the last fence here but should have an each way chance if over that spill. Nicky Henderson runs two here, Mister Coffey was a decent hurdler last season and has had a opening third in his chase career, so the choice from his pair is Bothwell Bridge a winner at Sandown and likely to improve for that experience. Hopefully all eight stand their ground, giving us a chance of a place bet on Your Darling [3rd @9/1]. Bryn Pauling's 6yo won a hurdle and then a chase at Huntingdon and jumped well there before extending from two fences out and should be able to compete amongst these today.
Result - (5) Jacamar @11/1  [D E Mullins].

1:55 The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
(formally the Feltham Novice Chase)
3 miles  [Class 1  4 runners]
I still refer to this as the Feltham Chase, a field of just four are declared where Paul Nicholls has Bravemansgame here and his 6yo has won both starts over fences so far, and likely to go off a short price favourite here. With a clean round of jumping it's hard to see him losing that unbeaten tag just yet, but here anything can happen. A wide margined winner at Newbury Ahoy Senor should make it a contest despite the small field, should they not be 100% spot on today it's possible that Tea Clipper can make them pay, although there is a nice prize pot for the minor honours and even Kiltealy Briggs will collect min £5k+ just for fourth with a clear round of jumping.
Result - (2) Bravemansgame @6/5  [Harry Cobden].

2:30 The Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)
2 miles  [Class 1  5 runners]
Another small field expected for a race won last year by the recently departed Silver Streak so I expect plenty of nice reminiscent moments for Evan Williams' talented 8yo. Epatante the Champion Hurdler of 2020 probably wasn't ideally suited by speed-blunting conditions when dead heating for first with Not So Sleepy in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. The one to beat even though was turned over in this race last year by the aforementioned Silver Streak at odds of 1/5f. 

Not So Sleepy also reappears today, should go well again here but has been fairly inconsistent in the past and as a 9yo might not have the scope of others, such as Tritonic a decent flat horse has come on plenty over hurdles though might fancy further in time, certainly in the mix today though.
Result - () Epatante @4/5f  [Nico de Boinville].

3:05 The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1)
3 miles  [Class 1  9 runners]
The feature race of the day now as nine are declared to line up with Frodon back once more to attempt to defend his crown and Bryony Frost riding after an 'eventful' season on and off the track. Dual winner Clan Des Obeaux also reappears to try and regain his crown too, and we've an exciting entry as Minella Indo the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is an intended runner with Rachael Blackmore here for just this one ride today. Lostintranslation once looked like a future star but has been pulled up in the last two running's of this and although winning at Ascot on seasonal reappearance would be a surprise winner of this. 

Minella Indo won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Shaped as if needing run when five lengths third to Frodon on Down Royal return. The one to beat on Gold Cup form in my view.
Result - .

3:40 Ladbrokes We Play Together Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 5 furlongs [Class 3  10 runners]
Our finale now, the largest field on the card, ten runners headed by Earlofthecotswolds winner of last two starts and also winner of a NH Bumper here earlier in the year. An Tailiur continues to improve, had completed a five timer before unseating next time at Cheltenham, then made up for that mishap with another success at Taunton 4lb higher but could still have further improvement to come and must be high on the list. Our Surprise completes our shortlist in this has famous colours and owners that often seen winning the big races and recent efforts off this mark suggest his turn is not that far away, should get a good gallop to aim at.
Result - (2) Marie's Rock @15/2  [Adrian Heskin].

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

CHELTENHAM INTERNATIONAL MEETING - SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER 2021

 

THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING - 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 including the Racing Post 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. In 2020 the race was won by Song For Someone ridden by Aidan Coleman and trained by Tom Symonds, he will reappear this afternoon looking to repeat that feat.

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:     Good [Good to Soft in places].

12:05  Jcb Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (3yo)
2m 179y  (Class 2  10 runners)
The opening novice event, has a few previous winners in but I feel it could be worth looking at the newcomer from David Pipe's yard Titian. Formally a flat winner when in the care of trainer William Haggas and changed hands for a considerable sum. The Pipe yard won this race last year with Adagio who has certainly progressed out of novice company. Of those that have previously raced I suspect that Interne De Sivola [Won @5/1] could be the one to improve from his Warwick run.
Result - (5) Interne De Sivola @5/1  [Chester Williams].

12:40  Bearrene Novices' Chase
2m 4f 127y (Class 2  4 runners)
Just the four runners here, with a very short odds on favourite in My Drogo, unbeaten over hurdles and landed a Grade 1 at Aintree back in April then was looking all set to make a winning start over fences when departing at the second last here last month, still clearly the one to beat. The field is complete by Captain Cuckoo who looks unlikely to trouble the other three and will hopefully jump round to collect the place money on offer. Jay Bee Why represents Alan King and could be the one to benefit of My Drogo suffers another blunder, while Torn And Frayed [2nd @8/1] tended to jump left and cannot afford to give distance away in this company, might do better with a handicap mark later.
Result - (3) My Drogo @2/9f  [Harry Skelton].

1:15  Simon Claisse Handicap Chase

2m 62y  (Class 2  8 runners)
The race has been renamed to honour Simon Claisse who recently stepped down as clerk of the course after 22 years. Frero Banbou [3rd] appears to be a progressive 6-y-o who ended last term with good fourth at Aintree and all the better for reappearance when third behind Il Ridoto over 2m Newbury 2 weeks ago. Further rain would surely improve his chances.  Notre Pari drops back to 2m having travelled well over further at Carlisle last time, low weight and has won of higher mark, should go well again today..
Result - (3) Editeur Du Gite @3/1jf  [N F Houlihan].

1:50  Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase
2m 4f 127y  (Class 1  13 runners)
Midnight Shadow has a good record around here and was successful in a similar contest last month beating Protektorat and Lalor up the straight after being left in the lead when Coole Cody fell two from home. Both Coole Cody and Lalor also line up today, the latter has bounced back to something close to his best for trainer Paul Nicholls after a wind operation, and certainly one too keep a very close eye on.
Outsider to note - an each way player Siruh Du Lac [25/1] from the David Pipe yard hasn't been seen much since 2019 but was smart before then and the trainer can certainly get one back to health and form also a course and distance winner, a race that his father won several times too. 
Result - (10) Coole Cody @12/1  [Adam Wedge].

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

(Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle)

2m 7f 213y  (Class 1  6 runners)
Blazing Khal beat Gelino Bello in a Grade 2 event here last time out in November, they battled it out together from two flights out and you might expect the pair to be the ones to fight it out up the hill once again. Both seem very short in the market as a result and with only a six runner field taking them on with one of the others could be tricky. However I noted they made a few mistakes over hurdles and therefore will give Barony Legends a chance against them both, while Current Mood who was third behind the others in that Grade 2 race here (5l defeat, tried to make all) might well go off in front again and set it up for the finishers.

Result - (1) Blazing Khal @1/1f  [D J McInerney].

Song For Someone won the Unibet International Hurdle last year

3:00  Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2)

2m 179y  (Class 1  7 runners)
Song for Someone will attempt to repeat last years victory here, a small field of seven have been declared, having had wind surgery returned at Ascot and was runner up to a short priced winner, a race that ought to have put him spot on for this. Sceau Royal is very consistent at this level, Alan King's 9yo took the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and also had a spell of chasing last season should be the one to lay it down to Song for Someone here. There is an Irish challenge led by Ballyadam for Henry de Bromhead and also Heaven Help Us from Paul Hennessy however they would need to find some improvement to take this back home. Shame there are only two places up for grabs with just the seven runners declared, else the Skelton entry Wilde About Oscar would be considered to place, only 6yo still has time to improve over hurdles.

Result - (5) Guard Your Dreams @5/1  [Sam Twiston-Daview].

3:35  Close Brothers Mares' Handicap Hurdle

2m 4f 56y  (Class 2  9 runners)

We end the meeting with a mares hurdle, the unbeaten runner from Jonjo O'Neill's yard Trapista could still have plenty to offer, a winner in France then successful on her British debut at Huntingdon could be hard to catch. Alan King runs three here with Her Indoors perhaps the pick of these, Wynn House and Hotter Than Hell are the others from the stable. Top weight Indefatigable [2nd] beat stayers legend Paisley Park on seasonal debut at Wetherby but struggled at Newbury after that run, is usually consistent so wouldn't rule out a stronger showing here today.

Result - (2) Martello Sky @10/3  [Aidan Coleman].

Results will be updated later on during the afternoon and we hope you enjoying a good weekend too. We will be back here at Cheltenham on New Years Day and hopefully we can start to attend some racing our self in 2022, until then stay safe. 

CHELTENHAM NH 'INTERNATIONAL MEETING' - FRIDAY 10th DECEMBER 2021

Cheltenham Racecourse is pleased to welcome you to The International meeting which takes place on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th December 2021. Across the two days, there are 14 thrilling races, including the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase on Friday, while we have The Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and The Unibet International Hurdle to enjoy on Saturday.

Friday has a seven race card, including the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase [3:00], and will begin at 12:05 with 'The British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle'. Last years cross country chase was won by Some Neck (pictured below) and is usually targeted by the Irish trainers.

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:       A sunny day expected, cold, max temp 6c
Going:           Good (Good to soft in places).

12:05  British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

2m 179y  (Class 3  5 runners)

Just the six runners for our opener, all have a previous win in the bank at some level beginning with Datsalrightgino [Won @6/1] trained by Jamie Snowden, several place runs before finally coming good in a novice event at Fontwell winning comfortably. This looks more tricky with the likes of Dan Skelton's Hartur D'oundairies sent off fav for his hurdling debut and likely to be well schooled for this too. Of the others I like Washington although was second in a three runner race here but that experience of this track should help and was only 2l down to a well fancied runner that day.

Result - (1) Datsalrightgino @6/1 [G Sheehan].

12:40  Tiggys Trust Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

3m 1f 56y  (Class 3  6 runners)

A winner of three races last season Barbados Bucks has now been sent chasing and ought to be in the best hands for his famous owner. A disappointing favourite on chase debut at Wetherby in a small field this ought to be a trip he can enjoy and if allowed to bowl along in a good rhythm up front could take a fair amount of pegging back. While lurking at the end of the weights here today is Eva's Oskar who scored at Chepstow and ran well enough when runner up last time out at Ascot suggesting this additional trip would suit and only raised 2lb for that latest effort.

Result - (6) Corach Rambler @2/1f  [D R Fox].

13:15  Catesby Handicap Hurdle

2m 179y  (Class 3  12 runners)

The 5yo Broomfield Burg is our first pick in an open looking handicap hurdle, Nicky Henderson's inmate has already looked a good prospect when winning bumper/novice hurdle earlier in the year. Outbattled to some extent when second in Newbury novice last month but retains plenty of potential now handicapping and carries the famous colours of owner JP McManus. Robinshill completed a hat-trick last autumn and returned with a bang to win over a similar trip at Leicester on his return. The 10yo trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies also won off 8lb higher over fences last year so retains handicapping potential over the smaller obstacles and at 12/1 a win/place option.

Result - (12) Lively Citizen @6/1  [Archie Bellamy].

13:50  CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares' Handicap Chase

2m 4f 127y (Class 1  11 runners)
A 6yo mare carrying the Cheveley Park Stud silks Rose of Arcadia is trained by Colin Tizzard and already a winner on heavy going at Wincanton, can race off the same unchanged mark as her last run when third at the same track (fav that day) and likely to strip fitter today. The Irish raider is Pretty Little Liar who fell last time out when looking to be travelling well, two wins prior to that and isn't coming over for a holiday.
Result - (1) Vienna Court @12/1  [Sam Twiston-Davies].

14:25  Betfair Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

3m 2f  (Class 1  9 runners)
Santini may not be the force of old, was a runner up in a Gold Cup for Nicky Henderson, but is only nine years old so may still have something to offer in handicaps even with top weight for new trainer. Rocco was successful in the Badger Beers chase at Wincanton and carries 5lb more for that victory, will stay and shouldn't be worried by the uphill finish. As a possible outsider to chance in the place markets Potters Legend [Non Runner] had a decent campaign last season and was runner up in this contest twelve months ago.
Result - (9) Commodore @7/1  [Charlie Deutsch].

15:00  Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase

3m 6f 37y  (Class 2  15 runners)
The 'feature' event on Friday is the Cross Country Chase and it's looking tricky but we feel safe in suggesting Midnight Maestro given the trainer's excellent record in these contests. Runner up last time at Punchestown and carrying the famous silks of owner JP McManus, surely going to be in the mix again today. A similar event last month saw Singing Banjo finish only a neck down in second here and a repeat of that effort should see another bold bid for success. The benefit of course experience is usually very valuable with a field full of Irish runners.

Result - (9) Diesel D'Allier @6/1  [Harry Bannister].

15:35  Citipost Handicap Hurdle
2m 7f 213y (Class 2  11 runners)

A regular at the grade one tracks Sporting John has mixed hurdles and chasing, latest win here was in a listed contest and even with top weight looks the one to beat today. Kansas City Chief [Won @9/1] is a likeable 12yo veteran who was all the better for his seasonal comeback run in Jersey when landing a course and distance handicap for this pilot back in October. Ran to a similar level of form when third next time out and one for the each-way players.

Result - (8) Kansas City Chief @9/1  [Victoria Malzard].

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 2022 sometime, until then stay safe. 

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.