Hi all,
It’s the final day of Cheltenham’s November Meeting, and the highlight is the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (3:30). ITV Racing will broadcast four live races from Cheltenham this afternoon, plus one from Fontwell, where the Southern National (2:05) is the highlight. Over in Ireland, the Troytown Handicap Chase (2:30) at Navan is another key race to watch.
Here's my Sunday ITV Racing preview.
Cheltenham
2:55 – Jewson Handicap Chase (Listed) – 3m 3 ½ f
Does He Know: Won this in 2022 from a 2lb lower mark, he maintained his excellent course record (4 wins) when a promising fourth in a handicap chase here last month. He may have just needed the run, and while vulnerable to better-treated rivals, he looks to have solid claims if in similar form.
Hymac: Improved for a step up to 3m 4f when winning here in April. A seasonal return win over hurdles at Newton Abbot should have him spot on for this. He’s an improving stayer who looks to have a good chance despite being 3lb out of the handicap.
3:30 – Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – 2m
Dysart Enos: Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles last season, she looks on a handy mark for her handicap debut.
Burdett Road: Won a Grade 2 juvenile over C&D at this meeting last year and ran well on the flat over the summer, landing a Listed race at Newmarket in September. A big player on handicap debut.
Be Aware: Runner-up in a strong Sandown novice handicap in April, he’s open to improvement this season. Handles good ground and comes from a yard with a strong record in this race (won in 2016 and 2021).
Fontwell
2:05 – Southern National Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m 3 ½ f
Unanswered Prayers: Likely needed last month’s seasonal return at Cheltenham. He’snicely handicapped if he stays today’s longer trip.
River Tyne: Took 19 runs to break her maiden status but has now won two in a row. A 4lb rise looks manageable, and the hat-trick is possible.
Glimpse Of Gala: A good staying hurdler two seasons ago, she ran a good second on her second start over fences at Worcester (2m 4f) last month. Today’s step up in trip will suit, and she looks on a fair mark.
Navan
2:30 – Troytown Handicap Chase (Grade B) – 3m
American Mike: Showcased his stamina when winning a Grade 2 novice chase over this C&D in February. Although outclassed in two Grade 1 novice chases to end last season, he remains of strong interest on his handicap chase debut. Talented enough to win on his day off a mark of 145, though 7/2 feels a touch short in a competitive field.
Chemical Energy: Ran a fine race to finish third in the Munster National at Limerick last time. However, he’s best on good ground, and the going has now eased to yielding, which tempers enthusiasm.
The Short Go: Runner-up to stablemate Senior Chief in a Cheltenham handicap chase last month. He’s going the right way over fences and enjoys good ground.
Lisnamult Lad: Jumped well when making all to win a Cheltenham handicap chase (2m 4f) last month. Should be ok with the step up to 3m and has each-way claims given his current vein of form.
That's my Sunday ITV Racing preview completed. If you want today's selections and for the rest of the month you can get them here.
I'll be back tomorrow to look back at the weekend's action.
All the best,
John