You wouldn't expect a mention for Frankel in a write up for the Mares Novice Hurdle at the festival but in the first few furlongs of his trailblazing 2000 Guineas victory it was Frankie Dettori on Casamento who tried to chase him and just got burnt out. Fast forward nearly 14 years and Casamento has turned into a half decent sire and his Casa No Mento could run a big race today at juicy odds. With the sad defection of Dysart Enos the race has lost some of its gloss and the two at the head of the market are very, very short. This race has thrown up some big-priced winners in its short history and Casa No Mento found only Queens Gamble too good when last seen in a mares listed hurdle at Taunton. Worth a small e/w snifter I think.
1:30 - Facile Vega 2:10 - Gaoth Chuil 2:50 - Envoi Allen 3:30 - Teahupoo / Asterion EW 4:10 - Saint felician 4:50 - Brighterdaysahead 5:30 - Amirite Keeping it simple today
1:30 - Zannahiyr e/w 2:10 - Monmiral e/w 2:50 - Conflated e/w 3:30 - Flooring porter e/w 4:10 - Straw Fan Jack e/w 4:50 - Brighterdaysahead 5:30 - Grozni e/w
1:30 Facile Vega 2:10 Anna Bunina 2:50 Envoi Allen 3:30 Sire Du Berlais 4:10 Saint Felicien 4:50 Jade De Grugy 5:30 Where It All Began
(17:30) Cheltenham - Kim Muir Handicap Chase, a Class-2 event over 3m2f on soft ground is certainly a competitive affair. Selection is the Westerner gelding, Whacker Clan. Distance and conditions should hold no terrors for him. Wears cheek-pieces as he normally does. Mr. J. L. Gleeson rides for the Henry de Bromhead stable. 9/1 (Coral/Ladbrokes) top price early-doors, on the ATR site. E/W best option at these odds.
Day Three: 1:30 - Facile Vega 9/4 & Iroko 7/1 Win singles. Djelo 22/1 Ew (4 places) 2:10 - Cuthbert 9/2 Lucky 63 (8 places) & Anna Bunina 50/1 (6 places free bet) 2:50 - Envoi Allen 5/2 Lucky 63 (4 places) 3:30 - Sir Gerhard 13/2 Lucky 63 (5 places). Asterion Forlonge 33/1 (4 places free bet) & Dashel Drasher 20/1 (5 places ew patent) 4:10 - Crebilly 5/1 Lucky 63 (6 places) & Riaan 18/1 (6 places ew patent) 4:50 - Jade De Grugy 2/1 Lucky 63 (4 places) & Ante post ew at 50/1 5:30 - Inothewayurthinkin 2/1 Lucky 63 (6 places) & A Wave Of The Sea 50/1 (6 places ew patent) forecasts/tricasts on races with multiple runners.
Skelton absoultey schooled Cobden in race riding there, watch the difference between the two from just before 2 out, not sure what Cobden was at trying to let him find his own stride compared to Skelton booting Grey into it, got in front then cut him off. Top class from Skelton and the winning of that race.
Seeing some lovely fighting scenes coming from one of the drinking tents from yesterday at Cheltenham. What more would ya want at a racing festival
