CHELTENHAM: THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING - FRIDAY PREVIEW
- sticksandstalls
- Dec 12, 2019
- 4 min read
Cheltenham Racecourse's International Meeting gets underway tomorrow - with 73 horses currently declared, across the seven-race card - with the weekend's runners hailing from Britain, Ireland, France and even as far as Australia!
However, on day one, you'll have to flick through the card until race six (3.05) before you find any horses trained outside of Great Britain - where you'll see some of the usual names, and perhaps, a few we are less used to seeing here.
The Glenfarclas Cross-Country Handicap Chase sees a current line-up of 16 - with 11 of those runners trained overseas. Seven are trained in Ireland, with four from France.
The French Raiders' include; Easysland and Amazing Comedy - for David Cottin, Augustin Adeline De Boisbrunet's Arzou D'Ex, and Patrice Quinton's Decret.
A name synonymous with Cross-Country at Cheltenham, Enda Bolger, saddles three in the race - including Yanworth, Josies Orders and Blue templar (all for JP McManus). Jessica Harrington and Gordon Elliott have entered one each - with Peter Maher sending out a double-pronged attack, completing the Irish contingent.
Gloucestershire-based trainer, Richard Hobson, leads the British attack - with Jamie Snowden, Michael Scudamore, Philip Hobbs and Jane Williams completing the field.
Cottin's Easysland currently heads the betting for the race - supported into 9/2 from 6/1 - with the five-year-old's last four runs boasting perfect form, of 1111. That form comes on very soft ground, but with the rain currently continuing to fall over Prestbury Park, it could well come close to that by tomorrow afternoon.
He is joined at 9/2 by the seemingly rejuvenated Yanworth, of Bolger. It is unsurprising that Josies Orders is also prominent in the betting - an ultra-consistant competitor in the discipline - at the grand old age of 11. However, both give 9 and 5lb (with 3lb claim) respectively, to the French opposition.
The Harrington-trained Neverushacon finished 1 1/2-length second to Yanworth last time - conceding 5lb. This time, with a 3lb claimer on-board, they hold an 11lb pull on Yanworth and should be in the mix. He is currently 10/1 into 8/1.
It is very hard not to side with an overseas winner in the 3.05. If the ground softens considerably, it would be difficult to look past the favourite landing a five-timer - but my selection, at the weights and current price, is with Neverushacon Each-Way.
The feature race of the day is an all-British affair - with 12 due to run in the competitive graded contest.
The current 3/1 Favourite, Colin Tizzard's West Approach, has ran two solid races at Cheltenham this season and can be forgiven for unseating Robbie Power last time out, at Newbury.
Taking his two races at tomorrow's track into account, he ran a good race on return, finishing a 1 1/2-length second to The Conditional - giving 9lb to the winner. The Conditional then went on to finish second in the Grade 3 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase, at Newbury.
In between those two, he won the Grade 3 BetVictor Smartcards Handicap Chase readily, carrying 11st 1lb. With no Conditional or De Rasher Counter to beat, he looks the one to side with on this season's form - particularly as it has come at Cheltenham.
Nigel Twiston-Davies' stalwart Cogry, who finished two lengths behind West Approach on his first run this season, won this off 3lb lower last season, and has a fine record at the track.
5/1 is not offering too much Each-Way value - but at 11lb lighter than the favourite, alongside his course form, he holds leading claims.
Kim Bailey's Dandy Dan has shown consistent form over hurdles, and more recently fences, and could feature - but is handicapped well enough in this company, and is unraced on soft.
Singlefarmpayment finished just a head behind Cogry in this last year - despite carrying an extra lb. He hasn't come close since - but holds sound Each-Way claims on course form.
Onefortheroadtom is another who could feature, at the bottom of the weights.
Beau Du Brizais and Treackle Tart are the pick of the bigger prices.
No Getaway won as easy as you like at Hereford, on seasonal debut, and this half-brother to One For Arthur shaped as though the step up to 3m will suit. This is a step up in Class - but will take all the beating if taking as well to this longer trip.
Ask Ben ran a mighty race, to finish a close 4th in a Grade 3 at Haydock when last seen. Has 10lb to find with No Getaway - but could well have plenty more in the tank.
Falcao Blitz takes on this new trip, after finishing runner-up here last month, with the winner looking impressive on the day. Consistent form prior, in a lower grade, but remains with potential if handling the new trip.
Champers On Ice is looking for a hat-trick, after making all in the last two handicaps, including a Class 2 at Newbury latest. Will have be at his best to win off this weight.
Ones at a bigger price include Smackwater Jack - who finished 4th here last time and looks as though staying is his game, and Goodbye Dancer - for the in-form, local yard of Fergal O'Brien - who looks well treated on last year's form here. Both at 10/1.
Others to note:
1.55 - Zara Hope improved markedly, to win last time out and looks the one to side with on that form, all things considered.
12.10 - Glory And Fortune should bounce back from being hampered last time out - before which he was unbeaten. Has the Hurdle experience, over Nicky Henderson's Chantry House.
It is also an exciting afternoon for those looking to make a festive purchase - or two! The Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale will take place after racing - with a current catalogue of 63 horses.
Here are our selections for Friday: 12.10 - 1 Glory And Fortune 4/1 12.45 - 4 Rockpoint 4/1 1.20 - 1 Ecu De La Noverie 6/1 1.55 - 6 Zara Hope 8/1 2.30 - 8 Cogry 11/2 3.05 - 3 Neverushacon 8/1 (NB - E/W) 3.40 - 7 No Getaway 5/1 (NAP)
Good luck to everybody with a runner - or having a bet!
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