Cheltenham Festival
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irishracing.com asked a selection of Irish racing personalities for their best bets at this Year's Cheltenham Festival
Gordon Elliott - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He travelled very well at Leopardstown, and a fast pace will suit him in the Triumph where we’ll be able to drop him in.”
Noel Meade - SPRINTER SACRE (Arkle)
“He’s one of the best horses I’ve seen for a long, long time. He’s so much better since he’s gone over fences, and I think if you can back him at odds against it’s a great price.”
Robert Power - JETSON (Pertemps Final)
“I think he won despite the soft ground in the qualifier at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s in very good form and has a good each-way chance.”
Tom Malone (bloodstock agent) – PEDDLERS CROSS (Jewson Novices’Chase)
I think he’s a stonewall certainty. They are not side-stepping Sprinter Sacre, they’re just doing what is right for the horse and that’s putting him into a race that he’ll win. I can’t see him beaten.
Paul Townend - BOSTON BOB (Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle)
“He seems to be doing everything right, won well the last day at Leopardstown and I think he could be a Cheltenham type.”
Davy Russell - MIDNIGHT GAME (Supreme Novice Hurdle)
“I'd say Midnight Game is maybe my best chance judged on the way the Mullins camp are talking about him.”
Paul Carberry - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He's a lovely horse with loads of ability and I think the race should suit him.”
Andrew Lynch - SALSIFY (Foxhunters)
“He was impressive here last time and the better ground will suit him.”
Barry Geraghty - SPRINTER SACRE (Arkle Chase)
“He's the obvious one. What he has done so far is unbelievable. He broke the track record at Newbury and gave me some feel that day – the way he travelled and jumped. If things go well on the day and we get a clear round he'll be hard to beat. .”
Frank Berry - SNAP TIE (County Hurdle)
“He was my nap for the meeting last year but was taken out on the morning of the County Hurdle. He has come down the weights a bit since.”
Jessica Harrington - STEPS TO FREEDOM (Supreme Novice Hurdle)
“He's a nice horse to go there with and I think it's a big plus that he has won around there already.”
Tom Taaffe - ARGOCAT (Fred Winter Hurdle)
“I like the horse and think he's progressive. He represents a bit of each-way value in the race.”
Joe Burke (Stan James) - SIZING AUSTRALIA (Glenfarclas Cross Country)
“He’s only up 5lb for winning the race last year, and the prospect of fast ground on the cross-country course will suit him.”
Bryan Cooper - LUCKY WILLIAM (Grand Annual)
“He’s only got 10st2lb, and I think he’s got a right chance off that mark. He’ll be suited by good ground.”
Darragh Fitzpatrick (Ladbrokes) - OSCAR WHISKY (World Hurdle)
“I think he’s great value each-way, and he could just do Big Buck’s for toe on the run-in.”
Tony Kenny (William Hill) - SIZING EUROPE (Champion Chase)
“I think it is a weaker race than last year, and he has such a good record at the track.”
Denis Kirwan (TV3) - TETLAMI (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle)
“I was filming at Nicky Henderson’s yard and he’s very sweet on him.”
Ryan McElligott (Irish Field) - FIRST LIEUTENANT (RSA Chase)
“He’s a course winner who will love the stiff three miles and the drying ground. His trainer has few peers when it comes to preparing one for this meeting.”
Damien McElroy (Journalist) - FIRST LIEUTENANT (RSA Chase)
“He’s got a lot in his favour having won there before and will like the trip and good ground. I also think he’s better going left-handed.”
Gary O’Brien (At The Races) - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“I thought he hit the front too soon at Leopardstown last time, and he looks a bit of value.”
Noel O’Brien (NH Handicapper) - BOSTON BOB (Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle)
“He gave 10lb and a beating to Lyreen Legend, who has won a Grade 2 since, at Leopardstown. That performance gives him a rating of over 150 which is high for a staying novice at this time of year.”
Brian O’Connor (Irish Times) - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He didn’t get the run of the race the last day at Leopardstown, and will appreciate the stronger gallop in the Triumph.”
Barry Orr (Betfair) - MOUNT BENBULBEN (Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle)
“He was found to be not right when beaten by Boston Bob at Navan, and will love the trip.”
Dessie Scahill (Commentator) - DARLAN (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle)
“He appeared to be going well when falling in the big handicap at Newbury, and was previously very impressive in novice hurdles.”
Leon Blanche (****) - BOSTON BOB (Albert Bartlett/Neptune Hurdle)
“I'm a big fan of Boston Bob. He's in a couple of races but I've a feeling he'll go for the Albert Bartlett. I think he'll win whatever race he goes in.”
Brian Graham (Bookmaker) - AL FEROF (Arkle Chase)
“I thought his run in the Victor Chandler was superb for a novice and if you go back to the Supreme last year he was in front of both Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card. Cue Card is going to make it a real test and Al Ferof will get every yard whereas I have a slight doubt about Sprinter Sacre's stamina, especially if by any miracle it turns up soft..”
Bernard Barry (leading point-to-point and Shelbourne Park bookmaker) – MOUNT BENBULBEN (Albert Bartlett Novices’Hurdle)
Liked him since seeing him win his ‘point’in Tinahely and he looks a bit of value at around 6/1 for the Albert Bartlett.
Johnny Birrane (prominent on-course market analyst) – PIQUE SOUS (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
He was impressive at Leopardstown. There were plenty fancied against him including the Weld horse (Dancers Dilemma, finished 2nd) and Fenton’s (Five Point Plan) who finished fourth, but he just ran away from them. He’ll do for me in the bumper.
David Redvers (bloodstock agent) – GRANDS CRUS (Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup)
would be my fancy if he goes for the Gold Cup and I fancy Vulcanite each-way for the Supreme Novice. Obviously I think Hurricane Fly will win the Champion and Sprinter Sacre will win the Arkle but what do I know as I’m a flat boy these days.
Mike Barrett (point-to-point enthusiast/punter) – SALSIFY (Christie’s Foxhunters Chase).
He’s won the last three big hunter chases in Ireland, he likes good ground and his performance at Leopardstown the last day makes him the main Irish contender. I know Chapoturgeon and Cloudy Lane are fancied for the home team but with Boxer Georg and Merchant Royal as solid back-up, I think this will be a race for the Irish.
Peter Kavanagh (former jockey and a key cog in the Noel Meade team) – SIZING EUROPE (Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase) and SPRINTER SACRE (Racing Post Arkle Chase)
Should both win, but they are short prices. .
At bigger odds MONKSLAND (Neptune Investment Management Novices’Hurdle) has a big each-way shout. He would want a drop of rain. He is a good horse.
Neil O’Donnell (journalist and agent for DBS) – MONKSLAND (Neptune Investment Management Novices’Hurdle)
He looked good in his point-to-point before running out and he couldn’t have been any more impressive when winning an admittedly ordinary bumper at Down Royal. He’s gone the right way since and Noel Meade thinks he’s very very smart. His sire, Beneficial is getting plenty of winners.NOT BEFORE EIGHT (Christie’s Foxhunters Chase) has an each-way shout
Franco Hughes (bookmaker) – MOSCOW MANNON (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
Up North here we’re all hoping the local horse does the business. It’s creating great banter at the ‘points’up here every Saturday. He is a good horse and I think he can do it for Brian Hamilton and young Lavery.
Paul Cashman– FIRST LIEUTENTANT (RSA Chase)
He is a good horse and I think he’ll take a lot of beating.
Matt O’Connor (amateur rider) – ROYAL GUARDSMAN (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
He was very impressive at Ascot the last day and he has plenty of experience now. I know the Tizzards think a lot of him and they obviously know what’s required to win this race after Cue Card. He should be a value price too.
Jim Murphy (Redpender Stud) – QUANTITATIVEEASING (JLT Speciality Handicap Chase)
He’s been put by for this and it’ll be on to the Grand National for him after this. I have a two-year-old half-brother to him here by Robin Des Champs so I’d like to see him go well. I bought First Lieutenant as a foal and sold him as a three-year-old so I’ll be watching him closely but a lot will depend on whether Grands Crus goes in the RSA or the Gold Cup.
Mikey O’Connor (amateur rider and trainer) – BURTON PORT (Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup)
Just looking in from the outside you’d have to love his run the last day. He is a good each-way bet for the Gold Cup. He lost ground going to the last on Long Run last time out but he pressed him all the way to the line after that and you’d have to think that there’ll be more to come.
Mark Molloy (trainer and seller)
My hope would be an Irish one, two in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase with SALSIFY and ON THE FRINGE. I don’t know which of the two to pick. Salsify put up a very taking performance the last day whilst Enda’s horse should come on from it and he gallops, jumps and stays. They are two young progressive horses and you’d like to think they’d have too much for the home team.
P J Colville (trainer and seller) – PEDDLERS CROSS (Jewson Novices’Chase)
Two and half around there won’t be any bother as he’s obviously won a point-to-point and he stays. Over two he was second to Hurricane Fly last year so at 3/1 he looks the bet to me.
Gordon Elliott - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He travelled very well at Leopardstown, and a fast pace will suit him in the Triumph where we’ll be able to drop him in.”
Noel Meade - SPRINTER SACRE (Arkle)
“He’s one of the best horses I’ve seen for a long, long time. He’s so much better since he’s gone over fences, and I think if you can back him at odds against it’s a great price.”
Robert Power - JETSON (Pertemps Final)
“I think he won despite the soft ground in the qualifier at Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s in very good form and has a good each-way chance.”
Tom Malone (bloodstock agent) – PEDDLERS CROSS (Jewson Novices’Chase)
I think he’s a stonewall certainty. They are not side-stepping Sprinter Sacre, they’re just doing what is right for the horse and that’s putting him into a race that he’ll win. I can’t see him beaten.
Paul Townend - BOSTON BOB (Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle)
“He seems to be doing everything right, won well the last day at Leopardstown and I think he could be a Cheltenham type.”
Davy Russell - MIDNIGHT GAME (Supreme Novice Hurdle)
“I'd say Midnight Game is maybe my best chance judged on the way the Mullins camp are talking about him.”
Paul Carberry - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He's a lovely horse with loads of ability and I think the race should suit him.”
Andrew Lynch - SALSIFY (Foxhunters)
“He was impressive here last time and the better ground will suit him.”
Barry Geraghty - SPRINTER SACRE (Arkle Chase)
“He's the obvious one. What he has done so far is unbelievable. He broke the track record at Newbury and gave me some feel that day – the way he travelled and jumped. If things go well on the day and we get a clear round he'll be hard to beat. .”
Frank Berry - SNAP TIE (County Hurdle)
“He was my nap for the meeting last year but was taken out on the morning of the County Hurdle. He has come down the weights a bit since.”
Jessica Harrington - STEPS TO FREEDOM (Supreme Novice Hurdle)
“He's a nice horse to go there with and I think it's a big plus that he has won around there already.”
Tom Taaffe - ARGOCAT (Fred Winter Hurdle)
“I like the horse and think he's progressive. He represents a bit of each-way value in the race.”
Joe Burke (Stan James) - SIZING AUSTRALIA (Glenfarclas Cross Country)
“He’s only up 5lb for winning the race last year, and the prospect of fast ground on the cross-country course will suit him.”
Bryan Cooper - LUCKY WILLIAM (Grand Annual)
“He’s only got 10st2lb, and I think he’s got a right chance off that mark. He’ll be suited by good ground.”
Darragh Fitzpatrick (Ladbrokes) - OSCAR WHISKY (World Hurdle)
“I think he’s great value each-way, and he could just do Big Buck’s for toe on the run-in.”
Tony Kenny (William Hill) - SIZING EUROPE (Champion Chase)
“I think it is a weaker race than last year, and he has such a good record at the track.”
Denis Kirwan (TV3) - TETLAMI (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle)
“I was filming at Nicky Henderson’s yard and he’s very sweet on him.”
Ryan McElligott (Irish Field) - FIRST LIEUTENANT (RSA Chase)
“He’s a course winner who will love the stiff three miles and the drying ground. His trainer has few peers when it comes to preparing one for this meeting.”
Damien McElroy (Journalist) - FIRST LIEUTENANT (RSA Chase)
“He’s got a lot in his favour having won there before and will like the trip and good ground. I also think he’s better going left-handed.”
Gary O’Brien (At The Races) - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“I thought he hit the front too soon at Leopardstown last time, and he looks a bit of value.”
Noel O’Brien (NH Handicapper) - BOSTON BOB (Neptune Investment Novices Hurdle)
“He gave 10lb and a beating to Lyreen Legend, who has won a Grade 2 since, at Leopardstown. That performance gives him a rating of over 150 which is high for a staying novice at this time of year.”
Brian O’Connor (Irish Times) - SHADOW CATCHER (Triumph Hurdle)
“He didn’t get the run of the race the last day at Leopardstown, and will appreciate the stronger gallop in the Triumph.”
Barry Orr (Betfair) - MOUNT BENBULBEN (Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle)
“He was found to be not right when beaten by Boston Bob at Navan, and will love the trip.”
Dessie Scahill (Commentator) - DARLAN (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle)
“He appeared to be going well when falling in the big handicap at Newbury, and was previously very impressive in novice hurdles.”
Leon Blanche (****) - BOSTON BOB (Albert Bartlett/Neptune Hurdle)
“I'm a big fan of Boston Bob. He's in a couple of races but I've a feeling he'll go for the Albert Bartlett. I think he'll win whatever race he goes in.”
Brian Graham (Bookmaker) - AL FEROF (Arkle Chase)
“I thought his run in the Victor Chandler was superb for a novice and if you go back to the Supreme last year he was in front of both Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card. Cue Card is going to make it a real test and Al Ferof will get every yard whereas I have a slight doubt about Sprinter Sacre's stamina, especially if by any miracle it turns up soft..”
Bernard Barry (leading point-to-point and Shelbourne Park bookmaker) – MOUNT BENBULBEN (Albert Bartlett Novices’Hurdle)
Liked him since seeing him win his ‘point’in Tinahely and he looks a bit of value at around 6/1 for the Albert Bartlett.
Johnny Birrane (prominent on-course market analyst) – PIQUE SOUS (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
He was impressive at Leopardstown. There were plenty fancied against him including the Weld horse (Dancers Dilemma, finished 2nd) and Fenton’s (Five Point Plan) who finished fourth, but he just ran away from them. He’ll do for me in the bumper.
David Redvers (bloodstock agent) – GRANDS CRUS (Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup)
would be my fancy if he goes for the Gold Cup and I fancy Vulcanite each-way for the Supreme Novice. Obviously I think Hurricane Fly will win the Champion and Sprinter Sacre will win the Arkle but what do I know as I’m a flat boy these days.
Mike Barrett (point-to-point enthusiast/punter) – SALSIFY (Christie’s Foxhunters Chase).
He’s won the last three big hunter chases in Ireland, he likes good ground and his performance at Leopardstown the last day makes him the main Irish contender. I know Chapoturgeon and Cloudy Lane are fancied for the home team but with Boxer Georg and Merchant Royal as solid back-up, I think this will be a race for the Irish.
Peter Kavanagh (former jockey and a key cog in the Noel Meade team) – SIZING EUROPE (Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase) and SPRINTER SACRE (Racing Post Arkle Chase)
Should both win, but they are short prices. .
At bigger odds MONKSLAND (Neptune Investment Management Novices’Hurdle) has a big each-way shout. He would want a drop of rain. He is a good horse.
Neil O’Donnell (journalist and agent for DBS) – MONKSLAND (Neptune Investment Management Novices’Hurdle)
He looked good in his point-to-point before running out and he couldn’t have been any more impressive when winning an admittedly ordinary bumper at Down Royal. He’s gone the right way since and Noel Meade thinks he’s very very smart. His sire, Beneficial is getting plenty of winners.NOT BEFORE EIGHT (Christie’s Foxhunters Chase) has an each-way shout
Franco Hughes (bookmaker) – MOSCOW MANNON (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
Up North here we’re all hoping the local horse does the business. It’s creating great banter at the ‘points’up here every Saturday. He is a good horse and I think he can do it for Brian Hamilton and young Lavery.
Paul Cashman– FIRST LIEUTENTANT (RSA Chase)
He is a good horse and I think he’ll take a lot of beating.
Matt O’Connor (amateur rider) – ROYAL GUARDSMAN (Weatherbys Champion Bumper)
He was very impressive at Ascot the last day and he has plenty of experience now. I know the Tizzards think a lot of him and they obviously know what’s required to win this race after Cue Card. He should be a value price too.
Jim Murphy (Redpender Stud) – QUANTITATIVEEASING (JLT Speciality Handicap Chase)
He’s been put by for this and it’ll be on to the Grand National for him after this. I have a two-year-old half-brother to him here by Robin Des Champs so I’d like to see him go well. I bought First Lieutenant as a foal and sold him as a three-year-old so I’ll be watching him closely but a lot will depend on whether Grands Crus goes in the RSA or the Gold Cup.
Mikey O’Connor (amateur rider and trainer) – BURTON PORT (Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup)
Just looking in from the outside you’d have to love his run the last day. He is a good each-way bet for the Gold Cup. He lost ground going to the last on Long Run last time out but he pressed him all the way to the line after that and you’d have to think that there’ll be more to come.
Mark Molloy (trainer and seller)
My hope would be an Irish one, two in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase with SALSIFY and ON THE FRINGE. I don’t know which of the two to pick. Salsify put up a very taking performance the last day whilst Enda’s horse should come on from it and he gallops, jumps and stays. They are two young progressive horses and you’d like to think they’d have too much for the home team.
P J Colville (trainer and seller) – PEDDLERS CROSS (Jewson Novices’Chase)
Two and half around there won’t be any bother as he’s obviously won a point-to-point and he stays. Over two he was second to Hurricane Fly last year so at 3/1 he looks the bet to me.
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