Bangor 1:30.
Cheddleton, yes I said it, Cheddleton. A frustrating horse to follow for two years between 2021-2023, where he was often trying to make all, then just not finishing his races off too well. He was raised to a mark of 149 after winning a novice chase at the end of 2020, so his handicap mark may have been too high for too long. I was really impressed with his win the last day over fences, back on a mark in the 130's, beating the in-form horse of Kim Baileys called The Edgar Wallace. Cheddleton was actually held up off the pace, in first time cheekpieces. He finished the race off well. Jennie Candlish now tests the horse in this class two handicap hurdle, with the cheekpieces applied again, and hopefully another hold up ride where Cheddleton can finish well again.
He does have form over hurdles. There was a run at Haydock at the end of 2022, where he finished behind future winners Stainsby Girl and Benson, with L'Eau Du Sud back in fourth, when he was only a four year old. So Cheddleton's back-form has always been half decent, and while he struggled to get his head in front for two years, I fancy he can win this if he's ridden correctly. I respect Jungle Jack's form with the Morebattle winner, Cracking Rhapsody, and I'd have McCains horse favourite myself. He's short enough though, so I'm looking for the each way bet on Cheddleton. Maybe a reverse forecast is in the pipeline. Jungle Jack to try and make all with Cheddleton picking him up near the finish. That's how I see things.