Hi all,
There are eight races on ITV this Friday, five from Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting and three from Doncaster on the Flat.
The going was good to soft at Cheltenham on Friday evening for its first jumps fixture of the season, while Doncaster was heavy.
Inside today’s main piece I have previewed four of the five ITV races from Cheltenham.
Cheltenham‘s Showcase Meeting
1:15 – Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 2m4f
Classic King returned to form over hurdles earlier this year, winning at Doncaster in January. He was then set too much to do when a length 2nd of 10 in a similar Kempton handicap (2m5f) in March. Back from wind surgery, with Harry Cobden booked, he looks a big player for the in-form Emma Lavelle yard, provided the ground doesn’t turn too soft.
1:50 – Novices’ Chase (Class 2) – 2m
Alnilam made all to win on chase debut in a Uttoxeter beginners’ chase 19 days ago. A strong traveller and ground versatile, he’s well suited to two miles and can progress further over fences. Country Mile, 3½ lengths behind in second, is 5lb better off and won here over hurdles last season. He might strip fitter this time, but Alnilam is fancied to confirm the form over two miles.
2:25 – Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 2m
James Owen has a strong hand in this Conditional jockey’s race with Cavern Club and Charging Thunder. The former has run well on his last two starts in handicap hurdles at Market Rasen and would have preferred a stronger gallop when 1 ½ length 4th of 12 in a better race last time. A sound surface suits, and he should go close. Charging Thunder a useful flat handicapper is 2 from 3 over hurdles and remains with potential off what looks a workable mark on just his second handicap hurdle start. I find it hard to split the pair and both would prefer the ground to dry out.
3:35 – Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m
I mentioned earlier in the week Henry de Bromhead’s fine record with handicap chasers at Cheltenham's Showcase meeting — including winning this race in 2023. He sends over Jasko Des Dames, who finished fifth in the Grand Annual and might well have been closer but for a late mistake. He returned in good heart when runner-up at Listowel last month and looks well treated off his current mark. Last year’s winner Calico is 4lb higher now but rarely runs a bad race. He landed this on seasonal return 12 months ago, and this will have been the target again. Capable of another big run, especially if the ground continues to dry out.
Note on Jockey Change System
The handicap chase jockey change I highlighted in Tuesday’s column had its first qualifier — or rather, it didn’t. Sean Bowen was due to ride the Suzy Smith-trained Record High but was stood down after a fall in the opening race. Unfortunately, I’d already sent out the horse as a selection to my subscribers that morning. Had I known Bowen wasn’t riding, I wouldn’t have advised the bet. Record High still ran well but had to settle for second.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John