Cheltenham Festival
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A bit early to start analysing this race, but I thought it would be interesting to see what difference (if any) the new conditions will make to this conundrum and keep a note of qualifiers. Prior to this season, all that was required to qualify your horse for the final was to run in one of the 18 qualifying races held throughout the season, even declaring your horse for an abandoned qualifier was good enough, which was the case with 2009 winner Kayf Aramis if memory serves me.
Previous Winners
2013 Holywell 2nd in qualifier
2012 Cape Tribulation 4th in qualifier
2011 Buena Vista 7th in qualifier
2010 Buena Vista 8th in qualifier
2009 Kayf Aramis Entered in an abandoned qualifier
2008 Ballyfitz 1st in qualifier
2007 Oscar Park 2nd in qualifier
2006 Kadoun 11th in qualifier
2005 Oulart 11th in qualifier
2004 Creon 8th in qualifier
The main change for this season is your horse needs to finish in the first 8 of a qualifier to make it to the final. Looking back at the previous 10 renewals, three winners would not have qualified under this new rule; the aforementioned Kayf Aramis, Kadoun and Oulart. From the 30 placed horses 10 would not have qualified. Basically, around one third of win and placed horses would not have qualified under this new condition.
This is reasonably significant I guess, but the majority of these “non-qualifiers” were back when there weren’t as many qualifying races; there were only 8 in 2009/10, last season there were 18. The 5 French qualifiers which have been added over the years are pointless from a punting perspective, I am not aware of any runners in the final that qualified via one of these.
Another change is the increase in the number of qualifying races, up from 18 to 20 this season. For the first time the series visits Scotland and Wales, with qualifiers at Musselburgh and Chepstow added to those held in England, Ireland and France. Realistically the number has risen from 13 to 15 when removing the French ones.
This increase in qualifiers offsets the new “first 8” rule. Apart from the odd blemish like Kayf Aramis, I just don’t see what effect these changes will have on the final of the series. It will still be relatively easy to qualify; three qualifiers already run this season have had 9 or less runners. A trainer can still run his horse early and get his mark dropped before the festival, like 5 of the last 10 winners, if that’s what needed.
Alas, it’s still going to be a nightmare finding the winner in a race which carries an average SP of 24/1 and only one winning favourite from the past 10 years!
Below is a list of qualifying races and qualifiers so far, I’ll keep adding to the list as the season progresses. I have made the assumption that Marlin Bay hasn’t qualified, he PU up in the 7 runner Aintree qualifier, if I’m wrong here let me know.
Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18
Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon
Aintree - Sunday, October 27
Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field – does he qualify?)
Auteuil - Sunday, November 3
Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur.
Kempton Park - Monday, November 4
God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher.
Newbury - Friday, November 29
Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake.
Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7
Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne.
Carlisle - Sunday, December 15
Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief
Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16
Wincanton - Thursday, December 26
Leopardstown - Sunday, December 29
Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 9
Warwick - Saturday, January 11
Pau - Sunday, January 16
Huntingdon - Friday, January 24
Punchestown - Sunday January 26
Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2
Pau - Sunday, February 2
Exeter - Sunday February 9
Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15
Chepstow - Saturday, February 22
NOTES
Four time winner Jonjo has a couple of interesting qualifiers to date: Burton Port, whose hurdle mark has now dropped to 135, and Minella For Steak who luckily finished bang on the money in 8th! The Crafty Butcher was another notable qualifier, sent over by Michael Hourigan and finished last of 6 runners in the Kempton race, his mark has since dropped 4lbs from 139 to 134, Grand Crus also qualified in this race.
Previous Winners
2013 Holywell 2nd in qualifier
2012 Cape Tribulation 4th in qualifier
2011 Buena Vista 7th in qualifier
2010 Buena Vista 8th in qualifier
2009 Kayf Aramis Entered in an abandoned qualifier
2008 Ballyfitz 1st in qualifier
2007 Oscar Park 2nd in qualifier
2006 Kadoun 11th in qualifier
2005 Oulart 11th in qualifier
2004 Creon 8th in qualifier
The main change for this season is your horse needs to finish in the first 8 of a qualifier to make it to the final. Looking back at the previous 10 renewals, three winners would not have qualified under this new rule; the aforementioned Kayf Aramis, Kadoun and Oulart. From the 30 placed horses 10 would not have qualified. Basically, around one third of win and placed horses would not have qualified under this new condition.
This is reasonably significant I guess, but the majority of these “non-qualifiers” were back when there weren’t as many qualifying races; there were only 8 in 2009/10, last season there were 18. The 5 French qualifiers which have been added over the years are pointless from a punting perspective, I am not aware of any runners in the final that qualified via one of these.
Another change is the increase in the number of qualifying races, up from 18 to 20 this season. For the first time the series visits Scotland and Wales, with qualifiers at Musselburgh and Chepstow added to those held in England, Ireland and France. Realistically the number has risen from 13 to 15 when removing the French ones.
This increase in qualifiers offsets the new “first 8” rule. Apart from the odd blemish like Kayf Aramis, I just don’t see what effect these changes will have on the final of the series. It will still be relatively easy to qualify; three qualifiers already run this season have had 9 or less runners. A trainer can still run his horse early and get his mark dropped before the festival, like 5 of the last 10 winners, if that’s what needed.
Alas, it’s still going to be a nightmare finding the winner in a race which carries an average SP of 24/1 and only one winning favourite from the past 10 years!
Below is a list of qualifying races and qualifiers so far, I’ll keep adding to the list as the season progresses. I have made the assumption that Marlin Bay hasn’t qualified, he PU up in the 7 runner Aintree qualifier, if I’m wrong here let me know.
Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18
Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon
Aintree - Sunday, October 27
Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field – does he qualify?)
Auteuil - Sunday, November 3
Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur.
Kempton Park - Monday, November 4
God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher.
Newbury - Friday, November 29
Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake.
Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7
Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne.
Carlisle - Sunday, December 15
Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief
Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16
Wincanton - Thursday, December 26
Leopardstown - Sunday, December 29
Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 9
Warwick - Saturday, January 11
Pau - Sunday, January 16
Huntingdon - Friday, January 24
Punchestown - Sunday January 26
Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2
Pau - Sunday, February 2
Exeter - Sunday February 9
Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15
Chepstow - Saturday, February 22
NOTES
Four time winner Jonjo has a couple of interesting qualifiers to date: Burton Port, whose hurdle mark has now dropped to 135, and Minella For Steak who luckily finished bang on the money in 8th! The Crafty Butcher was another notable qualifier, sent over by Michael Hourigan and finished last of 6 runners in the Kempton race, his mark has since dropped 4lbs from 139 to 134, Grand Crus also qualified in this race.
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Replies: 81
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It will be interesting to see if the new standards make a difference to the weight range. The cut off has been around 135 in most years. Anything rated less than that has been balloted out.
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Buena vista
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Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18 Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon. Aintree - Sunday, October 27 Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field assumed he does not qualify). Auteuil - Sunday, November 3 Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur. Kempton Park - Monday, November 4 God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher. Newbury - Friday, November 29 Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake. Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7 Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne. Carlisle - Sunday, December 15 Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief (2 pulled up in 9 runner field, assume the last of those two Howizee did not qualify). Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16 Could not find results, abandoned possibly. Wincanton - Thursday, December 26 Champagne West, Old Tricks, Southfield Theatre, Oscar Prairie, Seabright, Party Rock, Chesil Beach Boy (Only 8 runners, assuming Upswing did not qualify, fell at last). Leopardstown - Saturday, December 28 Courage, Seefood, Supreme Carolina, Gold Patrol, Followmeuptocarlow, El Fontan, Sarabad, Vics Canvas. Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 9 Warwick - Saturday, January 11 Pau - Sunday, January 16 Huntingdon - Friday, January 24 Punchestown - Sunday January 26 Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2 Pau - Sunday, February 2 Exeter - Sunday February 9 Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15 Chepstow - Saturday, February 22 |
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The Warwick qualifier is often informative but it is likely to be soft/heavy ground this year.
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Grand Vision has an entry in the warwick qualifier and this horses looks a likely type. Strip a lot fitter than LTO, ground although soft will be better than new years day and if this one qualifies, it would be guaranteed a run on the big day.
Connections havent lost faith and its basically still only an novice and hence improving. Cheltenham form and coudl go well. |
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I know that Terry Warner was really angry that although he won a qualifier last season he missed the cut and was obliged to run in the novice instead. Surely a winner of a qualifier should be allowed to run in the final? He is nowhere near as well handicapped now.
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Trainer was bigging this one up in his stable tour back in December, mentioned the World Hurdle! Think pertempts would be more realistic, but certainly suggests they haven't lost faith.
JJ has Oscra Fortune entered, will be watching this one, Holywell was second in this race last year before winning final. |
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*Oscar
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Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18 Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon. Aintree - Sunday, October 27 Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field assumed he does not qualify). Auteuil - Sunday, November 3 Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur. Kempton Park - Monday, November 4 God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher. Newbury - Friday, November 29 Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake. Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7 Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne. Carlisle - Sunday, December 15 Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief (2 pulled up in 9 runner field, assume the last of those two Howizee did not qualify). Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16 Could not find results, abandoned possibly. Wincanton - Thursday, December 26 Champagne West, Old Tricks, Southfield Theatre, Oscar Prairie, Seabright, Party Rock, Chesil Beach Boy (Only 8 runners, assuming Upswing did not qualify, fell at last). Leopardstown - Saturday, December 28 Courage, Seefood, Supreme Carolina, Gold Patrol, Followmeuptocarlow, El Fontan, Sarabad, Vics Canvas. Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 9 Can't find results atm Warwick - Saturday, January 11 Uncle Jimmy, Grand Vision, Drop Out Joe, Bygones Sovereign, Ballyculla, Oscar Fortune, Who Owns Me, Billy Twyford Pau - Sunday, January 16 Huntingdon - Friday, January 24 Punchestown - Sunday January 26 Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2 Pau - Sunday, February 2 Exeter - Sunday February 9 Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15 Chepstow - Saturday, February 22 |
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Very good run by Grand Vision under a big weight. I still think he will struggle in he final unless the rating comes down a bit.
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I too have been watching Grand Vision since he came back. Yesterday was much improved over Jan 1st run and now needs a break and maybe one more run before Pertemps. Need to be careful on the rating coz last three years the bottom rating to get in the race was 133, 135 and 137 and the winners have been rated 138, 142 and 140 so not much margin to play with. 140 gets him in and if he is primed and fit he will carry that better than yesterday. Good luck.
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I notice Grand Vision was only raised 2lbs after his last run, to a rating of 142. I watched his race again and he met some trouble in running, so I think it was better than it looked and is bound to come on from the race. Based on his AB 3rd a couple of years ago, 142 could prove a decent mark (Boston Bob and Lovcen both reached a rating of 150 over hurdles); he had smart handicap form before that race also.
Lightly raced, he could have more to come (only 8) and will surely be aimed at this race, trainer mentioned him as a dark horse for the World Hurdle in a recent stable tour, so he’s still highly thought of. Should have no difficulty getting in, and will have a reasonable weight, potentially a lightweight if we get a 150+ horse run, and we know he handles the course. I have a rule never to bet in the handicaps until decs are out and there’s some NRNB around, but I’m hugely tempted by the 25/1 which is on offer. |
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Already had a nibble myself GI MAC, cant do too much damage at those prices.
Not much in the qualifier today, winner likely to go the novice route and the others unlikely to get in, unless significant improvement. |
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Gi Mac the French races you can't find weren't abandoned on 16/12/13, I'll get the missus to help me list the results for you on Sunday night/Monday morning if this helps you as am away working atm as she is fluent and i don't know which of the races was a qualifier.
if you translate the language the French horse names obviously also get translated so i get a bit stuck but here's the link to the 16/12/13 results just in case you can do this yourself. Best wishes. http://www9.france-galop.com/fgweb/domaines/courses/courses_calendrier.aspx |
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Tried the link but couldn't get anywhere. If you could list the qualifiers gutfeeling, that would be much appreciated.
thanks |
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Pm'd you the results GI Mac.
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got them, cheers.
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Grand Vision entered up again on Saturday. Owner did say it would take some getting fit after his absence, but hopefully won't overplay his hand here
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GI
Looks like theres a qualifier this sunday at punchestown? Just had a peak at last years results as a starting point,have a look at the time comparison with the stayers! The horse who finnished 3rd last year is entered sunday,be interesting to see if he gets into the top 8,he,s had one go already in a qualifier. |
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Which oss? ^
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Which oss? ^
Jetson finished third in the Pertemps Final last year and is entered in the Punchestown qualifier on Sunday. He finished mid-pack (10th of 21) in a Leopaardstown qualifier on 28 December. |
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180
Thanks Ramruna, spot on,on a similar mark to last year at the mo. |
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Cheers chaps
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Hope you backed him Nocturnal, he'll go up for that, higher than when he was third last year.
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Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18 Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon. Aintree - Sunday, October 27 Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field assumed he does not qualify). Auteuil - Sunday, November 3 Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur. Kempton Park - Monday, November 4 God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher. Newbury - Friday, November 29 Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake. Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7 Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne. Carlisle - Sunday, December 15 Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief (2 pulled up in 9 runner field, assume the last of those two Howizee did not qualify). Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16 Lunatorio, Bois Du Plesses, Tomtit, Tango Chop, Heure D’Hiver, Venise Jelois, Air Shot, Pops Borget Wincanton - Thursday, December 26 Champagne West, Old Tricks, Southfield Theatre, Oscar Prairie, Seabright, Party Rock, Chesil Beach Boy (Only 8 runners, assuming Upswing did not qualify, fell at last). Leopardstown - Saturday, December 28 Courage, Seefood, Supreme Carolina, Gold Patrol, Followmeuptocarlow, El Fontan, Sarabad, Vics Canvas. Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 5 Catmoves, My Maj, Attikos, Tango Lima, Wanaba, Don Lujan Warwick - Saturday, January 11 Uncle Jimmy, Grand Vision, Drop Out Joe, Bygones Sovereign, Ballyculla, Oscar Fortune, Who Owns Me, Billy Twyford Pau - Sunday, January 16 Rocketir, Taupin Rochelais, My Summer, Voiladenuo, Monsamou, Lovely Kiss, Temps Au Temps Ire, Soleil De Vati Huntingdon - Friday, January 24 Josies Orders, Dawn Twister, San Telm, Cannon Fodder, Milan Bound, Monetary Fund, Seymour Eric, Seven Woods Punchestown – Sunday, February 2 Jetson, Thunder And Roses, Inis Meain, Festive Felon, Gold Patrol, Clonard Lad, Sadler’s Risk, Questions Answered Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2 Wyse Hill Teabags, Mister Dillon, Crowning Jewel, Any Given Moment, Attaglance, Pay The King, Capellanus, Golden Plan Pau - Sunday, February 2 Exeter - Sunday February 9 Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15 Chepstow - Saturday, February 22 |
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JETSON ran 3rd in the Pertemps Final last year off 137, having got a little too far back, and sprinting past 10 horses up the hill, to be beaten 2 lengths.
He had missed the Pertemps Final in 2012, having won the Leopardstown Qualifier but was balloted out as just too low in the weights. After last year run he was beaten by a horse at Aintree (Battle Group) that was 20lbs well in, and then took him on again at Haydock and was narrowly beaten at closer weights (off 143 rating). He stalked the leaders in todays qualifier, and won nicely on ground that was softer than ideal. He is bred from probably the most successful jumping mare in recent times. He stays very well up the Cheltenham Hill. He will get in the weights. He has a 5lb claimer to ride him this time. His defeats last year, and change of running style (closer to pace) shows lessons learned, and most likely a better chance than last year. This is MY FESTIVAL BANKER alongside FAUGHEEN in the Neptune. |
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Fair to say he scraped in,love to say I waded in GI,however i only had small saver as i thought he might be in handicap protection mode.
Having read the excellent post from Deepingfox above,it makes perfect sense that connections may feel they have unfinnished business re the final. Will await his new mark with interest,as mentioned earlier the form of last years race bears close inspection. |
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Noc,
Gutted he got beat last year, I thought he didn't get ridden close enough, for the pace of the race, and finished like Pegasus (proving the point!). Backed him again at Aintree, and got beaten by the proverbial "handicap tartar" - Battle Group. Great to see Jessie Harrington say that the horse is going back for the same three races in England, at Cheltenham, Aintree and Haydock this spring. Unfinished Business indeed, and I bet they cant believe the quick fall down the weights, c/w the three top performances he put up last spring in England. |
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DF.....I did not back him last year,it was only watching the replay last week that his run stood out,on ground probably softer than ideal,he finnished best of the lot.
Even more so was the time,25 secs faster than the stayers ran on the same day/distance,yes they carried less weight,the fourth home though had 11-8. If there is any good in the going f/c thursday he will be a player. GL |
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Been following him for a couple of seasons now, and pleased to see him going for Pertemps again. He was definitely being run to get his mark down, and I stuck him down as my handicap plot horse on that thread before his last run.
Got him in a good few AP bets, but although I backed him today, I was the same as nocturnal, and thought he'd be in handicap protection mode, so didn't have much on  I'm with you deepingfox, probably my number 1 hope for the Festival. Main dangers at the moment (like there won't be a handful in the race  ) are Seefood, and Oscar Fortune. |
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What OR will you need to get into this race now with only first 8 qualifying ? I think the lowest weight last year was 10-13 - will this mean we could have something lurking way down the handicap ?
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Qualifying Races & Qualifiers
Cheltenham - Friday, October 18 Trackmate, Benbane Head, So Fine, On The Bridge, Up For An Oscar, Act Of Kalanisi, Rare Bob, Cross Kennon. Aintree - Sunday, October 27 Ely Brown, Gauvain, Lovcen, Orsippus, Burton Port, First Fandango, (Marlin Bay PU in a 7 runner field assumed he does not qualify). Auteuil - Sunday, November 3 Seabreeze, D'Ho Portos, Marzio Astigos, Karnat, Saphina De Kerser, Anik De Maspie, Tsar Des Bieffes, Fabuleux Farceur. Kempton Park - Monday, November 4 God’s Own, Like Minded, Pateese, Seventh Sign, Grand Crus, The Crafty Butcher. Newbury - Friday, November 29 Mickie, Pateese, Red Not Blue, Twelve Roses, Kilmurvy, Western Warhorse, Invicta Lake, Minella For Stake. Sandown Park - Saturday, December 7 Saphir Du Rhea, Home Run, Whisper, Upswing, Utopie Des Bordes, Drum Valley, Oscar Magic, Bourne. Carlisle - Sunday, December 15 Kaki De La Pree, Pineau De Re, Trustan Times, Our Joey, Neptune Equester, Lie Forrit, Rock Relief (2 pulled up in 9 runner field, assume the last of those two Howizee did not qualify). Cagnes sur Mer - Monday, December 16 Lunatorio, Bois Du Plesses, Tomtit, Tango Chop, Heure D’Hiver, Venise Jelois, Air Shot, Pops Borget Wincanton - Thursday, December 26 Champagne West, Old Tricks, Southfield Theatre, Oscar Prairie, Seabright, Party Rock, Chesil Beach Boy (Only 8 runners, assuming Upswing did not qualify, fell at last). Leopardstown - Saturday, December 28 Courage, Seefood, Supreme Carolina, Gold Patrol, Followmeuptocarlow, El Fontan, Sarabad, Vics Canvas. Cagnes sur Mer - Sunday, January 5 Catmoves, My Maj, Attikos, Tango Lima, Wanaba, Don Lujan Warwick - Saturday, January 11 Uncle Jimmy, Grand Vision, Drop Out Joe, Bygones Sovereign, Ballyculla, Oscar Fortune, Who Owns Me, Billy Twyford Pau - Sunday, January 16 Rocketir, Taupin Rochelais, My Summer, Voiladenuo, Monsamou, Lovely Kiss, Temps Au Temps Ire, Soleil De Vati Huntingdon - Friday, January 24 Josies Orders, Dawn Twister, San Telm, Cannon Fodder, Milan Bound, Monetary Fund, Seymour Eric, Seven Woods Punchestown – Sunday, February 2 Jetson, Thunder And Roses, Inis Meain, Festive Felon, Gold Patrol, Clonard Lad, Sadler’s Risk, Questions Answered Musselburgh - Sunday, February 2 Wyse Hill Teabags, Mister Dillon, Crowning Jewel, Any Given Moment, Attaglance, Pay The King, Capellanus, Golden Plan Pau - Sunday, February 2 TBC Exeter - Sunday February 9 Fingal Bay, If In Doubt, Imperial Leader, Quartz De Thaix, Broadway Buffalo, Old Tricks, Carole's Destrier, Tweedledrum Haydock Park - Saturday, February 15 Chepstow - Saturday, February 22 |
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Do you think Hobbs has placed a bet on himself to win this race !!
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He always has good record in the qualifiers
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A very interesting runner in the qualifier on Saturday is Top Wood. This horse is trained by David Pipe who always likes to plot one up for this race, is extremely lightly raced and likely to have had a issue that has kept it off the track for a year. However, in its runs so far (as just a 5yo) it was very encouraging and I can expect significant improvement now a little older and also stepped up in trip. Owned by good connections this could be one to watch on Saturday, especially if a bit of support in the market.
It has an alternate engagement on saturday in a race funded by the yards sponsor, also a qualifier, but once again, obviously considered as having a bit of ability and targeting a longer term race. |
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Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but this season you have to run and end in top 6 in a qualifier to qualify for the final yes?
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OP reckons first 8.
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Used to be first 8, but somehow I have a memory of rules changing to get rid of the abandoned loophole and changed it to top 6 from top 8.
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Top 8 qualify, new rule for this season.
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