It’s the concluding afternoon of Cheltenham’s November Meeting and there are some fascinating contests down for decision in their six-race card (1.15pm-4.05pm).
Watch all the Cheltenham action via live streaming when logged into MansionBet, alongside every UK and Irish today – with Grade 1 action coming from Punchestown.
Our tipster has selections below for all six races at the home of jumps racing on Sunday.
1.15 – mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Chase (3m)
The Big Breakaway is a promising recruit to chasing for Colin Tizzard. He finished fourth behind Envoi Allen in the Ballymore here in March (sole hurdles defeat) and should be making his mark soon over fences.
At the prices, and allowing for the fact some of the Tizzard team have tended to need a run this season, in-form SOLDIER OF LOVE should give him a race.
He’s been a different proposition since wind surgery and while his winning run was ended over C&D last month, he ran a clear second behind Gordon Elliott’s Galvin – a very smart and race-fit rival. He should be in the battle again.
Selection: Soldier Of Love @ 5/1
1.50 – Planteur At Chapel Stud Handicap Chase (Grade 3, 3m3½f)
It would be hard to deny Discorama a Cheltenham win, he has thrice been placed in visits to The Festival here and arrives in fine form after finishing second at Galway over a trip shorter than ideal.
He stays further than this trip and is a major player on course form. So, too, is last year’s winner WEST APPROACH for the Tizzard yard.
He made Frodon pull out all the stops last month on his return, finishing second over 3m1f at The Showcase Meeting, just as he did before winning this contest in fine style 12 months ago.
He’s 6lb higher now but this slow burner should arrive with a major challenge late on for Harry Cobden.
Selection: West Approach @ 9/2
2.25 – Shloer Chase (Grade 2, 2m)
This Grade 2 often produces a cracker despite being around just over a decade. The morning news that last month’s deeply impressive C&D scorer Rouge Vif is a non-runner certainly takes a veneer of allure away but a good race still beckons.
Arkle winner Put The Kettle On is a major player for Henry De Bromhead while Riders Onthe Storm met his only chasing defeat for this trainer after falling when in contention for the Ryanair in March.
That said, DEFI DU SEUIL won this last year and may leave behind memories of a poor run in the Champion Chase by retaining his crown.
That Festival disappointment aside, he was a two-mile chasing star last term and dual Grade 1 winner. Philip Hobbs’ charge is forgiven a solitary off day.
Selection: Defi Du Seuil @ 6/5
3.00 – Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3, 2m½f)
Another race to have cut up slightly this morning, with leading fancy Thyme White amongst those removed from the equation. Tegerek heads the betting for Jonjo O’Neill, the form of last month’s C&D success having been well advertised since, and he’s a player up 8lb.
Handicap debutant Edwardstone represents Alan King, seeking a third Greatwood win in four years, while Proschema has the tools to be a player for the Skelton brothers.
CORMIER has been in good form this autumn and this unexposed sort could have a key role on handicap bow off 136 for a trainer/jockey combo that won this two years ago in Brian Ellison and Danny McMenamin.
Selection: Cormier @ 18/1
3.35 – Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m)
Third Time Lucki showed a nice bit of dash to win at Wetherby 16 days ago and is quickly 2-2 over jumps for Dan and Harry Skelton.
There may be plenty more to come from him, but this isn’t straightforward. Fidelio Vallis represents the red-hot Paul Nicholls stable (38 per cent recently) and his Listed second at Kempton last time was franked by the winner Mrs Hyde taking the scalp of former Christmas Hurdle scorer Verdana Blue at Wetherby since.
He’s feared but COURTANDBOULD could be the answer for Fergal O’Brien. He ran into strong stayer McFabulous in the Persian War last time and if Paddy Brennan can get the emphasis on stamina they might be hard to crack up the hill.
Selection: Courtandbould @ 5/1
4.05 – High Sheriff Of Gloucestershire Standard Open NH Flat Race (Listed, 2m½f)
A traditionally strong bumper but, as with the Shloer Chase, the morning defection of impressive Chepstow winner Stage Star takes away some of the appeal.
It leaves he pathway clear seemingly for Irish raider WEESEEKHIMHERE to gain a third win in this sphere for Gordon Elliott with Robbie Power on board.
His debut was a nightmare (impeded and eased) in July but he’s since won as he pleased at Galway and Listowel and looks smart. Grandeur D’ame also had stacks in hand in a winning bow at Newton Abbot this month and is the leading danger.
Selection: Weseekhimhere @ 5/6
*All odds correct at time of writing