The Cheltenham November meeting kicks off this Friday, providing three days of adrenalin-packed action at the home of jumps racing. Some stalwarts of the national hunt division make their seasonal reappearances; trainers testing the waters with some of their stable stars.
Will Course form pay dividends as it has in previous years? Or do we keep those trainers on side who’ve been banging in the early-season winners so far? THM Racecards, as always, providing all this powerful insight, continuously enhancing our offerings. Unrivalled. Let’s dive in.
First up on ITV is the competitive Veterans’ Handicap Chase (13:45). Cheltenham regulars Fugitif (3/1) and Eldorado Allen (13/2) both have previous Course wins to their name and look to be on workable handicap marks. Lord Baddesley (11/2) steps up in class and will have to shoulder a 7lb penalty after destroying his two rivals on his comeback run at Newbury. A THM Score of 711 for that performance reads well in the context of this race though; he’ll be receiving plenty of weight from those making their return to action after the summer break. His trainer Anthony Honeyball is striking at 23% from his runners in the last 14 days.
Five horses go to post in the Listed Novices’ Chase (14:20) and all appear to have a fighting chance. Sean Bowen rides race favourite Wade Out (9/4) who steps up to 3 miles for the first time. All four of his rivals have either won or placed at the 3-mile distance, so there will be no hiding place. Leave Of Absence (11/4) impressed when beating Pied Piper over course and distance last month. He concedes 3lbs to the rest of the field but boasts the highest Official Rating at 146. Double Powerful (4/1) should appreciate the step up in distance after his solid run over 2m4f last time out. However, his trainer Neil Mulholland has failed to saddle a winner from his last 29 runners…. what’s going on Neil?!
The beloved Jonbon is drifting towards even money in the Shloer Chase (14:55). He should be winning this if he’s anywhere near full fitness. He’s posted THM Scores of 800+ across the board and could be the best even money bet of the year, should punters be steaming in?! If you re-watch his mistake in the Champion Chase last season that could temper enthusiasm though.
Let us know your thoughts on X and Instagram. Good luck.
THM