Saturday 16th December 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to Saturday’s Preview which focuses on the second day of the Cheltenham December Meeting. I’ve got four selections throughout the afternoon, including a fancy in the December Gold Cup, so make sure to gamble responsibly if you are punting.
12.40: John Wyke Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: My first selection of the afternoon comes in the 12.40 which is a novices handicap chase contested over three miles and one and a half furlongs. I like Wiseguy here who’s currently trading at 7/2 for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville. He’s a lightly raced sort but clearly has ability, as he showed last time out at Exeter when winning on his chase debut. I think he could still prove to be better than his current mark, and has every chance of going close again here. Wiseguy – 7/2 (Win)
1.15: Quintessentially Handicap Chase: Next up it’s the 1.15 which is another handicap chase this time for open company over two miles and half of a furlong. I’ve sided with In Excelsis Deo here who heads the betting at 15/8 for the team of Harry Fry and Jonny Burke. He was last seen running a fine race here at the November Meeting when finishing third of eleven and just over two lengths behind Dancing On My Own in another competitive affair. He’s only been nudged up a pound for that effort, and he looks as though he has much progression left in him. In Excelsis Deo – 15/8 (Win)
1.50: December Gold Cup Handicap Chase: The feature race of the day comes up at 1.50 which is the December Gold Cup over two miles and four and a half furlongs. In this year’s renewal of the fiercely competitive affair, I like the chances of Il Ridoto who’s currently an 8/1 chance for Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost. He ran a solid race in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month when third behind stablemate Stage Star, and is certainly no stranger to Prestbury Park with his most recent success coming over course and distance last January in another extremely competitive handicap. Connections have tasted success in the race before with Frodon, and whilst this contender may not reach the heights he did, he certainly has a very solid chance here. Il Ridoto – 8/1 (Each-Way)
2.25: Favourite From The Sun Now Daily Handicap Chase: My fourth pick of the day comes in the 2.25 which is more handicap action, this time over the further distance of three miles and two furlongs. I’ve sided with Easy As That here for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch, who’s currently a 9/2 chance in the betting. He ran a decent enough race last time out when sixth of fourteen in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month here, but I think this further distance will bring out significant improvement in him. He’s also on a workable mark and his yard is in fine form. Easy As That – 9/2 (Win)
