The jumps season slips into top gear tomorrow as Cheltenham hosts the biggest meeting this side of Christmas, the three-day November meeting where many big names will be returning to the track.
I think there’s a bet in the closing novices’ hurdle on Friday’s card as the second-favourite Calett Mad, a winner at Cheltenham in October, steps back in trip despite looking a stayer and so far jumping like a snooker table.
That’s reason enough to take him on – and I just don’t understand why Vision Des Flos is favourite for this race after being soundly beaten last time out by Poetic Rhythm, who re-opposes with a 5lb penalty this time and is available at three times the price.
Poetic Rhythm is a second-season novice hurdler – which means he didn’t win over timber last year – and despite his experience looks vulnerable to an improver, of which there is virtually certain to be in a race like this.
Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten On The Blind Side won nicely enough on his jumping debut but he looks very short at around 3/1 considering that was just a maiden and the second was an 80/1 shot, so he’s not of much interest either.
The one I like is the mare MOMELLA for the in-form Dan Skelton yard, after she bolted up at Fakenham on good ground, which she should get again on Friday.
The forecast is set fair and I was impressed by the way she jumped on debut – she looked a natural – while there’s clearly plenty under the bonnet.
At 9/2 she looks a good bet considering her mares allowance actually has her well-in at the weights against the more exposed horses like Calett Mad.
1pt win Momella @9/2, 15:35 Cheltenham, Friday
Leave a comment