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Novices impress at Cheltenham's December meeting

Cheltenham's December meeting is often the chance for the novices to enhance their reputation ahead of the Cheltenham Festival later in the campaign.

Cheltenham's December meeting is often the chance for the novices to enhance their reputation ahead of the Cheltenham Festival later in the campaign. And that proved to be the case again this year, as Shanagh Bob, An Bradan Feasa and Ginny's Destiny all did their reputations no harm with victories at the meeting.

Here is a look at the novice races at the Cheltenham Festival that they will be on course to appear at now.

Shanagh Bob Likely to Go Albert Bartlett Route

Nicky Henderson's talented hurdler Shanagh Bob kept up his 100% record in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. In what was a step up in class to Grade Two company, the five-year-old showcased his stamina, scoring over the distance of 3m.

The Seven Barrows runner travelled strongly throughout the race and then had too much speed for his rivals after the final hurdle. The success gives his trainer lots of options for the Festival, with the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, Ballymore Novices' Hurdle and Supreme Novices' Hurdle all likely to be under consideration.

Given how well he performed over the stayers' trip, the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle looks set to be the most likely option now for the five-year-old. He is 16/1 in the ante-post betting for that race and those backing Henderson's runner should take a look at the free bets at Cheltenham this season. For example, you can pick up £30 in free bets with bet365 when you bet £10 on the meeting.

An Bradan Feasa In Triumph Hurdle Mix

In the opening race on day two of the December Meeting, An Bradan Feasa won the Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. He was successful by three lengths in what was a smart performance from Jack Jones' novice hurdler.

The son of Camelot was a winner on the Flat over 2m when in the hands of Joseph O'Brien. He then finished second on his hurdles debut at Cheltenham in the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle. This latest performance means he is likely to jump up to the highest level next.

An Bradan Feasa may return to Cheltenham on Trials Day in late January for a final appearance before the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

Ginny's Destiny A Turners Novices' Chase Player

In what was a second straight success at Cheltenham, Ginny's Destiny won a strong novice chase over 2m4½f. He made virtually all the running in that race under the hands of Harry Cobden, finishing ahead of Grey Dawning.

Ginny's Destiny has shown with his back-to-back Cheltenham victories that he is a serious contender for the Turners Novices' Chase. His trainer won the race last season with Stage Star and the Ditcheat man will be hoping for more success with his latest star novice chaser.

The British horse is likely to face strong challengers from Ireland this season, as Gaelic Warrior and Inthepocket have both made impressive starts to their careers over fences.

The 2024 Cheltenham Festival takes place between 12-15 March, and it looks set to be the best week of the season on the Jumps calendar again.





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