4.00pm Cheltenham Tips & Betting Preview 19/11/2017

A good quality field for this listed bumper with a prize of £11,390. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: AIR NAVIGATOR had no problems with the ground when creating a good impression on debut and can go in for the formidable combination of Tom George and Adrian Heskin. This looks a decent renewal however, Ballygomartin and Crooks Peak should both make bold bids to remain unbeaten under rules and can give the selection most to think about.

1 AIR NAVIGATOR – Won a bumper which is beginning to work out quite well on his only start to date back in February at Exeter. Conditions were soft that day and he seemed to thrive so another big run can be expected.

2 BALLYGOMARTIN – Was relatively unfancied when winning first time up in a bumper but that looked a strong race and he did it well. Has subsequently been bought by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede so he is clearly expected to go on to bigger and better things; interesting.

3 CROOKS PEAK – Bolted up in a reasonable looking bumper on debut and can be expected to take a big step forward from that. Philip Hobbs often has useful bumper prospects and this could be another, should go well.

4 LISDOONVARNA LAD – Was 20/1 on debut but only beaten one and a half lengths and progress is likely. Will need to take a big step forward however as he is one of only a couple to have raced without winning in what looks a good quality field.

5 MAHLERVOUS – Has made just one appearance on a racecourse so far and was beaten almost seventeen lengths into fourth that day. That was probably a decent enough race but he will need to find a tonne of improvement to be winning this.

6 MOUNT BATUR – Was beaten at Uttoxeter on Saturday so doubtful he will take part but yard’s bumper horses are flying this season.

7 RIO QUINTO – Was placed twice in point-to-points before being purchased for £130,000 and sent to Olly Murphy. Clearly well-regarded but will need to be smart to win this first time up in a bumper.

8 ROCKERY GARDEN – Was quietly fancied for his debut but only finished third that day and was beaten far enough. Massive improvement is required if he is to play a prominent role in the finish in this company.

9 SIZING CUSANIMO – Colin Tizzard and Bryan Cooper went close in a bumper in these famous colours at the last Cheltenham meeting and could do again here. Lacks the benefit of a run but needs to be respected for top connections.

10 SKIDOOSH – Beat today’s rival Lisdoonvarna Lad on his only start to date and can be expected to uphold that form today as he did it quite comfortably. Will still need to improve greatly however as this is a much deeper race.

11 VOCARIUM – Wasn’t beaten far by a very smart mare of Willie Mullins at Galway when last seen and any improvement on that form would see her in the thick of things here. She has an experience edge on some of these and that could prove crucial.

12 WOULDUADAMANADEVEIT – Finished second to a Warren Greatrex trained winner on debut and that didn’t look an overly strong bumper. He has been thrown in at the deep end here and might just have too much on his plate.