Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on Saturday’s ITV races from Cheltenham.
Cheltenham takes centre stage today and ITV Racing are covering the last five races from Cheltenham plus the final three at Doncaster.
The Cheltenham feature race the December Gold Cup (1:50) which I previewed in Wednesday’s column has attracted 11 runners.
If you’re heading to Cheltenham or Doncaster, I hope the sun stays behind the clouds otherwise I fear the later races on both cards will be affected by low sun.
I've already sent out my Saturday selections to subscribers but here's a quick look at the Cheltenham races on ITV.
Cheltenham
The ground has dried out at Cheltenham and looking at Friday's times there wasn't much soft on the going.
1:15 – Mares' Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m4½f
Realta Liath made a winning start start over fences at Fontwell and looks open to more improvement. An 8lb rise is workable but her jumping right last time is a slight worry.
Irish challenger Me Wee Bonnie Lassie posted her best chase effort so far at Naas last time and first-time cheekpieces could unlock further improvement. Her yard won this race last year.
It’s Easy hammered them at Bangor on heavy. She’s up 7lb and conditions won’t be as deep, but she’s an in-form mare from a yard with a previous success in the race.
1:50 – The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup (Premier Handicap) – 2m4½f
I won’t go through the race again as I covered it in Wednesday's column.
For those interested here are the trends qualifiers,
2:25 – Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m½f
David’s Well is unbeaten in three starts over fences and returned with a taking win at Haydock. Softer ground helps and a 6lb rise isn’t harsh. He’s the one to beat with Harry Cobden taking over in the saddle. Drying ground a slight concern otherwise his claims are convincing.
Excelero built on a promising chase debut when making all at Warwick last time. He jumped well last time and a 7lb rise is workable given he’s capable of better over fences.
3:00 – Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) – 3m
Conman John made a good impression when winning here in October. He looks a smart staying novice hurdle prospect and if he’s as good on softer ground he’ll take the beating.
Reckless Spending shaped well on hurdle debut at Ascot and can improve for the step up in trip. Trainer Nicky Henderson won this in 2023, and he has an excellent record at the meeting in non-handicap races with his runners returned 7/1 & under – 10 winners from 19 runners 53% +20.84 – since 2018.
3:35 – Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m4½f
Sweet Caryline and Jubilee Alpha re-oppose after finishing first and second at Wincanton. The winner had race fitness on her side last time but she’s progressive and may have more to give if handling softer ground.
Siog Geal, winner of the Newbury Mares Novices' Final in the spring, returned with a promising third at Carlisle (soft) last time. There should have more to come from the 6yo this season back against her own sex.
Nurse Susan, the 2023 winner, was well behind Siog Geal on her reappearance but is well treated if retaining her old ability.
Game Colours a winner of a soft ground novice at Lingfield in February posted a career best on RPR’s when a good ½ length 2nd of 16 here (2m1f) in April. She should step forward from her Fontwell comeback and looks well handicapped.
I’ll be back on Monday to recap Saturday’s action.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John