A few pre-Christmas celebrations start at Cheltenham, as we head to Prestbury Park for some December fireworks on the racetrack. Day Two sees more of competitive action and including the December Gold Cup.
Follow That Star
1:50 – Nyetimber December Gold Cup H’cap Chase (Premier Handicap) – Stage Star @ 6/1 (William Hill)
Paul Nicholls’ horses are now starting to find their form in this part of the season. After their initial first run, it seems that they perform up to their potential second-up. That’s why Stage Star makes appeal. He wasn’t totally disgraced in the Old Roan when carrying top weight on his first run for the season. That run will have blown away the cobwebs and we should see the Grade One Stage Star turn up today.
In his last five runs, Ga Law’s record reads 1P222. Incredible consistency who also has a good strike record at Cheltenham too with two wins and one second from five starts. This looks to be his bread and butter and has won on the New Course here too, another feather in his cap. He will aim to be up at the finish once more. 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports).
In Excelsis Deo was unlucky to unseat Bryan Carver in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but this looks a more manageable job if he gets a clear round of jumping. He looks well-handicapped in the field and also finished second on this card 12 months ago, before relishing the step up in trip in the Spring. One day he’ll score one of these big handicaps at Cheltenham. 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).
Liberty And Freedom
2:25 – BetMGM Handicap Chase – Libberty Hunter @ 5/2 (BetVictor)
It’s quite interesting that Libberty Hunter has been waited on until December. However, he was good winner second-up in December after falling first out last season. If trainer Evan Williams feels he’s fit to win first time out, the who am I to argue. Ground is a slight concern as I think he may want it a bit softer, but he steps markedly down in Grade after placing in the G1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.
We didn’t see the real Triple Trade last time at Ascot but is over a stone down in weight today which ahs to be considered. The last time he won was almost a year ago, so December may be the time to catch him before the handicapper has his way. 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).
Cheltenham Heist
3:00 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Skyjack Hyjack @ 7/4 (General)
Arguably one of the best horses in training is making a step in the right direction. After scorching the turf in the French Furze at Newcastle, it was only a matter of time before Skyjack Hyjack got his first taste of Cheltenham. On the more galloping New Course, it should suit his front-running style that even the jockey’s are still oblivious too. To make things even better for his chances, trainer Jennie Candlish is on fire with 28% strike rate and an across-the-card double yesterday.
Maybe Take This One
3:35 – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle – Take No Chances @ 6/1 (William Hill)
It wouldn’t be a Saturday meeting without Harry Skelton nudging up another win. And Take No Chances, like Libberty Hunter steps markedly down in Grade from the G1 Fighting Fifth where she did finish 17 lengths ahead of G1 winner Mystical Power. She does carry top weight after her Listed Wetherby win, but she posses a lot of talent.
Has everyone just forgotten about Wodhooh? She won a Doncaster Listed mares’ hurdle last time out and she remains unbeaten in five starts over hurdles. To make things arguably better, she drops below her 130 mark today as Danny Gilligan claims three pounds to make her competitive. More than an each-way chance at 14/1 (William Hill).
