Tom Bellamy: They Won't See Which Way Kabral Du Mathan Went in the Arkle Trial

With the November Meeting at Cheltenham upon us, Tom Bellamy gave BOYLE Sports his full rundown of the card and the horses catching his eye.

Bellamy has flagged novices Cristal D'Estruval and Hidden Mountain , made the case for Quebecois in the big handicap, and explained why he was blown away by Kabral Du Mathan .

The jockey has also given his verdict on the Shloer Chase , the Triumph Hurdle trial and the Greatwood , before signing off with his nap and an each-way pick.

Novices to Note

Are There Any Novices You've Spotted That Look Handy?

There was one yesterday that caught my eye for Harry Derham up at Carlisle , a horse called Cristal D'Estruval . He won on his chase debut and was pinpoint accurate. I saw a stat that he made eleven lengths from his jumping alone.

Even if he wasn't particularly fast between the jumps, he'll win races; he looks the full package. From a personal perspective, Hidden Mountain for Kim Bailey and Matt Nicholls won at Worcester about two weeks ago. He's a really nice horse. His schooling is taking a bit of time to sharpen up, and he doesn't jump like a Grade One horse yet, but the engine's definitely there.

The Shloer Chase

In the Shloer Chase, Has Anything Caught Your Eye?

You'd love Jonbon to turn up. Every time that horse wins, it seems like a great story. He's owned and trained by the biggest connections, but there's something to love about him; if he turns up, I'd love to see him win.

But one that will definitely turn up and love the ground is Saint Segal . Kieran Gethin rides for Jane Williams . He's a real robust horse and loves a fight, and if you took the classy horses like Jonbon out, it'll really bring him into play.

The Big Handicaps

And the Gold Cup Handicap?

It's a tricky race as always. I do think this year it might lack a Grade One horse; I don't think there's a Grade One winner running in the handicap this year. From a spectator's perspective, that brings the less classy individuals into it. Paul Nicholls ' horse Quebecois was third at the Festival this year off a mark two pounds lower, which is well within his grasp. He goes well fresh, so I don't see why he won't go very well.

And the Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial?

I think if Kabral Du Mathan turns up, they won't see which way he went. Harry Skelton invited me to come in and spectate on the gallops when I was injured, and I saw Kabral Du Mathan school and was absolutely blown away; he was so quick.

I watched him make his chase debut, and he was equally as impressive. Even if Mr Henderson 's horse Old Park Star turns up, having that match practice under his belt will give Kabral Du Mathan the edge.

The Triumph Hurdle Juvenile Trial?

The problem with juveniles this time of year is that the ones who have run a few times in the summer probably aren't up to a particular level, and the ones who waited until the last month, you haven't seen enough of them to make a judgment.

You're better off going for a trainer with a formula that works for these races. James Owen is doing incredibly well; he's got two in there and booked Harry Cobden on one. I'm going to keep it simple and say back the favourite of James Owen 's.

Sunday and the Selections

And on Sunday, the Greatwood?

Harry Fry 's horse Idaho Sun is the obvious one, an unbeaten Grade One winner, but I don't think he'll run if the ground's good. People aren't going to risk these horses at this time of year with Cheltenham 's undulations.

I don't think I'd swap The Kemble Brewery , to be honest; I'd love him to have ten pounds less. It's a lot of weight to carry, but it's two miles, not like it's a slog in the mud. He goes well fresh and has course form.

The Hyde Novices' Hurdle?

Nigel Twiston-Davies has a horse in this, Feracimo , who I ride out for; I'm good friends with both the boys. I thought Feracimo was mightily impressive at Fontwell on his first start, and he's done absolutely nothing wrong.

He's a point-to-point winner and cost quite a bit of money, so they'll be hoping he can pay some of that back. He's one you know will turn up, because he's a good-moving, good-action horse; he'll go on the ground, and Nigel and Willy certainly know how to chuck a dart at a good one.

Can You Give a Nap and an Each-Way Value Pick?

My each-way price would be The Kemble Brewery ; I'm hoping he'll run into a place at least. And my nap is Kabral Du Mathan in the Arkle Trial.

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