Cheltenham Festival
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Should hear something more definite soon I hope, and really hope we see SS at the festival in march.
Although having said that, there is an argument that the race will be a lot more competitive,and from a betting point of view a lot more interest I would think.
Although having said that, there is an argument that the race will be a lot more competitive,and from a betting point of view a lot more interest I would think.
Will it be any more competitive? Sire de Grugy has demolished all the English rivals so what has Ireland got? Benefficient?
I think it possible we may have a few that would otherwise have been in different races,so if SS were declared a non runner then the market could look a lot different as it does now.
Anyway I did say there is an argument,weve started that already
Anyway I did say there is an argument,weve started that already
sage - Sire de Grugy is 1-1 versus Captain Conan and guess what track Captain Conan beat him over………plus SDG has never won at CHeltenham. Plenty of potential in this race if SS doesn't get there for QMCC.
Am I the only person on here not that impressed with SDG??
think Arvika is different class to SDG to be honest,just a tad concerned about left handed for him,but ran well yesterday considering he did not make the pace like he normally likes to.
Mullins horses a tad in and out as well at the moment,and confident hes a better 2 miler than Benefficient on his day.
Mullins horses a tad in and out as well at the moment,and confident hes a better 2 miler than Benefficient on his day.
As you say, we all see it differently. I accept that Sire has not shown a liking for Cheltenham to date but he has improved by at least 20lb in the last 3 months and is learning all the time.
Can't have Arvika left handed, so therefore SDG would have to be fancied unless Cue Card was rerouted. I would much rather see Sprinter Sacre fit and well and running though.
anyone have any news on flemenstars wellbeing ? a.martin said after benificents win yesterday "it was a **** up sending beneficent to wetherby ,he should never have been there ,12 days before the Charlie hall he worked at Tipperary and what flemenstar did to him was unreal .
buddeliea 28 Dec 13 10:10
Am I the only person on here not that impressed with SDG??
No.
Am I the only person on here not that impressed with SDG??
No.
Yes, interesting to see how things pan out, but in the possible absence of a fully fit Sprinter Sacre, not out of the question that Cue Card drops back in trip, given his apparent stamina limitations might mean he'd be destined for a place at best in the Gold Cup.
Surely, if connections feel he's not up to winning the Blue Riband event, then the Queen Mother would be more prestigious than a second Ryanair win?
Surely, if connections feel he's not up to winning the Blue Riband event, then the Queen Mother would be more prestigious than a second Ryanair win?
No doubt a Champion Chase is more prestigious than a Ryanair. However I think Cue Card is way more likely to win a Ryanair than a Champion Chase.
The Sprinter Sacre thing really makes this race a lot more exciting. Had he come out the other day and laughed at his rivals as he was expected to, then the build-up would have been boring.
If he does run, then it's likely he'll be going straight there, in which case we'll all be relying on the comments and quotes of Henderson and BJG. It's all guesswork if it comes to that but at the same time, it's sure to divide opinion.
The Sprinter Sacre thing really makes this race a lot more exciting. Had he come out the other day and laughed at his rivals as he was expected to, then the build-up would have been boring.
If he does run, then it's likely he'll be going straight there, in which case we'll all be relying on the comments and quotes of Henderson and BJG. It's all guesswork if it comes to that but at the same time, it's sure to divide opinion.
It would be far more exciting if SS does run, not through the race itself, but in seeing what price he actually goes off at...the market for that race would be fascinating...basically, what price the ticker starts going haywire again mid race?
Taking SS out of the equation, I think SDG is very good on soft or Heavy. Good going come March, I couldn't have him at double figures. I too think Cue Card would take the beating. Would Mullins think of entering Champagne Fever if he is such a good thing for the Arkle and Arvika not liking Chelt or even Felix Yonger. That way he keeps them apart. Maybe talking rubbish but who knows?
Having backed SDG at 16s after his tingle creek win i am inclined to agree with the above poster, he is a 20ib improved horse on any ground with soft in the description. I can't see how we will ever see Sprinter Sacre again, and fully expect him to be out for the season. A dicky ticker on a horse as valuable as he is their sure to put him away and come back next season.
Cue Card is bound to go for this if SS is out surely, he would take a lot of beating, he still has the pace and the stamina for 2 miles round cheltenham! He would just bound out make it a test jump for fun and get them all at it!
Flemenstar would also be an interesting one, but does he come back as good as ever? How bad is the injury?
Cue Card is bound to go for this if SS is out surely, he would take a lot of beating, he still has the pace and the stamina for 2 miles round cheltenham! He would just bound out make it a test jump for fun and get them all at it!
Flemenstar would also be an interesting one, but does he come back as good as ever? How bad is the injury?
The seven-year-old was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat after being pulled up by Barry Geraghty on his seasonal return in Friday's Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.
Sprinter Sacre returned to Henderson's Seven Barrows base on Friday night but was sent to Newmarket for assessment by Celia Marr, a specialist in equine internal medicine and cardiology, on Saturday.
Marr confirmed the original diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and decided to give the horse some time to see if his heartbeat regulated itself, which Henderson reports it has now done.
He said on Sunday morning: "There's been quite a big turnaround since yesterday and it's all for the good.
"Quite soon after I put out an update yesterday afternoon, I spoke to Celia and she told me he had done what we hoped he would do and the problem had righted itself and it has stayed that way overnight.
"It's all correct this morning and we have sent a box to pick him up and he will be back home later today.
Profiles N J Henderson Sprinter Sacre (FR)
"The good thing is the fact it has self-righted means we don't have to go into the process of using any drugs. Quinidine is the normal solution for this kind of problem but it's a risky drug and it's good news we don't have to go down that route."
Henderson revealed further tests are planned for later this week and underlined the problem is a very recent development.
"The plan now is to bring him home and give him a couple of quiet days before starting light exercise," he said.
"Celia wants to come down to Seven Barrows on Friday and canter him using an ECG, so we will see how that goes.
"It will be nice to have him back at home, in his own box and eating his own food. He's much more comfortable in his usual environment.
"The important thing is that it is only a very recent onset (of the problem). Barry was so quick in picking up something was wrong and in pulling him up at Kempton."
It had been suggested the problem might rule out Sprinter Sacre for the season, but Henderson will take his time before making any plans for his seven-time Grade One winner.
"It would be speculation [to say he won't run again this season]. We're talking about cantering him again on Friday so you wouldn't rule out training him again this season," he said.
"It's got to be a step at a time with him and we will obviously know more in the coming weeks as he is back in light exercise and we will continue to monitor him."
Sprinter Sacre returned to Henderson's Seven Barrows base on Friday night but was sent to Newmarket for assessment by Celia Marr, a specialist in equine internal medicine and cardiology, on Saturday.
Marr confirmed the original diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and decided to give the horse some time to see if his heartbeat regulated itself, which Henderson reports it has now done.
He said on Sunday morning: "There's been quite a big turnaround since yesterday and it's all for the good.
"Quite soon after I put out an update yesterday afternoon, I spoke to Celia and she told me he had done what we hoped he would do and the problem had righted itself and it has stayed that way overnight.
"It's all correct this morning and we have sent a box to pick him up and he will be back home later today.
Profiles N J Henderson Sprinter Sacre (FR)
"The good thing is the fact it has self-righted means we don't have to go into the process of using any drugs. Quinidine is the normal solution for this kind of problem but it's a risky drug and it's good news we don't have to go down that route."
Henderson revealed further tests are planned for later this week and underlined the problem is a very recent development.
"The plan now is to bring him home and give him a couple of quiet days before starting light exercise," he said.
"Celia wants to come down to Seven Barrows on Friday and canter him using an ECG, so we will see how that goes.
"It will be nice to have him back at home, in his own box and eating his own food. He's much more comfortable in his usual environment.
"The important thing is that it is only a very recent onset (of the problem). Barry was so quick in picking up something was wrong and in pulling him up at Kempton."
It had been suggested the problem might rule out Sprinter Sacre for the season, but Henderson will take his time before making any plans for his seven-time Grade One winner.
"It would be speculation [to say he won't run again this season]. We're talking about cantering him again on Friday so you wouldn't rule out training him again this season," he said.
"It's got to be a step at a time with him and we will obviously know more in the coming weeks as he is back in light exercise and we will continue to monitor him."
Hidden Cyclone would be interesting if dropped back to this trip. I know the Ryanair is more likely but if SS was doubtful then this race is there for the taking. I like SDG but agree with some others that Cheltenham isn't his best track. Hidden Cyclone ran a great first race at Cheltenham in the Paddy Power really taking to the fences. If the ground were on the slower side I think he'd be better going for this than the Ryanair which (bar a fit SS)is likely to have better class of entries. Shark Hanlon has always really rated this horse and his recent run in Ireland over the shorter trip was decent.
If SS didn't turn up then I would be concentrating on cue card and captain conan.....if they run.......practically anything could turn up in this race if SS dosen't now though.....it's fascinating trying to try and 2nd guess what's going to happen with the Ryanair now too because SS is going to have a knock on effect all round.
If Third Intention is any sort of yardstick , Captain Conan would need a fence start to give Cue Card any sort of race.
That's true but he wouldn't need to give him any start if cue card doesn't run and captain conan does now would he!!!
If SS doesn't run then hendo will want a representative in there and that could very well be Conan, we know that he's effective over 2 miles and has a question mark over him at 2.4 at cheltenham, he got beat by SDG of course but his performance through the race was a very impressive one as he travelled like the best horse, he stopped as if shot turning in and being his first run when the stables runners were behaving as if they needed the race he must be given another chance...he's a better horse than SDG for me all day long, I couldn't care less what the ratings say in this instance....only opinion though
If SS doesn't run then hendo will want a representative in there and that could very well be Conan, we know that he's effective over 2 miles and has a question mark over him at 2.4 at cheltenham, he got beat by SDG of course but his performance through the race was a very impressive one as he travelled like the best horse, he stopped as if shot turning in and being his first run when the stables runners were behaving as if they needed the race he must be given another chance...he's a better horse than SDG for me all day long, I couldn't care less what the ratings say in this instance....only opinion though
This is the race that has the most ante-post juice in it for me.
As all have said, it all depends on whether Sprinter Sacre turns up. Then it depends on how well you've swotted up on the effects of an irregular heartbeat in equine athletes (I guess it beats the Formbook for sh1ts n' giggles!)
You think SS is a certainty no matter what? Okay so what do you do - wait for doom-laden edicts to emerge from Henderson's yard and go 'Oi Oi!! Binocular Mark Two!' then lump on when his price takes a walk two weeks before Cheltenham. Or do you get stuck in now, hope he turns up well on the day and then doesn't empty out after a mile?
You think it's odds against him turning up. Odss against him turning up the same horse as he was and odds against him turning up, turning up the same horse as he was and then being able to see out his race, with Kempton still fresh in your mind.
I'm amazed Faugheen has a thread to himself with postings going into the hundreds but this one hasn't, given all the uncertainty surrounding SS.
I've backed Benefficient e/w FWIW.
As all have said, it all depends on whether Sprinter Sacre turns up. Then it depends on how well you've swotted up on the effects of an irregular heartbeat in equine athletes (I guess it beats the Formbook for sh1ts n' giggles!)
You think SS is a certainty no matter what? Okay so what do you do - wait for doom-laden edicts to emerge from Henderson's yard and go 'Oi Oi!! Binocular Mark Two!' then lump on when his price takes a walk two weeks before Cheltenham. Or do you get stuck in now, hope he turns up well on the day and then doesn't empty out after a mile?
You think it's odds against him turning up. Odss against him turning up the same horse as he was and odds against him turning up, turning up the same horse as he was and then being able to see out his race, with Kempton still fresh in your mind.
I'm amazed Faugheen has a thread to himself with postings going into the hundreds but this one hasn't, given all the uncertainty surrounding SS.
I've backed Benefficient e/w FWIW.
Difficult to see this being a Binocular part two imo. Very hard to back right now, equally very hard to lay it too. If ruled out tomorrow, because he is Sprinter Sacre and it has happened in the past, he wont drift out to a silly price, yes he will be left in the market but difficult to see him going out to 3 figs after betfair put him to the bottom of their market. My guess would be someone might put something up in the 20s but wont get much bigger till at least the end of Feb.
Remember Kicking King, supposedly out for the season, straight out to 1000, miraculous recovery, wins the blue riband, Binocular was similar but even i backed at 150s after having been 1000s, so the clues were kind of there as he did move in and out a fair few times in the market before word came that he was after all a runner. SS imo is different, same yard as binoc, happened again, doubts around him, why isnt he a 7s-12s poke now? Hes evs to 6/4
Remember Kicking King, supposedly out for the season, straight out to 1000, miraculous recovery, wins the blue riband, Binocular was similar but even i backed at 150s after having been 1000s, so the clues were kind of there as he did move in and out a fair few times in the market before word came that he was after all a runner. SS imo is different, same yard as binoc, happened again, doubts around him, why isnt he a 7s-12s poke now? Hes evs to 6/4
Kauto Star, he was evs there abouts when rumours emerged about his poss well being not that great and he drifted to 7s on here straight away. Loads of scenarios.
STS hoping Sprinter dont make it, so his £2 e/w on SDG comes in, imo SDG better going right handed re form in book. But wont make any difference if Sprinter shows on day.
Come on he is the best horse we have seen in a long time - surely we won't him there 
Correct Howdi and odds against at present, maybe like picking up money off the floor?
Why is it that my comment above says that i dont want him to be there? What kind of ridiculous shiute is that to say? Jealous of my 16/1 SDG? Who cares if its £2 or £200 you do make me pee myself stevo1 sometimes pal lol.
I come on, make a comment about the current market and then come back with 3 replies to read and get that abuse!
FWIW though, SDG is a 20ib better horse with soft in the going descrition, i personally for that reason cannot have him out of the 3, might need there to only be 4 runners mind you though! But at least i got the price about a horse with a better than 80% chance of turning up!
I come on, make a comment about the current market and then come back with 3 replies to read and get that abuse!
FWIW though, SDG is a 20ib better horse with soft in the going descrition, i personally for that reason cannot have him out of the 3, might need there to only be 4 runners mind you though
! But at least i got the price about a horse with a better than 80% chance of turning up!
Rather you than me stevo1, 50/50 losing me doe, not the way i would like to go on punting!
Sorry if upset you STS not sure i would call it abuse? Anyway good luck with your bet on SDG as you state you have a good price if Sprinter dont show.
Racing Post @RacingPost 4m
Sprinter Sacre's heart rate monitored by vet Celia Marr as "perfectly normal" after cantering at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard...
...Marr, a specialist in equine internal medicine, added: "I'm pleased, these are the results I'd have been hoping to see." Story to follow.
Still could nt take evens myself at all till i saw him under some pressure
Sprinter Sacre's heart rate monitored by vet Celia Marr as "perfectly normal" after cantering at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard...
...Marr, a specialist in equine internal medicine, added: "I'm pleased, these are the results I'd have been hoping to see." Story to follow.
Still could nt take evens myself at all till i saw him under some pressure
There is no way I could bet SS at levels Ante Post. I personally don't think we will see him again this season. I think Cue card will go for the GC when they should take the Ryanair again. SDG is an improved horse this season but Cheltenham is not his course. Maybe a speculative bet on Arvika NRNB at 10s but it's 48 on BF, which is a concern.
if sprinter don't turn up then beneficent could be aimed at the cc and as a festival winner who holds a few verdicts over arvika could offer a bit of value ! plenty of twists and turns to come the market is all over the place !
2 - 2 currently with AL & Benefficient and are both prices about 10s nrnb
Are the entries for the Gold Cup and the Champion Chase being made today?
If there is ever a no bet race for me, this is the one.
You are taking a hopeful punt on Sprinter's wellbeing (whether you are a layer or a backer). I see no point in backing some of the others because if Sprinter turns up he wins. If you back Sprinter, you are not guaranteed a run.
I love antepost, but this is definitely one for the day. If you back Sire De Grugy, Beneficient etc and Sprinter turns up, I'm sure on the day you'll regret putting those on. Then again, if you back them and he doesn't turn up, you're in a great position; but in my opinion is it worth the risk, when there are about 25 other races to choose from?
You are taking a hopeful punt on Sprinter's wellbeing (whether you are a layer or a backer). I see no point in backing some of the others because if Sprinter turns up he wins. If you back Sprinter, you are not guaranteed a run.
I love antepost, but this is definitely one for the day. If you back Sire De Grugy, Beneficient etc and Sprinter turns up, I'm sure on the day you'll regret putting those on. Then again, if you back them and he doesn't turn up, you're in a great position; but in my opinion is it worth the risk, when there are about 25 other races to choose from?
yeah willie nothing between them beneficent has won at the festival ,hard to get involved at 10snrnb because if ss turns up they will be bigger . leaving this race alone till nearer the day
Totally agree with the last 2 posts.
Leave alone till the day
Leave alone till the day
it will be as bjg said earlier very interesting if sprinter sacre(is there anything out there that can?) is put under pressure in a race to see what he will find !
What is the entry fee at this stage? Surely it would be best to keep options open just in case SS doesn't get there.
The BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase
Grade 1, 2m, £350,000. Wednesday, March 12th.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
343/1-13 AL FEROF (FR) 9 John Hales Paul Nicholls
1213P-4 ALDERWOOD (IRE) 10 J P McManus Tom Mullins IRE
FP1-113 ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE (FR) 9 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
452033 ASTRACAD (FR) 8 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
32P4-25 BAILY GREEN (IRE) 8 Adam Scott Mouse Morris IRE
411P-41 BENEFFICIENT (IRE) 8 A Shiels/Niall Reilly Tony Martin IRE
11151-3 CAPTAIN CONAN (FR) 7 Triermore Stud Nicky Henderson
300-111 DODGING BULLETS 6 Martin Broughton & Friends Paul Nicholls
4205-22 FRENCH OPERA 11 Judy Wilson & Martin Landau Nicky Henderson
6F-2132 HIDDEN CYCLONE (IRE) 9 Mrs A F Mee & David Mee John Hanlon IRE
222(2)-11 HINTERLAND (FR) 6 Chris Giles Paul Nicholls
1P0P-55 KAUTO STONE (FR) 8 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls
4520-10 KID CASSIDY (IRE) 8 J P McManus Nicky Henderson
F114-24 MODULE (FR) 7 Simon Clarke Tom George
14-5442 OISEAU DE NUIT (FR) 12 Terry Warner Colin Tizzard
32-0411 OSCAR HILL (IRE) 8 K W Bradley David Bridgwater
511-343 SAVELLO (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE
11-1211 SIRE DE GRUGY (FR) 8 The Preston Family & Friends Ltd Gary Moore
122-124 SIZING EUROPE (IRE) 12 Ann & Alan Potts Partnership Henry de Bromhead IRE
2/34U-12 SOMERSBY (IRE) 10 Camilla Radford Mick Channon
2513-U3 SPECIAL TIARA 7 Mrs S Rowley-Williams Henry de Bromhead IRE
11111-P SPRINTER SACRE (FR) 8 Caroline Mould Nicky Henderson
05F-504 TATANIANO (FR) 10 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe
1241-11 TWINLIGHT (FR) 7 M L Bloodstock Ltd Willie Mullins IRE
224121- UPEPITO (FR) 6 Andrew Brooks Venetia Williams
133-662 WISHFULL THINKING 11 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
26 entries
9 Irish-trained
Grade 1, 2m, £350,000. Wednesday, March 12th.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
343/1-13 AL FEROF (FR) 9 John Hales Paul Nicholls
1213P-4 ALDERWOOD (IRE) 10 J P McManus Tom Mullins IRE
FP1-113 ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE (FR) 9 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
452033 ASTRACAD (FR) 8 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
32P4-25 BAILY GREEN (IRE) 8 Adam Scott Mouse Morris IRE
411P-41 BENEFFICIENT (IRE) 8 A Shiels/Niall Reilly Tony Martin IRE
11151-3 CAPTAIN CONAN (FR) 7 Triermore Stud Nicky Henderson
300-111 DODGING BULLETS 6 Martin Broughton & Friends Paul Nicholls
4205-22 FRENCH OPERA 11 Judy Wilson & Martin Landau Nicky Henderson
6F-2132 HIDDEN CYCLONE (IRE) 9 Mrs A F Mee & David Mee John Hanlon IRE
222(2)-11 HINTERLAND (FR) 6 Chris Giles Paul Nicholls
1P0P-55 KAUTO STONE (FR) 8 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls
4520-10 KID CASSIDY (IRE) 8 J P McManus Nicky Henderson
F114-24 MODULE (FR) 7 Simon Clarke Tom George
14-5442 OISEAU DE NUIT (FR) 12 Terry Warner Colin Tizzard
32-0411 OSCAR HILL (IRE) 8 K W Bradley David Bridgwater
511-343 SAVELLO (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE
11-1211 SIRE DE GRUGY (FR) 8 The Preston Family & Friends Ltd Gary Moore
122-124 SIZING EUROPE (IRE) 12 Ann & Alan Potts Partnership Henry de Bromhead IRE
2/34U-12 SOMERSBY (IRE) 10 Camilla Radford Mick Channon
2513-U3 SPECIAL TIARA 7 Mrs S Rowley-Williams Henry de Bromhead IRE
11111-P SPRINTER SACRE (FR) 8 Caroline Mould Nicky Henderson
05F-504 TATANIANO (FR) 10 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe
1241-11 TWINLIGHT (FR) 7 M L Bloodstock Ltd Willie Mullins IRE
224121- UPEPITO (FR) 6 Andrew Brooks Venetia Williams
133-662 WISHFULL THINKING 11 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
26 entries
9 Irish-trained
Sprinter Sacre heads 26 entries for the £350,000 BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 12th.
Nicky Henderson's charge is the 4/7 favourite with sponsor BetVictor to become the 12th dual winner of the two-mile chasing championship following a faultless 19-length demolition of Sizing Europe in last season's renewal. Sprinter Sacre went on to complete a memorable Grade One spring Festival hat-trick with victories in Aintree's Melling Chase and Punchestown's equivalent of the Champion Chase, but this season has not gone to plan.
The eight-year-old missed his intended reappearance in the BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on December 7 due to an unsatisfactory tracheal wash and was pulled up at halfway in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park on December 27. Post-race tests revealed he had an irregular heartbeat, but subsequent analysis indicated the problem had corrected itself.
With Sprinter Sacre absent or below par, last season's Grade Two Celebration Chase scorer Sire De Grugy (3/1) has established himself as a leading two-mile chaser with three victories from four starts this term. Gary Moore's eight-year-old stable star made light work of his rivals under top-weight at Chepstow in October and, after failing to concede 10lb to Kid Cassidy in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November, has come home the decisive winner of both the Grade One BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase and the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase.
Henry de Bromhead is responsible for two of the nine Irish-trained entries, headed by 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe, who has only finished out of the first two once in five starts at The Festival.
The 12-year-old also captured the 2010 Racing Post Arkle Chase and has filled the runner-up spot in the last two renewals of the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase. He made a successful reappearance at Gowran Park in October, but proved no match for Roi Du Mee when second in the three-mile Champion Chase at Down Royal in November or when fourth to Benefficient (10/1) after being dropped back sharply in trip at Leopardstown on December 27.
De Bromhead reported: "Hopefully, Sizing Europe will run in either the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase. They are provisional entries and we are not leaning either way at this stage.
"He has been fine since his run at Leopardstown. He was a little disappointing and didn't really attack his fences as he normally does, but there were various reasons with the ground being the main one. He will go straight to Cheltenham now and hopefully he can bounce back."
Sizing Europe is joined among the entries by his improving stable companion Special Tiara, who sprung a surprise when beating Overturn in the Grade One Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in April. The lightly-raced seven-year-old unseated Bryan Cooper on his seasonal return at Naas in October, but bounced back with an encouraging third to Kid Cassidy and Sire De Grugy in the Shloer Chase at The Open.
De Bromhead added: "The BetVictor Champion Chase is a race we are very much looking at for Special Tiara. We were delighted with his run at Cheltenham where the ground there was still a little bit soft for him.
"He has been in great form since then and we were going to run him at Christmas, but the ground went against him everywhere, so we decided to wait.
"He's in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot next Saturday (January 18) and he might go there depending on ground or otherwise he will run in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown at the beginning of February."
The Irish contingent also features the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Arvika Ligeonniere (14/1) and Twinlight (14/1), last season's Racing Post Arkle Chase runner-up Baily Green, dual Festival scorer Alderwood and Paddy Power Gold Cup third Hidden Cyclone (12/1).
Timeform Ratings for the Champion Chase (weight-adjusted)
203p SPRINTER SACRE
178 AL FEROF
177+ SIRE DE GRUGY
176 ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE
173 RIVERSIDE THEATRE
171+ BENEFFICIENT
171 SOMERSBY
170 HIDDEN CYCLONE
167+ CAPTAIN CONAN
167 OISEAU DE NUIT
Nicky Henderson's charge is the 4/7 favourite with sponsor BetVictor to become the 12th dual winner of the two-mile chasing championship following a faultless 19-length demolition of Sizing Europe in last season's renewal. Sprinter Sacre went on to complete a memorable Grade One spring Festival hat-trick with victories in Aintree's Melling Chase and Punchestown's equivalent of the Champion Chase, but this season has not gone to plan.
The eight-year-old missed his intended reappearance in the BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on December 7 due to an unsatisfactory tracheal wash and was pulled up at halfway in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park on December 27. Post-race tests revealed he had an irregular heartbeat, but subsequent analysis indicated the problem had corrected itself.
With Sprinter Sacre absent or below par, last season's Grade Two Celebration Chase scorer Sire De Grugy (3/1) has established himself as a leading two-mile chaser with three victories from four starts this term. Gary Moore's eight-year-old stable star made light work of his rivals under top-weight at Chepstow in October and, after failing to concede 10lb to Kid Cassidy in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November, has come home the decisive winner of both the Grade One BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase and the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase.
Henry de Bromhead is responsible for two of the nine Irish-trained entries, headed by 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe, who has only finished out of the first two once in five starts at The Festival.
The 12-year-old also captured the 2010 Racing Post Arkle Chase and has filled the runner-up spot in the last two renewals of the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase. He made a successful reappearance at Gowran Park in October, but proved no match for Roi Du Mee when second in the three-mile Champion Chase at Down Royal in November or when fourth to Benefficient (10/1) after being dropped back sharply in trip at Leopardstown on December 27.
De Bromhead reported: "Hopefully, Sizing Europe will run in either the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase. They are provisional entries and we are not leaning either way at this stage.
"He has been fine since his run at Leopardstown. He was a little disappointing and didn't really attack his fences as he normally does, but there were various reasons with the ground being the main one. He will go straight to Cheltenham now and hopefully he can bounce back."
Sizing Europe is joined among the entries by his improving stable companion Special Tiara, who sprung a surprise when beating Overturn in the Grade One Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in April. The lightly-raced seven-year-old unseated Bryan Cooper on his seasonal return at Naas in October, but bounced back with an encouraging third to Kid Cassidy and Sire De Grugy in the Shloer Chase at The Open.
De Bromhead added: "The BetVictor Champion Chase is a race we are very much looking at for Special Tiara. We were delighted with his run at Cheltenham where the ground there was still a little bit soft for him.
"He has been in great form since then and we were going to run him at Christmas, but the ground went against him everywhere, so we decided to wait.
"He's in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot next Saturday (January 18) and he might go there depending on ground or otherwise he will run in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown at the beginning of February."
The Irish contingent also features the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Arvika Ligeonniere (14/1) and Twinlight (14/1), last season's Racing Post Arkle Chase runner-up Baily Green, dual Festival scorer Alderwood and Paddy Power Gold Cup third Hidden Cyclone (12/1).
Timeform Ratings for the Champion Chase (weight-adjusted)
203p SPRINTER SACRE
178 AL FEROF
177+ SIRE DE GRUGY
176 ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE
173 RIVERSIDE THEATRE
171+ BENEFFICIENT
171 SOMERSBY
170 HIDDEN CYCLONE
167+ CAPTAIN CONAN
167 OISEAU DE NUIT
Pricewise tomorrow. I'm sure Segal would rather not have to do this race yet, as the participation of quite a few of the horses probably depends on the welfare of Sprinter Sacre, but then again potential non runners don't seem to bother him. I like to try to speculate. About who he will pick as it tends to influence the market. Captain Conan? Kid Cassidy? Special Tiara?
This is good stuff!
For some, it's a no-bet-until the day race for others it's a real ante-post opportunity.
If SS turns up on the day (without a prep race) does he still win? You're still taking an almighty chance that his 'condition' doesn't re-assert itself mid-race a la Tingle Creek.
I bet there are a few more connections willing to bet the latter; certainly more than if he'd won the Tingle Creek with his head in his chest.
For some, it's a no-bet-until the day race for others it's a real ante-post opportunity.
If SS turns up on the day (without a prep race) does he still win? You're still taking an almighty chance that his 'condition' doesn't re-assert itself mid-race a la Tingle Creek.
I bet there are a few more connections willing to bet the latter; certainly more than if he'd won the Tingle Creek with his head in his chest.
Nicky Henderson tells @BetRacingNation a final decision will be made on Sprinter Sacre's @CheltenhamRaces participation in "another 10 days"
agreed rogertheb massive value staring us punters in the face ! avail yourselves and load up !
Trainer Nicky Henderson expects the final decision over Sprinter Sacre's participation in the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase to be made within the next 10 days.
Henderson has endured a torrid time this season with the current champion, who lost his unbeaten record over fences when he pulled up at Kempton over Christmas with an irregular heartbeat.
It has been a slow, gradual process trying to build him back up and while everything is on target so far, the Seven Barrows handler stressed Sprinter Sacre will not run at the Cheltenham Festival unless he was 100 per cent happy.
"He either runs in the Champion Chase or we put him away for next season," Henderson told BetRacingNation TV.
"He worked on Wednesday and I was pleased with him. He wears a heart monitor in all his work and he's wired up to Newmarket. I have the results back within an hour, it's all perfectly OK.
"We've got work to do and I would think it will be another 10 days before we finally make the decision.
"He could go to Kempton on Friday week or even Newbury (next) weekend as I wouldn't mind him jumping some fences on a racecourse.
"Captain Conan is in good order and I think he will finish up running in the Champion Chase whether Sprinter is there or not, and Kid Cassidy will almost certainly run in it, too, so we might be three-handed.
"Sprinter will only run if he is back to what we consider his very best. If he is, to be fair, unless I get this wrong, he is the one they all have to beat. It will be difficult to beat him if he is back and if he's not back I won't run him."
Henderson has endured a torrid time this season with the current champion, who lost his unbeaten record over fences when he pulled up at Kempton over Christmas with an irregular heartbeat.
It has been a slow, gradual process trying to build him back up and while everything is on target so far, the Seven Barrows handler stressed Sprinter Sacre will not run at the Cheltenham Festival unless he was 100 per cent happy.
"He either runs in the Champion Chase or we put him away for next season," Henderson told BetRacingNation TV.
"He worked on Wednesday and I was pleased with him. He wears a heart monitor in all his work and he's wired up to Newmarket. I have the results back within an hour, it's all perfectly OK.
"We've got work to do and I would think it will be another 10 days before we finally make the decision.
"He could go to Kempton on Friday week or even Newbury (next) weekend as I wouldn't mind him jumping some fences on a racecourse.
"Captain Conan is in good order and I think he will finish up running in the Champion Chase whether Sprinter is there or not, and Kid Cassidy will almost certainly run in it, too, so we might be three-handed.
"Sprinter will only run if he is back to what we consider his very best. If he is, to be fair, unless I get this wrong, he is the one they all have to beat. It will be difficult to beat him if he is back and if he's not back I won't run him."
I don't think he will run and have laid at 2.1...even if he does run they offered evens for 20 quid last year when he was unbeatable...there will be better offers available this year but taking evens on here is madness when he is 5/6 NRNB.
With the feeling he won't run I have Al Ferof NRNB 20/1 took Benefficient at 25s on here and also Kid Cassidy at 32s n 4s as I think he swept Sire De Grugy aside quite easily in November, albeit getting 10 pounds
With the feeling he won't run I have Al Ferof NRNB 20/1 took Benefficient at 25s on here and also Kid Cassidy at 32s n 4s as I think he swept Sire De Grugy aside quite easily in November, albeit getting 10 pounds
Odds on here for win and place very close.
I think Henderson needs him running and they will do everything to get him there.
I think Henderson needs him running and they will do everything to get him there.
My gut feeling is he won't run at Cheltenham. Everything seems to be being put back and I think they will run out of time.
From looking, at the end of last season, as though he would be almost certain to have a stellar season again this time round, Nicky Henderson looks short of anything going into Cheltenham with much degree of a winning chance, Bobs Worth aside.
what a complete load of tosh from hendo its defo running.horse is flying and looking fantastic,if you believe what luke Harvey has been saying and I think he`d no`s cos he`s big pals with fitzy he said its a certainty aslong as it stands on its feet which if you no your racing its probably the best jumper we have ever seen.so don't get put off by the sneaks comments
Exactly see my thread on racing forum.
Sir h just says the right things to get us backers a better price.
Sir h just says the right things to get us backers a better price.
Feb 22, 2014 -- 2:57PM, robbierobot wrote:
what a complete load of tosh from hendo its defo running.horse is flying and looking fantastic,if you believe what luke Harvey has been saying and I think he`d no`s cos he`s big pals with fitzy he said its a certainty aslong as it stands on its feet which if you no your racing its probably the best jumper we have ever seen.so don't get put off by the sneaks comments
Market on here doesn't share your confidence - another pocket talking ramper ?
Shades of Binocular CH 2010; cue massive price drift?
And a nice price for the backers
Have played Benefficient this morning at 10s EW NRNB. Doubts about Sprinter, and whether Sire de Grugy and Arvika will go on the track/left handed. See no reason for the Leopardstown form to be reversed and don't think the rest of the English challengers are good enough. Of course he will probably go for the Ryanair but that the beauty about NRNB. He's a previous festival winner and may well be able to boss the race from the front so for me by far the best % call.
I am now on SDG as every one is aware on here at 16s each way and have since added Kid Cassidy at 16s and Captain Conan at 11s with b-365 as their nrnb AND b.o.g with antepost rules. If you can find the value, and i would add AL into that mix tomorrow if still 12s, even at 10s, B-365 just have to be the company to bet with!
Kid Cassidy 33s on here and trainer says he's running.
SEATHESTARS....NO1 • February 23, 2014 2:01 PM GMT
I am now on SDG as every one is aware on here at 16s each way and have since added Kid Cassidy at 16s and Captain Conan at 11s with b-365 as their nrnb AND b.o.g with antepost rules. If you can find the value, and i would add AL into that mix tomorrow if still 12s, even at 10s, B-365 just have to be the company to bet with! ....to be fair pal im not sure everyone is aware, don't suppose they are that bothered.
I am now on SDG as every one is aware on here at 16s each way and have since added Kid Cassidy at 16s and Captain Conan at 11s with b-365 as their nrnb AND b.o.g with antepost rules. If you can find the value, and i would add AL into that mix tomorrow if still 12s, even at 10s, B-365 just have to be the company to bet with! ....to be fair pal im not sure everyone is aware, don't suppose they are that bothered.
oh great start 4 Cheltenham all my anti post bets down in 1 go had ss with everything just ****en typical you tsser henderson
Is Somersby out or on the treatment table? If the big man is watching got to win.
Sire De Grugy looks awful short to me now - I know it's only two runs over fences at the track and he was trying to give Kid Cassidy 10lbs but even so...
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