A few pre-Christmas celebrations start at Cheltenham, as we head to Prestbury Park for some December fireworks on the racetrack. Day One sees plenty of competitive handicaps and, potentially, some exciting novices’ too.
Potter About
12:40 – SSS Super Alloys Novice’s Chase – Caldwell Potter @ 11/10 (William Hill)
The trend with this race is usually the winner has had a run beforehand. The other factor is four of these races have been won by Nicky Henderson. But we’re yet to see Jango Baie and he comes into the race against tough opposition against Caldwell Potter. He impressed me most of all with his jumping style at Carlisle, and that stiff test could prove to be beneficial to his cause racing at Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Christmas Chianti
1:50 – Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Coming Soon Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – Chianti Classico @ 6/4 (General)
And the winner for most ridiculous name for a race this year is… THIS ONE!
But we shouldn’t have a ridiculous winner of the race as Cheltenham Festival winner Chianti Classico looks to double up from Ascot. It was an impressive feat carrying top weight and winning in such easy style and looks to outclass this field in this small handicap. We may not see him much more after this however, if the Grand National is on the cards.
Shakin’ It Up
2:25 – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase – Shakem Up’Arry @ 5/1 (William Hill)
This looks one of the best handicaps in what is arguably one of the more welcome additions to racing. The Veterans’ series is a true delight to watch many old faces to battle once more. And Cheltenham course and distance scorer Shakem Up’Arry looks to be competitive once more. He was an excellent winner of this year’s Plate as well as the New Year’s Day Handicap Chase. He knows his way around, and more importantly, goes well fresh.
Eldorado Allen may be forgotten about in the field. He returned with a decent second on seasonal reappearance behind Torn And Frayed at Warwick, but the handicap may work in his favour for such a wide margin. He should appreciate the better ground too, but the underlying factor is he hasn’t won in two-and-a-half years. That could all change today. 8/1 (William Hill).
Magic Madrik
3:00 – Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase – Iceo Madrik @ 7/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)
Iceo Madrik has shown a new zest for life now going over the banks in France. French X-Country’s are known to be perilous, so it may look like a walk in the park for Iceo Madrik. Don’t forget that French raider Sweet David won the previous X-Country Chase at Cheltenham, so the those from the continent are always worth some value.
Looking to hopes more our side of the water, Mister Coffey raced to finish second in that X-Country chase last time, just improving up the hill. It seems this might be his calling, and with one race under his belt he could prove to tough opposition to a more experienced French rival. 9/2 (William Hill).
