PartialLogo
News

One horse, one jockey, one trainer and one race to watch on Friday at Cheltenham

Yanworth: makes his first start over Cheltenham cross-country course on Friday
Yanworth: makes his first start over Cheltenham cross-country course on FridayCredit: Getty Images

One horse

Two-time Grade 1 hurdles winner Yanworth tackles Cheltenham's unique cross-country course for the first time after getting his new career off to the perfect start at Punchestown last month.

Formerly trained by Alan King and now with 'king of the banks' Enda Bolger, the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old was cut to 6-1 second favourite behind Tiger Roll for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Those odds are likely to shorten again if Yanworth can get the better of the likes of stablemate Josies Orders and French challenger Easysland in the key festival trial at 3.05.

One jockey

With Harry Skelton suspended for the day, Bridget Andrews comes in for a strong book of rides at Cheltenham.

Andrews, who enjoyed her finest hour at Prestbury Park when winning the 2018 County Hurdle on Mohaayed, partners all of her brother-in-law Dan Skelton's runners at the meeting – Olly The Brave (12.10), Peter The Mayo Man (1.20), Cobra De Mai (2.30) and No Getaway (3.40).

Bridget Andrews and Mohaayed after their County Hurdle victory in 2018
Bridget Andrews and Mohaayed after their County Hurdle victory in 2018Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The best might be saved for last with her strongest chance appearing to be No Getaway, whom she partnered to a 13-length victory at Hereford last month.

One trainer

It's a big day for local trainer Martin Keighley who sends out a fancied runner for Princess Anne in the shape of Chequered View in the mares' handicap chase (1.55).

Keighley had the option of running Chequered View at Hereford on Saturday but has plumped for the more adventurous target with the six-year-old home-bred, who has won three of her five chase starts.


Cheltenham's Friday racecard in full


The princess, who rode as an amateur under both codes, will not be present as she is in Scotland but her daughter Zara Tindall will be at the track, having been appointed to the Cheltenham Racecourse committee last month.

One race

The BetVictor Handicap Chase (2.30) provides the perfect appetiser to Caspian Caviar Gold Cup back at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Like the weekend's big betting race, it is a Grade 3 handicap with a competitive market headed by West Approach, who unseated early on when sent off favourite for the Ladbrokes Trophy.

Cogry is bound to be popular as he bids for back-to-back wins in the race, while only the brave or extremely loyal will be siding with last year's runner-up Singlefarmpayment, who has somehow managed to finish second four times in Cheltenham handicaps.


Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In – exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday


Andrew DietzReporter

Published on 12 December 2019inNews

Last updated 14:23, 12 December 2019

iconCopy