Katie Midwinter's tips: Buddy can be a punters pal at Cheltenham

Our Tipstar champion Katie Midwinter has three fancies for day two of The November Meeting plus a fancy in a hot novices' chase at Navan.

2.20 Cheltenham: Il Ridoto

He’s the most experienced chaser in the Paddy Power Gold Cup field despite being the youngest. Il Ridoto performed well in similar contests last season and finished fourth in last year’s renewal when rated 4lb lower on his seasonal.

Now running off a mark of 144, the capable Freddie Gingell claims a useful 5lbs aboard the six-year-old gelding, which could make all of the difference. Despite lacking Grade One level form, the Paul Nicholls-trained contender is open to further progression. He holds strong each-way claims.

2.55 Cheltenham: Buddy One

Irish raider Buddy One has been in fine form this year with two wins plus placed efforts at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree Grand National meeting.

Attempting this three-mile trip for the first time, the six-year-old gelding made light work of his opponents in a recent victory at Galway over 2m6f, suggesting he possesses plenty of stamina to see out the extra two furlongs of this contest.

Softer ground will suit and, with course experience in his favour, he has an excellent chance of claiming the prize under 7lb claimer Jack Gilligan.

3.15 Navan: Facile Vega

An exciting beginners’ chase is on the agenda across the Irish Sea with four-time Grade One winner Facile Vega making his chase debut at Navan.

The son of Que Vega faces stiff opposition in the form of Aintree Grade One winner Inthepocket, as well as the promising Saint Felicien, but the talented Willie Mullins-trained gelding has shaped as though he will improve plenty over the larger obstacles and can make a winning start to his chasing career.

3.30 Cheltenham: Another Choice

The penultimate race on the card at Cheltenham is an interesting hurdling contest is, in which Matthew Smith's Another Choice makes plenty of appeal sporting first-time cheekpieces.

The six-year-old gelding finished fourth behind formidable opponents in a competitive handicap at the Galway Festival in August before another fourth-placed finish at Punchestown, when the progressive Getaway Charlie took the spoils.

The runner-up that day was Stuzzikini, now rated 135 following a 31-length victory over Kim Muir Challenge Cup winner Angels Dawn at Clonmel. Off a mark of 124 with 7lb claimer James Smith aboard, Another Choice is an enticing double- figure price at current odds. He is capable of making his presence felt on his British debut.