CHELTENHAM - RJ

 

The switch to The New Course may throw up some each way value and a couple of TRainers who will be very keen to find a christmas winner for Owners and connections aill be Nigel Twiston-Davies and his old sparring Partner Fergal O'Brien

 

They hold sporting each way hopes with NT-D's progressive young Chaser GUARD YOUR DREAMS just preferred over Track specialist GA Law in the Chase at 1.50. In the Mares Handicap Hurdle at 3.35 the battle hardened and tough as teak mare GREYVAL is more likely than most to enjoy the conditions and stay on into a place at least. The Dan Skelton trained Take No Chances is the biggest danger I think here.  

 

I suggest small singles EACH WAY; and a small e/w double to enhanced places.

 

(RJ) 

 

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NORTHERN-

 

Newcastle 11.42 - Conditional Jockey Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 16 run - Good to Soft

 

At the top end of the market Glory Heights would be a solid win saver in this sort of race if you wanted a side bet. Daileo is consistent but just looks to be in the grip of the handicapper after a decent spell this Autumn. Master Bricklayer is one I will TRACK forwards, had he have had a run he'd be a tip here but i just think they are looking for a pipe opener here and run him over further next time when we'll be waiting in anticipation. The dark horse from a Yard who can always spring a surprise is Coniston Clouds, disappointing over fences but back off a reduced mark of 98 over Hurdles and with a Hurdles win off a mark of 95, if he's been prepared for this with some hurdles schooling, which I'm sure he has, an improved run would not be a surprise. One to keep an eye on between Christmas and New Year if they were to come back out over the smaller obstacles.

 

My top 3 rated though are BERGENTOWN who is already in the Tracker, I think a drop in trip and this drying ground and Course configuration will be optimum for this horse who runs off a very nice mark and I'll be disappointed quite frankly if he doesn't win here. MALANGEN usually front runs and can slip a field, IF they get the fractions right he could take a lot of catching so looks a very solid each way punt, but that run style will also surely play to the strengths of BERGENTOWN and I'd love to see these pair fighting out the finish between them.

 

If they don't then my third punt if you want to play to the enhanced places on offer would be GINGER POINTE who has good claims back hurdling off a nice mark 

 

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Doncaster 2.05 - Bet 365 - Handicap Chase - Class 2 - 3 miles - 15 run Good to Soft

 

Drying ground here and both Forward Plan who won this last year off a mark of 125 and whose form since has seen him rise to a mark of 137, and the progressive and in form Gaboriot from the incredibly progressive Greenall yard will be hard to beat and worthy favourites. I can't split them for win purposes and at the prices, I'd be keen to seek some each way value.

 

Chasing Fire and the talented but sometimes moody Kinondo Kwetu are genuine dangers and could make a fool of the market if they run to their absolute best. Erne River is probably half a stone better here than anywhere else and not lightly discounted at all off a nice mark if reviving and Elvis Mail still looks well handicapped with a 3lbs penalty for a nice win but top weight will leave him exposed. 

 

My top 2 are DOES HE KNOW who has had 2 nice spins and good runs around Cheltenham, a Course winner here at 3 miles and 2 furlongs and one who will be staying on and on down the long straight if he can be hunted round and not beaten for toe around the first circuit and CHARLIE UBERALLES who is race fit and had a very good Course run in the Spring and who gets in here off a lovely low racing weight. My 3rd rated if the enhanced places stack up or if we had a non runner would be PULL AGAIN GREEN who is in the TRACKER and on a solid run of form and looks very solid each way material.

 

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