Cheltenham Open Meeting SmartPlays: Friday November 14

Cheltenham 13:50 - Festive Affair

Festive Affair shaped well in the two-and-a-half mile novices' handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season, jumping boldly and travelling strongly at the head of the field for much of the way, and he should be well suited by dropping back to two miles. There is no doubt that this is a competitive two-mile handicap chase, but Festive Affair is one of few horses that appeals as being potentially much better than his current mark, and, with so few miles on the clock, there should be plenty more to come.

Cheltenham 15:00 - Blaklion 

The unbeaten Blaklion has made a smooth transition to hurdling and he looked an exciting prospect when winning the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle in good style last time. Blaklion was value for more than the winning margin on that occasion having idled close home, and he looks the type that will continue to progress for a while yet. He already sets a good standard, the form of his Chepstow success the best on offer, and should prove difficult to beat. 

Cheltenham 16:05 - Cup Final

The unexposed Cup Final failed to make an impression behind Faugheen in the Neptune Novices' Hurdle at the Festival, but that was clearly an extremely stiff task and he starts life in handicaps from a lenient-looking opening mark. Cup Final is seemingly held in high regard - he was sent off at odds on against Iriving on his hurdles debut prior to being thrown into graded company - and he has shown glimpses of promise, notably at Kempton when finishing third under considerate handling in the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle. It would be little surprise were Cup Final's form to really take off this season, and this looks a good starting point. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
All at Cheltenham

Back Festive Affair @ 8.88/1 in the 13:50
Back Blaklion @ 2.982/1 in the 15:00
Back Cup Final @ 2.6613/8 in the 16:05