Cheltenham November Meeting Sunday Tips: Three to mount a Serious Challenge

The November Meeting at Cheltenham comes to a conclusion on Sunday with a six-race card featuring the prestigious Greatwood Hurdle.

My Cheltenham November Meeting Sunday tips includes one in the big one - plus a couple earlier in the afternoon.

13:15 - Act Of Innocence @ 3/1

ACT OF INNOCENCE is new to Nicky Henderson's yard and I think it's a bit of a tip in itself that the five-year-old begins his hurdling career at Cheltenham of all places.

He started out in Ireland for Gearoid O'Loughlin and finished third in the Goffs Defender Bumper at the Punchestown Festival on his sole start, before a couple of spins on these shores for Paul Nicholls.

He was fourth in a classy Listed affair on soft ground at Newbury in February, not far behind the likes of Sober Glory (unbeaten and bound for Grade 1 targets in the immediate future) and subsequent Punchestown winner Baron Noir, before opening his account in good style at Taunton the following month.

Gaelic Pride sets the standard of those with form already in the book over hurdles and 2024 Betfred Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly is a fascinating recruit to the National Hunt game, but the selection could be a cut above these.

14:55 - Beauport @ 10/3

This handicap chase over 3m3½f on heavy ground is going to be a proper test of stamina. A grueller.

That instantly puts me off Protektorat carrying 12 stone, and Marble Sands who I'm unconvinced wants this trip even on a sound surface.

Transmission is nine pounds out of the handicap which makes him very difficult to advise, while Nassalam, for as much as he'll enjoy conditions, has been pulled-up three times in a row.

BEAUPORT, on the other hand, has plenty in his favour.

Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies' nine-year-old is a dour stayer, winning the Midlands National over 4m2f on heavy ground last March, and bar a disappointing effort in the Aintree National, which is easily forgiveable, he's been in rude health of late.

His trainers are going great guns too, operating at a 26% strike rate in the past fortnight, and have no problem getting one ready after a layoff.

I'll be surprised if he's not involved in the finish.

15:30 - Serious Challenge @ 6/1

Fergal O'Brien seems to always have a big winner at these early-season Cheltenham meetings and SERIOUS CHALLENGE in the Greatwood could be the one this year.

Opposing the Skeltons for another big pot might prove unwise, but the selection has just as much, if not more going for him than their runner Mirabad.

The five-year-old ran a blinder in the Novices' Championship Final at Sandown back in April after landing a hat-trick in maiden and novice hurdles, finishing fourth of 14, seven-and-a-half lengths off the pace.

He reappeared 183 days later at Aintree a few weeks back, shaping encouragingly, which should have put him spot on for this.

The handicapper has dropped him a pound, which is generous for me, and he should cope with conditions better than most. He beat Gordon Elliott's 125-rated Bowensonfire by a whopping nine lengths in the mud at Ayr in February.

He looks ready to mount a, pardon the pun, serious challenge in the big race of the day.

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