Cheltenham 01 January 2024

Going: Heavy (Soft In Places)
 
 
Rain

Forecast: Rain
Temperature: 8.5° - 8.9°
Rainfall: 8.24mm
Wind: 13.7 mph SE

All Racecards within one PDF

Instructions

1

12:20 Cheltenham (Class 2) (4YO plus)

Favourite From The Sun Now Daily Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

2m 4f 56y

Winner £10,562 - 6 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Innatendue might have been slightly unfortunate not to open her account over timber last time. The Irish raider finished a narrow second over 2m here in November, but Sean Bowen lost an iron late on and that could have made the difference. She holds every chance but preference is for PEAKY BOY, who hasn't been seen since winning a bumper at Newcastle for Michael Scudamore in November 2022. Now in the care of Nicky Henderson, he can make an immediate impact now sent over hurdles. Champagne Twist is also noted.

2

12:55 Cheltenham (Class 3) (5YO plus)

Close Brothers Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

2m 62y

Winner £13,202 - 5 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

MATATA put in an excellent round of jumping when making all to win on his chasing bow at Ffos Las in October, and natural improvement could make Nigel Twiston-Davies' six-year-old a tough nut to crack. Libberty Hunter came down three out at Chepstow on his first start over the larger obstacles, but he made no mistake when scoring at Wincanton next time and he merits respect along with Petit Tonnerre, who was far from disgraced in the Henry VIII at Sandown.

3

13:30 Cheltenham (Class 2) (5YO plus)

Paddy Power Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

3m 1f 56y

Winner £26,015 - 5 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Preference is for INCH HOUSE, who arrives having notched up a brace of Newbury successes, and he can continue his progression, despite a further 7lb rise in the handicap. Cloudy Glen finished a respectable fifth when attempting to repeat his 2021 triumph in the Coral Gold Cup at the same venue last month, a race which saw Stumptown fail to complete (pulled up), and both need taking seriously. Angels Breath should not be underestimated either.

4

14:05 Cheltenham (Class 1) (5YO plus)

Paddy Power New Year's Day Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

2m 4f 127y

Winner £56,950 - 6 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

It is difficult to look past the progressive STAGE STAR, who would have won the Paddy Power Gold Cup here by further but for a blunder at the last. Expected to be sharper in the jumping department, the classy eight-year-old can see off some seasoned handicappers en route to a likely tilt at the Ryanair at the Festival. Richmond Lake continues to go from strength to strength and arrives on a five-timer, while Shakem Up'arry shaped well for a long way over over further in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.

5

14:40 Cheltenham (Class 2) (4YO plus)

Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

2m 7f 213y

Winner £18,210 - 10 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A major improver on the step up to three miles at Newbury, ED KEEPER remains unexposed and should have plenty more to come off a 9lb higher mark. Sam Thomas' charge may have enough improvement in the tank to see off C&D winner Butch and Springwell Bay, who is entitled to progress for the rise in distance, having scored well here in November over 2m5f. Come On Teddy showed a hint of promise on his return from an absence and is expected to step forward.

6

15:15 Cheltenham (Class 1) (5YO plus)

Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

2m 4f 56y

Winner £39,865 - 4 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Bob Olinger has to be respected following his victory in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan, but he has not been the most consistent in recent years and that is a concern. As a result, marginal preference is for MARIE'S ROCK, who won this race 12 months ago and she should be more at home over this distance following a couple of attempts at 3m. Brewin'upastorm and Strong Leader are capable of going well, although the aforementioned pair make more appeal.

7

15:50 Cheltenham (Class 1) (4YO only)

Family Fun 'Junior' NH Flat Race (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Listed) (GBB Race)

1m 5f 209y

Winner £14,238 - 11 ran

No.
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

KEL DU LARGE created a big impression when making a winning debut at Exeter in October and the son of No Risk At All arguably sets the standard on the back of that performance. Carved In Stone may prove to be the main threat to the selection after his success at Doncaster a month ago, while Dirty Den and Sorceleur are just two others to note in what should turn out to be a well-contested bumper.

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