November Still to Bring Racing at Cheltenham, Ombudsman’s Swansong and the Return of Golden Ace

The November Meeting at Cheltenham takes centre stage this weekend, with ground conditions changing ahead of three excellent days of jumping action.

Elsewhere, a British Flat star is heading to Japan for one final appearance, while Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle is shaping up into a fascinating early-season championship two-mile contest.

Cheltenham Ground Eases Ahead of November Meeting

Cheltenham’s November Meeting gets underway on Friday, and ground conditions have changed significantly over the past 48 hours.

The official going has eased to good, good to soft in places, following 6mm of rainfall between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, combined with watering. That’s quite a turnaround from the good, good to firm in places reported earlier this week.

Further irrigation is planned for Wednesday and Thursday, although the forecast suggests the three-day meeting itself should remain dry. Temperatures are expected to hover around 7-9°C on Wednesday before dropping below freezing overnight on Thursday and Friday.

The combination of watering, natural rainfall and potentially frosty nights gives punters plenty to consider before committing to their selections.

Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is one of the weekend’s betting highlights, with Meetmebythesea heading the market at 3/1 ahead of Quebecois at 11/2. The remainder are available at 7/1 or bigger.

Meanwhile, Jonbon heads the betting for the Shloer Chase at 6/4, while Kabral Du Mathan is an even shorter-priced favourite for the Arkle Trial.

With the ground continuing to evolve, there could be further movement in the markets before the weekend.

Ombudsman Set for Japan Cup Farewell

One of Britain’s finest Flat performers will make an unexpected final appearance after John Gosden confirmed that Ombudsman will head to the Japan Cup on Sunday 29 November.

The Godolphin colt had appeared destined for retirement following his brilliant victory in last month’s Champion Stakes at Ascot, where he accounted for Calandagan to register his sixth Group One success.

A Breeders’ Cup appearance was considered before connections decided against travelling to the States. His retirement to Kildangan Stud in Ireland was subsequently announced, but there’s now one last international assignment to complete.

A rematch with Calandagan adds extra spice, although the Japanese contingent will be formidable on home turf. This is a first and only step up to a mile and a half for Ombudsman which, in these conditions, should suit well.

Ombudsman is a clear market leader, but this promises to be a much deeper international challenge than his latest assignment.

Golden Ace Faces Tough Fighting Fifth Defence

Former Champion Hurdle heroine Golden Ace is preparing to defend her Fighting Fifth Hurdle crown at Newcastle on Saturday November 28, although the betting suggests another victory will be far from straightforward.

Jeremy Scott’s runner caused a 22/1 upset in last season’s Grade One contest, building on her earlier Cheltenham Festival win. However, she could manage only third on her seasonal return in the Listed Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle last month.

Regular rider Lorcan Williams believes she will need to produce her very best to repeat last year’s Gosforth Park heroics, with 12 horses entered for the £120,000 contest over two miles and one furlong.

Alexei heads a competitive market, with Mydaddypaddy and The New Lion both prominent.

Golden Ace’s 5/1 quote is particularly interesting given her proven Grade One credentials, although she’ll need to improve considerably on her comeback performance to retain her title. That remains possible, and this race could yet cup up significantly before the big day at the end of the month.