The November Handicap
Among the highlights of the racing calendar is the November Handicap. It is a prestigious race that attracts many top jockeys, trainers and horses from around the country. The race is held at Cheltenham Racecourse in England and is the last race of the month. This is a race that is often won by horses that have competed in a soft-ground race.
Winners come from soft-ground races
Having a day at the races is a great way to relax after a hard day at work. With a wide variety of races to choose from it's a good time to test out the luck o' the gods and see what the lads are up to. While there is no guarantee of winnings you will most likely enjoy the experience with some gusto. For those on the hunt there are many betting houses in the neighbourhood. The competition is fierce so you need to be prepared. With luck your winnings may be in the bank before you know it. The best way to do it is to have an appointment with your mates and enjoy a day at the races on your own terms. Alternatively you could pop over to your local bookmaker and score a few quids. This is a great way to enjoy some quality family time. If you're looking for a more intimate experience there are plenty of pubs in the area. You can even get a boogie at the nearby hotel after work.
Top Ville Ben could be given another go at the Grand National
Despite a hairline fracture, Philip Kirby's Top Ville Ben could be given another shot at the Grand National. The nine-time winner is an outsider for the 2022 Randox Grand National at Aintree and has nine wins to his name. He will carry a lot less weight than he did in his last run at Wetherby, which is one of his best form lines. It's also a good sign that Top Ville Ben has been given a boost over hurdles lately.
The veteran isn't quite the stayer he used to be and he hasn't won since returning from a four-year break. He was pulled up in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time after making a bad mistake four out.
His main problem may be the distance. He will have to improve his jumping on National fences if he hopes to have any success. But he hasn't been tested in the longer trip since the Punchestown Festival last year.
He has shown some positive vibes from his trainer, though. He also has the experience of going the distance and has won two races at Haydock this year. His only defeat has come on a tricky day at the track in February.
Top Ville Ben has a lot to prove at Aintree. He has been running well lately and his form over hurdles should be good enough for him to run a good race on his day. But he is likely to have to show up well over the Grand National distance to have any chance.
Another runner who will be aiming to win the race for the first time is Any Second Now. The grey chaser had a good trial at Fairyhouse this month and is also one of the three grey runners in the 2022 race. The other two are Snow Leopardess and Delta Work.
A third grey runner in the race is Enjoy D'allen. He was bought by JP McManus in the summer and his connections have shown an interest in conserving his chase mark this season.
Line-up includes a contender
Among the line-up of the November Handicap at Doncaster Racecourse this afternoon, there is a good contender for the race. Israr is a 3-year-old colt trained by John and Thady Gosden and is a recent winner of a meeting at Doncaster. It will face older rivals in today's race and will need to perform well to be successful. The ground is already heavy, but it could prove to be a challenge for Israr.
Another contender to look out for is Metier, a 3-year-old who has already won a Grade One contest at Sandown in arduous conditions in 2021. He will also be able to benefit from the heavy ground today. He was fifth in the Lincoln Handicap when the turf season opened in March, and he has run well at Gulfstream Park this season. He will be ridden by Harry Fry, who will be mainly training jump horses during the winter months. Other contenders include Tiz the Bomb, Epicenter and Zandon. This is a good lineup, but there is a good chance that a BROKEN SPEAR will win the race today.