".... tomorrow is likely a designated target...."

Thursday, 12th November 2026

“…. tomorrow is likely a designated target….”

In ATC today….

…. I bring you my pick in the big handicap at Cheltenham on Friday….

I’m on GLENGOULY in the 2.55 – up at 5s….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….

Read on….

-----

GLENGOULY could well enjoy a fitness edge in tomorrow’s Jilly Cooper Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham (2.55)….

…. and I’m backing him at the general 5s available this morning….

He’s already been out a couple of times this term for trainer Faye Bramley….

…. at Chepstow over the minimum trip….

…. and in the valuable Sodexo Live! at Ascot a fortnight back – again over the 2m trip….

The 40s about him that last day was about right because he ain’t no 2-miler….

Whilst he had a good spin around the Berkshire track that afternoon….

…. putting it up to the field from the front for a long way….

…. the minimum trip requires him to post fractions that are just too quick for him….

He’s out of his comfort zone at 2m – getting outpaced when the others step on the gas….

…. which can affect his jumping and blunt his finishing effort….

He’s much better at the 2m4f trip he gets tomorrow….

…. where the fractions are that bit slower for him….

….and my view is that the last go was all about a drive for peak race fitness….

Watch how Harry Kimber keeps the horse up to his work in the later stages of the race – showing and using the whip – when the 10yo’s got no chance of winning….

Tomorrow – over the right trip and back at the scene of his career-best win in last term’s December Gold Cup when he was 7lb wrong at the weights – is likely a designated target….

And I like the return of Ben Jones in the saddle….

He knows exactly how to ride this horse….

…. winning on him at Uttoxeter in May….

…. and if the pair get into a rhythm and set the right sort of early factions then they could take a bit of reeling in….

-----

Now, just to recap….

-----

That’s all for now. I’ll be back tomorrow….

Contact me direct at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd