1.0 Introduction: Setting the Scene for the November Meeting

The roar of the crowd returns to Prestbury Park as the prestigious three-day November Meeting kicks off with Countryside Day. This opening fixture is celebrated for its unique “country fair” atmosphere, a day that honours the work of the Countryside Alliance and serves as a key fundraising event for the equine charity, World Horse Welfare. While the day typically offers a more relaxed start to a high-stakes weekend, this year’s proceedings are set against a dramatic backdrop: the imminent arrival of Storm Claudia.

According to the clerk of the course, Jon Pullin, Gloucestershire is under an amber weather warning, with a forecast of over 30mm of significant rainfall expected to begin on Thursday evening and persist through Friday. This deluge is set to dramatically alter the racing conditions. The current going of “Good to Soft (Good in places)” will almost certainly change to a much more demanding “Soft” surface. This shift places a premium on proven stamina over raw speed and will likely turn the famous Cheltenham hill into a grueling test of attrition, favouring gritty stayers.

Despite the challenging forecast, a superb day of racing is in store, headlined by two Grade 2 contests that serve as important early-season markers. The stage is set for a thrilling, if potentially very muddy, start to one of the standout meetings in the jumps racing calendar.

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2.0 Race-by-Race Analysis: The ITV4 Featured Card

Our detailed preview focuses on the four key races being broadcast live on ITV4, where the combination of quality fields and testing ground promises some compelling contests.

2.1 The 13:45 – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Qualifier)

This ever-popular Veterans’ Chase is a welcome addition to the card, replacing the Cross-Country Chase which was unfortunately cancelled due to unsuitable ground. These races are a fantastic spectacle, showcasing the enduring class and enthusiasm of older horses, and this qualifier is no exception, featuring some familiar and much-loved names.

• Class: Class 2

• Distance: 2m 4f 44y

• Runners: 9

• Prize Money (Winner): £21,784

Key Contenders Analysis

• Fugitif: A true Cheltenham specialist, his strong course record includes a memorable victory in last season’s December Gold Cup over this distance. The Richard Hobson-trained ten-year-old often produces his best efforts when returning from a break, and the commentary that he “regularly excels when fresh” makes him a formidable contender here.

• Mister Coffey: A recognizable name to many, he brings high-class form to the table, having been placed in major festival handicaps and Graded contests throughout his career. His consistency at a high level marks him as a serious player in this company.

• Eldorado Allen: Another seasoned campaigner who will be familiar to fans from his previous Grand National appearances. His presence adds a touch of class and intrigue to a competitive field.

• Lord Baddesley: Arrives in winning form (form 6483-1), having scored just eight days ago. That recent victory means he carries a 7lb penalty, but he is clearly in excellent heart and cannot be discounted.

Verdict and Tip

This looks like an ideal opportunity for a course specialist. The ITV Racing Tip is for Fugitif to make a winning seasonal reappearance.

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2.2 The 14:20 – Sun’s “Save Our Bets” Novices’ Chase (Listed)

This race is a significant test of stamina for novice chasers. Run over a demanding three miles and a furlong, it requires both sound jumping and deep reserves of energy, particularly on the forecast soft ground. Its recent upgrade to Listed status in 2023 underscores its growing importance as a key trial for the staying novice chase division.

• Class: Listed Race (Class 1)

• Distance: 3m 1f

• Runners: 5

• Prize Money (Winner): £23,776

Key Race Trends

Historical stats provide some strong pointers for this contest:

• 11/11 of previous winners were aged between 5-8.

• 11/11 had run at Cheltenham before.

• 9/11 returned 11/2 or shorter in the betting.

• 8/11 ran in the last 3 weeks.

• 4/11 were trained by Paul Nicholls.

Key Contenders Analysis

• Wade Out: Made a very pleasing start to his chasing career with a win at Worcester in October, quickening well to beat a useful rival. He carries a big reputation for the powerful ownership group of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales, and John Done. With jockey Sean Bowen boasting an impressive 20% strike rate over the last fortnight, he is a leading candidate.

• Leave Of Absence: Has the significant advantage of being a previous winner over both this course and distance. That proven ability to handle the track’s unique demands is a major asset.

• Isaac Des Obeaux: Hails from the stable of Paul Nicholls, who has an excellent record in this race with four wins from the last eleven runnings. Any runner from his yard must be respected.

Verdict and Tip

Given his burgeoning reputation and promising debut over fences, the ITV Racing Tip is for Wade Out to take the next step up the ladder.

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2.3 The 14:55 – Shloer Chase (Grade 2)

The feature race of the day, this Grade 2 contest is a vital early-season trial for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March. The race has a rich history of attracting top-class two-milers and has been won by the same horse in consecutive years on four separate occasions, highlighting its appeal to the division’s specialists.

• Class: Grade 2 (Class 1)

• Distance: 1m 7f 199y

• Runners: 7

• Prize Money (Winner): £56,950

Key Race Trends

Past runnings reveal a clear profile for potential winners:

• 15/16 of past winners were officially rated 150 or higher.

• 14/16 won on their seasonal reappearance.

• 13/16 had previously won over fences at Cheltenham.

• Jonbon is the winner of this race for the last two years (2023 & 2024).

Key Contenders Analysis

• Jonbon: The undisputed star of the show. Described by Timeform as a “top-notch” and “supremely consistent chaser,” he is the winner of the last two renewals and bids for a remarkable hat-trick in this race. He returns after a wind operation and represents trainer Nicky Henderson, who has won this contest three times in the last decade. He has never finished outside the first two in his entire career and is the one they all have to beat.

• L’Eau du Sud: A rapidly improving second-season chaser from the in-form Dan Skelton yard. He completed a four-timer last season, culminating in the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick in February, and is a progressive talent who shouldn’t be underestimated.

• Libberty Hunter: The pick for those looking to oppose the favourite. He was “running a big race” in the Champion Chase here in March before taking a fall three fences from home. He has excellent course form, and the return of jockey Harry Cobden, who steered him to a course and distance win last season, is a major positive.

• Edwardstone: A “very smart chaser” who, despite going winless last term, is a previous course and distance winner. He has been placed in the last two renewals of this race and has the class to be involved once again.

Analyst Verdict and Tip

The Timeform “Analyst’s Verdict” is emphatic: “Nicky Henderson’s top-notch JONBON has yet to finish out of the first two throughout his distinguished career and is confidently expected to return in style from breathing surgery and bag a hat-trick in this Grade 2 chase.”

For those looking for value, the ITV Racing Tip is Libberty Hunter in the ‘Without Jonbon’ market.

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2.4 The 15:30 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Registered as The Hyde Novices’ Hurdle, this race is a significant stepping stone for promising young hurdlers with aspirations of returning for the Cheltenham Festival in March. A victory here often stamps a horse as a leading contender for the premier staying novice hurdles.

• Class: Grade 2 (Class 1)

• Distance: 2m 5f

• Runners: 10

• Prize Money (Winner): £47,552

Key Race Trends

This race tends to be won by sharp, in-form prospects:

• 20/20 of past winners had raced within the last 5 weeks.

• 18/20 finished 1st or 2nd on their last start.

• 15/20 were aged 5 years-old.

• 13/20 were last-time-out winners.

Key Contenders Analysis

• Heads Up: Brings top-class bumper form to the table, notably his “excellent second in the Champion Bumper here during the spring.” He made a “perfect start over hurdles” with a win at Listowel and looks a high-class prospect.

• Welonlyhavedone: A promising Irish raider who is unlucky not to be 2-2 over hurdles. He remains “open to improvement,” and the fact that top jockey Keith Donoghue travels over specifically for this ride is a significant vote of confidence.

• No Drama This End: An impressive winner of a Warwick bumper on his Rules debut. He was not disgraced in the Champion Bumper and this “stiffer test promises to suit now switched to hurdles.”

• Great Fleet: Has shaped with plenty of encouragement in his novice hurdle runs. Dropping back in trip is seen as a “good move,” and he is the chosen mount of stable jockey Harry Skelton, who prefers him to stablemate Moneygarrow.

Verdict and Tip

The Sporting Life verdict states: “Irish raiders HEADS UP and Welonlyhavedone both look very promising and they could be the pair to concentrate on. Marginal preference is for the former…”

The ITV Racing Tip is for Welonlyhavedone, who looks to have significant untapped potential.