ITV Racing Tips: Two Cheltenham Tips As November Meeting Kicks Off
There really is nothing like Cheltenham, and although Friday's card is hardly a vintage offering there are still plenty of intriguing betting races alongside the small field contests. Billy Grimshaw can't wait to see action again at Prestbury Park and has a couple worth backing on Day One of the iconic meeting, live on ITV Racing...
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13:45 Cheltenham - Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Novices' Chase
This is a really tough race to weigh up, with all four entrants looking to have a chance and the favourite SPRINGWELL BAY perhaps flattered by the style of the race last time out when he was impressive enough when winning at Chepstow. That race was marred by the sad passing of Cuthbert Dibble but there was no knocking the Jonjo runner who did it well in the end from Insurrection. That horse was stuffed out of sight last time out which did not help the form, however the third Boombawn ran in the same race and toughed it out well at Wincanton, thus franking the form.
The Jonjo O'Neill yard has often done well with horses first time out before they fizzle out for the season, but hopefully this is not the case for Springwell Bay as I was impressed with his jumping at Chepstow and reckon he's the one to beat in here. I can't see Jonbon beat in the next but other Hendo horses seem to be up and down and his Hyland in here won a race almost by default last time out, so he's the one I'm against most.
Buddy One was the best hurdler of this lot and looked to relish fencing on chase debut, however his jumping crumbled in open company last time out and while he may appreciate this drop back into novice company I'm not going to be backing him until I see a more assured jumping performance again. That leaves us with the youngster of the group Resplendent Grey for Olly Murphy, who will get weight all round in here. He probably rates the danger and is bred to enjoy this step up in trip, but Springwell Bay is the clear form choice and I fancy him to get favourite backers off to the perfect start.
14:20 Cheltenham - Shloer Chase
Just four go to post for the Shloer Chase, and it looks all about JONBON. Our runners guide is ready to read below...
15:30 Cheltenham - Hyde Novices' Hurdle
I was very sweet last time they clashed on Gale Mahler over VALGRAND and was proven well and truly wrong, but even with a better performance from the mare expected here I won't make that mistake again and I am backing the Skelton charge in here to claim another win at National Hunt racing HQ. Valgrand didn't see a rival that day and put them all to the sword under an enthusiastic Harry Skelton ride, so although this race is deeper (namely due to one rival in particular) I fancy it will be a similar result
The one who will undoubtedly give our pick the most to think about is Potters Charm for team Twiston Davies, who have as they always seem to do started the season strongly. So have the Skeltons, mind you! Nigel is often very bullish about his horses and he clearly absolutely loves this lad, who clearly has talent coming out of his ears. In the fullness of time I reckon Potters Charm could end up the best horse in this race, however he looks a real grinder of a stayer to me and with the ground on the better side of good to soft at the time of writing Valgrand could well have too much zip for him when push comes to shove.
I do think this is probably the safest race to play a forecast bet in on the card, and expect to see Potters Charm flying late but not quite being able to get to the long time leader who will hopefully be Valgrand.