CHELTENHAM 12:45 Colditz Castle 1pt e/w Demon Fou 1pt e/w
David Pipe’s booking of Jonjo Jnr on Duc De Beaucherne is eye-catching. However, I have opted for two at longer odds. Alan King’s Colditz Castle looks the type to appreciate the trip whilst I think the handicapper has been lenient with Demon Fou.
CHELTENHAM 13:15 Fact Of The Matter 1pt e/w Solstice Star 1pt e/w
I backed Fact Of The Matter ante-post. This is now somewhat of an irritation as he is now longer odds. This is driven by the ground conditions and a, seemingly, wide spread belief that Snowden’s gelding may not handle it. I’m not convinced he won’t – progeny of Brian Boru tend to do well in the heavy and his dam has produced Battle Of Midway and Manofthemountain who have both won in the soft.
Just in case I’m missing something, a good each way alternative at double-figure odds is the well handicapped Solstice Star.
CHELTENHAM 15:00 Quel Destin 1pt e/w Quoi De Neuf 1pt e/w
Excellent, wide open handicap hurdle which I narrowed down to Benny’s Bridge, Zanza and the two above. Have changed my mind countless times. Quel Destin is carrying a lot of weight but he is an honest sort who will run his race and can definitely handle the conditions. Evan William’s Quoi De Neuf showed eye-catching improvement at Chepstow and may be progressive.
CHELTENHAM 16:00 Brief Ambition 1pt e/w
The favourite in the Bumper is at a silly price so I will risk an e/w on the in-form Fergal O’Brien’s Brief Ambition who Paddy Brennan has chosen over the yard’s other entrant.
SUNDAY 17th NOV FONTWELL PARK 14:40 CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK 2pts win
Hobb’s promising young chaser was a strong fancy for mine for Cheltenham on Friday. Given the postponement, Hobbs has pointed him at the Sussex National on the Sabbath. With ground conditions to suit I think he is a very good bet.