Our star daily duo Rory Delargy and David Massey are back with a look ahead to Friday's racing including the ITV action from Cheltenham.
Racing betting tips: Friday December 12
1pt win L'Homme Presse in 13:50 Cheltenham at 11/2 (Ladbrokes, Coral) - min 9/2
1pt e.w. Placenet in 15:00 Cheltenham at 12/1 (General 1/5 1,2,3,4) - min 10/1
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13:50 Cheltenham
A competitive renewal, with L’HOMME PRESSE attempting to defy a lofty mark of 162. That doesn’t sound easy, but top-class chasers have a remarkably good record when conceding lumps of weight in handicaps, and the bottom line is that Richard Pitman’s old line “weight stops trains” is not great betting advice.
King Turgeon and Henry’s Friend are opposable away from Aintree and Ascot respectively, while Cruz Control has shown best form on flat tracks and may still be high enough in the weights; he looks like one for later in the season, and preference is for L’Homme Presse to concede weight successfully.
14:25 Cheltenham
We were with Eldorado Allen when he scored here last time out and whilst a 5lb rise for that all-the-way win is more than acceptable, the 11-year-old is going to face some pace pressure with a combination of Torn And Frayed, Courtland, Copperhead and Seddon, all potential spoilers for a horse who enjoys to dominate.
Fugitif seemed badly in need of the run in Eldorado Allen’s race here last month, travelling as well as anything but not finding as much as looked likely from the turn.
He ought to strip a lot fitter here and looks well treated from a 7lb lower compared to when making the frame in this last year, and everything looks teed up for a big run from the Hobson gelding.
15:00 Cheltenham
It’s worth noting that the cross-country course, which is difficult to water evenly, is riding “good, good to firm” at present. I’ve already had an ante-post bet here; the 20/1 about PLACENET looked very big earlier in the week, and I’ve taken a bit of that.
David Cottin has a more obvious contender in Iceo Madrik, but that gelding has his quirks and Placenet looks a very strong second-string.
A winner of the Grote Steeplechase de Vlanderen at Waregem last year, he was second in the same race this time around and he’ll have no issues with conditions. He did run out in the Gran Premio de Merano last season, but was taking a grip of his jockey, who was unable to steer him, and I’m inclined to view that as rider error rather than a sign of temperament.
His trainer has an excellent record in such races and if Placenet was his only runner here, I could see him challenging for favouritism.
La Touche winner Busselton has an obvious chance here, his mark looking fair, and the going no problem, while Latenightpass completes the shortlist for exotics. The latter is following much the same pattern as last year having again had wind surgery prior to a confidence boosting return, before coming here.
He was third in this last year from a 2lb higher mark and while he’s into the veteran category now, age has rarely been a barrier to success on this unique circuit.
Preview posted 09:28 GMT on 12/12/25
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2025 successes
- Rossbridge 9/2
- Kala Conti 5/2
- Found A Fifty 100/30
- Hold Up La Colmine 9/2
- Ben Solo 9/2
- Eldorado Allen 17/2
- French Emperor 15/2
- Lud'or 9/2
- Iddy Wood 9/2
- Jager Time 11/2
- Susie Sioux 3/1
- Smooth Silesie 13/2
- Sticktotheplan 6/1
- Daryz 11/1
- Expressionless 9/1
- Blue Jay Way 11/1
- Revival Power 13/2
- Yanifer 10/1
- Saddadd 5/2
- Dark Cloud Rising 11/2
- Forglen 13/2
- Brazilian Belle 11/4
- Red Panda 17/2
- Bearwith 7/2
- Nogo’s Dream 2/1
- Alpha Magic 20/1
- Minnie Hauk 5/1
- Gore Point 17/2
- Molten Sea 6/1
- Pay Attention 5/1
- Laser Focus 13/2
- Phaedra 2/1
- Eldrickjones 8/1
- Straight F/C Cosmic Year/Marvelman 28/1
- Pink Eyed Pancho 12/1
- Pep Talking 7/2
- Ultra Beat 7/2
- Les's Legacy 13/2
- Coniston George 9/2
- Fairlawn Flyer 12/1
- Finn Lough 9/2
- Magma Sam 9/1
- Hawajes 9/2
- Trouble Man 3/1
- Royal Jewel 11/4
- Mr Vango 5/1
- Jack Sprat 11/4
- Ormolulu 100/30
- Khangai 9/2
- Jimmy Knocker 6/1
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