TV TIPS (SUNDAY)

It’s the third and final day of Cheltenham’s November Meeting and with five live races, plus a bonus race from Fontwell shown on ITV we cover them all.

13:15 CHELTENHAM

Based on their form on the flat Ambiente Friendly could demolish this field but that’s only if he can convert that form to hurdling. That’s an almighty question to answer but he’s likely to make the frame.

The Spanish-bred Gaelic Pride looks set to go off favourite after finishing second on yard debut but in a race of this nature it’s tricky to go with a horse at such short odds,

Irish raider Touch The Moon has gone close in two competitive maidens so far and perhaps has some of the strongest form on offer. The one we’re siding with.

Soldier Reeves and Stay In The Game are also worth a second look.

TOUCH THE MOON (E/W)

13:45 CHELTENHAM

Long gone are the days of Aspire Tower being viewed as a potential top-class performer but if he retains any of his former promise he’d stand a great chance. That being said he’s looked a shadow of his former self and it’d be a training miracle by Jennie Candish to see him return to winning ways.

A drop in trip looks a wise move by the connections or Jig’s Forge and if he’s fit for his seasonal reappearance looks a lovely contender.

Last time out winner Jordans Cross has done little wrong in his short career so far and seems a likely improver however this is his toughest test to date and he may find one or two too good.

Queensbury Boy and Kim Roque make their yard debuts for their respective new trainers and despite the market suggesting otherwise, this pair looks the standout duo. Joseph O’Briens French import will relish the ground and will be capable of jumping the larger obstacles where as Mickey Bowen’s charge was last seen competing in Grade 1 and Grade 2 hurdles so clearly has plenty of class. It’s the Irish runner that gets the nod and looks set to finish in the frame.

KIM ROQUE (E/W)

14:05 FONTWELL

The sole live race from Fontwell on ITV and they’ve picked a very tricky one indeed.

Chris Gordon’s Unanswered Prayers, the ultra-consistent Shantou Lucky, and bottom-weight Record High all have serious claims and it’s hard to put anyone off backing them.

Paul Nicholl’s last time our winner Ken Roy looks too big a price and any market support should be noted.

That being said a chance is taken with Neo King. He’s done well over extended trips and should have conditions to suit. He’s likely to strip fitter for his recent effort and more can be expected from the Evan Williams runner. He’s not got a string of victories to his name but we hope he can make the frame.

NEO KING (E/W)

14:20 CHELTENHAM

Perhaps the toughest race on the card to call with a case to be made for well over half the field.

The Tizzard yard will be boosted with the win of Eldorado Allen earlier in the week and will be hoping Triple Trade can add more stable success. A horse that’s knocked on the door many times without success. Unfortunately his form here at Cheltenham isn’t great so it’s hard to be confident about his chances here at Jumps HQ.

Torneo and Glengouly both went close last time out and may have a fitness edge over some of the field. The pair can’t be discounted and should be on any punters shortlist.

ST Faz seems to be an improving type but isn’t the most prolific however at the current odds he seems a worth each way alternative in such a competitive race.

At larger odds Cabhfuilfungi could be worth considering.

ST FAZ (E/W)

14:55 CHELTENHAM

The longer trip is bound to suit Transmission but the worry of his inexperienced rider is too much of a concern to ignore.

Another runner who’ll enjoy the gruelling test is Beauport but his lofty weight might be too much of a test to carry.

The promising Tanganyika has far less miles on the clock and looks to be a chaser on the up. They deserve a crack at this level and his fresher and younger legs could be the telling factor.

Another worth mentioning is veteran Latenightpass who has a decent course record and if he’s still got ability at his veteran age could fair better than many expect.

TANGANYIKA (WIN)

LATENIGHTPASS (E/W)

15:30 CHELTENHAM

Making your handicap debut in such a competitive affair is a tough ask but Castle Carrock does just that and after fair showings in top-class novice events last term he’s more than capable on his handicap debut. Alan King’s runner has shown enough at a higher level to suggest he’s capable of competing and with form on softer ground he shouldn’t be perturbed by today’s conditions.

Dan Skelton’s Mirabad looks an obvious threat, hailing from such an in-form yard and with a previous course win to their name another boost.

Fellow course winner Iberico Lord and the consistent Serious Challenge should also be paid close attention.

The Irish paid of Laafi and Putapoundinthejar represent canny trainers who know what it takes to land a bit handiap. Don’t let their current odds put you off.

CASTLE CARROCK (E/W)

PUTAPOUNDINTHEJAR (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock