Olly Murphy’s runner in the race at Cheltenham on Friday is Act Of Authority, who will be the ride of Sean Bowen. The five-year-old made a winning return to action at Bangor-On-Dee in a maiden hurdle, beating Iron D’Ex by 14 lengths on soft ground.
Act Of Authority is yet to finish outside of the first two in three career starts under rules, and he could be a leading chance on this step up in grade.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/23 | CHL | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 6 |
| 04/10/23 | BAN | 16.5 | Sft | 11-4 | 1 |
| 02/03/23 | TAU | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 2 |
| 03/01/23 | MUS | 15.5 | Sft | 11-2 | 2 |
Enthused is a runner from the James Owen yard this week, as the six-year-old looks to land a hat-trick of wins. Harry Cobden takes the ride on the runner this week, who was last seen landing victory over two miles at Huntingdon by over four lengths from Postmark.
His experience over hurdles could leave him a solid position this year, winning on five from 17 starts over the smaller obstacles.
Gavin Sheehan takes the ride on Idy Wood for James Snowden at Cheltenham this week. The five-year-old was impressive on his return to action after a 229-day break, landing victory by over three lengths from Iolaos Du Mou at Fontwell.
That was his first win on his debut attempt over hurdles, and he is now unbeaten in two efforts under rules after backing up a solid effort at Newbury in February.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/23 | CHL | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 3 |
| 06/10/23 | FON | 17.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 1 |
| 19/02/23 | NBY | 16.5 | GF | 11-4 | 1 |
Paddy Brennan takes the ride on Kamsinas for trainer Fergal O’Brien at Cheltenham on Friday. The six-year-old returned after a 185-day break at Worcester earlier this month, landing a debut victory over hurdles by over eight lengths from R S Ambush.
That was a pleasing enough debut, and he could have a big part to play based on the figures this week.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/23 | CHL | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 2 |
| 12/10/23 | WOR | 16 | GS | 11-0 | 1 |
| 10/04/23 | HUN | 16 | Sft | 11-4 | 3 |
| 17/02/23 | KEL | 16 | Gd | 11-7 | 1 |
| 05/11/22 | KEL | 16 | GS | 11-0 | BD |
Neil King’s runner this Friday is Lookaway, who will be the ride of Jack Quinlan. The six-year-old has won twice from five starts over hurdles, and has landed four victories from seven starts under rules.
He returns after a long break at Cheltenham, as he was last seen landing a second straight victory at Uttoxeter in late May by 33 lengths from Midnight Soldier. The layoff would be a concern, but if fit, he’s likely to be a key player.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/23 | CHL | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 1 |
| 20/05/23 | UTT | 20 | Gd | 11-10 | 1 |
| 06/05/23 | UTT | 16 | GS | 11-6 | 1 |
| 04/03/23 | KEL | 18 | GS | 11-5 | 6 |
| 30/11/22 | HAY | 15.5 | Sft | 11-2 | 4 |
Harry Reed takes the ride on Milton Harris-trained Parade Away on Friday. This five-year-old was dominant on his return to the track after a 149-day break earlier this month, beating Meranti by 16 lengths in a match race at Hereford over two miles and three.
The step back in trip shouldn’t be an issue after winning a ten-runner race on the flat at Stratford at the end of May.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/10/23 | CHL | 16.5 | Gd | 11-2 | 7 |
| 17/10/23 | HER | 19.5 | GF | 11-0 | 1 |
| 21/05/23 | STR | 16.5 | Gd | 10-11 | 1 |
| 13/05/23 | HAY | 15.5 | Gd | 10-9 | 2 |
| 24/04/23 | HEX | 16 | Sft | 11-2 | 4 |
Peter Fahey’s runner in the graded race at Cheltenham on Friday is Toto Too. The six-year-old will be the ride of Keith Donoghue, as he chases a second straight victory over hurdles.
He was excellent on his hurdle debut at Navan, beating Hashtag Pretender by six lengths. Any expected rain would be a bonus for this runner.
Williethebuilder is the runner for Dan Skelton at Cheltenham this week, with Harry Skelton taking the ride. The four-year-old made an impressive debut for his new yard at Uttoxeter at the end of September, landing an eleven-runner Novices’ Hurdle over two miles by 12 lengths from Olivers Travels.
However, the runner-up was last seen finishing a distant sixth over two miles and seven at Bangor. Still, there is a lot to like about this young up-and-comer.
