Sunday 17th November 2024
1.10 Cheltenham: Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice Maiden Hurdle: The opener on Sunday at Cheltenham is the 1.10 which is a Class 2 maiden hurdle over two miles and half of a furlong. I’m strong on Ace Of Spades here for the team of Dan & Harry Skelton. He’s got from strong bumper form to his name with promising sorts such as Wade Out and Junker d’Allier and progressed from his hurdling debut to finish a shoulder second at Exeter last month. If he comes on again from that outing he has to have a big say. Ace Of Spades – 11/10 (Win) (NB)
1.45 Cheltenham: mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: Next up it’s the 1.45 which is a Class 3 novices handicap chase over two miles and four furlongs. I like Westerninthepark here for the team of Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen. He was a dominant winner on his chase debut at Stratford last month, getting up by the best part of fourteen lengths. This requires more from him but he could still have plenty of improvement to come and he’s a decent price here. Westerninthepark – 7/1 (Each-Way)
2.20 Cheltenham: Three Counties Christmas Handicap Chase: The third race of the afternoon is the 2.20 which is a Class 2 handicap chase that’s ridden over two miles. I’m strong on the chances of Matata here for Nigel & Sam Twiston-Davies. He was narrowly beaten a neck by Calico here last month and has every chance of reversing the placings, as he should have improved significantly for that outing. He’s the class angle in the race and is the one they have to beat. Matata – 13/8 (Win) (NAP)
2.55 Cheltenham: Holland Cooper Handicap Chase: It’s more handicap action at 2.55, this time over fences with a Premier Handicap Chase over three miles and three and a half furlongs. I think that Hymac can have a serious say here for Harry Fry and Bryan Carver. He’s a lightly raced eight-year-old who won over three miles and four furlongs here back in April and returned to action last month at Newton Abbot when winning a novice hurdle. That will have been a prep run for this and everything looks set for a big run. Hymac – 4/1 (Win)
3.30 Cheltenham: Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle: My fifth and final selection of the day comes in the 3.30 which is the Greatwood Hurdle that’s ridden over two miles and half of a furlong. This year’s renewal of the race can go to Burdett Road for James Owen and Harry Cobden. He enjoyed a productive spell on the flat recently, winning a Listed race at Newmarket back in September, and also has some solid course form over obstacles. I think that he comes here with very solid credentials and can post a big effort here. Burdett Road – 9/2 (Win)
