Plenty of reasons to smile as Cheltenham takes centre stage

Three days of top-class action at the spiritual home of jump racing starts at Cheltenham this afternoon, with day one of the November meeting taking centre stage.

With three chases, two hurdle races and the spectacle of one race on the cross-country course, the opening day pretty much has all bases covered, including a Grade 2 contest to conclude proceedings.

However, it is the 2m4f novices' chase that is arguably the race of the day, with the highly-touted Finian’s Oscar set to test his credentials against three rivals including quality performers Movewiththetimes and William Henry.

Away from Cheltenham, Newcastle also stages a jumps card, while Lingfield, Dundalk and Chelmsford race on the all-weather.

Going report

Lingfield - first race 11.50
Standard

Newcastle - 12.30
Good, good to firm in places (GoingStick 7.8)

Cheltenham - 12.40
Chase and hurdle: good to soft (GoingStick 6.2)
Cross-country: good (GoingStick 7.1)

Race distance alterations:

Race 1: +88 yards
Race 2: +56 yards
Race 3: +46 yards
Race 4: +30 yards
Race 6: +58 yards

Dundalk - 5.30
Standard

Chelmsford - 5.45
Standard

Market movers

1.40 Newcastle: Gris De Pron into 11-4 (from 7-2)

3.10 Lingfield: Wild Flower into 11-2 (from 13-2)

3.45 Lingfield: Quite A Story into 7-2 (from 9-2)

What to back

It only takes ten seconds for Nick Watts to reveal Friday's best bet at Cheltenham . . .

What to read

The BHA has bee criticised after jockey Daryl Jacob escaped with a caution for an altercation at Cheltenham last month.

Ian Williams is set to roll the dice again with Elite Hurdle winner London Prize in Sunday's Greatwood Hurdle.

Frankel's jockey Tom Queally is to ride in California this winter and is even eyeing a permanent switch to the US

What to watch

Cathal Beale was appointed as the Irish National Stud's chief executive in July. Here he speaks to the Racing Post's Martin Stevens three months into his tenure.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Mark Langdon has the lowdown on Friday's Sky Bet Championship match featuring Preston v Bolton.

Final thought

Alan Potts enjoyed the ultimate victory over jumps when Sizing John landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, and it would be a poignant moment should the same silks be carried to victory by either Shanahan's Turn, Finian’s Oscar or Vision Des Flos at Prestbury Park on Friday after the owner sadly passed away earlier this week.