Friday 15th December 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to my preview for the opening day of the Cheltenham December Meeting which is set to take place on Friday at Prestbury Park. I’ve got three selections for the Friday card, so make sure to gamble responsibly if you are punting.
1.15: Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle: My first selection of the afternoon comes in the 1.15 which is a handicap hurdle that’s ridden over two miles and a furlong. I’m siding with Panjari here for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden, he progressed with each of his three starts within maiden company, winning last time out impressively at Taunton by five and a half lengths. His opening handicap mark could underestimate him slightly and he looks a progressive sort. Panjari – 11/2 (Each-Way)
1.50: Cheltenham Racecourse Food Bank Collection Mares’ Handicap Chase: Next up it’s the 1.50 which is a mares handicap chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs. It’s Walk In Clover here for me who’s currently a 4/1 chance for the team of Dan & Harry Skelton. She ran well here on her most recent start which came last month, finishing third back at two miles behind Triple Trade. She was staying on that day and should appreciate the step back up in trip here, and I think this course and distance winner could put in a bold bid. Walk In Clover – 4/1 (Win)
2.25: Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase: It’s the Veteran’s Chase where for my third selection, and this comes in the form of Storm Control for Kerry Lee and Richard Patrick. He’s not been at his best recently, however, as a result of that he’s dropped down to what I think looks like a very tempting mark in the weights. He’s also gone well at the track before and if he turns up on a going day I think he’s got every chance of bouncing back to form in this. Storm Control – 4/1 (Win)
