RIO’S RACING STARS: Cheltenham Sunday

Variance is hitting me right in the sweet spot this weekend! It won’t be long before I’m up and running, and a shaky start will all be forgotten! writes RIO BRYANT.

I am going to be more specific about my selections and also take selections from other race cards in the future, wherever they may run.

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CHELTENHAM SUNDAY

2:35 – Marathon Handicap Chase

My first bet at Cheltenham on Sunday comes in the 2:35 marathon. The horse is U Can’t Be Serious. He gets in here off a lovely weight. He was a huge price earlier at 18/1 and is now trading in the 12/1 range, which I think is fair.

He will relish this trip and ground and should be bang there at the finish if the stars want to shine with me for the first time this weekend!

⭐ STARSPORTS.BET HORSE RACING MARKETS ⭐

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3:10 – Greatwood Handicap Hurdle

Next up, the Greatwood. This is an ultra-competitive affair, but I don’t think any of the horses have an eternity in hand unless they improve a bundle.

I think two are overpriced in here and can run well. The first is RACE TO BASE at 25/1, who runs in first-time cheekpieces. I feel like that could light him up, and he should travel sweeter off a quick pace and move through the field. He should be coming home strongly, as I can imagine they’re going to go helter-skelter.

He was 66/1 earlier in the week, which is a real gutter not to have been on that docket!

The other horse in the race who I thought would outrun his odds was GIVE IT TO ME OJ at 40/1. He’s been steadily progressive on the Flat and was travelling very sweetly in the Coral Cup when he was nearly taken out. He’s 8/1 for a place proposition, and the Moores are in fine form.

Being only a five-year-old, it feels as if he’s been around forever due to his Flat career. OJ landed the odds at 20/1 last year, and I can see him doing so again.

⭐ STARSPORTS.BET HORSE RACING MARKETS ⭐

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FONTWELL

Western Cross

One at Fontwell I’m interested in would be Western Cross. I’m convinced this horse, once he learns how to race properly, is going to be a 130-rated performer.

Jack Stenhouse takes 8lb off his back. If this was over the dead 2m, I would class him as a huge play, but because he has a tendency to be a little keen and there’s an extra half-furlong, I am going to be having a smaller play.

He’s a brilliant travelling horse and should handle Fontwell’s tight nature. If he comes on for his run, which should be expected, he’ll go well at 10/3.

⭐ STARSPORTS.BET HORSE RACING MARKETS ⭐

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Cheltenham has been a rollercoaster, as always, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first weekend being part of the STAR team. They have been very supportive and helpful, and hopefully it won’t be too long before the ball drops in our court.

Rio

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RECOMMENDED BETS

BACK U Can’t Be Serious (2.35 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 12/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Race To Base (3.10 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 20/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Give It To Me OJ (3.10 Cheltenham) 0.25pts each-way at 33/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

BACK Western Cross (Fontwell) 0.375pts win at 11/4 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

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RIO’S PROFIT/LOSS (NOVEMBER 2026): -4.00 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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