Another mixed weekend for the Insider last week, with winners highlighted in our new On The Radar section, but our main selection, Kadastral, proved disappointing. He was never really put into the race, although in hindsight, he was a poor selection as a horse making his chasing debut in a competitive contest with seasoned handicappers. He remains a very interesting prospect and looks just the type the Skeltons could have a big handicap chase in mind for later in the season.
This weekend promises some fantastic jumps racing, with the highlight being Cheltenham’s November Meeting, although there are also some good cards elsewhere to keep an eye on.
14:20 Cheltenham – MEETMEBYTHESEA (3/1 Generally)
The Paddy Power Gold Cup looks a cracker of a race, and in recent years it’s paid to look away from the favourite (there’s only been one winning favourite in the past 10 years). However, I do feel MEETMEBYTHESEA is a class above his rivals in here, and he should take all the beating.
The 6YO had an excellent novice chase campaign last season, with the pick of the form when running out a decisive winner at the Cheltenham Festival, with the form of that race working out nicely.
This will be a tough race for him, but he’s got a superb record when fresh and I can see him winning nicely here, before going on to bigger and better things this season.
16:00 Cheltenham – QUEEN ALICE (12/1 Generally Each Way)
Bumpers aren’t the easiest races to predict, but I’m a big fan of backing Walk In The Park progeny in bumpers, and I think QUEEN ALICE could be overpriced in here.
The 5YO ran a cracker to finish third on her rules debut at Fairyhouse in April, and that’s a race that has thrown up plenty of high-class horses over the years (recent winners include Sortudo, Redemption Day and Samcro).
She’s since moved to Harry Derham’s, who trained her half-sister Queen’s Gamble (2 x Listed winner and also won two bumpers at Cheltenham). With the yard in red-hot form, I think she can outrun her odds and she’s well worth backing each-way, with most bookies offering four places.
On The Radar
There are several interesting horses from my tracker that I will be keeping a close eye on this weekend.
Starting at Windsor, dual Listed bumper winner TI’MAMZEL showed some strong form in that sphere and should be well capable of winning this maiden hurdle if taking to obstacles in the opener.
At Cheltenham, the Paddy Power Intermediate Hurdle looks a competitive race, but MONEYGARROW could be very well handicapped. He won a good race at Windsor then didn’t stay the trip in the Albert Bartlett but travelled beautifully into the race, and this shorter distance should be much more to his liking. In the same race, HILBERRY HILL is held in high regard and I am looking forward to seeing how he gets on, although this is a tough starting point for his season.
Finally, at Navan, Gordon Elliott has spoken highly of CHARISMATIC KID, and it will be interesting to see what this smart bumper performer can do on his hurdling debut at a meeting his trainer traditionally does well at.
On Sunday at Cheltenham, MOURNE CRYSTAL failed to live up to the hype on his hurdling debut and gets another chance in a strong maiden hurdle. Dan Skelton has gone on record saying he thinks his MADE IN REUGNY will take plenty of beating, so that should be an informative contest. CRYSTAL ISLAND looks a cracking chasing prospect and should go very well, as should CAMERON DE FIACRE in the concluding bumper for the in-form Snowden yard, who excel in these races. Given the number of smart bumper winners they have produced this season, the fact they have chosen this horse for such a competitive race could be a tip in itself.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
14:20 Cheltenham – MEETMEBYTHESEA (3/1 Generally)
16:00 Cheltenham – QUEEN ALICE (12/1 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 15:40pm Friday 13th November
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
