Unfortunately, Dickie Diver hasn't been declared at Wincanton on St Stephen's Day so won't be attempting to Pertemps Qualify over the Christmas period. He does have 2 alternative entries though at Chepstow on Monday. Can't get that excited about that Wincanton race (2.38) but in it Hendo does switch Dame De Compagne back to hurdles. Is he after another Festival success with the old girl?!? She is now just 3 lbs higher than when winning the Coral Cup in March 2020.
I see that William Hill are going 33/1 re Dame Dr Compagne and the Pertemps Final. Back her right now and you are effectively having 2 bets though - (i) her qualifying for the Final and (ii) her then winning it. Not a standard wager as right now the old girl not qualified to run in the Final at the Festival.
There are a number of potentially very juicy clashes materialising for the 2022 festival - hopefully at least some of these will materialise: Supreme: Sir Gerhard v Jonbon / Constitution Hill Champion Chase: Energumene v Shishkin Festival Chase (or Golden Miller): Galopin Des Champs / Bob Olinger v Bravemansgame / Edwardstone Stayers Hurdle: Klassical Dream v Champ
The Dame qualified for the Final then on St Stephen's Day. The big question is what will the handicapper do with her next week when reassessed??? A drop of 3 lbs and the iold girl is on excatly the same mark as when she won the '20 Coral Cup. Nudge, nudge, etc, etc...
Galvin should be backed at 7/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Seriously, given that Rachel Blackmore rightly shut the door on Galvin and forced him wide at a crucial stage, Galvin looked beaten but still rallied to win. Otherwise he must have won by at least a length. How on earth is A Plus Tard going to overturn that up the hill at Cheltenham- or any other horse for that matter? Galvin should be no more than 4/1 - or even less, given the 4/1 offered about favourite, A Plus Tard. Unless something like Tornado Flyer takes part and excels himself again at a step up in distance, Galvin has little to fear from the rest of the field. I’m backing Galvin again- and for the win this time. It’s very strange that both bookies and pundits keep ignoring this improving, good jumping, game, and consistent animal. What do other members think?
Reminds me a bit of Synchronised Tam - a bit unfashionable because he didn't have "1111" form figures but had demonstrated stamina and resolution in his Welsh National win - yet everyone wanted to be on the flashy French-bred. I fully agree on Galvin - he looks tailor made for the Gold Cup and I would have him as clear favourite right now. He and A Plus Tard are the only 2 horses to have run anywhere near Gold Cup level this season. I am putting the line through the King George as a fluke result due to the suicidal early pace. It will be interesting to see what the handicapper makes of Galvin now - surely 175 or thereabouts?
Oddy, he does have 1111 form figures from last year. In fact, he’s had 7 wins and 3 seconds in his last 10 races. What runner in the Gold Cup entries can boast better? Also, this year’s race offers many ordinary,exposed, contenders, and some past their peak eg.Al Boum Photo. It’s ripe for an improving stayer to take the race. Of the other runners, I shouldn’t dismiss Champ. If his recent hurdling form restores his jumping confidence, he just might be switched back to the larger obstacles. If that happens, I shall have a saver on him. Otherwise, he may outstay Klassical Dream & Co. in the Stayers Hurdle.
I didn't express myself well there Tam - what I meant was that he isn't an unbeaten chaser who has been running in all the top races. He started off chasing with F422 (although the last 2 was a good second at the 2m4f festival handicap chase). His second novice chase season was very good of course but then he started off his first season in open company with that 2nd to Frodon and people were perhaps thinking he isn't top class like A Plus Tard. But I just think Elliott realised he had to take his time with the horse and he looks to have everything for the Gold Cup.
Evening chaps, This place is quiet nowadays. Quite sad but there we go. Energumene at 5/2-2/1 is the worst bet of the Festival. AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK. I don’t care if it wins the race. It is a terrible, terrible price based on everything it’s done thus far.
hi bob , long time no post ! hope you’re all good , are you still punting the vino ? yes , there was a hiatus on here during lockdown , seems a lot of posters have gone , others sadly passed away , but as you know, that’s life jim ........hope you have a cheltenham visit , here or even there , all the best
Broomfield Burg installed at 16/1 (joint 2nd fave) for the County Hurdle. Has to be filed under 'I' for Interesting in my book...
Entries Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Ryanair https://www.sportinglife.com/racing...d-cup-champion-chase-and-ryanair-chase/197444
No Frodon has to be the headline non-entry, I guess. It's fab-u-luss to see Angels Breath in the CGC - he's been off since Dec '19 but has always been held in the highest regard. Also, see that Remastered has been put in the CGC. I was hoping he'd run in the Pertemps! Champ also in the CGC which prolongs the debate about exactly which sphere (hurdles or fences) connections will go come March. And Santini may have his 3rd crack at the CGC given he's been given an entry as well.
I could be wrong Barney but i don't see Champ going down the hurdle route. Something maybe to do with the owners, who's it's named after and the fact they would like that combination winning the Gold Cup...
