Cheltenham Early Declarations – Friday 13th November 2015

We bet everyone is excited for the return of Cheltenham this season with the Open Meeting taking place this Friday, and so we’ve had a look to pick out 7 big names to (hopefully) look forward to running this Friday!

More Of That (1.40pm)

We kick off with one of the most exciting prospects of the season, let alone the weekend; the return of More Of That and his transition to the bigger obstacles. The 2014 Cheltenham Festival World Hurdle winner shocked a few to remain unbeaten at 15/2, but his return in November 2014 saw that run end. After a wind operation and then breaking a blood vessel, he hasn’t been seen for nearly a full year but is a very exciting chasing prospect.

Bachasson (2.15pm)

Bachasson is four out of four over hurdles and was two for three in bumpers over in France. His largest SP for Mullins has been 5/4 and this would be his biggest test yet, but Three Stars boosted the form of his Grade 3 win by winning his own Grade 3 yesterday from Thomas Hobson and Tycoon Prince.

Long Dog (2.15pm)

Sticking with the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle, and also with Willie Mullins, Long Dog is five wins from six including a simple Grade 3 win at Limerick last time out. Any horse who can be sent off 1/7 for a Graded race is worthy of immense respect and he holds a rating of 148 already.

The Saint James (1.40pm)

Barry Geraghty is booked to ride the likeable The Saint James in the two and a half mile Novices chase. This four year old made an impression at big odds in the Fred Winter at the Festival, finishing a solid 3rd after staying on late, and he gets a nice weight allowance here. He has previous chase experience in France as a 4 year old and promises to be something special back over fences.

Any Currency (2.50pm)

Well fancied for the Glenfarclas Handicap Chase at the Festival back in March, he ran an absolute blinder carrying 11-11 off a mark of 149 to finish 2nd behind Rivage D’Or. Back at Cheltenham’s Cross Country course he again carries 11-11 (this time off 152) and will be sure to have plenty of fans.

Bold Henry (1.05pm)

Anyone who remembers last year’s meeting will remember Bold Henry, who stayed on strongly despite jumping poorly to take the opening race. He’s entered in the same race this year off 9 pounds higher and after struggling in every race after his win last season Philip Hobbs will be hoping the break will have had a positive effect.

Ericht (4.00pm)

Everyone knows Ericht; often well fancied, even in big races, but last season wasn’t a good one for him and he’s now not win since February 2014. He’s down in the weights to just 130 and showed more down in class last time out, and the card closing amateur riders’ handicap could be time for him to get his second chasing win.

The Others

There’s plenty more of exciting horses out, especially in the 2.50pm Cross Country Chase – Sire Collonges, Saint Are, Uncle Junior, Urano, Quantativeeasing, Dogora and more all line up, while we’ve also missed out horses like Dell’ Arca and Fox Nortion who run in the 1.40pm Novices Chase.