Cheltenham Festival
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Another festival done and dusted with plenty of fallout regarding competition, crowd sizes etc.
The racing itself was OK with a few great performances, some underwhelming Grade 1's and the usual fiendishly difficult handicaps
The rain that has affected the whole season continued to fall and soft/heavy going was the order of the day, especially so on Tuesday and Friday.
Chasers
Galopin Des Champs won a second Gold Cup with relative ease - a loose horse being his main worry. Perhaps not as impressive as last year but the going meant that was always going to be difficult.
Gerri Colombe got his ground and finished much closer than he had at Leopardstown, but hard to see him ever winning a Gold Cup.
Fastorslow unseated the jockey before we found out if he would stay in the ground while L'homme Presse patently didn't stay.
Corach Rambler was ridden to pick up the pieces which he did nicely and he should have a blinding chance of winning back to back Grand Nationals.
The Ryanair looked very competitive beforehand and Protektorat ran out a good winner, finding more than Envoi Allen after the last. With Conflated coming 3rd this was a race for the old established chasers. The 2 1/2m division looks ripe for an upcoming novice to take it by storm but the lure of the Gold Cup may mean it will be a similar story next year.
The Champion Chase looked weak even before Jonbon was a late withdrawal. Should have been a penalty kick for El Fabiolo but he managed to mess it up with some shocking jumping. The QM does seem to be a race where hot favourites bomb out - Kauto Star and Shishkin for example. Hopefully Gaelic Warrior is aimed at it but with Energumene to come back and El Fabiolo the usual Mullins mind games with running plans will no doubt make it impossible to have an ante post bet.
Novice Chasers
Gaelic Warrior was an impressive winner of the Arkle though whether he stays at 2m or steps up will be anyones guess. The worry about going right handed was massively overplayed and if he hadn't run at the DRF he'd surely have been an odds on shot.
Fact To File won the Brown Advisory as expected though not sure he fully lived up to some of the pre-race hype. It wasn't a strong looking race and with Stay Away Fay bombing out it was hardly as thrilling as the French horse who won on King George day.
I've put Giovinco in my notebook with a view to next years Hennessy, though I expect he may run at Aintree or Ayr later this season.
Grey Dawning was a worthy winner of the Turners and may be able to compete at the top table, though the rest of the field look like handicappers.
Two impressive performances in the National Hunt and Kim Muir by Corbetts Cross and Inothewayurthinkin respectively - wonder how much JP had on the double??
Hurdlers
With Constitution Hill ruled out the Champion Hurdle was a damb squib. Statesman won as expected but imo didn't even run as well as last year. A top form CH would have won by 10L+ on the snaff.
Irish Point ran well but with the owner/trainer having Teahupoo maybe they will go chasing with him next season.
Teahupoo was punted off the boards for the Stayers in the last 48 hours and won well enough. Presumably he'll follow the same path, one run and then put away, next year and will be hard to beat.
Lossiemouth was super impressive in the Mares and imo would have won the CH. She should be aimed at it next year, and given Stateman is likely to run in all the same Irish Grade 1's as he has for the last two years maybe she will come over here, especially if Constitution Hill doesn't return.
Novice Hurdlers
Slade Steel was switched to the Supreme to avoid Ballyburn and the rain came to help him as he outstayed Mystical Power after getting headed at the last. He travelled and jumped well and is clearly effective at 2m but not sure he's up to Champion Hurdle class.
He's already won a point so chasing presumably beckons next season - though Arkle or Turners?
Mystical Power is bred in the purple and I assume he'll definitely stay over the smaller obstacles, though maybe he'll be seen on the flat this summer?
Ballyburn won the Gallagher as he liked and is clearly the best novice around. Having said that it was a very weak race with a 66/1 shot in second. His main rival Ile Atlantique was behind Readin Tommy Wrong last time and he bombed out in the Albert Bartlett so that form looks very weak.
While he clearly has the world at his feet the same was being said last year about Impaire Et Passe who don't forget thrashed Gaelic Warrior.
The Albert Bartlett did it's usual thing of throwing up a big price winner - not that it was a shock to me.
As I pointed out on last years thread being a 3m point winner was a key stat.
Sure there will be plenty of nice chasers of the future among the beaten horses and can certainly see the second horse The Jukebox Man being one of the top UK novice chasers next year.
The Mares novice hurdle was made a two horse race between Mullins and Elliot but instead it was the UK trained Golden Ace who won - and one has to wonder how Dysart Enos would have got on but for a last minute injury, given she had thrashed the winner in the Aintree bumper last year. Not sure the winner will have the stamina for the extra half mile of the Mares next year.
Bumper
In a sign of the times the first seven home were trained by Mullins (4) and Elliot (3) and it was 5l back to the 8th.
The winner Jasmin De Vaux is tiny but has won a point so should train on.
While I'm sure plenty of winners will come out of the race it's interesting to note that the last three Supreme and last two Gallagher winners did not run in the Festival Bumper.
The race was missing the antepost favourite Jeroboam Machin who won the DRF bumper - though the form of that win was let down by those that did run from that race.
I'll look at the ante post betting for next year over the next few days and see if I think there is any value. The novice races in particular are getting nigh on impossible to bet in due to the multitude of options.
The racing itself was OK with a few great performances, some underwhelming Grade 1's and the usual fiendishly difficult handicaps
The rain that has affected the whole season continued to fall and soft/heavy going was the order of the day, especially so on Tuesday and Friday.
Chasers
Galopin Des Champs won a second Gold Cup with relative ease - a loose horse being his main worry. Perhaps not as impressive as last year but the going meant that was always going to be difficult.
Gerri Colombe got his ground and finished much closer than he had at Leopardstown, but hard to see him ever winning a Gold Cup.
Fastorslow unseated the jockey before we found out if he would stay in the ground while L'homme Presse patently didn't stay.
Corach Rambler was ridden to pick up the pieces which he did nicely and he should have a blinding chance of winning back to back Grand Nationals.
The Ryanair looked very competitive beforehand and Protektorat ran out a good winner, finding more than Envoi Allen after the last. With Conflated coming 3rd this was a race for the old established chasers. The 2 1/2m division looks ripe for an upcoming novice to take it by storm but the lure of the Gold Cup may mean it will be a similar story next year.
The Champion Chase looked weak even before Jonbon was a late withdrawal. Should have been a penalty kick for El Fabiolo but he managed to mess it up with some shocking jumping. The QM does seem to be a race where hot favourites bomb out - Kauto Star and Shishkin for example. Hopefully Gaelic Warrior is aimed at it but with Energumene to come back and El Fabiolo the usual Mullins mind games with running plans will no doubt make it impossible to have an ante post bet.
Novice Chasers
Gaelic Warrior was an impressive winner of the Arkle though whether he stays at 2m or steps up will be anyones guess. The worry about going right handed was massively overplayed and if he hadn't run at the DRF he'd surely have been an odds on shot.
Fact To File won the Brown Advisory as expected though not sure he fully lived up to some of the pre-race hype. It wasn't a strong looking race and with Stay Away Fay bombing out it was hardly as thrilling as the French horse who won on King George day.
I've put Giovinco in my notebook with a view to next years Hennessy, though I expect he may run at Aintree or Ayr later this season.
Grey Dawning was a worthy winner of the Turners and may be able to compete at the top table, though the rest of the field look like handicappers.
Two impressive performances in the National Hunt and Kim Muir by Corbetts Cross and Inothewayurthinkin respectively - wonder how much JP had on the double??
Hurdlers
With Constitution Hill ruled out the Champion Hurdle was a damb squib. Statesman won as expected but imo didn't even run as well as last year. A top form CH would have won by 10L+ on the snaff.
Irish Point ran well but with the owner/trainer having Teahupoo maybe they will go chasing with him next season.
Teahupoo was punted off the boards for the Stayers in the last 48 hours and won well enough. Presumably he'll follow the same path, one run and then put away, next year and will be hard to beat.
Lossiemouth was super impressive in the Mares and imo would have won the CH. She should be aimed at it next year, and given Stateman is likely to run in all the same Irish Grade 1's as he has for the last two years maybe she will come over here, especially if Constitution Hill doesn't return.
Novice Hurdlers
Slade Steel was switched to the Supreme to avoid Ballyburn and the rain came to help him as he outstayed Mystical Power after getting headed at the last. He travelled and jumped well and is clearly effective at 2m but not sure he's up to Champion Hurdle class.
He's already won a point so chasing presumably beckons next season - though Arkle or Turners?
Mystical Power is bred in the purple and I assume he'll definitely stay over the smaller obstacles, though maybe he'll be seen on the flat this summer?
Ballyburn won the Gallagher as he liked and is clearly the best novice around. Having said that it was a very weak race with a 66/1 shot in second. His main rival Ile Atlantique was behind Readin Tommy Wrong last time and he bombed out in the Albert Bartlett so that form looks very weak.
While he clearly has the world at his feet the same was being said last year about Impaire Et Passe who don't forget thrashed Gaelic Warrior.
The Albert Bartlett did it's usual thing of throwing up a big price winner - not that it was a shock to me.
As I pointed out on last years thread being a 3m point winner was a key stat.Sure there will be plenty of nice chasers of the future among the beaten horses and can certainly see the second horse The Jukebox Man being one of the top UK novice chasers next year.
The Mares novice hurdle was made a two horse race between Mullins and Elliot but instead it was the UK trained Golden Ace who won - and one has to wonder how Dysart Enos would have got on but for a last minute injury, given she had thrashed the winner in the Aintree bumper last year. Not sure the winner will have the stamina for the extra half mile of the Mares next year.
Bumper
In a sign of the times the first seven home were trained by Mullins (4) and Elliot (3) and it was 5l back to the 8th.
The winner Jasmin De Vaux is tiny but has won a point so should train on.
While I'm sure plenty of winners will come out of the race it's interesting to note that the last three Supreme and last two Gallagher winners did not run in the Festival Bumper.
The race was missing the antepost favourite Jeroboam Machin who won the DRF bumper - though the form of that win was let down by those that did run from that race.
I'll look at the ante post betting for next year over the next few days and see if I think there is any value. The novice races in particular are getting nigh on impossible to bet in due to the multitude of options.
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Very interesting uncle, not entirely in agreement but so what ? hope you are healthy and well.
Nice work Uncle, a fitting postscript to the last and opening salvo to the next. At a quick glance the first price that I took a second look at and of course with lots and lots of things having to fall the right way was Sir Gino at 33/1 for the CH.
The impression he made still stands with his non participation this week, on trials day he and Lossiemouth were equally impressive, you have to take anything that Henderson says with a pinch, well no, a bucket of salt but I heard him say something along the lines of Sir Gino still having a lot of hurdling ahead of him, I don't know, the 33.s just suggests that he's guaranteed to go chasing and I don't know if that is decided yet, the disparity between him and Lossies price is just so big IMO.
I've had a speculative £20 at 33/1, first bet for next season.
The impression he made still stands with his non participation this week, on trials day he and Lossiemouth were equally impressive, you have to take anything that Henderson says with a pinch, well no, a bucket of salt but I heard him say something along the lines of Sir Gino still having a lot of hurdling ahead of him, I don't know, the 33.s just suggests that he's guaranteed to go chasing and I don't know if that is decided yet, the disparity between him and Lossies price is just so big IMO.
I've had a speculative £20 at 33/1, first bet for next season.
No problem with people disagreeing with me Irishone, I do get it wrong occasionally. and it takes two opinions to make a market.
Health is currently good thanks for asking.
Good luck with your Sir Gino bet duffy - will all hinge on whether Constitution Hill comes back as good as ever. I did say on the 2024 thread that Sir Gino looked a great Arkle prospect for next year.
and it takes two opinions to make a market.Health is currently good thanks for asking.
Good luck with your Sir Gino bet duffy - will all hinge on whether Constitution Hill comes back as good as ever. I did say on the 2024 thread that Sir Gino looked a great Arkle prospect for next year.
Nice write up uncle.
Looking forward to your early antepost thoughts again.
As Irishone said, hope you are healthy and well.
Looking forward to your early antepost thoughts again.
As Irishone said, hope you are healthy and well.
As we saw this year backing antepost in the novice races is a minefield.
I thought Romeo Coolio might be the one to take from the bumper but a best price 14/1 for the Gallagher is pathetic.
I’ll also keep an eye on The Yellow Clay who is at least 50/1 for the Supreme.
I thought Romeo Coolio might be the one to take from the bumper but a best price 14/1 for the Gallagher is pathetic.
I’ll also keep an eye on The Yellow Clay who is at least 50/1 for the Supreme.
Great write up as always Uncle, thank you. I'm struggling to see an antepost bet at this stage, mostly for the reasons you set out. However, I haven't had a winner from a bet I placed before Christmas in the last two years, so maybe that's no bad thing (despite plenty of shorteners).
One place I would disagree with you (though only a little) is Ballyburn. While the Gallaghers itself looks weak, his DRF formline stacks up extremely well - there, he easily beat the Supreme winner Slade Steel, who was well clear of the third (County Hurdle winner in fourth). Earlier in the season, Slade Steel beat the Albert Bartlett winner and the Martin Pipe winner. So it's possible to take a very favourable view of Ballyburn.
The problem re an antepost bet is that I imagine both he and Slade Steel will go novice chasing, and SS will run in the novice chase that B doesn't....
One place I would disagree with you (though only a little) is Ballyburn. While the Gallaghers itself looks weak, his DRF formline stacks up extremely well - there, he easily beat the Supreme winner Slade Steel, who was well clear of the third (County Hurdle winner in fourth). Earlier in the season, Slade Steel beat the Albert Bartlett winner and the Martin Pipe winner. So it's possible to take a very favourable view of Ballyburn.
The problem re an antepost bet is that I imagine both he and Slade Steel will go novice chasing, and SS will run in the novice chase that B doesn't....
Yeah, we're still guessing a fortnight before the festival let alone with 52 weeks to go.
The best antepost is the novice winners to the full graded races,at least some form to assess
Thanks Uncle. I like this thread each year.
Also good to hear that you're keeping well at the moment.
Also good to hear that you're keeping well at the moment.
does anyone have the access to this article and care to share?
https://www.racingpost.com/horse-racing-tips/members-club-tips/the-33-1-may-not-last-long-our-experts-find-the-early-value-after-tipping-16-1-ballyburn-and-12-1-teahupoo-last-year-aNoNH6v4Ntts/
Thanks
https://www.racingpost.com/horse-racing-tips/members-club-tips/the-33-1-may-not-last-long-our-experts-find-the-early-value-after-tipping-16-1-ballyburn-and-12-1-teahupoo-last-year-aNoNH6v4Ntts/
Thanks
Well done Uncle. Very good write up again. Next year could be a stellar year if horses go where they are expected.
Just back from another 4 days in Cheltenham. This year was by far the best experience I’ve ever had going as we tweaked getting mini buses and taxis to the course…..thank god
I really strongly recommend attending if your circumstances allow you to. I’ve seen crazy prices in the media and I’m sure the figures are correct. We do it 5* for a fraction if you know what your doing and how to do it.
We stay in a house 15mins from Cheltenham and arrange taxi to Railway Station to catch direct bus for £6 return. We start queuing at 10am and get table in the members area which include best seats opposite winning line. We then get bus back to Railway station and get collected by taxi 6.45 back to house or pub/restaurant. I do 4 days for just over £1,100 and we had 8 guys do 2 days each for £600.
No carparks, no walking, easy transportation. Drink and food is little high but that depends on how much you want.
PM me if anyone wants more information as I think we have it cracked after 10 years
Just back from another 4 days in Cheltenham. This year was by far the best experience I’ve ever had going as we tweaked getting mini buses and taxis to the course…..thank god
I really strongly recommend attending if your circumstances allow you to. I’ve seen crazy prices in the media and I’m sure the figures are correct. We do it 5* for a fraction if you know what your doing and how to do it.
We stay in a house 15mins from Cheltenham and arrange taxi to Railway Station to catch direct bus for £6 return. We start queuing at 10am and get table in the members area which include best seats opposite winning line. We then get bus back to Railway station and get collected by taxi 6.45 back to house or pub/restaurant. I do 4 days for just over £1,100 and we had 8 guys do 2 days each for £600.
No carparks, no walking, easy transportation. Drink and food is little high but that depends on how much you want.
PM me if anyone wants more information as I think we have it cracked after 10 years
I've backed Majborough for the RSA. Only bet so far.
Given what Gerri did in the Bowl and the lack-lustre performance of Shishkin I think 3/1 for Galopin Des Champ could be value personified - show of no-show at Punchestown - assuming he shows up next March here.
Well Aintree went pretty much according to script with most of the Grade 1's being won by the favourites and the Cheltenham form holding up exceptionally well.
Perhaps the most impressive individual winner was Brighterdaysahead who beat the boys and clearly relished the step back up to 2 1/2m. An obvious contender for the Mares Hurdle (5/1 best price) if she stays over the smaller obstacles but she may go chasing.
Punchestown starts tomorrow and the going is currently good to yielding but there is a fair bit of rain forecast on Tuesday morning and then showers later in the week.
There is a cracking race for the 2m Novice hurdle with the first four from the Supreme all engaged. Mystical Power and Firefox have run in the interim at Aintree where the Cheltenham form was confirmed, though only narrowly.
While Firefox has been a little disappointing since beating the mighty Ballyburn he does seem to prefer going right handed and at 7/1 or bigger he might be worth a small bet to reverse the placings with Slade Steel (will need the rain to come) and Mystical Power (who won't want too much rain).
The Champion Chase looks a damp squib but the 3m Novice Chase sees Montys Pass take on Spillanes Tower which should be informative, for the future paths of those horses and as a barometer to the form of Fact To File.
On Wednesday the Gold Cup should see Galloping Des Champs take on Fastorslow again and I will not be surprised if we get the same result as last year.
Sadly Shishkin won't be there after the dreadful news yesterday.
Perhaps the most impressive individual winner was Brighterdaysahead who beat the boys and clearly relished the step back up to 2 1/2m. An obvious contender for the Mares Hurdle (5/1 best price) if she stays over the smaller obstacles but she may go chasing.
Punchestown starts tomorrow and the going is currently good to yielding but there is a fair bit of rain forecast on Tuesday morning and then showers later in the week.
There is a cracking race for the 2m Novice hurdle with the first four from the Supreme all engaged. Mystical Power and Firefox have run in the interim at Aintree where the Cheltenham form was confirmed, though only narrowly.
While Firefox has been a little disappointing since beating the mighty Ballyburn he does seem to prefer going right handed and at 7/1 or bigger he might be worth a small bet to reverse the placings with Slade Steel (will need the rain to come) and Mystical Power (who won't want too much rain).
The Champion Chase looks a damp squib but the 3m Novice Chase sees Montys Pass take on Spillanes Tower which should be informative, for the future paths of those horses and as a barometer to the form of Fact To File.
On Wednesday the Gold Cup should see Galloping Des Champs take on Fastorslow again and I will not be surprised if we get the same result as last year.
Sadly Shishkin won't be there after the dreadful news yesterday.
I'm interested to see how Ballyburn gets on later in the week - the Gallaghers is one race where the Cheltenham form was made to look poor at Aintree, albeit horses that BB beat easily.
Meanwhile, the Grade 1 3 mile novice chase looks a poor race, as did the equivalent at Aintree - that division could be exceptionally weak this year. I re-watched the Brown Advisory the other day, and Fact to File was not impressive. Quotes of 4/1 for the Gold Cup are highway robbery - there are at least three, maybe four, McManus owned horses that I would prefer at this stage. The 2025 Gold Cup is reminding me a little of Best Mate's third - an aging champion still good enough to beat a bunch of uninspiring challengers.
Meanwhile, the Grade 1 3 mile novice chase looks a poor race, as did the equivalent at Aintree - that division could be exceptionally weak this year. I re-watched the Brown Advisory the other day, and Fact to File was not impressive. Quotes of 4/1 for the Gold Cup are highway robbery - there are at least three, maybe four, McManus owned horses that I would prefer at this stage. The 2025 Gold Cup is reminding me a little of Best Mate's third - an aging champion still good enough to beat a bunch of uninspiring challengers.
Well an interesting day at Punchestown with the Supreme form being franked, yet turned around at the same time.
For a horse who supposedly wants further Slade Steel travelled like a dream and was seemingly outstayed - he may also be better going left handed. Firefox ran much better going right handed and while he has the scope to make a lovely chaser I couldn't be backing him for Cheltenham. In fact I'd say Slade Steel at 12/1 may be a better Arkle bet.
Mystical Power is a strange one - clearly loves Punchestown and has a terrific finishing burst but he also races a bit lazily and jumps sketchily, he won't get away with that in a Champion against better horses.
The Champion Chase threw up a thrilling finish but those horses aren't fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Sprinter Sacre, Moscow Flyer etc.
The 3m Novice Chase delivered the expected close contest between Spillanes Tower and Montys Star with the former always going the better and winning fairly decisively. Montys Star ran a perfectly good race in second and I don't see it as a negative to the form of the RSA/Brown Advisory. having said that the third horse that day Giovinco was booked for second at best when sadly falling fatally at Aintree behind Inothewayyurthinkin so Fact To File does seem a bit hyped when you compare the Gold Cup prices.
The Bumper looks a strong renewal and I will look to take on Jasmin De Veux on better ground - he has an incredibly round action and is also very small so lacks the scope of some of these.
I'll throw some small change on The Yellow Clay at 25/1 and You Oughta Know at 40/1.
For a horse who supposedly wants further Slade Steel travelled like a dream and was seemingly outstayed - he may also be better going left handed. Firefox ran much better going right handed and while he has the scope to make a lovely chaser I couldn't be backing him for Cheltenham. In fact I'd say Slade Steel at 12/1 may be a better Arkle bet.
Mystical Power is a strange one - clearly loves Punchestown and has a terrific finishing burst but he also races a bit lazily and jumps sketchily, he won't get away with that in a Champion against better horses.
The Champion Chase threw up a thrilling finish but those horses aren't fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Sprinter Sacre, Moscow Flyer etc.
The 3m Novice Chase delivered the expected close contest between Spillanes Tower and Montys Star with the former always going the better and winning fairly decisively. Montys Star ran a perfectly good race in second and I don't see it as a negative to the form of the RSA/Brown Advisory. having said that the third horse that day Giovinco was booked for second at best when sadly falling fatally at Aintree behind Inothewayyurthinkin so Fact To File does seem a bit hyped when you compare the Gold Cup prices.
The Bumper looks a strong renewal and I will look to take on Jasmin De Veux on better ground - he has an incredibly round action and is also very small so lacks the scope of some of these.
I'll throw some small change on The Yellow Clay at 25/1 and You Oughta Know at 40/1.
As expected Fastorslow won at Punchestown again, though GDC ran another fine race so come Cheltenham he'll be fancied to reverse the form again. He's clearly not as happy at Punchestown and fails to get into a good jumping rhythm. Fastorslow won very well and at no point did he look like getting beat.
He clearly prefers going right handed and I just hope they aim at the King George though I doubt they will travel until Cheltenham
Would also be good if Mullins forgot about running GDC in the John Durkan again and instead came over for the Betfair Chase - again not going to happen.
Also good to see my bumper analysis work out. - the favourite was the first beat. Was very pleased with the run of The Yellow Clay and having mentioned him up thread as my early fancy for the Supreme I've backed him at 55 on here (still some available).
I expect Gordon Elliott is already plotting a route to the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse.
Nothing much of interest today - Gaelic Warrior and Teauphoo should win the Grade 1's and the rest of the card looks pretty poor. The bumper has a few nice prospects in it and Samyr in particular was very eye-catching on debut.
He clearly prefers going right handed and I just hope they aim at the King George though I doubt they will travel until Cheltenham
Would also be good if Mullins forgot about running GDC in the John Durkan again and instead came over for the Betfair Chase - again not going to happen.
Also good to see my bumper analysis work out. - the favourite was the first beat. Was very pleased with the run of The Yellow Clay and having mentioned him up thread as my early fancy for the Supreme I've backed him at 55 on here (still some available).
I expect Gordon Elliott is already plotting a route to the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse.
Nothing much of interest today - Gaelic Warrior and Teauphoo should win the Grade 1's and the rest of the card looks pretty poor. The bumper has a few nice prospects in it and Samyr in particular was very eye-catching on debut.
A comfortable win for Teahupoo despite the ground being faster than he would like. Will only be 8 next year so should be improving, so unless the French horse Theleme is something special, and actually turns up, then he looks nailed on to win another Stayers (a good race for repeat winners) and the 3/1 looks way too big so have played accordingly to max stakes.
Gaelic Warrior was disappointing though the winner is a cracking little horse. Though where this leaves the 2025 Champion Chase is anyones guess.
After Aintree it looked for all the world that Jonbon would be stepping up in trip, maybe even targeting a King George (especially with the sad death of Shiskin) but after winning at Sandown and Gaelic Warrior fluffing his lines he is now favourite. Il Etait Temps doesn't seem quick enough for 2m on the Old Course.
Captain Guinness is 30 on here which seems generous - will be 10 next year which is a bit off-putting but at least you know this is his aim.
Gaelic Warrior was disappointing though the winner is a cracking little horse. Though where this leaves the 2025 Champion Chase is anyones guess.
After Aintree it looked for all the world that Jonbon would be stepping up in trip, maybe even targeting a King George (especially with the sad death of Shiskin) but after winning at Sandown and Gaelic Warrior fluffing his lines he is now favourite. Il Etait Temps doesn't seem quick enough for 2m on the Old Course.
Captain Guinness is 30 on here which seems generous - will be 10 next year which is a bit off-putting but at least you know this is his aim.
Well the last two days of Punchestown were the usual Mullins / Townshend fest though neither Stateman or Ballyburn were desperately impressive. Lossiemouth won easily but didn’t have to be near her best.
Kargese got a deserved win the juvenile hurdle and like Il Etait Temps is a splendid animal.
If you read my 2024 thread you’ll know I put up Chapeau Du Soleil as an interesting one - although not up to winning, or even running, in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham I’m glad to say I didn’t desert him dropped into his first handicap,
Kargese got a deserved win the juvenile hurdle and like Il Etait Temps is a splendid animal.
If you read my 2024 thread you’ll know I put up Chapeau Du Soleil as an interesting one - although not up to winning, or even running, in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham I’m glad to say I didn’t desert him dropped into his first handicap,
Do you think Ballyburn will go novice chasing now? Did not look a champion hurdle type this week. I can see Il Etait Temps going to the Ryanair, but he seems to not like Cheltenham particularly. Hopefully that means he'll continue to be overpriced when he runs elsewhere.
I expect he will go chasing.
Very similar novice credentials to Impaire Et Passé who was also unimpressive at Punchestown after looking a machine at Cheltenham.
They tried to make him a Champion hurdler and that didn’t work out.
Very similar novice credentials to Impaire Et Passé who was also unimpressive at Punchestown after looking a machine at Cheltenham.
They tried to make him a Champion hurdler and that didn’t work out.
Renewed memberships and bought seats all 4 days of Festival. Might be June but getting excited
Still backing Brighterdaysahead every week at 5/1 for small stakes now 10/1 is well and truly gone.
Discounted tickets at moment if anyone is definitely going.
Still backing Brighterdaysahead every week at 5/1 for small stakes now 10/1 is well and truly gone.
Discounted tickets at moment if anyone is definitely going.
I don't think the Irish support will be up next year
The recent riots and Starmer's reaction have engendered controversy
The recent riots and Starmer's reaction have engendered controversy
Well the jumps season is well and truly underway and there have been a few significant performances on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Inthepocket returned from nearly a year off to win impressively - now only 10/1 for the Arkle though he seemed to lack a bit of speed when 4th in the Supreme. Having said that the Arkle can be won by horses with plenty of stamina. Obviously there is no intermediate novice chase next year so at least you know the Arkle is the target.
Firefox made a very pleasing chase debut at Down Royal and is 6/1 second fav for the Arkle which is very short and I do worry he is better going right handed.
I’m still waiting to see if Sir Gino goes chasing as he was my long range pick for the race.
The Yellow Clay and Romeo Coolio won their novice hurdles easily at Down Royal and the latter was the more impressive for all he was long odds on. He appears to be Elliot’s Royal Bond horse. The Yellow Clay race was over 2m6f but I feel he’ll be better dropped in trip.
Brighterdaysahead also won at Down Royal with connections deciding to stay over hurdles this season. She wasn’t that impressive and Elliot’s comments about possibly aiming for the Champion Hurdle instead of the Mares Hurdle seemed wildly optimistic.
Inthepocket returned from nearly a year off to win impressively - now only 10/1 for the Arkle though he seemed to lack a bit of speed when 4th in the Supreme. Having said that the Arkle can be won by horses with plenty of stamina. Obviously there is no intermediate novice chase next year so at least you know the Arkle is the target.
Firefox made a very pleasing chase debut at Down Royal and is 6/1 second fav for the Arkle which is very short and I do worry he is better going right handed.
I’m still waiting to see if Sir Gino goes chasing as he was my long range pick for the race.
The Yellow Clay and Romeo Coolio won their novice hurdles easily at Down Royal and the latter was the more impressive for all he was long odds on. He appears to be Elliot’s Royal Bond horse. The Yellow Clay race was over 2m6f but I feel he’ll be better dropped in trip.
Brighterdaysahead also won at Down Royal with connections deciding to stay over hurdles this season. She wasn’t that impressive and Elliot’s comments about possibly aiming for the Champion Hurdle instead of the Mares Hurdle seemed wildly optimistic.
Uncle, Sir Geno isn’t going chasing from my conversation with Nicky. He really likes the way Lossiemouth was campaigned last year as a 4 year old. He suggested he won’t be out till Jan or Feb over hurdles. I suppose how CH goes will influence his targets after that. Can see him missing Cheltenham and running Aintree or Punchestown.
I thought Brightdaysahead ran very well against a horse whose performances last year against Ballyburn and co were top class. She was wrong at the weights and apart from last two flights when she jumped bit low she was well on top. Agree Champion is ridiculous but will be hard to beat over an extra 1/2 mile against her own sex. Cheltenham is the only question mark and if she likes it there.
I thought Brightdaysahead ran very well against a horse whose performances last year against Ballyburn and co were top class. She was wrong at the weights and apart from last two flights when she jumped bit low she was well on top. Agree Champion is ridiculous but will be hard to beat over an extra 1/2 mile against her own sex. Cheltenham is the only question mark and if she likes it there.
Sir Geno now going chasing
I’d imagine Jeriko de reponet incident had a bearing on this decision.
On the plus side it could be the best Arkle for many years…if not ever if they all turn up.
I’d imagine Jeriko de reponet incident had a bearing on this decision.
On the plus side it could be the best Arkle for many years…if not ever if they all turn up.
That's my CH bet up the spout then, should have known really as soon as I heard Henderson state that the horse had plenty of hurdling left ahead of him.
Might have had something to do with jeriko but it shouldn't, more likely that the trainer is frightened to death at the prospect of his horses facing each other.
Might have had something to do with jeriko but it shouldn't, more likely that the trainer is frightened to death at the prospect of his horses facing each other.
Plenty of good action over the last two weeks which peaks today with the John Durkan at Punchestown.
Starting with the novice hurdlers, Yellow Clay won again and was made favourite for the Albert Bartlett. No chance of staying 3m and while he'll probably end up in the intermediate race I am convinced his race at Cheltenham should be the Supreme. At this stage it appears that Romeo Coolio is the yards Supreme horse but don't forget Samcro was winning over 2m before he was then stepped up the 2m,5f race at Cheltenham. Likewise this time last year Firefox was favourite for the Ballymore (or whatever it's name is now) but then flopped in the Lawlors of Naas (Yellow Clays next target) and then ran in the Supreme.
Potters Charm won well at Cheltenham but beat trees - why on earth Dan Skelton stepped his horse up in trip I'll never know. As we see every year the British novices look good but then get annihilated by the Irish.
One race that might be worth a look is the novice hurdle that was run at Punchestown on Saturday won by Butch Cassidy - the front three pulled 15l clear and could all be up to graded class.
Ballyburn sauntered round to win his novice chase but 2/1 for the Arkle seems an overreaction.
The Champion Hurdle picture gets ever murkier. Constitution Hill having another setback which throws Sir Gino's future up in the air. Lossiemouth got a stone bruise and so it was left to Brighterdaysahead to get the better of State Man in the Morgiana but I still can't have her as a Champion Hurdler. Elliot did say afterwards that the Mares looks hers for the taking and Michael O'Leary does tend to aim at the race he is most likely to win.
The November meeting at Cheltenham wasn't very thrilling. Jonbon won but was hardly impressive and I just want to oppose him in the QM. Found A Fifty was also unimpressive in the Fortria at Naas where reigning Champion Captain Guiness pulled up.
East India Dock was impressive in the Triumph Hurdle trial but it's very early days.
L'Eau Du Sud was another impressive winner in the Arkle Trial but hard to think the Irish won't have several better, let alone Sir Gino if he goes chasing.
One other race worth mentioning is the 2m1f novice chase at Naas last Saturday. Has a good history and it looked a deep competitive event for this time of year. Victory went to Down Memory Lane who I mentioned as a lovely prospect on last years thread. With the 2m5f Novice Chase scrapped I'm not sure there is much for him at Cheltenham.
The Betfair Chase was a thriller with course and heavy ground specialist Royale Pagaille outstayed Grey Dawning. The latter looked the best horse until fluffing the last but still has a long way to go to be competitive with the best of the Irish.
Starting with the novice hurdlers, Yellow Clay won again and was made favourite for the Albert Bartlett. No chance of staying 3m and while he'll probably end up in the intermediate race I am convinced his race at Cheltenham should be the Supreme. At this stage it appears that Romeo Coolio is the yards Supreme horse but don't forget Samcro was winning over 2m before he was then stepped up the 2m,5f race at Cheltenham. Likewise this time last year Firefox was favourite for the Ballymore (or whatever it's name is now) but then flopped in the Lawlors of Naas (Yellow Clays next target) and then ran in the Supreme.
Potters Charm won well at Cheltenham but beat trees - why on earth Dan Skelton stepped his horse up in trip I'll never know. As we see every year the British novices look good but then get annihilated by the Irish.
One race that might be worth a look is the novice hurdle that was run at Punchestown on Saturday won by Butch Cassidy - the front three pulled 15l clear and could all be up to graded class.
Ballyburn sauntered round to win his novice chase but 2/1 for the Arkle seems an overreaction.
The Champion Hurdle picture gets ever murkier. Constitution Hill having another setback which throws Sir Gino's future up in the air. Lossiemouth got a stone bruise and so it was left to Brighterdaysahead to get the better of State Man in the Morgiana but I still can't have her as a Champion Hurdler. Elliot did say afterwards that the Mares looks hers for the taking and Michael O'Leary does tend to aim at the race he is most likely to win.
The November meeting at Cheltenham wasn't very thrilling. Jonbon won but was hardly impressive and I just want to oppose him in the QM. Found A Fifty was also unimpressive in the Fortria at Naas where reigning Champion Captain Guiness pulled up.
East India Dock was impressive in the Triumph Hurdle trial but it's very early days.
L'Eau Du Sud was another impressive winner in the Arkle Trial but hard to think the Irish won't have several better, let alone Sir Gino if he goes chasing.
One other race worth mentioning is the 2m1f novice chase at Naas last Saturday. Has a good history and it looked a deep competitive event for this time of year. Victory went to Down Memory Lane who I mentioned as a lovely prospect on last years thread. With the 2m5f Novice Chase scrapped I'm not sure there is much for him at Cheltenham.
The Betfair Chase was a thriller with course and heavy ground specialist Royale Pagaille outstayed Grey Dawning. The latter looked the best horse until fluffing the last but still has a long way to go to be competitive with the best of the Irish.
The home of jumping wasn't very thrilling?
My thoughts b4 it started looking at the entries,I was at Navan both days and thought racing was far superior was with trainer's son of our new horse so 8 of us didn't pay a penny.
Great race at punchestown today fastorslow looks likely winner with Willie's likely coming on for the run with the timing more suitable with future targets in mind.
My thoughts b4 it started looking at the entries,I was at Navan both days and thought racing was far superior was with trainer's son of our new horse so 8 of us didn't pay a penny.
Great race at punchestown today fastorslow looks likely winner with Willie's likely coming on for the run with the timing more suitable with future targets in mind.
Sir Gino back in the Champion Hurdle picture again and confirmed for the FF next week thanks in no small part to Constitution Hill on the missing list and the owners State Man getting turned over.
If he's overly impressive in the FF I would imagine that it will be hard to once again wriggle out of a hurdling campaign regardless of what happens to Constitution Hill.
If he's overly impressive in the FF I would imagine that it will be hard to once again wriggle out of a hurdling campaign regardless of what happens to Constitution Hill.
Well the John Durkan lived up to the pre race hype with a fantastic finish.
The front four all come out of the race with credit though Fastorslow was perhaps a bit disappointing given his previous record at the track and how well backed he was.
Fact To File has plenty of boot and whether he will be as effective at the Gold Cup trip is the million dollar question.
Spillanes Tower ran way better than the market indicated. All his form is going right handed so it will be interesting to see how he gets on if he goes to Leopardstown at Christmas.
It would be great if the first two and Fastorslow went for the King George which looks the ideal race for all of them in term of track, distance and timing, but for some reason the race just does not have the draw that it did back in Dessie and Kautos day. It looks like Corbetts Cross will be JP’s runner instead.
Whether it’s prize money or something else I don’t know but it just isn’t attracting the best horses and needs sorting by the BHA - maybe a big bonus if you go on to win at Cheltenham?
The front four all come out of the race with credit though Fastorslow was perhaps a bit disappointing given his previous record at the track and how well backed he was.
Fact To File has plenty of boot and whether he will be as effective at the Gold Cup trip is the million dollar question.
Spillanes Tower ran way better than the market indicated. All his form is going right handed so it will be interesting to see how he gets on if he goes to Leopardstown at Christmas.
It would be great if the first two and Fastorslow went for the King George which looks the ideal race for all of them in term of track, distance and timing, but for some reason the race just does not have the draw that it did back in Dessie and Kautos day. It looks like Corbetts Cross will be JP’s runner instead.
Whether it’s prize money or something else I don’t know but it just isn’t attracting the best horses and needs sorting by the BHA - maybe a big bonus if you go on to win at Cheltenham?
Talking of races that are a shadow of their former selves what was the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup is at Newbury on Saturday and the entries are deeply uninspiring.
Again the real quality action and Cheltenham pointers will be in Ireland with the Hattons Grace and Royal Bond at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Again the real quality action and Cheltenham pointers will be in Ireland with the Hattons Grace and Royal Bond at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
Another interesting weekend with several Cheltenham favourites in a action.
Sir Gino won the Fighting Firth in what turned out to be a penalty kick with Mystical Power running no race. Some people got all excited about the performance straight afterwards but he basically just did what he was entitled to dobeating a load of handicappers.
He briefly became favourite but 24 hours later Lossiemouth put in a performance that was far more compelling in the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse. Teauphoo lost little in defeat.
It would be great if Constitution Hill could look as good as ever at Christmas then we would have a fantastic match up - but that's probably a pipe dream.
The Grade 1 novice races at Fairyhouse threw up some surprises though Jack Kennedy was unable to ride the two favourites after sadly breaking his leg again - hopefully he gets back in time for Dublin Festival/Cheltenham.
I doubt there were any Cheltenham Grade 1 winners in a action in either race.
I thought the the rides on both Firefox and Romeo Coolio were very disappointing - both should have been ridden more aggressively instead of being held up imo.
Still don't like Firefox for the Arkle and Romeo Coolio should definitely be stepped up in trip though doubt he's good enough to win a Turners (aka Ballymore).
I'm still convinced The Yellow Clay is Elliots best two miler and had some more on at 130 for the Supreme.
Speaking of Elliot Koktail Brut was impressive in the closing bumper and is one for the notebook.
The two day meeting at Newbury was pretty average though some people got excited by Regents Stroll in the opening novice hurdle but I couldn't back him with counterfeit for Cheltenham.
Sir Gino won the Fighting Firth in what turned out to be a penalty kick with Mystical Power running no race. Some people got all excited about the performance straight afterwards but he basically just did what he was entitled to dobeating a load of handicappers.
He briefly became favourite but 24 hours later Lossiemouth put in a performance that was far more compelling in the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse. Teauphoo lost little in defeat.
It would be great if Constitution Hill could look as good as ever at Christmas then we would have a fantastic match up - but that's probably a pipe dream.
The Grade 1 novice races at Fairyhouse threw up some surprises though Jack Kennedy was unable to ride the two favourites after sadly breaking his leg again - hopefully he gets back in time for Dublin Festival/Cheltenham.
I doubt there were any Cheltenham Grade 1 winners in a action in either race.
I thought the the rides on both Firefox and Romeo Coolio were very disappointing - both should have been ridden more aggressively instead of being held up imo.
Still don't like Firefox for the Arkle and Romeo Coolio should definitely be stepped up in trip though doubt he's good enough to win a Turners (aka Ballymore).
I'm still convinced The Yellow Clay is Elliots best two miler and had some more on at 130 for the Supreme.
Speaking of Elliot Koktail Brut was impressive in the closing bumper and is one for the notebook.
The two day meeting at Newbury was pretty average though some people got excited by Regents Stroll in the opening novice hurdle but I couldn't back him with counterfeit for Cheltenham.
Interesting race on Saturday at Sandown with Henry VIII entries including L’Eau du Sud, Down Memory Lane joined by Rubaud. Didn’t know that was going chasing to be honest. Personally I think Skeltons horse has improved over a stone since going Chasing and 6/5 early price is fairly generous. I’m really anti Ballyburn’s Arkle chance and if he goes up to 3 miles (hasn’t done Fact or File any harm) then it’s a pretty open field. L’Eau has been as good as anything so far and maybe just been waiting to shine over bigger obstacles? Any thoughts Uncle or anyone else?
L’eau Du Sud certainly looks a nice prospect but odds on in a novice chase at Sandown wouldn’t be my kind of bet.
Whether he’s quite Arkle material I’m not sure. I the pocket has been the most impressive to my eyes and I look forward to seeing his next start - though they have scrubbed the race at Leopardstowns Christmas meeting so not sure where he’ll go - has to go left handed.
I think for sure Ballyburn would have gone for the old Turners so maybe he’ll go for the Browns over 3m like Fact To File did.
Whether he’s quite Arkle material I’m not sure. I the pocket has been the most impressive to my eyes and I look forward to seeing his next start - though they have scrubbed the race at Leopardstowns Christmas meeting so not sure where he’ll go - has to go left handed.
I think for sure Ballyburn would have gone for the old Turners so maybe he’ll go for the Browns over 3m like Fact To File did.
I’ve already backed Inthepocket (after his win) he’s one of my 4 antepost so far with Brighterdaysahead and New Lion.
The speed of jumping between Ballyburn and Inthepocket was very noticeable. 5/1 RSA Ballyburn is my 4th antepost bet.
Going back to I’Eau de Sud Saturday, wouldn’t want to back Rubaud first time over Sandown but could be anything. The Irish horse is also very promising and won very easily last time. Could be a cracker. Looking forward to going Sandown both days.
The speed of jumping between Ballyburn and Inthepocket was very noticeable. 5/1 RSA Ballyburn is my 4th antepost bet.
Going back to I’Eau de Sud Saturday, wouldn’t want to back Rubaud first time over Sandown but could be anything. The Irish horse is also very promising and won very easily last time. Could be a cracker. Looking forward to going Sandown both days.
I was very taken with Down Memory Lane on chase debut, especially for such a lightly raced horse. I expected him to be stepped up in trip though. The changes to the novice chases at Cheltenham certainly make the novice chase program more interesting imo.
For the RSA, I'd point out that Mullins is very keen on Majborough (though as a 5-y-o he wouldn't be for me). Caldwell Potter should also end up here, and given how keen Elliott was to keep him, he should be good. Croke Park looks like a typical RSA horse - not flashy, but solid, tough and a stout stayer.
Meanwhile, the Champion Hurdle is boiling up lovely. I was astonished when Sir Gino went favourite after beating a bunch of moderate handicappers. Lossiemouth looked superb, but in a race run perfectly for her. I'm loving the way Mullins in messing with Henderson's head by saying she'll run against Constitution Hill at Kempton - Nicky regards that race as his own personal penalty kick - he must be crapping himself.
For the RSA, I'd point out that Mullins is very keen on Majborough (though as a 5-y-o he wouldn't be for me). Caldwell Potter should also end up here, and given how keen Elliott was to keep him, he should be good. Croke Park looks like a typical RSA horse - not flashy, but solid, tough and a stout stayer.
Meanwhile, the Champion Hurdle is boiling up lovely. I was astonished when Sir Gino went favourite after beating a bunch of moderate handicappers. Lossiemouth looked superb, but in a race run perfectly for her. I'm loving the way Mullins in messing with Henderson's head by saying she'll run against Constitution Hill at Kempton - Nicky regards that race as his own personal penalty kick - he must be crapping himself.
Agree Mullins likes Marlborough, but he also has to run Ballyburn in right race. If he’s not speedy enough for 2 miles then he must go down RSA route. If they run over 2miles + in next race I’m not sure we learn anything?
Interesting to see where they go.
Interesting to see where they go.
4/6 l'eau I mean.
I backed Down Memory lane when at Navan and he got the run of things in the race so could be vulnerable in Sandown if he travels
I backed Down Memory lane when at Navan and he got the run of things in the race so could be vulnerable in Sandown if he travels
Yes, just seen that. Between 4/6 and 4/9 antepost now. King of Kingsfield can be a total rogue and make horses look better than they are, so interesting to see if they bring DML over to take his chance.
Uncle ur prognosis of Drinmore and Royal Bond races would resemble the slowness of DML race,in the chases the leaders stayed on front of a slow pace and the flat speed won the hurdle of that that ran on the flat
Uncle
Think you're being a bit harsh on Sir Gino in relation to Lossiemouth, people can crab SG but must do the same for Lossiemouth, she beat slow horses in a crawl, a proper crawl, the novices that weekend went further and 25 seconds quicker the day before, lossiemouth ran in an absolute farce of a race and did precisely what she should have done, she's beating teahupoo and beacon edge receiving weight, in relation to and trying to assimilate that to a champion hurdle is, well it can't be done and she's priced up as if she's already been there and done it.
Think you're being a bit harsh on Sir Gino in relation to Lossiemouth, people can crab SG but must do the same for Lossiemouth, she beat slow horses in a crawl, a proper crawl, the novices that weekend went further and 25 seconds quicker the day before, lossiemouth ran in an absolute farce of a race and did precisely what she should have done, she's beating teahupoo and beacon edge receiving weight, in relation to and trying to assimilate that to a champion hurdle is, well it can't be done and she's priced up as if she's already been there and done it.
Notwithstanding of course that she could obviously be the real deal and when called upon on the big day she of course may well be able to deliver.
It's all part of a fascinating puzzle. State Man sets a very solid standard, but one of the others could clearly be better than him. Lossiemouth and Sir Gino still have to prove themselves at that level. If Constitution Hill remains at his best, he'll pick up and carry the others, but that is a huge "if" (and his best was arguably in March 2022). I suppose that's why it's called "gambling".
It does wear on you though, every trial that comes and goes seem to leave nothing answered, races being run at a crawl or level of opposition sub standard, then you've got the will he won't he be back, owners having multiple entrants, trainers having multiple entrants, avoiding one another, he'll go here, she'll go there...round and round and round we go
Some good racing today despite the inclement conditions.
At Sandown Jonbon won as he liked at his favourite track. He's not a terrible price at 11/4 for the QM considering the lack of realistic alternatives but I still wouldn't want to be backing him. I had a speculative little dabble on JPR One at 100/1 a few weeks ago in the hope it might be a goodish ground Festival and he ran pretty well considering the going was all against him.
L'eau Du Sud won well enough and cemented his position as the best of the British 2m novice chasers. Where that will leave him come March is another matter.
Over in Ireland I have to accept defeat in my hope that The Yellow Clay may go for the Supreme after he to up late to win the Grade 2 over 2m4f. There were three Cheltenham winners in last years running and maybe the one to note was the Mullins trained My Great Mate who was given an 'interesting' ride and might be one for the Martin Pipe.
The Cheltenham Bumper winner Jasmin De Faux made a successful hurdling debut without being desperately impressive.
The 2m4f novice chase looks a decent heat and Ice Atlantique was impressive in making all. A few scribes are suggesting him for the Brown Advisory but he was impressive on his bumper and hurdles debuts and didn't really kick on.
I was more interested in the running of Good Land back in 3rd who was coming back from over 18 months off the track. He was very easy to back on here suggesting the run was going to be needed and he jumped nicely until understandably tiring between the last two. He has good form at Leopardstown so can see him being aimed at the Dublin Racing festival.
50/1 on here for Brown Advisory looks fair.
At Sandown Jonbon won as he liked at his favourite track. He's not a terrible price at 11/4 for the QM considering the lack of realistic alternatives but I still wouldn't want to be backing him. I had a speculative little dabble on JPR One at 100/1 a few weeks ago in the hope it might be a goodish ground Festival and he ran pretty well considering the going was all against him.
L'eau Du Sud won well enough and cemented his position as the best of the British 2m novice chasers. Where that will leave him come March is another matter.
Over in Ireland I have to accept defeat in my hope that The Yellow Clay may go for the Supreme after he to up late to win the Grade 2 over 2m4f. There were three Cheltenham winners in last years running and maybe the one to note was the Mullins trained My Great Mate who was given an 'interesting' ride and might be one for the Martin Pipe.
The Cheltenham Bumper winner Jasmin De Faux made a successful hurdling debut without being desperately impressive.
The 2m4f novice chase looks a decent heat and Ice Atlantique was impressive in making all. A few scribes are suggesting him for the Brown Advisory but he was impressive on his bumper and hurdles debuts and didn't really kick on.
I was more interested in the running of Good Land back in 3rd who was coming back from over 18 months off the track. He was very easy to back on here suggesting the run was going to be needed and he jumped nicely until understandably tiring between the last two. He has good form at Leopardstown so can see him being aimed at the Dublin Racing festival.
50/1 on here for Brown Advisory looks fair.
Energumene came back with a win last Sunday though he was receiving weight and was left alone when being challenged at the last by Banbridge.
He clearly loves Cheltenham and if it cones up really soft again he could do a Moscow Flyer at age 11.
Banbridge has been well backed for the King George and the weather forecast is in his favour. Yet to win at 3m though.
At Cheltenham it was more quantity over quality though Jet Blue was impressive in the Albert Bartlett trial and 25/1 is not the worst price.
Liberty Hunter was impressive and it will be interesting to see how he gets on up in grade.
Over in Ireland the main focus was on the novice chasers. Majborough won impressively at Fairyhouse first time out and was made 5/1 for the Arkle. Not sure 2m on the Old Course will be far enough for him.
Today at Naas Lecky Watson beat Slade Steel after a great round of jumping.
Slade Steel jumped safely but maybe not a natural. I will add the Henry De Bromhead stable is in shocking form so I would definitely give him another chance - out to 50/1 on here which I put a few quiz on. I also threw a couple on him for the Champion Hurdle at 350.
He clearly loves Cheltenham and if it cones up really soft again he could do a Moscow Flyer at age 11.
Banbridge has been well backed for the King George and the weather forecast is in his favour. Yet to win at 3m though.
At Cheltenham it was more quantity over quality though Jet Blue was impressive in the Albert Bartlett trial and 25/1 is not the worst price.
Liberty Hunter was impressive and it will be interesting to see how he gets on up in grade.
Over in Ireland the main focus was on the novice chasers. Majborough won impressively at Fairyhouse first time out and was made 5/1 for the Arkle. Not sure 2m on the Old Course will be far enough for him.
Today at Naas Lecky Watson beat Slade Steel after a great round of jumping.
Slade Steel jumped safely but maybe not a natural. I will add the Henry De Bromhead stable is in shocking form so I would definitely give him another chance - out to 50/1 on here which I put a few quiz on. I also threw a couple on him for the Champion Hurdle at 350.
Yep had the 36 on here Jet Blue , you know its coming for the Bartlett and hopefully will jump better early on .Clocked decent time fwiw .
Sir Gino, Constitution Hill and Galopin Des Champs are sorted; 2 are previous winners, the former was unavoidably detained in his box. I think one could add Jon Bon to the list.
Well the usual busy Christmas period and plenty to cogitate on.
At Ascot the the Long Walk was won for the second year running by Crambo but as with last year you could throw a blanket over them and the race had little bearing on the Stayers Hurdle so hard to see why it will be different in 2025.
Over at Leopardstown the 3m Grade 1 was won by Home By The Lee who also won it in 2022. On paper he looks the ideal type for the New Course, similar to Inglis Drever, but he has not been competitive in the last three Stayers Hurdle, just staying on once the race is over.
He still looks the main danger too Teahupoo.
The Champion Hurdle picture is still very unclear despite all the main protagonists showing their hand over Christmas.
Constitution Hill won nicely from Lossiemouth who was flat to the boards all the way and never looked happy. The proximity in third of Burdett Road, who made. terrible mistake at theist which must have cost him 3-5 lengths, definitely raises doubts about the form.
Of course there are legitimate reasons to think Constitution Hill should improve for this given his year off and if he stays 100% sound he should take the beating. Lossiemouth drifted out to 7/1 and she looks the bet to me. Her run reminded me of Galoipin De Champ in the 2023 John Durkan - never travelling or jumping from the word go, over a track/trip that was too sharp, yet still only beaten a short distance.
In Ireland Brighterdaysahead put up an astonishing performance on paper to thrash Stateman who couldn't even finish second. However it does bring to mind the likes of Apples Jade and Cyrname, even Hawkwing's Lockinge, and there is still a chance she goes for the Mares Hurdle.
The King George was a bit weird. No surprise to see the French horse run them ragged for a long wag and equally no surprise it fell in a hole once it came out of cruise control (I think I read it burst a blood vessel again). The only surprise was the the only horse able to take advantage was the unproven stayer Banbridge. I guess his ability to travel in his comfort zone was a key point and the rest were all done before the home turn. He is now favourite for the Ryanair and given decent conditions he should go well. The likes of Spillanes Tower, L'Homme Presse, Grey Dawning etc may do better at Cheltenham, though if he were mine I'd save Spillanes Tower for Fairyhouse and Punchestown.
In Ireland Galopin Des Champ did his usual Leopardstown procession and will need to underperform for anything to touch him at Cheltenham. Fact To File ran well but an extra 2f at Cheltenham is surely not what he needs and he would be an odds-on shot if they go for the Ryanair. Inothewayyourthinkin ran ok and 50/1 e/w looks a reasonable bet for the Gold Cup.
The 2m Grade One at Leopardstown was won by the fully exposed Solness with Gaelic Warrior running a bit flat in second. It still wouldn't be a surprise top see him win at Cheltenham, especially as I don't like Jonbon.
The novice chase races threw up some nice winners and obviously Sir Gino looks a penalty kick for the Arkle - as suggested a year ago in last years thread.
I was very impressed with The Jukebox Man who jumped impeccaby. At 7/1 I much prefer him to Ballyburn and Dancing City. The big novice chases in Ireland weren't desperately exciting with Croke Park winning at Leopardstown and Impaire Et Passe beating a bad field at Limerick.
The novice hurdle divisions still looks very open. The Supreme is still 10/1 the field. As I suggested up thread Romeo Coolio was much better suited to making the running over 2m and while he won well I can't get excited about him for the Supreme. At Aintree Potters Charm won the old Tolworth but it was a very weak race and he may be better suited to the Turners.
The Challow was won effortlessly by The New Lion and he is now 3/1 favourite for the Turners. It wasn't a great race and there have been a few impressive winners in recent years who have gone on to get stuffed at Cheltenham, though the Irish challenge is currently not looking that threatening.
In the non graded races there wasn't a huge amount to get excited about. Kopek Des Bordes was the most interesting and won easily despite jumping poorly. I assume he'll go up in trip but he might be one for fences next year.
At Ascot the the Long Walk was won for the second year running by Crambo but as with last year you could throw a blanket over them and the race had little bearing on the Stayers Hurdle so hard to see why it will be different in 2025.
Over at Leopardstown the 3m Grade 1 was won by Home By The Lee who also won it in 2022. On paper he looks the ideal type for the New Course, similar to Inglis Drever, but he has not been competitive in the last three Stayers Hurdle, just staying on once the race is over.
He still looks the main danger too Teahupoo.
The Champion Hurdle picture is still very unclear despite all the main protagonists showing their hand over Christmas.
Constitution Hill won nicely from Lossiemouth who was flat to the boards all the way and never looked happy. The proximity in third of Burdett Road, who made. terrible mistake at theist which must have cost him 3-5 lengths, definitely raises doubts about the form.
Of course there are legitimate reasons to think Constitution Hill should improve for this given his year off and if he stays 100% sound he should take the beating. Lossiemouth drifted out to 7/1 and she looks the bet to me. Her run reminded me of Galoipin De Champ in the 2023 John Durkan - never travelling or jumping from the word go, over a track/trip that was too sharp, yet still only beaten a short distance.
In Ireland Brighterdaysahead put up an astonishing performance on paper to thrash Stateman who couldn't even finish second. However it does bring to mind the likes of Apples Jade and Cyrname, even Hawkwing's Lockinge, and there is still a chance she goes for the Mares Hurdle.
The King George was a bit weird. No surprise to see the French horse run them ragged for a long wag and equally no surprise it fell in a hole once it came out of cruise control (I think I read it burst a blood vessel again). The only surprise was the the only horse able to take advantage was the unproven stayer Banbridge. I guess his ability to travel in his comfort zone was a key point and the rest were all done before the home turn. He is now favourite for the Ryanair and given decent conditions he should go well. The likes of Spillanes Tower, L'Homme Presse, Grey Dawning etc may do better at Cheltenham, though if he were mine I'd save Spillanes Tower for Fairyhouse and Punchestown.
In Ireland Galopin Des Champ did his usual Leopardstown procession and will need to underperform for anything to touch him at Cheltenham. Fact To File ran well but an extra 2f at Cheltenham is surely not what he needs and he would be an odds-on shot if they go for the Ryanair. Inothewayyourthinkin ran ok and 50/1 e/w looks a reasonable bet for the Gold Cup.
The 2m Grade One at Leopardstown was won by the fully exposed Solness with Gaelic Warrior running a bit flat in second. It still wouldn't be a surprise top see him win at Cheltenham, especially as I don't like Jonbon.
The novice chase races threw up some nice winners and obviously Sir Gino looks a penalty kick for the Arkle - as suggested a year ago in last years thread.
I was very impressed with The Jukebox Man who jumped impeccaby. At 7/1 I much prefer him to Ballyburn and Dancing City. The big novice chases in Ireland weren't desperately exciting with Croke Park winning at Leopardstown and Impaire Et Passe beating a bad field at Limerick.
The novice hurdle divisions still looks very open. The Supreme is still 10/1 the field. As I suggested up thread Romeo Coolio was much better suited to making the running over 2m and while he won well I can't get excited about him for the Supreme. At Aintree Potters Charm won the old Tolworth but it was a very weak race and he may be better suited to the Turners.
The Challow was won effortlessly by The New Lion and he is now 3/1 favourite for the Turners. It wasn't a great race and there have been a few impressive winners in recent years who have gone on to get stuffed at Cheltenham, though the Irish challenge is currently not looking that threatening.
In the non graded races there wasn't a huge amount to get excited about. Kopek Des Bordes was the most interesting and won easily despite jumping poorly. I assume he'll go up in trip but he might be one for fences next year.
Thanks Uncle , hard to remember a better novice jumper than The Jukebox Man .
Does anyone think there is a possibility of Losange Bleu coming over for the Stayers ? I realise all runs have been at Auteuil , but at least its the right way round .
Lots of action since my last post and several high profile runners have been ruled out like Anzadam and The Jukebox Man.
Jonbon impressively won the Grade 1 at Ascot from Energumene but I still want to oppose him at Cheltenham. As with Lossiemouth at Kempton there was a big drift on Energumene and he never really looks like challenging Jonbon. It was his second run back after a long off and the ground would have been plenty quick enough for him - out to 16/1 on her which if it came up really soft would look generous.
The Dublin Racing Festival (aka Wille Mullins Benefit) is on this weekend and Gaelic Warrior puts his QM credentials on the line at Leopardstown on Sunday (though don't forget he flopped at the meeting last year and then rose like a phoenix at Cheltenham).
Plenty of good novice races since my last post and the horse that really grabbed my attention was Kawaboomga who won at Fairyhouse. That race featured three horses who had been in the frame at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and he stayed on strongly to beat William Munny with miles back to the third. Mullins said afterwards he would step up to the Turners and I have had plenty of 14/1 nrnb.
His win franked the from of Kopek Des Bordes who beat him at Leopardstown and he is favourite for the 2m Grade 1 on Sunday. His jumping needs to be better but he clearly has some engine and the current 12/1 (7/1 nrnb) for the Supreme now might look good by Sunday evening.
The Irish Champion hurdle could be an all Mullins affair with Brighterdaysahead not featuring and the vibe being she will go for the Mares. Lossiemouth is favourite but an on song Statesman should beat her - if she looks to lack the pace for 2m again will she go back for the Mares?
With that possibility in mind I had a speculative £20 at 100/1 nrnb on Kargese with Slybet last night (odds were immediately cut to 80/1).
Went through the Triumph like the best horse before getting outstayed on the New Course by the mighty Majborough. Then really served it up to Sir Gino at Aintree - and he would be second favourite for the Champion Hurdle if he was being aimed there.
She returned at Ascot over 2m3f but pulled her jockeys arms out to the start and through the race and despite coming there looking the winner between he last two she got outstayed, and to me looks like a fast run 2m is what she wants not 2m4f of the Mares.
Obviously an on song Constitution Hill will be unbeatable but he could yet have another 'problem' and does take a chance at his hurdles.
.Jonbon impressively won the Grade 1 at Ascot from Energumene but I still want to oppose him at Cheltenham
. As with Lossiemouth at Kempton there was a big drift on Energumene and he never really looks like challenging Jonbon. It was his second run back after a long off and the ground would have been plenty quick enough for him - out to 16/1 on her which if it came up really soft would look generous. The Dublin Racing Festival (aka Wille Mullins Benefit) is on this weekend and Gaelic Warrior puts his QM credentials on the line at Leopardstown on Sunday (though don't forget he flopped at the meeting last year and then rose like a phoenix at Cheltenham).
Plenty of good novice races since my last post and the horse that really grabbed my attention was Kawaboomga who won at Fairyhouse. That race featured three horses who had been in the frame at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and he stayed on strongly to beat William Munny with miles back to the third. Mullins said afterwards he would step up to the Turners and I have had plenty of 14/1 nrnb.
His win franked the from of Kopek Des Bordes who beat him at Leopardstown and he is favourite for the 2m Grade 1 on Sunday. His jumping needs to be better but he clearly has some engine and the current 12/1 (7/1 nrnb) for the Supreme now might look good by Sunday evening.
The Irish Champion hurdle could be an all Mullins affair with Brighterdaysahead not featuring and the vibe being she will go for the Mares. Lossiemouth is favourite but an on song Statesman should beat her - if she looks to lack the pace for 2m again will she go back for the Mares?
With that possibility in mind I had a speculative £20 at 100/1 nrnb on Kargese with Slybet last night (odds were immediately cut to 80/1
).Went through the Triumph like the best horse before getting outstayed on the New Course by the mighty Majborough. Then really served it up to Sir Gino at Aintree - and he would be second favourite for the Champion Hurdle if he was being aimed there.
She returned at Ascot over 2m3f but pulled her jockeys arms out to the start and through the race and despite coming there looking the winner between he last two she got outstayed, and to me looks like a fast run 2m is what she wants not 2m4f of the Mares.
Obviously an on song Constitution Hill will be unbeatable but he could yet have another 'problem' and does take a chance at his hurdles.
If BDA and Lossiemouth run in the CH, Kargese will definitely run in the Mares. To be honest, I don't think she will run in CH, no matter what happens.
It's only 3 weeks away. Is anyone in the Festival mood yet? I just like to see Constitution Hill and Galopin Des Champ retaining their crown.
Has constitutional Hill got a share in Galloping des champs crown
A belated update with the Festival now just around the corner.
But before that can I just say how desperately sad it was when the news Rome last week about Michael O’Sullivan.
It’s easy to forget just how dangerous this sport can be and I will be leaving the bulk of my estate to the IJF in my will.
The Dublin Racing festival was the expected Mullins benefit.
Kopek Des Bordes was immense and my 12/1 is looking very nice. It also paid a compliment to Kawaboomga so my novice hurdle portfolio is looking rather tasty.
One other horse I will look to play in the Supreme is William Munny, who was very impressive at Punchestown on Thursday. He too franked the form of the above two as well as Workahead who beat him at Christmas, though WM jumped far better on this occasion. Will look to play him in the place market and forecast with KDB.
Final Demand was an easy winner of the longer novice hurdle but it wasn’t a particular strong race and he looks short enough with The Yellow Clay, The New Lion and Kawaboomga in opposition - though The Yellow Clay may go for the Albert Bartlett, and maybe even The New Lion and/or Kawaboomga might go Supreme if it was really soft (have taken 12/1 on the latter nrnb just in case).
The Irish Champion Hurdle match up ended with a terrible looking fall for Lossiemouth. Stateman won unchallenged yet was unimpressive in doing so. Surely Brighterdaysahead has to take her chance now, not that I want her to win.
Majborough and Ballymore won the grade one novice chases and will be hard to beat at Cheltenham, especially after Sir Gino was ruled out.
Galopin Des Champs did his usual and could go off crazy short for the Gold Cup. Fact To File ran well and should go for the Ryanair but JP has Spillanes Tower for that - maybe one of them will miss Cheltenham altogether? Spillanes Tower apparently didn’t travel well when he disappointed in the King George which would be a worry.
The Champion Chase trial was a rerun of the Christmas meeting race and the result was the same with Solness making all to beat Marine Nationale and Gaelic Warrior. The latter again looked very laboured and one can only hope it’s a Leopardstown thing.
I’d love to see Marine Nationale win in memory of Michael O’Sullivan and he does seem to be improving.
The Triumph Hurdle trial was a repeat of the Christmas race with Hello Neighbour beating Lady Vega Allen.
The winner is now unbeaten in four starts and only seems to do enough so is hard to weigh up.
East India Dock looks bombproof and, with Lulamba’s Ascot form being let down by Mondo Man, EID will surely go off clear favourite on the day?
But before that can I just say how desperately sad it was when the news Rome last week about Michael O’Sullivan.
It’s easy to forget just how dangerous this sport can be and I will be leaving the bulk of my estate to the IJF in my will.
The Dublin Racing festival was the expected Mullins benefit.
Kopek Des Bordes was immense and my 12/1 is looking very nice. It also paid a compliment to Kawaboomga so my novice hurdle portfolio is looking rather tasty.
One other horse I will look to play in the Supreme is William Munny, who was very impressive at Punchestown on Thursday. He too franked the form of the above two as well as Workahead who beat him at Christmas, though WM jumped far better on this occasion. Will look to play him in the place market and forecast with KDB.
Final Demand was an easy winner of the longer novice hurdle but it wasn’t a particular strong race and he looks short enough with The Yellow Clay, The New Lion and Kawaboomga in opposition - though The Yellow Clay may go for the Albert Bartlett, and maybe even The New Lion and/or Kawaboomga might go Supreme if it was really soft (have taken 12/1 on the latter nrnb just in case).
The Irish Champion Hurdle match up ended with a terrible looking fall for Lossiemouth. Stateman won unchallenged yet was unimpressive in doing so. Surely Brighterdaysahead has to take her chance now, not that I want her to win.
Majborough and Ballymore won the grade one novice chases and will be hard to beat at Cheltenham, especially after Sir Gino was ruled out.
Galopin Des Champs did his usual and could go off crazy short for the Gold Cup. Fact To File ran well and should go for the Ryanair but JP has Spillanes Tower for that - maybe one of them will miss Cheltenham altogether? Spillanes Tower apparently didn’t travel well when he disappointed in the King George which would be a worry.
The Champion Chase trial was a rerun of the Christmas meeting race and the result was the same with Solness making all to beat Marine Nationale and Gaelic Warrior. The latter again looked very laboured and one can only hope it’s a Leopardstown thing.
I’d love to see Marine Nationale win in memory of Michael O’Sullivan and he does seem to be improving.
The Triumph Hurdle trial was a repeat of the Christmas race with Hello Neighbour beating Lady Vega Allen.
The winner is now unbeaten in four starts and only seems to do enough so is hard to weigh up.
East India Dock looks bombproof and, with Lulamba’s Ascot form being let down by Mondo Man, EID will surely go off clear favourite on the day?
Looking like Kawaboomga won’t be running at Cheltenham judging from markets on here.,
,
If you are going and looking for somewhere to eat afterwards ... The Beefy Boys in Cheltenham was ranked the best burger in the UK and 2nd best in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ19M5-23rs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ19M5-23rs
Cheltenham (if the going gets really soft or heavy don’t back them)::
Tuesday TRIPOLI FLYER (each way), JANGO BAIE (each way), CONSTITUTION HILL
Wednesday THE NEW LION, JONBON
Thursday SIXANDAHALF, PROTEKTORAT
Friday EAST INDIA DOCK, KABRAL DE MATHAN (each way).
All the best
Tuesday TRIPOLI FLYER (each way), JANGO BAIE (each way), CONSTITUTION HILL
Wednesday THE NEW LION, JONBON
Thursday SIXANDAHALF, PROTEKTORAT
Friday EAST INDIA DOCK, KABRAL DE MATHAN (each way).
All the best
No horse wearing any type of headgear has won since Flown in 1992 if thinking getting your betting bank for rest of meeting on fav in first wears a hood mybe 34 time lucky
There's only one horse everyone has come to see tomorrow. It's Galopin Des Champs. Let's hope he wins, and is accorded the same accolade as Arkle and Best Mate.
None of the big four races went to the favourite. The Ryanair is the fifth "major".
Went to Gold Cup day this year and honestly it was a bit underwhelming. Watched more races on the big screens than actually live, queues for the toilets were excessive in the Centaur building and 3 deep when you actually did eventually get there.
Food and drink grossly overpriced, £7.80 for a Guinness and £3.10 for a can of Diet Coke for example.
Wouldn't rush back if I'm being brutally honest.
I was in an Irish bar in Birmingham called Hennessey's on the Thursday and they had screens everywhere showing RacingTV along with tables and chairs, no excessive quesues for drinks, decent food menu too. That'd be my kind of idea of watching the festival next year.
Food and drink grossly overpriced, £7.80 for a Guinness and £3.10 for a can of Diet Coke for example.
Wouldn't rush back if I'm being brutally honest.
I was in an Irish bar in Birmingham called Hennessey's on the Thursday and they had screens everywhere showing RacingTV along with tables and chairs, no excessive quesues for drinks, decent food menu too. That'd be my kind of idea of watching the festival next year.
Got to agree Somerset. £9 to use the shuttle bus to town or £15 to use the park and ride. £7.80 for a can of bitter that costs a quid in the supermarket. They are just taking the p1$$.
They are just taking the p1$$.
Surprised they haven't started charging for that, big queues, a good few quid in that
Surprised they haven't started charging for that, big queues, a good few quid in that
Quite.
Welcome to the racecourse sir, please empty your wallet into this bin as you go in.
Welcome to the racecourse sir, please empty your wallet into this bin as you go in.
The management will squeeze and squeeze and squeeze the maximum profit they can. As their prices / profits go up, the crowd numbers will drop accordingly. Shame on them.
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