November Meeting at Cheltenham

Cheltenham, Saturday 12 November: Seven top-class steeplechase races are on the programme on the second day of the November Meeting at Cheltenham. In focus is the Trial for the Arkle Challenge Trophy (3rd race/14.45pm/60,000 pounds/3199m).

Monmiral (Harry Cobden), run by Paul Nicholls for the first time over the chasing jumps, will be in contention for victory. The five-year-old made his last start in April. He finished a strong second in the Aintree Hurdle (Group 1). Joseph O`Brien saddles Banbridge (J. Slevin), who impressively demonstrated his quality for the upmarket chase races last time out at Gowran Park in a Beginners Chase, winning by eight and a half lengths. Tommy`s Oscar (Danny McMenamin) made a successful comeback at Carlisle, though he only had to beat one rival. Prior to that he ran here during the Festival and did not finish beyond the back third in the Champion Hurdle (Group 1). Pentland Hills` (Nico de Boinville) triumph at Huntingdon was even more curious. In a Novices Chase he was the only horse to compete, before that he won over the flat course. Glory And Fortune (Stan Sheppard) has not yet particularly distinguished himself in chase races, but is conceivable in front judging by his honours finish in the Christmas Hurdle (Group 1). Sole Pretender (Simon Torrens) was third in the Christmas Hurdle in October, not far behind the leaders.