Cheltenham ante-post eye-catchers: Saturday 31 October-1 November
Slot Betting critiques the Cheltenham Festival ante-post betting movers and shakers after the weekend motion within the UK and Ireland
With the National Hunt season now in full cry, our Cheltenham ante-post eye-catchers series returns. Each week we will review the standout weekend performances and potential implications for the Festival in March.
We begin with most likely probably the most exciting jumps horse to emerge in a decade or more, Envoi Allen.
Already obtained a Paddy Power account? Check out extra of the most recent.
Marsh Chase is Envoi Allen’s Festival target
Odds right at time of publishing and subject to alter.
Envoi Allen’s winning chase bow at Down Royal was expected of the 1/14 favourite, but there was still a lot to relish in regards to the six-year-old’s efficiency.
He jumped beautifully nicely by way of the race and Jack Kennedy, on board for the primary time, merely needed to sit and benefit from the spin round.
Horse and rider alike drew the plaudits afterwards, with Ruby Wash, no stranger to a burgeoning chaser, notably impressed by all facets of Envoi Allen’s performance.
The Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding is now a perfect 9-9 under rules, including to four bumpers and 4 hurdles wins with this effortless displaying. The Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse has already been touted as the following stop for him in December.
Last yr there was no scarcity of conjecture about Envoi Allen’s Cheltenham Festival goal, with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2m) and the Ballymore (2m 5f) each discussed. Worth recalling is that from a good distance out, trainer Gordon Elliott labelled the latter race ‘the most likely option’.
The Cullentra handler likewise has suggested the Marsh Novices’ Chase (2m 4f) will be favoured come the spring over the Arkle or the RSA. All roads result in Cheltenham the place Envoi Allen will certainly arrive as an ‘Irish banker’ once extra, and is more probably to be much shorter than the current 9/4.
Wetherby win boosts Cyrname claim
Odds correct at time of publishing and topic to vary.
There’s nothing to quibble about over Cyrname’s Charlie Hall Chase win at Wetherby but whether or not or not which means he’s a contender in the making remains to be open to debate.
He was most impressive in his work on Saturday, cruising via the race and casting apart any doubts about his capacity to run left-handed, which is a boost for Cheltenham.
After the horrific fall he suffered at Ascot within the spring, it was heartwarming to see him again. He toyed with Vinndication, his 161-rated rival, however good as he appeared, that will not be Gold Cup form.
He’ll go subsequent to Kempton in the King George, during which he disappointed final season, and Paul Nicholls has immediately suggested he’s eyeing the Gold Cup in the long term. Should Cyrname fail once more on Boxing Day, connections would possibly contemplate Ryanair Chase over 2m 4½f instead.
His best performances, glowing successes, have come around Ascot at 2m 5f and, ought to Cyrname fail to underscore this Wetherby win, the Ryanair is sensible. While you wish to take him on in a Gold Cup, no such feeling would exist within the 2m 5f scenario round Cheltenham.
Roksana appears here to stay
Odds correct at time of publishing and topic to change.
With the major target soon on Cyrname in the race that adopted at Wetherby, perhaps the convenience with which Roksana gained the previous Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle over three miles went underneath the radar.
Admittedly the mare was getting allowances, but even so it was a hanging efficiency.
Harry Skelton rode confidently at the rear of proceedings earlier than coming by way of with a strong and easy challenge to guide before the last and Roksana went greater than eight lengths clear on the house run to win, with champ Lisnagar Oscar solely fourth and decent yardsticks corresponding to Wholestone strung out behind.
The Skelton brothers will be feeling quite chuffed because it appeared Roksana was removed from stretched. This was just her second try at three miles, the first being a second (by a head) in an unforgettable Aintree Stayers’ Hurdle squabble with If The Cap Fits and Apple’s Jade in 2019.
There might be a lot more to come back from Roksana in a staying hurdles division that’s wide open after Paisley Park shed the crown tamely back in March (excuses were offered) and she is one to follow as the season goes on.
Don’t miss a Cheltenham Festival ante-post notebook replace
Our part is the place to catch our weekend evaluations all through the campaign as well as the home of our list of the most effective.
Looking for horse racing suggestions for today’s action?
Slot Betting brings you for every meeting every day and they embrace horse racing ideas for every race, with each horse’s probabilities given a score out of five.