I've always had a passion for National Hunt racing, and while I haven't managed to convince my business partner to buy a jumper yet, I still follow the racing closely.
Today, we have the second day of the Cheltenham meeting. Truth be told, it isn't a stellar card, and Navan will almost certainly steal the show and the ratings, but nevertheless, I thought I'd have a quick breeze through the card.
12:35 Cheltenham – 2m½f (2m87y) (Old) JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Registered As The Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (3yo)
This is really a Triumph Trial in name only, as it's now been seven years since Defi Du Seuil landed the double. This year's renewal is unlikely to throw up a future Triumph winner, but there are still some interesting runners to look at.
MILAN TINO – This son of Milan has shown promise in his career, placing in two C1 races at Auteuil. It's unusual to see Milan progeny running at three, especially over hurdles, and those that have tried in the past have failed. I think it is fair to say that this one has the best form in the book, and I certainly respect the connections, but he's a little short for me at 6/4. I'm not convinced he'll have the tactical speed required at the business end.
BURDETT ROAD – This son of Muhaarar has a very similar profile to ALLMANKIND, who won this race for the Gredley Family back in 2019. He was a precocious type on the turf this season, yet the Gredleys seemingly had no reservations about sending him over hurdles, and their faith was rewarded when he made a winning start at Huntingdon earlier this month. He was wearing a first-time hood that day, but I personally didn't think it had any real effect as he was still keen throughout and deliberate at a few hurdles (especially the last). He has a serious engine, though, and on the day was a cut above his rivals as a result. Today's race will provide a different test. Being keen is rarely an issue in these kinds of races, especially at this point in the season, but his jumping will need to be slicker because if you lose momentum at this track in the latter stages, you're in trouble. I still rank him as the one to beat, though.
I STILL HAVE FAITH – This son of Expert Eye had a bit of a slow start for Ben Brookhouse but found his feet in the summer once he fitted the hood. He subsequently won four races in the space of a couple of months and saw his mark increase by 15lb. The decision was then made to give him a spin over hurdles, and he impressed me when winning at Wetherby. As with BURDETT ROAD, he showed a tendency to overrace and was hesitant over his hurdles in the early part of the contest. However, he warmed to the task, and when Jack gave the cue to move up, the horse did so rather effortlessly and put the race to bed. It wasn't the greatest race in the world, and he was entitled to win it given he was the 4/7 favorite, but I always think that Wetherby form stands up, and with an each-way price available today, he makes some appeal.
GALACTIC JACK – This son of Galileo is having his first start for Mr and Mrs Adams and Syd Hosie. He was previously with Andrew Balding and was campaigned rather unusually. I wouldn't normally pay much attention to a hurdling debutant in a race such as this, but my guess is that this horse would probably have been running for Milton Harris if it wasn't for the suspension of his license. Milton has won the last two renewals of this contest, so I'll keep a close eye on the betting to see if there's any sustained market support.
EAGLE PRINCE – This son of Free Eagle wasn't up to the standard set by some of his rivals today on the flat, but he got the job done over hurdles at Sedgefield, and I think he's been overlooked in this market. While the form of that race isn't spectacular, I thought he was value for more than the winning margin, having got the last all wrong. The booking of Nico also catches the eye as he's 3 from 8 for the yard. Ultimately, this horse might not be good enough on the day to win, but he may well sneak into the top four if his jumping holds up.
CONCLUSION: If BURDETT ROAD jumps well from A to B, then I think he will simply have too much class and speed for his rivals here. However, if he plods through a couple, he's going to give the likes of I STILL HAVE FAITH a chance to steal a win. It's a tough race for punters, but I've opted for a win bet on BURDETT ROAD, together with a small EW play on EAGLE PRINCE (5 places).
1:10 Cheltenham - 3m1f (Old) Wienerberger Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-140)
The key form lines for this race would appear to be the Close Brothers Amateur Jockey Handicap run over this CD back on the 23rd of October and the Native River Handicap Chase run at Chepstow on the 14th of October.
MOLE COURT – This son of Court Cave won the aforementioned race at Cheltenham, beating STRICTLYADANCER and WICK GREEN to land the four-timer. He's gone up 5lb for that victory, which was probably a little harsh in the circumstances, but I can certainly understand the handicapper's logic. I personally feel that this race will demand a lot more, and I have a feeling that one horse will have every chance to reverse that prior form.
TEA CLIPPER – This son of STOWAWAY lost his way completely last season but is now dangerously well handicapped as a result. He made his seasonal reappearance last month at Chepstow and finished 2nd behind Stolen Silver. He was well-backed that day, which was no surprise given his record at that meeting and given that he tends to go well fresh. It is that latter point which would be a slight cause for concern going into today, as I wouldn't expect there to be bundles of improvement for the run. He also had STRICTLYADANCER behind him in 6th that day, and while there was a distance between them at the line, my personal view is that Christian Williams will have plotted his horse specifically for today.
STRICTLYADANCER – This son of Yeats was off the track for nearly two years prior to his return at Chepstow. His two runs so far this season have provided clear evidence that he retains his ability, and it doesn't take a form expert to figure out that he's been slow-played with a specific race in mind. Given that he won this contest back in 2021, it is my belief that this is that race, and we now see the switch to the 7lb claimer. Obviously, he will need to be at his very best to win given that he's a few pounds higher in the weights, but Christian is well versed when it comes to plotting horses, and I think this one may have been campaigned to perfection. We will know for sure come 1:15 this afternoon!
CONCLUSION: This race is competitive, and you can never be entirely sure what you're going to get in an Amateur race, but for me, STRICTLYADANCER ticks all the boxes and he'll therefore be carrying the significant weight of my money.
1:45 Cheltenham – 3m½f (3m110y) (Old) From The Horse's Mouth Podcast Novices' Chase (Listed Race) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Thankfully, there is no need for any lengthy write-ups here as for me, this is a one-horse race.
GOOD RISK IT ALL – This son of No Risk At All showed glimpses of ability over hurdles but was always viewed as a Chaser in the making. It therefore came as no surprise to me, or anyone else that he made a winning start over fences at Carlisle. He was slick that day and ran out a very easy winner. If I was looking for a negative, it would be that the time was on the slow side which probably contributed to the manner of the victory but on paper he really only has BROODWAY BOY to beat this afternoon and I'm confident he can do that.
2:20 Cheltenham - 2m4f (2m4f44y) (Old) Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Every year this is a fascinating watch and this year's renewal has real quality throughout the field. For that reason, finding the winner here isn't going to be an easy task, but I've given it a go all the same.
STAGE STAR - When we first decided to get into the syndicate game, we took a long look at the Owners Group model and I have to say that they really set the bar high in the world of mircoshares. Whilst we rarely swim in the same pool, I always keep an eye on their runners and I've followed this horse's career closely. As per usual, Paul placed STAGE STAR to great effect last season and was rewarded on multiple occasions including at the Festival. It has to be said that he won a very weak renewal of the Turner's Novice but you can only ever beat what's put in front of you. Today, he faces a sterner test on his season reappearance. All the recent reports have been positive though and I'm sure he'll run well. Best of luck to all of his owners.
UNEXPECTED PARTY - This son of Martaline came up short on a few occasions last season in Graded company and was no match for STAGE STAR on his two prior runs at this track. However, he returns to handicap company getting lumps of weight from his old foe and his prep run at Chepstow last month will have put him spot on for this. We know that the Skelton's always deserve respect in these top handicap contests and this horse is another one who is likely to be in the mix.
THE REAL WHACKER - This son of Mahler was a revelation last season, completing a hattrick when winning the Browns Advisory at the Festival. Of course, many would argue that he was a fortunate winner that day and I'd tend to agree but I'm also a believer that a wins a win. Realistically, it would take a mammoth performance for him to win today though, off a mark of 162, carrying twelve stone and I'll simply be watching him with future races in mind.
ANGELS BREATH - This son of Shantou suffered a major injury back in 2019 and was off the track for over three years as a result. It's extremely difficult for any horse to return from that kind of break and it's even harder to do it whilst also retaining ability. However, this horse has seemingly done both things and his current mark of 144 is certainly appealing based on the balance of his form over fences. His prep run over hurdles last month was solid enough, he won't have any major issues with the track or the conditions, and I think he'll almost certainly have a chance to at least play a part in the finish this afternoon.
EASY AS THAT - This son of Sans Frontieres is another who suffered an injury and faced time on the sideline. He is seemingly back on track now though, having racked up a series of strong runs last season including a couple of wins. However, his progress came to an abrupt end at Sandown in the spring when he was comprehensively beaten by Hudson De Grugy. It is hard to know what to expect from him this afternoon but his position in the market would certainly suggest that he's fancied by someone. I'd be a little surprised to see him win this but I won't be at all surprised to see him in the top 4.
CONCLUSION: I probably could have spent hours reviewing this race but experience has taught me that if you can't figure a race out quickly then you should probably keep your money in your pocket and that's what I intend to do here. However, if I were to have a free bet with your money, I think I'd side with ANGELS BREATH and UNEXPECTED PARTY and hope for the best.
2:55 Cheltenham - 3m (2m7f208y) (Old) Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+)
Another competitive handicap to take a look at, this time over hurdles. I'm a little more confident about finding the winner in this one though.
PLACENET - A son of Network who has moved over from France to the Pipe yard. As a syndicate, we've personally had success with a French recruit (Dream Composer) but we've also experienced failure with one (Gerrots). This particular horse hasn't had long to acclimatise to his new environment which is a concern but he has bundles of experience and I don't think there is any doubt that his opening mark of 124 could massively underestimate his ability. It would appear that I'm not the only punter to have reached that conclusion, as he's been well supported over night and he also holds multiple entries in the coming weeks, so maybe Mr Pipe agrees as well!
BUDDY ONE - This son of Sans Frontieres has been consistent in Ireland in recent months and this race would have been an obvious target for him. However, the Irish don't have the greatest record at this meeting in the handicap hurdles and I could see this track really testing his stamina reserves at the business end.
CHANTRY HOUSE - I had to give a positive mention for this horse as I've had a soft spot for him for years now. He looked woefully out of love with the game in 2022 and took a horrific fall at Wetherby on his last start. I was therefore slightly surprised to see that he remains in training but on his day he is a classy individual. This run will probably be little more than a prep for future races over fences but I'll still be watching him with intrigue.
COME ON TEDDY - This son of Fame and Glory is another horse returning from a break (just the mere 611 days). I'd usually be extremely weary of a horse with his profile but he loves this course and distance and if he were to return at anywhere near his best, and was able to run to the level of form that saw him finish 3rd in the Pertemps Final, then he'd be extremely hard to beat in this contest.
CONCLUSION: I think it is easy enough to pick holes in most of the runners in this race and for that reason I've sided with PLACENET in the hope that the handicap has massively underestimated his ability. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened with a French recruit and it certainly won't be the last. I've also had a couple of quid (each way) on COME ON TEDDY.
Unfortunately, I don't have time to cover the remaining races on the card but hopefully, I've managed to find a few winners above, and while we may not see any future Cheltenham Festival winners today, we will still witness some fantastic racing.
In other news, if you'd like to experience racehorse ownership for yourself, we are going to be offering a special Black Friday bundle sale next week, and all the details can be found in the picture below. The bundle will go live on Friday morning and will run until the limited number of shares have been sold. I'm probably a little biased, but it's a fantastic offer featuring two horses who have already given their owners some amazing days, and we are looking forward to doing it all again in 2024. Hopefully, you'll come and join us for the ride.
Enjoy your weekend!
Jordan Evans
Syndicate Manager
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