Cheltenham’s November Meeting Day 1 Preview

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m reviewing Thursday’s results and previewing Day 1 of Cheltenham’s November Meeting.

I received good news yesterday from my consultant. The growth on my thyroid which was recently removed had a few cancer cells, but I have been given the all clear and they don’t need to see me again. That’s a big relief and a weight off my mind as you can imagine.

Thursday Round-Up

Thursday delivered some pleasing results. Telepathique ran a solid race, finishing runner-up in the Listed Lady Godiva Mares’ Novice Chase at Warwick. She performed well, but winning jockey Dan Skelton tactically outmaneuvered her rider, Tom Cannon.

As noted in yesterday’s column, Ben Pauling’s Legal Weapon took advantage of a handy position to win a slowly run race on racecourse debut in the Warwick bumper.

Dan Skelton’s forecast favourites, mentioned here, also delivered. Both won at Warwick. Nicky Henderson’s forecast favourite at Taunton drifted to 8/1 but still scored. It was a good day overall.

For your information here are Friday’s forecast favourite trainer's runners:

Cheltenham’s November Meeting

Cheltenham’s November Meeting starts this afternoon. ITV will show live the last four races on the Cheltenham card.

1:50 – Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Coming Soon Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 3m 2f

Chianti Classico is the class act here. He dominated a handicap chase at Ascot (3m) on his seasonal return. Today’s extra distance suits, and he won the Ultima over this trip at the Festival. Up 5lb, but a win could put him on the radar for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

King Turgeon was the favourite for last weekend’s abandoned Becher Chase. He won the Grand Sefton at Aintree (2m 5f) and should enjoy the return to this trip trip. With a light weight, he’s dangerous.

Chambard is a C&D winner. However, he’s returning from a long layoff and likely needs softer ground.

Our Power is another contender back from a break. He stays 3m, but the extra distance here tests his stamina. If he stays, he’s well-handicapped. Connections clearly still rate him to run him here and the trainer brought out Al Dancer win the Badger Beer Handicap Chase first time up.

2:25 – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Chase (Qualifier) (Class 2) – 2m 4 ½ f

Shakem Up'arry has two C&D wins, including at the Festival in March. He’s respected, though this could be a stepping stone for bigger targets.

Shan Blue hasn’t won for a while but he’s been given a chance by the handicapper. He ran encouragingly at Bangor-on-Dee last month and looks solid for an in-form yard.

Raffle Ticket will appreciate drying ground. He’s progressive, with just nine chase starts, and won at Aintree in May. He’s up 8lb but is interesting despite the layoff.

Numitor won a similar race at Wincanton 47 days ago. He’s 3lb higher in a stronger field but shouldn’t be dismissed.

3:00 – Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m 5 ½ f

French raider Iceo Madrik has won his last two starts including a Listed chase (3m 3f). He thrives on soft ground and looks the one to beat.

Latenightpass won this last year off a 4lb lower mark. He jumped well before fading late in the Grand National. He needed the run when well beaten in the Grand Sefton (2m 5f) at Aintree last month and if he can bounce back has a chance.

3:35 – Citipost Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 3m

Doyen Quest is unexposed at 3m and won a handicap over this trip here last month. He’s up 10lb but is open to further improvement.

Bhaloo returns to hurdles after winning a handicap chase (2m 3f) at Ascot last time. He’s on a competitive mark back over hurdles and could improve further over 3m.

Long Draw is consistent, finishing second in his last four starts. He’s trying 3m for the first time and should go well if the ground doesn’t wase further.

Zain Nights struggled on heavy ground in the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle but was progressive before that. He’s a C&D winner and worth considering with Harry Cobden booked.

Thanksforthehelp has a 9lb pull with Doyen Quest after finishing fourth to him here last time. He’s inconsistent but capable if conditions suit, likes soft. He’s also entered at Bangor (2:40) which is his first preference.

Might I won a Bangor handicap hurdle last month after a class drop. He’s up 4lb which is harsh but stamina is a question mark.

If you want my Cheltenham November Meeting picks you can get them here.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

Cheers

John