Cheltenham November Meeting eye-catchers: five horses to follow

Nic Doggett was watching all the action at Cheltenham this weekend and picks out five eye-catchers from the three-day meeting.

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Friday

HITINTHEHEADLINES

Second, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 2m5f

I think there were two aspects that prevented Hitintheadlines maintaining an unbeaten hurdling record on Friday; one was the removal of hurdles due to low sun (he appeared to relish the challenge of jumping when winning at Chepstow), and the other was a game, battle-hardened rival (Lock Stock) who was able to set slow fractionals to suit, which then also contributed to Hitintheheadlines not jumping as well as he can as they were barely raising a trot over the first few.

Because he was winless in bumpers, there’s a good chance that the runner-up will continue to go under the radar a little bit, but he’s exactly the sort who could relish a strongly-run Turners or step up in distance for the Albert Bartlett itself.

Unless he does something very special between now and March, which might be unlikely as he has so far been kept away from testing ground (won his point impressively on yielding, too), he could be one of those who runs a very big race at a very big price in the spring.

KING’S SCHOLAR

Sixth, Valda Energy Novices' Handicap Hurdle, 2m

There was a good turnout for the closing novices’ handicap hurdle on Friday but – despite the field soon getting strung out - they didn’t seem to go an overly strong pace, which is borne out in the result as runner-up Wheremyrosemarygoes was in the front two throughout, and winner Lexington Wood was prominent in the little group of nearest pursuers.

As a result, the performance of eventual third Way Of Stars can be seriously upgraded as he only really crept closer before the turn for home having been ridden very patiently, however King’s Scholar was another who wasn’t suited by the way it panned out.

He made a mistake at the second (overall jumped the worst in the field according to Race iQ data), and was keen thereafter, before being short of room two out as some of the hold-up horses started to close around him. As they quickened ahead of him, he lost his position, and was then on the back foot.

Along with Final Surprise and Tuppence, he made some late gains up the run-in, and looks to be on a workable mark now into handicaps. Good ground is probably important to him, so he might not be one for deep going in the winter despite winning on soft on the Flat back in 2024, but a more strongly-run race – perhaps at somewhere like Kempton – could see him bounce back into the winners’ enclosure.

Saturday

TORNEO

Third, Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase, 2m4f

Jamie Snowden has really started this season with a bang (20 winners at a 32% strike-rate in October and November so far) and Torneo did his level best to enhance that further when a fine third in Saturday’s big handicap.

The mount of Gavin Sheehan was a little underestimated in the market (sent off 14-1) but was neat and tidy over his fences, just a little outpaced coming down the hill before once again giving his all up the climb for home.

Clearly the quick going was no problem – likely just beaten by two classy sorts with a better turn of foot on the day – but connections believe he wants a bit more cut in the ground over this trip.

Given he has done most of his winning in smaller fields at some of the more low-key venues, this was a case of adding another string to his bow, and his trainer reports that he will be aimed at the December Gold Cup back at the track next month.

DON DANDY

Third, JCB Triumph Trial, 2m

Atomic City’s stylish defeat of Charles Darnay – who was progressive on the level - was clearly the performance of the race, and one which should see him firmly on the radar for the Festival in March.

But the run of Don Dandy in third caught my eye for several reasons. He looked extremely green when he and Magnetude seemed almost spooked by the first hurdle, but settled okay after that as Electrical went on.

However, he was a little on the back foot after a mistake at the fourth, and then looked likely to tail off coming down the hill. Indeed, as the (relative) sprint for home began, he really struggled, before then finding a second wind when getting back between a couple of weakening rivals turning for home. He then flew up the hill, his finish perhaps more eye-catching as it was past the tiring Magnetude and Admiral Will Brown, but notable nonetheless.

He wore first-time cheekpieces here, but it might be that it’s not just concentration which is counting against him, but the trip/going too. A recruit from France, where he was a winner on very soft ground, he’s related to Cloud Dancer (a winner over as far as three miles for the Moores) and Etna Bianco (who won over nearly 2m6f at Ascot for Joe Tizzard).

Watch out for him when he goes up in distance.

Sunday

MOURNE CRYSTAL

Fifth, mallardjewellers.com Maiden Hurdle, 2m

The form of Sunday’s racing may need treating with a note of caution given the combination of watering, heavy rain, and waterlogging on the bend that meant the rails had to be repositioned, but there was plenty to like about Mourne Crystal’s second start over hurdles.

Having jumped ponderously on his debut at Chepstow, the former point winner was much more assured over his obstacles as he disputed the lead throughout with Lion Rose Sivola who departed at the final flight when still holding every chance.

That was the point where Mourne Crystal – who had been very easy to back before the race – found himself outpointed by quicker two milers.

Strong at the finish when landing his point at Portrush last March, he is only likely to improve as his stamina is drawn out, so don’t be surprised to see this four-year-old take another step forward when upped in trip.

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