Well yesterday was more like it, with the first two winning and stamping their authority for March. Far West now as short as 8/1 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle and Our Father also as short as 8/1 for the RSA. Skybet are the standout at 14/1 after his bloodless beating of Sire Collonges who in turn was miles clear of old rival Sea of Thunder.
Another top class looking Novice chase starts us off today which is where we shall start.
1:10 Cheltenham - Captain Conan
He looks like one of the standout novice chasers of this season and this should be a race to stake his claims for the Arkle. He wont have things his own way with Gary Moore Yardstick Sire De Grugy who won easily at Kempton on debut also in the field. The main danger could be from Third Intention who was probably beaten by lack of race fitness behind His Excellency here last time. Paul Nicholls won the PaddyPower yesterday and is represented by Exeter winner Rebel Rebellion, he could be biting off a bit more than he can chew here however. Last years Tolworth hurdle winner looks the one to be on today with a win on soft ground at Auteil in France. Added confidence in his Tolworth Hurdle victory was also on Soft. It will take a very good one to beat him on his reappearance today.
1:45 Cheltenham - Captain Sunshine
I fancied him for his reappearance here last time, that time race fitness told and he faded after 2 from home. He was entered last week at Exeter where he 'refused' to race, in my mind thats a bit harsh. He was subject to a big gamble and was going off 5/4 before disaster struck. Just as they were coming out onto the track he decided to go left and take a turn instead of towards the tape. In my opinion the starter should have recalled them, but hey thats not up to me. He didnt plant his feet or look unwilling to run at anypoint down at the start. Before that blotch on his CV he had shown great promise and the fact that he is turned out again so quickly shows they think he is in good heart and could be the one to beat here. Paul Nicholls' Ruben Cotter is the one for the early money. Emma Lavelle's representative looks worth another try though.
2:20 Cheltenham - Wishfull Thinking
Were the going tomorrow good instead of as testing as today he'd be opposable, it would also mean the Sprinter Sacre would be going to post however. This looks to be his day in the sun this year receiving weight from inferior rivals, unfortunately the price reflects that. Seen just the once this year at Aintree when in the Old Roan field that got slammed by For Non Stop, that was 2 and a half miles. The drop back to two miles on this ground will suit him no end and should dismiss of the reappearing Doeslessthanme.
Imperial Shabra, the Irish Raider from the enigmatic Oliver Brady yard could be the biggest danger. He was considered good enough to go for the Jewson last year but was pulled out at the last stage. He has had alot of runs since then, well into the double figures but proved he isnt in need of a break when a close third to Cristal Bonus last time out. The 'toughest horse in training' could be a tough nut to crack here today. One other bonus is that Oliver Brady does very well with his runners in England, Imperial Shabra himself has won at Stratford earlier in the year. I recall Baron De Feypo winning at the festival a few years back, that was his highest profile win. A solid each way chance.
2:50 Cheltenham - Bothy
Brian Ellison's charge made a more than pleasing comeback off topweight at Wetherby, beaten a length by the reopposing Hi Dancer for Ben Haslam. One major thing in Bothy's court today is the testing ground which everyone knows are his preferred condtions. Five pounds higher today than at Wetherby, he should strip alot fitter for his reappearance and looks the one to beat on his old form. You will remember he was second in the Totesport trophy by a short head off four pounds lower behind Recession Proof. Next time out he was 6 lengths beaten by Carlito Brigante, who has gone on to bigger and better things. A confident vote and 16/1 is way overpriced.
3:25 Cheltenham - Coneygree
He may just slip in under the radar here with bigger more powerful stables represented here, but Coneygree absolutely routed his rivals at Uttoxeter. You'd have to go back 20 lengths before you found the second placed horse from Donald McCain yard, its not the only time he has beaten a McCain horse. On his debut he handed out a beating to the expensive Dannanceys Hill. He has a bit to find with Village Vic on their Newbury bumper form and he could be the biggest threat today, after a very positive debut. Two things stick out to me about Coneygree however. The first is that he seems to excel on softer ground and is an improving horse, the second of which is his breeding. He is a half brother to Hennessy winner Carruthers, signifying he will probably need further in time and today should suit him down to the ground. The current 8/1 on offer looks a good bet and could well be the value in the race.
4:00 Cheltenham - Fascino Rustico
John Hales owned the Paddy Power winner yesterday and he could just have another good one here with Carlisle bumper winner Fascino Rustico. This will be his first start for Paul Nicholls since switching from Ron O'Leary's yard and one would think he'd improve for that. A big imposing type that is destined to try his hand in some novice hurdles later this season, and next season chasing beckons for him. He will improve for this run but looks by far the best of these and should take all the beating. This is also attheraces presenter Martin Kelly's horse to watch for the season (via Twitter)
Lets hope to follow up after a good day yesterday, a reminder that last years Champion Bumper winner Champagne Fever takes part in his first hurdle at 12:45
As always Happy Punting guys
Showing posts with label prestbury park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prestbury park. Show all posts
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Cheltenham Festival Day 3
Day 2 seemed to be a bit more controversial than we had all thought with Wishfull Thinking falling at the 3rd, Sizing Europe and Finian's Rainbow settled down to fight it out and the defending champion looked set to go back to back turning for home. Can any more favourites seriously get beat? after all it is Big Bucks, so lets crack on with day 3.
1:30 - Jewson Novices Chase
The Alternative race for Donald McCain's PEDDLERS CROSS who looks to have made the right move in coming to this race after Sprinter Sacre's demolition job. The opposite way round and further trip than Kempton looks set to suit him down to the ground. He wont have it all his own way with the Scilly Isles winner FOR NON STOP in the field, chasing does look his game and he is a very genuine horse that always runs his race. He looks assured to put in another good effort today and had MICHEAL FLIPS 2 lengths behind him at Newbury. Andrew Turnell's horse has been a much better novice chaser than he was a hurdler and has run his socks off alot of times this season, this is a big step up in class today though. CHAMPION COURT won at this course on New Years Day and looked a very good prospect on that form, a reproduction of that wont put him two far away today. Behind him on that occasion was SOLIX who comes from a stable bang in form after dominating the card yesterday. He looks like a very good horse but shows a distinct lack of respect for the fences, better jumping will be needed to win this. SIR DES CHAMPS is a very fancied Irish runner and is unbeaten including winning the Martin Pipe conditional race last year and must have an outstanding chance of continuing his run. We are going to side with the impressive CRISTAL BONUS today though who is unbeaten over fences and since joining the Paul Nicholls stable. Lets hope these colours get a bit further than they did in the Champion Chase yesterday.
1st - Cristal Bonus
2nd - For Non Stop
3rd - Sir Des Champs
2:05 - Pertemps Final
A big field for the Pertemps this year and out of respect we have to start with the dual winner BUENA VISTA who has Tom Bellamy take off 10 pounds, he ran a much better race than his 9th place last time suggests. Donald McCain has had two winners this week and he saddles ACROSS THE BAY who cant be ruled out easily, he has been running well this year without reward and was completely out of his depth last time against Big Bucks. Big chance today. CAPE TRIBULATION is fancied today and not too long ago was considered a live Champion Hurdle contender. A return to his best puts him bang on the scene. There has been a bit of money for SERGENT GUIB'S this morning and has one of the strongest chances in the field justifying his second favourite tag. He is unexposed and inexperience comes with that which wont help in a field like this. OUR FATHER is the favourite and has been laid out for this race, he was very impressive when winning at Ascot under an ultra cool Timmy Murphy. He had an entry for the World Hurdle but was nothing more than an outside chance. RESTLESS HARRY has the burden of a top weight but is a very good horse, others are preferred today though. ASHKAZAR is a very good horse on his day but can be very in and out, it is a gamble what horse will turn up. PETTIFOUR came from a huge layoff to go down by a small distance at this track behind Dorset Square. A run like that is sure to hold him in good order. Barry Geraghty rides for Jonjo aboard THEHILLOFUISNEACH who has been in flying form this season and the ground may have been the cause for his last run. A chance today if he isnt too high in the handicap. HOUBLON DES OBEAUX beat KAYF ARAMIS here in January. The latter is better off today and both are capable of getting competitive. If RICK handles the faster ground he will have one of the leading chances after being 14 lengths behind Mourad on his last run. We will give CANTLOW another chance today though, he has been dropping down the weights but has run some very good races this year.
1st - Cantlow
2nd - Rick
3rd - Pettifour
4th - Houblon Des Obeaux
2:40 - Ryanair Chase
SOMERSBY has come in for notable market support and also even stronger on the exchanges today, he is also my bet of the week and his form took a huge boost yesterday with Finian's Rainbow now champion chaser. He wont have things his own way though with RIVERSIDE THEATRE a good favourite today and I cant have people who say he wont enjoy Cheltenham after flying up the hill in the Arkle in his only appearance at the track, he was 8 lengths behind Sizing Europe that day. But he is an improved horse now and 2 and a half miles is much more his distance. NOBLE PRINCE won the Jewson last year and has made a good step up to be a second season chaser but has found winning hard to come by. Another renowned runner up is FORPADYDEPLASTERER but isnt the horse he used to be, and there are one or two better today. RUBI LIGHT is another with a huge chance today but would be alot better on softer ground, saying that he did run a stellar race in this last year at fancy odds. I think Alan King chose the right option in sending MEDERMIT here instead of the Gold Cup, but i think he is just a tad short of being top class but has live place credentials. ALBERTAS RUN has won the last two renewals of this contest and is an admirable horse, he has won his only start this season at Aintree, but that wasnt a strong race really, however the festival brings him alive with 3 festival wins to his name. CAPTAIN CHRIS disgraced himself a little last time in the Argento but before that ran a brilliant race to come third in the King George, if he runs how we know he can then he has a live shout. SOMERSBY will take all the beating today though.
1st - Somersby
2nd - Riverside Theatre
3rd - Medermit
3:20 - Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Usually with the name BIG BUCKS in a race it would seem a formality but the name of OSCAR WHISKY makes you second glance. The latter has unconfirmed stamina doubts but his 2 and a half mile form suggests he should have no problem in getting the extra trip. Whether he has the class to beat the Paul Nicholls' horse is a big worry though. MOURAD was third in this last year and bounced back to his best last time out, he has the potential to make his tag of 22/1 look very silly for each way punters. VOLER LA VEDETTE is a gorgeous mare but realistically is only going for the places today much like the others in the field. THOUSAND STARS won the Morgiana hurdle earlier in the year but last time didnt jump like he can last time and that cost him 2nd place as he wouldnt have got near Hurricane Fly. Another that has real live place claims is 2011 Neptune third SO YOUNG who has been running well this year and it would be no surprise to see him make a really good impression of himself today. My each way preference is for DYNASTE today though after looking to have BIG BUCKS measure for a few strides turning in last time but then having no answer when he quickened. David Pipe will have him spot on for this race today.
1st - Big Bucks
2nd - Dynaste
3rd - Oscar Whisky
4:00 - Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase
NOTUS DE LA TOUR could have gone for the Jewson but opted for this handicap today, his best run to date was over fences was his first run in Ireland when 2nd behind Blackstairmountain but this is his first handicap and whether he is good enough is in the air, he should make a good account of himself. This looks a hard race to win off top weight for TARTAK and even though CRACK AWAY JACK has some fancy form he may struggle today. HECTORS CHOICE looked to have Nacarat beat at Kempton when they swung for home but quickly emptied out over 3 miles, a return to this trip puts him in the mix. SALUT FLO'S second to Prince de beauchene looks very smart now and he must have a great chance. DIVERS will be at peak fitness for this race and Tony Mccoy on board isnt exactly a negative, but he is without a winner this week and may be worth avoiding. THE COCKNEY MACKEM has been running well this year but doesnt find much off the bridle, like last time when he was ran into the ground at Doncaster by Quentin Collonges. MAD MOOSE has a habit of making a mistake that costs him a race and round Cheltenham that really cant be done. HOLMWOOD LEGEND is already a festival winner in this race and the trainer has had a winner this week already. If Tom Taafe's FINGER ONTHE PULSE runs to his best then he will give his claimer a huge ride round Cheltenham and as anyone who reads this blog knows, im a huge Maurice Linehan fan. NICEONEFRANKIE has a fantastic chance and will be my choice today, he has improved no end this year and is due to be raised 3 pounds in the future. His win at Newbury suggests he still has a bit in hand so we will take our chance on him.
1st - Niceonefrankie
2nd - Notus De La Tour
3rd - Hector's Choice
4th - Salut Flo
4:40 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
MOSTLY BOB is a course winner and caught the eye that day but he is prone to making a few mistakes through his races and he would be a tentative selection. However i do fancy him to run well. FAASEL loves this race and found the winning way last time after a long losing streak. He has been running well for a long time though and should make a good account of himself again. ADAMS ISLAND has improved no end since moving to Paul Nolan's stable but may find this test a bit too much, and is also prone to the odd mistake during a race. BENBANE HEAD is a course and distance winner although it is hard to see him getting competitive today. MIDNIGHT APPEAL won last time up at Sandown and is a very strong leading chance after being ultra consistent this year. YOUR BUSY has a live outside chance and has been second here but looked like he needed further that time, this is a very live outsider. BE THERE IN FIVE was 3rd in the 4 miler last year but since then hasnt completed a race, he must show alot more to even think about getting competitive. EXMOOR RANGER won at Ascot earlier in the year but never runs two races the same and since then has fallen and come fifth, if he is having a going day then he could be a lead contender. Its hard to trust him though. SUNNYHILLBOY has been backed in this morning but he usually struggles in these big handicaps, and will place at best. Nina Carberry rides START ME UP who won a good ground bumper at Cheltenham in 2009, his recent form will give him a chance today but others are preferred, the jockey is a positive booking. The selection today is SWING BILL who won the amateur riders event in November at this track after making an awful mistake on the second circuit. He is usually a sound enough jumper and we take a chance on the good ground to bring a win from him.
1st - Swing Bill
2nd - Midnight Appeal
3rd - Your Busy
4th - Faasel
bet of the day - cristal bonus and somersby double
Happy Punting
1:30 - Jewson Novices Chase
The Alternative race for Donald McCain's PEDDLERS CROSS who looks to have made the right move in coming to this race after Sprinter Sacre's demolition job. The opposite way round and further trip than Kempton looks set to suit him down to the ground. He wont have it all his own way with the Scilly Isles winner FOR NON STOP in the field, chasing does look his game and he is a very genuine horse that always runs his race. He looks assured to put in another good effort today and had MICHEAL FLIPS 2 lengths behind him at Newbury. Andrew Turnell's horse has been a much better novice chaser than he was a hurdler and has run his socks off alot of times this season, this is a big step up in class today though. CHAMPION COURT won at this course on New Years Day and looked a very good prospect on that form, a reproduction of that wont put him two far away today. Behind him on that occasion was SOLIX who comes from a stable bang in form after dominating the card yesterday. He looks like a very good horse but shows a distinct lack of respect for the fences, better jumping will be needed to win this. SIR DES CHAMPS is a very fancied Irish runner and is unbeaten including winning the Martin Pipe conditional race last year and must have an outstanding chance of continuing his run. We are going to side with the impressive CRISTAL BONUS today though who is unbeaten over fences and since joining the Paul Nicholls stable. Lets hope these colours get a bit further than they did in the Champion Chase yesterday.
1st - Cristal Bonus
2nd - For Non Stop
3rd - Sir Des Champs
2:05 - Pertemps Final
A big field for the Pertemps this year and out of respect we have to start with the dual winner BUENA VISTA who has Tom Bellamy take off 10 pounds, he ran a much better race than his 9th place last time suggests. Donald McCain has had two winners this week and he saddles ACROSS THE BAY who cant be ruled out easily, he has been running well this year without reward and was completely out of his depth last time against Big Bucks. Big chance today. CAPE TRIBULATION is fancied today and not too long ago was considered a live Champion Hurdle contender. A return to his best puts him bang on the scene. There has been a bit of money for SERGENT GUIB'S this morning and has one of the strongest chances in the field justifying his second favourite tag. He is unexposed and inexperience comes with that which wont help in a field like this. OUR FATHER is the favourite and has been laid out for this race, he was very impressive when winning at Ascot under an ultra cool Timmy Murphy. He had an entry for the World Hurdle but was nothing more than an outside chance. RESTLESS HARRY has the burden of a top weight but is a very good horse, others are preferred today though. ASHKAZAR is a very good horse on his day but can be very in and out, it is a gamble what horse will turn up. PETTIFOUR came from a huge layoff to go down by a small distance at this track behind Dorset Square. A run like that is sure to hold him in good order. Barry Geraghty rides for Jonjo aboard THEHILLOFUISNEACH who has been in flying form this season and the ground may have been the cause for his last run. A chance today if he isnt too high in the handicap. HOUBLON DES OBEAUX beat KAYF ARAMIS here in January. The latter is better off today and both are capable of getting competitive. If RICK handles the faster ground he will have one of the leading chances after being 14 lengths behind Mourad on his last run. We will give CANTLOW another chance today though, he has been dropping down the weights but has run some very good races this year.
1st - Cantlow
2nd - Rick
3rd - Pettifour
4th - Houblon Des Obeaux
2:40 - Ryanair Chase
SOMERSBY has come in for notable market support and also even stronger on the exchanges today, he is also my bet of the week and his form took a huge boost yesterday with Finian's Rainbow now champion chaser. He wont have things his own way though with RIVERSIDE THEATRE a good favourite today and I cant have people who say he wont enjoy Cheltenham after flying up the hill in the Arkle in his only appearance at the track, he was 8 lengths behind Sizing Europe that day. But he is an improved horse now and 2 and a half miles is much more his distance. NOBLE PRINCE won the Jewson last year and has made a good step up to be a second season chaser but has found winning hard to come by. Another renowned runner up is FORPADYDEPLASTERER but isnt the horse he used to be, and there are one or two better today. RUBI LIGHT is another with a huge chance today but would be alot better on softer ground, saying that he did run a stellar race in this last year at fancy odds. I think Alan King chose the right option in sending MEDERMIT here instead of the Gold Cup, but i think he is just a tad short of being top class but has live place credentials. ALBERTAS RUN has won the last two renewals of this contest and is an admirable horse, he has won his only start this season at Aintree, but that wasnt a strong race really, however the festival brings him alive with 3 festival wins to his name. CAPTAIN CHRIS disgraced himself a little last time in the Argento but before that ran a brilliant race to come third in the King George, if he runs how we know he can then he has a live shout. SOMERSBY will take all the beating today though.
1st - Somersby
2nd - Riverside Theatre
3rd - Medermit
3:20 - Ladbrokes World Hurdle
Usually with the name BIG BUCKS in a race it would seem a formality but the name of OSCAR WHISKY makes you second glance. The latter has unconfirmed stamina doubts but his 2 and a half mile form suggests he should have no problem in getting the extra trip. Whether he has the class to beat the Paul Nicholls' horse is a big worry though. MOURAD was third in this last year and bounced back to his best last time out, he has the potential to make his tag of 22/1 look very silly for each way punters. VOLER LA VEDETTE is a gorgeous mare but realistically is only going for the places today much like the others in the field. THOUSAND STARS won the Morgiana hurdle earlier in the year but last time didnt jump like he can last time and that cost him 2nd place as he wouldnt have got near Hurricane Fly. Another that has real live place claims is 2011 Neptune third SO YOUNG who has been running well this year and it would be no surprise to see him make a really good impression of himself today. My each way preference is for DYNASTE today though after looking to have BIG BUCKS measure for a few strides turning in last time but then having no answer when he quickened. David Pipe will have him spot on for this race today.
1st - Big Bucks
2nd - Dynaste
3rd - Oscar Whisky
4:00 - Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase
NOTUS DE LA TOUR could have gone for the Jewson but opted for this handicap today, his best run to date was over fences was his first run in Ireland when 2nd behind Blackstairmountain but this is his first handicap and whether he is good enough is in the air, he should make a good account of himself. This looks a hard race to win off top weight for TARTAK and even though CRACK AWAY JACK has some fancy form he may struggle today. HECTORS CHOICE looked to have Nacarat beat at Kempton when they swung for home but quickly emptied out over 3 miles, a return to this trip puts him in the mix. SALUT FLO'S second to Prince de beauchene looks very smart now and he must have a great chance. DIVERS will be at peak fitness for this race and Tony Mccoy on board isnt exactly a negative, but he is without a winner this week and may be worth avoiding. THE COCKNEY MACKEM has been running well this year but doesnt find much off the bridle, like last time when he was ran into the ground at Doncaster by Quentin Collonges. MAD MOOSE has a habit of making a mistake that costs him a race and round Cheltenham that really cant be done. HOLMWOOD LEGEND is already a festival winner in this race and the trainer has had a winner this week already. If Tom Taafe's FINGER ONTHE PULSE runs to his best then he will give his claimer a huge ride round Cheltenham and as anyone who reads this blog knows, im a huge Maurice Linehan fan. NICEONEFRANKIE has a fantastic chance and will be my choice today, he has improved no end this year and is due to be raised 3 pounds in the future. His win at Newbury suggests he still has a bit in hand so we will take our chance on him.
1st - Niceonefrankie
2nd - Notus De La Tour
3rd - Hector's Choice
4th - Salut Flo
4:40 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
MOSTLY BOB is a course winner and caught the eye that day but he is prone to making a few mistakes through his races and he would be a tentative selection. However i do fancy him to run well. FAASEL loves this race and found the winning way last time after a long losing streak. He has been running well for a long time though and should make a good account of himself again. ADAMS ISLAND has improved no end since moving to Paul Nolan's stable but may find this test a bit too much, and is also prone to the odd mistake during a race. BENBANE HEAD is a course and distance winner although it is hard to see him getting competitive today. MIDNIGHT APPEAL won last time up at Sandown and is a very strong leading chance after being ultra consistent this year. YOUR BUSY has a live outside chance and has been second here but looked like he needed further that time, this is a very live outsider. BE THERE IN FIVE was 3rd in the 4 miler last year but since then hasnt completed a race, he must show alot more to even think about getting competitive. EXMOOR RANGER won at Ascot earlier in the year but never runs two races the same and since then has fallen and come fifth, if he is having a going day then he could be a lead contender. Its hard to trust him though. SUNNYHILLBOY has been backed in this morning but he usually struggles in these big handicaps, and will place at best. Nina Carberry rides START ME UP who won a good ground bumper at Cheltenham in 2009, his recent form will give him a chance today but others are preferred, the jockey is a positive booking. The selection today is SWING BILL who won the amateur riders event in November at this track after making an awful mistake on the second circuit. He is usually a sound enough jumper and we take a chance on the good ground to bring a win from him.
1st - Swing Bill
2nd - Midnight Appeal
3rd - Your Busy
4th - Faasel
bet of the day - cristal bonus and somersby double
Happy Punting
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Cheltenham Festival Day 2
A huge shock on day one with the mighty Hurricane Fly being beat into third by Rock On Ruby and Overturn in the Champion hurdle. You just got the feeling that he was never really going too well before turning down the hill and finding very little compared to what he usually does. But in the good part of the day Cinders and Ashes landed the Supreme Novices for the blog and a heart warming family success for Hunt Ball in the last on the day, my bank balance profited yesterday but hey today is a new day.
1:30 - Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase
The usual marathon to start off day two in the National Hunt Chase and as always the Irish challenge is a strong one. But the home challenge is lead by HARRY THE VIKING from the Paul Nicholls yard and ridden by Will Biddick, he has done nothing wrong this year and has been in fantastic winning form at Doncaster. My only worry is that he doesnt do alot when he hits the front and you cant do that at Cheltenham. SOLL leads the away teams charge and has been tipped up by Pricewise, an absolute mountain of a horse and a winner of 2 out of his 3 starts but is still to prove himself on good ground. STRONGBOWS LEGEND stays absolutely all day but really doesnt look good enough. TEAFORTHREE also stays all day and is only a novice, he has won some really strong events though and looks to be one of the horses to beat in the race. IRON CHANCELLOR and LIVELY BARON look to only be playing to place chances today but both represent big name stables. UNIVERSAL SOLDIER has a strong chance but does seem to run best with more give in the ground. FOUR COMMANDERS is ultra consistent and always seems to run an honest race but when he has tried good ground he hasnt loved in and like many here looks more at home on a softer surface. The same cant be said for BLENHEIM BROOK who seems to go on absolutely any surface and isnt without a chance today but a place may be his best claims. OUR ISLAND finished half a length behind TEAFORTHREE in a beginners chase at the start of the year and is a much bigger price than the latter however he hasnt been in form as of late and has something to prove. This race has been planned for ALFIE SPINNER for a while and Sam Waley-Cohen gets the leg up today, he is a serious contender and ran a blinder last time at Ascot. But preference today is for the Willie Mullins horse ALLEE GARDE who has no ground worries and has been freshened up thanks to a break since January.
1st - Allee Garde
2nd - Alfie Spinner
3rd - Four Commanders
2:05 - Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle
Rock on Ruby was second in this last year and the year before was won by Peddlers Cross, its clear recently this race has a good link to the Champion Hurdle and one that could be next making that step is SIMONSIG. Nicky Henderson turned down the chance to run in the Supreme yesterday in an attempt to sort out his jumping worries, but that is enough to oppose him today for me, saying that he is a very strong horse and is a worthy favourite, as im writing this BATONNIER has been confirmed as a non runner. In strong opposition to the favourite today Willie Mullins sends over SOUS LES CIEUX who has done nothing wrong in Ireland and suffered from a slow pace last time out but was getting there late on. It was mistakes that cost him that day and will need to be better this time and is a serious contender. NAGPUR has been running well lately but against much weaker competition and will need to improve considerably to land a blow. Towards the start of the season SECRET EDGE had some fancy form after winning the Wensleydale and is now the stables number one entry in this race. He has been freshened up since running here on trials day but looks to be playing for a place. NELSON'S BRIDGE beat Dualla Lord last time out and is yet another with strong place claims. MONKSLAND shot into the picture with a decisive victory at Naas in January, he is yet to encounter fast ground though and is best watched. He was ahead of Lyreen legend that day who had MAKE YOUR MARK behind him at Leopardstown. Its no secret Davy Russell fancies him and he has encountered fast ground in which he won on before. More will be needed though. John Ferguson has had a brilliant season and a notable Jockey booking on his horse COTTON MILL in Barry Geraghty. He won a trial for this race at Warwick and is well in with a shout today. Im going to take the value on FELIX YONGER however who hasnt done anything wrong since changing to the Mullins yard and will improve no end for good ground. An attractive price of 20/1 and 25s can be found in places, there is value to be had in this race and im siding with the Willie Mullins second string to give us a big race winner.
1st - Felix Yonger
2nd - Cotton Mill
3rd - Simonsig
2:40 - RSA Chase
Alot of horses with huge potential in this race none more so than GRAND CRUS who was argued to go for the Gold Cup and looks the one they all have to beat. He brings the best hurdle form to the table by far and has gone from strength to strength over fences. He had BOBS WORTH 5 lengths behind him in the Feltham at Kempton when really it could have been much further. Nicky Henderson's charge has been a bit disappointing over fences are promising so much over hurdles last year, but there could be more to come from him and is a contender. Mouse Morris really fancies FIRST LIEUTENANT to spoil the party for the big guns today but needs to show more here than he has at home. He beat Rock on Ruby here last year who won the Champion Hurdle yesterday. Another horse strongly fancied by connections is JOIN TOGETHER who is already a course and distance winner when he beat a useful field in November. He has won here twice this year and there is no doubt he loves the course after not being unplaced in 3 starts at Prestbury Park. MR MOONSHINE was my fancy a while ago and is a lovely bold front running type but does look out of his depth here, Shane Byrne gets the leg up today which is a positive from Henry Oliver. Alan King has a live outsider in WALKON who looks as if he really needs 3 miles to produce his best over fences. He will however need to produce a career best today. CALL THE POLICE ran a cracker on his comeback run and as long as the bounce factor doesnt affect him he should have live each way claims. Its very hard to see past GRAND CRUS though
1st - Grand Crus
2nd - Call the Police
3rd - First Lieutenant
3:20 - Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase
Here we go then another Irish Banker in the main race on the day and again he looks pretty bomb proof. SIZING EUROPE'S best performance came in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December when destroying a very decent field which included back in second KAUTO STONE. He burst onto the scene at Down Royal with a big reputation and didnt let down his supporters, since then he ran second in a Tingle Creek and disappointed on his step up to two and a half miles at Ascot. A drop back in trip shouldnt be enough to see him win today but strong place claims are there. Disappointing in the Tingle Creek was WISHFULL THINKING who didnt enjoy leading that day and since the change of tactics in holding him up he as been a different horse. Second to FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Kempton before disappointing at Ascot. The latter mentioned went down a gallant second to Somersby in the Victor Chandler and cant be dismissed easily. You get the feeling he will just need to step up on what he has done so far though. BIG ZEB has been here and done it after winning this race 2 years ago, an 11 year old now though he could be getting a bit long in the tooth. Though he always gives his all and is definitely a contender. REALT DUBH hasnt run this season but is reported to be in good order and has 'never felt better' according to Paul Carberry. He may just need this race today though. Each way claims though. IM SO LUCKY ran a good race here last year but isnt good enough whereas GAUVAIN probably needs further. SIZING EUROPE should make is two years in a row and a 3rd successive festival win.
1st - Sizing Europe
2nd - Kauto Stone
3rd - Finian's Rainbow
4:00 - Coral Cup
Only the 28 horses go to post for this years Coral Cup and they are head by Betfair Hurdle runner up GET ME OUT OF HERE who was badly hampered by Darlan falling in front of him that day and he may have won had he avoided that trouble. CARLITO BRIGANTE won this last year and is undoubtedly a very good horse but was no match for Big Bucks when they met at Aintree. There arent any horses of that caliber today though and he should be there at the finish. BALGARRY sneaks in at the bottom and could be anything after an impressive win at Newbury. That was his first run in England but they do have the bounce factor to overcome today though. SPIRIT RIVER is another that has won this before when getting home in front here 2 years ago but seems to have lost his way lately since trying chasing. CONSIGLIERE will want it softer and the same may go for TENOR NIVERNAIS. Brendan Powell has a live chance in his first festival ride aboard ACT OF KALANISI who runs well in these handicap hurdles, but there may be others that are better in the field. THIRD INTENTION was the very impressive winner of the National Spirit hurdle at Fontwell but hasnt really shined in big handicaps this season. DARE ME ran a nice race at Taunton and was squeezed out when passing a hurdle, whether he would have won that day is doubtful and doesnt look good enough for today. CAPE DUTCH has been improving all year and runs off a career high mark which looks testing enough even with Jack Quinlan's 5 pounds off. Chris Honour has one more win before he rides out his claim and retires, he rides his beloved POOLE MASTER and isnt without a chance but preference is for MEGASTAR to return to form with a bang. I just feel that a return to a big field will help him concentrate more on his racing and reproduce his best form. Saying that he could drop himself out and sulk.
1st - Megastar
2nd - Balgarry
3rd - Cape Dutch
4th - Carlito Brigante
4:40 - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Alot of ante post bets have been for Alan King's VENDOR after he has been talking it up like defeat is out of the question. Comparing him to Grumeti and Balder Succes. Racing off 129 he could take all the beating. SOLIWERY was behind COLEBROOK at Sandown but he may be better for that run as he was very green and just couldnt get past. Saying that the latter mentioned was very tough and looks to have a live outside chance and could hold on for a place. LEMON DROP RED is fancied by Paul Webber after getting off the mark over hurdles last time at Southwell. He may just be a bit short of the best in this race however. ULCK DU LIN is somewhat of an unknown quantity in the fact that he hasnt been seen in England but was a smart horse over hurdles in France and if translating the form he is in with a great shout. GORGEOUS SIXTY was outclassed last time in a grade one and has quite a bit to find but a positive is that Ruby has chosen him over the others available to him. ARDLUI won really well at Newbury first time out but disappointed at Doncaster next time out, a return to his debut form would put him bang there and has a great shout. Noel Meade has booked Maurice Linehan to claim 7 pounds off his BAT MASTERSON which is a notable jockey booking. He seemed to fancy his horses chance but on the form book he may have something to find on the main protagonists. KAZLIAN hasnt beaten much so far but its the fashion he has won it in is that has caught my eye. He is really fancied by David Pipe and should go very close. Im going to take a chance on Ardlui today though as Alan King's second string.
1st - Ardlui
2nd - Vendor
3rd - Bat Masterson
4th - Ulck Du Lin
5:15 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Last year this was the only race won by an English trained horse on this day, hopefully today is a bit different. But Hobbs and Johnson could hold the key to this race again this year with VILLAGE VIC who has been running well in all races, just touched off last time at Newbury he could take the beating today. NEW YEARS EVE is a nice horse and is unbeaten but may be a bit inexperienced, saying that i fancy him to run a strong race. THE NEW ONE won a bumper here on New years day but im just questioning how strong that race really was with the selection beating chancery by further than the twiston davies horse. CHAMPAGNE FEVER is bought over by Willie Mullins and is ridden by Paddy, this will be the first time he has encountered good ground and could be anything really. SIR JOHNSON is probably the most experienced in the race but has won 4 from 4 and 12/1 does look a big price. ROYAL GUARDSMAN has lost to SIR JOHNSON and there is no real reason why he should reverse that form. But Village Vic is the selection.
1st - Village Vic
2nd - New Years Eve
3rd - Champagne fever
happy punting everyone
1:30 - Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase
The usual marathon to start off day two in the National Hunt Chase and as always the Irish challenge is a strong one. But the home challenge is lead by HARRY THE VIKING from the Paul Nicholls yard and ridden by Will Biddick, he has done nothing wrong this year and has been in fantastic winning form at Doncaster. My only worry is that he doesnt do alot when he hits the front and you cant do that at Cheltenham. SOLL leads the away teams charge and has been tipped up by Pricewise, an absolute mountain of a horse and a winner of 2 out of his 3 starts but is still to prove himself on good ground. STRONGBOWS LEGEND stays absolutely all day but really doesnt look good enough. TEAFORTHREE also stays all day and is only a novice, he has won some really strong events though and looks to be one of the horses to beat in the race. IRON CHANCELLOR and LIVELY BARON look to only be playing to place chances today but both represent big name stables. UNIVERSAL SOLDIER has a strong chance but does seem to run best with more give in the ground. FOUR COMMANDERS is ultra consistent and always seems to run an honest race but when he has tried good ground he hasnt loved in and like many here looks more at home on a softer surface. The same cant be said for BLENHEIM BROOK who seems to go on absolutely any surface and isnt without a chance today but a place may be his best claims. OUR ISLAND finished half a length behind TEAFORTHREE in a beginners chase at the start of the year and is a much bigger price than the latter however he hasnt been in form as of late and has something to prove. This race has been planned for ALFIE SPINNER for a while and Sam Waley-Cohen gets the leg up today, he is a serious contender and ran a blinder last time at Ascot. But preference today is for the Willie Mullins horse ALLEE GARDE who has no ground worries and has been freshened up thanks to a break since January.
1st - Allee Garde
2nd - Alfie Spinner
3rd - Four Commanders
2:05 - Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle
Rock on Ruby was second in this last year and the year before was won by Peddlers Cross, its clear recently this race has a good link to the Champion Hurdle and one that could be next making that step is SIMONSIG. Nicky Henderson turned down the chance to run in the Supreme yesterday in an attempt to sort out his jumping worries, but that is enough to oppose him today for me, saying that he is a very strong horse and is a worthy favourite, as im writing this BATONNIER has been confirmed as a non runner. In strong opposition to the favourite today Willie Mullins sends over SOUS LES CIEUX who has done nothing wrong in Ireland and suffered from a slow pace last time out but was getting there late on. It was mistakes that cost him that day and will need to be better this time and is a serious contender. NAGPUR has been running well lately but against much weaker competition and will need to improve considerably to land a blow. Towards the start of the season SECRET EDGE had some fancy form after winning the Wensleydale and is now the stables number one entry in this race. He has been freshened up since running here on trials day but looks to be playing for a place. NELSON'S BRIDGE beat Dualla Lord last time out and is yet another with strong place claims. MONKSLAND shot into the picture with a decisive victory at Naas in January, he is yet to encounter fast ground though and is best watched. He was ahead of Lyreen legend that day who had MAKE YOUR MARK behind him at Leopardstown. Its no secret Davy Russell fancies him and he has encountered fast ground in which he won on before. More will be needed though. John Ferguson has had a brilliant season and a notable Jockey booking on his horse COTTON MILL in Barry Geraghty. He won a trial for this race at Warwick and is well in with a shout today. Im going to take the value on FELIX YONGER however who hasnt done anything wrong since changing to the Mullins yard and will improve no end for good ground. An attractive price of 20/1 and 25s can be found in places, there is value to be had in this race and im siding with the Willie Mullins second string to give us a big race winner.
1st - Felix Yonger
2nd - Cotton Mill
3rd - Simonsig
2:40 - RSA Chase
Alot of horses with huge potential in this race none more so than GRAND CRUS who was argued to go for the Gold Cup and looks the one they all have to beat. He brings the best hurdle form to the table by far and has gone from strength to strength over fences. He had BOBS WORTH 5 lengths behind him in the Feltham at Kempton when really it could have been much further. Nicky Henderson's charge has been a bit disappointing over fences are promising so much over hurdles last year, but there could be more to come from him and is a contender. Mouse Morris really fancies FIRST LIEUTENANT to spoil the party for the big guns today but needs to show more here than he has at home. He beat Rock on Ruby here last year who won the Champion Hurdle yesterday. Another horse strongly fancied by connections is JOIN TOGETHER who is already a course and distance winner when he beat a useful field in November. He has won here twice this year and there is no doubt he loves the course after not being unplaced in 3 starts at Prestbury Park. MR MOONSHINE was my fancy a while ago and is a lovely bold front running type but does look out of his depth here, Shane Byrne gets the leg up today which is a positive from Henry Oliver. Alan King has a live outsider in WALKON who looks as if he really needs 3 miles to produce his best over fences. He will however need to produce a career best today. CALL THE POLICE ran a cracker on his comeback run and as long as the bounce factor doesnt affect him he should have live each way claims. Its very hard to see past GRAND CRUS though
1st - Grand Crus
2nd - Call the Police
3rd - First Lieutenant
3:20 - Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase
Here we go then another Irish Banker in the main race on the day and again he looks pretty bomb proof. SIZING EUROPE'S best performance came in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December when destroying a very decent field which included back in second KAUTO STONE. He burst onto the scene at Down Royal with a big reputation and didnt let down his supporters, since then he ran second in a Tingle Creek and disappointed on his step up to two and a half miles at Ascot. A drop back in trip shouldnt be enough to see him win today but strong place claims are there. Disappointing in the Tingle Creek was WISHFULL THINKING who didnt enjoy leading that day and since the change of tactics in holding him up he as been a different horse. Second to FINIAN'S RAINBOW at Kempton before disappointing at Ascot. The latter mentioned went down a gallant second to Somersby in the Victor Chandler and cant be dismissed easily. You get the feeling he will just need to step up on what he has done so far though. BIG ZEB has been here and done it after winning this race 2 years ago, an 11 year old now though he could be getting a bit long in the tooth. Though he always gives his all and is definitely a contender. REALT DUBH hasnt run this season but is reported to be in good order and has 'never felt better' according to Paul Carberry. He may just need this race today though. Each way claims though. IM SO LUCKY ran a good race here last year but isnt good enough whereas GAUVAIN probably needs further. SIZING EUROPE should make is two years in a row and a 3rd successive festival win.
1st - Sizing Europe
2nd - Kauto Stone
3rd - Finian's Rainbow
4:00 - Coral Cup
Only the 28 horses go to post for this years Coral Cup and they are head by Betfair Hurdle runner up GET ME OUT OF HERE who was badly hampered by Darlan falling in front of him that day and he may have won had he avoided that trouble. CARLITO BRIGANTE won this last year and is undoubtedly a very good horse but was no match for Big Bucks when they met at Aintree. There arent any horses of that caliber today though and he should be there at the finish. BALGARRY sneaks in at the bottom and could be anything after an impressive win at Newbury. That was his first run in England but they do have the bounce factor to overcome today though. SPIRIT RIVER is another that has won this before when getting home in front here 2 years ago but seems to have lost his way lately since trying chasing. CONSIGLIERE will want it softer and the same may go for TENOR NIVERNAIS. Brendan Powell has a live chance in his first festival ride aboard ACT OF KALANISI who runs well in these handicap hurdles, but there may be others that are better in the field. THIRD INTENTION was the very impressive winner of the National Spirit hurdle at Fontwell but hasnt really shined in big handicaps this season. DARE ME ran a nice race at Taunton and was squeezed out when passing a hurdle, whether he would have won that day is doubtful and doesnt look good enough for today. CAPE DUTCH has been improving all year and runs off a career high mark which looks testing enough even with Jack Quinlan's 5 pounds off. Chris Honour has one more win before he rides out his claim and retires, he rides his beloved POOLE MASTER and isnt without a chance but preference is for MEGASTAR to return to form with a bang. I just feel that a return to a big field will help him concentrate more on his racing and reproduce his best form. Saying that he could drop himself out and sulk.
1st - Megastar
2nd - Balgarry
3rd - Cape Dutch
4th - Carlito Brigante
4:40 - Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Alot of ante post bets have been for Alan King's VENDOR after he has been talking it up like defeat is out of the question. Comparing him to Grumeti and Balder Succes. Racing off 129 he could take all the beating. SOLIWERY was behind COLEBROOK at Sandown but he may be better for that run as he was very green and just couldnt get past. Saying that the latter mentioned was very tough and looks to have a live outside chance and could hold on for a place. LEMON DROP RED is fancied by Paul Webber after getting off the mark over hurdles last time at Southwell. He may just be a bit short of the best in this race however. ULCK DU LIN is somewhat of an unknown quantity in the fact that he hasnt been seen in England but was a smart horse over hurdles in France and if translating the form he is in with a great shout. GORGEOUS SIXTY was outclassed last time in a grade one and has quite a bit to find but a positive is that Ruby has chosen him over the others available to him. ARDLUI won really well at Newbury first time out but disappointed at Doncaster next time out, a return to his debut form would put him bang there and has a great shout. Noel Meade has booked Maurice Linehan to claim 7 pounds off his BAT MASTERSON which is a notable jockey booking. He seemed to fancy his horses chance but on the form book he may have something to find on the main protagonists. KAZLIAN hasnt beaten much so far but its the fashion he has won it in is that has caught my eye. He is really fancied by David Pipe and should go very close. Im going to take a chance on Ardlui today though as Alan King's second string.
1st - Ardlui
2nd - Vendor
3rd - Bat Masterson
4th - Ulck Du Lin
5:15 - Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Last year this was the only race won by an English trained horse on this day, hopefully today is a bit different. But Hobbs and Johnson could hold the key to this race again this year with VILLAGE VIC who has been running well in all races, just touched off last time at Newbury he could take the beating today. NEW YEARS EVE is a nice horse and is unbeaten but may be a bit inexperienced, saying that i fancy him to run a strong race. THE NEW ONE won a bumper here on New years day but im just questioning how strong that race really was with the selection beating chancery by further than the twiston davies horse. CHAMPAGNE FEVER is bought over by Willie Mullins and is ridden by Paddy, this will be the first time he has encountered good ground and could be anything really. SIR JOHNSON is probably the most experienced in the race but has won 4 from 4 and 12/1 does look a big price. ROYAL GUARDSMAN has lost to SIR JOHNSON and there is no real reason why he should reverse that form. But Village Vic is the selection.
1st - Village Vic
2nd - New Years Eve
3rd - Champagne fever
happy punting everyone
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