Cheltenham Festival
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26 Jan 15
12:31
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Date Joined:
04 Dec 06
After yesterday's demolition job by Un De Sceaux there is already an orderly queue for backers of him for The Arkle. A lot of potential opponents in the Arkle will maybe switch to this race. The Arkles loss is the JLT's gain and this now looks the one of the hottest Group 1's at the festival.
VAUTOUR is the market leader. A very impressive winner of last season Supreme and 2 from 3 over fences. He looked very accomplished on his debut but questions have been raised since. He was down on his nose over Christmas and was comprehensively beat by Clarcam. Mullins reported he wasn't himself in that race and bounced back last time easily winning by a wide margin. His jumping however did not look as slick as on his debut and I wonder if everything is tickity boo. He should stay this trip easily on breeding and Walsh as said he has always ridden him as a stayer. His talent is unquestionable but I'd be interested to see how he copes if wasn't allowed to dictate and have things his own way.
PTIT ZIG. 6th in last seasons Champion Hurdle and is 4 from 4 over fences this season. I really like this horse and won well over the course latest after 4 quick races in just 6 weeks. Nicholls said he wanted to give him course experience and will give him a break now and build him back up for this race. However it was reported last week he will now take in the Pendil chase a few weeks before the festival. He may take that in his stride but Nicholls sees him as Gold Cup prospect next season and has said this year is not all about Cheltenham. The English novices have not looked as strong as the Irish this season so holes could be picked in his form but I like his attitude and he jumps well.
VALSEUR LIDO. A good novice hurdler but no surprise bing a Gigginstown horse chasing was always going to be his game. He is 2 from 2 over fences and could not have been more impressive in the grade 1 Drinmore last time. He easily beat Apache Stronghold and looks like this will be his target. He is entered in the Grade 1 Flogas Chase in a fortnights time which looks another hot trial. Gigginstown have a very good crop this year and a bit of sorting out is yet to be done but I think he will run here. At 7/1 he is a good each way bet.
APACHE STRONGHOLD. He was easily beaten by Valseur Lido in November and then ran a good race in defeat over Christmas when stepped up to 3 miles. He is a good horse but I feel he will be caught out at this trip. He jumped much better over the extended trip compared to his defeat by Valseur and maybe more of a Powers Gold Cup horse.
SPLASH OF GINGE after his handicap win on New Years day he maybe to high in the rankings to run anywhere else but here. He has course form, runs well in big fields, jumps well and could be place material.
GILGAMBOA My voucher for him to win the Arkle is in the bin after yesterday and this looks the logical race now. He will get the trip no problem and had looked an assured jumper until yesterday. Whether that was being out of his comfort zone because if the machine or the McCoy factor in not sure. Either way I've lost confidence in him now.
LE VENT D'ANTAN. A horse who on paper has loads to find and is probably and hopeful shout, but I like him. He looks the part, went off joint favourite for the bumper a couple of years ago, jumps and travels and Russell has suggested this is the race he should go for. He too is entered in the Grade 1 Flogas Chase in 2 weeks so I will know my fate shortly. At 20/1 he is worth a few sheckles.
I hope the Flogas Chase isn't easily won by anyone like the Irish Arkle yesterday to dampen this heat.
GL ALL.
VAUTOUR is the market leader. A very impressive winner of last season Supreme and 2 from 3 over fences. He looked very accomplished on his debut but questions have been raised since. He was down on his nose over Christmas and was comprehensively beat by Clarcam. Mullins reported he wasn't himself in that race and bounced back last time easily winning by a wide margin. His jumping however did not look as slick as on his debut and I wonder if everything is tickity boo. He should stay this trip easily on breeding and Walsh as said he has always ridden him as a stayer. His talent is unquestionable but I'd be interested to see how he copes if wasn't allowed to dictate and have things his own way.
PTIT ZIG. 6th in last seasons Champion Hurdle and is 4 from 4 over fences this season. I really like this horse and won well over the course latest after 4 quick races in just 6 weeks. Nicholls said he wanted to give him course experience and will give him a break now and build him back up for this race. However it was reported last week he will now take in the Pendil chase a few weeks before the festival. He may take that in his stride but Nicholls sees him as Gold Cup prospect next season and has said this year is not all about Cheltenham. The English novices have not looked as strong as the Irish this season so holes could be picked in his form but I like his attitude and he jumps well.
VALSEUR LIDO. A good novice hurdler but no surprise bing a Gigginstown horse chasing was always going to be his game. He is 2 from 2 over fences and could not have been more impressive in the grade 1 Drinmore last time. He easily beat Apache Stronghold and looks like this will be his target. He is entered in the Grade 1 Flogas Chase in a fortnights time which looks another hot trial. Gigginstown have a very good crop this year and a bit of sorting out is yet to be done but I think he will run here. At 7/1 he is a good each way bet.
APACHE STRONGHOLD. He was easily beaten by Valseur Lido in November and then ran a good race in defeat over Christmas when stepped up to 3 miles. He is a good horse but I feel he will be caught out at this trip. He jumped much better over the extended trip compared to his defeat by Valseur and maybe more of a Powers Gold Cup horse.
SPLASH OF GINGE after his handicap win on New Years day he maybe to high in the rankings to run anywhere else but here. He has course form, runs well in big fields, jumps well and could be place material.
GILGAMBOA My voucher for him to win the Arkle is in the bin after yesterday and this looks the logical race now. He will get the trip no problem and had looked an assured jumper until yesterday. Whether that was being out of his comfort zone because if the machine or the McCoy factor in not sure. Either way I've lost confidence in him now.
LE VENT D'ANTAN. A horse who on paper has loads to find and is probably and hopeful shout, but I like him. He looks the part, went off joint favourite for the bumper a couple of years ago, jumps and travels and Russell has suggested this is the race he should go for. He too is entered in the Grade 1 Flogas Chase in 2 weeks so I will know my fate shortly. At 20/1 he is worth a few sheckles.
I hope the Flogas Chase isn't easily won by anyone like the Irish Arkle yesterday to dampen this heat.
GL ALL.
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Good write up. Re: Apache Stronghold, he jumped better over 3m but that had more to do with the fact he jumped left following Real Steel in the Drinmore than the trip, and connections may be reluctant to return to Fairyhouse for the Powers given how he jumped that day, although I think it was more to do with Real Steel than the course.
Was very impressed by Ptit Zig on New Years Day.
Nicholls was adamant the JLT was the target and all roads lead there when interviewed immediately afterwards. Trip seem ideal for him so why d1ck about?
Nicholls was adamant the JLT was the target and all roads lead there when interviewed immediately afterwards. Trip seem ideal for him so why d1ck about?
Gilgamboa is likely to step up in trip after losing his 100 per cent record over fences behind the impressive Un De Sceaux at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The seven-year-old has an entry in the JLT Novices' Chase over two and a half miles at the Cheltenham Festival and that was immediately suggested as a possible target for Gilgamboa, who had won his first two starts over the bigger obstacles at Navan and Limerick.
However, connections will let the dust settle before firming up plans for the Enda Bolger-trained gelding after he finished last of three in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase over two miles and a furlong.
He is also engaged in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.
"It looked like he needs further, but having said that the winner looked different class," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
The seven-year-old has an entry in the JLT Novices' Chase over two and a half miles at the Cheltenham Festival and that was immediately suggested as a possible target for Gilgamboa, who had won his first two starts over the bigger obstacles at Navan and Limerick.
However, connections will let the dust settle before firming up plans for the Enda Bolger-trained gelding after he finished last of three in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase over two miles and a furlong.
He is also engaged in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.
"It looked like he needs further, but having said that the winner looked different class," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
I think Gilgamboa 11/1 Skybet is pretty fair and have had a bet. Some strong opposition but fair price.
Yesterdays experience should do him the world of good. First time he has had to jump at pace. They will be going a stride slower than that in JLT. 11s seems a fair shout, but IMO this could be the race of the festival. So much potential in it.
Ptit Zig probably deserves to be fav on what he has done, but I feel there are a few in there with the potential to be on the next level. Its just a matter of finding the right one!! Vautour win in the Supreme is hard to shake from the memory. It's going to be a quality race.
Ptit Zig probably deserves to be fav on what he has done, but I feel there are a few in there with the potential to be on the next level. Its just a matter of finding the right one!! Vautour win in the Supreme is hard to shake from the memory. It's going to be a quality race.
surprised no mention of the tullow tank....
won well on debut, not right in the drinmore and next race over 3 miles was too far. 2 times grade 1 winner, I think he will appreciate better ground.
won well on debut, not right in the drinmore and next race over 3 miles was too far. 2 times grade 1 winner, I think he will appreciate better ground.
I wouldn't be surprised to see TTT line up in the Coral Cup Alleged.
Jumped superb on debut, like an old hand, but seemed to resent it at Leop. He was never travelling or jumping, it wasn't thr trip that beat him. He was never going to win that day.
Maybe he is hurting, and if that's the case he prob wont be seen at all, and may never fulfil his potential. If I see him entered for the Coral, I will have a stab at a big price.
Entered at Leop Sunday week though, which suggests they don't think there is a problem, and that he may stay chasing.
Jumped superb on debut, like an old hand, but seemed to resent it at Leop. He was never travelling or jumping, it wasn't thr trip that beat him. He was never going to win that day.
Maybe he is hurting, and if that's the case he prob wont be seen at all, and may never fulfil his potential. If I see him entered for the Coral, I will have a stab at a big price.
Entered at Leop Sunday week though, which suggests they don't think there is a problem, and that he may stay chasing.
ahhh theres still hope then.... thanks for that info mate 
Agree re that this could be the race of the festival.
Currently, I'd have them in the following order
1. Valseur Lido
2. Ptit Zig
3. Vautour
4. Apache Stronghold
5. Gilgamboa
My only play in this is Vautour (any race) at 6/1 and Apache at 16's and 20's.
At the moment I'm in two minds what to do, as I had a good feeling about Apache, but now it looks like Vautour and Gilgamboa may head this way, I'm less confident in him.
Vautour would beat all these over hurdles, but to me he hasn't looked as good over fences, whilst Valseur has improved a ton for them, so I'm struggling to seperate the top 3.
Currently, I'd have them in the following order
1. Valseur Lido
2. Ptit Zig
3. Vautour
4. Apache Stronghold
5. Gilgamboa
My only play in this is Vautour (any race) at 6/1 and Apache at 16's and 20's.
At the moment I'm in two minds what to do, as I had a good feeling about Apache, but now it looks like Vautour and Gilgamboa may head this way, I'm less confident in him.
Vautour would beat all these over hurdles, but to me he hasn't looked as good over fences, whilst Valseur has improved a ton for them, so I'm struggling to seperate the top 3.
And some people are saying the JLT is a bad addition to the festival!!
Like Apache myself.
Like Apache myself.
Apache Stronghold is better left handed based on how he ran in the Drinmore. He'd also be one to improve for better ground. He and Real Steel took eachother on too far out and paid the Price. Cooper won it well in the end on Valseur Lido. But Apache is one to take from the race.
Don't know what to make of his last two runs. He was so impressive on his debut. Will be watching brief nto.
I've just watched Ptit Zigs races, Josses Hill runs no race at Ascot, poor jumping and you can't get away with that especially fto when short of a bit of fitness. I don't rate Champagne West as any sort of real top class horse over 2m5f and Ptit Zig battled to beat him. 4/1 is far too short. He has to be taken on. I'd fancy Irish Saint to beat him tbh.
I've just watched Ptit Zigs races, Josses Hill runs no race at Ascot, poor jumping and you can't get away with that especially fto when short of a bit of fitness. I don't rate Champagne West as any sort of real top class horse over 2m5f and Ptit Zig battled to beat him. 4/1 is far too short. He has to be taken on. I'd fancy Irish Saint to beat him tbh.
Between Ptit Zig and Vautour for me. Going to be a cracking JLT
I think Ptit Zig should be outright fave.
Too much is being made of vautours supreme win - chasing is totally different and he has questions to answer. i dont like the fact that nothing came to light after he threw in a stinker and dead-heated with ted veale. he then wins what is effectively a 2 horse race with the only serious rival falling at the last. he would have won easily, but we learnt nothing. he got his own way.
the opposite has happened with ptit zig. he is being judged more on his hurdle form which wasnt top class. nicholls made it clear after the fred winter and during last season that he is a chaser. jumps very well, stays and has speed.
Too much is being made of vautours supreme win - chasing is totally different and he has questions to answer. i dont like the fact that nothing came to light after he threw in a stinker and dead-heated with ted veale. he then wins what is effectively a 2 horse race with the only serious rival falling at the last. he would have won easily, but we learnt nothing. he got his own way.
the opposite has happened with ptit zig. he is being judged more on his hurdle form which wasnt top class. nicholls made it clear after the fred winter and during last season that he is a chaser. jumps very well, stays and has speed.
Do PaddyPower know something or taking a view on Gilgamboa? They've just pushed it out to 14/1 and next best bookie is 10/1?? Thoughts
| Apache Jack (IRE) | Ms Sandra Hughes, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Apache Stronghold (IRE) | Noel Meade, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Balbir du Mathan (FR) | Gordon Elliott, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Band of Blood (IRE) | M. F. Morris, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Big Water (IRE) | Alan Swinbank | 11st 4lb |
| Carole's Destrier | Neil Mulholland | 11st 4lb |
| Cause of Causes (USA) | Gordon Elliott, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Cheltenian (FR) | Philip Hobbs | 11st 4lb |
| Close Touch | Nicky Henderson | 11st 4lb |
| Colour Squadron (IRE) | Philip Hobbs | 11st 4lb |
| Deep Trouble (IRE) | Ben Case | 11st 4lb |
| Don Poli (IRE) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Draycott Place (IRE) | John Patrick Ryan, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Fine Rightly (IRE) | Stuart Crawford, Northern Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Gilgamboa (IRE) | Enda Bolger, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| God's Own (IRE) | Tom George | 11st 4lb |
| Grumeti | Alan King | 11st 4lb |
| Hollow Penny | Alan King | 11st 4lb |
| Irish Saint (FR) | Paul Nicholls | 11st 4lb |
| Jarry d'Honneur (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Josses Hill (IRE) | Nicky Henderson | 11st 4lb |
| Killala Quay | Charlie Longsdon | 11st 4lb |
| Kings Lad (IRE) | Colin Tizzard | 11st 4lb |
| Knock House (IRE) | Mick Channon | 11st 4lb |
| Landscape (FR) | Venetia Williams | 11st 4lb |
| Le Vent d'Antan (FR) | Miss Elizabeth Doyle, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Little Jon | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 11st 4lb |
| Vautour (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Arthur's Secret (FR) | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 11st 3lb |
| Cold March (FR) | Venetia Williams | 11st 3lb |
| Traffic Fluide (FR) | Gary Moore | 11st 3lb |
| Vroum Vroum Mag (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 11lb |
| Adriana des Mottes (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Florishwells d'Ete (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Gitane du Berlais (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Champagne West (IRE) | scratched | |
| Saphir du Rheu (FR) | Paul Nicholls | scratched |
| Apache Jack (IRE) | Ms Sandra Hughes, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Apache Stronghold (IRE) | Noel Meade, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Balbir du Mathan (FR) | Gordon Elliott, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Band of Blood (IRE) | M. F. Morris, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Big Water (IRE) | Alan Swinbank | 11st 4lb |
| Carole's Destrier | Neil Mulholland | 11st 4lb |
| Cause of Causes (USA) | Gordon Elliott, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Cheltenian (FR) | Philip Hobbs | 11st 4lb |
| Close Touch | Nicky Henderson | 11st 4lb |
| Colour Squadron (IRE) | Philip Hobbs | 11st 4lb |
| Deep Trouble (IRE) | Ben Case | 11st 4lb |
| Don Poli (IRE) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Draycott Place (IRE) | John Patrick Ryan, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Fine Rightly (IRE) | Stuart Crawford, Northern Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Gilgamboa (IRE) | Enda Bolger, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| God's Own (IRE) | Tom George | 11st 4lb |
| Grumeti | Alan King | 11st 4lb |
| Hollow Penny | Alan King | 11st 4lb |
| Irish Saint (FR) | Paul Nicholls | 11st 4lb |
| Jarry d'Honneur (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Josses Hill (IRE) | Nicky Henderson | 11st 4lb |
| Killala Quay | Charlie Longsdon | 11st 4lb |
| Kings Lad (IRE) | Colin Tizzard | 11st 4lb |
| Knock House (IRE) | Mick Channon | 11st 4lb |
| Landscape (FR) | Venetia Williams | 11st 4lb |
| Le Vent d'Antan (FR) | Miss Elizabeth Doyle, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Little Jon | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 11st 4lb |
| Mala Beach (IRE) | Gordon Elliott, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Melodic Rendezvous | Jeremy Scott | 11st 4lb |
| Mister Spingsprong (IRE) | Michael Smith | 11st 4lb |
| Noble Emperor (IRE) | A. J. Martin, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Perfect Gentleman (IRE) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Ptit Zig (FR) | Paul Nicholls | 11st 4lb |
| Puffin Billy (IRE) | Oliver Sherwood | 11st 4lb |
| Real Steel (IRE) | M. F. Morris, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Rule The World | M. F. Morris, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Seventh Sky (GER) | Charlie Mann | 11st 4lb |
| Shanahan's Turn (IRE) | Henry de Bromhead, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Smashing (FR) | Henry de Bromhead, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Splash of Ginge | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 11st 4lb |
| Stellar Notion (IRE) | Tom George | 11st 4lb |
| Tango de Juilley (FR) | Venetia Williams | 11st 4lb |
| The Tullow Tank (IRE) | Ms Sandra Hughes, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Three Kingdoms (IRE) | John Ferguson | 11st 4lb |
| Top Gamble (IRE) | Richard Lee | 11st 4lb |
| Un Ace (FR) | Kim Bailey | 11st 4lb |
| Un de Sceaux (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Urano (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Val de Ferbet (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Valseur Lido (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Vautour (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 11st 4lb |
| Arthur's Secret (FR) | Nigel Twiston-Davies | 11st 3lb |
| Cold March (FR) | Venetia Williams | 11st 3lb |
| Traffic Fluide (FR) | Gary Moore | 11st 3lb |
| Vroum Vroum Mag (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 11lb |
| Adriana des Mottes (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Florishwells d'Ete (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Gitane du Berlais (FR) | W. P. Mullins, Ireland | 10st 10lb |
| Champagne West (IRE) | scratched | |
| Saphir du Rheu (FR) | Paul Nicholls | scratched |
60 Entries
Anyone heard about Shanahan's Turn plans? I hope they don't got for RSA as he def doesn't stay 3 miles. The JLT could bring the best of him as the distance is ideal, he likes good ground and has nice form at the festival managing to live with Faugheen speed for 2 miles in the Neptune which was a very hard race with 4 good horses still not yet fully recovered so the fact Shanahan's Turn had the strength to recover after that race and still win his first 2 starts(one a G2) this season speaks volumes and could see him getting in a place.
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