4.05 Cheltenham Swing Bill 16/1 Although David Pipe's other runner in the race has been heavily backed into favouritism from a double figure price, I think his 11 year old grey Swing Bill looks a far better value call in a race he won last year off this very mark and also a race he came 2nd in back in 2010. He comes here on the back of a break (just like he did last year) and although his form at the back end of last season was pretty discouraging I'm hoping his break has freshened him up and given his performances in the last 2 year I don't see why he won't be fully wound up for this. Starting with last years race, Swing Bill won very impressively off his current mark of 134 by 7L (a further 12L back to the 3rd) under a fantastic ride from Tom Bellamy. Sitting midfield, he made a bad blunder that surely would have sapped a fair bit of energy from him but he still had more then enough left in the tank to win going away. The form of that race was franked in no uncertain terms with the 2nd Stewards House winning on his only subsequent start off the same mark in a better race. Swing Bill ran another fine race on his next outing a week after this triumph off a mark of 141 under a huge weight of 12-1 where he finished a gallant 7.5L beaten 3rd. Again, the form of that race looks very solid with the 2nd Fruity O Rooney winning his next start impressively off the same mark before running an absolute blinder off a 5lb higher mark at the Cheltenham Festival when finishing runner up in the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase. For the rest of last season, Swing Bill took in a very adventurous calender last season that included the Kym Muir, Grand National and Bet365 Gold Cup where it is understandable that he struggled. His final start came over a trip that was probably too short at Worcester in June where he was pulled up and I'm hoping the break has reinvigorated him and that, once again, David Pipe has him spot on for this. In this Amateur Riders handicap, Mikey Ennis takes the ride and claims 5lb off his back. I've watched back a couple of his races and he seems a confident rider who looks rather adept at judging how much horse he has under him. I do have a niggling doubt about his ability to ride out a finish but he would be one of the more experienced jockeys in the field. I am, however, a little concerned that he is 0-17 for David Pipe but a top trainer wouldn't continue to utilise him if he wasn't confident in his abilities so I'm hoping this race has been earmarked for this amateur rider to land his first success for him. Back to his last winning mark in this race last year, I definitely think Swing Bill is on a mark he can exploit (even another year older) and he truly demolished this field last year. If his break over the summer has revitalised him, I'm confident that the return to Cheltenham will bring about a much improved performance and I think he has a good chance of landing this for the 2nd consecutive year at a lovely price with David Pipe having a fantastic record at this meeting.
Categorical & Lukie in the last races at Chelts & The Toon both EW Glee happy with his mounts at Wolfs the nite.Contributor, Someones Darling, Music Festival and Silver Dixie been the best of the Bunch Stay Frosty
As dawn broke on my 56th year on this wonderful land made for National hunt racing I opened a card and out dropped tickets for the Marstons beer festival meeting at Uttoxeter tomorrow. Couldn't wish for better, apart I suppose from some nice Cheltenham winners today, to provide investment for all those healthy recommendations you are going to provide for tomorrow. All in all should be a cracking weekend.
Chelt 2.25 Magic Spear 25/1 Though I like Dodging Bullet's chances in this race, as an each way thief I'm tempted to a have little dabble on this. Colm Murphy is very adept a returning home with some prize money with his Cheltenham runners.
Morning all, I have done the double that many have already placed, Fingal Bay and Dodging Bullets but it is the handicap hurdle that has the horse that I have backed most heavily. Tartan Di Sarti impressed me at the season opener at HQ and I think the trip today is far more suitable and his handicap mark looks very fair. He seemed to click late that day and stormed up the hill after being outpaced, and if he gets the breaks I can see him winning this very nicely.
I'll be taking on Fingal Bay, a horse who imo flattered to deceive last season. Can't have him at a short price after one (admittedly impressive) run over fences at Chepstow, a track that favours stamina over speed. Dynaste is pretty well regarded by the Pipe dynasty, was highest rated of these over hurdles, and gets 5lb from the favourite.
Thanks folks, Nass the 3:35 is a tricky old race but 365 are betting 5 places so a little scrutiny has has dictated a bigger priced hope in Coffee 16/1, Johnjo is a wiley character and he knows Chelt more than most. It's a bit of a pin sticker though. My place pot will be, Fingal Bay, Kid Cassidy, Dodging Bullets, Uncle Junior, Coffee and Jewel of the West (purely as Nina@s on board!)
To those of you possibly suffering withdrawal symptoms for AS, he is in full flow on TH at the moment . And it's a real surprise that he's talking about Arkle. Trouble is I'd say he was coming off very much second best. He is also confirming a theory I've long held that yes he is an Arkle fan but his first real love was Mill House. And you know how some people always feel about their first girlfriends.
Little bit gutted today because the 3.00 Chelt is missing it's most famous competitor. Garde Champetre sad times to think he's no longer with us!
Good morning all, and a happy birthday to you Niksboy... What a prezzie... Marstons beer and racing... Superb... Just my picks from the Cheltenham card for now... 1.15 - Fingal Bay, 11/8 1.30 - Silver Roque, 6/1 2.25 - Dodging Bullets, 11/10 3.00 - Outlaw Pete, 10/1 3.35 - Saint Roque, 11/2 4.05 - Hunters Lodge, 6/1 No bets placed yet, but i will be... Good luck to all today where ever you put your money...
Absolutely Nam. Always had a good run for your money with Garde Champetre. He and Spotthedifference have really brought this race along.
The Morgiana final decs are out. Only 4 runners with Hurricane Fly, Go Native, Captain Cee Bee and Unaccompanied. Where's the pace coming from?
All the best Niksboy, nearing the big 60 the new 40's im told !!!!!!!!!! Off this afto so stuck in front of the TV and Lap Top with a large Brandy & Port, Lunch is for Boys
Fingal Bay @ 11/8 (GP) 13:15 NOVICES CHASE 2m 4f 110y Dodging Bullets @ 5/4 (GP) 14:25 NOVICES HURDLE 2m 110y Orphee Des Blins @ 6/1 (GP) (get on this its a monster) 15:00 CROSS COUNTRY CHASE 3m 7f Titan De Sarti @ 4/1 15:35 HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 5f Accy and Lucky Lukie @ 9/1 (GP) 15:45 NAT HUNT FLAT MAIDEN 2m Categorical @ 16/1 (GP) 16:05 HANDICAP CHASE 3m 110y EW Cross & Double Early Bets for me Good Luck All Stay Frosty
Have a Great Day Nass, get on Categorical EW, that hill wont be a prob, might not win but is defo defo up for it
