Friday's Meetings Cheltenham N/H 7 Races 1:15-4:45p.m. Doncaster Flat 8 Races 1:33-5:25p.m. Newbury Flat 7 Races 1:41-5:11p.m. Sligo N/H 7 Races 2:00-5:20p.m. Wolverhampton(E) A/W 9 Races 3:56-8:15p.m. Dundalk(E) A/W 7 Races 5:30-8:30p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Cheltenham is back and although it isn't the greatest card ever hosted at Prestbury Park - well its still Cheltenham isn't it. Here a few thoughts: 1.15 American Sniper is following last season's path - Silver Trophy at Chepstow followed by this meeting (10th in the Pertemps Qualifier off a mark of 125 last year, possibly didn't stay). This time around though he is back down to his last winning mark of 122 (won at Cheltenham over 2m3f last November) which makes him over-priced at 20/1. If he doesn't win here watch out for him at the November meeting. 1.50 How novel, an Irish novices chase at Cheltenham. Shocking that none of the big UK yards have a runner here (recent British winners include Third Time Lucki, Fusil Raffles and Al Dancer) and even the sole UK-based runner is trained by an Irishman. Favourite Path D'Oroux looks the likely winner but I couldn't back anything in the race so a watching brief only. 2.25 This looks a really good 2 mile handicap chase and it should be a good spectacle. Calico usually goes well fresh (2nd to Triple Trade in the Paddy Power off 139 on season debut last year) and looks dangerous off 138. I can see Calico and Triple Trade fighting out the finish here so a small reverse forecast. 3.00 An excellent field for this Grade 2 event that should offer plenty of clues for the season ahead. Five of the six winners won last time out and the other one has had an excellent season on the flat ahead of hurdles debut. Gale Mahler has been prolific over the spring and summer with 6 successive wins but at the prices I prefer Brave Knight who beat a very solid yardstick and subsequent dual winner Dodger Long last time.
I hope you’re right with the Sniper and Calico Oddy as they’re carrying my dough too. Unfortunately that probably means you’re wide of the mark though . I do think Gale Mahler will take a bit of beating though as she easily accounted for the subsequent Persian War winner Flying Fortune at Uttoxeter. She’s also beat subsequent winner Roaring Home who I’ve become rather attached to having seen her run well on debut in early January. Good luck everyone having a go today.
Good morning all Not been on for a fair while although I do check out the forum frequently and still see you all banging out the winners. Lazy day for me today so I’ve thrown a few sheckles at this lot, so hopefully a winner or two. 2.43 Don WHISKEY PETE 4/1 3.18 Don ALTMORE 15/8 3.51 Don MUSIC OF TIME 2/1 4.01 New MILLER SPIRIT 5/1 4.25 Don NARIKO 7/2 5.11 New WINTERCRACK 9/2 Two at Cheltenham 3.35 JACKS PARROT ew 12/1, Sky going 6 places 4.45 INCA DE LAYAFETTE 14/1, Sky 4 places
14:16 Newbury - Spirit Of Farhh e/w A Class-4 Maiden Stakes for 2YO's only over an extended 6f on heavy ground. Far Above gelding should be suited by distance and current track conditions. Charles Bishop rides for the Eve Johnson-Houghton yard. 7/1 (Wm.Hilll/BetUK) best price early-doors, on the ATR site.
American Sniper next time Chan - very tenderly ridden today. I suspect we'll see him at the November meeting
Yes Valgrand did that well. Gale Mahler jumped like a skoda and lost a length at each hurdle so gutsy performance to fight into a remote second. Looking at Valgrand’s form I wonder whether the Ivy Grower might have a very decent one in The Kemble Brewery. TKB beat Valgrand last season.
Gave him a few pounds too. It would be good to have a couple of really smart novice hurdlers this side of the Irish Sea for a change
Won at 15/8 fav. SP by 2½ L. Must have been heavily backed from the 7/1 early-doors. Very gutsy performance as gelding was hard-pressed throughout the race, but in the end won going away. Good ride from Charles Bishop for the Eve Johnson-Houghton yard and the owners, Whitesock Racing.
Just re-watched the race and I'm now even more impressed. Hurdled beautifully and really powered up the hill. In the post-race interview Harry mentions that Kim Bailey horse and Dan says he wants to see him repeat that and then they will think about March and whether Supreme or County Hurdle (the old rogue). Oh and the time was 3.52 - 3 seconds above standard making every yard of it on good ground. Very impressive for a novice I'd say and you can still get 40/1 for the Supreme with Ladbrokes. Good watch this:
