Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (15th November)
1 minute Today's NAP of the day comes from day to of the November Meeting at Cheltenham.
3:30 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Intermediate Handicap Hurdle
ROYAL INFANTRY - 4/1
ROYAL INFANTRY shaped with plenty of promise when finishing a strong third in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow on his seasonal return, travelling notably well through the race before staying on powerfully in a contest that’s already throwing up winners. That was his first start in six months and as his record suggests (1112 on second run of the campaign) he tends to take a big forward step from a pipe-opener. His novice form last year was smart, including a Listed second at Perth behind a Willie Mullins-trained winner and solid efforts in both the Champion Bumper and Top Novices’ Hurdle, so he looks a horse who’s only just beginning to tap into his true potential.
The extra yardage today should suit him ideally given how strongly he finished over 2m3f at Chepstow and conditions at Cheltenham hold no fears with winning form on soft and good to soft. Top weight is rarely a positive in a competitive handicap, but his profile suggests he’s still ahead of the assessor and the Skelton yard remain in excellent form. Harry Skelton knows him well and should be able to ride him with confidence, sitting off a likely strong pace before delivering him late.
