Racing

Cheltenham Win 6 Preview | 12th December

By Steven Dowler

12.05 British EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle

LISBANE PARK impressed when scoring on hurdles debut at Exeter and another step forward should see him bang in the mix. The reliable and consistent KINGSTON QUEEN should give this a good go from the front and is the other one to consider in the opener.

Tips: LISBANE PARK & KINGSTON QUEEN

12.40 Santa – ‘The Visit’ ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase

CALIFET EN VOL was a Listed winner over hurdles last season and concluded the campaign with a sixth-place finish in a Grade 1 event at Aintree. He has the physique and potential to be an even better chaser, so he’s fancied to provide his handler with back-to-back wins in the event. SIXMILEBRIDGE is a Grade 2 course winner and must be feared.

Tips: CALIFET EN VOL & SIXMILEBRIDGE

13.15 Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

IBERICO LORD is very hit-and-miss, but he’s started to become dangerously well handicapped and this former Greatwood Hurdle winner has a decent chance. He shaped well in the latter on his reappearance and is eased in grade. I can see him running well as his stable is hitting a bit of form. The hat-trick seeing FRENCH EMPEROR must enter calculations, too.

Tips: IBERICO LORD & FRENCH EMPEROR

13.50 Turners Handicap Chase

THE SHORT GO has run three blinding races at this venue and his latest eye-catching fourth here should have put him spot on for this assignment. I think he’s ready to go close. KING TURGEON won the race last year off a 3lb lower mark and ran well when sixth in the Grand Sefton on his return. He’s another to respect.

Tips: THE SHORT GO & KING TURGEON

14.25 Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Chase Series Handicap Chase

ELDORADO ALLEN jumped so well when making all at this course last month and a similar showing should see him hard to peg back if getting into the same rhythm. CAN YOU CALL and FUGITIF finished behind him that day but should be able to bridge the gap. They are included as cover.

Tips: ELDORADO ALLEN, CAN YOU CALL & FUGITIF

15.00 Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase

MISTER COFFEY ran a huge race when only beaten a length by Stumptown in this race twelve months ago, and with that rival not in this year’s lineup, Nicky Henderson’s charge could be about to register a first win in this sphere. The other one who could get involved is J’ARRIVE DE L’EST has a lot of experience in French cross country events and is interesting for Emmet Mullins.

Tips: MISTER COFFEY & J’ARRIVE DE L’EST