ITV Racing Tips: Saturday Double for November Meeting at Cheltenham

Protektorat, 0.5 pts E/W, 10/1, 4 places generally

In the feature race on the card, I cannot understand why three-time Grade 1 winner PROTEKTORAT is available at such big odds given he’s by far the class act in the field, and I can only put it down to the weight.

Nevertheless, many top-weight runners in this contest have performed well, and although it would require a monumental performance to defy a mark of 167, I assume Dan Skelton will leave no stone unturned.

His record first time out reads 221214, with his only disappointment coming when attempting to defend his Betfair Chase crown last year that he won the year before on his seasonal reappearance. 

The nine-year-old won a top-class renewal of the Ryanair Chase over C&D on his penultimate outing, and that is the best form on offer. You can pick holes in many of his rivals, so under a prominent ride, he’s an each-way steal.

Gowel Road, 0.5 pts E/W, 13/2, 4 places generally

It’s been three years since GOWEL ROAD last tasted success in this sphere, but it’s worth noting that his previous hurdle success came on this card, and his record at this time of year is extremely positive.

The tough and durable eight-year-old doesn’t have many miles on the clock and shaped really well when second over C&D on his return three years ago, only finding the thriving The Wallpark too good.

He’s only a pound higher than when he was staying on to finish sixth of 22 in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year and has hardly ever run a bad race in his career to date. 

Considering he absolutely bolted up on his last start over fences off a 2lb lower mark, it’s interesting that connections have persevered with him in this sphere since. I’m hopeful that he can carry the weight to success.