Cheltenham 1.15 – Race Preview

This is a typically fierce 20-runner handicap hurdle over Cheltenham’s demanding 2m 4f trip. Success here often requires proven course form, stamina for the distance (especially up the hill), and an ability to handle the likely good-to-soft or softer ground typical of late October. Several runners look well-handicapped, while others bring progressive profiles.

---

The Main Contenders

1. CLASSIC KING (OR 135)
   • Why he’s a contender: This horse showed serious progression last season, winning a Class 2 handicap before finishing 3rd at Ascot and 2nd at Kempton in similar high-grade events over this trip. He acts well on good/good-to-soft, stays strongly, and represents the powerful Emma Lavelle/Harry Cobden combination. Although top weight (11-12) demands a career-best on his return, he looks a classy sort who could still be improving.
2. EAST INDIA EXPRESS (OR 137)
   • Why he’s a contender: Comes here seeking a hat-trick after winning his last two starts impressively, including a Class 2 handicap over this course and distance in April on good ground. He’s clearly progressive and loves undulating tracks. However, he now carries the absolute top weight (12-0) off a lofty mark of 137 on his seasonal reappearance, which makes life very tough in a 20-runner field.
3. LAST RODEO (OR 118)
   • Why he’s a contender: Very lightly raced with just three hurdle runs, he created a huge impression when bolting up in a maiden hurdle over this trip on soft ground when last seen in February. He looks potentially much better than his opening handicap mark of 118 and receives plenty of weight from the principals (carries 10-9). If ready after an 8-month break, he could be dangerously well-treated.
4. WHATSUPWITHYOU (OR 126)
   • Why he’s a contender: This veteran absolutely loves Cheltenham – his record here reads 9 runs, 5 places. He won nicely at Ludlow in February before finishing an excellent 2nd over C&D in that same April handicap won by East India Express. He stays well, handles conditions, and although 11 years old, he consistently runs his race here. Never underestimate course form.

---

Potential Dangers & Place Chances

• BOWENSONFIRE (OR 131): A very consistent Irish raider from the Gordon Elliott yard. He keeps finishing placed in valuable handicaps in Ireland and ran a fine 3rd in a Listed event last time. Stays well, handles conditions, and looks booked for another solid run.
• FRENCH SHIP (OR 128): Was progressive last season and looked set to run a huge race on his reappearance 13 days ago when falling 3 out while challenging. If that tumble hasn’t affected him, he could be well-handicapped off 128 (carries 11-5).
• THE EXPENSIVE ONE (OR 111): Comes here race-fit and progressive after winning a novice handicap hurdle 18 days ago. Steps up significantly in class but has a featherweight (10-2) and could keep improving.

---

Verdict

A cracking handicap puzzle. East India Express and Classic King bring the class but have hefty weights for their return. The unexposed potential of Last Rodeo off a low weight is very appealing, while course-specialist Whatsupwithyou simply cannot be ignored around here. Irish raider Bowensonfire looks a very solid each-way proposition.

Preference is narrowly for CLASSIC KING, who looked potentially high-class last term and might just have the quality edge if ready first time out. Last Rodeo could be anything and rates the main danger, with Whatsupwithyou and Bowensonfire likely to be involved in the finish.

1. Classic King
2. Last Rodeo
3. Whatsupwithyou