Favourite Induno continues to shorten for opening race at Cheltenham

Induno has been well supported to give favourite backers a flying start to Cheltenham's November meeting.

The David Pipe-trained runner could be leniently treated on his handicap debut off a mark of 115, with jockey Fergus Gillard also claiming 6lb, and has been cut into 15-8 (from 5-2) for the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle (1.15).

A pair of runners trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies have also been trimmed in the betting this morning, with Mossy Fen into 5-2 (from 11-4) for the 2m4f novice chase (2.25) and One True King shortened into 7-2 (from 11-2) for the concluding novice handicap hurdle (4.05).

Market movers

1.15 Induno 15-8 (from 5-2), Silent Assistant 12-1 (from 14)
1.50 Beat The Judge 9-2 (from 6)
2.25 Mossy Fen 5-2 (from 11-4)
3.00 Vino Royale 12-1 (from 14), Little Bruce 25-1 (from 33)
4.05 One True King 7-2 (from 11-2), Art Approval 10-1 (from 12)

There was no overnight rain reported at Cheltenham before the start of the three-day November meeting, although conditions could ease before racing begins this afternoon.

The going on the hurdle and chase courses is described as good to soft, good in places, while it is good, good to soft in places on the cross-country course.

Rain had arrived at the track this morning and, speaking just before 7.30, clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "The going on the chase and hurdle courses has been left at good to soft, good in places, and the cross-country good, good to soft in places.

"In the last 45 minutes, the expected rain has begun to fall and should be over by 9am this morning. Depending on how much we get those ground conditions may ease before racing starts at 1.15."

The mouthwatering highlight of six races on day one is the cross-country rematch between four-time Cheltenham Festival winner Tiger Roll and the horse who left him 17 lengths behind in March, Easysland (3.00).

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Chieftain's Choice is the only non-runner on the card, with connections citing the going as the reason for his absence from the opening race (1.15).

Read more on Cheltenham's November meeting:

1.50 Cheltenham: Possible Champion Chase clues in an ultra-competitive handicap

2.25 Cheltenham: Keith Melrose casts his expert eye over fascinating four-runner contest

3.00 Cheltenham: Robbie Power: Tiger Roll the underdog but prep run hopefully an advantage

3.35 Cheltenham: Smart stayers of the future clash in intriguing Grade 2 novice

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips at Cheltenham on Friday

Paul Kealy's must-have banker at Cheltenham on Friday

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