Sean Bowen Friday rides blog: 'I am excited to see this horse back on the New Course'

Sean Bowen has five rides at Cheltenham on Friday, December 12, 2025. The Coral ambassador previews them all in his latest blog.

• French Emperor - Cheltenham - 1.15 race odds

• Herakles Westwood - Cheltenham - 1.50 race odds

• Courtland - Cheltenham - 2.25 race odds

• Statuario - Cheltenham - 3.00 race odds

• Long Draw - Cheltenham - 3.35 race odds

Cheltenham 1.15 – French Emperor

French Emperor has been in great form this season. I loved his performance last time at this course, where he stayed on strongly at the finish. He may need to improve again, as he has gone up 7lb for that victory, but he clearly enjoys it at Cheltenham, so I would not rule him out doing that.

 Cheltenham 1.50 – Herakles Westwood

We would have preferred it if L’Homme Presse was not in this race, as it means we are now 9lb out of the handicap. My horse has performed well in a couple of handicaps at Cheltenham before, with his best run arguably being last time here on soft ground. I think this is going to be a tough task for him, so it may require a career best.

Cheltenham 2.25 – Courtland

Courtland has been a grand old boy for us. He has been in good form this season without winning, with three second places in his last five starts. He is a horse that deserves to get his head in front. Hopefully, the ground will dry up for him as he wouldn’t want it too soft.

Cheltenham 3.00 - Statuario

Statuario has run some big races around Cheltenham’s Cross Country Course. He has been out of the handicap a couple of times, but fortunately, he is now back in the handicap. His last run at Fontwell was disappointing, so he does need to bounce back from that. If he is going to produce his best anywhere, it is probably going to be at this racecourse. 

Cheltenham 3.35 – Long Draw

I am excited to see Long Draw back on the New Course at Cheltenham. I think he is a much better horse on the New Course compared to the Old Course. The emphasis is on stamina on this track, and that is a huge benefit to him. The Old Course has just caught him out for a speed a couple of times. I think he will have a big chance of winning this race for the second straight year.

View the latest horse racing odds and specials.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.