Trying to get more details but it looks as if the official preview from Cheltenham will be streamed live online on the evening of Sunday 10th March and there will be a chance to submit questions to the panel from your computers.
Cheltenham preview on 5live right now (started at 9) Live twitter preview here right now. https://twitter.com/TheJockeyClub/cheltpreview Am following both.
Bob's worth has never been headed in any race once he's hit the front #bbcradio Hurricane fly is 9. Only 2 9yo winners of Champ Hurdle since sea pigeon Lots of love for Un Atout on twitter. Not keen on Monksland. Flattered by beating a non stayer at Leop. Could improve, but his trainer's Cheltenham record is awful. As for the rest of Thursday, Cantlow wherever he runs - hopefully it's the Kim Muir #CheltPreview
Am only posting things I find intersting or others might (Stick re Cantlow, Toppy Monksland ect) Go to this site for better write up http://www.fatjockey.com/forum/show...eltenham-Festival-Preview-Night-Reports/page7 or just read the tweets yourself!
Brian Flanaghan Ruby bursts out laughing when people suggest zarkandar is a better horse than The Fly. Grandouet the danger for me Declan Danaher: MTOY way too short on Nh's record in the race. Think a stayer wins the race because they go way too quick. Champagne fever! This is a great point imho. Think Al Ferof outstaying Cue Card, SS and SS. Also, MTOY but he was helped by a lack of early pace. Likely to be a very different test in the Supreme. Onto the Cheltenham Bumper at @PaddockPreview. An Irish shrewdie told me to keep an eye out for Golantilla #CheltPreview Liz Doyle has said that Le Vent D'Antan works as well as Cheltenian did when she had him. #cheltprevie
Lee Mottershead ‏@leemottershead Very much like Edeymi if he gets in the Coral Cup. If not, very much like Edeymi in the Martin Pipe. Very much like him. #cheltpreview Expand 59 mins George Primarolo ‏@GeorgePrimarolo @leemottershead Oh yes. There was definitely another day in mind at Leopardstown last time out #CheltPreview Expand 58 mins Lee Mottershead ‏@leemottershead @GeorgePrimarolo Do you know, I thought so too! A wise man told me to look at the race and I think he was right. #cheltpreview Hide conversation Reply Retweet Favorite More 12:49 p.m. - Feb 28, 2013 · Details 57 mins George Primarolo ‏@GeorgePrimarolo @leemottershead Cracking effort in last year's Fred Winter too. It all seems so straightforward. Bound to lose now #CheltPreview ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Mottershead ‏@leemottershead Also hoping to be smiling after finale thanks to Alderwood. Having said that, was hoping for same last year with Kid Cassidy. #cheltpreview Expand 3 mins Francis Keogh ‏@HonestFrank Getting Out Stakes: Respected Irish man-in-the-know @HeraldRacing tells me Alderwood in Grand Annual his Cheltenham nap #CheltPreview
Originally posted by Beaker1 on boards.ie an alternative Bangor Report CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENING at BANGOR-ON-DEE RACEOURSE Thursday, February 28th leading trainer Donald McCain (DM), Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ), Jumping Prospects author John Morris (JM) and broadcaster and commentator Stewart Machin. Darren Owen acted as the genial host. As we covered Stewart’s comments fromWarwicklast week and the same races were analysed and he did not deviate from his views, there is no real point to simply repeat his thoughts. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’m a big fan of Melodic Rendezvous and would love to see Jeremy Scott have a Festival winner as he is a hell of a trainer. My Tent Or Yours only won a handicap last time and McCoy can make one look better than they are. I sometimes question what a strong-travelling Henderson horse will find off the bridle. He has so many high class horses with a high cruising speed but I just wonder if they battle? Am I being unfair? Melodic Rendezvous is not ground dependant and will do for me. PJ: My Tent Or Yours is already rated 10lbs above the figure Cinders And Ashes recorded when winning the Supreme last year and I can see him winning easily. However, history tells us the Supreme hasn’t been a great race for supposed good things and I would rather look at Dodging Bullets each-way, who is only 5lbs behind the favourite and has impressed at the course twice this season for a yard with two recent wins in the race. JM: My Tent Or Yours is too short. I didn’t think they went a great pace early on at Newbury so he was well positioned and I felt many of them gave up in the straight. I felt that Jezki was the real deal before My Tent Or Yours overtook him as favourite and see no reason to desert him now he is a bigger price as a result. I think a lot of Melodic Rendezvous bit will stick with Jezki who blew away a good field a Christmas. Racing Post Arkle Trophy DM:We decided before the start of the season that Overturn had to school exceptionally to go chasing and if he made one error at home he would go back to hurdling. He was very good on his chase debut at Sandown but running him over 2m4f atDoncastermeant we couldn’t see him at his best. It was only until Musselburgh that Jason could really put the gun to his head and we expected Tetlami to go with us for longer but he was out of his comfort zone at the pace Overturn was going early on. Overturn and Simonsig are like chalk and cheese. Simonsig does everything on the bridle and as far as I could see he has only had two schools in his races this season as Hinterland was not put in the Kempton race. He might be a superstar but he will never have been in a race like this before and it will be interesting to see what he finds when he has to come off the bridle, which he will do here. PJ:As much as I love Overturn I think he is a horse vulnerable when taking on the very best and Simonsig could be exceptional. Much will depend on when Maguire decides to throw in a huge leap and kick immediately after it and take advantage of freewheeling downhill like in last year’s Champion Hurdle but I don’t think Simonsig will have any problems sitting within five lengths of Overturn and I’m not sure that will be enough. I can’t have Arvika Ligeonneire on my mind at all. JM:Simonsig is 8/11 and Overturn is 11/4 so there can only be one bet. Overturn is a complete natural over a fence whereas I am not sure yet whether Simonsig is and we know he is more battle-hardened than the favourite and we don’t yet know what Simonsig finds when asked. As a punter, at those prices it can be only be Overturn. Stan James Champion Hurdle DM:Cinders And Ashes has not had the opportunity to show what he can do since he won the Supreme as the ground has been all against him. He worked very nicely here yesterday. I wouldn’t be as confident as I was when Peddlers Cross and Overturn finished second in the race but I do feel he represents good each-way value as you can put a line through Newcastle as the main aim was to get a run into him on virtually unraceable ground and the ground was then very testing at Kempton. We pinched a Grade 2 on heavy ground as a novice but Jason told me afterwards not to run him on it again. I was against Hurricane Fly the year he won and even more against him when I saw him in the paddock but I am now his biggest convert and I don’t think any of the British runners will beat him. I think both he and Peddlers Cross had an off year last season off the back of their battle in this race two years ago. PJ:I was a big Grandouet fan until he missed the Kingwell but I like everything to go smoothly ahead of a championship race so one run in 15 months has to be considered far from ideal and I’d rather the yard were talking him up rather than Binocular. Hurricane Fly is just a little short for me and I’m worried whether Zarkandar will be as effective on the Old Course as he is the New Course where he won the Triumph and International by outstaying his rivals. I don’t think you can kick Rock On Ruby out of the three on his overall form, Cheltenham profile and being much better in bigger fields so 6/1 makes each-way appeal but I am thinking of making him my main bet of the race to place only at odds-against as I can’t see three horses finishing ahead of him. JM:I’ve been so impressed with Hurricane Fly who looks back to his very best. I saw Cinders And Ashes gallop yesterday and that was the best he has looked when I have seen him this season. I have time for Zarkandar who is unbeaten this season and I think will improve again but Hurricane Fly is going to take all the beating. Reply With Quote 03-01-2013, 05:20 PM #75 Rhinestone Cowboy Senior Member Join Date Feb 2012 Posts 423 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’ve got to be honest I’ve not seen Pont Alexandre. I’ve been impressed with Taquin Du Seuil though who is improving with every run though he does have quite a high knee action. Whether he needs it deep, I don’t know. PJ:No strong view except that I will be surprised if one of the front three in the market doesn’t win. Hard not to be impressed with Pont Alexandre but his two wins for Willie Mullins have been dominating tiny fields in heavy ground so this will be a different experience. Jonjo O’Neill is adamant that despite his high knee action that Taquin Du Seuil will improve for better ground but all 13 Challow runners to run here have been beaten. Oddly enough I was more impressed with The New One’s defeat at Cheltenham when outstayed by At Fishers Cross than his easyWarwickwin and he would have won at Cheltenham with a better timed ride. His turn of foot could be the telling factor if used at the right time. JM:The Irish won’t hear of defeat for Pont Alexandre and he will be well backed and start favourite for a race in which favourites traditionally have a good record. Taquin Du Seuil is an improving sort and Jonjo’s best chance of the meeting but he will have to be very good indeed to beat Pont Alexandre. RSA Chase DM:We booked Derek O’Connor three weeks ago for Super Duty for the Kim Muir but there is a chance he could still run here if the field was to weaken like if Dynaste goes for the Jewson. Take out Dynaste who is the obvious one and after him it’s a very open race. If Super Duty was to run here, he is the type that usually runs well in the race and he deserves his place. PJ: Dynaste would be bucking a couple of serious trends if successful, the main one being the last 49 winners ran in the same calendar year. He could outclass them but we’ve seen so many obvious form horses get turned over in the RSA so, as a punter, I have to look elsewhere. I have gradually been leaning towards Boston Bob despite just two runs over fences who I didn’t think was right in the Albert Bartlett last year and did well to win over an inadequate 2m5f last time for a stable that know how to win this race. Unioniste may only be five but he has been running in the same races the stable’s other two RSA winners contested and I respect his chance too. JM: Dynaste won the Feltham easily but the record of winners in that race is not brilliant. Back In Focus would be interesting if he ran here. Boston Bob hasn’t looked a natural to me so it might be worth taking a chance of Chartreux each-way if he runs as he is the type to run into the frame. Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase DM:Sprinter Sacre is some tool. I was devastated when he beat Peddlers Cross at Kempton last season but don’t feel so bad about it now. I’d love to see a horse get him off the bridle one day. PJ:As they let Sprinter Sacre kick on when he jumps to the front I just wonder if he will already be clear heading downhill with connections’ sights firmly intent in recording a monster official figure hoping to surpass Master Minded. If Cue Card runs here, then I would fancy him to be second but even further behind than he was when second in last year’s Arkle. JM:I have no intention of taking on Sprinter Sacre so this is a race to watch, admire and then applaud him all the way back to the winner’s enclosure. If I was given a free bet I’d back Cue Card each-way.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENING at BANGOR-ON-DEE RACEOURSE Thursday, February 28th Trainer Donald McCain (DM), Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ), Jumping Prospects author John Morris (JM) and broadcaster and commentator Stewart Machin. Darren Owen acted as the genial host. As we covered Stewart’s comments fromWarwicklast week and the same races were analysed and he did not deviate from his views, there is no real point to simply repeat his thoughts. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’m a big fan of Melodic Rendezvous and would love to see Jeremy Scott have a Festival winner as he is a hell of a trainer. My Tent Or Yours only won a handicap last time and McCoy can make one look better than they are. I sometimes question what a strong-travelling Henderson horse will find off the bridle. He has so many high class horses with a high cruising speed but I just wonder if they battle? Am I being unfair? Melodic Rendezvous is not ground dependant and will do for me. PJ: My Tent Or Yours is already rated 10lbs above the figure Cinders And Ashes recorded when winning the Supreme last year and I can see him winning easily. However, history tells us the Supreme hasn’t been a great race for supposed good things and I would rather look at Dodging Bullets each-way, who is only 5lbs behind the favourite and has impressed at the course twice this season for a yard with two recent wins in the race. JM: My Tent Or Yours is too short. I didn’t think they went a great pace early on at Newbury so he was well positioned and I felt many of them gave up in the straight. I felt that Jezki was the real deal before My Tent Or Yours overtook him as favourite and see no reason to desert him now he is a bigger price as a result. I think a lot of Melodic Rendezvous bit will stick with Jezki who blew away a good field a Christmas. Racing Post Arkle Trophy DM:We decided before the start of the season that Overturn had to school exceptionally to go chasing and if he made one error at home he would go back to hurdling. He was very good on his chase debut at Sandown but running him over 2m4f atDoncastermeant we couldn’t see him at his best. It was only until Musselburgh that Jason could really put the gun to his head and we expected Tetlami to go with us for longer but he was out of his comfort zone at the pace Overturn was going early on. Overturn and Simonsig are like chalk and cheese. Simonsig does everything on the bridle and as far as I could see he has only had two schools in his races this season as Hinterland was not put in the Kempton race. He might be a superstar but he will never have been in a race like this before and it will be interesting to see what he finds when he has to come off the bridle, which he will do here. PJ:As much as I love Overturn I think he is a horse vulnerable when taking on the very best and Simonsig could be exceptional. Much will depend on when Maguire decides to throw in a huge leap and kick immediately after it and take advantage of freewheeling downhill like in last year’s Champion Hurdle but I don’t think Simonsig will have any problems sitting within five lengths of Overturn and I’m not sure that will be enough. I can’t have Arvika Ligeonneire on my mind at all. JM:Simonsig is 8/11 and Overturn is 11/4 so there can only be one bet. Overturn is a complete natural over a fence whereas I am not sure yet whether Simonsig is and we know he is more battle-hardened than the favourite and we don’t yet know what Simonsig finds when asked. As a punter, at those prices it can be only be Overturn. Stan James Champion Hurdle DM:Cinders And Ashes has not had the opportunity to show what he can do since he won the Supreme as the ground has been all against him. He worked very nicely here yesterday. I wouldn’t be as confident as I was when Peddlers Cross and Overturn finished second in the race but I do feel he represents good each-way value as you can put a line through Newcastle as the main aim was to get a run into him on virtually unraceable ground and the ground was then very testing at Kempton. We pinched a Grade 2 on heavy ground as a novice but Jason told me afterwards not to run him on it again. I was against Hurricane Fly the year he won and even more against him when I saw him in the paddock but I am now his biggest convert and I don’t think any of the British runners will beat him. I think both he and Peddlers Cross had an off year last season off the back of their battle in this race two years ago. PJ:I was a big Grandouet fan until he missed the Kingwell but I like everything to go smoothly ahead of a championship race so one run in 15 months has to be considered far from ideal and I’d rather the yard were talking him up rather than Binocular. Hurricane Fly is just a little short for me and I’m worried whether Zarkandar will be as effective on the Old Course as he is the New Course where he won the Triumph and International by outstaying his rivals. I don’t think you can kick Rock On Ruby out of the three on his overall form, Cheltenham profile and being much better in bigger fields so 6/1 makes each-way appeal but I am thinking of making him my main bet of the race to place only at odds-against as I can’t see three horses finishing ahead of him. JM:I’ve been so impressed with Hurricane Fly who looks back to his very best. I saw Cinders And Ashes gallop yesterday and that was the best he has looked when I have seen him this season. I have time for Zarkandar who is unbeaten this season and I think will improve again but Hurricane Fly is going to take all the beating. Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’ve got to be honest I’ve not seen Pont Alexandre. I’ve been impressed with Taquin Du Seuil though who is improving with every run though he does have quite a high knee action. Whether he needs it deep, I don’t know. PJ:No strong view except that I will be surprised if one of the front three in the market doesn’t win. Hard not to be impressed with Pont Alexandre but his two wins for Willie Mullins have been dominating tiny fields in heavy ground so this will be a different experience. Jonjo O’Neill is adamant that despite his high knee action that Taquin Du Seuil will improve for better ground but all 13 Challow runners to run here have been beaten. Oddly enough I was more impressed with The New One’s defeat at Cheltenham when outstayed by At Fishers Cross than his easyWarwickwin and he would have won at Cheltenham with a better timed ride. His turn of foot could be the telling factor if used at the right time. JM:The Irish won’t hear of defeat for Pont Alexandre and he will be well backed and start favourite for a race in which favourites traditionally have a good record. Taquin Du Seuil is an improving sort and Jonjo’s best chance of the meeting but he will have to be very good indeed to beat Pont Alexandre. RSA Chase DM:We booked Derek O’Connor three weeks ago for Super Duty for the Kim Muir but there is a chance he could still run here if the field was to weaken like if Dynaste goes for the Jewson. Take out Dynaste who is the obvious one and after him it’s a very open race. If Super Duty was to run here, he is the type that usually runs well in the race and he deserves his place. PJ: Dynaste would be bucking a couple of serious trends if successful, the main one being the last 49 winners ran in the same calendar year. He could outclass them but we’ve seen so many obvious form horses get turned over in the RSA so, as a punter, I have to look elsewhere. I have gradually been leaning towards Boston Bob despite just two runs over fences who I didn’t think was right in the Albert Bartlett last year and did well to win over an inadequate 2m5f last time for a stable that know how to win this race. Unioniste may only be five but he has been running in the same races the stable’s other two RSA winners contested and I respect his chance too. JM: Dynaste won the Feltham easily but the record of winners in that race is not brilliant. Back In Focus would be interesting if he ran here. Boston Bob hasn’t looked a natural to me so it might be worth taking a chance of Chartreux each-way if he runs as he is the type to run into the frame. Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase DM:Sprinter Sacre is some tool. I was devastated when he beat Peddlers Cross at Kempton last season but don’t feel so bad about it now. I’d love to see a horse get him off the bridle one day. PJ:As they let Sprinter Sacre kick on when he jumps to the front I just wonder if he will already be clear heading downhill with connections’ sights firmly intent in recording a monster official figure hoping to surpass Master Minded. If Cue Card runs here, then I would fancy him to be second but even further behind than he was when second in last year’s Arkle. JM:I have no intention of taking on Sprinter Sacre so this is a race to watch, admire and then applaud him all the way back to the winner’s enclosure. If I was given a free bet I’d back Cue Card each-way.
Ryanair Chase DM:No real view to be honest. I was the under-bidder forChampion Courtso I have always liked him and followed him closely. He is a solid, tough, professional horse but I am not sure he is quite good enough to win. PJ:We’re still in limbo as we are not sure yet which race the front three in the betting head for. The one thing I do know is that I don’t fancy any of those that are confirmed for the race at present like Champion Court, Menorah, Riverside Theatre and Albertas Run. If First Lieutenant runs here, which he should do as he doesn’t fully the stay the Gold Cup trip at top level, then he is my idea of the most likely winner as I think the race is made for him under a positive ride. If he heads for the Gold Cup and Sizing Europe runs here then I would fancy the former Champion Chaser. My gut feeling is Cue Card is marginally more likely to run in the Queen Mother. JM:It’s very hard until we know where the main players are going to run. I can see Roi Du Mee running a big race as feel he is an under-rated horse and the owner sponsors the race. Ladbrokes World Hurdle DM: Peddlers Cross is grand form and he is as good a work horse now as he ever has been. At Musselburgh he travelled great and jumped brilliantly but idled in front but that is what he does. I was looking over him afterwards to see what might be wrong but Jason told me to stop worrying and that he gave him the feel he wanted. I am as much in the dark as anyone about three miles but the Cleeve isn’t great form so this is a winnable race for a horse with real class like Peddlers. I would say there are only two class horses in the race, the other being Oscar Whisky. The Champion Hurdle was never on the agenda. The ground will make a big difference to how this race will be run but it’s a very open contest. PJ:I think Richard Johnson will wind it up from earlier than in the Cleeve on Reve De Sivola, especially if it is run on better ground, in a bid to expose the stamina chinks in the armour of Oscar Whisky and Peddlers Cross and I fancy him to outstay them. He is the strongest stayer in the race and just keeps on going. Get Me Out Of Here has stamina to prove but he is potential improver for a first try at 3m and has been second at the last three Festivals so lovesCheltenhamin the spring so he could be the fly in the ointment. I don’t think the Irish form is good enough. JM:I have heard that Reve De Sivola is having training problems. It would be great if Peddlers Cross came back to his best. Bog Warrior is better over hurdles than fences so I respect him and especially if it comes up soft. Wonderful Charm wouldn’t be out of this if they ran here rather than the Coral Cup. JCB Triumph Hurdle DM:The ground matters more for this race at the Festival than any other. I’m aFar Westfan. Paul Nicholls was worried about his lack of tactical speed but he quickened well atAscotlast time. Hidden Justice’s form is working out well and I think he is the each-way value. I know Amanda Perrett’s yard always though he would make a super hurdler. PJ:Our Conor should be clear favourite. I thought he was devastating when winning a Grade1 inIrelandlast time that supplied last year’s Triumph 1-2 and that even came off missing his Christmas engagement through coughing so you would think that there is more to come. I am not sure Rolling Star is the ‘now’ horse you look for in the Triumph being more of one for the future. JM:There is only one winner – Our Conor. He destroyed a good field at Leopardstown with his jockey playing with them coming out of the back straight and, when asked, he just when whoosh! Back him. Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle DM:Utopies Des Bordes beat She Ranks Me at Sandown last time and I’m not sure that form is good enough. I like three horses very much; Gevrey Chambertin, Coneygree and African Gold. They may not be brilliant horses but they are real solid who are tough and genuine which is what you need for a race like this. Coneygree was a bit disappointing last time but you should see a better horse moving back up to 3m. PJ:Utopies Des Bordes is already rated high enough to go close and receives a handy 7lbs mares’ allowance so I respect her chance as I do the tough Our Vinnie and I would prefer to take that pair at double figures over the favourites on value grounds. I hear from a colleague who interviewed Mullins two days ago that Champagne Fever could switch from the Supreme to this race and join Ballycasey in the same ownership. Though if it’s very soft, the Supreme would probably go favourite again. JM:Gevrey Chambertin’s jumping is a big plus and he will run a big race if Pipe chooses this route. Ballycasey looks the pick of the Irish. I like the way Utopie Des Bordes won at Sandown and she is dangerous getting the allowances. Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup DM:Bobs Worth is as tough as nails and Silviniaco Conti has impressed in all three wins this season but I’m a Sir Des Champs fan. We’ve been waiting a while for a crop of young horses to arrive on the scene and three have arrived all at once. PJ:I’m of the opinion The Giant Bolster will run another big race returning to the New Course at Cheltenham where he has looked so good twice before and I don’t think he was anyway near fit enough on both starts behind Silviniaco Conti this season and you can forget the King George blip. He still rates good each-way value. Gun to the head and it would be Sir Des Champs who is being brought along steadily and will appreciate a longer trip, better ground and a return toCheltenhamwhere he has twice stormed up the hill. If he is within a length at the final fence, I think he’ll win. I don’t like just one run this season for Bobs Worth and it still niggles me they wanted to bypass Cheltenhaml ast season with Silviniaco Conti who looks so good on flat tracks. Reply With Quote 03-01-2013, 05:21 PM #76 Rhinestone Cowboy Senior Member Join Date Feb 2012 Posts 423 JM:Bobs Worth will have been off the track for 104 days but remains a worthy favourite who is made for Cheltenhamw here he is unbeaten in four runs. I don’t think Sir Des Champs was ridden to best advantage on his first two defeats this season but his jumping was better under different tactics last time. I have a slight doubt in my mind whether Silviniaco Conti will enjoy Cheltenham having avoided the place with him. Shoulder Races Donald McCain then ran through some of his other likely runners. DM:Son of Flicka is only 2lbs higher than when he won the Coral Cup last year but we don’t know yet which race he goes for as is the case for the four horses we plan to run in the handicap hurdles as the ground will be a factor. Bourne and Hollow Tree will also run somewhere. Our Mick is an obvious one for the JLT having been third in the race last year as a novice. He would have be raised if finishing second at Cheltenham so maybe it was a blessing in disguise Jason fell off. I’ve successfully persuaded the owner not to run him again since to protect his mark. Kruzhlinin goes for the Pulteney and I think he is a big price and good each-way value.Cloudy Lane always needs two runs and the plan is to go to the Foxhunters but if we are slightly unhappy with him we will wait for Aintree. Hellorboston goes for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper but I don’t think he’s good enough. Diamond King is also in the race and he was more impressive than I expected when he won on debut. We like him but Cheltenham is not the be-all and end-all. Naps DM: Overturn (Arkle) PJ: Our Conor (Triumph) JM: Our Conor (Triumph) SM: Cottage Oak (Foxhunters)
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENING at BANGOR-ON-DEE RACEOURSE (continued) Thursday, February 28th Ryanair Chase DM:No real view to be honest. I was the under-bidder forChampion Courtso I have always liked him and followed him closely. He is a solid, tough, professional horse but I am not sure he is quite good enough to win. PJ:Weâre still in limbo as we are not sure yet which race the front three in the betting head for. The one thing I do know is that I donât fancy any of those that are confirmed for the race at present like Champion Court, Menorah, Riverside Theatre and Albertas Run. If First Lieutenant runs here, which he should do as he doesnât fully the stay the Gold Cup trip at top level, then he is my idea of the most likely winner as I think the race is made for him under a positive ride. If he heads for the Gold Cup and Sizing Europe runs here then I would fancy the former Champion Chaser. My gut feeling is Cue Card is marginally more likely to run in the Queen Mother. JM:Itâs very hard until we know where the main players are going to run. I can see Roi Du Mee running a big race as feel he is an under-rated horse and the owner sponsors the race. Ladbrokes World Hurdle DM: Peddlers Cross is grand form and he is as good a work horse now as he ever has been. At Musselburgh he travelled great and jumped brilliantly but idled in front but that is what he does. I was looking over him afterwards to see what might be wrong but Jason told me to stop worrying and that he gave him the feel he wanted. I am as much in the dark as anyone about three miles but the Cleeve isnât great form so this is a winnable race for a horse with real class like Peddlers. I would say there are only two class horses in the race, the other being Oscar Whisky. The Champion Hurdle was never on the agenda. The ground will make a big difference to how this race will be run but itâs a very open contest. PJ:I think Richard Johnson will wind it up from earlier than in the Cleeve on Reve De Sivola, especially if it is run on better ground, in a bid to expose the stamina chinks in the armour of Oscar Whisky and Peddlers Cross and I fancy him to outstay them. He is the strongest stayer in the race and just keeps on going. Get Me Out Of Here has stamina to prove but he is potential improver for a first try at 3m and has been second at the last three Festivals so lovesCheltenhamin the spring so he could be the fly in the ointment. I donât think the Irish form is good enough. JM:I have heard that Reve De Sivola is having training problems. It would be great if Peddlers Cross came back to his best. Bog Warrior is better over hurdles than fences so I respect him and especially if it comes up soft. Wonderful Charm wouldnât be out of this if they ran here rather than the Coral Cup. JCB Triumph Hurdle DM:The ground matters more for this race at the Festival than any other. Iâm aFar Westfan. Paul Nicholls was worried about his lack of tactical speed but he quickened well atAscotlast time. Hidden Justiceâs form is working out well and I think he is the each-way value. I know Amanda Perrettâs yard always though he would make a super hurdler. PJ:Our Conor should be clear favourite. I thought he was devastating when winning a Grade1 inIrelandlast time that supplied last yearâs Triumph 1-2 and that even came off missing his Christmas engagement through coughing so you would think that there is more to come. I am not sure Rolling Star is the ânowâ horse you look for in the Triumph being more of one for the future. JM:There is only one winner â Our Conor. He destroyed a good field at Leopardstown with his jockey playing with them coming out of the back straight and, when asked, he just when whoosh! Back him. Albert Bartlett Novicesâ Hurdle DM:Utopies Des Bordes beat She Ranks Me at Sandown last time and Iâm not sure that form is good enough. I like three horses very much; Gevrey Chambertin, Coneygree and African Gold. They may not be brilliant horses but they are real solid who are tough and genuine which is what you need for a race like this. Coneygree was a bit disappointing last time but you should see a better horse moving back up to 3m. PJ:Utopies Des Bordes is already rated high enough to go close and receives a handy 7lbs maresâ allowance so I respect her chance as I do the tough Our Vinnie and I would prefer to take that pair at double figures over the favourites on value grounds. I hear from a colleague who interviewed Mullins two days ago that Champagne Fever could switch from the Supreme to this race and join Ballycasey in the same ownership. Though if itâs very soft, the Supreme would probably go favourite again. JM:Gevrey Chambertinâs jumping is a big plus and he will run a big race if Pipe chooses this route. Ballycasey looks the pick of the Irish. I like the way Utopie Des Bordes won at Sandown and she is dangerous getting the allowances. Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup DM:Bobs Worth is as tough as nails and Silviniaco Conti has impressed in all three wins this season but Iâm a Sir Des Champs fan. Weâve been waiting a while for a crop of young horses to arrive on the scene and three have arrived all at once. PJ:Iâm of the opinion The Giant Bolster will run another big race returning to the New Course at Cheltenham where he has looked so good twice before and I donât think he was anyway near fit enough on both starts behind Silviniaco Conti this season and you can forget the King George blip. He still rates good each-way value. Gun to the head and it would be Sir Des Champs who is being brought along steadily and will appreciate a longer trip, better ground and a return toCheltenhamwhere he has twice stormed up the hill. If he is within a length at the final fence, I think heâll win. I donât like just one run this season for Bobs Worth and it still niggles me they wanted to bypass Cheltenham last year with Silviniaco Conti who looks good on flat tracks. JM:Bobs Worth will have been off the track for 104 days but remains a worthy favourite who is made for Cheltenhamw here he is unbeaten in four runs. I donât think Sir Des Champs was ridden to best advantage on his first two defeats this season but his jumping was better under different tactics last time. I have a slight doubt in my mind whether Silviniaco Conti will enjoy Cheltenham having avoided the place with him. Other Races Donald McCain then ran through some of his other likely runners. DM:Son of Flicka is only 2lbs higher than when he won the Coral Cup last year but we donât know yet which race he goes for as is the case for the four horses we plan to run in the handicap hurdles as the ground will be a factor. Bourne and Hollow Tree will also run somewhere. Our Mick is an obvious one for the JLT having been third in the race last year as a novice. He would have be raised if finishing second at Cheltenham so maybe it was a blessing in disguise Jason fell off. Iâve successfully persuaded the owner not to run him again since to protect his mark. Kruzhlinin goes for the Pulteney and I think he is a big price and good each-way value.Cloudy Lane always needs two runs and the plan is to go to the Foxhunters but if we are slightly unhappy with him we will wait for Aintree. Hellorboston goes for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper but I donât think heâs good enough. Diamond King is also in the race and he was more impressive than I expected when he won on debut. We like him but Cheltenham is not the be-all and end-all. Naps DM: Overturn (Arkle) PJ: Our Conor (Triumph) JM: Our Conor (Triumph) SM: Cottage Oak (Foxhunters)
From another bored Kudos to qzy Oaksey House last night . JP – Jonathan Powell NH – Nicky Henderson SC – Simon Clare NF – Noel Fehily MF – Mick Fitzgerald Tuesday Supreme Novices’ JP: My Tent Or Yours was hugely impressive in winning the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury despite pulling hard for a long way. NH: My Tent Or Yours needs to prove he can get up the hill at Cheltenham, he has plenty of speed and may be suited by quicker pace as was always a little keen in Betfair. There are a few to threaten him such as Paul Nicholls’ Dodging Bullets. River Maigue’s form is solid and wasn’t suited by the sprint finish at Ascot last time but feeling that My Tent Or Yours is better of the two. Also mentioned later that he also had a lot of respect for Melodic Rendezvous who looks likely to head here. SC: My Tent Or Yours is favourite based on his Newbury success which was impressive, currently 6/4 with bookies and solid, may be worth waiting for the day as bookmakers may try to oppose it. Worth bearing in mind that following Betfair he was made second favourite for Champion Hurdle. Form of Jezki ties in with likes of Champagne Fever but My Tent Or Yours looks solid favourite. Arkle JP: Simonsig will be taking on one of my favourite horses in Overturn. NH: Promises to be one of the clashes of the week, jumping always important in these novice contests. Overturn probably needs good ground and speaking to Simon Claisse, rain is forecast and it wouldn’t take too much to change the ground back to soft. Simonsig has the pace to go with Overturn and the hill is likely to be where the contest is decided. NF: The race is a great spectacle and Simonsig looks the class act. SC: The bookies will be cheering on Overturn but I can see Simonsig winning well. Champion Hurdle NF: Rock On Ruby is in great order and has been trained for this race all year. I am hoping for a massive run from him and I don’t think there is much between the top four. Hope something else makes it, maybe Cinders And Ashes or Countrywide Flame but it won’t be me. NH: Very tactical race last year with almost two races at front and the back. There hasn’t been too much between Binocular and Hurricane Fly over the years, BInocular finished lame last year. Grandouet is very good and although Khyber Kim ran well last time, he is more likely to run in the County Hurdle SC: Hurricane Fly definitely going to go off favourite but Zarkandar has been well backed in recent weeks. It is difficult for five-year-olds in the Champion after running in the Triumph, now found his level and very tough and the one for me. JP: Paul Nicholls very bullish about chances of Zarkandar in the Champion, much better prep than last year after coughing in the yard. It is difficult to see much between the top four. Mares NH: Une Artiste has done everything right so far and capable of finishing second if Quevega is on form. Ma Filleule was lame on Saturday morning and missed her engagement at Doncaster. Would all have chance but not if proper Quevega turns up. NF: Quevega head and shoulders above the rest of these. Swing Bowler would have a decent chance based on her Betfair run although might run in something else. SC: Swing Bowler is interesting if she runs here rather than theCountyHurdle, the step up to 2m4f should suit her and ran well behind My Tent Or Yours at Newbury. Rest NF: It is difficult with horses in handicaps to work out where they are going to run NH: Quantitativeeasing set to run in JLT, 3m round Cheltenham should suit better than Kempton. He is high enough in handicap and has struggled with that this year. Rajdhani Express looks to have top weight in Pultney but with Sam Waley-Cohen taking 5lb here is nearer the bottom than the top. SC: In Pultney both Carlito Brigante and Attaglance have been well supported. In the JLT the best backed is Our Mick who is 6/1 from 10/1 and there has also been money for Fruity O’Rooney. In the Cross Country, we took a £4000 bet at 11/2 on Balthazar King this morning so a repeat of last year looks to be on the cards. JP: Arabella Boy would have a chance in the Cross Country if the ground was soft. Wednesday Neptune JP: Ruby Walsh says that Pont Alexandre reminds him of Denman and that he expects him to win this and the RSA at next year’s festival. NH: Pont Alexandre looks very good, Taquin De Seuil is useful, my horse Chatterbox is more likely to run than this time last week. He has only had three runs and thought the festival might come too soon for him but he looks good at the moment. NF: Pont Alexandre is a worthy favourite and the one they have to beat. The New One is too short and there is a question mark over his jumping. I like Chatterbox and at around 14/1 he looks a great bet. SC: The bookies will have to take Pont Alexandre on, The New One is highly rated by the Twiston-Davies’ and Taquin De Seuil is one of Jonjo’s best chances of the meeting. There are plenty of good ones behind him and it is worth taking the favourite on. Reply With Quote Yesterday, 11:34 PM #113 Rhinestone Cowboy Senior Member Join Date Feb 2012 Posts 426
RSA JP: I don’t see any holes in Dynaste, he jumps well although the stat regarding winners of the Feltham in the RSA is a concern. SC: Dynaste is one to take on, Boston Bob is a real stayer which is what is often needed here and both Hadrian’s Approach and Unioniste are nice horses as well. NH: Hadrian’s Approach has kept on improving and definitely stays, his jumping is good and would have beaten Unioniste in another stride ay Newbury. NFynaste was foot perfect when he last won atCheltenham and Unioniste looks the most likely to be chasing him home. Coral Cup JP: Wonderful Charm has had his wind done and is exciting Paul Nicholls at home although his price is short as a result. Very well fancied and the trainer’s money is down. SC: Wonderful Charm has been very well backed, Edeymi of Tony Martin’s is also fancied along with Alan King’s Meister Eckhart. Willie Mullins 11-year-old Fiveforthree is also worth a mention at odds of around 14/1. NF: It looks as though I might ride Pendra for Charlies Longsdon and the step up in trip should suit him. Wonderful Charm off 139 must have a big chance and is regarded as one of Nicholls’ best chances of the week. NH: I wanted to run Cash And Go in the race but he will not be as the owner also has Wonderful Charm in the race for which the vibes are good. The mare Ma Filleule could run for us and might get in off 10st 2lbs. Fred Winter NH: I will probably run both Magalyphos and Vasco Du Ronceray in this. Megalyphos was unlucky in the Finale at Chepstow but it was a good run and his wind has since been done. JP: Paul Nicholls’ Saphir Du Rheu has been kept back for this race following 11 length win last time. NF: Charlie Longsdon runs Tidal Way which I might ride. Ptit Zig has done well. Charles O’Brien’s Stockton’s Wing might have a good chance at 12/1 each way. SC: There has been money today for both Ptit ZIg and Megalyphos but this is a very competitive race as always. Champion Bumper JP: Joseph O’Brien is going to ride Shield in the bumper for his father and could be a big player. SC: There has been money for Union Dues with Clondaw Court unlikely to take part in the race. Le Vent D’Antan has also been supported on the back of a write-up in the Racing Post. NF: The bumper is always a rough run race. Oscar Rock is improving with every race and would have a chance if the ground was slow. NH: I don’t much like the bumper as a race, usually the first three turn into nice horses but I prefer to stay out of it with a young horse. John Oaksey National Hunt Chase JP: Boston Bob is the favourite for this race but is drifting on Betfair. In this four mile race you need a safe jumper and an experienced rider to get round. MF: David Pipe has some interesting entries, Goulanes is very impressive and well backed. Also Alan King’s Godsmejudge won well at Warwick and a horse that runs well there often does the same at Cheltenham. Thursday Jewson NH: You can probably excuse Captain Conan’s last run and he should be thereabouts. He has looked very good in the last couple of weeks and has plenty of pace. Aupcharlie has been talked up quite a lot and keeps coming up in these conversations. SC: Captain Conan is likely to go off favourite. Argocat has been backed in from around 33/1 into around 10/1, trained by Tom Taafe. Module has also been put up as one to go well. MF: Benefficient was very impressive in his work on Sunday and Tony Martin knows what he is doing. He is also a Grade 1 winner already but Nicky is confident with Captain Conan. NF: Module is a battler and could run well, Captain Conan has been good and Benefficient looks a big price each way at 16/1. Ryanair JP: There are plenty here who still don’t know where they are going. Riverside Theatre is at his best when fresh and I’m not sure First Lieutenant stays 3m 2 1/2f in the Gold Cup. NH: Riverside Theatre has had a problem with ulcers which has now been treated. He runs best fresh and is very well at the moment. SC: The money indicates that Cue Card is headign for this race, we’re not sure whether First Lieutenant and Sizing Europe are heading here or not. Phillip Hobbs has put Menorah up as one of his best chances of the week, each way at 10/1. China Rock is also worth a look and appears to be the each-way value in the race. NF: First Lieutenant has a good chance based on his run in the Hennessy. Menorah’s form has been better this year and looks good at 10/1. MF: Davy Russell wants First Lieutenant to run in the Ryanair, wheread Mouse Morris wants Bryan Cooper to ride him in the Gold Cup. He looks the one to beat here and don’t forget he beat Rock On Ruby in theNeptune. World Hurdle JP: Not sure what happened with Oscar Whisky last year in the World Hurdle. NH: I’m sure that Oscar Whisky wasn’t right last year and he came back into the unsaddling in a bad way. Over 2m 4f he is the best I’ve got and in the Cleeve Hurdle Barry said he would rather get there too late than get there too soon and get collared. Reve De Sivola loves soft ground and Oscar Whisky is more comfortable on better ground. Oscara Dara will also run in this rather than carry the weight in the Coral Cup. MF: I’m concerned about the proximity of Oscar Whisky to Thousand Stars in last year’s World Hurdle as there has always been very little between them. It is wide open and Smad Place would have a chance if the ground was half decent. NF: I’m in the Oscar Whisky camp but he never looked the same horse on bad ground. Bog Warrior at 9/1 or 10/1 must have a chance. Byrne Group Plate JP: Ballynagour has been backed off the boards and this is his most likely race at the festival. Although he is very short now and hasn’t been the most consistent horse in the past. SC: David Pipe has won this race in two of the last three years although Ballynagour has been raised 21lbs on the back of his win at Warwick. Hunt Ball will probably end up running here and Venetia Williams’ runners are worth keeping an eye on as she has some progressive horses running in the handicaps. NF: Tom Scudamore is very sweet on the chances of Ballynagour and thinks he is a worthy favourite. MF: Venetia Williams is taken with Shangani in this race but the vibes are very good surrounding Ballynagour. NH: Well novices don’t win this race. JP McManus’ horses must have a chance with the likes of Tap Night, Colour Squadron and Vulcanite. We will run Nadiya De La Vega but she is now fully exposed to the handicapper. Kim Muir JP: Derek O’Connor will be riding Super Duty and Donald McCain is very keen on his chances. SC: Super Duty well backed in the race and looks good, Merry King could run here or in the four miler and Cantlow has been lined up for a run at this meeting. NH: Prince Of Pirates may run with Nico De Boinville onboard, he’s a good horseman and is riding well at the moment. Prince Of Pirates is versatile and goes on any ground, he should enjoy this race. NF: Super Duty was good at Cheltenham and looks hard to beat. Merry King is a solid and JT McNamara may ride if it runs here. MF: Alfie Sherrin could pop in here, JP looks to have a good team. Pertemps JP: Sam Winner has been realy well backed for this and I really fancy him SC: Saw Winner is highly regarded but this is a very competitive event. Son Of Flicka and Close House are also both fancied by connections. NF: It is easy to forget that Sam Winner was third in the Triumph Hurdle but 3m here should br right up his street. Shutthefrontdoor was a good horse in bumpers. AP McCoy worth following here as he has the choice of a few fancied runners. MF: This has not been a race in which to follow favourites in recent years. Reply With Quote Yesterday, 11:35 PM #114 Rhinestone Cowboy Senior Member Join Date Feb 2012 Posts 426 Friday Triumph NH: This has been something of a lucky race for us down the years and Rolling Star and Vasco Du Ronceray look like they could represent us here. Rolling Star has come on since beating Irish Saint at Cheltenham and has a great temperament. The reason he hasn’t been out since then is that the owners wanted to keep the dream alive for as long as possible. MF: Our Conor looks to be the best of the Irish contingent and looked very well at Leopardstown on Sunday. I love Rolling Star and I find it interesting that he has only run once. NF: Of all of the field I fancy riding Rolling Star,Far West was impressive beating River Maigue last time.KashmirPeak has a chance but Dougie Costello seems to prefer his stablemate Hidden Justice. Albert Bartlett NH: Utopie Des Bordes has had two runs with us to date and I’m pretty sure that she stays. This is her objective at the moment but it is a good race. NF: At Fishers Cross was impressive at Cheltenham last time. I am sure that Coneygree is better than his last run suggests and a win for him would be a massive result for this place. MF: It would be brilliant if Coneygree won but he may just get run out of it. Gevrey Chambertain may one of the more interesting ones. JP: AP McCoy loves the attitude of At Fishers Cross. Taquin De Seuil looks likely to run here but AP will ride At Fishers Cross. SC: O’Faolains Bay is one worth considering at a big price. Gevrey Chambertain is interesting but it is worth keeping an eye on his entries and Ballycasey looks to have been priced on reputation rather than substance.
Gold Cup SC: This is a really deep and open renewal of the Gold Cup. Captain Chris ran well in the King George and has really bounced back this year. Sunnyhillboy has also been backed at a big price as he has previous round Cheltenham and represents a bit of value at 66/1. MF: The addition of cheekpieces will help Long Run as well as his jockey Sam Waley-Cohen. Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs are both unbeaten at the Cheltenham Festival and should be respected. However there is no doubting Long Run’s resolution and I fancy him to run a big race. NF: Nicky has the two best horses in the race and with Long Run likely to bowl along in front he will be difficult to pass. Silviniaco Conti is a nice horse but would have to favour Bobs Worth and Long Run. NH: Bobs Worth worked well at Kempton and looks really well at the moment. In terms of Long Run, Mick has been a big help with Sam and the cheekpieces are likely to sharpen him up. The door is wide open for somebody to take their chance but I couldn’t split my two. JP: Ruby Walsh is very bullish about the chances of Silviniaco Conti given the speed and the accuracy with which he jumps. Grand Annual NH: We will have six runners in this and in last year’s race Bellvano got up to beat Tanks For That, who comes back for more this year. French Opera has a good chance here having been dropped 4lb on the back of a good run last time. Paul Carberry is on standby to ride Kid Cassidy who has ferocious pace. Anquetta would also be nice on good ground. JP: Kid Cassidy is an interesting contender. MF: Petit Robin would have a chance as he has run really well this year over hurdles. He is now 4lb better off over fences than hurdles and could have a squeak. NF: There are lots of useful hold up types in this race. Once again AP has a good choice of mounts. SC: This is always competitive. Tom George’s Rody has been well backed and I like that one. Alderwood won the County lasy year and would have a good chance as well. Rest MF: Salsify looks set for a big run in the Foxhunters. Mr Mole could chase the double in County Hurdle and Imperial Cup, beat Melodic Rendezvous in a novice hurdle in October. NF: Court Minstrel hated the ground in the Tolworth and could run well in the County. SC: Strong money for Mr Mole in the County Hurdle and interestingly the only horse that JP McManus has with Paul Nicholls. NH: Forgotten Voice needs good ground and could wait for Aintree or Punchestown. Wouldn’t Tricky Trickster have a chance in the Foxhunters? JP: Tricky Trickster has had its problems and there are more fancied runners at the festival for Nicholls. £100 Charity Bets to go the Injured Jockeys Fund NF: Sentry Duty in the Kim Muir JP: Pont Alexandre in the Neptune SC: £50 e/w Merry King in the John Oaksey 4 miler NH: Wonderful Charm in the Coral Cup MF: Dynaste wherever he runs
