Oops, I forgot to post this earlier! Entries came out at lunctime: THE RSA CHASE Class 1, Grade One, £130,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 14, 2012. For novice 5-y-o+, three miles and half a furlong. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 3lb; 6-y-o+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 24, entries revealed January 26 (36 entries), scratchings deadline February 21, six-day confirmation stage March 8, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, January 23. May not include some overseas form. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 5/3022-1 ACE HIGH 8 All The Aces Victor Dartnall 01-4133 ALLEE GARDE (FR) 7 Doran Bros (London) Limited Willie Mullins IRE 12-2F11 BAILE ANRAI (IRE) 8 Massive Ian Williams 21432P BENBANE HEAD (USA) 8 Louise Jones Martin Keighley 6-P4621 BERTIES DREAM (IRE) 9 Half A Keg Syndicate Henry de Bromhead IRE 1111-13 BOBS WORTH (IRE) 7 The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson 1F1-11F BOG WARRIOR (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 4/210-P1 CALL THE POLICE (IRE) 9 DD Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 622-315 CANNINGTON BROOK (IRE) 8 Sara Biggins & Celia Djivanovic Colin Tizzard 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 15-5152 CRASH (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Michael Hourigan IRE 16250-1 CRISTAL BONUS (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 4/-114 DAFFERN SEAL (IRE) 8 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE 532136 DONNAS PALM (IRE) 8 Grand Alliance Racing Club Noel Meade IRE 131-34 EIGHT IS MY NUMBER 6 M White/M Reeder/E Johansen-Wooder Gordon Elliott IRE 3121P2 FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE 2-5012U GIFT OF DGAB (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 22-6111 GRANDS CRUS (FR) 7 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III David Pipe 231-03 HARPSY CORD (IRE) 6 Alan & Ann Potts Partnership Jim Dreaper IRE 301-113 INVICTUS (IRE) 6 Richard & Lizzie Kelvin Hughes Alan King 21P-F11 JOIN TOGETHER (IRE) 7 Paul Barber & Ian Fogg Paul Nicholls 21-1012 LAMBRO (IRE) 7 Byerley Thoroughbred Racing Willie Mullins IRE 1-3P111 LAST INSTALMENT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Philip Fenton IRE P-02411 MEDICAL CARD (IRE) 8 Neighbours Racing Club Noel Meade IRE 152P-12 MOSSLEY (IRE) 6 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 00-1135 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 8 Sue Smith Sue Smith 1-02524 SAINT ARE (FR) 6 David Fox Tim Vaughan 134-312 SILVINIACO CONTI (FR) 6 Potensis Limited & Chris Giles Paul Nicholls 61/11-11 SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE 1-2 SOLL 7 Derrick Mossop Willie Mullins IRE 2022U1 SON AMIX (FR) 6 Whitechurch Stud Syndicate Tom Cooper IRE 406513 START ME UP (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Charlie Swan IRE 20-321P TEAFORTHREE (IRE) 8 T437 Rebecca Curtis 4266-31 UP THE BEAT 7 Mrs A M Varmen/R J D Varmen Willie Mullins IRE 00-143P VIKING BLOND (FR) 7 Caroline Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies 1//200-13 WALKON (FR) 7 McNeill Family Alan King 36 entries 19 Irish-trained
The non-appearance of Grands Crus in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham increases the likelihood he will turn up in this race, rather than take on open company in the Gold Cup itself. Given that probability, the question is, whether Grands Crus should be taken on at what seems sure to be a short price. At first glance there doesn't seem much mileage in opposing him. Even champion trainer Paul Nicholls isn't keen to take Grands Crus on - he has an obvious RSA Chase candidate in Silviniaco Conti, a horse he's spoken of as a future Gold Cup contender, but after being brushed aside by Grands Crus at Kempton on Boxing day, Nicholls isn't keen on repeating the experience at Cheltenham. The other significant horse to contest the Feltham at Kempton was Bobs Worth, who seems likely to run in the RSA, whether or not Grands Crus turns up. Bobs Worth showed his inexperience that day, not jumping well enough on a track that wasn't ideal for him anyway. He should get valuable further experience in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot next month and a convincing display there clearly will see him shorten in the market, even in the face of Grands Crus. Silviniaco Conti's trainer is likely to be represented by Join Together, who has made a good start as a chaser. He started the season seeming more likely to be a National Hunt Chase candidate but a defeat of Mossley and Champion Court (more likely to run in the Jewson) at Cheltenham in December marked him down as a serious contender for this. Irish stables had a one-two in this race last season, rather against expectations, and they could be well represented, at least numerically this time round, though most of the likely Irish runners have multiple engagements and are either trained by Willie Mullins or owned by Gigginstown House Stud or both - a punting nightmare in traditional ante-post markets. Last Instalment, First Lieutenant, Sir des Champs, Lambro and Bog Warrior all offer a smart level of form with the potential for more to come. Bog Warrior's wide-margin win in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse is probably the best piece of form, though his task was eased by the bad mistake First Lieutenant made that day. First Lieutenant was then beaten by Last Instalment at Leopardstown at Christmas but there is a good chance the return to Cheltenham and the step up to three miles could reinvigorate him. First Lieutenant won the Baring Bingham at last year's Festival, albeit a little fortunately, and that form has been boosted by the exploits of those to chase him home that day. Sir des Champs was a recent winner at Leopardstown and represents the stable of Mullins, which has a fine record in this race, though is apparently more likely to go for the Jewson. If there were signs that Lambro were to be aimed at this, he would certainly be of interest, having done well over fences so far despite the trip. The Dr P. J. Moriarty at Leopardstown next month will give a much clearer idea of the pecking order among the Irish-trained entries. Grands Crus himself has been most impressive in his races over fences so far. He'll clearly have the best form going into the RSA and although he might be found out by a thorough slog at three miles, he appears to have few other chinks in his armour. As for a bet against him, there is something to be said for the chance each way of First Lieutenant at 17.0 to win and 4.4 to place, in the expectation the return to Cheltenham will see his form take a step up.
The RSA is more of a race than people let on, in my opinion. I adore Grands Crus, what a beautiful horse, and finally a horse that has finished 2nd to Big Bucks and actually had the crusing speed to make a very promising chaser. However, I still think this might be a slightly different test at Cheltenham. My concern about his price is in essence, two-fold. 1) - The way the Gold Cup field could potentially cut up (Synchronised might soon be out, Quite De La Roque is out), that leaves only Kauto Star and Long Run who look the real class acts (though Weird Al will run a big race fresh), and all of a sudden you might think, well why not have a go? 2) But that aside, the RSA has so often been a bit of a gruelling race, and some of the novice jumpers can be slightly sketchy, and we have seen good novices beaten there before, Long Run being a high profile one to note. Grands Crus, if he hits the front too early, might have a fight on his hands against proven Cheltenham hill stayers and then the race is wide open. Silviniano Conti ran creditably at Kempton behind him, whilst Cheltenham will suit Bob's Worth much more, both of whom looked sound jumpers. The big thing I'm tracking at the moment is whether Sir Des Champs gets a shot at the RSA- his first Grade 1. I think he has been impressive this year, and his obvious stamina, along with what Willy Mullins describes as a good cruising speed, might mean he could be a big challenger to Grands Crus if the race unfolds in the right manner. He has won Grade 2 events and shaped both times like 3m is his trip, so I think his form makes him worthy of running in this over First Lieutenant. But Gigginstown make things very complicated as they are ultimately a machine that want as many prizes as possible. Which is sad- a horse should be treated as an individual in my eyes. It is an interesting race if we get the right runners in it!
Toppy, If Long Run can get done in an RSA so can Grands Crus, its a far better race than many might be suggesting. I worry that GC might not be streetwise enough for the hustle bustle of a RSA, and he will have to be very good to win.
Toppy: We need to have a catch up and cross swords over Cheltenham mate! Will you be on line Saturday afternoon?
I'm with you on Sir Des Champs Toppy. I really like the way he has gone about his business and much prefer the RSA as his target. Mullins has said as much which tells you all you need to know. He wants to run him in this and if he goes to the Jewson it will be because Gigginstown have overridden his decision. He has a good cruising speed, a fair bit of pace, and showed a good turn of foot to get up last time. However, I think he looks like 3m will bring out the best in him. I do think grands Crus will be hard to beat so long as Tom Scudamore keeps his head and doesn't do any crazy Frankel-esque mid race moves. For example, I wouldn't want him doing what he did at Kempton in the RSA. I also still like Silviniaco Conti if he is allowed to take his chance.
I think Gigginstown will want to spread out they're chances. The Jewson looks the easier race and a lot will depend on,GC. If GC does run in the RSA then I can't see Gigginstown throwing all its darts at the one race and what looks a formidable opponent. I think Last Instalment out increases his chances of running in the RSA. Ultimately though I see him going off a 3/1 fav for the Jewson and running a huge race.
After Invictus landed an impressive win in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot, Alan King has his sights firmly set on the RSA: http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/...=racing/12/02/20/RACING_Invictus.html&BID=465 This fella is the best novice jumper of a fence I have seen for many a year, he is economical and foot-perfect. A cracking good bet for the RSA IMHO
Taken some 11/1 e/w tonight about Invictus. For me he dispatched Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth just as clinically as Grands Crus did (OK we don't know how much SC was affected by the cough). What I like about Invictus is that he travels really well and is foot-perfect at his fences - this will enable him to go with Grands Crus when he winds it up about a mile from home. That's the phase of the race where Grands Crus kills his opponents and I think Invictus will go with him and have a real go at him up the hill. There is the possibility that Grands Crus is an absolute monster, hence the e/w but I really think Invictus can take it to him and I am suddenly looking forward to the RSA (BTW before anyone points it out, yes he was poor in the Dipper but he lost a shoe early in the race and came back very sore - he was never really going with the same fluency)
true enough but tbh I thought he would be goingto the Jewson - but King has come out and made it very clear he goes to the RSA (well done Alan, not like SOME trainiers I could metion )
Latest entries after scratching deadline: THE RSA CHASE Class 1, Grade One, £130,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.40pm Cheltenham, Wednesday, March 14, 2012. For novice 5-y-o+, three miles and half a furlong. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 3lb; 6-y-o+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed January 24, entries revealed January 26 (36 entries), scratchings deadline February 21 (25 remain), six-day confirmation stage March 8, final declaration stage 10.00am, March 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 20. May not include some overseas form. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 01-4133 ALLEE GARDE (FR) 7 Doran Bros (London) Limited Willie Mullins IRE 1432P0 BENBANE HEAD (USA) 8 Louise Jones Martin Keighley P46215 BERTIES DREAM (IRE) 9 Half A Keg Syndicate Henry de Bromhead IRE 111-132 BOBS WORTH (IRE) 7 The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson F1-11F1 BOG WARRIOR (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 210-P12 CALL THE POLICE (IRE) 9 DD Racing Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 22-3151 CANNINGTON BROOK (IRE) 8 Sara Biggins & Celia Djivanovic Colin Tizzard 4-U1231 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright Martin Keighley 16250-1 CRISTAL BONUS (FR) 6 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls 131-343 EIGHT IS MY NUMBER 6 M White/M Reeder/E Johansen-Wooder Gordon Elliott IRE 3121P2 FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Mouse Morris IRE 5012U2 GIFT OF DGAB (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE 22-6111 GRANDS CRUS (FR) 7 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III David Pipe 1-0321 HARPSY CORD (IRE) 6 Alan & Ann Potts Partnership Jim Dreaper IRE 01-1131 INVICTUS (IRE) 6 Richard & Lizzie Kelvin Hughes Alan King 21P-F11 JOIN TOGETHER (IRE) 7 Paul Barber & Ian Fogg Paul Nicholls 1-10123 LAMBRO (IRE) 7 Byerley Thoroughbred Racing Willie Mullins IRE 52P-12P MOSSLEY (IRE) 6 Michael Buckley Nicky Henderson 0-11350 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 8 Sue Smith Sue Smith 02524U SAINT ARE (FR) 6 David Fox Tim Vaughan 1/11-111 SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE 1-21 SOLL 7 Derrick Mossop Willie Mullins IRE 20-321P TEAFORTHREE (IRE) 8 T437 Rebecca Curtis 266-312 UP THE BEAT 7 Mrs A M Varmen/R J D Varmen Willie Mullins IRE 200-134 WALKON (FR) 7 McNeill Family Alan King 25 entries remain after February 21 scratchings deadline THE FOLLOWING 11 ENTRIES HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED: ACE HIGH, BAILE ANRAI (IRE), CRASH (IRE), DAFFERN SEAL (IRE), DONNAS PALM (IRE), LAST INSTALMENT (IRE), MEDICAL CARD (IRE), SILVINIACO CONTI (FR), SON AMIX (FR), START ME UP (IRE), VIKING BLOND (FR)
Grand Crus off to the Gold Cup and Bobs Worth wins at his beloved Cheltenham That's the plan hopefully
As His Highness The Couch would say, I couldn't have Bobs Worth with counterfeit at the prices. I think Grands Crus will run in this and I think he'll win too.
Sir Des Champs offered at around the 23/1 mark on Betfair at the moment, perhaps he will be Jewson bound
another banker then! I personally think this iss good news for the festival. it makes the RSA a really big race now (and in particular makes the Wednesday card more appealing) and the Gold Cup is not diminished because you still have KS V LR with 2 credible challengers in BP and MC.
