Robin - Cheltenham 14th November
ROBIN - Cheltenham 1.05 Handicap Chase 3 miles 1 furlong (Good to Soft - anticipated SOFT) 12 run
A Conditional Jockey's race and a few more experienced and a few less experienced pilots and that can make a big difference.
A few of these won't want too much rain, a few will relish it and its probable that the Going will be Soft, but no worse than soft, at the off time.
Lamaver Pippin is a big danger in this, may just need the run on past evidence but the Tizzard yard who have been pretty quiet are just about to flex their muscles and one I really fear. Storm Control won't want to much rain, despite coming from a yard associated with mud lovers and has a fair bit to prove stamina wise. What A Moment for a resurgent Pipe Team was twice a winner of this race and still has a decent chance here but I'd have to think not quite good enough at this stage of his career but one who could nick a place. Fingerontheswitch cannot be ignored on Course and other general form, but the rider is a name I simply don't know, and you'd suspect that the horse would have to carry her to victory, and some very decent pilots here on other horses.
My idea of the winner and something of an each way place banker at worst given Course form is KILFILUM CROSS, will have benefitted from seasonal debut run, looks absolutely aimed at this race and ticks every conceivable box and with a clear round and luck in running the one most likely I think and the fitness advantage over Limaver Pippin just nicks it for me.
Of the rest, I think there is market value in the Fergal O'Brien pair especially if the rain does come. OCEAN COVE will enjoy every yard of the trip and any rain that falls, not a bad mark when claim is taken in to consideration and is probably marginally preferred of the pair to PETITE POWER who is a Course and Distance winner, rain a big plus, Course and Distance win was off 115, ran well too off 120 after that and with conditions moving in its favour a mark of 127 with the 7lbs Claim should be just about in place range at least.
TIP - Kilfilum Cross / TRACKERS - Ocean Cove + Petite Power
ROBIN - Cheltenham 2.50 - Handicap Hurdle 3 miles - 12 run
I think conditions have come right here for both GOLAN FORTUNE and TOBEFAIR and I cant split them. Debestyman will be a danger on last run but not sure of this trip in likely deteriorating conditions.
TRACKERS - Golan Fortune + Tobefair