The Cheltenham November Meeting is set to take centre stage, weather permitting! It promises some terrific action at jumps HQ, with an excellent card at Navan adding to the weekend’s excitement.
Our Insider has pinpointed two fancies at a rain-soaked Cheltenham, both in fiercely competitive races.
12:35 Cheltenham – SECRET FORCE (4/1 generally)
This is always a tricky race to assess, with plenty of talented types still unexposed over hurdles. Among several with strong claims,I like the chances of SECRET FORCE, representing the excellent team of Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue.
This son of Frankel showed plenty of ability on the flat, notably winning a heavy ground handicap at Listowel, before making a striking hurdles debut at Punchestown. He responded impressively when asked to quicken, stretching clear to win by six and a half lengths, beating a rival who had already won twice. The way he finished suggests this track will play to his strengths, and he should have no trouble handling testing ground. He also receives a handy bit of weight from a couple of key rivals.
He looks an exciting prospect for the season ahead and is well worth following, even if unsuccessful here.
3:30 Cheltenham – DE TEMPS EN TEMPS (25/1 generally) Each Way
Once again we have a race full of strong contenders, but at the prices DE TEMPS EN TEMPS looks the value and can be supported each way with four places on offer.
He’s a horse on the up and showed a determined attitude to fend off a Sean Bowen ridden rival here last month. That opponent had previously bolted up at Uttoxeter, so the form has a solid look to it. The way De Temps En Temps hit the line suggests today’s extra furlong should pose no problems.
Prior to his Cheltenham win, he was successful at Uttoxeter in a race that has worked out extremely well. He beat Jamie Snowden’s Tiptoptim, who had won by eleven lengths beforehand, has since won by seven, and is now heading for the Challow Hurdle.
He may be ideally suited to better ground, but he has solid form on soft, so conditions shouldn’t pose any real concern. This is his handicap debut, and he looks to have a fair mark. At a big price, he’s well worth chancing.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
12:35 Cheltenham – SECRET FORCE (4/1 generally)
3:30 Cheltenham – DE TEMPS EN TEMPS (25/1 generally) Each Way
*Odds correct at time of posting – 4:15pm Friday 14th November
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
