Via the link below you can watch the @OnTheOtherHoof preview of every single runner in the 2015 Crabbies Grand National. You can follow us three on twitter as well, @Lukeelder13, @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. Best of luck!!
Preview of every runner in the 2015 Crabbies Grand National
Now to start the runner by runner guide!
Lord Windermere
Our Grand National list starts off with Lord Windermere who bids to become the first top weight to win since Red Rum in 1977. His profile on the whole seems fairly appealing as a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, but his recent form couldn't be much worse which was highlighted in a tame defence of his Cheltenham crown last month. After that disappointment, trainer Jim Culloty (who hasn't had a winner in over a year) decided that jockey Davy Russell was to blame and Robbie McNamara takes over in the saddle.
One thing that will be firmly in his favour however is the faster ground that he is so reliant on and went against him at The Festival. That still may not be enough to help him refind his best form and the first time visor will need to work minor miracles if he is to be competitive here. Stamina is no worry and his jumping looks assured but it is fairly easy to look elsewhere for a bet despite the attractive odds. Rating - 3/10
Many Clouds
Oliver Sherwood's gelding has had a fantastic season so far through winning the Hennessy and the Betbright Cup Chase at Cheltenham. On that form along with his sixth in the Gold Cup last month he would have an exceptional chance, however all three of his victories this season have come on soft ground. Historically he doesn't have the best record on faster ground but in fairness to him he hasn't had as many chances on it as he has on softer ground, it remains a worry though. Stamina would be the least of his worries and his jumping should be assured, but he had a hard race in the Gold Cup and he'd be a somewhat surprise winner but holds live place claims. Owner Trevor Hemmings has a good record in the race after winning it with BallaBriggs in 2011 and Hedgehunter in 2005. Rating - 4/10
Unioniste
Paul Nicholls and John Hales won this race in 2012 with Neptune Collonges and they team up with another grey this year with Unioniste. Stamina would seem to be his main asset after a good sixth in a very good Hennessy which came when he was still a six year old. That could be one of his downfalls in that he is only a seven year old, an age that hasn't been victorious in this race since bogskar back in 1940. Saying that, if we have learned one thing this season it is to never discount anything trained by the genius that is Paul Nicholls and Noel Fehily is a brilliant jockey booking.
In all Unioniste should give a bold showing in this years National but it may be better to watch him this season and monitor him for twelve months time. Rating - 5/10
Rocky Creek
The first of many horses with serious chances in this years Grand National is up now with another Paul Nicholls trained horse. Rocky Creek is that horse and he was a good fifth in this race last season behind Pineau De Re after being prepped for the Gold Cup. Everything this season has been about the Grand National and he has been trained with this race firmly in the mind of connections. His form this season has been at a high level after pushing Road To Riches (third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup) to eleven lengths on his reappearance. He had an off day in the Hennessy but returned in the Betbright Chase at Kempton with a scintillating performance off today's mark and top weight. He has escaped a penalty for that victory and in the future is due to go up to a lofty mark of 163 so realistically this is his best and last chance in the race.
The main thing to note is that he was found to be struggling late on in his races last season so Paul Nicholls gave him a breathing operation. Since that decision his form has vastly improved and he looks a different proposition altogether for this year's race off a two pound lower mark. It is very hard to fault anything about Rocky Creek and for me is this year's most likely winner for Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies. Rating - 10/10
First Lieutenant
For those of you that don't know I am the self appointed chairman of the First Lieutenant fan club and it still haunts me that he was never given a chance in a Gold Cup, but we have to leave that in the past now as his opportunity for it has been and gone.
As much as I would love him to win the race, I can't fathom it whatsoever as he hasn't been at his best for a while and hasn't won since 2013 which would be a huge concern. He had a recent prep over hurdles at Thurles when third of four and he would need a lot more here if his jockey Nina Carberry is to become the first lady rider to win the Grand National. Rating - 2/10
Balthazar King
One of the nations favourite horses is up next with Balthazar King who ran his usual brilliant race when second in this last year. That effort came off a three pound lower mark and in a far stronger race which needs to be taken into severe consideration this time around.
For all that last season was a roaring success, he has had a somewhat different preparation this season by design as he comes here a fresh horse after sidestepping Cheltenham and being off the track for 148 days. That itself isn't ideal, but this is the Grand National and Philip Hobbs will have him trained to the minute for the day. Once again Richard Johnson teams up with him and with the ground absolutely perfect for him he should give a bold show once more. Despite the lay off it would be a shock for me if he didn't at least place again and an even bigger shock if he failed to put in a clear round. Rating - 9/10
Shutthefrontdoor
If Shutthefrontdoor were to win this race then it would be one of the biggest stories in National history if not in National Hunt history. AP McCoy, our soon to be twenty time Champion Jockey will take his last ride in his superb career if his mount were to win this year's race. There is also another chance to make history as it is inevitable that the once a year punters will be backing the Champion Jockey and he could go off the shortest priced favourite in National history.
Much like Balthazar King we haven't seen Shutthefrontdoor since November when winning at Carlisle, but that has been his only appearance this season which isn't overly a positive but he will be no less than 100% fit for the occasion. Last season he proved that stamina was absolutely no issue when winning the Irish equivalent of this race and instantly pinhooked himself as an Aintree horse. For all that it would be a fairy tale story for AP to go out at the very top but he would need to improve a great deal to win this and his price isn't worth that risk. Rating - 6/10
Pineau De Re
Dr Richard Newland's stable star needs absolutely no introduction at all after winning this race last year at 25/1. He is a similar price this time around which reflect his chances and any past winner has to be respected despite Leighton Aspell preferring Many Clouds this year.
He doesn't come into the race in the same sparkling form that he did last year as he could only manage eleventh in the Pertemps, whereas twelve months ago he was a close third. His jumping last year also left something to be desired and it was a minor miracle that he got round nevermind won the race. It would be a bit of a shock if Pineau De Re could win back to back Nationals but you can never dismiss course form. Rating - 3/10
Ballycasey
A bit of a baffling entry for the race in next with Ballycasey for Willie Mullins, Ruby Walsh and Rich Ricci who would usually command respect. I can't say I see the logic in running a horse who doesn't stay a yard further than three miles which would seem to limit his scope in this race. He will however give backers a bold show for a good part of the race as he is normally a sound jumper and will handle the faster ground. Answers on a postcard as to why he is running in a Grand National though... Rating - 1/10
Spring Heeled
We mentioned Jim Culloty earlier on when talking about Lord Windermere but his better chance in the race may come courtesy of Spring Heeled. He showed what he is capable of when making every yard in the Kim Muir last year when fending off the late challenge from Cause Of Causes. That was no fluke as he showed in the Bet365 Gold Cup and Galway Plate and ran a nice prep behind Roi Du Mee at Fairyhouse.
There is no doubting that he has the class to figure in a race like this and the booking of Nick Scholfield is a big positive. There are some doubts about his stamina holding out however and he could be vulnerable to stronger stayers in the field. As a result of the stamina doubt he may have to be restrained a big more than he is used to which could make life difficult, it is hard to discount his chances lightly however. Rating - 5/10
Rebel Rebellion
Next up is the third of four representatives for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls with Rebel Rebellion who has already won over these fences in the 2013 Grand Sefton. That race is run over two miles and five furlongs which has been the distance his career has seemed to focus round, he was second at Exeter over three miles which does give some hope. Most recently he has built up a good rapport with Jack Sherwood but Ryan Mahon has won on him over these fences which is no negative at all and knows the horse inside out. He isn't penalised for his win at Newbury last time out but has some major questions to answer in the stamina department and may struggle as a result. Rating - 3/10
Dolatulo
Another one with experience over these fences now with Dolatulo who came a respectable eighth in the Grand Sefton earlier this season. He then went on to win the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby in good style but hasn't been in the same form over hurdles since which isn't too much of a worry. As a result of his Grade Three win at Wetherby he has to run off a nine pound higher mark which makes life very tough in this company.
Stamina does remain a slight issue despite winning over three miles and one furlong as he hasn't appeared to be a stayer at any other point in his career. The jury is definitely out regarding Dolatulo but it isn't too hard to dismiss his chances. Rating - 2/10
Mon Parrain
The fourth and final runner of the race for Paul Nicholls is Mon Parrain who will be partnered by Sean Bowen who qualified to ride for the race by partnering Virak to win only last weekend. He made the National fences look like hurdles when jumping supremely well in the 2011 Topham so they should pose little threat. The ground will also hold nothing against him and he looked in better form than ever when winning at Cheltenham on New Year's Day in first time blinkers. That could be the negative in that this will his third time wearing blinkers and in the past headgear has never had a lasting effect on him, that case is supported after he won in first time cheek pieces last year before his form took a severe dip. Not one to dismiss lightly but he seems up against under a young rider who could not be in better form. Rating - 4/10
Carlito Brigante - NON RUNNER
Next up is one for the small yard of Karen McLintock with the Cheltenham Festival winning Carlito Brigante who looks very unexposed at these marathon trips. It is clear that he is a horse with plenty of class about him after being competitive in Grade One's earlier on in his career when with Gordon Elliott. He has since moved yards and he has returned to some of his best form now he has consistently found faster ground which is a huge help to him. His stand out form came through his latest win at Kelso when he beat a useful field by 17 lengths off a nine pound lower mark. He is up against it here but appeals more than most others at his kind of price and arrives here in fantastic form. Rating - 5/10
Night In Milan
Night In Milan would be a popular winner for Yorkshire racing and he has run well here on the Mildmay course before for Keith Reveley and son James. However these days he seems to struggle at any course that isn't Donaster and he comes here off the back of a good effort in the Grimthorpe. Nothing really got into the race that day and despite still seeming well handicapped he will be a more attractive proposition back at his beloved Doncaster. Rating - 3/10
Rubi Light
Another horse that confuses me with his presence is Rubi Light who was once a top class two and a half miler, but even in his prime failed to stay three miles. Andrew Lynch will have a good spin for half the race as he is a bold jumper but there is no reason to suggest why he should suddenly become a stayer in this race. Rating - 1/10
The Druids Nephew
Back to the serious contenders now with The Druids Nephew who has been in the form of his life since switching to Neil Mulholland's yard at the start of this season. He comes into this race off the back of a career best performance at the Cheltenham Festival when making a mockery of a strong handicap chase off today's mark. He escaped any penalty for that race but doesn't have the assistance of the injured Barry Geraghty who rides him so well, Aidan Coleman is a more than able deputy however and that is no worry at all. My one worry for The Druids Nephew is that he is such a strong travelling horse who could just do too much too soon and bring his stamina into questioning. It is very hard to discount him however and he is by far the best handicapped horse in the race after Cheltenham. Rating - 6/10
Cause Of Causes
Gordon Elliott was in superb form on day one of the National meeting with Clarcam and Taglietelle which bodes well for Cause Of Causes' chances who comes here in good form. He was unlucky at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival when staying on too late behind Spring Heeled after a mistake at the last, but corrected that with a win in the National Hunt Chase last month. Paul Carberry takes the ride on him for the first time since 2012 but together they have been second twice and victorious once which is an impressive record to bring to the table.
One of the negatives that many people will throw against Cause Of Causes is that he is only a seven year old, but he has run 27 times and lacks nothing in experience at all. He also has the all important experience in big handicaps so will be accustomed to the hustle and bustle he will experience here. Stamina and ground pose absolutely no threats whatsoever and with all things considered he should go well at a nice price. Rating - 5/10
Godsmejudge
Alan King's sole representative in this year's race is Godsmejudge who is already a National winner after winning the Scottish version in 2013 and finishing second in the same race last season. Stamina is assured on that form but his recent form is somewhat alarming after three lack lustre performances over fences and hurdles. Despite those poor runs he has only lowered two pounds in the handicap but did finish a good third off this mark in the Bet365 Gold Cup last season. He will need to return to that form if he wants to be competitive but that is a big if and he remains overlooked until showing any improvement in form. Rating - 4/10
Al Co
Next up is Godsmejudge's conquerer in the Scottish National with Al Co for Peter Bowen who will be partnered by Denis O'Regan for the first time with Jamie Moore currently sidelined. He was given an ideal prep 21 days ago at Bangor when third over hurdles which should put him spot on for the race. The main worry surrounding Al Co is the fences as he jumped poorly on his only try over them in the Becher Chase, but that was in softer ground and he may improve for faster ground, that is too much of a worry to risk however and he is overlooked. Rating - 3/10
Monbeg Dude
Another National winner up next with the 2013 Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude for Michael Scudamore and Liam Treadwell. He is a far bigger price this season than he was when seventh in the race last year off a two pound higher mark and seems in good enough form with himself. Earlier on in the season he was a good fourth in the Hennessy before filling the same spot in the Welsh National which were both huge efforts. He disappointed last time out in a first time tongue tie behind The Druids Nephew and it's worth noting that the tongue tie is removed here. The main thing stacked against Monbeg Dude is the faster ground as he is undeniably better on soft ground, but he should run his race once more at a big price. Rating - 6/10
Corrin Wood
Corrin Wood has failed to build on the promise he showed as a Novice and didn't handle the testing ground last time out at Haydock whatsoever. Before that he put in a respectable performance behind Dolatulo in the Rowland Meyrick and is now three pounds lower than that. This race was always going to be his calling after a poor run in the 2014 RSA at Cheltenham, but it is hard to suggest he'll improve on his recent form for the yard who won this in 2011 with Ballabriggs. Rating - 2/10
The Rainbow Hunter
Kim Bailey has tasted victory in the Grand National before with Mr Frisk who still holds the course record from 1990. He has failed to complete both times he has tried these fences but last year was through no fault of his own as he was taken out by a loose horse at Valentines. Up until that point he was jumping beautifully and looked to have settled into a nice rhythm for Aidan Coleman who rides The Druids Nephew this time round. That leaves the ride open for David Bass who has been in brilliant form recently and deserves his chance in the big race. He is a huge price this year after going off 25/1 on his previous two efforts and he still warrants respect despite pulling up on his only run this season. Rating - 5/10
Saint Are
Number twenty four on the list is Saint Are who is having only his fifth start for Tom George after leaving the yard of Time Vaughan. He struggled to get into the race for his old yard but got his handicap mark up with a convincing seven length victory at Catterick last time out, albeit not beating much in the process. His only attempt at this race resulted in finishing ninth behind Aurora's Encore in the 2013 renewal of the race but he was a good third in the Becher Chase earlier in the season. One thing that is firmly in his favour is the good ground and he has run well of these kind of marks before and looked in good form this season. He has always looked like a National horses and he will finally get the chance to prove that. Rating - 5/10
Across The Bay
Donald McCain's main hope this season looks to be Across The Bay who has got himself into a good rhythm in the last two runnings and looked to enjoy himself. However his main downfall has been loose horses after being hampered in front of the stands both times. In 2013 he was carried wide but managed to rejoin the field in about fifth place before finishing fourteenth and last year his race was all but ended by a loose Tidal Bay. Connections will be delighted to make it to the second circuit safely and that may be all they can hope for as he does seem to come up short more often than not. He will give Henry Brooke a good spin however as he is one of the safer jumpers in the field. Rating - 2/10
Tranquil Sea
Despite being a thirteen year old we can't refer to Tranquil Sea as the veteran of the race due to the presence of Oscar Time, but he'd still be a heart warming winner. Unfortunately it would take a monumental effort to do that but he does represent the Cheltenham Festival winning team of Warren Greatrex and Gavin Sheehan.
Saying that he did make a pleasing return to action when fifth behind Soll at Newbury on his only start this season. Realistically he was never going to trouble the leaders that day but passed a few rivals late in the day which will put him spot on for the task at hand. Despite being well handicapped on his old form, he looks a shadow of his former self when winning the Paddy Power at Cheltenham in 2009 and the ground will be on the fast side for him. One that will likely give you a run for a good part of the race but one that would definitely go down as shock winner. Rating - 2/10
Oscar Time
Now for the real veteran of the race with the evergreen fourteen year old in Oscar Time who has looked as good as ever this season. With that in mind his season didn't get off to the best start as he unseated Sam Waley Cohen at Cheltenham when in the midst of running a big race. He then rolled back the years over his beloved National fences when showing his younger rivals a clean pair of hooves and jumped superbly in the process. Besides a good record over the fences in general he boasts a fantastic record in the National itself, after finishing second to BallaBriggs in 2011 and fourth to Aurora's Encore in 2013. Both of those runs came off a three pound higher mark than he has to contest with here and has to have a huge chance despite his advancing age and insulting price. Rating - 8/10
Bob Ford
Paul Townend and Rebecca Curtis have struck up a good relationship this year and they team up here with West Wales National winner Bob Ford. That victory came between two poor efforts when he was pulled up at Chepstow and last time in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. He didn't convince on his only run over these fences back in December and will struggle to dominate like he loves to do but stamina is no issue for him, easily passed over. Rating - 2/10
Super Duty
The Ian Williams yard have been quietly confident about Super Duty who made a nice enough return to fences in a muddling race last time out at Doncaster. Despite that not being the worst run in the world it is still a long way off what he needs to achieve to get competitive in a Grand National, but his last run for Donald McCain in December would hand him more of a positive. It is still hard to see a horse who has had problems like his getting competitive here though. Rating - 2/10
Wyck Hill
Stamina will be no problem for the former Eider Chase winner Wyck Hill who represents David Bridgwater and Tom Cannon. His recent form is a bit of a worry as he fell when defending his Eider crown on his only chase start this season, but he did run well in a novice hurdle before that which shows he retains his ability. His only start over the National Course resulted in a ninth place in the 2013 Becher Chase and he has always shaped as if he will relish the demands of this race. From a mark eight pounds higher than his last win you would be surprised if he were good enough to win this, but he has the shape of a horse that will run well. Rating - 3/10
Gas Line Boy
Philip Hobbs has three hopes in the Grand National this year and two of them have realistic chances, unfortunately Gas Line Boy wouldn't appear to be one of them. He is a horse who needs to be left alone in front and allowed to dominate the race which will be nearly impossible to do so without going too fast. Ideally he would also like the ground a bit softer but if he does find his rhythm then he should give James Best a good spin for a while. Rating - 2/10
Chance Du Roy
Now for one of the realistic chances for Philip Hobbs with Chance Du Roy who has completed on five of his six attempts over the National fences. He has been victorious on one of those occasions when winning the 2013 running of the Becher Chase after a second in the Topham the year before. Both of those are over shorter trips and his stamina seemed to empty late on in last years Grand National when he went down a valiant sixth. That was a superb run in truth and he ran very well on his prep run at Exeter behind Soll which will hold him in good stead for today's task. For win purposes he may come up a bit short but he has very live place chances and Tom O'Brien gets on with him very well. Rating - 6/10
Portrait King
You won't miss Maurice Phelan's representative in the race if you back him as at the age of ten he is becoming whiter than paint and he isn't without a chance. As mentioned earlier on we had an ex Eider Chase winner with Wyck hill and Portrait King is another one that has earned that title after winning in 2012. After that victory he was out of form for a long time but has recently started to refind some of his best efforts with a win at Punchestown in January. He disappointed in this year's renewal of the Eider but ran well over hurdles last time out and seems to be in good heart with himself. The main worry with Portrait King is that he may fall too far behind early on but he'll be staying on at the end of the day when others have cried enough. Rating - 4/10
Owega Star
Jockey Robbie Power won this race in 2007 with Silver Birch and partners the Peter Fahey trained Owega Star in the 2015 renewal. It was a shock when he won it that day and it would be an even bigger shock were he to win it again this season, there is some worthwhile form for Owega Star however. Two outings ago he finished a good fifth in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown off a two pound lower mark which will need improving on. He didn't improve that form last time out when disappointing at Naas when beaten 32 lengths by Miss Xian in the Leinster National. This looks too much of an ask however and plenty of others are preferred. Rating - 1/10
River Choice
A rare French runner is up next with River Choice who really doesn't look anywhere good enough on his French form which is mostly over much shorter trips. He did finish a well beaten sixth in a French Grade One last year over three miles and six furlongs which again wouldn't be good enough to win a National. He is an intriguing contender ridden by top French jockey David Cottin but he is one of the first horses dismissed. Rating - 1/10
Court By Surprise
If you strictly follow the form book then you will see that Court By Surprise has won his last two races, don't be fooled by that however. You will remember his last performance came at Wincanton when second in the Badger Ales to The Young Master with the actual winner subsequently being disaqualified. As a result of that performance he has been raised two pounds in the handicap and hasn't been seen since that November Engagement. Usually the break would be a bit of a worry but this is the Grand National and Court By Surprise has been known to go well fresh including a win at Exeter in October. With all that taken into consideration he still must find a great deal more but does sneak in off a low weight and has his chance. Rating - 4/10
Alvarado
A horse that will likely be the favourite to place on Betfair but will be more glamorous odds if you fancy him to win. I say this as his jockey Paul Moloney has placed in these silks for the last six renewals of the race including on Alvarado last season when fourth. Personally I don't think that is a coincidence as more often than not his unlucky rides are given a lot to do and never really get close enough to land a blow.
With all that mentioned his trainer Fergal O'Brien has given him a light campaign but he reappeared with a good performance in a Veterans Chase. That will put him spot on for this race and is only one pound higher than last year's race and should give another bold sight this year. Rating 8/10
Soll
The last of the main chances is next with Soll who was seventh in the race two years ago when trained by Jo Hughes. That has since changed and he is unbeaten in two starts for David Pipe who has finally got him qualified for another crack at the National. His last two performances have been bloodless when running his rivals into the ground and the form has received a few boost and he remains unpenalised for his latest win.
Much like Portrait King his main danger is getting outpaced early on and leaving himself with too much ground to make up before staying on. However it isn't a bad thing to be staying on when the others cry enough as his jumping is no worry whatsoever and he should give a bold sight. Rating - 7/10
Ely Brown
Charlie Longsdon is taking a bold stance with Ely Brown as he has plenty of experience but has only run over fences four times which is less than ideal. He is however a Grade Two winner over fences, albeit one of the weakest Grade Two's in existence and the must be handled lightly. It may be best to talk about his rider Brian Hughes, who has had two winners at Aintree over the last two days including a Grade Two. You wouldn't imagine that Ely Brown will be adding to that tally and is easily overlooked. Rating - 1/10
Royale Knight
Dr Richard Newland is responsible for the final horse in the 2015 Crabbies Grand National and he wouldn't be without a chance. The only reason he made it into the race is thanks to the handicapper raising him fifteen pounds for winning the Durham National at Sedgefield. That race is over three miles and six furlongs so stamina shouldn't be much of a concern, but this race is a completely different proposition and could be too much of an ask for him. Rating - 2/10
1st - Rocky Creek
2nd - Balthazar King
3rd - Alvarado
4th - Oscar Time
In total honesty the 2015 Grand National looks a poor renewal but course form is as prevalent as always and it could be worth sticking with that. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles four in the race and the most obvious chance he has is without doubt Rocky Creek who was fifth in the race twelve months ago. He received a breathing operation at the start of the season which has worked wonders and he is the most confident selection for me in a National since Neptune Collonges won it in 2012. Life won't be easy for him with the tough Balthazar King who has been aimed at this race since his second twelve months ago. He is one with good course form as is Alvarado who was a staying on fourth last season, it would almost be more of a shock if he didn't place and once again should run his race. One person who needs no introduction to these fences is Sam Waley Cohen who won the Topham yesterday on Rajdhani Express, he will once again get a good spin on Oscar Time who has placed twice before and is a huge price. As for the rest, it would be folly to dismiss a horse like Soll who is a strong stayer and has jumped round here before and Chance Du Roy will likely run his race without troubling the judge once more. The Rainbow Hunter also warrants close consideration after unseating through no fault of his own last season and is a silly price. Good luck with whoever you back and let's hope that every horse and jockey returns home safely!!
Friday, 10 April 2015
Monday, 9 March 2015
Cheltenham Festival 2015 Day One
Good morning/evening everyone, the wait is over and the Cheltenham Festival of 2015 is finally here. Over the course of the next four days we will see bubbles burst and legends made, all the questions of the last year will be answered and no stone left unturned. The highlight of day one is the Champion Hurdle where hot favourite Faugheen has divided opinions over the season, he is taken on by last years winner Jezki and The New One who was considered unlucky a year ago. We are also treated to the Supreme Novices and the Arkle Novices Chase, both of which have short priced favourites with Douvan and Un De Sceaux. But enough of the stalling, lets get onto the selections and our preview of the 2015 Cheltenham Festival!
SkyBet Supreme Novices Hurdle - Some Plan
The 2015 Cheltenham Festival gets started off with the Supreme Novices, where Douvan is sure to go off a short priced favourite for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins which seems the order of the day. He has been ultra impressive in two starts in Ireland and is the most likely winner of the Festival opener, but there is plenty of each way value to be had in the race.
Possibly the best of those each way contenders is Some Plan for Tom George and Paddy Brennan who has won two of his three races this season. The first of those was his first hurdles start where he also lost his maiden tag in tenacious style and giving a beating to the promising A Vos Gardes. It was clear that there was a lot more to come though and he proved that when finishing second at Cheltenham on the new course behind Seedling. He was ridden very aggresively that day and only one rival could reel him in late in the day, but he showed a good attitude and jumped superbly from the front. The old course that he will face today will suit him much better and is less of a stamina test so those forceful tactics can be put into place again. His final Cheltenham prep came on Trials Day up at Musselburgh where he made light work of a useful field, but he was more than entitled to win that.
As mentioned, Douvan is the most likely winner of the opener by Some Plan represents outstanding each way value and is worth chancing at a big price. Seedling brings in the same form as Some Plan after beating him at Cheltenham however he lacks a prep run and can be opposed although a big run isn't ruled out. Another to consider is Alvisio Ville who came into the season with a tall reputation and looked to have the world at his feet after his debut, however a defeat in the Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown leaves him with some questions to answer. JP McManus owns Alvisio Ville but his first colours will be carried by Jollyallan who was second out of novice company last time at Sandown. He still has a bit of growing to do and looks more like a chaser, but he was in my list of horses to follow at the start of the season and the better ground should see some improvement. L'ami Serge is the final one to mention and has done nothing wrong this season after winning the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle last time out. The worry with him is that he can take a while to pick up when asked for a finishing effort and could be outpaced at the wrong time of the race. Some Plan shouldn't be outpaced from the front however and is taken to give a bold account of himself for an owner that tasted big priced victory last year with Western Warhorse. (40/1)
1st - Douvan
2nd - Some Plan
3rd - Alvisio Ville
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy - Smashing
The second race of the day brings around the novice chasers and once again a short priced favourite representing Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. In all seriousness Un De Sceaux should be far too good for these, but at 8/11 he represents little value here. That leaves us once again with each way value and the clear pick of those for me is Smashing who has been progressive in this sphere.
This time last season Smashing was being prepared for the Coral Cup where he came a valiant fourth under the care of Willie Mullins, but connections decided to move him to Henry De Bromhead's yard so he could contest some bigger races and not be a back number. He was unlucky on chase debut as he bumped into Don Poli and Wounded Warrior who both have big chances in the RSA this week, but he has since set the record straight. That task wasn't made easy when he had to face Un De Sceaux in his second chase start where he was far from disgraced at Fairyhouse. You have to give credit to the horse as it would have been easy to sit back and pick up the pieces late on against his powerful rival, but he served it up and challenged him from an early stage of the race resulting in a twelve length beating. Finally he found a relatively easy task on his third start over fences where he duly obliged when giving the useful Upsie a 33 length beating.
Like the first race it is hard to see Un De Sceaux beaten this afternoon but Smashing represents outstanding value and could be the each way bet of the day. Others to consider Vibrato Valtat who is already a Grade One winner and has answered every critic this season. His jumping could let him down however as it became a touch sloppy at Warwick when really tested and it could be argued that he hasn't beaten that much. Saying that, on form he is likely the main threat to the favourite here and warrants respect. Clarcam has been running well all year and was running a big race in the Fred Winter when falling two out last season, he doesn't get his five year old allowance today and has a mountain to find if he wants to get near the market leader. The final mention goes to Josses Hill who has been a bitter disappointment over fences so far and has jumped poorly on all starts this season so far but the faster pace this afternoon may help him. With all other rivals taken into account it is hard to see Un De Sceaux beaten and not for the first time this season Smashing can follow him home. (25/1)
1st - Un De Sceaux
2nd - Smashing
3rd - Vibrato Valtat
Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase - Ned Stark
The third race brings around some respite from Grade One action as we tackle the first handicap of the week where 24 horses go to post. Holywell was victorious in this race twelve months ago and he contests the Gold Cup later this week and has since won a Grade One. Whether anything can follow in his footsteps remains to be seen but there are plenty of progressive profiles amongst the field.
Alan King's string have been in fine form lately after a double at Exeter last week and a close second with his latest runner. He is represented here by Ned Stark who was last seen when winning the Grade Two Towton Novices Chase. That was his first try over today's trip where he seemed to excel and he looks tailor made for this race with Denis O'Regan on board. Before that he was seen in another Grade Two over two miles and five furlongs here on New Years Day where he was behind the exciting Ptit Zig. He didn't give his true running that day however and a bolder show is expected today on the old course that he hasn't yet experienced. A mark of 143 shouldn't be beyond him and it would be a bit of a surprise were he to be out of the places today.
Of the main dangers it would be folly to forget about Black Thunder who has been contesting better races that this and was only beaten eight and a half lengths by Many Clouds here on Trials Day. Sean Bowen claims a valuable five pounds which puts him one pound higher than his second place at Ascot earlier this season. Charlie Longsdon is doubly represented here but his main hopes will sit with Pendra who has promised so much in his career but not yet delivered. He has had a breathing operation since latest and only run this season and also wears cheek pieces for the first time so it really is all or nothing today. Theatre Guide was third in the 2013 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury but has only been seen four times since that run and this is a much more realistic target. We side with Ned Stark to land the opening handicap of this years Cheltenham Festival for Alan King and Denis O'Regan. (10/1)
1st - Ned Stark
2nd - Black Thunder
3rd - Theatre Guide
4th - Pendra
Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - Faugheen
A return to Grade One action now with the Champion Hurdle which has been one of the most debated races of the season. Jezki, last year's victor returns to defend his crown but connections of The New One want their revenge after considering themselves unlucky last year. But there is a new kid on the block with last year's Neptune winner Faugheen who has been the favourite for the race since the beginning of the season.
I have been Faugheen's biggest fan since his novice season and that won't be changing today as he looks to have the world at his feet. Unbeaten in eight starts under rules he has brushed aside all in his path this season and in doing so has landed a Grade Two at Ascot and the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Many question the strength of his form despite beating a Grade Two winner next time out in Blue Heron with ease when we last saw him on Boxing Day. Many also argue that his price is too short and he shouldn't be favourite, however on this season's form there can be no doubts about that.
The New One has been impressive this season and was an unlucky third in the race last season after being hampered early on. He made heavy weather of winning a Grade Two at Haydock last time out, but conditions were against him that day and better is expected here. Jezki looks to defend his title after being victorious last year however hasn't won this season but will improve for better ground and will have been primed for today. The reason he hasn't tasted success this season is because of the legend that is Hurricane Fly who is a dual winner of this race. He has beaten Jezki three times this season but were he to regain his crown today then it would be something that would go down in Cheltenham history, but it's hard to see that happening. Paul Townend partners him for the first time since 2011 as Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Faugheen who is also our choice this afternoon. (5/4)
OLBG Mares' Hurdle - Annie Power
One of the less competitive races of the week comes up as the girls take their chance in the Mares Hurdle with the absence of the Queen Of Cheltenham, Quevega. In the races seven year existence Quevega has won it on six occasions, but she has now been retired and there will be a new name on the trophy. It will come as no shock to you that Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh team up with the favourite once more as Annie Power looks to go one better than she did at last years Festival when second in the World Hurdle.
That was her only defeat in her twelve races so far and this is a much weaker event than she contested last year, but there are risks that come with the odds on favourite. We haven't seen her since winning a mares Grade One at Punchestown last year, but Willie Mullins is the King of getting a horse ready for Cheltenham. Everything today points towards Annie Power being far too good for this field and any result other than a victory for her will be a huge shock.
The rest look to be battling it out for second place and the most likely to do that is her stablemate Glens Melody who filled the position last year. She had been a bit disappointing when taking on the boys this season but was faultless in her final prep at Warwick and comes here as the most likely to upset the apple cart. L'unique was third in this race last season and she will have every chance to make the frame once more but has disappointed twice this season. She is usually best around this time of year but must bounce back to her best after having a break and The Pirate's Queen is another contender for the places after progressing throughout the season. (4/6)
1st - Annie Power
2nd - Glens Melody
3rd - The Pirate's Queen
Toby Balding National Hunt Chase - Very Wood
The longest race of the week and the penultimate race for the day is up next with the National Hunt Chase for amateur riders. Nina Carberry has led over the final fence on three occasions in this race and each time her mount has been caught on the run in, so she will be desperate to finally land her prize. This year she teams up with Very Wood who has had different targets with each waking morning recently as connections decided between the RSA and this race, eventually landing on the latter.
Very Wood looked to have the world at his feet when winning the Albert Bartlett last year and is the only Festival winner in the field. He started off his chasing career in good style when winning at Galway with The Job Is Right back in second who re-opposes today. Things quickly went wrong however and he was pulled up on his next two starts in Grade Two and Grade One company. Those fears seemed to be distinguished last time out when he won a Grade Two at Navan but he needs to carry that form forward. This is also a much easier race than his previous efforts against the likes of Don Poli and stamina should be no issue at all with the cheek pieces left on.
Once again Alan King has one of the main dangers in the race with Sego Success who is partnered by Sam Waley-Cohen. The yard have won this race twice since 2008 including last year's running with Midnight Prayer and will have a good chance again this term. Sego Success won a Listed Three Mile chase last time out and looked as if he would improve for further so there aren't too many doubts surrounding him. Cause Of Causes brings strong Festival form to the plate after his second in the Kim Muir last season and is partnered by Jamie Codd who is one of the best amateur's around. Nina Carberry can finally land her National Hunt Chase with Very Wood who looks to win at back to back Festivals. (7/2)
1st - Very Wood
2nd - Cause Of Causes
3rd - Sego Success
Chaps Restaurants Barbados Novices' Handicap Chase - Thomas Crapper
Day One comes to a conclusion with a novice handicap chase won last year by Present View who went on to be third in the Paddy Power in November. Thomas Crapper has been campaigned with this race in mind by Robin Dickin and Charlie Poste once again takes the ride. Over the years he has run at Cheltenham nine times and has been successful on two of those occasions but he was second to Don Poli in the Martin Pipe at last year's Festival.
He comes here without a win over fences but has been thrown in against some very good novices including Vibrato Valtat and Three Kingdoms. We last saw him at Kempton when behind Third Intention and Josses Hill but in truth he was never competitive that day and as a result lowered three pounds in the handicap. That almost meant that he was too well handicapped to make it into this race but he has scraped into the field with only one below him out of the 20. That means he runs off the same mark as he did twelve months ago and one that he should be very competitive off of and finally lose is maiden tag over fences.
Keltus is one that his trainer Paul Nicholls has been talking up throughout the week but he doesn't look to be a natural over fences and will need to improve. Generous Ransom was successful here with cheek pieces on first time in January and wouldn't need to improve too much to land this prize from an eight pound higher mark. He had Irish Cavalier back in third that day but he will need to improve his jumping in first time cheek pieces to go close today. Stellar Notion won himself a lot of friends on Boxing Day with a bold front running display but disappointed behind Generous Ransom last time out, whereas Little Jon is another to consider from the front with Ryan Hatch claiming five pounds. The last race on day one can go to Thomas Crapper however and he can improve on his runner up status here last year. (15/2)
NAP - Faugheen
Nb - Thomas Crapper
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
SkyBet Supreme Novices Hurdle - Some Plan
The 2015 Cheltenham Festival gets started off with the Supreme Novices, where Douvan is sure to go off a short priced favourite for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins which seems the order of the day. He has been ultra impressive in two starts in Ireland and is the most likely winner of the Festival opener, but there is plenty of each way value to be had in the race.
Possibly the best of those each way contenders is Some Plan for Tom George and Paddy Brennan who has won two of his three races this season. The first of those was his first hurdles start where he also lost his maiden tag in tenacious style and giving a beating to the promising A Vos Gardes. It was clear that there was a lot more to come though and he proved that when finishing second at Cheltenham on the new course behind Seedling. He was ridden very aggresively that day and only one rival could reel him in late in the day, but he showed a good attitude and jumped superbly from the front. The old course that he will face today will suit him much better and is less of a stamina test so those forceful tactics can be put into place again. His final Cheltenham prep came on Trials Day up at Musselburgh where he made light work of a useful field, but he was more than entitled to win that.
As mentioned, Douvan is the most likely winner of the opener by Some Plan represents outstanding each way value and is worth chancing at a big price. Seedling brings in the same form as Some Plan after beating him at Cheltenham however he lacks a prep run and can be opposed although a big run isn't ruled out. Another to consider is Alvisio Ville who came into the season with a tall reputation and looked to have the world at his feet after his debut, however a defeat in the Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown leaves him with some questions to answer. JP McManus owns Alvisio Ville but his first colours will be carried by Jollyallan who was second out of novice company last time at Sandown. He still has a bit of growing to do and looks more like a chaser, but he was in my list of horses to follow at the start of the season and the better ground should see some improvement. L'ami Serge is the final one to mention and has done nothing wrong this season after winning the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle last time out. The worry with him is that he can take a while to pick up when asked for a finishing effort and could be outpaced at the wrong time of the race. Some Plan shouldn't be outpaced from the front however and is taken to give a bold account of himself for an owner that tasted big priced victory last year with Western Warhorse. (40/1)
1st - Douvan
2nd - Some Plan
3rd - Alvisio Ville
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy - Smashing
The second race of the day brings around the novice chasers and once again a short priced favourite representing Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. In all seriousness Un De Sceaux should be far too good for these, but at 8/11 he represents little value here. That leaves us once again with each way value and the clear pick of those for me is Smashing who has been progressive in this sphere.
This time last season Smashing was being prepared for the Coral Cup where he came a valiant fourth under the care of Willie Mullins, but connections decided to move him to Henry De Bromhead's yard so he could contest some bigger races and not be a back number. He was unlucky on chase debut as he bumped into Don Poli and Wounded Warrior who both have big chances in the RSA this week, but he has since set the record straight. That task wasn't made easy when he had to face Un De Sceaux in his second chase start where he was far from disgraced at Fairyhouse. You have to give credit to the horse as it would have been easy to sit back and pick up the pieces late on against his powerful rival, but he served it up and challenged him from an early stage of the race resulting in a twelve length beating. Finally he found a relatively easy task on his third start over fences where he duly obliged when giving the useful Upsie a 33 length beating.
Like the first race it is hard to see Un De Sceaux beaten this afternoon but Smashing represents outstanding value and could be the each way bet of the day. Others to consider Vibrato Valtat who is already a Grade One winner and has answered every critic this season. His jumping could let him down however as it became a touch sloppy at Warwick when really tested and it could be argued that he hasn't beaten that much. Saying that, on form he is likely the main threat to the favourite here and warrants respect. Clarcam has been running well all year and was running a big race in the Fred Winter when falling two out last season, he doesn't get his five year old allowance today and has a mountain to find if he wants to get near the market leader. The final mention goes to Josses Hill who has been a bitter disappointment over fences so far and has jumped poorly on all starts this season so far but the faster pace this afternoon may help him. With all other rivals taken into account it is hard to see Un De Sceaux beaten and not for the first time this season Smashing can follow him home. (25/1)
1st - Un De Sceaux
2nd - Smashing
3rd - Vibrato Valtat
Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase - Ned Stark
The third race brings around some respite from Grade One action as we tackle the first handicap of the week where 24 horses go to post. Holywell was victorious in this race twelve months ago and he contests the Gold Cup later this week and has since won a Grade One. Whether anything can follow in his footsteps remains to be seen but there are plenty of progressive profiles amongst the field.
Alan King's string have been in fine form lately after a double at Exeter last week and a close second with his latest runner. He is represented here by Ned Stark who was last seen when winning the Grade Two Towton Novices Chase. That was his first try over today's trip where he seemed to excel and he looks tailor made for this race with Denis O'Regan on board. Before that he was seen in another Grade Two over two miles and five furlongs here on New Years Day where he was behind the exciting Ptit Zig. He didn't give his true running that day however and a bolder show is expected today on the old course that he hasn't yet experienced. A mark of 143 shouldn't be beyond him and it would be a bit of a surprise were he to be out of the places today.
Of the main dangers it would be folly to forget about Black Thunder who has been contesting better races that this and was only beaten eight and a half lengths by Many Clouds here on Trials Day. Sean Bowen claims a valuable five pounds which puts him one pound higher than his second place at Ascot earlier this season. Charlie Longsdon is doubly represented here but his main hopes will sit with Pendra who has promised so much in his career but not yet delivered. He has had a breathing operation since latest and only run this season and also wears cheek pieces for the first time so it really is all or nothing today. Theatre Guide was third in the 2013 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury but has only been seen four times since that run and this is a much more realistic target. We side with Ned Stark to land the opening handicap of this years Cheltenham Festival for Alan King and Denis O'Regan. (10/1)
1st - Ned Stark
2nd - Black Thunder
3rd - Theatre Guide
4th - Pendra
Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy - Faugheen
A return to Grade One action now with the Champion Hurdle which has been one of the most debated races of the season. Jezki, last year's victor returns to defend his crown but connections of The New One want their revenge after considering themselves unlucky last year. But there is a new kid on the block with last year's Neptune winner Faugheen who has been the favourite for the race since the beginning of the season.
I have been Faugheen's biggest fan since his novice season and that won't be changing today as he looks to have the world at his feet. Unbeaten in eight starts under rules he has brushed aside all in his path this season and in doing so has landed a Grade Two at Ascot and the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Many question the strength of his form despite beating a Grade Two winner next time out in Blue Heron with ease when we last saw him on Boxing Day. Many also argue that his price is too short and he shouldn't be favourite, however on this season's form there can be no doubts about that.
The New One has been impressive this season and was an unlucky third in the race last season after being hampered early on. He made heavy weather of winning a Grade Two at Haydock last time out, but conditions were against him that day and better is expected here. Jezki looks to defend his title after being victorious last year however hasn't won this season but will improve for better ground and will have been primed for today. The reason he hasn't tasted success this season is because of the legend that is Hurricane Fly who is a dual winner of this race. He has beaten Jezki three times this season but were he to regain his crown today then it would be something that would go down in Cheltenham history, but it's hard to see that happening. Paul Townend partners him for the first time since 2011 as Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Faugheen who is also our choice this afternoon. (5/4)
OLBG Mares' Hurdle - Annie Power
One of the less competitive races of the week comes up as the girls take their chance in the Mares Hurdle with the absence of the Queen Of Cheltenham, Quevega. In the races seven year existence Quevega has won it on six occasions, but she has now been retired and there will be a new name on the trophy. It will come as no shock to you that Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh team up with the favourite once more as Annie Power looks to go one better than she did at last years Festival when second in the World Hurdle.
That was her only defeat in her twelve races so far and this is a much weaker event than she contested last year, but there are risks that come with the odds on favourite. We haven't seen her since winning a mares Grade One at Punchestown last year, but Willie Mullins is the King of getting a horse ready for Cheltenham. Everything today points towards Annie Power being far too good for this field and any result other than a victory for her will be a huge shock.
The rest look to be battling it out for second place and the most likely to do that is her stablemate Glens Melody who filled the position last year. She had been a bit disappointing when taking on the boys this season but was faultless in her final prep at Warwick and comes here as the most likely to upset the apple cart. L'unique was third in this race last season and she will have every chance to make the frame once more but has disappointed twice this season. She is usually best around this time of year but must bounce back to her best after having a break and The Pirate's Queen is another contender for the places after progressing throughout the season. (4/6)
1st - Annie Power
2nd - Glens Melody
3rd - The Pirate's Queen
Toby Balding National Hunt Chase - Very Wood
The longest race of the week and the penultimate race for the day is up next with the National Hunt Chase for amateur riders. Nina Carberry has led over the final fence on three occasions in this race and each time her mount has been caught on the run in, so she will be desperate to finally land her prize. This year she teams up with Very Wood who has had different targets with each waking morning recently as connections decided between the RSA and this race, eventually landing on the latter.
Very Wood looked to have the world at his feet when winning the Albert Bartlett last year and is the only Festival winner in the field. He started off his chasing career in good style when winning at Galway with The Job Is Right back in second who re-opposes today. Things quickly went wrong however and he was pulled up on his next two starts in Grade Two and Grade One company. Those fears seemed to be distinguished last time out when he won a Grade Two at Navan but he needs to carry that form forward. This is also a much easier race than his previous efforts against the likes of Don Poli and stamina should be no issue at all with the cheek pieces left on.
Once again Alan King has one of the main dangers in the race with Sego Success who is partnered by Sam Waley-Cohen. The yard have won this race twice since 2008 including last year's running with Midnight Prayer and will have a good chance again this term. Sego Success won a Listed Three Mile chase last time out and looked as if he would improve for further so there aren't too many doubts surrounding him. Cause Of Causes brings strong Festival form to the plate after his second in the Kim Muir last season and is partnered by Jamie Codd who is one of the best amateur's around. Nina Carberry can finally land her National Hunt Chase with Very Wood who looks to win at back to back Festivals. (7/2)
1st - Very Wood
2nd - Cause Of Causes
3rd - Sego Success
Chaps Restaurants Barbados Novices' Handicap Chase - Thomas Crapper
Day One comes to a conclusion with a novice handicap chase won last year by Present View who went on to be third in the Paddy Power in November. Thomas Crapper has been campaigned with this race in mind by Robin Dickin and Charlie Poste once again takes the ride. Over the years he has run at Cheltenham nine times and has been successful on two of those occasions but he was second to Don Poli in the Martin Pipe at last year's Festival.
He comes here without a win over fences but has been thrown in against some very good novices including Vibrato Valtat and Three Kingdoms. We last saw him at Kempton when behind Third Intention and Josses Hill but in truth he was never competitive that day and as a result lowered three pounds in the handicap. That almost meant that he was too well handicapped to make it into this race but he has scraped into the field with only one below him out of the 20. That means he runs off the same mark as he did twelve months ago and one that he should be very competitive off of and finally lose is maiden tag over fences.
Keltus is one that his trainer Paul Nicholls has been talking up throughout the week but he doesn't look to be a natural over fences and will need to improve. Generous Ransom was successful here with cheek pieces on first time in January and wouldn't need to improve too much to land this prize from an eight pound higher mark. He had Irish Cavalier back in third that day but he will need to improve his jumping in first time cheek pieces to go close today. Stellar Notion won himself a lot of friends on Boxing Day with a bold front running display but disappointed behind Generous Ransom last time out, whereas Little Jon is another to consider from the front with Ryan Hatch claiming five pounds. The last race on day one can go to Thomas Crapper however and he can improve on his runner up status here last year. (15/2)
NAP - Faugheen
Nb - Thomas Crapper
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 6 March 2015
Nicholls In Great Shape At Sandown
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are all counting down the seconds until the Cheltenham roar on Tuesday which will see the start 2015 Festival. But before the excitement of next week we have one more weekend of racing to get through and a good weekend at that. Sandown hold the yearly Imperial Cup meeting with comes with a 100k bonus for winning the feature race and any race at Cheltenham next week. We are also treated to away meetings at Chepstow and Ayr as well as a good card at Wolverhampton on the flat and Gowran Park across the Irish Sea.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we look ahead to tomorrow's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel are @Calummadell, @Adamwebb121 and a rare appearance from @Mytentoryours (I know right, I thought he was in therapy for a drinking problem as well). We also have a new Cheltenham preview up that you can watch via the link below if you missed it when live!
Cheltenham Festival 2015 Preview - Novice Hurdles With Oli Bell
Saturday video, live at 8pm tonight!
Now onto the all important selections!!
2:00 Sandown - Great Try
Paul Nicholls was successful in this race with Red Harbour back in 2010 and he looks to land it again with either As De Mee or Great Try. On jockey bookings the latter would appear to be the second string however the market has them in similar places which looks to represent their respective chances.
Great Try has struck up a good relationship with Nick Scholfield this season and finally got off the mark over hurdles last time out at Bangor. In truth that wasn't the strongest of events and he was entitled to win it, however it may have been more beneficial for him to just win a race and learn a bit more about his job. He made his hurdling debut back in December at Aintree where he was a bit unlucky to bump into Ballybolley who after that was rated the highest novice hurdler in England, albeit a title that sounds a lot better than the accolade itself.
He has since run well twice with a third at Newbury behind Clean Sheet who has gone on to win again and has very live Cheltenham aspirations in the Martin Pipe, and the already mentioned victory at Bangor. Today will mark Great Try's first real test with an eighteen runner handicap but he looks to hold every chance and will likely improve for the step up in trip. (15/2)
3:10 Sandown - Arzal
One of my favourite races of the season now with the Imperial Cup which has attracted a brilliant field of 26 for the 2015 renewal which is almost twice as many as last year. Among the most interesting entries is West Wizard who was once touted for the top, things haven't exactly gone his way though and he could be appealing off a mark of 132. We find preference elsewhere however with Arzal who has already beaten West Wizard earlier this season.
We have only seen Arzal on a racecourse in England four times but on each occasion he has acquitted himself very well in a variety of races. He lost his maiden tag at Kempton when handing out a seven length beating to West Wizard who is worse off at the weights this afternoon. After that Arzal returned to Kempton on Boxing Day but found Jollyallan too strong, which is no disgrace if you consider how high in the market his rival that day is in the Supreme Novices next week. That brings us to his latest run which caught many people's eye including mine in the Betfair Hurdle behind Violet Dancer. The form book says he was sixth and beaten fourteen and three quarter lengths, but that tells very little of the story on that occasion.
He was held up in the rear of the field and travelling nicely but was severely hampered and almost bought to a standstill by the fall of Chieftain's Choice. That pushed him back even further in the field and left him with a mountain to climb which understandably seemed too much. His seven pound claimer who rides again today nursed him back into contention and despite never landing a blow up front, stayed on from an impossible position to come an eye catching sixth. He hasn't been raised in the handicap for that effort and with a clearer run this afternoon can make his presence felt before a possible engagement at Cheltenham next week in the County Hurdle. (14/1)
NAP - Great Try
Nb - Arzal
Good luck if you are having a bet tomorrow and as always, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we look ahead to tomorrow's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel are @Calummadell, @Adamwebb121 and a rare appearance from @Mytentoryours (I know right, I thought he was in therapy for a drinking problem as well). We also have a new Cheltenham preview up that you can watch via the link below if you missed it when live!
Cheltenham Festival 2015 Preview - Novice Hurdles With Oli Bell
Saturday video, live at 8pm tonight!
Now onto the all important selections!!
2:00 Sandown - Great Try
Paul Nicholls was successful in this race with Red Harbour back in 2010 and he looks to land it again with either As De Mee or Great Try. On jockey bookings the latter would appear to be the second string however the market has them in similar places which looks to represent their respective chances.
Great Try has struck up a good relationship with Nick Scholfield this season and finally got off the mark over hurdles last time out at Bangor. In truth that wasn't the strongest of events and he was entitled to win it, however it may have been more beneficial for him to just win a race and learn a bit more about his job. He made his hurdling debut back in December at Aintree where he was a bit unlucky to bump into Ballybolley who after that was rated the highest novice hurdler in England, albeit a title that sounds a lot better than the accolade itself.
He has since run well twice with a third at Newbury behind Clean Sheet who has gone on to win again and has very live Cheltenham aspirations in the Martin Pipe, and the already mentioned victory at Bangor. Today will mark Great Try's first real test with an eighteen runner handicap but he looks to hold every chance and will likely improve for the step up in trip. (15/2)
3:10 Sandown - Arzal
One of my favourite races of the season now with the Imperial Cup which has attracted a brilliant field of 26 for the 2015 renewal which is almost twice as many as last year. Among the most interesting entries is West Wizard who was once touted for the top, things haven't exactly gone his way though and he could be appealing off a mark of 132. We find preference elsewhere however with Arzal who has already beaten West Wizard earlier this season.
We have only seen Arzal on a racecourse in England four times but on each occasion he has acquitted himself very well in a variety of races. He lost his maiden tag at Kempton when handing out a seven length beating to West Wizard who is worse off at the weights this afternoon. After that Arzal returned to Kempton on Boxing Day but found Jollyallan too strong, which is no disgrace if you consider how high in the market his rival that day is in the Supreme Novices next week. That brings us to his latest run which caught many people's eye including mine in the Betfair Hurdle behind Violet Dancer. The form book says he was sixth and beaten fourteen and three quarter lengths, but that tells very little of the story on that occasion.
He was held up in the rear of the field and travelling nicely but was severely hampered and almost bought to a standstill by the fall of Chieftain's Choice. That pushed him back even further in the field and left him with a mountain to climb which understandably seemed too much. His seven pound claimer who rides again today nursed him back into contention and despite never landing a blow up front, stayed on from an impossible position to come an eye catching sixth. He hasn't been raised in the handicap for that effort and with a clearer run this afternoon can make his presence felt before a possible engagement at Cheltenham next week in the County Hurdle. (14/1)
NAP - Great Try
Nb - Arzal
Good luck if you are having a bet tomorrow and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 27 February 2015
Grove Trail Take Two
Good morning/evening everyone, the Cheltenham countdown is currently ticking away at the 11 day marker and Cheltenham Fever is in full flow. Last week was a bit of a damp squib with Herdsman never looking likely to land a blow and Easter Day pulled up early at Kempton. But this week we go on full of hope and will look to boost our pockets ahead of Cheltenham with a couple of selections.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview for you guys as we cover all of the afternoon action on Channel 4 this saturday. It is just myself (@Lukeelder13) and @Adamwebb121 to mark your card and answer all your questions regarding the day's racing and any Cheltenham Festival questions you may have. As well as our weekly video we have also recorded two Cheltenham previews to continue the countdown to the main event.
Our first video was recorded alongside top jockeys Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies as they gave us their best chances of the meeting. You can watch that show via the link below:
Championship Races Preview
Our second video was recorded with special guest Tom Stanley who is a regular on your TV screens with Racing UK. He talked us through his thoughts for the main three novice chases at Festival. You can watch that show via the link below:
Novice Chase Previews
After all that if you still want a bit more OnTheOtherHoof then you can watch our Saturday preview via the link below:
Link to be added later, live show at 8pm!
Now onto the all important selections!!
1:45 Newbury - Bothy
Bothy has been a star name round the Brian Ellison yard for a few years now and has come back from a long injury in seemingly good heart. That injury kept him off the racecourse for the best part of two years and it took him a while to refind his feet on the racecourse, but his last two efforts have been encouraging.
We last saw him in action on Cheltenham Trials day at Musselburgh when tackling three miles for the second time in his career, it was clear that he doesn't stay though and the drop in trip looks sensible. He has been tried over this trip of two miles and five furlongs before without success, but in fairness to him he has been tackling far higher company than this including a second in the Coral Cup off a sixteen pound higher mark. If he returns to anywhere that form today then he will take some beating, but he still has a lot to prove on his comeback from injury.
Over the years Bothy has built up a good rapport with Danny Cook but he seemed to get on well with Jamie Moore on New Years Day at Cheltenham. The pair were third on that occasion when finding three miles up the Cheltenham Hill a bit too much in a hot race, but that is no disgrace after the seventh in the race won next time out. As mentioned Bothy will need to keep on improving to land this contest but on ground that will be nearly ideal for him he can give a bold show once more. (8/1)
3:10 Doncaster - Kelvingrove
Kelvingrove is one that remains very lightly raced after only running over hurdles five times but has looked full of promise on each occasion. You may remember that he was a selection on the blog last time out when tackling three miles for the first time in his first real test over hurdles.
After a promising fifth at Haydock he tackles three miles once again with Maurice Linehan in the saddle claiming three valuable pounds. He never really travelled on that occasion and was off the bridle for most of the race and took plenty of riding along, but he has the cheek pieces fitted for the first time here which should help him travel more fluently. To his credit he stayed on really strongly to grab fifth last time out which proved that he does stay this longer trip and is a half brother to Cavalryman who is a top class stayer on the flat.
This race looks decidedly easier and if he has any Cheltenham aspirations then he must be winning or going very close here this afternoon. (10/1)
NAP - Kelvingrove
Nb - Bothy
As always good luck and if you are having a bet, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview for you guys as we cover all of the afternoon action on Channel 4 this saturday. It is just myself (@Lukeelder13) and @Adamwebb121 to mark your card and answer all your questions regarding the day's racing and any Cheltenham Festival questions you may have. As well as our weekly video we have also recorded two Cheltenham previews to continue the countdown to the main event.
Our first video was recorded alongside top jockeys Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies as they gave us their best chances of the meeting. You can watch that show via the link below:
Championship Races Preview
Our second video was recorded with special guest Tom Stanley who is a regular on your TV screens with Racing UK. He talked us through his thoughts for the main three novice chases at Festival. You can watch that show via the link below:
Novice Chase Previews
After all that if you still want a bit more OnTheOtherHoof then you can watch our Saturday preview via the link below:
Link to be added later, live show at 8pm!
Now onto the all important selections!!
1:45 Newbury - Bothy
Bothy has been a star name round the Brian Ellison yard for a few years now and has come back from a long injury in seemingly good heart. That injury kept him off the racecourse for the best part of two years and it took him a while to refind his feet on the racecourse, but his last two efforts have been encouraging.
We last saw him in action on Cheltenham Trials day at Musselburgh when tackling three miles for the second time in his career, it was clear that he doesn't stay though and the drop in trip looks sensible. He has been tried over this trip of two miles and five furlongs before without success, but in fairness to him he has been tackling far higher company than this including a second in the Coral Cup off a sixteen pound higher mark. If he returns to anywhere that form today then he will take some beating, but he still has a lot to prove on his comeback from injury.
Over the years Bothy has built up a good rapport with Danny Cook but he seemed to get on well with Jamie Moore on New Years Day at Cheltenham. The pair were third on that occasion when finding three miles up the Cheltenham Hill a bit too much in a hot race, but that is no disgrace after the seventh in the race won next time out. As mentioned Bothy will need to keep on improving to land this contest but on ground that will be nearly ideal for him he can give a bold show once more. (8/1)
3:10 Doncaster - Kelvingrove
Kelvingrove is one that remains very lightly raced after only running over hurdles five times but has looked full of promise on each occasion. You may remember that he was a selection on the blog last time out when tackling three miles for the first time in his first real test over hurdles.
After a promising fifth at Haydock he tackles three miles once again with Maurice Linehan in the saddle claiming three valuable pounds. He never really travelled on that occasion and was off the bridle for most of the race and took plenty of riding along, but he has the cheek pieces fitted for the first time here which should help him travel more fluently. To his credit he stayed on really strongly to grab fifth last time out which proved that he does stay this longer trip and is a half brother to Cavalryman who is a top class stayer on the flat.
This race looks decidedly easier and if he has any Cheltenham aspirations then he must be winning or going very close here this afternoon. (10/1)
NAP - Kelvingrove
Nb - Bothy
As always good luck and if you are having a bet, happy punting!
Friday, 20 February 2015
Easter Come Early At Kempton
Good morning/evening to you all, I hope we all have our countdown hats on as it is now under three weeks until the Cheltenham Festival of 2015. But before then we have plenty of racing to get out of the way including a few key trials today at Kempton and Chepstow. We will learn a bit more about the Triumph Hurdle through the Adonis at Kempton as well as the Dovecote that was won last year by Irving. We are also treated to the BetBright Chase where Easter Day looks to make amends for his fall last time out at Cheltenham. If that isn't enough then we will also get to see Sire De Grugy at Chepstow in his final test before defending his Champion Chase crown. Lingfield also stage a good meeting which will see the return of the greatest racehorse in recent years look to win back to back Winter Derby Trials. But onwards and upwards!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview video prepared for you guys as we mark your card for the afternoon's Channel 4 races. Joining me on the panel this week are the regular suspects of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who give you their best bets of the weekend. But wait!! That isn't the only video we have done this week. If you missed it on Tuesday we recorded our first Cheltenham Festival preview along with Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies who we thank for taking time out of their busy schedules. You can find both videos via the links below, enjoy!
BetBright Chase Day - Saturday Preview
Cheltenham Preview with Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies
Now onto the all important selections!
2:55 Newcastle - Herdsman
We start today off with one of the highlights of the season at Newcastle with the Eider Chase over a stamina sapping four miles and a furlong. The last two winners of the race line up here once more with 2012 winner Portrait King and last year's winner Wyck Hill, both of them also have entries at Aintree in the Grand National.
There is one at a bigger price that has caught my eye however in the form of Brian Ellison's representative Herdsman. He may be getting a bit long in the tooth now as a ten year old but he still remains lightly raced after only gracing the racecourse 19 times. During those visits he has had his success through placing on nine of those starts and winning five of them, he must run off a three pound higher mark than his last winning one today though. Saying that he seems to be in good form after an eye catching effort over three furlongs shorter in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick. That effort came with first time cheek pieces that are used once more after just failing to get up by a neck behind Scotswell, who re-opposes this afternoon. The extra three furlongs should help him but the one thing that is a slight worry is his jumping as he can be prone to a mistake or two, saying that he has never fallen and should give a good account of himself over this marathon trip.
Shotgun Paddy is one of the obvious main dangers but is also susceptible to a bad mistake or two as he has proved on numerous occasions. The biggest danger may come in the form of Knockanrawley who will appreciate the strong stamina test and Wyck Hill should put up a strong defence of his crown. (16/1)
3:45 Kempton - Easter Day
Bally Legend was a shock winner of this race last year at 28/1 when getting the better of Bury Parade, but hasn't won since and as a result is only two pounds higher in the handicap than he was twelve months ago. This looks a wide open race however and he will do well to win it again with Tom O'Brien in the saddle this time around.
Easter Day is a horse that I haven't been too complimentary about in the past, but he impressed me when still travelling strongly before falling three out at Cheltenham. Despite falling he is generally a very good jumper and it may not have been his fault last time out as he seemed to jump the fence well. He was unsighted at the fence by Little Jon jumping markedly to his left and across his line of vision and seemed to be put off. On that basis his jumping wouldn't be a problem as long as he doesn't have anything repercussions of the fall.
I am still of the thought process that he needs three miles and will likely get even further than that so it's a relief to see him stepped back up in trip here. Things haven't really gone his way over fences after missing a year through a bout of colic before reappearing at Newbury in December. He ran well enough on that occasion and looked to have improved before his tumble last time out when looking like playing a key role. He remains well handicapped on the back of that though and looks to have plenty in hand off a mark of 142 and is taken to land the BetBright Chase this year. (9/2)
NAP - Easter Day
Nb - Herdsman
Have a good weekend and as always, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview video prepared for you guys as we mark your card for the afternoon's Channel 4 races. Joining me on the panel this week are the regular suspects of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who give you their best bets of the weekend. But wait!! That isn't the only video we have done this week. If you missed it on Tuesday we recorded our first Cheltenham Festival preview along with Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies who we thank for taking time out of their busy schedules. You can find both videos via the links below, enjoy!
BetBright Chase Day - Saturday Preview
Cheltenham Preview with Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies
Now onto the all important selections!
2:55 Newcastle - Herdsman
We start today off with one of the highlights of the season at Newcastle with the Eider Chase over a stamina sapping four miles and a furlong. The last two winners of the race line up here once more with 2012 winner Portrait King and last year's winner Wyck Hill, both of them also have entries at Aintree in the Grand National.
There is one at a bigger price that has caught my eye however in the form of Brian Ellison's representative Herdsman. He may be getting a bit long in the tooth now as a ten year old but he still remains lightly raced after only gracing the racecourse 19 times. During those visits he has had his success through placing on nine of those starts and winning five of them, he must run off a three pound higher mark than his last winning one today though. Saying that he seems to be in good form after an eye catching effort over three furlongs shorter in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick. That effort came with first time cheek pieces that are used once more after just failing to get up by a neck behind Scotswell, who re-opposes this afternoon. The extra three furlongs should help him but the one thing that is a slight worry is his jumping as he can be prone to a mistake or two, saying that he has never fallen and should give a good account of himself over this marathon trip.
Shotgun Paddy is one of the obvious main dangers but is also susceptible to a bad mistake or two as he has proved on numerous occasions. The biggest danger may come in the form of Knockanrawley who will appreciate the strong stamina test and Wyck Hill should put up a strong defence of his crown. (16/1)
3:45 Kempton - Easter Day
Bally Legend was a shock winner of this race last year at 28/1 when getting the better of Bury Parade, but hasn't won since and as a result is only two pounds higher in the handicap than he was twelve months ago. This looks a wide open race however and he will do well to win it again with Tom O'Brien in the saddle this time around.
Easter Day is a horse that I haven't been too complimentary about in the past, but he impressed me when still travelling strongly before falling three out at Cheltenham. Despite falling he is generally a very good jumper and it may not have been his fault last time out as he seemed to jump the fence well. He was unsighted at the fence by Little Jon jumping markedly to his left and across his line of vision and seemed to be put off. On that basis his jumping wouldn't be a problem as long as he doesn't have anything repercussions of the fall.
I am still of the thought process that he needs three miles and will likely get even further than that so it's a relief to see him stepped back up in trip here. Things haven't really gone his way over fences after missing a year through a bout of colic before reappearing at Newbury in December. He ran well enough on that occasion and looked to have improved before his tumble last time out when looking like playing a key role. He remains well handicapped on the back of that though and looks to have plenty in hand off a mark of 142 and is taken to land the BetBright Chase this year. (9/2)
NAP - Easter Day
Nb - Herdsman
Have a good weekend and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 13 February 2015
Grove On Pertemps Trail
Good morning/evening to you all, the countdown to Cheltenham is continuing and we are now under the month marker for the 2015 Cheltenham Festival. We have a few more clues today including At Fishers Cross who was third in last year's World Hurdle, he is in action at Haydock and will be a short price for victory. Ascot stage a Grade One in the shape of the Ascot Chase where Ptit Zig takes on Balder Succes and Ballycasey as all of them have questions to answer. Among the other names on trial are Fletcher's Flyer, Arpege D'alene and Tea For Two with the last couple doing battle in Ascot's opener.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a preview video as we look ahead to the afternoon of racing on Channel 4 and preview every race. Joining me on the panel this week are the regulars of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell from Timeform. You can watch the show live at 8pm of through the link below which will be posted after the show has finished.
Ascot Chase Day Preview
One more link to throw at you guys. This week I was part of a Cheltenham preview evening on Radio Yorkshire alongside Bobby Beevers and Sam Brydges. We had a star studded set of guests that joined us on the phone including Oli Bell, Nick Luck, Tom Scudamore, Jamie Moore, Mattie Batchelor, John Blance and Mark Pearson from Betfred. You can listen to the whole show live below and you can also listen to me live on William Hill radio tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy!
Radio Yorkshire Cheltenham Preview
Now onto the all important selections!
2:40 Ascot - Carole's Destrier
Neil Mulholland's Gelding had always promised to be a better chaser than hurdler and after four runs he has already improved on his hurdles rating. Saying he was still very useful over the small obstacles and defied a mark of 129 to win a Festival consolation race at Kempton last season.
He started of his chasing career at Ffos Las where he was just caught late in the race after being prominent throughout the contest. That left him with a lot of promise to go forward with and he improved to beat Carraig Mor and Return Spring off level weights at Exeter over three miles. His run next time can easily be forgiven as he was pulled up and has been seen to good effect since that disappointment. That came at Cheltenham over two miles and five furlongs but got caught for a bit of speed late in the day after travelling powerfully throughout the race. The try down in trip was well worth a go but connections appear to have made the right choice by stepping back up to three miles in what looks to be a weaker event. One of the most interesting factors is the jockey as Barry Geraghty takes over in the saddle from Michael Byrne who has partnered him in 9 of his 14 career starts. Neil Mulholland has has success with the Champion Hurdle winning jockey this season with The Young Master and can have further success this afternoon. (11/4)
3:25 Haydock - Kelvingrove
Despite Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus both being doubly represented here, AP McCoy has chosen to ride Aqalim for John Ferguson. Preference however is still for the Jonjo O'Neill trained Kelvingrove who has built up a good rapport with Maurice Linehan recently and were unlucky together last time out.
He started off his racing career on the flat with the late Sir Henry Cecil but didn't come into his own until switched to Ed Vaughan's yard in handicaps and up in trip. It was a surprise to see him win a two mile novice hurdle as he defied a mark of 80 over the same trip on the flat which would indicate he is more stamina laden.
It is no secret that Jonjo O'Neill's yard were struggling for a bit of form around Christmas time and winners were hard to come by, however Kelvingrove was one of the horses who seems to have carried his form through the season. We last saw him when just touched off at Taunton over a trip just shy of two and a half miles which is likely to be too short for him. He was a bit unlucky on that occasion as he had just hit the front when becoming the meat in the sandwich between the eventual winner and the rail, even though it wasn't a major incident it cost him momentum at a key moment and was beaten only a short head. The step up in trip looks to be vital this afternoon as he was one of the first off the bridle at Taunton and stayed on in good style. Maurice Linehan partners him once more and claims a valuable three pounds in what is sure to be testing ground which shouldn't hinder him.
He may not be the class of his half brother Cavalryman, but he is taken to land this event and must do so if he is to make it to the Cheltenham Festival. (12/1)
NAP - Carole's Destrier
Nb - Kelvingrove
Good luck today and as always, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a preview video as we look ahead to the afternoon of racing on Channel 4 and preview every race. Joining me on the panel this week are the regulars of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell from Timeform. You can watch the show live at 8pm of through the link below which will be posted after the show has finished.
Ascot Chase Day Preview
One more link to throw at you guys. This week I was part of a Cheltenham preview evening on Radio Yorkshire alongside Bobby Beevers and Sam Brydges. We had a star studded set of guests that joined us on the phone including Oli Bell, Nick Luck, Tom Scudamore, Jamie Moore, Mattie Batchelor, John Blance and Mark Pearson from Betfred. You can listen to the whole show live below and you can also listen to me live on William Hill radio tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy!
Radio Yorkshire Cheltenham Preview
Now onto the all important selections!
2:40 Ascot - Carole's Destrier
Neil Mulholland's Gelding had always promised to be a better chaser than hurdler and after four runs he has already improved on his hurdles rating. Saying he was still very useful over the small obstacles and defied a mark of 129 to win a Festival consolation race at Kempton last season.
He started of his chasing career at Ffos Las where he was just caught late in the race after being prominent throughout the contest. That left him with a lot of promise to go forward with and he improved to beat Carraig Mor and Return Spring off level weights at Exeter over three miles. His run next time can easily be forgiven as he was pulled up and has been seen to good effect since that disappointment. That came at Cheltenham over two miles and five furlongs but got caught for a bit of speed late in the day after travelling powerfully throughout the race. The try down in trip was well worth a go but connections appear to have made the right choice by stepping back up to three miles in what looks to be a weaker event. One of the most interesting factors is the jockey as Barry Geraghty takes over in the saddle from Michael Byrne who has partnered him in 9 of his 14 career starts. Neil Mulholland has has success with the Champion Hurdle winning jockey this season with The Young Master and can have further success this afternoon. (11/4)
3:25 Haydock - Kelvingrove
Despite Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus both being doubly represented here, AP McCoy has chosen to ride Aqalim for John Ferguson. Preference however is still for the Jonjo O'Neill trained Kelvingrove who has built up a good rapport with Maurice Linehan recently and were unlucky together last time out.
He started off his racing career on the flat with the late Sir Henry Cecil but didn't come into his own until switched to Ed Vaughan's yard in handicaps and up in trip. It was a surprise to see him win a two mile novice hurdle as he defied a mark of 80 over the same trip on the flat which would indicate he is more stamina laden.
It is no secret that Jonjo O'Neill's yard were struggling for a bit of form around Christmas time and winners were hard to come by, however Kelvingrove was one of the horses who seems to have carried his form through the season. We last saw him when just touched off at Taunton over a trip just shy of two and a half miles which is likely to be too short for him. He was a bit unlucky on that occasion as he had just hit the front when becoming the meat in the sandwich between the eventual winner and the rail, even though it wasn't a major incident it cost him momentum at a key moment and was beaten only a short head. The step up in trip looks to be vital this afternoon as he was one of the first off the bridle at Taunton and stayed on in good style. Maurice Linehan partners him once more and claims a valuable three pounds in what is sure to be testing ground which shouldn't hinder him.
He may not be the class of his half brother Cavalryman, but he is taken to land this event and must do so if he is to make it to the Cheltenham Festival. (12/1)
NAP - Carole's Destrier
Nb - Kelvingrove
Good luck today and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 6 February 2015
Jolly's Cracked It At Newbury
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are rested and well prepared for a huge weekend of racing featuring many Festival clues from both England and Ireland. This weekend will see some Gold Cup clues in the Denman Chase as well as the return of Champion Chaser Sire De Grugy in the Game Spirit at Newbury. That card also features the competitive Betfair Hurdle that was won by Splash Of Ginge last year and My Tent Or Yours the year before. Elsewhere in the country we are also treated to the Grade Two Kingmaker Novices Chase at Warwick as a Listed Mares Hurdle which will see Glen's Melody back on these shores.
As if that wasn't enough we have four Grade One's in Ireland on Sunday which start with Kalkir who looks to set his season back on track after defeat on Boxing Day. Next up is the Deloitte which was won last year by Vautour and the yard have this year's favourite in Alvisio Ville who was subject to a gamble in the Neptune at Cheltenham throughout the week. Nichols Canyon also represents Willie Mullins in the race as he saddles four of the nine in the field. The Novice Chasers take their turn next with Valseur Lido a short priced favourite and faces strong competition from Apache Stronghold and Le Vent D'Antan. Last but certainly not least we have On His Own taking on Lord Windermere and Boston Bob with Ruby Walsh choosing the first mentioned over the last. But let's get today out of the way first!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we mark your card for the day's Channel 4 action. Joining myself on the panel today is just @Adamwebb121 but we shall do our best to find you all a few winners. You can watch live tonight at 8pm (Just after) or you can catch it on replay via the link below, enjoy!
Betfair Hurdle Day Video
Now onto the all important selections for today!
3:15 Warwick - Castle Cheetah
We have a bit of a wait until our first selection this weekend with Castle Cheetah for Martin Keighley who's yard have been a bit hit and miss lately. They will still be on a high after Annacotty's victory on Cheltenham Trials Day but he has only had 5 runners since including a third.
We haven't seen much of Castle Cheetah who remains a lightly raced seven year old but one that has shown ability on his last two starts. On the first of those he showed ability for the first time when well backed at Worcester, but found one too in the form of Ballycoe who hasn't been seen since pulled up behind Fletchers Flyer at Ascot when something seemingly amiss. Castle Cheetah then had a break of 90 days before reappearing at Taunton behind Rathlin Rose who has won since to boost the form. He seemed to want a real stamina sapping trip on that occasion and as a result is stepped up to three miles and two furlongs on handicap debut. An added bonus today is the addition of Conor Shoemark who claims a valuable three pounds which makes life easier. The softer ground is also no worry whatsoever and everything points towards a big run on his handicap bow.
The main danger may come in the form of Dawson City who has been in brilliant form since switching to handicaps recently. He is nine pounds higher on this occasion and will need a fair bit more this afternoon so preference is for the unexposed Castle Cheetah. (8/1)
3:35 Newbury - Jolly's Cracked It
Today's second and final selections comes in the form of Jolly's Cracked It who has been a much improved character since switching to Harry Fry's yard. This will be his first major test as he steps out of Novice company for the first time after a good second in the Tolworth Hurdle.
His hurdling debut was a successful one at Ascot and although his jumping left a lot to be desired it was clear that he had a lot of ability. Nick Scholfield sent him to the front a long way from home that day which may not have been to suit after he idled when clear, this ensured that the winning distance was kept to three and a quarter lengths, but it should have been a lot further. He was very workmanlike next time out back at Ascot when again beating Clondaw Banker with Jebril separating them. On paper he only won by a length but if not for an appalling mistake at the second last and a dubious leap at the last he would have won by much further, saying that he never looked like getting beat at any part of the race. His jumping was much better last time out in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle but proved no match for L'ami Serge, which is no bad thing as he looks one of the top Novices this season.
That leads us nicely onto today for his handicap debut in one of the toughest races of the calendar year, but he is undoubtedly in with a chance off a mark of 140. Today will be a bit of a shock to the system as the most he has faced over hurdles in one race is 7 rivals whereas today will see him tackle 23 other horses. That could see him to best effect as it will allow him to settle behind a few horses and hopefully travel into the race strongly under Nick Scholfield once again. The slightly faster ground shouldn't be much of a problem for him and he looks a nice price in a race where Novices do well. (16/1)
NAP - Jolly's Cracked It
Nb - Castle Cheetah
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
As if that wasn't enough we have four Grade One's in Ireland on Sunday which start with Kalkir who looks to set his season back on track after defeat on Boxing Day. Next up is the Deloitte which was won last year by Vautour and the yard have this year's favourite in Alvisio Ville who was subject to a gamble in the Neptune at Cheltenham throughout the week. Nichols Canyon also represents Willie Mullins in the race as he saddles four of the nine in the field. The Novice Chasers take their turn next with Valseur Lido a short priced favourite and faces strong competition from Apache Stronghold and Le Vent D'Antan. Last but certainly not least we have On His Own taking on Lord Windermere and Boston Bob with Ruby Walsh choosing the first mentioned over the last. But let's get today out of the way first!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we mark your card for the day's Channel 4 action. Joining myself on the panel today is just @Adamwebb121 but we shall do our best to find you all a few winners. You can watch live tonight at 8pm (Just after) or you can catch it on replay via the link below, enjoy!
Betfair Hurdle Day Video
Now onto the all important selections for today!
3:15 Warwick - Castle Cheetah
We have a bit of a wait until our first selection this weekend with Castle Cheetah for Martin Keighley who's yard have been a bit hit and miss lately. They will still be on a high after Annacotty's victory on Cheltenham Trials Day but he has only had 5 runners since including a third.
We haven't seen much of Castle Cheetah who remains a lightly raced seven year old but one that has shown ability on his last two starts. On the first of those he showed ability for the first time when well backed at Worcester, but found one too in the form of Ballycoe who hasn't been seen since pulled up behind Fletchers Flyer at Ascot when something seemingly amiss. Castle Cheetah then had a break of 90 days before reappearing at Taunton behind Rathlin Rose who has won since to boost the form. He seemed to want a real stamina sapping trip on that occasion and as a result is stepped up to three miles and two furlongs on handicap debut. An added bonus today is the addition of Conor Shoemark who claims a valuable three pounds which makes life easier. The softer ground is also no worry whatsoever and everything points towards a big run on his handicap bow.
The main danger may come in the form of Dawson City who has been in brilliant form since switching to handicaps recently. He is nine pounds higher on this occasion and will need a fair bit more this afternoon so preference is for the unexposed Castle Cheetah. (8/1)
3:35 Newbury - Jolly's Cracked It
Today's second and final selections comes in the form of Jolly's Cracked It who has been a much improved character since switching to Harry Fry's yard. This will be his first major test as he steps out of Novice company for the first time after a good second in the Tolworth Hurdle.
His hurdling debut was a successful one at Ascot and although his jumping left a lot to be desired it was clear that he had a lot of ability. Nick Scholfield sent him to the front a long way from home that day which may not have been to suit after he idled when clear, this ensured that the winning distance was kept to three and a quarter lengths, but it should have been a lot further. He was very workmanlike next time out back at Ascot when again beating Clondaw Banker with Jebril separating them. On paper he only won by a length but if not for an appalling mistake at the second last and a dubious leap at the last he would have won by much further, saying that he never looked like getting beat at any part of the race. His jumping was much better last time out in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle but proved no match for L'ami Serge, which is no bad thing as he looks one of the top Novices this season.
That leads us nicely onto today for his handicap debut in one of the toughest races of the calendar year, but he is undoubtedly in with a chance off a mark of 140. Today will be a bit of a shock to the system as the most he has faced over hurdles in one race is 7 rivals whereas today will see him tackle 23 other horses. That could see him to best effect as it will allow him to settle behind a few horses and hopefully travel into the race strongly under Nick Scholfield once again. The slightly faster ground shouldn't be much of a problem for him and he looks a nice price in a race where Novices do well. (16/1)
NAP - Jolly's Cracked It
Nb - Castle Cheetah
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
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