In the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (2.25) at Sandown on Friday, this year’s winner…
1.10 Cheltenham, Friday, December 11
The CF Roberts Electrical + Mechanical Services Handicap Hurdle (1.10) at Cheltenham on Friday is the most competitive race on the card, numerically, and should give us a decent chance of unearthing a winner at rewarding odds.
The one that takes our eye is Cappielow Park, who hasn’t run over hurdles since March, but had a pipe opener on the all-weather at Kempton nine days ago and still looks reasonably handicapped on his best form. The Exceed And Excel gelding appeared to improve for the switch to Ali Stronge two seasons ago and is only 3lb higher in the weights than when winning a 0-130 novices’ handicap hurdle at Wincanton in February.
It’s interesting to note that recent Racing Post Henry VIII Novices’ Chase winner, Ar Mad, could only finish fourth in that contest and, having won twice on heavy going, Cappielow Park won’t care how much rain falls on Prestbury Park. Ali Stronge has only saddled one runner, without success, during the last five seasons, but the 6-year-old appears to have plenty going for him and might just slip in under the radar.
Selection: Cheltenham 1.10 Cappielow Park to win