The Cheltenham November Meeting gets underway again on Friday afternoon. There will be Grade 2 racing and some competitive handicap betting on Friday before the Paddy Power Gold Cup takes centre stage on Saturday.
The first day of the meeting features six races, including the return of Jonbon, who will look to ensure a run of four consecutive wins in the Grade 2 Shloer Chase is renewed.
Our expert Colm Doyle picks the best bets for day one, including a two-way bet on Cross Country Racing.
Friday Tips
- 1.10 Cheltenham – Young Lucy @ 16/1
- 2.20 Cheltenham – Edwardstone @ 7/2
- 2.55 Cheltenham – Busselton @ 6/1
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1.10 Cheltenham – 2m5f Lycetts Insurance Brokers Conditional Jockey Handicap Hurdle
Friday’s first race is one of the most attractive betting series of the day and with 20 confirmed runners at declaration stage it’s worth looking for lucrative bets.
One of the most attractive runners is Irish runner Young Lucy who has not been in the field for some time but there is reason to believe she can do well in the lower weight classes.
The clever Tony Martin won brilliantly with this horse last year, and although he has since lost his way both on the flat and over jumps, there have been clear signs of a return to form in recent flat starts.
The last of these was a fifth in a 20-runner flat handicap at Navan, and one suspects that 105 points may be too lenient for a big winner in this field, especially given the presence of talented, conditioned runner Daniel King with a precious 3lbs on your back.
After these recent encouraging signs on the flat, it seems worth taking a chance on a surface we know he will appreciate after winning his first flat race. The bumper is in good style, sits on the floor and is described as compliant.
Choices: Young Lucia
2.20 Cheltenham – 2 miles Shloer Chase (Grade 2)
Jonbon was an impressive winner of the Shloer Chase last year but he has not always been the most reliable, especially at this venue where he suffered three defeats (he has never lost in any other handicap). It might be worth taking him on given the daunting odds and it is worth noting that the stable is not yet fully up and running.
The one that most appeals to him is Edwardstone, who ran a fine race in the Queen Mother’s Champion Chase but withdrew, and then ended his long campaign behind Jonbon at Sandown.
He has won on his comeback in previous seasons and this might be the best time to catch him.
Picks: Edwardstone
2.55 Cheltenham – 3 miles and 5 ½ furlongs (cross country) Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase
Friday’s cross country race could be a good opportunity for Busselton to get back on track.
He looked like a potential endurance contender when he finished fifth in the Hennessy a few years ago, although he made some mistakes early on when he was stopped on his only start on this type of track at the Irish National.
Looks like he could clear these hurdles and seems worth the risk in an open series.
Picks: Busselton
*All odds correct at the time of writing and subject to change
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