Hi all,
Last weekend’s racing spotlight was firmly on Cheltenham, with Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup the highlight. Inside today’s main piece, I share my thoughts on the first two days of the meeting.
Cheltenham’s November Meeting: Agony and Ecstasy
It was a case of agony and ecstasy at Cheltenham. The ecstasy came for Il Ridoto, Freddie Gingell, and his connections. The agony, unfortunately, was felt by those connected to Abuffalosoldier and Bangers N Cash on Sunday.
Friday Highlights
Hyland made it two wins from two starts over fences, leading all the way to land the Listed Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase. A strong stayer, his best form is on a sound surface, so he could be saved for the spring once the ground softens.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico De Boinville quickly followed up with Jonbon, who delivered in style in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase. Despite only a 1½-length margin over Boothill, Jonbon always looked in control. Britain’s top two-mile chaser faces tougher tests against Irish rivals, though.
Potters Charm impressed in the Grade 2 The Hyde Novices' Hurdle, extending his unbeaten run over hurdles to three. He remains capable of an even bigger performance. A potential Challow Hurdle candidate, he looks the best British-trained novice hurdler seen so far this season.
Saturday: A Day to Remember for Freddie Gingell
Saturday was a day when gambles were landed, and well handicapped horses won the big handicaps.
Il Ridoto, inconsistent but proven at Cheltenham, landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup under a composed ride from young jockey Freddie Gingell. He had had dropped in the weights from 148 to 141 and he was down to his last winning mark taking in account his jockey’s 3lb claim. He will find things tougher once reassessed, but connections won’t be concerned as they win has been achieved. Ga Law who won the race in 2022 ran well for second but was no match for a well-handicapped winner.
Earlier, East India Dock secured the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, making it two wins from two starts over timber. A half-brother to stablemate Burdett Road, he looks a serious contender for top juvenile hurdles this season.
L'Eau du Sud continued his impressive start to his chase career by winning the Grade 2 Paddy Power Arkle Trial. With faultless jumping, he tanked his way through the race to win. You can watch his win here. A high-class handicap hurdler he already looks a better chaser than hurdler, though tougher Irish rivals lie ahead.
In the Listed Mares’ Bumper, flat racing stalwarts Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee combined for victory with Seo Linn, who landed a gamble in style.
Finally,
Doyen Quest overcame a late mistake to win the 3m handicap hurdle. He was given a confident hold-up ride by Harry Skelton and despite a slowly run race was still able to come through to win. He’s in line for Saturday’s Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle at Haydock and looks well-treated under his penalty.
Hamsiyann, a Tony Martin-trained 4-year-old, was another well-handicapped winner, landing the 2m 5f handicap hurdle. He should remain competitive off his new mark.
In Tuesday’s column, there will be more agony and ecstasy as I reflect on Sunday’s action and highlight a couple of horses for the tracker.
Good luck with your Monday bets!
John