RIO’S RACING STARS: Cheltenham Saturday

I am writing this before Friday’s action, so let’s hope we haven’t had a bloodbath, even though I did throw in a disclaimer that it’s desperate to find winners on a really tricky card, writes RIO BRYANT.

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CHELTENHAM SATURDAY

12:40 – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

In the first race on Saturday, I think the market might be overlooking one Top Guy at 25/1. A lot of these look strangled by their handicap marks. This lad, off a low weight, can hunt around, although in his first two races this year he wasn’t sighted.

My only worry is that there have been no early snipers in the market, and the Skeltons, if they fancy one, are not drifters! At least they weren’t. I also thought Transmission was well handicapped. He made a terrible error at the first last time and got completely out of rhythm.

I will have a small win bet on Transmission, while backing Top Guy each way.

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1:10 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

This looks like a Fred Winter trial to me. I’m not in the know about who is going to be off for this race, so I wouldn’t want to lead you guys astray. I’ll be keeping my powder dry. Charles Darnay will be hard to beat, and I doubt a lot of these will be wanting to win.

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1:45 – Novices’ Chase

If the battle commences, then let’s sit back and enjoy! I’d be sweet on Kabral Du Mathan.

He’s a proper horse, and I really don’t rate the novice hurdle form from last season. Kabral has had a run, and I think he will be too sharp for Old Park Star, who I can see moving up in trip.

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2:20 – Handicap Chase

I’ll be taking on Meetmebythesea. He’s going to have to run to a near-160 rating first time out to win this. I don’t think he’s a Ryanair horse yet, although he may graduate to that over the season.

Cheltenham lover Matata needs this trip now. He got a great ride last year and goes well fresh. He’s a graded horse in a handicap, so I can see him outrunning his odds at 25/1.

I also think July Flower has to have a massive chance. Her jumping is impeccable, and she just got outstayed over 3m1f. She travels way too exuberantly for that to be an ideal trip.

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2:55 – From The Horses Mouth Podcast Handicap

This is a really weak race, and I think the thorough stayer Gold For Alec is the most solid of these and will be bang there at the finish. That was a good race last time out, and I actually tipped Kitty Foyle at 40/1, who came there swinging but just got outstayed late.

I think Aimeric rates a small danger with the weight swing and his high-class Flat ability. With a good claimer on board, I can see him hitting the frame.

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3:30 – Handicap Hurdle

Wow, how well did Moneygarrow travel in the Bartlett? This trip will be ideal, and the Coral Cup is most likely their long-term target. He will need a few pounds added to get in, so I can see him going well.

I’m going to take my chances on Seamoon Story at 16/1. He’s a progressing horse, and I think he’s got a few up his sleeve yet. However, Moneygarrow rates an excellent chance at a skinny price.

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I have no opinion in the bumper, as there will be rapid progression and a few of these will be chasers down the line.

One more day of a good weekend’s racing to commence. Profitable, I hope. If not, there’s always tomorrow.

Be lucky,

Rio

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RECOMMENDED BETS

BACK Transmission (12.35 Cheltenham) 0.25pts at 7/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Top Guy (12.35 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 18/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Matata (2.20 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 25/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK July Flower (2.20 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 7/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Gold For Alec (2.55 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 5/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Aimeric (2.55 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 10/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Seamoon Story (3.30 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 16/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

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RIO’S PROFIT/LOSS (NOVEMBER 2026): -2.50 points

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Rio Bryant is an exciting up-and-coming racing tipster and YouTube personality, building a growing reputation for his horse racing knowledge, expert selections and engaging online content.

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Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers. Prices correct at time of publication.

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