Cheltenham preview: Hopes high for big Finian's Oscar performance
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 21 Dec 2023
By Racinguk.com staff
All eyes will be on Finian's Oscar when Colin Tizzard's exciting five-year-old tackles the Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase at Cheltenham on Friday.
The Grade One-winning hurdler - owned by the late Alan Potts - has just three rivals as he attempts to follow up victory at Chepstow on his debut over the bigger obstacles five weeks ago.
Finian's Oscar established himself as a leading novice hurdler last season and won on his chasing bow at Chepstow last month
The gelding warmed nicely to his task under Bryan Cooper that day after a cautious start to score comfortably by 11 lengths from Tintern Theatre.
"He's come out of his race really well. He's sharpened up a bit," said the trainer's son and assistant, Joe. "He schooled really nicely with Bryan on Tuesday morning. We're hoping for a nice run."
Taking on Finian's Oscar are Paul Nicholls' Movewiththetimes, who was fourth on his chasing debut on this course three weeks ago, Nicky Henderson's fencing newcomer William Henry and the Nick Williams-trained Coo Star Sivola.
Nigel Twiston-Davies believes Calett Mad will have no trouble in dropping back in trip for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.
The five-year-old won over three miles at Perth and this circuit, but now drops to two miles and five furlongs.He did very well there last time over three miles. He’s dropping back in trip a bit, but that shouldn’t hurt him,” said Twiston-Davies.
Poetic Rhythm made a pleasing start to the campaign with victory in the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow.
His trainer Fergal O’Brien reports the six-year-old to be ready for another stern test. “Poetic Rhythm is as tough as teak and came out of Chepstow fine,” he said. “He’s been working well and is in good form.
“He has a 5lb penalty, which makes things tougher, but he is tough, genuine and will be doing his best.”
Dan Skelton is happy to step Momella up in class after she scooted up at Fakenham last month. “She looks good and there are a few other good ones in there, but she thundered around Fakenham,” said the Alcester trainer.
“She is big and strong and is one of a few good chances we have at the meeting.”
Enda Bolger is expecting Cantlow and Auvergnat to run big races in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase.
The County Limerick trainer has had a tremendous record over the years in this discipline and rarely comes away empty-handed.
"Cantlow (pictured) is in good form and the ground is nice. He'll like it, it will be up his alley and I'm hoping for a big run from him," said Bolger.
"Auvergnat had a nice prep run at Galway over hurdles and finished his race out well. Hopefully he's in for a good season. He's an up-and-coming horse for the cross-country races."
Phil Middleton is hoping Exitas can continue his rich vein of form in the BetVictor Handicap Chase.
The nine-year-old has won his last three completed starts, culminating in a convincing display in the Listed Byrne Group Handicap Chase at Ascot.
"He is busting to go and seems better than ever. He has gone up 10lb following his win at Ascot, which was to be expected," said the Aylesbury trainer.
"Exitas came right away from them at Ascot and was very impressive. When he is really on song and winning over two miles, he looks like he wants further, but he has never been at his best when I have tried him. You need to stay well to win at Cheltenham, even over two miles.
bangor-on-dee
18:45 Bangor-on-Dee - Tuesday July 23
"He has had some quite serious problems, but gradually we have got him there. A couple of times he has raced, I felt the tongue tie was upsetting him and removing it seems to have made a difference.
"All ground comes alike to him. If I had to choose, I would like a bit of dig as it slows the others down a bit."
Paul Henderson's Un Beau Roman bids to repeat last year's victory in this race and is accompanied by stablemate Doitforthevillage.
"He just blew up last time he ran so I think he'll be better this time," said the Hampshire handler. "Doitforthevillage is very well. Paddy (Brennan) rode him and said he wanted more cut in the ground last time. Both should run very well."
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