Hi all,
Another good day for subscribers with Panic Attack winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and Issam successful at Wetherby.
It’s the final day of a soggy Cheltenham November Meeting. The Unibet Greatwood Hurdle (3:30) is Sunday’s feature, and with 20 declared we’re set for a cracking contest. ITV Racing are covering five races from Cheltenham, plus the BetGoodwin Southern National (2:05) from Fontwell.
Across the Irish Sea, the Troytown Handicap Chase (2:32) offers €59,000 to the winner. Another big-field handicap and every bit as competitive as the Greatwood. It’s not on ITV, but it’s a race I like, and I’ll be having a bet.
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the ITV races.
Cheltenham
1:45 – Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m4f
The two that appeal most are Jig’s Forge and Jordans Cross.
Jig’s Forge, a hurdle winner, is expected to do better over fences this season. He won a point on heavy, and his hurdle success came on soft, so conditions are ideal. He also won first time up last season too, so he goes well fresh.
Jordans Cross looked a promising novice chaser when winning at Aintree 21 days ago. His jumping improved as the race developed, and he should appreciate the step up to 2m4f. The ground will be very different to his chase debut, but he won an Irish Point on heavy, so hopefully he handles it.
2:20 – Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m
Glengouly bounced back to form, dropped back to 2m, when a ¾ length third to the useful Mambonumberfive at Aintree 8 days ago. If he can build on his latest effort he’s got strong claims off just 2lb higher.
Ballybreeze ended last season in top form, landing two wins in the spring. He’s only 3lb higher than for his Chepstow success and probably remains on a competitive mark. However, both those wins came on good ground, so conditions are a concern.
Cabhfuilfungi has no issues with soft ground and returns from a 253-day break. He went very close on his seasonal reappearance last autumn and must be considered if he handles the track.
Dr T J Eckleburg is another who relishes soft ground (5 wins from 13 starts). He’s also 5 from 15 when running between 16 and 30 days after his previous race. He’s usually dropped in and needs a strong pace to chase. If he gets the race run to suit, he won’t be far away.
2:55 – Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (Class 1) – 3m3½f
Top weight Protektorat is the class act and goes well on soft ground. If he gets into a fluent jumping rhythm, he’s bound to be involved. The major question is stamina—he didn’t convince over 3m2f, and today’s trip is even further. Class alone could carry him to success even first time out.
Tanganyika won twice over fences last season and travelled and jumped well when a length runner-up to Mister Vango in the Midlands Grand National. That was a career-best effort, and a 6lb rise shouldn’t stop him being competitive. First run at Cheltenham and fitness is the question with Venetia Williams’ runners.
Beauport paid the price for last year’s 31-length demolition job in the Berkshire National and now returns from a break. He’s a proven mudlark and won the 2023 Midlands Grand National on heavy. He normally goes well fresh and has likeable claims, but does Cheltenham suit him?
Transmission won at this meeting last year and remains unexposed as a stayer. He finished down the field over 3m1f here last month and should be sharper today. However, the yard’s form is a worry and he’s 7lb out of the handicap.
Nassalam was pulled up on both starts last season and again on his return here last month. His wellbeing must be taken on trust, but he relishes deep ground and is tumbling down the weights. He’s only 2lb above his Welsh National win. The blinkers return (3 wins from 5 in them) and he deserves respect.
3:30 – Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – 2m½f
I previewed the race in Thursday’s column which you can read here.
Fontwell
2:05 – BetGoodwin Southern National Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m3½f
Unanswered Prayers stayed on well to win this race 12 months ago on his second start of the season and he lines up again on his second start of the campaign. He’s only 1lb higher than when successful last year, so he’s handicapped to go close and trainer Chris Gordon is in excellent form. The slight concern is soft ground, which isn’t ideal.
Gold Clermont is a C&D winner for her previous trainer, and she goes well in the mud. The mare returns from wind surgery and looks well treated on stable debut for Olly Murphy. This has likely been the target, and if the rain has arrived, she should play a major role.
Born At Midnight won twice early in 2024, but he seemed to lose his way last season. Returned to action in good heart when a 1½-length 3rd of 9 at Hereford last month. He steps back up in grade here, but he’s on a fair mark, handles any ground, and could get into the frame at big odds.
I’ll be back tomorrow to look about the highlights from Cheltenham’s November Meeting.
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John