FRIDAY'S ITV RACING TIPS: CHELTENHAM

Friday's live terrestrial action brings us four races from "Jumps HQ," with a very competitive novice hurdle that could provide major festival clues, and some well-lobed runners lining up in a veterans' chase. 13:45 CHELTENHAM

Derryhassen Paddy and Follow Your Luck filled the second and third places over course and distance last time out. The pair weren't beaten far apart, although both finished some way behind the winner. Based on the current market, that form looks set to be reversed, with Lucinda Russell's runner heading the betting.

With just seven runners set to go to post, finding an each-way alternative is a little trickier, particularly with only two places available. That being said, for those looking for a runner capable of outrunning his odds, Intosomethinggood could be worth considering.

The vote, however, goes to Henry De Bromhead's King's Bucks, who has produced a couple of solid efforts in graded company. A De Bromhead runner came out on top in the race featuring Derryhassen Paddy and Follow Your Luck, and hopefully the same can happen again here.

Kingston Narcissus shouldn't be overlooked either, particularly given the strength of his connections.

KING'S BUCKS (WIN)

14:20 CHELTENHAM

It's difficult to get too excited about this year's renewal, and in many ways the presence of multiple Grade 1 winner Jonbon is the only saving grace for the 2026 Shloer Chase.

That being said, Jonbon might not be quite the certainty some expect. At the age of 10, he's certainly no spring chicken, and time eventually catches up with even the best of them. However, it's hard to make a particularly strong case for the trio of opponents Nicky Henderson's runner is set to face.

At his best, Gidleigh Park could potentially pose a threat, but he's been frustratingly inconsistent and can be difficult to catch right.

Of the remainder, it's actually the outsider of the quartet, Mighty Bandit, who looks the most interesting. He could prove the best of the rest and potentially fill the runner-up spot behind Jonbon.

JONBON (WIN)

JONBON - MIGHTY BANDIT (STRAIGHT FORECAST)

14:55 CHELTENHAM

The old guard takes centre stage in what looks a competitive renewal of this veterans' chase.

Triple Trade made a winning start to the season and looks more than capable of making it back-to-back successes, particularly at a course where he's tasted victory before. The yard is in good form, and it's difficult to put punters off supporting the Tizzard runner.

Outlaw Peter is another consistent performer who deserves plenty of respect, particularly given the jockey and trainer combination behind him.

Ga Law is a familiar face around Jumps HQ and generally runs a solid race at this venue. He should be thereabouts once again, although the burden of top-weight could leave him vulnerable to one or two rivals.

Another former course winner worth keeping an eye on is Glengouly. He should appreciate the return to a longer trip after two disappointing efforts over shorter distances. He's already tasted success this season and looks a solid each-way option.

GLENGOULY (E/W)

15:30 CHELTENHAM

A fascinating novice contest looks to be the highlight of Friday's four televised races, with plenty of unexposed talent on show and potentially a handful of useful Festival clues to be uncovered.

Ferocimo and Divine Diva head the betting, and with good reason after both impressed when winning last time out. The pair deserve plenty of respect, but with a bigger field to contend with, there should be opportunities to find a little more value elsewhere.

The Irish-trained trio of Dallas Star, Luck Between Us and Red Acres Georgie could all be worth keeping an eye on. Their current prices look potentially generous, and any significant market support for one of the three would certainly be worth taking seriously.

The one who makes most appeal from a betting perspective is Olly Murphy's Petersham Place. The stable is operating at close to a 25% strike rate, while his victory at Perth last time out highlighted the battling qualities that could serve him well in a larger field.

He'll need to find further improvement to make his mark at this level, but there's enough to suggest he could sneak into the places and reward each-way support.

PETERSHAM PLACE (E/W) written by Rory Paddock