The Data Detective: tips for Chleltenham on Friday
By Andy Stephens
Last Updated: Wed 21 Oct 2026
Andy Stephens suggests a trio to ponder as Jump racing returns at Cheltenham on Friday. Enjoy all the action live on Racing TV.
Raceiq Clues For Cheltenham On October 23
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✅ 1.15 CHELTENHAM: SUNNY SOUTH WEST
Jump Index: 6.4
Thurles final furlong: 13.84sec (best)
Thurles strides per second: 2.07
Sunny South West’s career Jump Index is a below average 6.4 but the Irish raider is unexposed in this sphere and impressed when scoring in a 2mmaiden on the Flat at Thurles this month.
His low stride cadence points to a good test at this trip suiting and his hurdling mark looks favourable relative to his rating on the Flat. He should go close if keeping errors to a minimum.
✅ 3.00 CHELTENHAM: BELLS GROVE
Jump Index: 6.9
Finishing Speed Percentage form over hurdles: 111
Top speed: 37.57mph (at Cheltenham)
Irish raider Bells Grove went close in the bumper at this meeting last year and makes each-way appeal.
He has progressed with each of his three runs over hurdles, having the best Finishing Speed Percentage on each occasion. The five-year-old was fastest through each of the final four furlongs when scoring at Navan last time and got a Jump Index score of 7.6 out of 10, which represented a personal best.
✅ 3.35 CHELTENHAM: TRAPRAIN LAW
Jump Index: 7.2
Top Speed: 36.99mph (this race last year)
Jockey overall A/E: 1.65
Traprain Law was a creditable fourth in this race last year and can step up on that given the likely softer ground and with the promising Lucas Murphy taking 7lb off his back.
Murphy is the son of former top jockey Timmy Murphy and is one to follow this season. The RaceiQ data tells us his rides have exceeded market expectations by 65 per cent in the past year.
Best jumpers at Cheltenham on Friday
1.15: HANDLETHEKETTLE - JUMP INDEX SCORE 8.2 OUT OF10
Lengths Gained Jumping: best in five of past nine races. Norman Fletcher is prominent in the betting but has the lowest jump rating of 5.8)
1.50: PASSING DIAMOND - 8.6
Ranked No 1 in Jump Index for each of his three runs over fences. Has also gained most lengths in them – aggregate of more than 26 lengths - and had best Fnishing Speed Percentage.
2.25 MOJITO DES MOTTES - 8.1
His stablemate Wondering Why is second best with 8.0.
3.00 ETERNAL ANEGEL 8.0
Has scored 9 and 9.2 on his past two starts. Cooltobecareless got a Jump Index score of 6.4 on his debut.
3.35 JPR ONE (pictured above) 7.7
Five chase runs at Cheltenham: scores have been 7.4, 7.7, 7.6. 8.1 and 7.8
4.10 –
4.45 LITTLE LEDGEND - 7.9
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