Cheltenham Day 4 Daily Racing Thread

I backed Broughton at 14s last week but he's too short at 15/2 now in my opinion and I don't really have a strong opinion on the race.

2.05 Cheltenham

Arctic Fire 6/1 & Never Enough Time 14/1

In what looks an incredibly competitive renewal of the County Hurdle, I'm taking two against the field in the shape of Arctic Fire & Never Enough Time and hopefully both will run well with one of them winning. The first of which is Willie Mullins' Arctic Fire who I think looks to be on an extremely workable mark 141 on handicap debut if discounting his last disappointing run in a Grade 1 on heavy ground and although very inexperience with only 5 career starts to date I think he could go very close in this. Arctic Fire joined the Mullins yard having been purchased for €110,000 on the back of winning his only start in Germany very easily and he ran out an impressive winner on hurdling debut when beating an ok yardstick in Enchanted Forest very easily by 6L at Tipperary last October and he was very unfortunate to clip heels and slip up on his 2nd start when still travelling well and when pitched into Grade 1 Company in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle on just his 3rd start over hurdles, I thought he could well have run under a better ride from D J Casey. Held up in last of what turn out to be a race run at a muddling pace, Arctic Fire travelled very well throughout the contest and having been only 8th jumping the 2nd last he made up about 5L on the winner jumping the last as he finished like a train to be beaten a little over the length in 3rd. The winner of that contest was the highly promising The Tullow Tank who followed up that contest with a 2nd Grade 1 success in the Future Champion Novices Hurdle (Arctic Fire finished a disappointing 4th that day but I'm putting it down to the ground) before bumping into Tuesday's very impressive Supreme winner Vautour and his form looks very strong in relation to his initial handicap mark of 141 if forgiving his last run. With a lovely racing weight of just 10-13 and with Ruby Walsh up top, if his relative inexperience doesn't cost him his chance I think he should go really well in this.

The other horse I like in this is Tom Foley's rapidly improving Never Enough Time who has been very impressive on his last two starts and with his 11lb rise looking fair for his latest romp I still think he could be well handicapped off a mark of 141 with the talented Ger Fox's 7lb claim looking a big bonus. Having started off his career well with two good runs, he scored at the 3rd time of asking in comfortable fashion in March last year before his form really tapered off badly last season. Having showed steady improvement on his first 3 starts this year, everything seemed to click for him when absolutely bolting up 2 starts back on his first run under Ger Fox by an easy 10L off a mark of 116 and although that form is fairly poor Never Enough Time vindicated the handicapper's decision to raise him a stone to a mark of 130 when again winning in very fine style at Leopardstown last month under Fox as he travelled through the race incredibly well and under a supremely confident ride he quickened clear late on to lead by a comfortable 4L in a race that looks good form. The runner up Blacklough had come into the contest on the back of a fine 5th in the Boylesports Hurdle whilst the 4th home Art Of Payroll (who was hampered by a faller and finished very strongly) absolutely bolted up off the same mark on his next start and looks a very well handicapped animal. Additionally, last years winner of that contest Tennis Cap went on to finish 2nd in the County Hurdle last year off a 14lb higher mark and it looks a great trial for this contest. Raised 11lb for that success, I still think Never Enough Time looks well handicapped off a mark of 141 and I think he'll relish the fast pace of the race. One big question mark is his ability to handle decent ground and all of his form is in testing conditions but his full brother Ready Or Not (although a much inferior horse) handled quick ground well and I think there is every chance Never Enough Time will be just as effective on it. With Ger Fox's 7lb claim getting him down to a lovely racing weight 10-6 I think he has a great chance at a lovely price.

2.40 Cheltenham

Briar Hill 13/8

13/8 is quiet a skinny price about Briar Hill in this 20 runner contest (I advised him at 5/2 in the my Preview) but I think he's going to take a stack of beating in this contest. Unbeaten in 5 starts Under Rules, Willie Mullins’ charge won last year’s Champion Bumper in tremendous fashion and although he hasn't sauntered to victory in his last two runs I think he’s the sort of horse who will only do enough and I don’t think we've gotten anywhere near the bottom of the barrel with him and I think he will benefit hugely from the likely fast pace. For one reason or another, I’ve just never warmed to David Pipe’s Kings Palace who will probably get taken on for the lead which may not suit and David Pipe is not associated with producing Grade 1 Novice Hurdlers which is enough to put me right off, for all the yard are flying this week. The unbeaten Mosspark appeals to me at 20/1 and I couldn't put anyone off a small e/w on that but I firmly of the belief that Briar Hill will take a massive amount of beating and I'd be surprised if he's beaten.

 

3.20 Cheltenham

Last Instalment 9/1

Defending champion Bobs Worth deserves his place at the head of the market in search of his 4th consecutive win at the Cheltenham Festival and with a perfect 5-5 record at the track he is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat. However, despite it being far from a vintage renewal, I wouldn't be a backer at 2/1 given his flop at Haydock and questionable (form wise) win in the Lexus Chase, especially owing to the fact even the greats Kauto Star and Denman couldn’t win back to back Gold Cups. I wouldn’t back Silviniaco Conti with stolen money at 7/2 as I just don’t think he’s good enough to win a Gold Cup and, although the ground is definitely a concern, I'm firmly siding with Last Instalment. Although still not a definite runner due to his 'glass legs' on this good ground, I was incredibly impressed with his performance in the Hennessy Gold Cup and if showing up I think he’s unquestionably the one to serve it up to Bobs Worth. He looked a horse with untold potential during his Novice season and despite being off the track for over 2 years he looked as good as ever when romping to victory on his 2nd start back after a lay off and rates as a tremendous each way bet to me. In what truly looks a well below average contest, it wouldn’t surprise me if a big upset occurred although I can’t really pick anything at a big price at the moment and I think the brilliant jumper Last Instalment could go very close if taking part.

4.00 Cheltenham

Bertie's Dream 16/1

It's such a shame that Mossey Joe misses this as I think he would have torn this field to shreds but hopefully he can make Aintree in a few weeks time for either the Grand National or the Foxhunters. In what looks a pretty weak renewal, I've backed one of my old favourites in 11 year old Bertie’s Dream and I’m hopeful of a big run. The 2010 Albert Bartlett victor was last seen Under Rules when running a blinder in 5th in last year’s Pertemps off a mark of 138 and he’s subsequently scored twice comfortably in Point to Points since switching to Lauren Braithwaite. Although probably always a better hurdler, if he can run to a mark of 130+ at a course that brings out the best in him then I think he could have a really good chance in this under the talented Gina Andrews and I will be chuffed beyond belief if Berties can win on a Cheltenham Friday for the 2nd time.

4.40 Cheltenham

Royal Regatta 10/1

I am very confident of a massive run from Royal Regatta who has creeped in as joint bottom weight off a mark of 133 and if defying his inexperience I think Philip Hobbs' Novice looks well ahead of his current mark. With only 5 career starts to date, (4 under Rules) Royal Regatta made an impressive debut for the Hobbs yard when running out a comfortable 12L winner of a bumper in March last year and, having been put away for the summer, he made a winning hurdling debut in fine style at Aintree back in October. Making most of the running, Royal Regatta cruised through the contest under Richard Johnson in a race where the last flight was jumped about a mile from home and although he had to come under strong pressure late on when perhaps tired he got the job done in good fashion to beat Spirit Of Shankly by 1.5L with the front two miles clear of the remainder. The runner up, (gave Royal Regatta 6lb) who had 4 previous runs over hurdles and was coming off the back of a convincing win, has shown some very strong form subsequently including when winning beating subsequent Grade 2 scorer Urban Hymn on his next start before running very well in 4th in the Lanzarote (strong form) off a mark of 136 and his last run saw him try to give the unbeaten Albert Bartlett hopeful Mosspark 4lb. Under a 7lb penalty, Royal Regatta ran out an impressive 9L winner at Leicester on his 2nd last start back in December where he again travelled beautifully before lengthening clear late on from the field in what was another highly impressive performance. Royal Regatta's final run saw him lose his unbeaten record when only 5th in a Neptune Trial Novice Hurdle over this C+D on New Years Day but that race in dreadful conditions saw 5 jump the last and Royal Regatta clearly didn't like the ground. I think you can put a line through that run (4th home Ballyalton ran a blinder in 2nd behind Faugheen in the Neptune on Wednesday) and I think on his form to date a mark of 133 looks very favourable. With the return to quick ground sure to suit, the excellent Michael Nolan takes the ride for the bang in form Hobbs team on this bottom weight and he takes off an incredibly handy 3lb in the Conditional Jockey's race which I think will suit him down to the ground. A really fine stamp of a horse who will make a lovely chaser in time, I think this 5 year old has a superb chance of landing this contest and at 10/1 I think he rates a great each way bet.

5.15 Cheltenham

Next Sensation 7/1

The Cheltenham closer looks a very tough race to solve as per usual and I haven't given an awful lot of time to it. That said, I still think Michael Scudamore's Next Sensation is well handicapped off 142 despite a 9lb rise and although there are question marks about his ability to make all in a field like this if Dickie Johnson rides a smart race I think he could take quite a bit of stopping. A winner of his last completed starts over fences, Next Sensation has shot up 37lb for these successes but the handicapper still doesn't look to have his measure as he didn't come off the bridle when scoring at Doncaster back in December. Scudamore has clearly kept him fresh for this race and I think if he doesn't go off at too frantic a pace then I think this excellent jumper should go very close.

 

3.20 Cheltenham

Last Instalment 9/1

Defending champion Bobs Worth deserves his place at the head of the market in search of his 4th consecutive win at the Cheltenham Festival and with a perfect 5-5 record at the track he is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat. However, despite it being far from a vintage renewal, I wouldn't be a backer at 2/1 given his flop at Haydock and questionable (form wise) win in the Lexus Chase, especially owing to the fact even the greats Kauto Star and Denman couldn’t win back to back Gold Cups. I wouldn’t back Silviniaco Conti with stolen money at 7/2 as I just don’t think he’s good enough to win a Gold Cup and, although the ground is definitely a concern, I'm firmly siding with Last Instalment. Although still not a definite runner due to his 'glass legs' on this good ground, I was incredibly impressed with his performance in the Hennessy Gold Cup and if showing up I think he’s unquestionably the one to serve it up to Bobs Worth. He looked a horse with untold potential during his Novice season and despite being off the track for over 2 years he looked as good as ever when romping to victory on his 2nd start back after a lay off and rates as a tremendous each way bet to me. In what truly looks a well below average contest, it wouldn’t surprise me if a big upset occurred although I can’t really pick anything at a big price at the moment and I think the brilliant jumper Last Instalment could go very close if taking part.

4.00 Cheltenham

Bertie's Dream 16/1

It's such a shame that Mossey Joe misses this as I think he would have torn this field to shreds but hopefully he can make Aintree in a few weeks time for either the Grand National or the Foxhunters. In what looks a pretty weak renewal, I've backed one of my old favourites in 11 year old Bertie’s Dream and I’m hopeful of a big run. The 2010 Albert Bartlett victor was last seen Under Rules when running a blinder in 5th in last year’s Pertemps off a mark of 138 and he’s subsequently scored twice comfortably in Point to Points since switching to Lauren Braithwaite. Although probably always a better hurdler, if he can run to a mark of 130+ at a course that brings out the best in him then I think he could have a really good chance in this under the talented Gina Andrews and I will be chuffed beyond belief if Berties can win on a Cheltenham Friday for the 2nd time.

4.40 Cheltenham

Royal Regatta 10/1

I am very confident of a massive run from Royal Regatta who has creeped in as joint bottom weight off a mark of 133 and if defying his inexperience I think Philip Hobbs' Novice looks well ahead of his current mark. With only 5 career starts to date, (4 under Rules) Royal Regatta made an impressive debut for the Hobbs yard when running out a comfortable 12L winner of a bumper in March last year and, having been put away for the summer, he made a winning hurdling debut in fine style at Aintree back in October. Making most of the running, Royal Regatta cruised through the contest under Richard Johnson in a race where the last flight was jumped about a mile from home and although he had to come under strong pressure late on when perhaps tired he got the job done in good fashion to beat Spirit Of Shankly by 1.5L with the front two miles clear of the remainder. The runner up, (gave Royal Regatta 6lb) who had 4 previous runs over hurdles and was coming off the back of a convincing win, has shown some very strong form subsequently including when winning beating subsequent Grade 2 scorer Urban Hymn on his next start before running very well in 4th in the Lanzarote (strong form) off a mark of 136 and his last run saw him try to give the unbeaten Albert Bartlett hopeful Mosspark 4lb. Under a 7lb penalty, Royal Regatta ran out an impressive 9L winner at Leicester on his 2nd last start back in December where he again travelled beautifully before lengthening clear late on from the field in what was another highly impressive performance. Royal Regatta's final run saw him lose his unbeaten record when only 5th in a Neptune Trial Novice Hurdle over this C+D on New Years Day but that race in dreadful conditions saw 5 jump the last and Royal Regatta clearly didn't like the ground. I think you can put a line through that run (4th home Ballyalton ran a blinder in 2nd behind Faugheen in the Neptune on Wednesday) and I think on his form to date a mark of 133 looks very favourable. With the return to quick ground sure to suit, the excellent Michael Nolan takes the ride for the bang in form Hobbs team on this bottom weight and he takes off an incredibly handy 3lb in the Conditional Jockey's race which I think will suit him down to the ground. A really fine stamp of a horse who will make a lovely chaser in time, I think this 5 year old has a superb chance of landing this contest and at 10/1 I think he rates a great each way bet.

5.15 Cheltenham

Next Sensation 7/1

The Cheltenham closer looks a very tough race to solve as per usual and I haven't given an awful lot of time to it. That said, I still think Michael Scudamore's Next Sensation is well handicapped off 142 despite a 9lb rise and although there are question marks about his ability to make all in a field like this if Dickie Johnson rides a smart race I think he could take quite a bit of stopping. A winner of his last completed starts over fences, Next Sensation has shot up 37lb for these successes but the handicapper still doesn't look to have his measure as he didn't come off the bridle when scoring at Doncaster back in December. Scudamore has clearly kept him fresh for this race and I think if he doesn't go off at too frantic a pace then I think this excellent jumper should go very close.

 

Very true Oddy.

A world away from "New Labour" and a man who actually made decisions based on the principle of morality.

A lot of people didn't agree with him but few,if any,ever questioned his integrity.

 

Very true Oddy, he will be missed in my hometown.

 

Three minefield handicaps again today.

In the County at 2.05 I'm going to have a few quid on Cash And Go e/w @ 40/1 VC 5 places

He actually went off joint favourite for the Greatwood LTO but disappointed.He did however run better than his finishing positions suggest in the Schweppes and Coral Cup last season and today races off 138 with Peter Carberry taking off another 3lb's.The ground will hold no terrors and he could well get into the shake up if in a going day in a fiendishly tricky heat.

 

Been a bad week for the left -bob crow and tony Benn,dennis skinner must be worried!

They may be gone but their spirits live
on!

 

Triolo Dalene @ 12/1 (GP)
15:20 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (GRADE 1) 3m 2 1/2f

Urban Hymn @ 20/1 (GP)
14:40 ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES' HURDLE 3m

Arctic Fire @ 6/1 (GP)
14:05 COUNTY HURDLE (HANDICAP) 2m 1f

Pearl Castle @ 10/1 (GP)
13:30 TRIUMPH HURDLE (GRADE 1) 2m 1f


LUCKY 15 AND ACCA EW OF COURSE

SAD TO HEAR ABOUT MR BENN WAS A GOOD MAN WHO BUT THE PHONEY WANNABE POLITICIANS TO SHAME EVERY TIME HE SPOKE

 

It would be a strange coincidence if Triolo D'Alene did win the Gold Cup, with AP Mccoy getting the ride, after choosing the wrong horses in the Champion and World Hurdles, who won for Barry G.

 

Just had a lucky 15 bet on Barry Geraghty's 4 horses today.
They all have outstanding chances and a couple of them I think are overpriced.

 

I'm after a safe e/w for the Gold Cup. Was thinking Giant Bolster @ 16's

 

14.05 Cheltenham- Montbazon 20/1 e/w

Aswell as a few quid on APs ride in this have had a small e/w on the king runner. back from a long break when running not too bad in the betfair- will definately come on for the run and if you look. Choc Thornton didnt give the horse a hard time- saving him for this race/ He is a talented horse 4th in the supreme and if retains any of his ability should be able to run in to a place

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...Walsh-gets-death-threats-row-dead-horses.html

 

Off in ten minutes. Have a good Gold Cup day one and all, the last day of the festival is always a joy, a few winners would be great.

Stay frosty as one might say

 

Morning all.
I know I'm throwing my money away? but I can't desert the Nicholls team now.
Today's lucky 15.
1-30.Calipto.
2-05.Lac Fontana.
2-40.Port Melon.
3-20.Silviniaco Conti.
I need a minor miracle!!
I've enjoyed reading all the articles this week.
Good luck to all.

 

Off shortly but had a good day yesterday with Taquin De Seuill winning the first helping to pay for the losers I backed the rest of the day. Been a recurring theme that has for me, back the winner of the first race and then barely a sniff for the rest of the day. Anyhow, on to today...

Calipto 4/1
Cinders And Ashes 22/1 eway
Mosspark 20/1 eway
Bobs Worth 15/8
Tammy's Hill 8/1 eway
Vieux Lion Rouge 15/2 eway
Viva Colonia 25/1 eway

Those are the ones to avoid then guys, good luck!!

 

Pass Muster at fakenham, gets you more ammo for chelts

stay frosty

 

Donald McCain's found a hell of a race for Cinders And Ashes to make his return to the track after a year on the sidelines. The 2012 Supreme Novices winner was pulled up in last season's Champion Hurdle, having suffered a fractured pelvis. Year after year, Supreme Novices form is confirmed as a rich seam of Festival gold, and at 25/1 I'll be backing the 2012 winner of said race to return to full health in the maelstrom of the County Hurdle.

Elsewhere on the card, Briar Hill is just about a backable price in the Potato Hurdle. Mullin's army of camp followers got their fingers burnt yesterday, after the great man opted to run Annie Power in the wrong race. Losses can be recouped today in a race that since it's recent inception has more often than not fallen to the favourite. The 7/4 with Paddies can be justified as value.

The best form for the Gold Cup is usually the King George, is it not? Nuff said then. Cmon Silviniaco Conti!!!