Top Irish Contenders at November Meeting: Emerging Flat Stayer and Cheltenham Runner-Up
As the Cheltenham November meeting approaches, several Irish contenders are making headlines. Here are the top five horses to watch, each with promising prospects in various races.
Top Irish Contenders at November Meeting
Henry de Bromhead’s Coming Up Easy
Competing in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (2m4f, 2:20 Saturday), Coming Up Easy has seen a dramatic improvement. After facing defeats at the start of his chasing career, he has won three consecutive races since March.
His latest victory came at Killarney with a strong Racing Post Rating of 142, where he finished five-and-a-half lengths ahead of his nearest rival. This versatile horse has triumphed on both heavy and good-to-yielding ground.
Gavin Cromwell’s Rising Star
In the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (2m½f, Grade 2, 12:35 Saturday), Gavin Cromwell’s runner is gaining attention. Formerly with trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy, he has won both starts after transferring to Cromwell’s stable. His last win was an impressive six-and-a-half-length result at Punchestown, highlighting his speed and potential in the juvenile hurdle.
Tony Martin’s Alphonse Le Grande
Alphonse Le Grande is a notable entry in the Valda Energy Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2m½f, 4:00 Friday). The six-year-old has 36 races under his belt, although he has primarily competed on the Flat.
His recent performances include participation in major staying handicaps and a Cesarewitch appearance, where he faced challenges. The competition includes Fortune De Mer, trained by Dan Skelton, who is a strong contender after a successful outing at Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting.
John McConnell’s Heads Up
In the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2m5f, Grade 2, 3:30 Friday), Heads Up emerges as a market leader. He secured his second career victory in September, demonstrating promise with a win in his last starting at a maiden hurdle.
Having also performed well in bumpers, he finished second in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. His primary rival will be No Drama This End, trained by Paul Nicholls.
July Flower’s Chase Ambitions
Henry de Bromhead’s July Flower is set to compete in the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase (2m, Grade 2, 1:45 Saturday). This accomplished mare has won six of her 15 starts, including a notable Grade 1 bumper in France.
Her recent debut over fences was impressive, as she won by 11 lengths at Limerick. De Bromhead believes she may excel in distances ranging from two to two-and-a-half miles.
Conclusion
The Irish contenders at the Cheltenham November meeting offer a wealth of talent. Each horse has unique strengths and compelling stories, making them exciting prospects for the upcoming races. Keep an eye on these athletes as they make their mark across the Irish Sea.
