Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Cheltenham's November meeting, where three days of top-tier racing action will keep you on the edge of your seat. But here's the twist: amidst the excitement, there are four horses on Saturday’s undercard that could be the key to unlocking some serious value—one even at a tantalizing 50-1. These aren’t just any horses; they’re the kind that could make or break your ante-post portfolio, and we’re here to break down why they’re worth your attention.
First up is Precious Man, a horse who’s been making waves since his impressive win at Auteuil in the spring. Since then, he’s been privately purchased (likely for a hefty sum), exported to the UK, and handed over to the capable hands of Dan Skelton. And this is the part most people miss: Skelton’s decision to add a tongue-tie for his British debut could be a game-changer. With a Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 106 from his May win, Precious Man is no slouch. Phill Anderson, the RPR expert at Auteuil, notes, ‘That’s a strong level of form for a three-year-old in May, especially considering these horses are still developing.’ Skelton himself is cautiously optimistic: ‘He’s done everything well at home, but now he just needs to show it on the track.’ Could this be the start of something special?
Next, let’s talk about Chambard, the enigmatic 13-year-old who’s as unpredictable as they come. Love him or hate him, Chambard has a knack for stealing the show when you least expect it. His 2022 Kim Muir win at Cheltenham and his mud-splattered Becher Chase victory the following year are testament to his talent—and his quirks. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his age, Chambard might just be fitter than you think, and he’s one of the few who’ll relish the muddy conditions. Jockey Lucy Turner has been the key to keeping him engaged, but the question remains: will he be in the mood? At 50-1, he’s a risky bet, but one that could pay off big time. Trainer Venetia Williams sums it up: ‘He’s a veteran, but he’s enjoying it. We’ll see if he finds his way around effectively.’
Then there’s Kikijo, a horse with untapped potential that’s been flying under the radar. Last spring, he showed promise as a staying novice chaser, but it’s his recent return at Aintree that’s got everyone talking. And this is the part most people miss: his yard has a stellar record at Cheltenham’s November meeting, so his appearance here is no accident. Whether he wins or loses, keep an eye on him—he’s likely to jump back over fences next time and could leave his current BHA mark of 120 in the dust. Joint-trainer Johnson White is confident: ‘He’s in great form, and the ground will suit him perfectly.’
Finally, meet Holloway Queen, the mare who surprised everyone last season with two wins before faltering at Sandown and Aintree. But here’s where it gets controversial: her Sandown run, where she went off as the 6-5 favorite, was against some seriously tough competition, including horses who’ve since gone on to bigger things. Trainer Nicky Henderson admits she was a pleasant surprise, and now she’s set to start her chasing career after this race. With a proven ability to handle deep ground, she could be one to watch. Could this intermediate hurdle be the launchpad for her next chapter?
So, there you have it—four horses that could shake up your weekend at Cheltenham. But here’s the real question: which one will you back? And do you agree with our analysis, or do you have a different take? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
