Cheltenham’s November meeting begins on Friday, with the weather forecast set to make things a real challenge for competitors on the day. Having cast his eye over the card, Matty Sutcliffe has selected three tips to forge their way through conditions at Prestbury Park.
1:10 Cheltenham – Lycetts Insurance Brokers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers’ Hurdle Qual) (Class 3) (3yo+ 0-125) – As Legends Have It 14/1 1pt EW 5 places
With overall career form figures of 33212332, AS LEGENDS HAVE IT looks a solid each-way bet here and the first time cheekpieces can lift him that step further in the finish. The Jack Hobbs gelding bumped into the smart mare Hollygrove Cha Cha on bumper debut before going one better next time out at Ffos Las to fend off a triple subsequent winner over hurdles.
He then bumped into another smart horse in the subsequent Sidney Banks winner Califet En Vol on hurdles debut at Kempton beaten fifteen lengths into second for all he was seven clear of the third. He bettered that effort when jumping the last at Doncaster in front before weakening to be beaten a three length third, but the winner is now rated 128 and the second bolted up seven lengths over the same C&D next time out.
As Legends Have it again somewhat flattered to deceive from the front when third at Chepstow, but the winner is now rated 127 having been and the second had previously been beaten two lengths by the subsequent G1 Sefton winner Julius Des Pictons.
Evidently, he’s bumped into some progressive and useful prospects so while it was a tad concerning to see him weak in a finish again on seasonal debut at Uttoxeter, he may strip fitter for that run and a mark of 113 will surely underestimate him in time for the in form Ben Pauling.
1:45 Cheltenham – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (Class 2) (9yo+ 0-150) – Can You Call 9/1 1pt EW
With form figures of 5F31233205227 over fences, CAN YOU CALL is another habitual placer but this step up into veterans’ company with Brian Hughes jocked up to ride bottom weight may spark improvement.
Fontwell didn’t appear to suit on seasonal debut but he was entitled to need that effort as he has done in the past, and he’s been dropped 2lbs to a mark of 119, the same mark he split Lowry’s Bar and Le Milos on three starts back. The winner was second in the G2 Hampton Novices’ Chase next time out now rated 148 and the third there took an 18k Veteran’s Chase by six lengths next time out.
A return to that form would give him a strong chance in here, especially given the how the race could pan out for him with Eldorado Allen and Lord Baddesley likely to take each other on for the lead, with both Fugitif and Gunsight Ridge potentially blowing up late on account of needing this run.
2:55 Cheltenham – Shloer Chase (Registered As The Cheltenham Chase) (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) – Libberty Hunter 7/2 1pt WIN
Reigning two-mile chaser Jonbon bids to land a hat trick in this contest, but he only won this by a length last season beating Boothill, he’s returning from his first defeat outside of Cheltenham and off the back of a wind surgery. There’s a strong suspicion he could be vulnerable and I still think he should be stepping up in trip this season. He was well-beaten in the Champion Chase last season after multiple errors and his jumping may be tested early with Matata taking him on for the lead.
This could easily fall into the lap of LIBBERTY HUNTER, who was going as well as anything in the Champion Chase having crept into contention prior to falling four out. That came after a strong second in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury when delivered a fraction late by Adam Wedge. His overall form over fences is strong reading F112312F and he’s developed liking for Cheltenham with his form here reading 121F. Should Jonbon fail to give his running, then it would be no surprise should Libberty Hunter arrive late to take advantage.
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