Talking Horses: Friday’s best bets at the Cheltenham November meeting


The Nicky Henderson-trained William Henry (2.25) can upset hot favourite Finian’s Oscar in the most interesting race of the day at Cheltenham

Alan Potts was one of the biggest supporters of National Hunt racing in recent seasons and many racegoers at Cheltenham will pause to reflect on his contribution to the sport on Friday as the late owner’s familiar red, green and yellow colours go to post for the first time since his sudden death on Monday.

Potts enjoyed his finest moment at the track eight months ago, when Sizing John and Robbie Power finished nearly three lengths in front of Minella Rocco in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Finian’s Oscar, a Grade One winner over hurdles last season, is the horse in the string with the most obvious potential to reach a similar level over fences, and he will be the favourite at around even money when he lines up for this afternoon’s two-and-a-half mile novice chase, a race with a fine record for highlighting top-class chasing prospects.

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