Cheltenham’s November meeting will start on Friday, with a six race card in store for us. The return of My Drogo was the standout act, even though he only faced the lone runner. Far from that potential star, we also have Glenfarclas Cross Country, where Second Grand National Balko Des Flos takes on some compelling contenders.
There is also a race from Newcastle, Worcester, Dundalk and Kempton, and we will have horse racing tips for all four. With three exciting racing days, there are plenty of chances to win some good value. After a 40-1 win last weekend and a 50-1 place in the Melbourne Cup, I hope to have even more success.
I like to ride with experienced athletes in cross country races and Singing Banjo (January 20) fit the criteria. He’s not the classiest runner in the race, but veteran Philip Rothwell got to the four o’clock clock, which included a victory at Punchestown over the banks. Sent off at 33-1 that day, he was a lucky ball, but he danced well and put on great form.
The seven-pound debt collector Brendan Walsh has had a great partnership with him and his immense toughness and stamina is a huge asset. Others have more talent, but he won’t lie down and races like this aren’t always determined by the ratings.
He’s inexperienced, but Eucalyptus (25-1) there are a lot of possibilities and his opening rating of 108 is higher. His problem was his stubborn tendency, which scuppered his chances in a trilogy of entry-level events followed by a debut for Ralph Smith. His most recent run at Wincanton, however, was different, as he persevered and found only 8/15 overwhelming favorites.
Given that it was after 209 days of rest, it should have received a lot of freshness from him. True, there is some risk attached to his chances as he won’t get away with pulling in such a difficult location, but the extra experience should help with that. Fergus Gillard lost three pounds and threw in the handicapped, he could play a big part in every dimension.
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