As for the Ryanair (sorry about the diversion Oddy!), I think that Kauto Stone looks good value. He ran exceptionally well over this distance earlier in the season, and since then has only been beaten by Sizing Europe over a distance too short for him (inmy opinion). I think Kauto Stone at 10-1, with the EW as a saver, looks good to me. Albertas Run is, I think, often underestimated, and should run very well or even win it if turning up, but whilst he's injured I'm unhappy to back it as complications often occur.
Yes agree on that point ....... Sorry for going off topic back to the Ryan air which in my opinion looks wide open
Big fan of Riverside Theatre and this race has been his number one target during his recovery. Ironically I think he might want further, but he isn't totally devoid of pace and was a massively improving last season. I think from what I gather he is doing some serious training at Seven Barrows and the King George came just a couple weeks too early. He should have time to get fine tuned with a run before Cheltenham. Kauto Stone is very interesting back up in trip. Might prefer softer but he has the speed to handle quicker ground no problem. 2 real class horses of the race with Rubi Light needing it a bit softer.
Retainer. I can assure you that Mr Henderson will not be letting Barry Geraghty get off Finian's Rainbow to ride Big Zeb even if Geraghty wanted to. I agree entirely that there is nothing in the formbook to suggest that Finian's Rainbow can trouble the likes of Sizing Europe (probably 20lbs to find, exaclty that on official ratings. 157 and 177 respectively). However, I like him. No idea why and I couldn't possibly justify it but I do. Very poor reasoning and I can't even explain to myself why! As for the Ryanair, it might not be the best race in terms of quality but I think it could be really really competitive. I haven't had a good look at it yet but will update when I do. Initial thoughts are that both Kauto Stone and Rubi Light will want it softer. They might still be good enough. I do think the favourite, Noble Prince, has been aimed solely at this and should go close with conditions ideal. The other, as Toppy says, is Riverside Theatre. I get the feeling that Henderson thinks he has a cracking chance. Just very wishy washy thoughts, more concrete analysis to come, not sure when though!
I've just had a fiver ew on MEDERMIT at 20s with bet fred, think he'll go well and it's first 4 places at the moment
Just wondering Princess if it might be better to add the entries to the relevant race threads, bearing in mind I'm adding them to the Festival Index. What do you think?
OK Princess. I've updated your general Entries thread to reflect this, and closed the Gold Cup entries thread after copying it to the Gold Cup thread. Seems to have worked OK.
Press Release is out! Entries to follow in 5 minutes: NOBLE PRINCE ON COURSE FOR RYANAIR CHASE Last year=s winners Sizing Europe and Albertas Run are among the high-quality entries announced today for two of Cheltenham=s championship contests over fences, the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase. Sizing Europe, also winner of the 2010 Arkle Chase, looks set for a rematch with last year=s runner-up Big Zeb in the £320,000 sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase, the highlight on day two of The Festival, Wednesday, March 14. Sizing Europe is 9/4 with sportingbet.com to retain his crown with Big Zeb second favourite at 9/2. As well as all the established two-mile chasing stars, the 19 sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase entries include the outstanding novices Al Ferof, the 2011 William Hill Supreme Novicesâ Hurdle victor and Peddlers Cross, successful in the Neptune Investment Management Novices= Hurdle in 2010. No novice since Piperton in 1962 has won the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Others engaged include last year=s Arkle Chase runner-up Finian=s Rainbow, Kauto Star=s half-brother Kauto Stone and Hold Fast, a seven-length winner of a Sandown handicap chase on his second start for Paul Nicholls on Saturday. There are 38 entries for the £260,000 Grade One Ryanair Chase, run at The Festival on Thursday, March 15. Albertas Run, who also landed the 2008 RSA Chase, has won the past two Ryanair Chases and his opposition this year could include Noble Prince, winner of last season=s inaugural Grade Two Jewson Novices= Chase at The Festival. The eight-year-old most recently finished runner-up to Big Zeb in the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown on December 27 and trainer Paul Nolan reports that another trip to Cheltenham is on the cards. AHopefully, Noble Prince will run in the Ryanair Chase. He goes for the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on January 22 and that will be his final run before he heads to Cheltenham,@ said Nolan. AWe were very pleased with him at Leopardstown. Big Zeb beat us easily in the end but it was a very good run from our horse and I think that he will improve with a faster pace. He=s still a decent enough two mile chaser but two miles and five furlongs around Cheltenham is right up his street. AHe travelled and jumped well in the Jewson Novices= Chase last season. The Ryanair will obviously be a different gravy this time and it looks like it will be a very competitive contest.@ Noble Prince is one of 14 Irish-trained entries in the two mile and five furlong contest with others engaged including the Robbie Hennessy-trained Rubi Light, winner of the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December. Further notable entries include Captain Chris and his stablemate Wishfull Thinking, runner-up to Noble Prince in last season=s Jewson Novices= Chase, Kauto Stone, the Nicky Henderson-trained Riverside Theatre and Great Endeavour, winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November.
THE RYANAIR CHASE Class 1, Grade 1, 2m 5f, £260,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 15, 2012. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 8 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horseâs racecourse performances up to and including March 8 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 5yo 11st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 10, entries revealed January 12 (38 entries), scratchings deadline February 14, £13,000 supplementary entry stage and six-day confirmation stage March 9. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 13. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, January 10. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 4012-41 AERIAL (FR) 6 Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton Paul Nicholls 4FP12-1 ALBERTAS RUN (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Jonjo O'Neill 52-FU11 APT APPROACH (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 214311 BLAZING TEMPO (IRE) 8 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 211-1U3 CAPTAIN CHRIS (IRE) 8 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 11121-1 FINIAN'S RAINBOW (IRE) 9 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 2/2P-233 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) 10 Goat Racing Syndicate Tom Cooper IRE 1/01651- FRENCH OPERA 9 Judy Wilson & Martin Landau Nicky Henderson 520-1F1 GAUVAIN (GER) 10 Jared Sullivan & Simon Brown Nick Williams 2F6-140 GREAT ENDEAVOUR (IRE) 8 David Johnson David Pipe 5221-P0 HELL'S BAY (FR) 10 Tony Fear & Anthony Norman Colin Tizzard 21/460-0 I'M SO LUCKY 10 Sheila Brookhouse David Pipe 533144 I'MSINGINGTHEBLUES (IRE) 10 Jo Tracey David Pipe 111/1/00/- JACK THE GIANT (IRE) 10 Hanbury Syndicate Nicky Henderson 30/1122- JESSIES DREAM (IRE) 9 David Johnson Gordon Elliott IRE (5)42P-5P KALAHARI KING (FR) 11 Julie Morgan Ferdy Murphy 1103-12 KAUTO STONE (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 16/1155- LITTLE JOSH (IRE) 10 Tony Bloom Nigel Twiston-Davies 51124-0 MAGNANIMITY (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Dessie Hughes IRE F/U563U- MAHOGANY BLAZE (FR) 10 Lorna Berryman Nigel Twiston-Davies 2/1/31U-P MAJESTIC CONCORDE (IRE) 9 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE 142-132 MEDERMIT (FR) 8 The Dunkley & Reilly Partnership Alan King 21-F122 NOBLE PRINCE (GER) 8 Des Sharkey Paul Nolan IRE 5141-5U POQUELIN (FR) 9 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls 1FF-F11 QUEL ESPRIT (FR) 8 Red Barn Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 1PU-345 RARE BOB (IRE) 10 D A Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE 2113-12 REALT DUBH (IRE) 8 Derek Sharkey Noel Meade IRE 423130 RIVAGE D'OR (FR) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Dessie Hughes IRE 15F/121- RIVERSIDE THEATRE 8 Jimmy Nesbitt Partnership Nicky Henderson 0-512F5 ROI DU MEE (FR) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE 213-312 RUBI LIGHT (FR) 7 Bill Hennessy Robbie Hennessy IRE 53-1224 SOMERSBY (IRE) 8 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight 504-506 TARTAK (FR) 9 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tom George 3/1P-3FU THE NIGHTINGALE (FR) 9 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls 10-U1P2 TRANQUIL SEA (IRE) 10 Dermot Cox/Nelius Hayes Edward O'Grady IRE 21-1652 WISHFULL THINKING 9 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs 1100-32 WOOLCOMBE FOLLY (IRE) 9 The Hon Mrs Townshend Paul Nicholls 38 entries 14 Irish-trained
'111/1/00/- JACK THE GIANT (IRE) 10 Hanbury Syndicate Nicky Henderson' I thought this horse had retired long ago. Was an outstanding hurdler and novice chaser, he was placed in the Arkle but I think he went wrong in the Ryannair a coupel of years ago, haven't heard of him since. Anyone know if he's back in full training and what level of ability he's retained ?
I thought he was long since retired as well Grizzly. I tried to google him but only got a zillion hits for the new Spielberg Film
Go on the wooly!!! - Nicholls needs to put some inspitration back in the horse, he just doesnt look intrested was a top novice chaser but just the not the same horse he was last year.
Champion Court seems an odd entry. I know he's running well, but he's not that good. The Jewson/RSA seem much easier prospects than this...
I've just been having a watch of Riverside Theatre's last few races and have come to the conclusion that he has a very decent engine but is at best a moderate jumper. His races have been characterised by him losing his place during the race before staying on strongly. The reason for this is that when everything else is travelling strongly he is continually losing ground at his fences but as soon as everything else starts to tire, his engine allows him to get back into the race and means his moderate jumping loses him comparatively less ground. As such, I would not want to be backing him for the Ryanair because I can easily see him losing his place on the second circuit before running on strongly up the hill. He might even be good enough to win but I doubt it from that far back and, if you do fancy him, an in running bet would seem the way to go because he appears likely to trade at longer odds in running. Also, just watched the Ascot Chase and was forgetting how good Pride Of Dulcote looked. That was a very sad day. R.I.P.
Tend to agree with most of what you say there Zen. Especially his engine- I think he could be a Gold Cup horse next season, I think he would stay. But as you say, needs to be cleaner over the sticks if he is to be an elite horse. Rate him highly though I do, it must be said. Very sad day losing Pride of Dulcote last season RE fans of JACK THE GIANT.... here is what Nicky Henderson had to say in his stable tour for Racing Post: "He’s very special to us but his suspensory ligaments have given him grief for some time. He’s talented but fragile and his appearances have been far and few between. We’re giving it another go as he is so good. We always felt the Ryanair was tailor-made for him.21/11/11" And Riverside Theatre: "After excellent performances when second to Long Run in the King George and winning the Betfair Ascot Chase by ten lengths we set our sights on the Ryanair, but during his preparation for the festival he sustained a stress fracture to his pelvis. It was a bitter blow to us and his great team of owners, headed by Jimmy Nesbitt and fronted by Brian Stewart-Brown. As a result of his injury he came back in late. He’s cantering now although I’m not sure he’ll be ready for the King George. One has to keep in mind that he may be a specialist over 2m4f and the Ascot Chase and Ryanair are obvious targets.21/11/11"
Latest runners after scracthings deadline: THE RYANAIR CHASE Class 1, Grade 1, 2m 5f, £260,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm, Cheltenham, Thursday, March 15, 2012. For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 8 -horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered & such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horseâs racecourse performances up to and including March 8 would merit a minimum rating of 130 (the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 5yo 11st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 10, entries revealed January 12 (38 entries), scratchings deadline February 14 (29 remain), £13,000 supplementary entry stage and six-day confirmation stage March 9. Final 48-hour declaration stage, 10.00am, March 13. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 13. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 4FP12-1 ALBERTAS RUN (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Jonjo O'Neill 52-FU111 APT APPROACH (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 2143111 BLAZING TEMPO (IRE) 8 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 211-1U3P CAPTAIN CHRIS (IRE) 8 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 2/2P-2334 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) 10 Goat Racing Syndicate Tom Cooper IRE 1/01651- FRENCH OPERA 9 Judy Wilson & Martin Landau Nicky Henderson 520-1F1F GAUVAIN (GER) 10 Jared Sullivan & Simon Brown Nick Williams 2F6-140 GREAT ENDEAVOUR (IRE) 8 David Johnson David Pipe 21/460-05 I'M SO LUCKY 10 Sheila Brookhouse David Pipe 5331442 I'MSINGINGTHEBLUES (IRE) 10 Jo Tracey David Pipe 111/1/00/- JACK THE GIANT (IRE) 10 Hanbury Syndicate Nicky Henderson (5)42P-5P KALAHARI KING (FR) 11 Julie Morgan Ferdy Murphy 1103-12 KAUTO STONE (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 16/1155-6 LITTLE JOSH (IRE) 10 Tony Bloom Nigel Twiston-Davies 51124-00 MAGNANIMITY (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Dessie Hughes IRE F/U563U-F MAHOGANY BLAZE (FR) 10 Lorna Berryman Nigel Twiston-Davies 142-132 MEDERMIT (FR) 8 The Dunkley & Reilly Partnership Alan King 21-F1222 NOBLE PRINCE (GER) 8 Des Sharkey Paul Nolan IRE 5141-5U2 POQUELIN (FR) 9 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls 1FF-F111 QUEL ESPRIT (FR) 8 Red Barn Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 2113-12 REALT DUBH (IRE) 8 Derek Sharkey Noel Meade IRE 15F/121- RIVERSIDE THEATRE 8 Jimmy Nesbitt Partnership Nicky Henderson 0-512F5 ROI DU MEE (FR) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE 213-312 RUBI LIGHT (FR) 7 Bill Hennessy Robbie Hennessy IRE 53-12241 SOMERSBY (IRE) 8 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight 504-5060 TARTAK (FR) 9 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tom George 10-U1P23 TRANQUIL SEA (IRE) 10 Dermot Cox/Nelius Hayes Edward O'Grady IRE 21-16526 WISHFULL THINKING 9 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs 29 entries remain after February 14 scratchings deadline 10 Irish-trained THE FOLLOWING 9 ENTRIES HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED: AERIAL (FR), FINIAN'S RAINBOW (IRE), HELL'S BAY (FR), JESSIES DREAM (IRE), MAJESTIC CONCORDE (IRE), RARE BOB (IRE), RIVAGE D'OR (FR), THE NIGHTINGALE (FR), WOOLCOMBE FOLLY (IRE)
