If you were to have a bet on each race at this moment in time, which horse would it be? Explanations not required but more than welcome. Fill out as little or as many as you like.
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Moon Racer Arkle Chase - Min Champion Hurdle - Yanworth Mares Hurdle - Vroum Vroum Mag National Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - A Gebie In A Bottle
WEDNESDAY
Neptune Novices Hurdle - Robin Roe RSA Chase - Alpha Des Obeaux Champion Chase - Douvan Cross Country Chase - Enda Bolger Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - Mega Fortune Champion Bumper - Carter McKay
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - Yorkhill Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Alan King horse,canna mind his name Ryanair Chase - Valseur Lido Stayers Hurdle - Unowhatimeanharry Mares Novice Hurdle -Lets Dance
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle - Defi Du Seuil Foxhunters Chase -On The Fringe if its still on the go County Hurdle - God knows Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - Death Duty Gold Cup - Native River after Thistlecrack lands on the fence after taking off too early
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Moon RacerArkle Chase - MinChampion Hurdle - YanworthMares Hurdle - Vroum Vroum MagNational Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - A Gebie In A BottleWEDNESDAYNeptune Novices Hurdle - Robin RoeRSA Chase - Alpha Des ObeauxChampion Cha
Few good shouts in there mate, Mega Fortune is one I threw a few quid at the other day after finishing a close 3rd to Bapaume at Leopardstown. I doubt he's good enough to win a Triumph Hurdle but there's still a good chance he could end up there rather than the Fred Winter. However, Elliott could put the horse away until the Festival as he did with Campeador last year. Felt at 16's he was worth the risk anyway.
Initially I had Invitation Only on my radar for the Neptune but after fluffing his lines recently I was most looking forward to seeing Robin Roe yesterday afternoon. Frustrating fall just as the race was about to unfold and it turns out he's now out for the season. Terrible shame. Nothing else sticks out at this moment in time.
Defi Du Seuil I like for the Triumph as well, however there's surely a good chance JP might end up sending a couple of his better ones (possibly Charlie Parcs as well) to the Supreme as it looks wide open and would get the age allowance.
Interesting that you still see Alpha Des Obeaux as an RSA winner. I'm well aware how Mouse Morris prepares them given his previous history (First Lieutenant, Baily Green and War Of Attrition). However, that last run was very concerning and he's not looked up to it thus far over fences. Time will tell I'm sure.
I had Augusta Kate down as my idea of the Mares Novice Hurdle winner however it's concerning she was upped to 3m for her hurdles debut and all her entries since have been 2m4+. That's stopped me having a few quid on. Willie has a frightening amount of mares at his disposal this season.
Few good shouts in there mate, Mega Fortune is one I threw a few quid at the other day after finishing a close 3rd to Bapaume at Leopardstown. I doubt he's good enough to win a Triumph Hurdle but there's still a good chance he could end up there rath
Triumph Hurdle - Landofhope&glory Foxhunters Chase - itcametopass County Hurdle - Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - Pengrine or Monalee Gold Cup - Native River
Fair shout with Cilaos Emery, one that's possibly going under the radar a bit. Very taking performance on hurdles debut and was well supported on the day if I remember correctly.
In complete agreement with you over Altior in the Arkle but wouldn't be so confident should Yorkhill turn up instead of Min. Wouldn't put it past Mullins to switch them round. I'm actually half expecting it to happen.
Glad you mentioned Finians Oscar. Noticed earlier today that he has an entry in the Tolworth. I'd have thought he was more of a 2m4 - 3m horse, but perhaps with lack of depth in the 2 mile novice hurdle division, they're willing to give it a go. Having said that, he's also entered in a 2m5 Novice Hurdle on the same day. One to look forward to, went straight into the tracker after his debut.
Nice one Quevega!Fair shout with Cilaos Emery, one that's possibly going under the radar a bit. Very taking performance on hurdles debut and was well supported on the day if I remember correctly.In complete agreement with you over Altior in the Arkle
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Can't have Moon Racer at all but may well be the best of an average bunch this year. If I had to pick, I would chance CRACK MOME Arkle Chase - ALTIOR Champion Hurdle - FAUGHEEN Mares Hurdle - ANNIE POWER National Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - Always impossible to tell at this stage, if you think one looks good enough to win this at this stage, the chances are it's going JLT/RSA. But again if I had to pick one, it would be HAYMOUNT. Look forward to seeing what Gigginstown send though.
WEDNESDAY
Neptune Novices Hurdle - FINIANS OSCAR. He's entered in the Tolworth at the weekend as well as a 2m5 Novice Hurdle - hoping he goes for the latter. Really disappointed that Robin Roe has been ruled out for the season after his fall at the weekend. Especially with No Comment boosting his form once again earlier today. RSA Chase - BELLSHILL Champion Chase - DOUVAN Cross Country Chase - CANTLOW Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - MEGA FORTUNE Champion Bumper - GETABIRD. Visually impressive on debut. Both he and Ballyward were the standout performances in bumpers so far, however the latter started over 2m4 therefore this race may not be on the agenda, time will tell.
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - YORKHILL Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - No views at the moment. Ryanair Chase - Absolutely criminal if they send Cue Card to this. I had Djakadam down as a banker for this at the start of the season as I assumed this would be the year they went for the Gold Cup with Vautour. I still think VALSEUR LIDO deserves a crack at the Gold Cup but it looks likely he will end up here again and he would therefore be my pick at this time. Couldn't have Un De Sceax on the likely ground never mind upped to 2m5. Stayers Hurdle - Really do think Unowhatimeanharry is worth taking on. But unless Faugheen or Annie Power end up in this, it's difficult to pick an alternative without question marks. Jezki and Arctic Fire could definitely be dangers but all depends on their wellbeing after a lengthy absence. If Paddy Powers prices are to be believed, Faugheen is Champion Hurdle bound, Annie Power is Mares Hurdle bound and Vroum Vroum Mag is Stayers Hurdle bound. However, I'm not convinced she would get 3 miles round Cheltenham after her win in the Christmas Hurdle. I couldn't have Nichols Canyon for this race at all. The New One should be aimed here but no doubt NTD will be stubborn and have another go at the Champion Hurdle. If I had to pick one, it would be CLONDAW WARRIOR who finished off his race very well in the Christmas Hurdle behind Vroum Vroum Mag. He's finished 3rd in the Greatwood at Cheltenham previously therefore we know he handles the course and he finished ahead of Snow Falcon who was still travelling well when falling against Unowhatimeanharry previously. Mares Novice Hurdle - AUGUSTA KATE. Followed her off a cliff since her impressive debut and feel this race would be perfect for her, especially as she has Cheltenham experience. However, with Mullins having so many good mares at his disposal and the fact she started out over 3m and her entries since have been 2m4+ I'm not as confident. Let's Dance looks to have improved since last season and Airlie Beach has by far the best form in the book. However, La Bague Au Roi looks to be the strongest British challenger and Augusta Kate has beat her convincingly in a bumper before.
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle - CHARLIE PARCS. My concern is that JP could end up sending Defi Du Seuil and/or Charlie Parcs to the Supreme due to it lacking in depth this year. I'm led to believe JP has another 2 still to unleash who've changed hands from the Coolmore boys, Triplicate and Bhutan, both of which have very decent form on the flat. Foxhunters Chase - No views at the moment but would be tempted to oppose On The Fringe this year. County Hurdle - No views at the moment. Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - DEATH DUTY. However would not surprise me if something at a big price caused an upset on the day. Gold Cup - THISTLECRACK
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Can't have Moon Racer at all but may well be the best of an average bunch this year. If I had to pick, I would chance CRACK MOMEArkle Chase - ALTIORChampion Hurdle - FAUGHEENMares Hurdle - ANNIE POWERNational Hunt Chas
If you were to have a bet on each race at this moment in time, which horse would it be? Explanations not required but more than welcome. Fill out as little or as many as you like.
Neptune Novices Hurdle - lucky pass if running invitation only if not RSA Chase - champers on ice Champion Chase - douvan Cross Country Chase - Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - Champion Bumper - Ballyward
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - American Tom Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Ryanair Chase - Djakadam Stayers Hurdle - Mares Novice Hurdle -
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle - defi Foxhunters Chase - County Hurdle - Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - lucky pass if running west approach if not Gold Cup - black Hercules ew
Just a bit of fun to get everyone in the mood.If you were to have a bet on each race at this moment in time, which horse would it be? Explanations not required but more than welcome. Fill out as little or as many as you like.TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hu
Neptune. Messire des Obeaux. RSA Might Bite. NH chase (4 miles) Premier Bond. Champion Chase Douvan.
Ryanair Josses Hill. World Hurdle. Uknowhatimeanarry. Gold Cup Thistlecrack.
A few ideas on the evidence so far, Arkle: Altior CH Annie Power.Neptune. Messire des Obeaux.RSA Might Bite.NH chase (4 miles) Premier Bond.Champion Chase Douvan.Ryanair Josses Hill.World Hurdle. Uknowhatimeanarry.Gold Cup Thistlecrack.
Supreme WILLIAM HENRY Arkle BUVEUR DAIR Champion Hurdle BRAIN POWER NAP 25/1 NH chase SINGLE FARM PAYMENT Mares LIMINI
Wednesday
Neptune MESSIRE DES OBEUAX RSA - CONEY ISLAND Champion Chase w/o DOUVAN - SIZING JOHN NAP 8/1 Cross Country CANTLOW Bumper GETABIRD.
JLT - POLITOLOGUE Pertemps GOLDEN DOYEN NAP 20/1 Stayers CLONDAW WARRIOR Ryanair SUB LIEUTENANT
Friday
Triumph CHARLI PARCS County NORTH HILL HARVEY Albert Bartlett PENHILL 20/1 NAP Foxhunters FOXROCK Gold Cup NATIVE RIVER
Ante post treble PENHILL 20/1 (very impressive graded win at xmas stepped up in trip) GOLDEN DOYEN 20/1 Protecting 143 rating since October for one reason only) NORTH HILL HARVEY 14/1 (repeating Superb Story double)
TuesdaySupreme WILLIAM HENRYArkle BUVEUR DAIRChampion Hurdle BRAIN POWER NAP 25/1NH chase SINGLE FARM PAYMENTMares LIMINIWednesdayNeptune MESSIRE DES OBEUAXRSA - CONEY ISLANDChampion Chase w/o DOUVAN - SIZING JOHN NAP 8/1Cross Country CANTLOWBumper G
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Moon Racer - Can't believe he is 6/1! different league to anything over here and no serious Irish challenge NAP Arkle Chase - Altior - Min a good horse but Altior far too good over hurdles same again here Champion Hurdle - Brain Power E/W Mares Hurdle - Vroum Vroum Mag National Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - Fletchers Flyer
WEDNESDAY
Neptune Novices Hurdle - Finians Oscar RSA Chase - Might Bite Champion Chase - Douvan Cross Country Chase - Cantlow Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - Coeur De Lion Champion Bumper - Getabird
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - Yorkhill Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Golden Doyen Ryanair Chase - Josses Hill Stayers Hurdle - Unowhatimeanharry Mares Novice Hurdle - La Bague Au Roi
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle - Defi Du Seuil Foxhunters Chase - On The Fringe County Hurdle - Modus Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - Death Duty Gold Cup - Thistlecrack
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Moon Racer - Can't believe he is 6/1! different league to anything over here and no serious Irish challenge NAPArkle Chase - Altior - Min a good horse but Altior far too good over hurdles same again hereChampion Hurdle
Cheers Paterson . Really think Cilaos Emery could be really good , plenty of novices to get excited about this year. Altior vs Yorkhill would be one to saviour
Cheers Paterson . Really think Cilaos Emery could be really good , plenty of novices to get excited about this year. Altior vs Yorkhill would be one to saviour
Neptune Novices Hurdle - Death Duty (yes, I know connections say he'll run in the Albert Bartlett but that's before the cards are shuffled the week before) RSA Chase - Might Bite (assuming he has recovered) Champion Chase - Douvan Cross Country Chase - Cantlow Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - Champion Bumper - I've no idea which of Willie Mullins's dozen or so will line up but I expect one of them to win
Triumph Hurdle - this is shaping up to be the hottest race of the Festival; we've seen at least half a dozen who could win a normal Triumph and there are more to come; as @Paterson92 said in this thread, some might defect to the Supreme. Foxhunters Chase - County Hurdle - North Hill Harvey Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - Wholestone (I think Death Duty will be re-routed to the Neptune, and expect NTD to have a good festival) Gold Cup - Blaklion (NTD 50/1) -- Thistlecrack is imo the best staying chaser in training by a wide margin but the more I look at him, the less I think he will like Cheltenham. Take out Thistlecrack and we are set for an upset, like when Lord Windermere won at 20/1 three years back, because Don Cossack and Valseur Lido, the other potential Gold Cup horses are out, and Cue Card will run in the Ryanair. Then back Thistlecrack for Aintree, Punchestown and the King George!
Though before you lump on Blaklion for the Gold Cup, remember NTD has said he might not even be entered (hence the price, I expect).
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Cilaos EmeryArkle Chase - AltiorChampion Hurdle - YanworthMares Hurdle - Apple's JadeNational Hunt Chase (4 Miler) -WEDNESDAYNeptune Novices Hurdle - Death Duty (yes, I know connections say he'll run in the Albert Bart
Thistlecrack is imo the best staying chaser in training by a wide margin but the more I look at him, the less I think he will like Cheltenham
I guess when you say that you mean he wont like the fences?? Do you not agree he is still learning and race by race he is getting better and better?
As for cue Card I think he will go to the Gold Cup because there is a chance there will a max 10 runners and Tizzard don't mind running his against each other and its another bullet if god forbid Thistlecrack does tip up. I don't think the owner is all that bothered about what race and this could be Cue Cards last festival. And of course after what happened last year I would want to have another crack at it.
Thistlecrack is imo the best staying chaser in training by a wide margin but the more I look at him, the less I think he will like CheltenhamI guess when you say that you mean he wont like the fences?? Do you not agree he is still learning and race b
Agreed about Cue Card. I am not convinced he still has the pace for a Ryanair although his class could allow him to beat a sub standard field. He could be well be third best from Tizzard stable of course or even fourth best.
Agreed about Cue Card. I am not convinced he still has the pace for a Ryanair although his class could allow him to beat a sub standard field. He could be well be third best from Tizzard stable of course or even fourth best.
Triumph Hurdle - Cosmeapoliton Foxhunters Chase - On the Fringe County Hurdle - Peace & Co Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - DeathDuty Gold Cup - Thisltecrack
@Smart Predator -- Thistlecrack is imo the best staying chaser in training by a wide margin but the more I look at him, the less I think he will like Cheltenham
I guess when you say that you mean he wont like the fences?? Do you not agree he is still learning and race by race he is getting better and better?
As for cue Card I think he will go to the Gold Cup because there is a chance there will a max 10 runners and Tizzard don't mind running his against each other and its another bullet if god forbid Thistlecrack does tip up.
re Cue Card -- if he does go for the Gold Cup then Tizzard will be four-handed with Thistlecrack, Native River and Alary. Obviously the owners may want a last hurrah in the race but Tizzard has enough second strings to his bow already.
re Thistlecrack -- no, I have no worries about his jumping or falling. Too much is made of the allegedly fearsome fences imo. Rather it is that bold jumpers don't get the bonus they'd have on other tracks because Cheltenham is forever changing direction. Add in the undulations and the extra two furlongs and I'm happy to oppose him in this race, even though I think he is the best.
@Smart Predator -- Thistlecrack is imo the best staying chaser in training by a wide margin but the more I look at him, the less I think he will like CheltenhamI guess when you say that you mean he wont like the fences?? Do you not agree he is still
Blamesy - was looking for an entries list, but couldn't find anything so looked o skybets market and they have him at 33/1 questioned it in my head but went with it
Not the first time a bookies has had a wrong market though!
Blamesy - was looking for an entries list, but couldn't find anything so looked o skybets market and they have him at 33/1 questioned it in my head but went with itNot the first time a bookies has had a wrong market though!
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Airlie Beach/Bunk Off Early Arkle Chase - Min Champion Hurdle - if there is no F or AP (then I'm going to take a punt on The New One) I'd want Johnson on him tho. Mares Hurdle - Apples Jade National Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - Disko
WEDNESDAY
Neptune Novices Hurdle - Finians Oscar RSA Chase - American Champion Chase - Douvan Cross Country Chase - Cantlow Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle - Mega Fortune Champion Bumper -
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Shantou Bob Ryanair Chase - Ar Mad Stayers Hurdle - Lil Rockefeller Mares Novice Hurdle -
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle - Foxhunters Chase - County Hurdle - Gibralfaro Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - Gold Cup - Native River
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Airlie Beach/Bunk Off EarlyArkle Chase - MinChampion Hurdle - if there is no F or AP (then I'm going to take a punt on The New One) I'd want Johnson on him tho.Mares Hurdle - Apples JadeNational Hunt Chase (4 Miler) -
Punters overall with only 2 handicaps and 4 grade ones, plus all the offers the major firms generally throw away money on the first day to line the pockets of punters savvy enough to play these offers so they can spend and lose it during the week.
WEDNESDAY
more a 50/50 play really, 3 decent grade ones the RSA can throw up funny results you have the hotpot in Douvan but the minefield that is the bumper so probably bookmakers
THURSDAY
BOOKMAKERS
FRIDAY
BOOKMAKERS
TUESDAYPunters overall with only 2 handicaps and 4 grade ones, plus all the offers the major firms generally throw away money on the first day to line the pockets of punters savvy enough to play these offers so they can spend and lose it during the w
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Any Second Now (With a Run) Arkle Chase - Min Champion Hurdle - Faugheen Mares Hurdle - VVR National Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - Genie in a bottle
WEDNESDAY
Neptune Novices Hurdle - Finians Oscar RSA Chase - Our Duke Champion Chase - Douvan Cross Country Chase - Cantlow Fred Winter Juvenile Novices Hurdle -Mega Fortune Champion Bumper -Getabird
THURSDAY
JLT Chase - Yorkhill Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle -Presenting percy Ryanair Chase -un de sceaux Stayers Hurdle - Jezki Mares Novice Hurdle - Airle Beach !! NAP if turning up here
FRIDAY
Triumph Hurdle -Defi Du seuil Foxhunters Chase - On the fringe County Hurdle -North Hill Harvey Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle -Augusta Kate Gold Cup - Thistlecrack
TUESDAYSupreme Novices Hurdle - Any Second Now (With a Run)Arkle Chase - MinChampion Hurdle - FaugheenMares Hurdle - VVRNational Hunt Chase (4 Miler) - Genie in a bottleWEDNESDAYNeptune Novices Hurdle - Finians OscarRSA Chase - Our DukeChampion Chase