Panel included David Mullins, Johnny Burke, Ollie Murphy (head lad at Elliott's)Supreme: DM: Was riding him earlier in year, is the real deal, keen at Punchestown last time, better ground and better race to suit.JB: Huge outside chance in Supasundae, getting the hang of jumping. Min class apart.OM: Like tombstone a lot on him at big prices, unlucky at Christmas, heard Min best since the fly, but thought he got worked up at Punchestown last time could beat himself. Altior straight forward, main threat.Arkle:JB: Can't beat Douvan, broke SJ heart at Christas, can't confirm SJ will go to Arkle but can't really step up to JLT trip for first time at festival. SJ could be closer on better ground couldn't go with Douvan on heavy last time.DM: Thinks SJ could put it up to Douvan on better ground, said anyone backing Tell Us More take fallers insurance.OM: Game Changer needs good ground has entry in grand annual but probably goes Arkle as it'll cut up.ChampionM: NC to make it, hard to know where AP fits in, would pick NC as doesn't know where AP fits in race.JB: AP the one to beat, ruby to use stamina take off in front. If he could pick one would be on IT, had a break and better ground and fresheness will bring improvement. Said anyone backing AP watch out if its sunny in case of shadows.OM: Like IT, AP too keen, likes NC too but no strong opinion as no entry.MaresM: If AP goes champion VVM wins, can't see it beat. Ballychorus big one at a price with ew claims.4mM: RDF takes a lot of beating, jumps, stays, PA lacks a gear but might be race for him, could bring best out.OM: NE jumps well and stays well but quirky but wouldnt put you off. Lined up for race all season, will like decent ground.JB: Minnello Rock = Certainty, given "kind" ride to say the least last day and runs as a winner without a penalty.3m hcap chP rep: Said Jonjo must have something for it if MR doesnt run as didn't go up in handicap after 2nd the weekend.JB: Shanahans Turn runs, big chance if back to form.NeptuneM: LD should be jfav with YW. Still gives Danny stick for being beat in a maiden on it. Beat BER who is shorter he wont go there. Busiest horse all summer forgotten about now. 95% sure he runs.JB: at a price ATP, vigil form boost the weekend. YW visually impressive happy to take on.OM: YW banker on day 2. doubtful general principal runs but out weekend and should win.CCM: UDS vulnerable if someone (ST) gets to first before him, will sulk. Would love to be on ST.JB: UDS wins if stands. ST & UDS to take off break SS heart. Hes on SG and will ride to pick up pieces. Runs well fresh, better ground a plus.OM: No entries, big negative DB, Nichols aint been champ for running horses unfit. SS doesnt give same vibe.RSA:OM: NMH straight forward, stays, not flash. MOT a negative as didnt run when engaged twice. Wouldnt swap NMH. By presenting so better ground a plus.DM: Can't have MOT. Between NMH & RDF.NMH = Don Poli 2.0.JB: 2 horse race between NMH MOT, will give him a race.BumperM: Castello Sforza nice horse being backed, BG prob be on.JB: Good vibes about Battleford. Keep eye on Aspen.OM: No real good bumper horses at GE's. Gigginstown dont like race so.*managed to catch DM at bar, asked about Augusta Kate, said theyre thinking of switching from Sandown to Cheltenham, pick of Willie's. Mare's allowance, so PM can't do weight ruby will ride. One he would be on if had a choice.JLT: DM: Rode SH this morning over whatever was wrong at Donnie last ime.JB: Trip wont bother SJ cant guarantee he will run.OM: Big Zabanna fan, thinks hed be half price if trained by WM/GE.RyanairJB: Smashing def goes, loves heavy, handles good.WH:All: Thistlecrack class apartOM: POS good ew on bad ground.DM: LC 2 time G1 winner, come on massively for run, and trip and better ground and pace, thats 4 things that'll improve him.Mares Nv:All like Limini.JB: Jespers Dream the value.DM: Cant see past Limini, improve for better ground, jumps ok.Triumph:Average bunch all said would forgive AG.DM: said danny rode sensible last day, likes AJ. Doesnt know if FP best of willies just got best ride.JB: Keep beating one and other.ABM: Gangster more impressive beating a horse than Bellshill, confident he'll stay.JB: Cornered him and said he can't see past BH, has it all and cant get passed, sets standard. Between SV n BH.OM: SV come on for better ground.GC:OM: Everything went wrong in KG for DC, still in shout 2 out. Thinks hed have won. big DA fan, if DP misses one beat race over. Cant have Vautour.JB: If DC was ridden like V in KG wouldnt have been like Kauto Star's win. Like DA & DP. VL got into deceiving position last time went too hard in front.DM: Likes DC. Said last race was confidence boost. Excited to ride VL.Others:OM: Keep an eye on Jet Stream Jack off 134. Diamond King, Diamond King, Diamond King. Russell to ride.Desoto County bad ride last time off Kennedy. Our Father, goes well fresh, Kim muir, codd to ride. Campeador (FW) face lit up, didn't want to say anything as JP horse, heard from MC after he got in trouble for time cause of causes few years back, JP wasnt happy. The less he said the more confident you felt. Squouateor also mentioned not sure what race.JB: Sizing Codelco in GA. Aupcharlie in FH (Codd to ride).DM: Feather Player (I think) beat Diamond king last time good shout in county.
Limerick Preview Night The Limerick Racing Club hosted an entertaining Cheltenham Preview Night at the Strand Hotel in Limerick City, in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys’ Fund. An attentive audience of racing fans gathered to hear the views of some major figures of the Irish racing scene, with plenty of Cheltenham clues on offer; just three weeks away from the Festival.Former rider, jockeys’ agent and At The Races presenter Kevin O’Ryan performed the master of ceremonies role exceptionally well, providing a great blend of humour and knowledge to the evening’s proceedings.The panel of experts consisted of Gold Cup winning jockey Davy Russell, the most successful point-to-point rider of all time Derek O’Connor, Barry O’Connell’s retained rider Adrian Heskin, top female amateur Kate Harrington, cross country chase king Enda Bolger and Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Robbie McNamara.Here are the views of the panel on the showpiece events of this year’s Cheltenham Festival:Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdleavy Russellavy says he’s been impressed by the favourite Min but is concerned by his “wild” jumping and winning, what so far have looked to be soft races “travelling plenty keen enough”. He mentions that he’s spoken to Noel Fehily who reckons the Buveir D’Air is a very talented individual. Davy has a soft spot for the Gigginstown runner Tombstone who will improve for better ground and a strongly run race. He views him as great value in the race at 10/1. He says that it’s up in the air at the moment whether he’ll ride Vigil or Silver Concorde – the decision will be ground dependent. Silver Concorde will need to improve vastly to win, in Davy’s eyes.Adrian Heskin:Adrian thinks Min takes on his hurdles too much and sees Supasundae as a value alternative who will love faster ground.Kate Harrington:Kate has previously ridden Altoir and she thinks his experience and development through the season will allow him to put it up to Min in the Supreme.Derek O’Connorerek says he would love the opportunity to ride Min in the race – he’s been very impressed so far. He initially says he’d be interested in Moon Racer, but a few members of the panel tell him that they’ve heard if he goes to Cheltenham at all, he will run in the Champion Bumper. Derek can’t see Yorkhill running in the Supreme with Min already representing Willie Mullins and thinks he will run elsewhere.Robbie McNamara:Robbie is very bullish on the chances of Min and makes him his banker of the meeting saying that bad luck is the only thing that can beat him. Speaking about Silver Concorde who Robbie won the Champion Bumper on, he’s certain that he needs better ground to be seen at his best. He says that he isn’t the most reliable horse, lacks a little bit of toughness and may throw in the towel if he is under pressure too early. He isn’t bowled over by Vigil either.Enda Bolger:Enda sees Min as the winner and says that Cheltenham has no problem sorting out free-going horses.Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophyavy Russellavy thinks Douvan will win, reckoning he is unbeatable bar a fall. In fact, he thinks that he will win barring they tie the ambulance onto his tail! When asked for a horse to finish second to Douvan, Davy is sceptical about predicting the placed horses as he believes whoever “rides to be second” will be placed and those who try to take on Douvan will tire and finish at the tail end of the field.Adrian Heskin:Adrian initially suggests The Game Changer can run well before members of the panel tell him that the horse goes for a handicap at the meeting instead. He reckons that Sizing John will be steering away from Douvan and may instead go for the JLT Novices’ Chase and holds no strong opinion on the race.Kate Harrington:Kate can’t see Vaniteux getting the better of Douvan but thinks he can finish second to him.Derek O’Connorerek is very sweet on Douvan and thinks an accident is the only thing that will stop him. He sees Sizing John as the horse who can finish second.Robbie McNamara:Robbie isn’t interested in backing Douvan at odds-on and advises the audience to have “whatever you want” on Min in the Supreme before watching the Arkle drinking champagne!Enda Bolger:Enda is blown away by Douvan saying that he’s the best horse he’s seen for quite a while. He mentions that he’s previously spoke to Willie’s mother Maureen and she also thought that Douvan is the best horse she has seen in Closutton for a long time.Stan James Champion Hurdleavy Russellavy doesn’t see Annie Power winning the Champion Hurdle and says that he likes horses that are improving at the Festival and usually goes for more unexposed types. He says that Identity Thief will improve for better ground and sides with him. He reckons his freshness from bypassing the Irish Champion Hurdle will benefit him hugely and that gives him the edge over Nichols Canyon at Cheltenham. He cites Henry de Bromhead as an excellent trainer for preparing a horse for one day alone. He thinks Annie Power’s preparation is far from ideal, and says if The New One is the benchmark for the British runners, Identity Thief will beat them.Adrian Heskin:Adrian disagrees with Davy and thinks it would be madness not to supplement Annie Power for the Champion Hurdle and thinks she’ll take all the beating. He finds it hard to believe that My Tent OrYours will be back to his best on the day and sees Identity Thief’s jumping as an issue.Kate Harrington:Kate thinks that if My Tent Or Yours comes back to his form of two years ago, he can be a major player, telling the audience that Nicky Henderson has said that My Tent Or Yours has been ‘absolutely flying’ up the Lambourn Hill. She can see Nichols Canyon putting up an improved performance on better ground.Derek O’Connorerek reckons that if Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci supplement Annie Power, she will win. He thinks it’s very difficult for Nicky Henderson to get My Tent Or Yours back to the form of two years ago in the Champion Hurdle, which he’ll need to be at to win this year’s renewal. He likes The New One and thinks his course form will be a big help to him and can run well. He admits he’s a fan of Nigel Twiston Davies’ horses at the Festival. He sides with the consistent The New One knowing that he wants better ground being a King’s Theatre gelding.Robbie McNamara:Robbie says that if Vautour ran in this race, he would win even though it’s highly unlikely he will. Kevin O’Ryan tells him that there’s no chance whatsoever of that happening but Robbie argues that Annie Power wouldn’t be able to beat Vautour over two miles. Robbie is unsure if Identity Thief is good enough to win a Champion Hurdle but will probably side with him. He thinks Annie Power’s jumping over two miles at Cheltenham could possibly see her take a tumble. Robbie can’t stand Peace And Co and has a huge dislike of the horse saying that he has a terrible attitude and is like a long dog with little legs.Enda Bolger:Enda sees My Tent Or Yours as the dark horse of the race. He thinks that Nicky Henderson is a terrific trainer for preparing a horse for a race without having a run; however, his freshness on the day could catch him out. He also notes that Annie Power’s seven pound weight allowance could be vital and that there are very few geldings that could beat her giving her half a stone. Neptune Davy Russellavy has been hugely impressed by Yanworth, but still thinks there is more improvement to come from Yorkhill; with better ground helping his claims. He says that he could be anything and compares the point-to-point path taken with him as something similar to that of Faugheen. He’s not a fan of Bellshill. He says that Ruby Walsh got a ‘freebee’ on Long Dog in the Future Champions Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown but is still an underrated horse in this race.Kate Harrington:Kate thinks that Long Dog is good value in the race but she still respects Yorkhill and Yanworth. She says that her mother Jessica won’t have any runner in the race and Our Duke will probably wait for better ground and go to Fairyhouse.Derek O’Connorerek thinks that Yorkhill is hugely talented. He won on him in a point-to-point in December 2014 and was very impressed, telling the audience that he spoke to Patrick Mullins prior to the Cheltenham Festival last year and Patrick nominated him as the most exciting bumper horse in the yard that didn’t go to the Champion Bumper. As a result of bypassing the Festival last year, Derek thinks that he is a far better horse this year. When questioned on Yorkhill almost pulling himself up when getting to the front at Sandown, Derek isn’t overly concerned and says that he doesn’t think that there is any talented horse by Presenting (sire of Yorkhill) that doesn’t have a quirk – it could be the quirk that makes them so good. When asked about Yanworth, Derek notes that Alan King’s horses have been in flying form for quite a while and is unsure whether he can maintain that form until March. He’s not certain that Yanworth will still be at his prime come the Festival.Enda Bolger:Enda tells the audience that there has been talk that Yanworth could possibly be supplemented for the Champion Hurdle, showing how good they think he is. He says punters should look no further than him in this race.RSA Chaseavy Russellavy says that the rain before last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle really played against No More Heroes and his chances were hindered. On drier ground, Davy thinks he is a serious player for this race and sees it as a match between No More Heroes and More Of That. The ground on the day would sway his thoughts of who would win the race: On dry ground, he would give the edge to No More Heroes, but on anything softer than that, he fancies More Of That.Adrian Heskin:Adrian thinks that No More Heroes was unlucky in last year’s Albert Bartlett in which rode the winner, Martello Tower. He agrees with Davy and says that No More Heroes and More Of That are clear of the rest and both are live contenders for the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup.Kate Harrington:Kate is confident and tells the audience that More Of That will take all the beating in the RSA Chase.Derek O’Connorerek likes the chances of Blaklion – to which Davy responds saying he has no chance whatsoever. Derek fights his corner and sees Blaklion’s course form and consistency as key attributes for winning the RSA Chase. He says his consistency of running around the 150 mark will allow him to run a big race – far better than his price of 10/1 suggests. He says that when the runners face up to the second last fence, Blaklion will still be there and will give his backers a good run for their money. He isn’t completely sold on No More Heroes for the race saying that he hasn’t been properly tested and has had a timid preparation against inferior horses. He thinks he’s a good horse but possibly isn’t hardy enough to win at Cheltenham this year. Derek favours battle hardened sorts at the Cheltenham Festival in general.Robbie McNamara:Robbie thinks that More Of That’s performance at Cheltenham was one of the best he’s ever seen by a novice. He respects No More Heroes but is very fond of the Jonjo O’Neill runner.Enda Bolger:Enda admits that he has a soft spot for More Of That after having him in his care as a four year-old. Enda thinks that Jonjo’s preparation with the horse has been perfect and thinks More Of That’s relaxed nature will see him come out on top.Betway Queen Mother Champion Chaseavy Russellavy admits that he was sceptical about Un De Sceaux at Leopardstown and thought that he was going to burn out before falling in the Dial A Bet Chase, but liked what he saw at Ascot. He says that if Sprinter Sacre was at his best he would beat Un De Sceaux, but injuries and wind-ops have left him below the level he was before. He says that Felix Yonger is terrific value in the race and can stay on and pick up the pieces. He reckons that by the time the Champion Chase comes around, the British riders will be sick of Ruby Walsh getting his own way from the front and he expects them to put the pressure on him and ensure that he doesn’t get a freebee. He sees horses tiring from the lead and Felix Yonger staying on from the back to give them trouble at 14/1.Adrian Heskin:Adrian can’t oppose Un De Sceaux and thinks that Sprinter Sacre will take second place.Kate Harrington:Kate says that the Seven Barrows team is happy with Sprinter Sacre, but Nicky thinks that Un De Sceaux is the real deal.Derek O’Connorerek isn’t worried at all by Un De Sceaux’s jumping and expects a workmanlike performance resulting in victory. He makes him his banker of the meeting. He says that there isn’t the same spark in Sprinter Sacre these days and Special Tiara is much better on a flat track. He wasn’t impressed by Sire De Grugy’s Queen Mother and says that he doesn’t jump or travel like a Champion Chaser.Robbie McNamara:Robbie thinks Un De Sceaux is a very classy horse and is probably a good price at 8/11 for the race. He’s not concerned about his jumping at all saying that most of the rest of the field are held together with sticky tape!Enda Bolger:Enda doesn’t think that the rest of the field will know which way Un De Sceaux has gone and he will win the Champion Chase.ARTICLE 2 - Derek O'Connor carrying the tricolour after winning on Chicago Grey at the Cheltenham Festival (pic - Dave Boylan)Derek O’Connor carrying the tricolour after winning on Chicago Grey at the Cheltenham Festival (pic – Dave Boylan)Ryanair Chaseavy Russell:Kevin O’Ryan opens the discussion stating that this is a difficult race to assess as we’re unsure what will run. This suggestion is shot down by Davy Russell as he says “we know exactly who’s going to run”! Davy tells the audience that Road To Riches will run in the Ryanair, as will Vautour – Kevin quickly tells him that Vautour is Gold Cup bound, to which Davy replies that he won’t stay the Gold Cup trip. He says that if Djakadam is 100% fit, he will run in the Gold Cup and Vautour will revert back to the Ryanair – and win. He advises people to have anything they want on Vautour with ‘non-runner no-bet’ rules and to “fill the wheelbarrow”. On the topic of Josses Hill and his jumping, Davy wishes rider Nico De Boinville “the best of luck” with Josses’ jumping.Derek O’Connorerek likes Road To Riches and thinks that he would find out Vautour at the end of the race.Robbie McNamara:Robbie agrees with Davy (to the surprise of Kevin) and says that if Vautour runs in the Ryanair, he will win. He says that last year, he was the only horse he thought could win the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, World Hurdle or Gold Cup. Robbie is supremely confident and says that he’d even throw his trousers on the table and back him for the Ryanair with ‘non-runner no-bet’ rules.Ryanair World Hurdleavy Russellavy has been impressed by Thistlecrack and rode against him in this year’s Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. He noted that down at the start, Thistlecrack got in “a bit of a tizzy” for a few moments and stalled for a couple of strides – something Davy says he can’t afford to do at Cheltenham. Davy thinks it will be a big ask for Aux Ptit Soins to win after such a layoff and says that Prince Of Scars will need the going to be heavy or worse to win – even soft wouldn’t be enough. He is asked about Alpha Des Obeaux and thinks he has a lot to find to win the World Hurdle. He doesn’t know whether the prospect of better ground will improve him enough to land the spoils and he’d be surprised if he won.Derek O’Connor:Cole Harden is of interest to Derek and he believes that conditions similar to last year will allow him to produce a better performance than we’ve seen this year.Robbie McNamara:Robbie says that Alpha Des Obeaux is a solid grade two hurdler and doesn’t think that he’s seen to best affect over three miles. He believes Thistlecrack is streets ahead of everything else. He says Vroum Vroum Mag has never been tested and that Cole Harden looks to be the value bet of the race at 8/1 with drier ground bringing out huge improvement in him, telling the audience that he shouldn’t be out of the first three.JCB Triumph Hurdleavy Russellavy says that the horses that run in the Triumph Hurdle are disgusting horses and the form of the race is worthless. He tells the audience that the only reason the Triumph Hurdle takes place is to please the Curragh people; giving them something to watch over the Festival period. Kevin is quick to remind him that one of those Curragh trainers provided him with a winner at Cheltenham last year in the shape of Windsor Park! Davy advises the crowd to forget about the race and says that he doesn’t want to ride anything in it (again, his agent Kevin is quick to say that he’ll be trying to book him a ride in the race and to be quiet).Robbie McNamara:Robbie makes a strong argument for the Willie Mullins trained Let’s Dance, pointing out how well she stayed on at Leopardstown and her willingness to keep going in testing conditions after the last. He thinks that Ruby Walsh didn’t enjoy his finest hour in the saddle aboard the filly at Leopardstown – a very rare moment of criticism for Ireland’s champion jockey. Robbie can’t get his head around why she is such a big price for the Triumph and says she won’t be 14/1 on the day when punters see the Ruby Walsh/Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci combination.Enda Bolger:Enda has no strong opinion on the race but says that he hated Ivanovich Gorbatov’s attitude at Leopardstown last time out. Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdleavy Russellavy says he’d be surprised if Gangster won the Albert Bartlett but also would be disappointed if Barters Hill made mistakes and was still able to win. He advised people to see how the Yanworth form works out in the Neptune on Wednesday for Shantou Village.Adrian Heskin:Adrian likes the chances of Shantou Village and said that after Ruby got off the horse at Cheltenham last time out behind Yanworth, he felt he would have given the winner a run for his money on better ground. Adrian doesn’t hold any great confidence in the Irish runners.Kate Harrington:Kate can’t see anything but a Barters Hill victory in the Albert Bartlett.Derek O’Connorerek sees the Albert Bartlett as a race for future staying chasers, which generally emerge from Irish point-to-points. He thinks the stiffer track will suit Ballydine who ran very well behind Barters Hill last time out. He sees Ballydine as a tougher horse than the rest. Another horse which Derek fancies is Jonniesofa at a huge price as a runner that keeps improving and holds solid form. He thinks he’s a very well-made horse and tremendous value for the race, which brings enormous laughter from Davy Russell who tells Derek he’s got no chance and that he’d rather be sitting on the sofa than riding Jonniesofa in the race!Robbie McNamara:Robbie thinks good ground will bring out more improvement in Shantou Village and that he is an out-and-out stayer.Enda Bolger:Enda voices concern for the Irish horses in general saying the form of the entire season might not be a true representation of the horses due to the testing ground. He’s slightly worried that the Irish runners have had a lot of racing on heavy ground which they could pay a penalty for at the Festival. His selection is Shantou Village.ARTICLE 2 - Kevin O'Ryan (right) at the racesKevin O’Ryan (right) at Roscommon Racecourse (pic – Dave Boylan)Timico Gold Cuperek O’Connorerek retains huge faith in Don Cossack saying that if he returns to the form of his Aintree run last season, he will win the Gold Cup. He thinks that (if he runs) Road To Riches could set up the race for Don Poli by going hard early on and allowing Poli to come home strong. He thinks Davy will ride Don Cossack in the race and throws down the gauntlet to him saying that Davy will win the Gold Cup.Davy Russellavy starts by saying that he has had no contact from anyone in the Gigginstown operation about a ride in the race. He finds it hard to see Bryan Cooper getting off Don Cossack and thinks that the O’Leary’s will put him up on something like Valseur Lido “to keep me happy”. Davy is keen to say that he would love to ride anything in the race and if they called and asked him to even ride First Lieutenant, he would ride him. He doesn’t know how good Don Poli is, saying that he thought he wasn’t anything special after getting beat on him in a Navan maiden hurdle. He thinks that Don Cossack will get the trip and when asked about possible headgear, says that the horse may travel too strong if anything is applied. He sees Don Cossack running his best races when racing a little lazily and didn’t think he was beaten in the King George when falling; adding that he was impressed by the horse’s character to return at Clonmel soon after. Overall, he is dubious about headgear for Don Cossack and feels it could “over do it”. Davy is worried about how closely matched the Irish horses are, saying they are either all very good or will be beat. He thinks the form of Smad Place is excellent and that he’s horse who could run a big race. He sees this as a very exciting contest, but points that out that Lord Windermere’s Gold Cup was probably the greatest ever renewal of the race!Kate Harrington:Kate sees Cue Card as the toughest horse in the line-up and is good value to scoop the million pound bonus. She then asks Kevin what he will advise Bryan Cooper to ride in the race as his agent.Kevin O’Ryan:Kevin says that Bryan knows exactly what he wants to ride and that he won’t influence Bryan’s decision at all. Kevin wasn’t impressed by Don Cossack in the King George and doesn’t think he can win the Gold Cup. He adds that if he had to have a bet, he thinks Bryan will ride Don Cossack.Robbie McNamara:Robbie says that he has recently spoken to Bryan and that Cooper doesn’t have a clue whether he’ll choose Don Cossack or Don Poli. He says that if it wasn’t the Gold Cup and if it was just two horses in a field, he’d choose Don Poli, but in the pressure situation of the Blue Riband he’ll probably go for the safer option and ride Don Cossack. Robbie thinks Djakadam will win the Gold Cup and says that after speaking to Ruby about the horse, Walsh’s eyes lit up. He thinks there’s natural improvement in the horse from last year to this year and sees a more mature individual.Enda Bolger:Enda agrees with Robbie and favours Djakadam in the Gold Cup feeling he is tailor-made for the contest. He thinks his campaign has been fine (even with the fall) and knows that Ruby is very sweet on him for the race. Enda doesn’t like Don Cossack or Don Poli; the former too sharp and the latter lacking sharpness.Best bets and the panel’s runnersavy Russellavy says that he schooled Zabana last week and he is Cheltenham bound for either the JLT Novices’ Chase or RSA Chase. He was disappointed with his performance at Leopardstown last time out when his jumping wasn’t good enough. Davy says he has to improve but the promise of better ground will certainly help his chances. The nap of the meeting for Davy is Limini in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle for which he tells the audience she is nailed on and to take the odds of even money.Adrian Heskin:Adrian says that Martello Tower’s work has been pleasing them recently and he could sneak into a place in the World Hurdle. He’s looking forward to Blue Hell in the County Hurdle, with Adrian obviously delighted with how to form is working out of his most recent victory. He tells the audience that Bishopslough will run in the Novices’ Handicap Chase on Tuesday saying that he jumps very well and the extra half mile will bring about further improvement. His nap of the meeting is Yanworth in the Neptune.Kate Harrington:Kate is very bullish about the chances of Rock The World who has been “working out of his skin”. The Arkle, Novices’ Handicap Chase and JLT all remain options for him and Jessica will wait to see how the races cut up before deciding on the target. Kate feels he has been forgotten about as the public haven’t seen him since October – he is overlooked and a massive price for the Festival. Oscar Sam goes for the Pertemps Final and has strong claims. Lake Champlain and Newberry New are due to run in the Fred Winter. The Harrington camp are hoping that Annie Power diverts to the Champion Hurdle and Vroum Vroum Mag to the World Hurdle as they plan on running Rock On The Moor and Keppols Queen in the Mares’ Hurdle. Kate also mentioned that New To This Town is an intended runner in the Champion Bumper and that she would obviously love to ride him, but she hasn’t been in conversation with the owners. She nominates Oscar Sam and Rock The World as the best chances of a winner for the Harrington team at the Festival, suggesting an each-way double.Derek O’Connorerek says that there is a possibility of him riding Southfield Royale in the National Hunt Chase, but also mentions that Minella Rocco could be of interest to punters in the same race. He tells the audience that he spoke to Tom George on the phone last week and he suggested that he hold tough on accepting a ride for the Kim Muir Handicap as he feels that he has a couple of horses with favourable marks for the race. Derek doesn’t think he’ll have any mount in the Foxhunters. He adds that Patrick Mullins nominated Battleford as a very promising horse before Fairyhouse last year and he is worth following in the Champion Bumper. Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase is Derek’s nap of the meeting.Enda Bolger:Enda reports Josie’s Orders to be in good form leading up to the Cross Country Chase but admits he has to up his game to win at the Festival. He also tells the audience that he has heard through the grapevine that Foxrock will be contesting the race and if he takes to the obstacles “he could be in a different league”. However, Davy and Kevin think Foxrock has no chance. Adrian Heskin has never thought of the horse as an ideal candidate for the race but he has been schooling very well over the obstacles and could take a bit of pegging back. He also mentions that he is a horse who worries when travelling and they will be sending him to the U.K. very early this year to combat that. Enda may also run Quantitativeeasing, Cantlow and Love Rory in the Cross Country. On The Fringe is on course for the Foxhunters but he was disappointed with the run at Leopardstown last time out. He says that they have been taking their time with him, but he was disappointed by how quickly he faded after the second last before being nursed home by Jamie Codd. He didn’t expect him to win but thought he would be second or third and on the day and was a little bit further behind than ideal. Enda also acknowledges that his horses perhaps weren’t running as well at the time when he ran. On The Fringe wants good ground and will have a couple of racecourse gallops before the festival. Enda describes Gilgamboa as a horse who has “gone a bit clever” and will have an entry in the Ryanair Chase, but favouring a tilt at the Aintree Grand National.Robbie McNamara:Robbie is ultra-confident about the chances of Min in the Supreme, but selects Black Hercules in the National Hunt Chase as his nap of the meeting, mentioning that Patrick Mullins will be keen to ride him as he previously owned him.
Paddypower Preview The panel is R Walsh, AP McCoy, Noel O'Brien (Irish Snr H'Capper), Rob Catterson (PP), & Oli Bell (MC)Supreme up first. PP top price 7/4 about Min says RC. Big loser for the firm.RW was worried about Min before Punchestown but has done everything right so far. SupaSundae an EW chance. CheltMentalNO'B not as impressed by Min. Rw says he thinks all last years Irish bumper horses are slow and doesn't take English H'cap marks seriously... B*tchy! Ap thinks English horses are middling. Thinks it's a weak Supreme. Min looks obvious but SupaSundae has EW chance. RW thinks Min is a good thing to kick off the festival. Neptune now. APMc says Yanworth. 11/10 with PP now. Yorkhill could show up here but RW afraid to as Willie! RW getting plenty of stick for falling at the last lately! #CheltMentalNO'B thinks Yanworth is outstanding. Also likes Bachasson on better ground. RW reckons Long Dog is a fair bit better than Bachasson. AP says Yanworth is a good thing. Albert Bartlett now. Betting is all about Barters Hill according to RC. Bad race says NO'B. Up For Review worries lots says RW. Mares Novice now. Limini was sick when she ran at Punchestown. Has ability to win a Yorkshire Oaks. Classy Myska the only thing that might worry Limini says RW. heltMentalWow that was fast!!! Nov chasers coming right up!!! Arkle: Douvan a good thing according to AP. 5/2 the Min Douvan double with PP.JLT: AP thinks More of That will win. Solid jumper.Bombproof he says! N'OB says the JLT is open. Goes for Outlander (def runs according to RW) and Garde le Victoire EW.RW says More of That is the 2nd best Nov in training to Douvan. Wins JLT or RSA.Bullish. RSA: NO'B very impressed by No More Heroes. Jumps well and most likely winner. 5/2 with PP. 2nd biggest loser says RC. #CheltMentalAP says See You at Midnight is a nice EW price. More of That still wins if he runs. RW says No More Heroes is beatable. RW says Roi des Francs is a good EW alternative for the RSA. Champion Bumper now. RW says no stand out. Augusta Kate is good but fillies have a poor record but hope she runs. AP says Aspen Colorado might not run. #CheltMentalOB says HighBridge has an Ew squeak. Handicapa now. All eyes on AP for JPs handicap plot. AP says Cup Final, If In Doubt & Doctor Harper havechances! N'OB says Leave At Dawn has a shout after an eye catching run last time. RW says Children's List, Warrior, Blazer & PFNs 2 unraced French horses in the Fwinter. AP says Taquin De Seuil has a squeak too. whoever is not already doing so. Go to @pphorseracing to follow chelt preview with AP and Ruby! #. Thanks be ta jaysus!! Stretch out me thumbs! AP opens with RW f*cking up everyone's acca last year!! We're back live! Champion Hurdle coming up! RW says no decision on Annie Power in the CH yet. Not as good Faugheen or Hurrcane Fly but good enough to win this RW says Annie Power is a runner in the CH only if Vroum Vroum Mag is in shape for the Mares. My Tent or Yours in good shape and goes to Kempton on Sat for a gallop with Hargam again. N'Ob says race looks winnable and Annie Power should be supplemented. MTOY looks interesting. Ordinary Champ Hdle. N'OB says Annie Power. AP says Nichols Canyon. OB says The New One Ew. RW says Willie Mullins. RC says Annie Power for the CH. CHAMP Chase....I can guess the way this is going to go. RW says if he jumps like he does at Ascot he wins the QMCC. It's a weak race. Butttt Felix Yonger is an EW bet!! talking about UDS here btw!!NO'B says UDS is exceptional. SSacre running 10lbs below potential. EW chance for Special Tiara! RW says Special Tiara won't be able to go fast enough to get in front of UDS to front run! AP says Felix Yonger has an EW shout too but UDS is the one. Dodging Bullets needs to be a different horse. UDS stands up he wins is the vibe! Ryanair up next! Rw says Ryanair is the possibly the weakest race of the fest. Would loooove for Vautour to run but most prob won't. RW says Road to Riches too slow for the Ryanair. Fancies Smashing! Replay of RW falling on Valseur Lido met with ironic cheers from this banterful crowd! Nob fancies Al Ferof. Says Road to Riches not good enough for the GC this year. Ryanair suits. AP fancies Smashing at the prices. Ruby says he's going to bend the ears off Ricci and Willie to get Vautour in the Ryanair. Works Hurdle up next! AP thinks Thistlecrack is the greatest certainty of the meeting. improved horse in training - AP on Thistlecrack. 11/10 with PP. RW says Prince of Scars better value than Alpha des Obeaux. Aux ptits Soins a chance at a big price.Rw says Vroum Vroum Mag will def not run in the World Hurdle. NOB sweet on Thistlecrack too! Triumph up next!! NOB thinks it's a poor Triumph. Ivanovic Gorbatov needs to improve jumping. Impressed with Apples Jade & Gibralfaro. Whoever is not already doing so. Go to @pphorseracing to follow chelt preview with AP and Ruby!AP says Sceau Royals looks the pick of the Brits. Keep an eye on the Adonis this wkend. lThe GOLD CUP UP NEXT!!! Light the beacons of Gondor!! ITS TIIIIIIIME!!!! #CheltMental RW says he's going to decide when Vautour and Djakadam work in the Curragh 7 days prior who he'll ride. RW says fractions were the key to Cue Card out staying Vautour in the King George. AP says Vautour Will. Not. Stay. Likes Don Cossack. Smad Place has no chance according to our panel!! NOB says Vautour stays but was outstayed in the King George. Likes Don Cossack as a more likely stayer.Charity bet time! RW goes reverse forecast Vautour & Djakadam in the GC! #CheltMental AP goes More of That in whatever race he runs in. #CheltMenta lRuby goes again on Min Douvan and Limini treble!! #CheltMentalRoi des Franc still a possible for the RSA RW answers Q1. #CheltMental AP says Holywell has no chance in the GC but a chance in the National. Modus possibly goes to the county. Rw says Shantou Village needs to improve a lot to win the Albert Bartlett. #CheltMentalRW says Identity Thief needs to improve after a hard race at Christmas Tony says MTOY will run a big race in Champ Hurdle but a big ask. CheltMental
Exeter Cheltenham Preview Evening – Friday, 26th February Richard Hoiles (RH) (host), Harry Derham (HD), Philip Hobbs (PH), David Pipe (DP), Nick Schofield (NS) & Luke Tarr (LT) (Star Sports)HD – Our [Paul Nicholls stable] main hopes are with are 4yos in the Triumph and Fred Winter. Last week we had 9 winners and the horses are looking well. PH – We have very few horses for the Grade 1 conditions event which makes life very difficult. DP – We don’t have many favourites, if any, but hopefully we can get some nice priced winners. Day 1 Supreme NS – [On Min] There’s no better jockey to help him settle than Ruby and he will probably ride him similar to Douvan. I think there is plenty of hype around Min though and we are hoping Nico can bring his ‘A’ game on day 1 with Altior and Vaniteux. DP – The Supreme is the only race Moon Racer is entered in and I saw him loose school this morning and everything is going well and I’m still hopeful of getting there. It’s a mountain to climb but we are still in with a shout; much will depend on his schooling and not getting him fit, I’m not worried about that. If we can get him there in his best form then he could be the one to give Min a race HD – I know Johnny Burke and he really likes Supasundae and he’s 14/1. I’d be keen to take Min on as he could easily get lit up. RH – I’m also against Min as he’s too short for what he has done Arkle PH – [Garde La Victoire] He’s in the Arkle and the JLT and we will leave the decision until the last minute so we can wait and see what runs in what race. I think I’d rather take on Bristol De Mai than Douvan because we’ve beaten him. However, I think we are looking like placing so it will be a case off which race are we most likely to place in. If it came up soft we would definitely go for the Arkle. DP – I think 2/5 about Douvan is value – he’s been to the Festival and done it before. HD – I can’t see past Douvan RH – I also think Douvan will run and the likely small field will allow him to be able to dictate. Champion Hurdle [On where Annie Power should run] NS – I’d run Annie Power in the Mares’ as she would be a good thing. She’s not an out-an-out Champion Hurdle horse in my eyes. DP – They’ll go for the Champion Hurdle and that’s what I would do too. PH – If she was a gelding I’d definitely go to the Champion but it depends what breeding interest they have. HD – I remember her winning at Punchestown over 2m and Willie Mullins said afterwards that she’s not a 2m horse and wants further. She’s not had the ideal Champion Hurdle prep and she’s not a bomb proof jumper. All she’d have to do is canter around in the Mares’ race. LT – I think Rich Ricci has wanted to run her in her in the Champion Hurdle the last two years. I think she is the biggest certainty to run in the Champion but whether she will or not is a different question. [On the race] HD – Nichols Canyon for me – he’s won six Grade 1and I think 2m is his trip. He’s a very, very good horse and he’d be the one I’d want to ride. Old Guard is a lively outsider but that’s it; he’s not good enough to win it. PH – I think Annie Power will win but I think 7/1 is each-way value on The New One if he’s back to his best. His performance at Haydock was much better than it looked and he jumped much straighter. DP – I’d go for Annie Power. NS – Old Guard has done nothing but improve and has a good each-way chance. You’ll see a much better horse than what we saw at Kempton. OLBG Mares’ Hurdle HD – [on Tara Point] It’s only a 50-50 chance she’ll make it. She’s extremely talented but everything would need to go right with her. She’s big and strong but very fragile and is difficult to train. Ultima Handicap Chase PH – Champagne West will run at Kempton on Saturday and the result will determine where he runs at the Festival. Sausalito Sunrise might run in the Ultima Handicap Chase but would be top weight. Our main hope in the race would be Kruzhlinin and going left-handed will suit much better and he could be the one to provide the Rooney’s with their first Cheltenham Festival winner. DP – Un Temps Pour Tout will run over 3m but I’m not sure which race [also in the World Hurdle]. He hasn’t reached the same heights over fences as he did over hurdles and has a chance off 145 and I want to run him here but the owners might want to run in the World Hurlde. HD – I think Southfield Theatre will run in this race. He’s been a bit disappointing this season but he has a good record at the Festival finishing second twice and he’s been trained for this race. Other races HD – [Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase] Bouvreuil is a horse we like a lot and the 2m4f trip will suit him. LT – [National Hunt Chase] There’s been a lot of money for Native River. Day 2 Neptune LT – It’s a race without any strength and depth and could cut up – 5 of the first 10 in the betting are unlikely to run and Yanworth is a long way clear. DP – When Yanworth won at Cheltenham he cruised past Champers On Ice and Shantou Village, who are both good horses, and he will be very hard to beat. HD – Alan King has trained some very good horses and he said he could be the best he’s trained and that’s good enough to me. RSA LT – No More Heroes is the clear favourite and there’s been solid support all winter. If Willie Mullins wasn’t around then Gordon Elliott would be champion trainer in Ireland and all he wants to do is talk about this horse. Blaklion is solid and is a nice each-way price and Seeyouatmidnight is also very good value and he would be about 5/1 if he was trained by someone else. NS – Brian Hughes says better ground will suit Seeyouatmidnight so he’d be my pick DP – I know Gordon [Elliott] likes No More Heroes a lot and he’s the one to beat but I’d go with Seeyouatmidnight; he’s solid and would be much shorter if he was trained by someone else. PH – Blaklion perhaps but it’s an open race. HD – Seeyouatmidnight has a good profile for this race. Champion Chase HD – [Dodging Bullets] I was bitterly disappointed with his run at Newbury and although the ground was soft, if you were going to win the Champion Chase you’d have to beat Top Gamble and we have a mountain to climb. PH – Sprinter Sacre is nothing like the horse he was and Un De Sceaux looks a good thing. If you were looking for an each-way bet then Sire De Grugy. DP – It’s great to see Sprinter Sacre running in the race and although he’s not back to his best, he is still very good. Un De Sceaux Is still the one to beat though. NS – I can see Un De Sceaux leaving the others in his trail. Anyone who takes him on will ruin their own race. Coral Cup HD – Politologue is a really nice horse but on a mark of 140 doesn’t look well-handicapped and whether he’s man enough to win the Coral Cup I would have my doubts. I wouldn’t think he’s better than last year’s winner [Aux Ptits Soins] either. Baoulet Delaroque may have done his winning for this season having won three on the spin. PH – We run Rock The Kasbah and he’s won two in a row so has gone up in the weights but the trip will suit and has a good each-way chance. He prefers soft ground. DP – [Starchitect will hopefully come on for finishing 2nd in the Betfair and what also was encouraging was he made a bad mistake, but is more likely to run in the County and he should be competitive. [Kings Palace] he runs in a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow and has to finish in the first six to qualify. He stopped quickly in the Paddy Power and has had a wind op. He hasn’t been schooling well and he doesn’t like soft ground which is why he hasn’t run. He’ll improve for the run and is rated 5lb lower over hurdles and he could run well if he’s back to his best. I have a lot of belief in this horse but it does require a leap of faith because he has disappointed me a few times now. X-Country PH – Balthazar King is in good nick and we want good ground in March. His work at home as been as good as ever but he’s now got a dent on his side so whether that will affect his lung capacity I don’t know. It hasn’t stopped him at home and we’ve done plenty with him. Duke Of Lucca won’t run this season. HD – Sire Collonges is in good form and has been trained for the race but I doubt he’ll be good enough but will run his race. Fred Winter HD – Diego du Charmil is a horse we like and his handicap mark is ‘fine’. Frodon will probably run in the Triumph. Weatherbys Champion Bumper PH – We have Westend Story in this and he’s unbeaten in bumpers but has beaten moderate opposition very easily. DP – Ballyandy is favourite and has good form but Sue Gardner’s Coeur Blimey beat him at Ascot and is a bigger price. LT – High Bridge could be one at 25/1 – 28/1. John Ferguson trained New Year’s Eve to finish 2nd in the race and he could be a lively outsider if he runs. Thursday JLT LT – One horse which has been well-backed is Three Musketeers (14/1 from 25/1) and definitely goes for this race. I can see Bristol De Mai finding one horse to good and it’s a good race for bookmakers. I’m going to side with Outlander as I think he’s a natural over fences. PH – I’m favouring this race for Garde La Victoire but we will wait and see what runs. HD – As De Mee runs in this but he was well stuffed by Bristol De Mai and I can’t see him winning. DP – Bristol De Mai will take a lot of beating for me. He want soft ground and with the race being on the Thursday, if it hasn’t rained by then they will have watered so the ground will be dead and he’ll get his ground. NS – Not sure what Bristol De Mai has beaten and I like Mr Hobbs’s horse Garde La Victoire; I think he’ll stay and is a solid jumper – I can see him beating Bristol De Mai. Ryanair HD – We run Vibrato Valtat and he’s an extremely likeable horse. I think the 2m4f trip will suit and he’s in really good order. The race could cut up but he could find one or two too good. I’d fancy Al Ferof if it was first time out but I can’t see him winning the race. DP – Dynaste ran well at Ascot last time out and whilst he’s not getting any younger I’m hopeful there are a few more good days in him yet. He’s better left-handed and the better ground and wind op make him a lively outsider at big odds; he’s in great form at home and is a pleasure to have in the yard. NS – [Al Ferof] I don’t think he’s improved for Dan [Skelton] and it would have to be a bad Ryanair if he won. World Hurdle LT – Thistlecrack keeps improving and looked imperious at Cheltenham last time out and although I always get this horse wrong, I do fancy him for this race. Think Thistlecrack and Alpha Des Obeaux are well clear. Saphir Du Rheu and Aux Ptits Soins are viable each-way options and whichever one Sam rides will shorten up considerably. HD – Nick Schofield is one of the best judges and he loves Aux Ptits Soins but he likes Saphir Du Rheu for this race. APS has had lots of problems and faces an impossible task on the face of it but he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever sat on. RH – I think the current 16/1 on offer for Saphir Du Rheu is good value – he will certainly trade shorter nearer the time. NS – I don’t think even Paul knows which one has the best chance. They are both good enough but they have more to prove than Thistlecrack, who is very solid. DP – Thistlecrack is the one they all have to beat but Ditcheat are quietly confident. Other races DP – La Vaticane is entered everywhere and is a very nice horse. We might try some sort of headgear but she is down the weights and may not get in. RH – John’s Spirit in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. They’ve done very well to get his handicap mark down and he’s back to a workable mark. He’s been running on softer ground than ideal and I’d be very surprised if he was still 20/1 if he lined up on good ground on the day. NS – Art Mauresque could join John’s Spirit in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate; on better ground he should be bang there. Kim Muir RH – Our Father has been well-backed today for Gordon Elliott DP – Gordon [Elliott] said Our Father is going very well and first time out is the time to catch him. Katkeau could run and the step up in trip will suit; we ran him over 2m3f last time to help brush his jumping up. Standing Ovation could sneak in and these would be my two in the race. LT – The money coming for Our Father speaks volumes; there has been significant money for him. Pertemps PH – [If In Doubt] He’s a much better horse over hurdles and in my opinion he needs 3m plus and he will hopefully have a good chance. Triumph HD – [Connetable] We weren’t surprised when he won at Sandown and I like him; he’s very tough and very hard and he would be my pick for the Triumph. Of all our 4yos however I like Clan Des Obeaux; I love him but he might not be hard enough, but I expect him to be the best of these in the future. LT – Ivanovich Gorbatov has to be the worse priced runner at the Festival and I don’t understand how he is this short – I look forward to laying him on the day. Albert Bartlett LT – If I could have any horse in training in the UK it would be Barters Hill; he keeps on winning and the horses he beats keep coming out and winning too. I think he’s the nuts and I don’t think there’s a lot behind him – I love the horse and I want to back him and I want him to win. DP – Champers On Ice represents each-way value and the step up to3m will suit, however we have been beaten by Shantou Village already. Gold Cup LT – It’s a brilliant, brilliant race. If I had to pick one it would be Cue Card because he has the speed and class. I’d also say Don Poli; he’s a big boat but he stays forever. DP – I think Don Cossack is very good but he’s not a Gold Cup winner to me. I’ve always like Djakadam so it’s him or Cue Card for me. PH – I don’t think Cue Card will win because I still don’t think he’s a thorough stayer, which Don Cossack is and he’s my selection. Smad Place each-way as well. HD – I’m going to say something controversial here but I’m not sure Bryan Cooper gets on with Don Cossack – I’m not criticising Bryan Cooper because he’s a brilliant jockey but the horses record without him his better. I think whatever Ruby rides will win and I think he’ll ride Vautour. County Hurdle HD – I like Some Plan; he’s talented and he’s travelled well to two out the last twice and not jumped. Good ground is key and if they go flat out it will suit him and I love it when Paul trains one for a race. PH – We have Wait For Me and after three runs over hurdles he is rated 131 and there could be lot of improvement to come for him, but he needs to jump and settle better. The could be lots more improvement to come on better ground too. The quicker they go might help as they’ve been going slow in his races to date. Best Bets of the meeting LT – Altior and Barters Hill HD – Aux Ptit Soins and Qualando (Martin Pipe) PH – Balthazar King [if it’s good ground] RH – John’s Spirit DP – Doctor Harper [whichever race he runs in] NS – Connetable (e/w)
Im all previewed out at this stage,hard to tell between the waffle and decent word.Go with your own gut on the day!
Betbright Preview RR - Min best and fast novice in training, better than Vautour at this stage but not as good as DouvanPK - Wait till the day to back min, some bookie will price him at 2/1 on the dayJoe Chambers (Irish expert) thinks it's a two horse race, Min or AltiorPK. Altior is Paul Kealy's NAP of the whole meeting !!!!Joe Chambers - min to win by 6lengthsNeptune - PK will be shocked if Yanworth doesn't win but yet to be tested in the heat of battleJC thinks A Toi Phil is very good each way value at around 8/1RR - Long Dog has the form in the book and will go to this race, doesn't expect him out the frameAll the panel go for Yanworth with JC taking A Toi Phil EWOnto the Albert BartlettJC, against Barters Hill doesn't think it's jumping is good enough, Thomas Hobson could be a big dangerIf Jp allows Bleu Et Rauge is run in this could be a great betRR also happy to take on Barters Hill with his own horse Thomas HobsonPk, Shantou Village need good ground and a longer race and he will get in at CheltenhamPk, whatever race Fingal Bay goes to, back now and back often EWRR tells us Kalkir hurt this morning and out of CheltenhamArkle - RR Douvan is a monster and Willie thinks it's the best horse he has ever trained !!!!!RR, Douvan would win the Champion Chase carrying UDS on his backPK, Sizing John WILL finish second to Douvan and great beat at 4/1 withoutNicky Henderson very sweet on Vaniteux but ain't he on every horse says Matt ChapmanJLT now, Garde La Victoire will run in this race says Phillip HobbsPk, doesn't think More Of That will run in JLT and thinks Bristol De Mai is far to short at 7/2Gary Saxby@ 557 minutes ago Point Alexander will run in RSA says RRRR, fancies Garde La Victoire also. Think more of that does RSAJC - Black Hercules The rest Garde La Victoire EWSTD been asked for his ID at the door and couldn't get in RSA - No more heroes a fault fav for JC, More of that for him!! 3/1 one of the best bets of the weekRSA still, PK also agrees More Of That should be favSTD rides Le Mercurey in the RSA says he has a each way shout at 50/1, will like the better groundRSA, 3 for more of that and Pk takes Monksland EW at 33sSTD goes Altior in the supreme if he had to pick a ride.STD, Yanworth away and gone, Gangster ew also he likesSTD, can't see anything beating Barters Hill but if Thomas Hobson is close to the lead at the last he has speed to fly up the hillTriumph - Clan Des Obeaux worked all over Dodging Bullets this morning says STDDiego-du-charmil working like a dream says STD, Paul Nicholls kept his mark down just for the Fred winterLet's Dance for RR at 14/1 in the triumphSTD also really likes bouvreuil in the last on Tuesday, had this in mind since having him in the stableSTD says dads best chance of a winner in Bristol Du MaiChampion Hurdle - Annie Power can't unsure where to go, but looking better day by day at homeStd, The new one has never been better heading into a Cheltenham festival !!!RR, let's not waste time on the world hurdle, Thistlecrack away and gone!!Std, Saphir Du Rheu had a wind op and looking better and better good ew chance around 12sQueen mother now, UDS best horse in the race by a mile, PkGods Own without the fav for Pk.Very simple from the panel, UDS to win 8lengths and Felix Younger to follow him homeRyanair, RR is very unsure about Vautour, Gold cup all nothing, hasn't been himself back home but still has 10days till the big dayIf Vautour doesn't stay in GC he will win the next two Ryanairs says RichStd, Vibrato Valtat hopefully to nick a place at best, rest of the panel all say Road To Riches win and Village Vic ew chanceRR says Ruby still unsure who to ride in GC, for class it's Vautour for form in Djakadam.Djakadam is 2 or 3 days behind Vautour in training, whoever Ruby doesn't ride, Paul Townsend has 1st choiceIf std could ride any horse it would be VautourPk, Don Poli the worse 5/1 shot in the history of racing should be 50/1!!!!Pk, head says Vautour heart wants cue cardEveryone agrees Vautour for the GC but chapman likes Don CossackRR lucky 15 Douvan Limlli Annie Power Vroum Vroum MagandRR on Min "Would be unbelievable to win that race four years in a row. I keep talking myself out of him but see him work and believe again."PK on Min: "Every fav as it stands will be a bigger price on the day. Someone will go 2/1. The form is stronger than it looked at the time."Paul Kealy quick to label Altior as his Nap of the meeting. Claims Nicky Henderson is extremely bullish about him. #BetBrightPhillip Hobbs keen on these four in the handicaps says MCYeeehaaa Kruzhlinin Rock The Kasbah If InDoubt - Pertemps Wait For Me - CountyRich Ricci: "Kalkir hurt on the gallops today and sadly won't be going to Cheltenham." #BetBrightSchedule a bit of a mess as samtwiston missed his train! Rich Ricci quick to say the same applies to the bar staff - understaffed tonight.Hobbs siding with the JLT for Garde La Victoire.Hobbs not here but MCYeeehaaa claims he spoke to him earlier today."You're gonna have a shocking Cheltenham!" says MCYeeehaaa to PaulKealyRP "I'm with you again on Garde La Victoire in the JLT." #BetBrightClan Des Obeaux given a very positive mention from @samtwiston for the Triumph. Couldn't believe got beaten. Thinks a lot of him. #BetBrightDiego Du Charmil 'quickened away from Zubayr' in a piece of work says samtwiston Put away for the Fred Winter. Well-handicapped. #BetBrightBristol De Mai 'our best chance of the festival' - takes horses out of their comfort zone on bad ground. Might not be as easy on good groundBack underway after a brief interval. More bar staff thanks to Rich Ricci. Crowd show their appreciation. #BetBright Who's choice is it to send Annie Power to the Champion Hurdle? Rich Ricci says this one is "particularly difficult." #BetBrightJoe Chambers: "If she was good enough to win the Champion Hurdle two years ago good enough now. Nothing's changed bar the owners emotions."Sam Twiston-Davies gets a cheer from the crowd after giving a glowing report on The New One "He's going into Cheltenham the best he can be.""If he finishes third or fourth then that's the best he is. I'm going to be positive on him and if something wants to go faster they can."Good to hear @PaulKealyRP telling it how it is: "Can pick holes in everything in the race. I wouldn't be backing anything at a short price."Rich Ricci on Annie Power: "If she runs you have to think she wins." #BetBrightThistlecrack PaulKealyRP "bombproof" Rich Ricci "So good, won't look back." Whisper given an each way shout by Joe Chambers. #BetBrightUn De Sceaux "He's no superstar but he's better than anything around at the minute over two miles" The panel tend to agree too.Rich Ricci: "If Sprinter wins it would be great for racing." Rich Ricci claims Vautour only started working well 4 days prior to Cheltenham last year. And at the moment he's just not seeing that spark.If he doesn't show us that spark we might miss Cheltenham altogether. Rich Ricci adamant he'll stay. Joe Chambers said Ruby's eyes lit up.Joe Chambers: "He's been trained for the Gold Cup. As long as it's Good To Soft I'd run him there." #Vautour tOn who Ruby_Walsh will ride in the Gold Cup: "On class you'd have to say Vautour. On form Djakadam." I just want WillieMullinsNH to win itDjakadam cut: "A bad cut but it was clean. Flesh womb. In great form now but he's probably two or three days behind. That's easily made up."Joe Chambers adamant Ruby_Walsh will ride Vautour. Even more so if it's Good To Soft. samtwiston thinks he'll go & win it too. Rich Ricci Lucky 15 Douvan Limini Vroum Vroum Mag Annie Power "Non runner no bet."
I'd need to be on speed to digest that but thanks for posting Woolly As Ste says, own balls on the line time
O’LEARY ON HIS FESTIVAL TEAMIdentity ThiefI think he’ll be my first runner in the Champion Hurdle. It’s extraordinary for the amount of runners we’ve had,we’ve never really had a two-miler with the exception of Trifolium. Whether this fellow wins the Champion Hurdle or not, he’s going chasing next season.I’m generally pessimistic and there’s no point travelling with any expectation, but I don’t think he’s good enough. He couldn’t beat Nichols Canyon at Christmas when we ran him to see if he was good enough, and I don’t think it was inexperience that beat him.That said, he showed he’s good enough to go to the Champion Hurdle, so we’ll hope for the best.No More HeroesHe’s been great and I’d agree that he’s exactly the kind of horse we try to buy. He’s where we want him to be but the RSA looks a good race this year and he’ll have it all to do.More Of That brings World Hurdle form to the race and maybe we’re a bit unfortunate to be taking on a very good World Hurdle winner. Roi Des Francs will run too, I think; he has clearly earned a shot at a Grade 1 title and especially one that will involve stamina.Alpha Des ObeauxI’d have preferred him to have gone chasing this season but he had a bit of an interrupted preparation and if they haven’t won a beginners by the end of November and are in the mix for the Graded chases at Christmas, it’s a case of “right, let’s wait”.Besides he was only five-rising-six, so you have that extra year. His form last season was quite good and he was upsides Thistlecrack when he fell at the last at Aintree, so that gives him a shot at the Ryanair World Hurdle.OutlanderHe’s always been a good horse. He was very good in bumpers and had a reasonable novice hurdle campaign but it didn’t work out for him when he went to the Neptune last year and finished sixth – then his form had tailed off by Punchestown.He was always going to be a better chaser and, while he wasn’t that impressive at Limerick at Christmas, he was very good at Leopardstown. The form suggests he’s good enough to go for the JLT and he’s clearly our best two-and-a-half-mile novice chaser.A Toi PhilHe’s on the boat and Willie [Mullins] wants to take him to the Neptune. My worry would be his inexperience but his form suggests he deserves to take a chance.TombstoneHe goes there as a live outsider but needs to improve greatly on what he showed us at Leopardstown at Christmas and also in the Deloitte. Neither of those runs would be good enough. He might improve for the better ground but I would question his resolution. Ballygar Preview NightKevin Blake (KB), Geoff Lester (GL), Mickey Fogarty (MF), Jane Mangan (JM), Gavin Lynch (GL), Johnny Ward (JW)Supreme:JW – Min is the real deal. Works better on Good ground, and in a different class to Yorkhill. Could be a 2nd Douvan. Alitor can hit a flat spot in his races. If Min settles he wins easily. Ruby will probably make the running on him. David Casey won’t let anyone else up on him at home.KB – Min could be a bigger price on the day. Can’t really think of anything to take Min on with, even though he can be too free for his own good. Yorkhill is an EW shout, not wild on Nicky’s 2.GL – Nicky loves Alitor, and he worked very well last week – “Kicked Buveur D’Air out of his way”. Reckoned that Nicky was offered Min but he failed the vet.MF – Min will be better on good ground, and is “the real deal”. Willie’s lads like Yorkehill EW.JM – Put up Bleu Et Rouge as an EW shoutArkle:MF – Douvan is the best horse in trainingJW – Douvan is the best since Arkle. Sizing John is the bet W/O, Henry says to ignore the last day. The Game Changer should 1600/1 and not 16/1. Couldn’t get up the hill in GalwayJM – L’Ami Serge hangs like a gate, could go out over the railingsGL – Vaniteux will be 2nd, worked well the other dayChampion Hurdle:MF – Annie Power’s jumping won’t be an issue in a CH. Identity Thief and Nichols Canyon were bottomed by the race in Leopardstown last time. Sempre Medici is a bit of EW value, going well at home. Has never seen Annie Power off the bridle at Willies.GL – Annie will win this. The New One was trained in the pool last year and has had a much better prep this year. Hargam worked better that My Tent Or Yours last week. Peace And Co has had more problems that David Cameron and Hargam is there to keep the pace high.JM – My Tent Or Yours is a Stupid Horse, just won’t drop the bitJW – Sempre Medici is not good enough to lead out Annie Power at home. Annie Power is better than Artic Fire and would win this off level weights.Neptune:JM – Yanworth is all class, blown away with him. He could win over 1m4 on the flat. Like all Norse Dancer’s has a kink in him.JW – Has had a good bet EW on A Toi Phil. Long Dog is not good enough.MF – Would like to ride Long Dog, he is toughKB – Thought Long Dog won a bit snugly last time, pulled out plenty when asked.RSA Chace:JM – A match between No More Heroes and More Of ThatGL – Jonjo wanted to enter More Of That in the Gold Cup.KB – More Of That has had a series of physical issues and is very hard to keep right. No More Heros is better on good ground. Is everything you want in a staying chaser. Scoped badly before Cheltenham (4/5 he reckons) and still rn a blinder.JW – More Of That will go off favourite. JP reckons he won’t be beaten. Roi De Francs is a very decent EW price.JM – Monksland is a prick of a horse, jumps into every fence like a bulldozer.MF – Does not think that No More Heros is as good as Brian Cooper thinks he is. Cooper said “nothing has ever given him the feel this one has”. Thinks More OfThat is a better horse. Black Hercules has no chance in this. However, rode in the bit of work behind Don Cossack and No More Heroes in a group of 135+ horses and they were all flat out off the bridle behind the 2.Queen Mother:JM – Un De Sceaux wins if he stays up. Sprinter Sacre has a bad heart and can’t breath. Special Tiara needs quick ground.JW – Sizing Granite EW, Colm is very happy with himKB – Reckons that Sprinter Sacre has more issues that Jonny Ward! Sizing Granite a decent EW bet in the raceMF – Wouldn’r back Felix Younger w/o, not good enough.GL – UK horses can’t beat Un De Sceaux. Dodging Bullets has more holes in him that Donald TrumpBumper:MF - Augusta Kate does not work well at homeKB – New To This Town was very impressive in Gowran, his choiceJLT:MF – Outlander will let you down. Not a fan of Black Hercules but working well – Ruby will ride him as he is a better jumper.JW – Davy Russell says Zabana is not good enoughGL – Bristol De Mai will win thisRyanair:JW – Road To Riches is a massive price (5/1) NRNBKB – Willie thinks that Valseur Lido will stay all day, has a good chance. Vatour would win this by half the trackJM – Josses Hill jumps like a camel, can’t give him a chanceMF – A terrible race. Road To Riches was bottomed at Leopardstown so won’t winGL – A terrible race, a lot of soft horses in here.World Hurdle:KB – Thistlecrack is the best Odds against horse of the week.JW – Mouse Morris and Eddie O’Leary think Alpha Des Obeaux will win this. Serious EW betGL – Nicky loves Saphir Du Rheu, backing him EW. Cole Harden will loke the ground and won’t be far awayTriumph:MF – Connections love Ivanovic Gorbatov, will be much fitter on the day.GL – Sceu Royal is a proper horse, confident he will run a massive race. Ivanovic Gorbatov the worst fav at the meetingJB – O’Brien has trained Ivanovic Gorbatov for one day, ignore the last dayMF – Race will go to the UK. Does not like ex Ballydoyle horses, they have had a hard time when very young and are souredJB – Who Dares Wins is too slow to win a TriumphKB – Lets Dance EW, the Mullins lads love her. Fav should be 10/1 after the last dayAlbert Bartlett:MF – Loves Gangster but he is not easy to train. Brian Cooper is very sweet on him – will be placed at leastGold Cup:KB – Never liked a horse as much as Don Poli. Can’t see him falling, most efficient jumper he has ever seen. The Cheltenham form is not there for Don Cossack – he would need a really good day to win it. Vatour won’t get homeJM – Likes Djackadam, he will be happier going faster, does not hit a flat spotMF – Vatour won’t win a Gold Cup. If Don Poli is within 4 lenghts at the 2nd last he wins. Brian Cooper will ride him. Ruby will ride Djackadam he thinks!!!GL – The Irish will win it. Cue Card and Smad Place not good enough. Best Gold Cup since 2008. Disagrees with Mikey Fogarty and said Ruby will ride “the horse with class” VatourOther bits…MF thinks Limini is a certainty, her work has been savage and it’s a **** raceKB – Blue Hall in the County, has lots in hand. Cause Of Causes in the Kim MuirGL – Back Desoto County, got no run the last day. Dr Harper will win wherever he turns up. VVM is a penalty kick in the Mares race. Leave at Dawn will win the Pertemps if the ground is good.JM – Nina is booked for Our Father so that will do her Tote Cheltenham Preview at Kildare House HotelOur panel for tonight is Kevin O'Ryan (KOR), Gary O'Brien (GOB), Joesph O'Brien (JOB), Jonathon Burke (JB), Sandra Hughes (SH) &Pat BrennanSupremeGOB thinks Yorkhill might be the way to go in the Supreme, no value backing Min #CheltenhamJB likes Supasundae each way in the festival opener thinks Altior is the biggest danger #CheltenhamArklePB thinks Douvan is the banker of the week but likes Sizing John to follow him home #CheltenhamJB "the only way Sizing John will win is if Douvan falls". Confirms the Ankle is the target #CheltenhamGOB also thinks Sizing John is the one to follow Douvan home. JOB thinks the race could be run to suit The Game Changer for secondGordon Elliott makes a brief appearance, tells us to watch out for Missy Tata and Our Father in handicaps Champion HurdleGOB doesn't think Annie Power is a betting proposition in the Champion, likes Identity Thief on decent ground. Sempre Medici each wayJOB gives My Tent Or Yours a chance in Champion, thinks they have done a lot of work to relax himSH likes Nichols Canyon. "My father (Dessie) always used to say you needed a 2m5f horse to win a Champion, he should be staying on up hill"GOB would be very sweet on Roi Des Francs if he runs in the 4 miler #CheltenhamNeptuneMixed thoughts on Yanworth from the panel, general consensus he is a bit short.Long Dog best at a price for the Neptune #CheltenhamRSAPB very sweet on More Of That for the RSA, JB likes No More Heroes but not so sure after talk for MOT #CheltenhamChampion ChaseGOB sees Felix Younger as the value bet in the Queen Mother. "Sprinter Scare 70% the horse he was at his peak" #CheltenhamJB sees Sizing Granite as a great value each way bet at 33/1 for the QM. Will probably have to ride him quietly due to pace in raceBumperJOB not sure if Aspen Colorado will go to the Champion Bumper yet. Has a good chance if he does. #CheltenhamGood reports for Ballyandy from JOB through his cousin Johnny Slevin.JB sat on New To This Town this morning, happy with him #CheltenhamGOB says the vibes from Mullins yard suggest Avenir D'Une Vie could be their best in the Bumper CheltenhamJLTPanel all seem to be keen on the chances of Outlander in the JLT. Zabana also getting a good mention #CheltenhamPertempsJoin The Clan is the one at a big price for PB in the Pertemps, SH gives All Hell Let Loose a chance on better ground, hates heavy groundGOB will be keen to go for whatever Barry Geraghty choses in the Pertemps, maybe Mall Dini at a bigger price, might go to Martin PipeRyanairGOB likes Smashing in Ryanair, JB reports him in great order, 2m on quick ground too sharp for him in Arkle last year, best ride of weekWorld HurdleEntire panel very keen on the chances of Thistlecrack in the World Hurdle, GOB "shocked if he gets beaten" CheltenhamJB doing his best to talk his way onto Lieutenant Colonel in World Hurdle. KOR (Davy Russel's agent) having none of it CheltenhamMares NoviceEveryone thnks Limini is a formality in the New Mares Hurdle. Mrs. Mullins has given her as the NAP of the week #LumpOnTriumphJOB on Ivanovich Gorbatov "Very happy with him since Leopardstown, ground to blame last time. We think he's a very good horse" CheltenhamJOB gives Bacillus as a horse to watch out for in the coming weeks in a bumperJB and GOB are both keen on Zubayr in the Triumph. Think Apple's Jade is value at 20/1 CheltenhamAlbert BartlettShantou Village getting a lot of love from the panel in the Albert Bartlett as the value alternative to Barters Hill Cheltenham hamGold CupGOB "Bryan Cooper would be mad to get off Don Cossack in the Gold Cup" no-one on the panel seems to think Vautour will stay in the Gold Cup, Cue Card fancied in places
Preview night chaired by Matt Chapman 3rd March SupremeRR – Min is probably our best novice and certainly the fastest. He’s very good but he is short and I’m sure he’ll be bigger on the day. He’s not as good as Douvan but he could be better than Vautour. I’m not sure how good he is but I think he could be very good. Having said that, I do respect both of Nicky’s horses.PK – If you want to back Min wait until the day because someone will go 2/1 and that would be tempting but I think Altior is one of Nicky’s best. If Min hadn’t had the hype around him I think Altior would be favourite; he did everything right at Kempton and is my NAP of the meeting.JC – I spoke to Nicky [Henderson] this afternoon and he’s very bullish about Altior. I personally think Min will win by around six lengths but he’s the wrong price at the moment.MC – 17 of the last 20 places have been filled by bumper horses and Min wasn’t a bumper horse, however I think he can overcome the stats and prove to be too good.STD – If I could ride any horse it would be Altior. He’s had four runs and has learned a lot and I’ve fallen in love with him. I think Buveur Dair will be too keen.NeptunePK – If Yanworth reproduces the form he showed at Cheltenham last time out on better ground he will win.JC – Yanworth looks a machine. We haven’t see him have to battle yet though and I think 8/1 about A Toi Phil is a great each-way bet; I can see the race cutting up and I can’t see him being out the first three.RR – We like Long Dog a lot; he’s very tough and I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t make the frame; I’d back him each-way.MC – I think Yanworth is the best value short-priced favourite of the FestivalHandicapsPK – I’m getting confident about Fingal Bay in the Ultima Handicap Chase; he’s been crying out for good ground over fences. I also like Killer Crow in the Novice Handicap Chase. Gordon Elliott entered him at Trials Day and I believe he had no intentions of running him but wanted to see what mark the handicapper would give him. He unsurprisingly hasn’t run since and I think he is interesting off a mark of 136 on better ground.JC – I like the Charles Byrne-trained Leave at Dawn in the Pertemps. He won well at Cheltenham in November and is the one for me. I also like Doctor Harper on the first day; he is handicapped on his form over 2m but I think he’s been crying out for 3m. Orbasa is another one; he’s trained by Paul Nicholls and won at Fontwell recently; he’ll be suited by the step up in trip if he runs in the Novices’ Handicap Chase and will be carrying my money. One more would be Hawk High for the Easterby’s in either the County or the Coral Cup. He’s won off a higher mark and I like the fact he has Festival form.Albert BartlettJC– I’d be against Barters Hill and I think Thomas Hobson has a little bit of Flat class, he could rattle him.RR – I’ll be taking on Barters Hill with Thomas Hobson who I think will run a huge race; he’s mad and does his own thing though.STD – Gangster is interesting for me. I think a horse with more speed will go past Barters Hill after the last and that could be either Gangster or Mr Ricci’s horse, Thomas Hobson.TriumphSTD – This race will determine if I keep my job! Nick [Schofield] will ride Zubayr and Sean [Bowen] will ride Frodon. I’ve got to pick from Tommy Silver, Clan Des Obeaux and Connetable. Clan Des Obeaux worked with Dodging Bullets this morning and he was very impressive and I’m leaning towards him but it wouldn’t take much to swing back to Connetable; I’ll sit on him next week. I was gutted when he [CDO] got beat at Cheltenham last time out and he rides like a future chaser. The one could be Connetable; he beat Peace & Co and Rayvin Black, and the form looks good. He’s rated 150 so has to go there with a real chance, but it’s a tough decision between Connetable and Clan Des Obeaux.PK – Ivanovich Gorbatov won a Maiden Hurdle and was then thrashed when he was stepped up in grade and I can’t for any reason see why he’s still favourite. He made one mistake and threw the towel in and he looks soft to me. Who Dares Wins is the one for me; he won three times on the Flat including on good, good to firm, and you want to see this horse off the bridle six out, which you will in the Triumph and I think he’s good value at 14/1.RR – We run Let’s Dance and I thought she ran very well last time out. I think she’s the forgotten horse in the race and she was still very green and could be outstanding value.Fred WinterSTD – Diego Du Charmil worked with Zubayr at a racecourse galloped and quickened up nicely and worked the better of the two. Paul [Nicholls] said straight away that he would go straight to the Fred Winter and he looks very well-handicapped off 136. He’s Paul’s best chance of a winner.Martin PipeRR – I think Children’s List could run really well in the Martin Pipe; I think he’s the forgotten horse.ArkleRR – [Douvan] He’s something special and he’s done everything so effortlessly so far. He’s huge and he’s a monster and I would be disappointed if he lost. For Willie to say he could be the best he’s ever trained is a huge indicator to me. He’s the best I’ve ever owned and the Arkle is the right race for him.When asked by MC if he thought Douvan could beat Un De Sceaux he said: “I think so.”PK – Douvan will win, but the bet for me is Sizing John without Douvan at 4/1. I think that’s amazing value; he’s a big horse who is made for chasing and will be second to Douvan.JC – I think Douvan will win. I was speaking to Nicky [Henderson] and he said Vanituex schooled this morning and he’s never seen anything like it and could be one of the best horse he’s run in the Arkle; he’s very sweet on him.JLTMC – Philip Hobbs said to me about 80 minutes ago that Garde La Victoire is probably going to run in the JLT.PK – This is one race I’m finding very hard. Bristol De Mai is a very good horse but needs to show he can do it on good ground. Zabana is a lively outsider for me on decent ground.RR – I like Garde La Victoire in this race. Pont Alexandre won’t run in this, he will run in either the RSA or the 4-miler.JC – I hope Willie runs Black Hercules in this race; he travels and jumps well and he’d have a great chance in this.STD – Bristol De Mai is our [Nigel Twiston-Davies’] best chance of a Festival winner; he’s training well and is in great form. If it was soft ground I’d be very confident, but he might not find it as easy on good, having said that I think he’ll take a lot of beating.RSAJC – No More Heroes shouldn’t be favourite, More OfThat should be. He’s run at Cheltenham four times and won four times. He gave Annie Power 7lb in the World Hurdle and I really hope they run him in this race.PK – [More Of That] He’d be odds-on if this was over hurdles, but top-class hurdlers don’t always make top-class chasers. However, I think he should be favourite. I do think No More Heroes is the 2017 Gold Cup winner though, I’ve been very keen on him for a long time but when he has run in graded races not on soft he’s got beat, which is a question he has to answer. I think Monksland each-way at 33/1 could be the value.STD – I ride Le Mecury in this race and he’s got an each-way squeak. He s#*t himself at Doncaster but better ground will suit him.RR – More Of That for me.HandicapsSTD – We run Bouvreuil in the last race on the first day. He beat Vyta Du Roc, admittedly over 2m3f, but he’s been aimed at the race by Paul for some time. He’s keen but will be dropped in and I think he will come home well.Champion HurdleRR – When the news broke about Faugheen it was devastating, but he’ll stay over hurdles; he has the chance to the highest rated hurdler of all time. It’s far from a done deal that Annie Power runs in the Champion Hurdle as we think she deserves to win at Cheltenham. All I can say is that she is gleaming in her coat and I’ve not seen her look this good for a long time.PK – The 7lb allowance Annie Power would receive is massive and she’s good enough to win it. The first and second favourites have come out; she’s a superstar and none of the others are and the race is there for the taking. I wouldn’t have a big bet on anything in the race, though. Annie Power should go for the race and she probably wins but I couldn’t back her at that price. You can pick holes in the form of every horse in the race.STD – [The New One] He was very unlucky two years ago when everything went wrong for him and he still nearly won. Last year all he was doing before the race was swimming which meant he was only maintaining his fitness; when a horse gallops they get bigger and stronger, and he couldn’t do that. This year will be the best form we’ve ever got him to the race in and he’s got a great chance. If he finished 3rd or 4th then we just have to accept that’s how good he is. In comparison to Old Guard, The New One has been there and done it, Old Guard hasn’t but he could still potentially be a very good horse. He was flat out all the way against Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle and he could be one for the Aintree Hurdle.World HurdleJC – Thistlecrack will be very hard to beat.STD – Saphir Du Rheu is in great form and if we do things differently this year we could reverse the form with Cole Harden. He’s had a wind op but has had a better prep than Aux Ptits Soins, which is why I’ve chosen to ride him. Aux Ptits Soins has had lots of problems and does need to improve, but he could. I think Saphir has a great chance; this is a different kettle of fish for Thistlecrack but he is still the one to beat.JC – I like Whisper each-way.Champion ChasePK – I think the British 2m form is very poor. My bet would be God’s Own without Un De Sceaux at 4/1 as he followed him home in the Arkle last year.JC – Un De Sceaux looked more mature at Ascot and jumped much better. I think Ruby has more confidence in him and as 4/6 shots go, he’s probably as good as it gets.STD – Dodging Bullets is a lot better now than when he ran at Newbury. He’s had a racecourse gallop and is in great nick. He needs to improve a stone on his Newbury run but there’s no reason he can’t improve two stone on better ground. There will be lots of pace on with UDS and Special Tiara and he stays a little further so he can follow the pace. He has to improve from Newbury but I think he can.RR – Outside of Un De Sceaux I can’t have Dodging Bullets or Special Tiara; I’d love Sprinter Sacre to win, it would be great for racing.RyanairRR – Vautour is working out and if he’s right he will run in the Gold Cup, if he’s not right then he won’t run at all. He’s better on better ground and a stone better left-handed. The Gold Cup’s where we want to go, that’s the race we want to win and it’s full steam ahead for the Gold Cup; I think he’ll stayPK – [Vautour] He recorded a RPR of 180 in the King George so why on earth would you go down in trip.STD – Vibrato Valtat has an each-way chance. Stepping up in trip will suit him and he’s been schooling nicely. The race looks like cutting up and he will hopefully nick a place, or even go one better and win it.Gold CupRR – Who Ruby will ride will depend how they work nearer the time but Vautour will still run if Ruby decides to ride Djakadam; I think he’s got a very hard decision to make and Paul Townend will have first choice on whichever horse Ruby doesn’t ride. On class it would have to be Vautour but on form it would have to be Djakadam. I’m not concerned about Djakadam’s fall at Cheltenham, it was a silly, lazy mistake but he’s in great form and is only 2/3 days behind where he needs to be but that can be made up.JC – Everyone connected with Vautour thinks he’s a Gold Cup horse. Willie [Mullins] is convinced on good to soft ground he’ll stay and if it was good to soft I’d run him in the Gold Cup. I think Djakadam getting his arse too high in the air is his Achilles heel; he’s been to Cheltenham three times and fallen twice. I’d imagine Ruby will ride Vautour and he’s the one for me too.STD – Cue Card is the best of the English challengers but the one which will be doing everything the easiest coming to three out will be Vautour and he’d be the one that I would want to be on.PK – Don Poli is far too slow to win a Gold Cup – Don Slowly is his name. Last year’s RSA Chase is one of the worst races you’ll see at Cheltenham; that form is s#*t. He only beat Many Clouds by four lengths getting 5lb,Smad Place smashed Many Clouds on more or less the same terms. Put it this way, if Ruby Walsh could ride Vautour, Djakadam or Don Poli, he’d be 50/1 to ride Don Poli; he’s got no chance whatsoever and I can’t see why he’s the price he is. The winner will be either Vautour or Don Cossack; if Vautour stays then he wins. Top Panel for @LydiaHislop @lucy_wadham@ianwilliamsraci@thespieler @dminty13 @WTKJockey @JonIvanDuke @ColinENBrown Altior's performance was top class and I'm a huge fan and I'm concerned about the prelims for Min says @dminty13 WeatherbysPreviewYorkhill the each-way selection for @WTKJockey in the Supreme - said he would ride Min if he could pick though.Altior also the pick for LydiaHislop but thinks Bellshill could be a good bet NRNB at 20/1 WeatherbysPreviewNo flaws in Douvan says @LydiaHislop. Handles the ground and the course and can't see anything beating him. WeatherbysPreviewThe Game Changer each-way in the Arkle for @JonIvanDuke but says Douvan "will win the race" WeatherbysPreviewI spoke to Nigel last week and he says everything has gone right for The New One this year WeatherbysPreviewDropping down to 2m is an after thought for Annie Power says @WTKJockey who likes My Tent Or Yours - big-field will suit WeatherbysPreviewPanel unanimously against Annie Power in the Champion Hurdle who all think she is far too short WeatherbysPreviewOld Guard for @thespieler who says Annie Power should be laid for a place in the Champion Hurdle WeatherbysPreviewAnnie Power is a lay for @JonIvanDuke who likes Peace And Co each-way WeatherbysPreviewYanworth the English banker of the wk says @thespieler "his latest RPR was good enough to win all but 2 of the last 15" WeatherbysPreviewA Toi Phil the eAch-way selection for @LydiaHislop & @ianwilliamsraci in the Neptune WeatherbysPreviewSeeyouatmidnight the value pick in the RSA for @lucy_wadham, who also likes More Of That because of his course form WeatherbysPreviewShaneshill likely to run in the RSA says @WTKJockey who also says David Casey thinks he has a great chance at 33/1 WeatherbysPreviewQuite a lot of the panel give Sprinter Sacre a chance because Special Tiara will serve it up to Un De Sceaux weatherbysPreviewGods Own also the pick against Un De Sceaux for @JonIvanDuke WeatherbysPreviewThe panels 2nd £50 Charity Bet for @WalkTheCourses is on Yanworth, kindly layed at 3/1 by @WillHillBet @JonIvanDuke #mWeatherbysPreviewL'Ami Serge goes to the JLT confirms @dminty13 WeatherbysPreviewA Toi Phil the each-way selection for @LydiaHislop & @ianwilliamsraci in the Neptune WeatherbysPreviewSeeyouatmidnight the value pick in the RSA for @lucy_wadham, who also likes More Of That because of his course form WeatherbysPreviewShaneshill likely to run in the RSA says @WTKJockey who also says David Casey thinks he has a great chance at 33/1 WeatherbysPreviewGods Own also the pick against Un De Sceaux for @JonIvanDuke WeatherbysPreviewQuite a lot of the panel give Sprinter Sacre a chance because Special Tiara will serve it up to Un De Sceaux Utility the pick for @JonIvanDuke in the Bumper at 25/1. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill. Reports there's been money for it WeatherbysPreviewThe panels 2nd £50 Charity Bet for @WalkTheCourses is on Yanworth, kindly layed at 3/1 by @WillHillBet @JonIvanDuke WeatherbysPreviewVibrato Valtat for @dminty13 in the Ryanair but says @dickyjohnson77 is keen on Village Vic WeatherbysPreviewRoad To Riches the pick for @LydiaHislop in the Ryanair. @JonIvanDuke agrees who says he's his NAP of the week WeatherbysPreviewSmashing NRNB for @ianwilliamsraci and Road To Riches for @lucy_wadham WeatherbysPreviewThe one who looks like a Grade 1 horse according to @thespieler is Josses Hill WeatherbysPreviewThistlecrack one of @WTKJockey NAPs of the meeting."He looks an aeroplane & very hard to beat" Saphir Du Rheu his ew pick WeatherbysPreviewKilcooley 25/1 NRNB the each-way pick for @thespieler who says he has the second best form in the race WeatherbysPreviewWhisper is Nicky Henderson's each way bet of the week according the @dminty13 at 16/1 WeatherbysPreviewThistlecrack and Saphir Du Rheu the 1-2 in the World Hurdle for @lucy_wadham WeatherbysPreviewThe panels 3rd @WalkTheCourses Charity Bet is £50 on Road To Riches (if he doesn't run then £25 each way on Whisper) WeatherbysPreviewAu aye the pick for both @JonIvanDuke & @ColinENBrown WeatherbysPreview16/1 Clan Des Obeaux & 20/1 Protek Des Flos the two picks for @LydiaHislop WeatherbysPreview"Who Dares Wins is a big enough price to be on each-way" says @WTKJockeyOne of the most exiting Gold Cups for years says @dminty13 who thinks Don Poli will out battle Cue Card to win WeatherbysPreviewCue Card the one for @WTKJockey thinking with his head and his heart WeatherbysPreview"Watch the vibes for Vautour in the days before the race; he wasn't fit at Christmas and is better than these." WeatherbysPreview"I'd be on what ever Ruby rides in this" says @lucy_wadham WeatherbysPreviewJumping an issue for Don Cossack; Smad Place probably not good enough & Cue Card is the one I can find least negatives WeatherbysPreviewDon Poli the pick for @JonIvanDuke - he's 2-2 at Cheltenham. Vautour won't stay and Don Cossack better left-handed CheltenhamFestivalSquouateur the h'cap good thing according @dminty13 who says connections are jumping over backwards with his h'cap mark #CheltenhamFestivalThe panels final @WalkTheCourses Charity Bet is £50 each-way on Don Poli in the Gold Cup at 7/1 WeatherbysPreviewDoctor Harper in whatever race he runs in is @lucy_wadham's best bet bets @WTKJockey Yanworth @dminty13 Altior @lucy_wadham Dr Harper @thespieler Vautour @ianwilliamsraci Gods Own @LydiaHislop Smart Talk Sean Graham Preview in Belfast 2nd March 2016Panel: Gary O'Brien, David Casey, @gelliott_racing, @Neil_Mulholland, @RichardHoiles, Mark "The Couch" WinstanleyAnd finally a late jockey replacement! Noel Fehily is in for the unavailable Paddy Brennan. Sorry for the late change in plans - WE'RE READY!GOB introducing the panel. New boy @noelfehily gets a big cheer for his late substitution. #SGPreviewSupreme up first, highlights of the leading lights including market leader MinDC: Very good horse, better on better ground, form worked out well. He's not as good as Douvan and Vautour who were bigger prices...DC: Yorkhill the dryer ground will suit him and represents better value at 7/1. Altior also has a great chance.Brian Graham doing the first half for us likes Altior "Ticks a lot of boxes regarding ground". Does Min have a temperment problem?BG: Can't see Min starting 4 or 5/1 but he will start fav. Nicky Henderson great placed form in the race. Altior is the one for meCouch: Min pulled like Rolf Harris at a scout camp the last time! Nicky had some good horses placed - Buveur D'air for me - taking on MinNF: Buveur D'air is a very good horse. Improved a lot in his starts. Jumps superbly and has a very good chance. Min's form has worked outGE: Min is a deserving favourite but he could well be too keen. RH: Shop around to get better offers on Min on the day, entice peopleNM: Yorkhill proven he can travel over, form has worked out well will like the better ground and is a great ew priceSo good shouts for Buveur D'air and Yorkhill with panel keen to take on Min due to his temperament. Onto the Arkle. #DouvanDC: It's buying money. He'll win from here to the end of the room. If Faugheen got injured at start of season he'd of went Champion HurdleNM: Baltimore Rock and Fox Norton for me. Be hoping the race breaks up and we can give owners a good day out. Solid horses doing our bestBG: Be happy to lay a horse at Cheltenham in a grade one at 2/5 all day long!BG: Give Gordon's horse The Game Changer a chance at each way price. GE: Douvan is a certainty. Hopefully mine will get round take 2ndRH: Sizing John 7/2 ew without Douvan. Same bet as the Couch. Good jumper. Small fieldLet's move on! Douvan, Douvan, Douvan. Couch says should be tens onChampion Hurdle time then - shame there's no Faugheen but argubaly makes it more a betting proposition. Let's get the panels thoughts...Couch: Annie Power 7/4 doesn't interest me. How can you have a horse who wasn't prepared to run in the race. Backed Sempre Medici 33/1DC: Agree with Couch it has a chance but not good enough to win. Lot of pace in the race. Annie P gets allowance but will tke lot of beatingRH: Weak race. Weakest in ages.Camping Ground for me.Will settle off strong pace. Nicholls Canyon has a poor action. Not suitedGE: Open race - My Tent helped by the pace in race. NF: Annie P hard to beat getting 7lb. Like Top Notch solid horse big price. Close 2015NM: Tough and hardy horse in an open race and has an each way chance. BG: Lack of strength in depth. Annie P won 13 of 15.So advice for Champion Hurdle is to stick a pin in the card. Or back the fav! Neptune nextNM: Shantou Village will go elsewhere. Yanworth very impressive.Would have to be him after he beat our fellaBG: Have to respect whatever Willie runs in the race.Yanworth looks a cert, improve for better ground. One they have to beatDC: Would love to see Yorkhill go here but he won't. A Toi Phil very good. Quirky but won good horse at Lep last time. Improving.Couch: Not keen at the price. Hype horse, press falling over themselves. Yorkhill best form available. Should run here! Bets of FestivalGE: Evens is too short. A Toi Phil has had form franked. Bleu et Rouge goes 3 miler but he has good form tooA few fors and a few against for Yanworth then. Cheers already for Gordon's No More Heroes as we look at the RSAGE: 2 horse race. More Of That is very good. Better than mine over hurdles. Mine jumps better over fences. In good form and happy with himRH: 2 very promising horses. Rather have the horse who hasn't injury issues. NMH unlucky last year.Jumping is bombproof.Couch: Jumps like Greg Rutherford. MOT doesn't jump as well. Cooper dreadful on NMH last year. MOT only had two races, Gordon's won 2 g1'sNF: Top 2 market head and shoulders above. Love Gordon's horse jumps well. Improve on better ground. Seeyouatmidnight best of English. E/WDC: Roi Des Francs better than Black Hercules. Between top 2 tho. MOT fan, best hurdles form, jumps well enough. Ran well at CheltenhamNM: MOT 4 from 4 round Cheltenham.Going to be hard to beat.Champion Chase up next. Un De Sceaux takin on the past 3 winners of the raceDC: UDS race to lose. Free going type. Only fell cos he was too exuberant. Immacualte at Ascot.Stays well.Pace for 2 miles thoughDC: Nobody can go with him in front. Has plenty of stamina and has the pace. Wouldn't concern me if Special Tiara vies for leadNF: UDS bit short at 4/6.Special Tiara good enough to be in the money. Sprinter schooled awesome the other day. Back to his best.GE: Sprinter has no chance. UDS will win it. Felix Yonger can come 2nd.RH: UDS up against horses who have seen better day. He went away again at the end at Ascot. RUby has learned how to ride himCouch: Think he'll win but poor price. Sizing Granite waitin for better ground decent shout for an each way bet.Sorry guys we're back after a break! Champion Bumper to kick things offDC: We'll run 5 or 6. Battleford nice horse. AUgust Kate does nothing at home, but turns up and is very good at track. Gets allowance tooRonan has taken over from Brian for the 2nd half. "Still 7's the field" - Castello Sforza good form, been off for a while though. Jp's #1RG: Race he won last year, had four or five winners come out of it. Gigginstown not keen to send bumper runners to this. Very Hard raceNM: Coeur Blimey in a race which is a bit of a minefield. Decent each way price.Couch: Race so strongly. Crawl round in Ireland in heavy. Battleford won well the other day and will improve. Ballyandy best of EnglishRH: West End Story won a couple of races. Don't know how it equates to Irish form.GE: Avenir D'une Vie - Michael O'Leary is keen to run him which is a surprise. Has a good chance if goesRyanair up next...DC: Valseur and Road To Riches will run in this race. Both have good chances. If Vautour goes he wins. Outside chance to Village Vic.Couch: Vautour this is the race should run in. Gold Cup is Gold Cup though. Jumps superbly. Valseur Lido needs a trip. Village Vic for meRG: Vautour would be very short, money talks though and he'll be going for Gold. Al Ferof has no chance but seen money for it.RG: Dynaste has course form appreciate the ground. Not too many other options for the horseNF: Vautour woudln't come of the bridal. Vibrato Valtat has a small chanceConsensus is that Vautour should run here but that's with punters hats on not owners hats! World Hurdle nextRH: Only hole for Thistlecrack has he beat horses at his best. Cole Harden can boss a race on fast ground. Saphir has a decent shoutCouch: Thistlecrack would be lot shorter trained by somebody else. Think he's a cert. Horse can dominate this division. Aux Ptit Soin chanceGE: Thistlecrack bet of the week, Mullins trained him he be 1/2. Differnet horse to last year. Nap of the week.DC: No runner for Mullins yard. Thistlecrack one to beat.Alpha Des Obeaux upsides in Aintree when fell.Cole Harden different on good grondNM: Thistlecrack one of the bets of the week. Whisper had wind operation so could improve. Saphir had same wind op as Conti who won AscotRG: Snow Falcon a solid stayer but doesn't go keep an eye out at Aintree. Thistlecrack should win, we'll say a prayerOnto the final day and the Triumph Hurdle.RG: Ivanovich impressive the first day. Beat at odds on last day, nobody backing it that day compared to first day. Fully wound up?RG: Sceau Royal most impressive of English hurdles. Best since Katchit says Alan King. Usually comes down to those at head of the marketNM: Zubayr impressive but Paul not in great rush with him. Sceau Royal worked well other day. Won the trial over C&D.NF: Alan King has strong hand. Ride Clan Des Obeaux, good race at Cheltenham last time. 16/1 and has better chance than that.Couch: Strange race. Irish beat each other. Won't be having a betDC: 4 runs but not really any standout. Ivanovich was out to 8's at one point. Hear connections are keen. The fillies could be best of ours.great crowd this evening in belfast @puntersg @SPGBETTING Albert Bartlett up next before the Gold CupNM: SHantou is top of our list. Loved him from day one. Very hopeful, good run on ground he didn't like last time. Hopeful of good showNM: Schooled well on Sunday morning. 6/1 solid each way price. NF: Very good horse plenty soft last time, much better on better groundNF: Barters shoulda beat BAllydine easier last time. Between the top 2 though. Might have to ride the Fry horse thoughDC: Could run a load in this. Barters looks good, stays well. Will run pacy horses to try and do him up the hill. Bleu et Rouge or GangsterDC: Gangster working well appreciate better ground, hasn't been easiest to train. Bleu et Rouge will get trip ok, but keen last dayGE: ***an runs for the sponsor. Barters tough as nails.Utmost respect for Neil's horse. Blue et Rouge really like him if he settlesRH: worry about Barters, when you see one off there's another that pops up. WOuldn't be backing him.Nothing against him thoughCouch: Barters just keeps winning 7 out of 7. Some horses just grind it out. Not everyone can be Kauto or the Fly. Follow till beatenRG: Gangster will shorten up, been working well. Wish Neil all the best. Shantou has huge chance, great form behind YanworthIt's only the bloody #GoldCup next. And what a renewal in store #SGPreviewRG: First Gold Cup laid first 6 in the market for good money in antepost book. One of best Gold Cup's in long long time.RG: Don Poli for me personally. 2 for 2 at Cheltenham.Could drift on the day.Grinds it out. Vautour will go here.DC: Vautour would be better in Ryanair. Not convinced stay. Don Poli course form. Very lazy. ANyone who backs him won't be happy mid raceDC: Djakadam fan. Trained for one race and one race only. Unfortunate he fell in Cheltenham last time. Working well. Year strong & betterDC: Not overly concerned about his fall. Very good jumper.Generally brilliant. Just unfortunateDC: Don Cossack main danger. Wins King George if he stands up. WOrry slightly about how he travels through raceGE: Mean world for Don to win it. He's in good form. Better ground = better chance. Trip will suit. Horse i fear is Djakdam.GE: Davy Russel will ride either Don Poli or Don Cossack says the ownerGE: Thought Bryan was brain dead on him in the Ryanair last year. Wouldn't worry about the track.RH: Against horses that have ran well in the race in the past. Djakadam has it to do. Between two Don's for me. Poli keeps winning.RH: Need Cooper to tide Poli as he's complicated ride. But it's between those two.NF: Cue Card won't be far away ran good races this year. Don Cossack though is very good and has huge chance.NM: Fan of Gordon's horse. Unlucky in the King George. Funny feeling it could be his year. Best of luck to GordonCouch: Cue Card is ten want to take him on. KAuto and Denman couldn't do it at ten. Like backing horses who keep winning like Don PoliSo great Gold Cup in store.Onto the handicaps to finish onRH: John's Spirit in the 2m5f hcap. Holywell Ultimate Hcap. Thomas Crapper novice hcap stable formRH: Balyalton in the Martin Pipe. SHould run over hurdles. Arbre De Vie Coral CupGE: Cause Of Causes comes to himself this time of year. Runs well fresh. Noble Endeavour four miler, better ground will suit, JJ Codd on himGE: Diamond King slightly high in the handicap bu this been the plan for him Coral Cup.GE: Desoto County ran well in Lep last time. Needs a few to come out of County to get in. Squouteur progressive would love to win the M PipeNF: Minella Present in the grand annual one of Neil's should have a good chance on better ground. Taquin Du Seuil good chance tooCouch: Bouvreuil in the Novice hcap - ran well at Festival beforeDC: Arbre De Vie 4th in Albert BArtlett last year. Coming back in trip will suit. Not many of ours well handicapped. Great Fever maybeDC: Blazer will run in the Martin Pipe. Fancy this myself Out SamDC: Vroum Vroum is as much a cert as Douvan. Limini very good in mares novice. Jumping has improved. showing right signsNM: Southfield Royale in four miler. Improve for better ground. 2nd in Grade one last time. We have Nina on board, great advantageNM: Minella Present ran very well at November meeting. Preference would be Grand Annual if he gets in. Carole's Destrier improver in UltimaNaps - RG: Cause Of Causes (Kim Muir), NM: Shantou Village (Albert B) - DC: Vroum Vroum (MAres) - Couch: Sizing John ew wo Douvan (arkle)Thistlecrack for Noel and Gordon. Johns Spirit for Richard. Few bits from TowcesterSupreme: Jamie Lynch likes Altior, Ben Linfoot Buveur D'Air. Niall Hannity Yorkhill ew. towcesterpreviewChampion Hdle: Lynch - Annie Power; Hannity & Linfoot - Hargam ew TOwcesterpreviewNH Chase: Lynch - Ballychorus; Linfoot & Hannity - Southfield Royale. towcesterpreviewNick Schofield says don't forget Southfield Theatre in the Ultima towcesterpreviewChampion Chase: Linfoot - Felix Yonger ew; Lynch - Felix w/o fav; Hannity - Un De Sceaux NEPTUNE: Linfoot - A Toi Phil ew; Lynch & Schofield: Yanworth RSA: Lynch, Schofield & Linfoot - No More Heroes. Hannity - More Of That - #towcesterpreviewFred Winter: Schofield rode winner last year (Qualando) and says Diego du Charmil is a similar type and stable think he's well handicapped.Gold Cup: Lynch & Hannity - Don Cossack; Linfoot - Vautour; Schofield - Cue Card Cheltenham Preview - Haydock 7th MarchPanelBH - Brian Hughes (Jockey)MJ - Marten Julian (Dark Horses)AG - Andy Gibson (Proform)TH - Trevor Harris (Starsports)SupremeBH - Min too short - hot headed. Altior best English horse.MJ - thinks Min got a physical problem that bothers him - blood vessel issues ? Buveur D'air the star bet.AG - Min price down to hype - weakest of Mullins favs.Altior really good on times - rock solid.Supersundae e/w.TH - Thinks Min will be around 3/1 on the day. Thinks Yorkhill will run here.ArkleBH - Couldn't back Arzal if he found the money !Douvan will win.MJ - Arzal will lead, will be shorter in running than current price for in running players.AG - Douvan wins if jumps round. Sizing John without Douvan.TH - Douvan unopposableChampion HurdleBH - MTOY will be more settled with Barry Geraghty but thinks The New One has good chance.MJ - Layer of Annie Power, Top Notch too big - value of the race at 20s.AG - Annie you have to oppose. Will suit hold up horses - The New One more substance to his profile - decent e/w bet.TH - Got to lay Annie, no recent form over 2 miles. Hargam more weight than MTOY in the gallops. Camping Ground if soft.Mares HurdleBH - VVM should win. Aurora Destouval had wind op since last run - worth a chance e/wMJ - Likes Bitofapuzzle & GovernessAG - Won't bet in race but would be interested in Aurora Destrouval without VVMTH - Bitofapuzzle if pressed.Other RacesBH - Roi de Francs in 4 miler - Minella Rocco too many mistakes.MJ - Ultima - Carole's Destrier had wind op. Want to be on Doctor Harper wherever it runs. Javert in novice handicap.AG - Ultima - Southfield Theatre if it runs. Vyta du Roc NRNB if it runs.TH - Large bet on Doctor Harper NRNB.NeptuneBH - Yanworths race to lose but told Au Toi Phil working as well as any other Mullins horse.MJ - Yanworth flicks hurdles, slow time, possibly peaked too soon. Predict it will be good to soft for start of festival.AG - Yanworth one of the strongest favs but won't be backing it. Not a great jumper. Backed Shantou Village NRNB at 14/1.TH - Poor race but thinks Yanworth will probably win but will take it on.RSABH - More of That best horse in the race but not worried about Seeyouatmidnight last time on sticky ground - needs lot of work and the softer the better - a street fighter tries like hell at 12/1 massive e/w value but would rather be on the new track as stiffer.MJ - Decent renewal More of That always likes and would back it - had a wind op too.AG - More of That will win no value now but been backing it all year & Vyta du Roc NRNB as saverTH - No value in No More Heros but things it will win.Champion ChaseBH - Rides Somersby but thinks UDS wins bar a fall. Gods Own best right handed.MJ - Felix Yonger not good enough to win but will out run odds.AG - UDS if it jumps round but could be put off by Special Tiara so backed Felix Yonger without UDS.TH - Happy to lay UDS no big money for it though.BumperBH - Been beaten by High Bridge and that could be a possible on good ground.MJ - Ballyandy token choice.AG - won't bet in race but watch it for next year.TH - Bacardys only horse they've laid to any money.Other RacesBH - Our Thomas had rushed prep last time, will be e/w price. Be wary of horses coming back like Balthazar King in X Country.MJ - Rock the Kasbah in Coral. Great Field wherever it runs. Duke Street in Fred Winter.AG - Diego du Charmil another Sanctuaire.TH - Likes Kilcrea Vale in Coral. Foxrock in X Country. Diego du Charmil well in.JLTBH - No strong feeling maybe Shaneshill if it runs.MJ - Not a good contest - not bet in the race.AG - Heard Black Hercules goes here. Bristol fav by default and concerned on fast ground.Interested in Garde le Victoire if good ground.TH - Not a grade 1 race.Bristol the right favourite.RyanairBH - Oscar Rock interesting on good ground if runs in this.MJ - No viewsAG - Backed Village Vic NRNB and thinks fine on decent ground. Small interest on Smashing in case soft ground.TH - Road to Riches as nothing else in it.World HurdleBH - Heard whisper Cole Hardens wind worse than ever ! Whisper & Kilcooley both e/w.MJ - Whisper each way - will out run odds.AG - Backed Thistlecrack all year at bigger odds also had Whisper e/w without fav.TH - Thistlecrack laid at all rates down - couldn't back now at the price though.Other RacesBH - Rode Our Kaempfer this year and a decent chance at 16/1. Smart Talk improved all year and still improving.MJ - Our Father plotted up for Kim Muir - only right once a year. Lost Legend will run well for Jonjo who could have a good festival. Missed Approach the best in the Pertemps.AG - Smart Talk on softish ground will run a decent race. Limini needs to jump better.TH - Leave at Dawn will be ridden by Geraghty. Big word for Our Kaempfer. Likes Smart Talk each way in mares novice. Cause of Causes in Kim Muir.TriumphBH - would ride Gorbatov if he could ride any.MJ - Gorbatov had a stone bruise before last ran will be different proposition on good ground. Conetable would be the choice - best bet of the meeting !AG - Gorbatov a false fav - would be double figure price with different connections. Sceau Royal most likely to run his race - strong placepot player.TH - Zubayr the worst price of any horse at the meeting. Sceau Royal should be the fav.Albert BartlettBH - Has ridden against Barters Hill loads and races lazily and keeps finding so stick with it.MJ - Gangster working well but Shantou Village if good ground.AG - Barters Hill will be bigger in running. Shantou Village won't run if soft. TH - Barters Hill will drift on day. Blue et Rouge will run here !Gold CupBH - Would love to see Cue Card win but a gruelling race so would back Don Poli and Smad Place.MJ - Couldn't have anything with stamina doubt so against Vautour. Don Cossack tough battler who can win ugly.AG - 4 of top 5 in the market ground dependent. Vautour can't have on soft. Djackadam only interesting on soft. Cossack needs good ground. Poli on good to soft or softer is the must bet.TH - Between the Dons & Smad Place a big price e/w.Other RacesBH - Rides Hawk High in County - Will be big price and will go well, likes better ground.MJ - Next best bet of the meeting Kayf Blanco in county hurdle and follow it after too. Some Plan also a plot for County. Next Sensation plotted up again for Grand Annual.AG - Paint the Clouds on good ground, had the word for Qualando from the right people. Next Sensation has had breathing op. Biggest handicap bet of the meeting is A Hare Breath.TH - All Yours an Aintree project. Nicholls like Some Plan.Best BetsBH - Douvan & Hawk High e/wAG - Vyta du Roc (RSA) & A Hare Breath e/wMJ - Connetable & Kayf Blanco e/w Haydock Preview Night – Monday 7th March, 2016PanelMC – Paul Clarkson (PC)Jockey - Brian Hughes (BH)Dark Horses Annuals Author - Marten Julian (MJ)Professional Gambler - Andy Gibson (AG)Star Sports Bookmaker – Trevor Harris (TH)Notes: - Now 40 mins between races. Foxhunters race now off level weights not a handicap. New race the Mares Novices Hurdle replaces the Charity race. Star Sports best price on Min (2/1) and Un de Sceaux (4/5).Day 1 – Supreme NovicesBH – Min is plenty short enough, bit hot headed. Value EW in Supasundae. Altior best of the English horses, won at track.AG – Feels Min is one of the weaker Mullin’s favourites, lot to prove at that price. Form is on Heavy ground, could prove to be weak form. Altior will like a fast pace and his times compare with Faugheen on final circuit from last year’s race. Backed this each way for months and is rock solid. Would advise to back to win without Min. EW shout for Supasundae.MJ – Doesn’t like head carriage of Min, looks susceptible to bursting blood vessels, has heard this has happened at home. Also likes Altior and Supasundae EW but goes for Buveur Dair.TH – Feels Min will be 3/1 on the day. Unsure on Altior didn’t say why. Move today on Yorkhill. Buveur Dair travels well and will probably back this.ArkleAG – Douvan should win if error free, got form in the book and wouldn’t oppose. Feels Sizing John EW or to win without Douvan is the call.MG – Will be backing Arzal at 33/1 which will give you a run for your money. Will lead. L’Ami Serge had problems at last year’s festival and wouldn’t be surprised if he ran well.TH – Douvan is a steering job. Could run in the Champion Hurdle after and win that as well (cue laughter).Also a fan of Sizing John without the favourite. The Game Changer could run on for third.BH – Wouldn’t back Arzal if he found some money on the floor (cue laughter again). Douvan rock solid, far too superior to this lot.UBS Festival ChaseBH – No opinion.AG – Keep an eye on Southfield Theatre if he goes in this.MJ – Likes Carole’s Destrier, could run well. Back Dr Harper wherever he runs, could go in this. Best of the Pipe handicappers.TH – Took a rather large bet on Dr Harper also earlier.Champion HurdleMJ – Assume Annie Power is supplemented. Can be a bit clumsy over the hurdles so would lay her. Backed Nichols Canyon EW a while back.Doesn’t like Identity Thief not sure why though. My Tent or Yours pulls hard but will come home. Vale of race is Top Notch and is overpriced. Hargam of little interest, not quite good enough.TH – If Vroum Vroum Mag is injured then TH feels Annie Power will go back to the Mares. Even with mares allowance TH feels that AP is a lay as no recent form over 2 miles. Can’t have The New One, didn’t say why. Been told that Hargam has been working well at home and is an EW price. If ground is soft then Camping Ground is a live outsider.BH – If he had a choice would pick The New One. Would love to ride or even own him. Not having Identity Thief. Feels My Tent of Yours is interesting in a different pair of hands. Also Camping Ground EW chance if ground comes up soft.AG – Also opposing Annie Power. Could wear headgear to stop her getting too buzzy. Feels there will be a lot of pace and it will suit hold up horses. Can’t have My Tent or Yours, too buzzy also. Form of The New One is the best, never been out of the first two and has more substances to his profile. Feels Hargam will be held up and can run well. Also EW shout for Old Guard.PC – Mullins has said that Annie Power is a quick as anything in his yard.Mares HurdleTH – Not a fan of the race, if Vroum Vroum Mag runs to rating of 140 she will win. Bitofapuzzle could run well at an EW price.BH – Worried about Bitofapuzzle being pulled up on last run. Value is Aurore D’Estruval EW but form of the yard is a worry.AG – Also likes Aurore D’Estruval. Would back without VVM.MJ – In love with Bitofapuzzle and he will say. Felt she would go the Gold Cup route but hasn’t lived up to expectations. Keep an eye on The Govaness, clever trainer.National Hunt Steeplechase (4 miler)BH – Roi Des Francs has looked good and will stay, gone well here before. Minella Rocco was a good hurdler but unsure over the bigger obstacles.AG – Minella Rocco will probably stay but wouldn’t trust jumping. Has backed Vyta Du Roc since NRNB.Probably won’t run here but is a no brainer as if he does the 20/a looks good, would be 10s on day. MJ – Derek O’Connor will ride Minella Rocco which is a plus.TH – If he had to pick one it would be Noble Endeavour but little confidence.CHAPS Novices HandicapMJ – Javert, nice profile.TH – Aloomomo been well backed but no interest in race.BH & AG – No opinion.Day 2 - NeptuneBH – Yanworth been a very impressive novice and his race to lose. Told by a Mullins insider that A Toi Phil is flying at home and his work has been as good as all the others and could be value.AG – A Toi Phil a lot to find with Yanworth who is one of strongest bets of week. Slight worry over a sluggish start and has rattled the first couple of fences a few times. Do that here and he could lose a handy position. Has backed Shantou Village NRNB but probably won’t run here unless rain is forecast for end of week. Again a no brainer to back Shantou Village EW NRNB in this race.MJ – Not a fan of Yanworth, does flick hurdles as AG suggested. Also took a long look at the 3rd last LTO (a bit green still). Also time was slow and thinks he could have peaked too soon which also worries the trainer apparently. Opposing with O O Seven EW at a big price.Could be a bit of rain forecast Tues/Weds.TH – Poor race but likes Yanworth. If it comes up soft then Itsafreebee is far too big EW. Long Dog not beaten much.Worried about Alan King horses being out of form now.RSA ChaseAG – No More Heroes was 7/4 but now drifted, still a bit short. Needs to find 20 lbs with More of That from Hurdles rating.Backed More of That for a while now.Also backed Vyta Du Roc for this as well, uncomplicated and stays well. Good chance, very reliable.MJ – Decent renewal, loves More of That and the way he sticks his neck out. Felt Seeyouatmidnight dossed a bit LTO. Do not overlook Blaklion at EW price. Also feels Jonjo O’Neill will have a good Cheltenham.TH – No More Heroes is a terrible price but should win (big and strong). Would wait for a sensible price.Underwhelmed by Seeyouatmidnight.BH – Rides Seeyouatmidnight, would like some rain. Don’t worry about last run, the horse is lazy and needed the run. Seeyouratmdnight needs his work and loves being given a hard time, will handle soft. He is a street fighter and has stamina in abundance and BH feels he is massive EW value. Only negative is the sharper track.More of That has best form. No More Heroes impressive LTO. Would worry about Blacklion being pulled up.Coral CupMJ – Diamond King should run ok but likes Rock the Kasbah. Watch where Great Field runs, jumps like a stag.TH – Backed Kilcrea Vale EW, travels well.BH & AG – No Opinion.Queen Mother Champion ChaseMJ – Felix Yonger reminds him of Deep Sensation last year, same profile and will outrun his price. Felix Yonger to track Special Tiara and run well.TH – Un De Sceaux best price with his firm (4/5) but would like to take on. Would back Dodging Bullets place only. Special Tiara poor form at Cheltenham. God’s Own very good EW price.BH – Will ride Somersby for Mick Channon, 8th visit to festival. Stronger race than last year but thinks UDS will win. Thinks God’s Own better on right handed track. Can’t have Dodging Bullets after being beaten by Top Gamble. Not having Sire De Grugy either.AG – Price discrepancy between SS and SDG. Average renewal. UDS will win if stays upright. Special Tiara is an interesting pace angle in the race. Has backed Felix Yonger without UDS at 7s and 8s. Also backed God’s Own without UDS, will like the ground.Cross CountryBH – Be wary of backing Balthazar King after a rib break, hard for a horse to come back after such an injury.AG – Will back Any Currency if he drifts a bit.TH – Price discrepancy between Josie’s Orders and QuantitativeeeasingMJ – No interest.Fred WinterBH – Good EW price for Our Thomas if he goes in this.AG – Diego Du Charmil is a good bet but the price has goneMJ – Tentative selection Duke StreetTH – Nicholls man phoned handicapper to get a mark for Diego Du Charmil and was give 132 based on French form. Nicholls delighted feels he is well in,handicapper said you will have a lot of fun off that mark. Strange thing for handicapper to say.Champion BumperTH – No real opinion, New to this Town been sold recently. His firm taken big bet on Bacardys.BH – Augusta Kate out of a good mare. High Bridge could go well at a price, nice form. Shrewd trainer in John Ferguson.AG – No interest.MJ – Augusta Kate has shown nothing at home apparently. Ballyandy great pedigree.Day 3 – JLT Novices ChaseBH – Bristol De Mai done nothing wrong but in much lesser company. Would like rain and very soft ground.Outlander could be a decent rival. One at a price is Shaneshill.AG – Black Hercules should run in this as it isn’t the best and would have a good chance. Bristol De Mai is favourite by default but still a handy price at 9/2. If ground is Good to Soft of faster I would be concerned.Outlander is reliable EW on soft ground. Interesting one is Garde La Victoire, jumps low, needs goodish ground.TJ – Bristol De Mai solid favourite, jumped well LTO at Sandown. Agrees with AG on Garde La Victoire.TH – Still value in Bristol De Mai, jumped even better at Leicester than Sandown. Outlander form maybe isn’t as good. Would also like Black Hercules to run here and make running.Pertemps FinalTH – Leave at Dawn under Barry Geraghty would have decent chance.BH – Good word for Our Kaempfer, race wasn’t run to suit LTO and was brought down when still going well. Stays and Jumps well. AG – Doubts over Our Kaempfer, didn’t say why,MJ – Likes If In Doubt but again mentions Jonjo O’Neil horses (Join the Clan and Box Office) and to watch them in market. Missed Approach kept off track by Greatrex, could have a chance.Ryanair ChaseAG – Al Ferof not a good winning record (1 in 9), the win was a weak event and this could end up favourite if the top of the market goes elsewhere. Noel Meade thinks Road to Riches will run here. Had a big bet on Village Vic but will trade on day as he front runs. Ground should be fine.Also a small interest EW on Smashing. Warming to Vibrato Valtat as has strong form lines over 2 mils. Can’t have Josses Hill, poor jumper.BH – Oscar Rock (50/1) would be of interest here if he goes but also entered for longer race. Wants it good.MJ – No opinion.TH – Vautour would win here if they took this route. In fact Trevor said he would win on Vautour in this race. Thinks Road to Riches will run here and win. Smashing and Village Vic for EW money. VV has improved immensely over the past 12 months. World HurdleMJ – Thistlecrack 4lbs clear of Whisper and Kilcooley. Whisper can outrun odds if he finds that 4lbs. Kilcooley at a price if he has overcome a setback.TH – Thistlecrack a bit short but stable in great form, can it carry on? Alpha Des Obeaux fell LTO at an important stage of race so is an unknown. The plan for Cole Harden all year is this race, can win again.BH – Can’t have Cole Harden, too many excuses this season. Heard a whisper he is worse than ever.Whisper is lively outsider as is Kilcooley but both have a bit to find.AG – Cole Harden can turn form on head and do what he did last year. Has backed CH and Thistlecrack all year, will trade CH off in running as he will lead. Thistlecrack has form in back over past 4 runs.Also backed Whisper EW at 10s without the favourite.Henderson is bullish on Whisper.Question about Aux Ptits Sons – goes well fresh. Also question on Zabana but AG hasn’t done his homework on all the handicaps as yet.Brown AdvisoryTH – Everyone seems to be on John’s Spirt. Small shout for Stilletto.AG – John’s Spirit best form is on old track while this is on the new track. Would back him here in Paddy Power meeting.MJ – Likes John’s Spirit and mentions Dr Harper again if he runs here.BH – No opinion.Trull House Mares NovicesTH – Questions why this race is included this year. Can’t see Smart Talk out the frame.BH – Likes Smart Talk, good stayer and a decent chance. Improving all time and track ok.AG – Also asks why race is put in, next year they are adding 2 cartoon races from Portman Park to make the day even longer (audience laughs). Smart Talk the value running off 149, if was 150 could have run in Supreme.MJ – No opinion.Fulke Kim Muir Challenge CupTH – Our Father goes well fresh. Value in Cause of Causes.MJ – Our Father plotted up for this. Money floating about for Cause of Causes.Eye catching finish by Lost Legend LTO, another of Jonjo’s. Now down to a good mark of 140.BH & AG – No opinion.Day 4 Triumph HurdleMJ – Apparently Ivanovich Gorbatov had a stone bruise before last race, not sure if this is common knowledge. Will be better for ground. Zabayr was very expensive purchase, likes way he finished LTO but not way he started.Biggest bet of meeting in this race, Connetable. Beat decent horses and best form.PC pops up and says a tip for us all is Apples Jade, should run in this race.TH – Open race and good value in there. Zubayr is worst price of whole meeting, the form is worth nothing. Sceau Royal is the best natural hurdler in the race and should be favourite. Connetable is a decent EW. Sam Twiston Davies will ride Clan Des Obeaux.BH – Forgive IG for last run, if he could pick one it would be this. Also likes the Nicholls horse Zubayr.AG – IG, better ground will help but this would be a double figure price if was a different trainer. Zubayr has a chance.Sceau Royal as must for placepot as will finish in first 3, has good experience. Also Clan Des Obeaux is the other for the placepot.Not a lot between Nicholls horses but a lot to like about Connetable. Race is wide open.VOB County HurdleMJ – Second best bet of meeting is Kayf Blanco (50/1 with Bet 365). Back NRNB as may not get in but put him in your tracker. Should be higher rated. 4th at Sandown was good form behind some very good horses. MJ very bullish about this horse.Some Plan has also been plotted up for this.TH – Agreed that Some Plan has been plotted up for this. The other Nicholls horse All Yours may go to Aintree and should be backed there. Gave small shout for Starchitect.BH – Will ride Hawk High, will be schooling him in 2 days. Loves the course, ground and will thrive on the pace of the race and will outrun odds of 40/1. AG – Apparently Nicholls gave his NAP the other day as All Yours which goes against what TH said. Big bet here for AG with A Hare Breath at 16s. Also likes Desoto County but he may not get in.Albert BartlettBH – Rode against Barter’s Hill on Ballydine LTO. Thought he would go past but no way, BH finds more and more and very tough to pass. BH does ride lazily and needs pushing but wouldn’t worry about that.AG – Can’t knock BH with 7 wins on bounce. Tenacious horse. Even worth backing in running when he is being pushed along. If it rains Shantou Village may go in the shorter race. Ballydine not good enough.If the ground is bottomless then Unowwhatimeanharry will go well.MJ – Barters Hill toughest bumper horse he has seen. Just keeps finding more. Apparently Mullins reports that Gangster been working well at home. Rich Ricci thinks Thomas Hobson is overpriced. Shantou Village and Jonniesofa EW value.TH – Barters Hill gets job done and will trade bigger in running. May be 7/2 on day so would wait. If Bleu EtRouge runs here could be interesting.AG – Had a bet on Champers on Ice EW. Will go back in again if soft ground.Cheltenham Gold CupAG – Feels 4 of the 5 are ground dependant and that Don Poli can go on any ground and has backed him since NRNB. Good course form, will like the pace and been here and done it albeit in different races. Vautour was very keen LTO which will take up energy here but if he does stay has claims. Smad Place is value EW but will lay ante post bet off in running as he will lead, big opportunity to trade. Djakadam would be the call on more testing ground more than the others. Don Cossack prefers better ground and may wear cheekpieces to help him travel better.MJ – Potential winner must be a stayer and can jump. If they can’t then don’t back them, this isn’t a speed contest. Rumour is Vautour isn’t working well at home at all although the yard hope he comes good late. Cue Card is a wonderful horse but well beaten on last effort over 3 miles. Worried about the fall by Djakadam LTO.Don Poli is lazy and dull but keeps finding more. Don Cossack is in a safe pair of hands. Apparently Many Clouds runs at Kelso on the rearranged Sunday meeting.TH – Decent renewal and the betting has been busy Ante Post. This is the people’s race. Vautour is the class horse but feel he won’t get home. Aintree should be the place to run him.Anagram of Don Poli is I Plod on which says it all. Smad Place overpriced and will be in first 3. Bryan Cooper will probably Don Poli.BH – Would love to see Cue Card win, it will be a gruelling race. Horses who have tried this race before struggle to come back and win it (barring Kauto, Denman etc.) If he could choose he would pick Don Poli all day long, right profile and always races behind the bridle and within himself. Will stay all day. Smad Place a good EW shout.Foxhunters ChasePC – Pacha Du Polder goes with Victoria Pendleton in the plate.TH – Says put the kettle on during this.AG & MG like Paint the Clouds.BH – No opinion.Martin Pipe Conditionals HurdleMJ – Watch out for Eshtiaal if he gets in. Ran a prep race on flat at Dundalk on Friday and won.Others – No opinion.Then someone remembers they have a massive word from a reliable source for Qualando in this.Johnny Henderson Grand AnnualMJ – Next Sensation has once again been plotted for this and should be backed. Also EW on Eastlake.TH – No OpinionBH – Would like Surf and Turf if he gets in but probably go to Aintree.AG – Next Sensation has had breathing Op and on same mark as last year when he won. Will drift on day.Obvious choice and everyone knows this is his target.NAPS & Best E/WBH NAP - Douvan – Told to pick something longer so he says UDS.Best EW – Hawk HighMJ NAP - ConnetableBest EW - Kayf Blanco (NRNB) should he get in at 50s.TH NAP - No More HeroesBest EW – Hargam in Champion HurdleAG NAP – Vyta De Roc in whichever race he goes in.Best EW – A Hare Breath in County Hurdle (NRNB) Cheltenham Preview - Timeform 8th MarchPanelJL- Jamie Lynch (Timeform & C4)DB - Dan Barber (Timeform & ATR pundit)MD - Martin Dixon (Timeform & RUK pundit)DY - Dave Yates (Newsboy)DC - David Cleary (RUK pundit)BO - Barry Orr (Betfair)SupremeJL - Plenty of positives with Min - will like good ground - only the price is a negative. He will be bigger price on the day.DB - Min would need to be 4s or 5s to be of any interest. Thinks Yorkhill is the best Mullins horse in the race.MD - Top 4 in market have similar form so Min shouldn't be so short - immature. Likes Yorkhill & had backed Buveur D'air ante post.DY - Don't back Min ante post - will be bigger on the day. Would be amazed if Ruby didn't ride Min.DC - Min price down to connections. Likes Altior, good bumper form.ArkleJL - Douvan nailed on - put it in all your acca's.DB - Would back the Game Changer in the without Douvan market. Sat out the back and run past tired horses.MD - Douvan should win but is a novice facing stiffest task to date and betting without market better value - Sizing John the way to go or the Game Changer.DY - Douvan for the needy or the greedy. Will win but no price.DC - Douvan would have to fall not to win - class apart.Champion HurdleJL - If you go through the race you keep coming back to Annie, easy to be negative but a 2 mile Champion hurdle is what she needs to show her ability.DB - Annie not a typical prep for this but not sure what to take it on with- would try Peace & Co with a wind op behind it.MD - If you think she retains her ability then Annie is a certainty and a good price.DY - Annie's price linked to how Min & Douvan do - but will drift up to Tuesday. On mid-Jan Mullins wasn't even sure it would make Cheltenham. This is a world apart from running in the Mares race.DC - Doubts Annie retains all her ability so interesting e/w race. Couldn't have the New One or Nicholls Canyon so would have Camping Ground at 20/1 e/w.Other RacesDB - Holywell in the Ultima. Thinks it will wear blinkers.MD - VVM an appalling price for Mares. Priced like Annie and she's not.DC - Minella Rocco is a poor fav. Thought Roi de Franc would go in RSA and interesting if goes in 4 miler.BO - thinks Roi de Franc will be 5/2 on the day in the 4 miler and will be ridden by Patrick.NeptuneJL - Yanworth is already on 158 rating - rated higher than the champion hurdle second fav - nothing near it. Evs is a good price.DB - nothing in the race to beat Yanworth.MD - Thinks Yanworth will win - race will cut up with other engagements so would suggest OO Seven e/w at 25/1 -probably be 8 or 9s on the day. Probably won't beat Yanworth but the value ante post.DY - Yanworth was the stand out at Trials day.DC - Only quibble with Yanworth was looked like would kink out at top of the him. Got ability but could be quirky. Wouldn't back him so short though.RSAJL - Long time since More of That won world hurdle and worries not run since December. Vibes are wrong !DB - More of That - only worry his set backs. Has potential to be seriously good and looked fine in races so far. MD - No a More Heros the right fav. Great jumper and better jumper than hurdler - take all the beating. Potential 165 rated chasers win the RSA not previous 170 rated hurdles.DY - Concerned More of That only had 2 starts. DC - Not a 2 horse race, likes Blacklion & Seeyouatmidnight.Champion ChaseJL - Not a safe odds-on shot - better odds on shots at Cheltenham.DB - UDS Fell twice - couldn't back at odds on. MD - UDS wins if jumps round. Gods Own won't win but e/w player at big price.DY - SDG will wear head gear.DC - Worry with UDS is how the race unfolds - if it gets taken on, but is a stand out on ability.Other RacesJL - Diego du Charmil works better than Zubayr.DB - Different Gravey in Coral Cup.Still going forward even though top rated.Augusta Kate in bumper.BO - Jossies Orders will take all the beating in X Country.DC - Likes Ballyandy in bumper.JLTJL - Back Outlander now as several at top of market won't run.DB - Lami Serge value as over reaction to latest defeat.MD - Bristol can pick holes in his form, likes Outlander.DC - Three Musketeers - this has always been the target. Don't forget the impression he made at Newbury.RyanairJL - Thinks RTR will run in this - could be the perfect race for him, brings best form to table. Thin race potentially for a grade 1.MD - poor grade 1 - thinks Dynaste the forgotten horse. Usually beats Al Ferof and at 20/1 a player.DC - Village Vic is a horse going forward unlike most in this.BO - Vautour will run in gold cup. Thinks Valseur Lido might run in this & RTR in gold cup.World HurdleJL - Cole Harden been a dog this year. Thistlecrack will win.DB - Thistlecrack loads of speed, no negatives - perfect horse. Best horse in race and not at his peak yet.MD - a weak division and Thistlecrack a stand out.BO - Alpha the money horse. Nicholls can't split his 2. Cole Harden the value e/w. DC - Thistlecrack will win.Other RacesMD - Robins Reef in mares novice hurdle.BO - Loads of money for Johns SpiritTriumphJL - All much of a muchness. Grade 1 winners of juvenile hurdles so far all massive prices. Fancies Connetable.DB - Not sold on Zubayr form. Solid one is Sceau Royal.MD - Gorbatov a shocking price.BO - Money for ConnetableDC - Gorbatov comfortably worst fav of the week. Gold CupJL - Don Cossack questions to answer but has most ability.DB - Djackadam not as good as the Dons or Vautour. Thinks Don Cossack the bet here.Vautour too exuberant.Would be a positive if it's ridden by Russell.MD - Thinks Cossack would have won King George but Don Poli looks like a horse where demands of Cheltenham will suit even though maybe not as good as others.DY - Cue Card is better than ever.DC - Vautour best horse in race - would be his selection. Newcastle via Muddy SilksNo decision on YORKHILL or BELLSHILL destination yet says Graham Wylie. Supreme or Neptune. They will split of course.L'AMI SERGE goes JLT.Pipey apparently "desperate" to get DOCTOR HARPER into the Handicap on day one.Graham Wylie: "I'm not sure if NICHOLS CANYON has bottomed after his last 2 races but Willie says he's lively at home".Nicky Henderson said to be expecting a big run from HARGAM in the Champion Hurdle on good ground.Nigel Twiston-Davies yard are very confident about THE NEW ONE's chances. In best condition for years.Mares Race: can't see past VROUM VROUM MAG.BLACK HERCULES does go JLT.Four Miler- NATIVE RIVER in headgear on good ground. Good value 8/1 or more.NOBLE ENDEAVOUR well fancied for the 4-Miler. That's where he goes.Novices Handicap Chase fancies for day one: MCKINLEY and DOOMSDAY BOOK offered from the panel.FIVE IN A ROW offered by Danny Cook Jockey. "He'll be coming up the hill when others aren't..."Wylie: KATGARY 2nd in Fred Winter 2 years ago. Better ground he'll be a chance in the last on Tuesday.ALOOMOMO has bee raced over Hurdles to protect his mark.The Neptune: handicapper rates LONG DOG and thinks he's well worth a place. Rated 148 in Ireland but 158 Britain same as YANWORTH.BELLSHILL: 7f out he had nothing (in last defeat) Ruby Walsh told Wylie. Scoped badly.Fine and well at home now. Ready to go.RSA: at bigger prices VYTA DU ROC, say the panel @NewcastleRacesSHANESHILL "as of 4pm today" will run in The RSA. "That could change by 4pmtomorrow" says Wylie.Wylie: "If I had a free fiver each way I'd have GREAT FIELD in The Coral Cup".I know MIN is drifting in the market and the money is coming for YORKHILL but Wylie says Ruby Walsh rides MIN. I'll take the 5/2 MIN!FOXROCK the class act in The Cross Country.CANTLOW - "one to keep an eye on for the specialist Trainer (Enda Bolger)".Wylie bought a French 3yo who Mullins sees as a World Hurdle long term prospect. Goes Fred Winter.Bumper. AUGUSTA KATE.... Wylie's horse in the Masters syndicate colours owned with @antanddec and @alanshearer was planned for @SandownparkRight... Last 2 days to be discussed next at @NewcastleRaces #PreviewNight CheltenhamJLT... GARDE LA VICTOIRE could go here and by @dickyjohnson77 only ride in a Graded race this Cheltenham An observation from the tables: "some of Mullins horses don't go to the race that suits them best; they go where suits connections best".There's a question over whether BLACK HERCULES likes Cheltenham - Wylie.Pertemps: IF IN DOUBT mentioned a several times. LEAVE AT DAWN touted.Ryanair: the rumours and counter rumours and contradictions continue re VAUTOUR. Ricci says he won't. David Casey says no decision made!!VILLAGE VIC tipped each way by Danny Cook for the Ryanair.WORLD HURDLE: COLE HARDEN will make the running and THISTLECRACK only danger will be going after him too soon.MARTELLO TOWER and AUX PTITS SOINS offered as each way value. If going was soft look out for PRINCE OF SCARS wh says @PFNicholls is bullish about AUX PTITS SOINS WorldHurdleDavid Pipe LA VATICANE need to be noted in The Plate. Has a penalty. If he gets in keep an eye on him.The Kim Muir... Money for OUR FATHER "from some very good judges..."The Kim Muir will be the race for SPLASH OF GINGE... Been geared for the race for some time.UPSWING tipped for The Kim Muir at a decent price.CAUSE OF CAUSES gets the usual mention.... KimMuirDavid Casey of Mullins yard apparently says "She'll win at Cheltenham and she'll win at Royal Ascot". LIMINI.APPLES JADE each way value in The Triumph Hurdle. ZUBAYR the main fancy.Wylie... I was the underbidder for ZUBAYR. Willie (Mullins) really wanted me to buy him.COUNTY HURDLE: CARDINAL WALTER "a big price" in a throw a dart race.Wylie on IVAN GROZNY... He won't be mine next year. He likes to run with the choke out and let everyone pass him. He'll end up sellinhurdle"Wherever ANNABELLE FLY turns up, back it. With lots of money".Tony Martins.Apparently Ruby Walsh says whatever he runs in he wins... "BARTERS HILL is the one is take on..." Albert Bartlett.Panel disagree and there's support for BARTERS HILL. UP FOR REVIEW will definitely run in The Albert Bartlett.SHANTOU VILLAGE could get a nice toe into the race. He could see BARTERS HILL for speed up the hill.Money steady for GANGSTER. Some decent bets from some reputable places for him.Foxhunter: the record of horses going Cheltenham isn't great. It's a negative for ON THE FRINGE.IT CAME TO PASS... Jim Culloty Trained. Good profile for The Foxhunters.MARTIN PIPE: DELL ARCA might be a realistic hope for Pond House to finally win it.Wylie offers another horse: BALLYALTON to go back over Hurdle. Martin Pipe hope.JETSTREAM JACK. Looks the type trying to get a mark.... If the race cuts up and he gets in keep him onside. Panel. Martin Pipe.NEXT SENSATION tipped for The Grand Annual. 2lb higher than last years win? Value.Wylie runs SOLAR IMPULSE. He's not excited. "Wouldn't back him each way".sellingHurdle next season he says.Gold Cup talk...."The best form for the Gold Cup is last years Gold Cup..." DJAKADAM.If it's a good gallop on good ground (SMAD PLACE to lead) could see DON POLI lazily left too far behind.The panel splits: DON POLI stamina and course and festival form. He beats what he needs to and does what he needs to.VAUTOUR won't get home vs VAUTOUR will get home. Debate rages on. Only time will tell...Wylie. In the CUE CARD camp. Of the Mullins menagerie Wylie goes DON POLI.CHARITY BETS...Danny Cook YANWORTH.THE YOUNG MASTER...Wylie THISTLECRACK
