GB - Cheltenham - Race 1

Thoroughbred

20 Runners

19.9f

Handicap Hurdle

Turf

Good to Soft

34.0K

VIEW

Verdict

This is wide open but THE EXPENSIVE ONE created a good impression when making a winning start in handicaps at Stratford and with further progress very much on the cards edges the vote for his in-form yard. Irish challengers Montecam and Bowensonfire both come here on the back of eye-catching placed efforts at Bellewstown and Listowel respectively so rate big dangers, while Service Minimum, Navajo Indy and East India Express must all enter calculations too in this cracking handicap.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
18	A half-brother to the yard's high-class hurdler The New One who has progressed with each of his three runs in this sphere, showing a willing attitude when landing 2m2f handicap at Stratford 18 days ago. Up 5 lb but capable of better still over this longer trip. Big shout for yard among the winners. 1st Pick 18 The Expensive One (Ire) Jockey: James Turner Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies J: James Turner T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies	99	-	-	-	12%
Analysis A half-brother to the yard's high-class hurdler The New One who has progressed with each of his three runs in this sphere, showing a willing attitude when landing 2m2f handicap at Stratford 18 days ago. Up 5 lb but capable of better still over this longer trip. Big shout for yard among the winners.
14	A fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner for Nicky Henderson who has shaped well on both runs for his current yard, second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Bellewstown (20.5f, good) in August when not ideally placed. Big shout at these weights. 2nd Pick 14 Montecam (Ire) Jockey: Alex Harvey Trainer: John Mcconnell, Ireland J: Alex Harvey T: John Mcconnell, Ireland	100	-	-	-	6%
Analysis A fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner for Nicky Henderson who has shaped well on both runs for his current yard, second of 13 in handicap hurdle at Bellewstown (20.5f, good) in August when not ideally placed. Big shout at these weights.
4	A two-time hurdles winner (at up to 17f) in early summer and he shaped promisingly when third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Listowel (16f, good to soft) 28 days ago, finishing well under a patient ride. This Irish challenger is a likely player. 3rd Pick 4 Bowensonfire (Fr) Jockey: J. W. Kennedy Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Ireland J: J. W. Kennedy T: Gordon Elliott, Ireland	99	-	-	-	19%
Analysis A two-time hurdles winner (at up to 17f) in early summer and he shaped promisingly when third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Listowel (16f, good to soft) 28 days ago, finishing well under a patient ride. This Irish challenger is a likely player.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Yielding

A rain-soaked turf condition often producing a slick or heavy course and slower finish times.

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A horse going off at higher odds than his recent efforts show that he deserves.

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