Veteran backed for Cheltenham glory as Editeur Du Gite ruled out of Paddy Power

Editeur Du Gite will not run in tomorrow's Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20) after being declared a non-runner from the race on Friday morning.

The Gary Moore-trained eight-year-old has won two of his four starts at the track, including at the November meeting last year, as well as finishing fourth in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival, but will not bid to add to that tally.

He was declared a non-runner due to his blood analysis not being normal, according to BHA racing administration, which leaves a maximum field of 15 for Saturday's feature.

Ballyandy backed for more Cheltenham glory

Popular performer Ballyandy continues to be supported as favourite in the Glenfarclas Veterans' Handicap Chase (2.55) as he bids to add another winner to his haul at Cheltenham.

The 11-year-old landed the Champion Bumper in 2016 and was labelled the "class horse" in the 2m4f race by trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies on Thursday.

Ballyandy: can he win at Cheltenham again?Credit: Edward Whitaker

Ballyandy showed his zest remains when third on his return at Perth in September and has been trimmed into 9-4 (from 3) to pick up an 11th career success.

The veterans' chase on the card replaces the usual cross-country chase, which has been moved to Cheltenham's Trials Day fixture in January due to the absence of good ground on the course.

Updated at 11.25am

Market movers

1.10
11. Fine Casting 9-2 (from 6)
13. Astigar 9-2 (from 11-2)

2.55
2. Ballyandy 9-4 (from 3-1)

Going changed to good for November meeting opener

The going at Cheltenham for the start of the three-day November meeting has quickened to good following dry weather and winds overnight.

The ground had been described as good to soft, good in places on Thursday evening but further strong winds throughout the night meant conditions changed on Friday morning.

Clerk of the course Jon Pullin said: "We had a really drying day yesterday with some strong winds. It was all throughout the day and that kept up through the night, so we've changed it to good ground all over."

While the winds are not set to ease off until the early afternoon, Pullin hopes that it will not lead to further quickening of conditions before the six-race card gets under way at 1.10.

He added: "It's due to die down at around midday today, so hopefully conditions will be able to be maintained as they are."

Posted at 8.30am

Non-runners

1.10
17 Cluain Aodha
20 Land Of My Delight

1.45
9 Monsieur Lecoq

4.00
2 Desert Friend

Read Friday's Cheltenham previews:

1.45 Cheltenham: Grey Diamond out to deliver more handicap success for Sam Thomas and Dai Walters

2.20 Cheltenham: 'He's got a great chance' - who can join a classy novice chase roll of honour?

2.55 Cheltenham: 'Class horse' Ballyandy is a rock-solid favourite - but is he beatable?

3.30 Cheltenham: Can Willie Mullins weave some more Cheltenham magic with Hubrisko?

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