Cheltenham Festival
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Feature...Willie Mullins Cheltenham Stable Tour
As recently as last week, there were murmurings that Willie Mullins hadn’t unearthed his usual star novice or leading Champion Bumper hope.
Such suggestions were shown to be greatly exaggerated at last weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival as Final Demand, Kopek Des Bordes and Bambino Fever thundered on to the scene with scintillating performances, evolving from reasonably promising talents to Cheltenham bankers.
Come the spring, the champion trainer always emerges with a cluster of exceptional young talent to supplement, and eventually take up the mantle from, his proven stars. But last weekend also saw those established Closutton giants roar.
Galopin Des Champs blasted to a third successive Irish Gold Cup and will now bid to join the pantheon of staying chasers alongside Best Mate, Arkle, Cottage Rake and Golden Miller by landing a Gold Cup treble, while State Man took advantage of Lossiemouth's lack of concentration at one of the flights in the Irish Champion Hurdle and both are firmly on course for a showdown with Constitution Hill.
It's 103 Cheltenham Festival winners and counting for Mullins and another stellar squad is descending on the Cotswolds from County Carlow.
Allegorie De Vassy
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 7-1
She'll definitely go for the Mares' Chase. She's in the Opera Hat at the weekend and will likely run. We've done things differently with her this season and I think it's paying off.
Argento Boy
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 33-1
He was good at Punchestown on Monday and could go for the Albert Bartlett.
Ballyburn
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 2-1
He’ll need to settle a little bit as he was very keen at Leopardstown, but I think that experience will be good. Paul [Townend] gunned him down to every fence at Kempton and when you’re doing that it puts it into the horse’s mind that ‘this is what I have to do today’. So when he came out in the race last Sunday, he thinks he has to go a huge pace. He tried to replicate that, but Paul was doing the opposite, trying to settle him. So we’ll be trying to settle him at home here, but I think, given the size of the Cheltenham fences and everything, he’ll be fine.
Bambino Fever
Champion Bumper, 6-1
She was excellent at Leopardstown and my choice would be to go straight to the Champion Bumper. Mares have a good record in it and she has a lovely pedigree.
Charlus
JCB Triumph Hurdle, 20-1
I was really impressed with him at Naas because he's had an in-and-out season at home. I hoped he'd run well but didn't expect him to be as impressive. He jumped like a handicapper and I was very impressed by that for a Flat horse.
Dancing City
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 10-3
The Brown Advisory is the plan. He’s a four-wheel-drive horse and I hope the ground is soft for him at Cheltenham. He just gallops and jumps and is a nice type for the race.
El Fabiolo
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 12-1/Ryanair Chase, 14-1
I imagine he’s going for the Champion Chase or the Ryanair. My feeling is the Ryanair and that’s where I’ll be aiming if Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] agree. His jumping has been disappointing. I think when he meets a higher grade of horse and goes a quicker speed he's just not able to change his mind and pop a fence. He might go for the Red Mills Chase.
Energumene
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 10-1
It's simple enough with him – he only has one race which is the Champion Chase. The ground at Ascot last time was goodish whereas he might want much softer ground.
Funiculi Funicula Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 25-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 40-1
We'll go to Cheltenham with him. I'm not sure what race yet; he could go for the Supreme or the Turners.
Dinoblue
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 5-1
She's another one we plan to run in the Mares' Chase.
Fact To File Boodles Gold Cup, 6-1/Ryanair Chase, 2-1
He’s a very good jumper and maybe we could make more use of his jumping, but they’re all things that have to be worked out and we'll look at other opportunities for him. The Ryanair hasn’t been touched on since the race.
Final Demand
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 15-8/Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 6-1
He'll probably go for the Turners as I don’t want to put him under the stress of the Albert Bartlett given he’s had only two runs – I’d like a horse who started earlier in the season for that as it’s a tough race. I think two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham will be a big enough question to ask him at this stage of his career. He looks a chaser, he must be 17.2 hands, a big unit, and is as strong a horse as I’ve had. He looks like Florida Pearl, so strong through the body, whereas Galopin Des Champs is more evenly balanced, a lighter frame. I'm happy to do the Turners before going novice chasing next season.
Fishery Lane
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 66-1/Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 33-1
He's a good type who could go for the Turners or Albert Bartlett – all being well, probably the latter.
Fun Fun Fun
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 14-1
She's in the Opera Hat and we'll see how she goes with a view to the Mares' Chase. She won well at Naas the last day.
Gaelic Warrior
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 13-2/Ryanair Chase, 6-1
I was disappointed with him on Sunday. He looked to be going so average at the fifth-last and it looked like Paul might pull him up, and he said the same afterwards. He got his second wind and stayed on well then. The Ryanair now comes into the equation or he could wait for Aintree or Punchestown, but we'll see.
Galopin Des Champs
Boodles Gold Cup, 8-15
His performance in the Irish Gold Cup was very good. They jumped off very fast but Paul slowly steadied it down. Paul can ride him anywhere he wants; he has complete faith in the horse. In his first Gold Cup I wanted him held up. At that time, he was keen, but he learned a lot. Now he’s very malleable and he settles. I think Paul was very good on him and conserved him. He had the pace of race that he wanted and didn’t get serious with him, even after the last. That’s the sort of reserves the horse has. I love it when I see horses take a huge jump and it doesn’t take anything out of him, as he did at the last at Christmas. Last Saturday he did it at the fifth-last, just stood off, landed on the far side and kept galloping. To us it’s unbelievable that we have a horse going for a third Gold Cup who could be in Arkle and Best Mate category.
Grangeclare West
Boodles Gold Cup, 18-1
We were kind of looking at the Grand National for him, but I spoke to the owners during the week and I said we're going to Cheltenham. Now the dust has settled I think we'll wait and see what weight he gets before deciding where to go next.
Ile Atlantique My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase, 33-1/Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 33-1
Both of the horses who disappointed at the weekend, Ile Atlantique and Supersundae, ran at Naas and I think Leopardstown came too soon. We won't do that again. This horse will probably go to Cheltenham, but we'll see. He wants softer ground.
Impaire Et Passe
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 20-1
There's a good chance he might miss Cheltenham. He would have gone for the two-and-a-half-mile novice chase if it was still there, but he might go to Aintree or Fairyhouse instead. I think Aintree would be my preference for him at this stage.
Jade De Grugy
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 14-1
She hasn't been seen out yet this season as she got a setback. She'll return in a hurdle race at Punchestown in about ten days' time, the race Annie Power won a few years ago, which we've used before for some of our good mares. I'm very happy with all her homework and she's going for the Mares' Hurdle.
Jasmin De Vaux
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 25-1
He'll go up in trip and could be an Albert Bartlett horse. I think he needs more time at his hurdles.
Kaid D'Authie
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 50-1
He was disappointing at the weekend and he's not a two-miler. He'll go out in trip if he goes.
Kargese.
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 7-1
I imagine she'll go for the Mares’ Hurdle. She’s a very keen horse but has been fine since Ascot.
Kappa Jy Pyke
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 50-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 28-1
I'm keen to bring him over to Cheltenham. He's in the Supreme and the Turners. I'd say it will probably be the Turners, but we'll see.
Kawaboomga
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 20-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 8-1
He can run in either the Supreme or the Turners. I’d probably go for the Turners, but I don’t know what connections want to do as we haven’t discussed it. But he’s a good horse in anyone’s language. I thought he ran a cracker at Christmas and he confirmed that the other day so that books his ticket.
Kiss Will
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 25-1
He's a nice type who could go for the Supreme. He'll be a nice chasing type in the future.
Kopek Des Bordes
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 11-10
Ted Walsh rang me the following morning and he said he hadn’t seen a performance like that since Golden Cygnet, which is something huge for someone like Ted to say. Paul got down off him after the race and said he ran away with him three times. Usually if a horse runs away once, their winning chance is gone. When the loose horse came up, I thought it was going to drive him mad, which it did. He went on two or three lengths ahead at the bend before the second-last then Paul got a grip on him and away he went again. We would never ask a horse that question at home. It blew my mind against a field of top-class horses.
Lady Vega Allen
JCB Triumph Hurdle, 14-1
I think she's top class. She's Triumph Hurdle material rather than the Mares' Novices' Hurdle. She's put in two big runs on her last two starts.
Lecky Watson
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 14-1
He will take his chance in the Brown Advisory. He's a good type of horse and goes there with his chance.
Lossiemouth
Unibet Champion Hurdle, 5-1
I don’t know what happened to her on Sunday, I was looking at the head-on video of the back stretch and a flock of seagulls just took off before. Something took her eye off it because she pricked her ears two strides before it and then just didn’t get up. It was as if she was looking at something ahead of her and just didn’t get up high enough. Thankfully she’s good after the race. She was taken out of her comfort zone at Kempton only because she’s not used to running over two miles. At the moment we’re going for the Champion Hurdle. We’ve been training her for this for two years.
Majborough
My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase, 5-2
He's fantastic and looks like a real nice horse in the making. He's only five and does things so naturally. I was watching Saturday's race live on binoculars. He got a bit close to a few fences but he did everything right. I didn't mind his jumping, I thought it was great that he was learning on the job. He hasn't genuflected and he didn't have any real scare. Then when he wanted one at the third-last he flew it. I'm happy with his jumping and I'm happy that he learned a lot from the other day.
Maughreen
Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, 7-2
She put in a huge performance the other day and jumped like a handicapper. She was taking on a very experienced horse in Familiar Dreams. Cheltenham is going to be a tough ask for a horse having her second run over hurdles, but since we started schooling her everyone said she was a brilliant jumper. She’s our top mares’ novice.
Mystical Power
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 33-1
He could run in the Red Mills Hurdle next week and will likely go for the Stayers' Hurdle if he travels over to Cheltenham.
Sainte Lucie JCB Triumph Hurdle, 33-1
I was very disappointed with her on Saturday – she just got very hot before the race. She pulled too hard and if we ran the race again we would make the running with her – I didn't think they were going to go that slow.
Salvator Mundi Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 6-1
He'll go for the Supreme Novice. He has a very tender mouth, as we saw at Punchestown. I think he has a lot of tactical speed, but he didn’t jump so well last time because they were going so slow. After looking like he had blown up, once he got his second wind he just came through and won convincingly. I loved it. It takes a good horse to do that in good company. It’s going to be interesting to see which one Paul rides, but I think this one will need to do a lot at home.
State Man
Unibet Champion Hurdle, 13-2
I haven't really chatted to Paul, but it was probably inconclusive on Sunday whether he was back to his best. The minute he had no company, I thought he had pulled up. He only does what he has to do so I’m hoping he had a lot more in reserve. Paul thinks he has anyway, all the time; has never hidden his admiration for State Man. Obviously a lot will happen before Cheltenham with bits of work between now and then and we'll see how both horses are, but I can’t see Paul, on anything that’s happened up to now, getting off him.
Storm Heart
County Hurdle, 10-1/Coral Cup, 14-1
He ran a cracker at the weekend and will go to one of the handicaps at Cheltenham.
Willy De Houelle
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 8-1
We changed tactics with him at the weekend. I wanted those tactics to be carried out at Christmas, but it didn't work out. We can work on him now after that run at Leopardstown and you'd have to think the Boodles might be the race for him.
As recently as last week, there were murmurings that Willie Mullins hadn’t unearthed his usual star novice or leading Champion Bumper hope.
Such suggestions were shown to be greatly exaggerated at last weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival as Final Demand, Kopek Des Bordes and Bambino Fever thundered on to the scene with scintillating performances, evolving from reasonably promising talents to Cheltenham bankers.
Come the spring, the champion trainer always emerges with a cluster of exceptional young talent to supplement, and eventually take up the mantle from, his proven stars. But last weekend also saw those established Closutton giants roar.
Galopin Des Champs blasted to a third successive Irish Gold Cup and will now bid to join the pantheon of staying chasers alongside Best Mate, Arkle, Cottage Rake and Golden Miller by landing a Gold Cup treble, while State Man took advantage of Lossiemouth's lack of concentration at one of the flights in the Irish Champion Hurdle and both are firmly on course for a showdown with Constitution Hill.
It's 103 Cheltenham Festival winners and counting for Mullins and another stellar squad is descending on the Cotswolds from County Carlow.
Allegorie De Vassy
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 7-1
She'll definitely go for the Mares' Chase. She's in the Opera Hat at the weekend and will likely run. We've done things differently with her this season and I think it's paying off.
Argento Boy
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 33-1
He was good at Punchestown on Monday and could go for the Albert Bartlett.
Ballyburn
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 2-1
He’ll need to settle a little bit as he was very keen at Leopardstown, but I think that experience will be good. Paul [Townend] gunned him down to every fence at Kempton and when you’re doing that it puts it into the horse’s mind that ‘this is what I have to do today’. So when he came out in the race last Sunday, he thinks he has to go a huge pace. He tried to replicate that, but Paul was doing the opposite, trying to settle him. So we’ll be trying to settle him at home here, but I think, given the size of the Cheltenham fences and everything, he’ll be fine.
Bambino Fever
Champion Bumper, 6-1
She was excellent at Leopardstown and my choice would be to go straight to the Champion Bumper. Mares have a good record in it and she has a lovely pedigree.
Charlus
JCB Triumph Hurdle, 20-1
I was really impressed with him at Naas because he's had an in-and-out season at home. I hoped he'd run well but didn't expect him to be as impressive. He jumped like a handicapper and I was very impressed by that for a Flat horse.
Dancing City
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 10-3
The Brown Advisory is the plan. He’s a four-wheel-drive horse and I hope the ground is soft for him at Cheltenham. He just gallops and jumps and is a nice type for the race.
El Fabiolo
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 12-1/Ryanair Chase, 14-1
I imagine he’s going for the Champion Chase or the Ryanair. My feeling is the Ryanair and that’s where I’ll be aiming if Simon [Munir] and Isaac [Souede] agree. His jumping has been disappointing. I think when he meets a higher grade of horse and goes a quicker speed he's just not able to change his mind and pop a fence. He might go for the Red Mills Chase.
Energumene
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 10-1
It's simple enough with him – he only has one race which is the Champion Chase. The ground at Ascot last time was goodish whereas he might want much softer ground.
Funiculi Funicula Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 25-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 40-1
We'll go to Cheltenham with him. I'm not sure what race yet; he could go for the Supreme or the Turners.
Dinoblue
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 5-1
She's another one we plan to run in the Mares' Chase.
Fact To File Boodles Gold Cup, 6-1/Ryanair Chase, 2-1
He’s a very good jumper and maybe we could make more use of his jumping, but they’re all things that have to be worked out and we'll look at other opportunities for him. The Ryanair hasn’t been touched on since the race.
Final Demand
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 15-8/Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 6-1
He'll probably go for the Turners as I don’t want to put him under the stress of the Albert Bartlett given he’s had only two runs – I’d like a horse who started earlier in the season for that as it’s a tough race. I think two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham will be a big enough question to ask him at this stage of his career. He looks a chaser, he must be 17.2 hands, a big unit, and is as strong a horse as I’ve had. He looks like Florida Pearl, so strong through the body, whereas Galopin Des Champs is more evenly balanced, a lighter frame. I'm happy to do the Turners before going novice chasing next season.
Fishery Lane
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 66-1/Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 33-1
He's a good type who could go for the Turners or Albert Bartlett – all being well, probably the latter.
Fun Fun Fun
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, 14-1
She's in the Opera Hat and we'll see how she goes with a view to the Mares' Chase. She won well at Naas the last day.
Gaelic Warrior
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 13-2/Ryanair Chase, 6-1
I was disappointed with him on Sunday. He looked to be going so average at the fifth-last and it looked like Paul might pull him up, and he said the same afterwards. He got his second wind and stayed on well then. The Ryanair now comes into the equation or he could wait for Aintree or Punchestown, but we'll see.
Galopin Des Champs
Boodles Gold Cup, 8-15
His performance in the Irish Gold Cup was very good. They jumped off very fast but Paul slowly steadied it down. Paul can ride him anywhere he wants; he has complete faith in the horse. In his first Gold Cup I wanted him held up. At that time, he was keen, but he learned a lot. Now he’s very malleable and he settles. I think Paul was very good on him and conserved him. He had the pace of race that he wanted and didn’t get serious with him, even after the last. That’s the sort of reserves the horse has. I love it when I see horses take a huge jump and it doesn’t take anything out of him, as he did at the last at Christmas. Last Saturday he did it at the fifth-last, just stood off, landed on the far side and kept galloping. To us it’s unbelievable that we have a horse going for a third Gold Cup who could be in Arkle and Best Mate category.
Grangeclare West
Boodles Gold Cup, 18-1
We were kind of looking at the Grand National for him, but I spoke to the owners during the week and I said we're going to Cheltenham. Now the dust has settled I think we'll wait and see what weight he gets before deciding where to go next.
Ile Atlantique My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase, 33-1/Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 33-1
Both of the horses who disappointed at the weekend, Ile Atlantique and Supersundae, ran at Naas and I think Leopardstown came too soon. We won't do that again. This horse will probably go to Cheltenham, but we'll see. He wants softer ground.
Impaire Et Passe
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 20-1
There's a good chance he might miss Cheltenham. He would have gone for the two-and-a-half-mile novice chase if it was still there, but he might go to Aintree or Fairyhouse instead. I think Aintree would be my preference for him at this stage.
Jade De Grugy
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 14-1
She hasn't been seen out yet this season as she got a setback. She'll return in a hurdle race at Punchestown in about ten days' time, the race Annie Power won a few years ago, which we've used before for some of our good mares. I'm very happy with all her homework and she's going for the Mares' Hurdle.
Jasmin De Vaux
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 25-1
He'll go up in trip and could be an Albert Bartlett horse. I think he needs more time at his hurdles.
Kaid D'Authie
Turners Novices' Hurdle, 50-1
He was disappointing at the weekend and he's not a two-miler. He'll go out in trip if he goes.
Kargese.
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 7-1
I imagine she'll go for the Mares’ Hurdle. She’s a very keen horse but has been fine since Ascot.
Kappa Jy Pyke
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 50-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 28-1
I'm keen to bring him over to Cheltenham. He's in the Supreme and the Turners. I'd say it will probably be the Turners, but we'll see.
Kawaboomga
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 20-1/Turners Novices' Hurdle, 8-1
He can run in either the Supreme or the Turners. I’d probably go for the Turners, but I don’t know what connections want to do as we haven’t discussed it. But he’s a good horse in anyone’s language. I thought he ran a cracker at Christmas and he confirmed that the other day so that books his ticket.
Kiss Will
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 25-1
He's a nice type who could go for the Supreme. He'll be a nice chasing type in the future.
Kopek Des Bordes
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 11-10
Ted Walsh rang me the following morning and he said he hadn’t seen a performance like that since Golden Cygnet, which is something huge for someone like Ted to say. Paul got down off him after the race and said he ran away with him three times. Usually if a horse runs away once, their winning chance is gone. When the loose horse came up, I thought it was going to drive him mad, which it did. He went on two or three lengths ahead at the bend before the second-last then Paul got a grip on him and away he went again. We would never ask a horse that question at home. It blew my mind against a field of top-class horses.
Lady Vega Allen
JCB Triumph Hurdle, 14-1
I think she's top class. She's Triumph Hurdle material rather than the Mares' Novices' Hurdle. She's put in two big runs on her last two starts.
Lecky Watson
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 14-1
He will take his chance in the Brown Advisory. He's a good type of horse and goes there with his chance.
Lossiemouth
Unibet Champion Hurdle, 5-1
I don’t know what happened to her on Sunday, I was looking at the head-on video of the back stretch and a flock of seagulls just took off before. Something took her eye off it because she pricked her ears two strides before it and then just didn’t get up. It was as if she was looking at something ahead of her and just didn’t get up high enough. Thankfully she’s good after the race. She was taken out of her comfort zone at Kempton only because she’s not used to running over two miles. At the moment we’re going for the Champion Hurdle. We’ve been training her for this for two years.
Majborough
My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase, 5-2
He's fantastic and looks like a real nice horse in the making. He's only five and does things so naturally. I was watching Saturday's race live on binoculars. He got a bit close to a few fences but he did everything right. I didn't mind his jumping, I thought it was great that he was learning on the job. He hasn't genuflected and he didn't have any real scare. Then when he wanted one at the third-last he flew it. I'm happy with his jumping and I'm happy that he learned a lot from the other day.
Maughreen
Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, 7-2
She put in a huge performance the other day and jumped like a handicapper. She was taking on a very experienced horse in Familiar Dreams. Cheltenham is going to be a tough ask for a horse having her second run over hurdles, but since we started schooling her everyone said she was a brilliant jumper. She’s our top mares’ novice.
Mystical Power
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 33-1
He could run in the Red Mills Hurdle next week and will likely go for the Stayers' Hurdle if he travels over to Cheltenham.
Sainte Lucie JCB Triumph Hurdle, 33-1
I was very disappointed with her on Saturday – she just got very hot before the race. She pulled too hard and if we ran the race again we would make the running with her – I didn't think they were going to go that slow.
Salvator Mundi Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 6-1
He'll go for the Supreme Novice. He has a very tender mouth, as we saw at Punchestown. I think he has a lot of tactical speed, but he didn’t jump so well last time because they were going so slow. After looking like he had blown up, once he got his second wind he just came through and won convincingly. I loved it. It takes a good horse to do that in good company. It’s going to be interesting to see which one Paul rides, but I think this one will need to do a lot at home.
State Man
Unibet Champion Hurdle, 13-2
I haven't really chatted to Paul, but it was probably inconclusive on Sunday whether he was back to his best. The minute he had no company, I thought he had pulled up. He only does what he has to do so I’m hoping he had a lot more in reserve. Paul thinks he has anyway, all the time; has never hidden his admiration for State Man. Obviously a lot will happen before Cheltenham with bits of work between now and then and we'll see how both horses are, but I can’t see Paul, on anything that’s happened up to now, getting off him.
Storm Heart
County Hurdle, 10-1/Coral Cup, 14-1
He ran a cracker at the weekend and will go to one of the handicaps at Cheltenham.
Willy De Houelle
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 8-1
We changed tactics with him at the weekend. I wanted those tactics to be carried out at Christmas, but it didn't work out. We can work on him now after that run at Leopardstown and you'd have to think the Boodles might be the race for him.
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Feature...Cheltenham Paul Nicholls Stable Tour
Paul Nicholls will send a small-but-select team to the Cheltenham Festival next month, and rest assured those who make the cut will have earned the right to be there. The 14-time champion trainer, successful last season with Monmiral in the Pertemps, has never lost sight of the fact there are big races to be won outside the festival. That has led to a more targeted approach in recent years and, although there may not be a Kauto Star or Master Minded in the mix, the yard still has some interesting contenders. "We're not going to have loads of runners and some of our younger horses still have a bit to prove before going to the festival, so we're going to be selective," says Nicholls. "It's about finding the right horses with the right chances and I'm not one for social runners. I've still got some nice chances but we won't have loads of horses lining up there." Nicholls needs just one more winner to bring up his half-century at the meeting, a milestone he admits he could never have dreamed of reaching when he started in 1991 with just eight horses. Among his best chances this year are Caldwell Potter, who has a "lovely chance" in the novice handicap chase, and the promising mare Jubilee Alpha. Interview by Jonathan Harding Afadil County Hurdle, 25-1 He ran well when second at Musselburgh this month. He will be given an entry but would need the ground to be good to run and he's probably better on a flatter track, so Aintree may suit him better. Caldwell Potter Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, 14-1 Arkle Chase, 33-1 He's on a mark of 147 and I'd say he'll go for the limited handicap chase, which looks the perfect race for him. If he didn't have the [€740,000] price tag people wouldn't be having the debate about him, because he's run okay this season. We'll have a lot of fun with him and he'll win plenty of races. The only way he'd run in the Arkle is if the ground became very heavy, but I'm not convinced he's a two-miler. Ginny's Destiny Ultima Handicap Chase, 20-1 Ryanair Chase, 50-1 We'll keep the option of the Ryanair but I feel as though he's crying out for three miles. He's a bit like Stage Star in the sense he's struggled a bit carrying top weight in handicaps over two and a half miles, which can be a bit sharp for him. He finished down the field at Cheltenham last month and I don't think he's been quite right this season after a couple of hard races at the end of last season, but he's just starting to show signs of being back to his old self. He could be an interesting contender. Henri The Second Pertemps Network Final, 12-1 He's done really well this season. He won a qualifier at Sandown in October and ran a solid race there this month when second off effectively an 11lb higher mark, taking into account Freddie Gingell's 3lb claim. He's best suited by soft ground and I expect him to have an entry for this. Il Ridoto TrustATrader Plate, 20-1 He always runs well at Cheltenham and won the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November. He went up 8lb for that and has found things a little bit tougher since, but he could run here, provided the ground is decent. Jubilee Alpha Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, 8-1 She was unlucky on her reappearance at Newbury before bouncing back to win at Taunton. She deserves to be prominent in the betting after her winning performance at Windsor last month. This has been her number one target. Just A Rose Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, 12-1 She'll be entered and the plan is to run in the Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Sandown on Thursday. She won impressively at Taunton on her debut for us and we'll learn a lot more this coming week. Kabral Du Mathan County Hurdle, 14-1 He's had a great season, winning at Kempton before just being touched off at Ascot and finishing second at Windsor last month. We opted against giving him another run at Newbury and have kept him nice and fresh for a race I think should be perfect for him. Monmiral Pertemps Network Final, 16-1 Stayers' Hurdle, 25-1 He gave us all a great day when winning the Pertemps last season and has two options next month – I'll make a decision closer to the time. He's consistent and would have to carry a big weight in the Pertemps or we step him back up to Grade 1 level. I'm not saying he'd win the Stayers' if he lines up in that, but he could run into a place. No Drama This End Champion Bumper, 12-1 He won his point-to-point last year before winning comfortably on his debut for us at Warwick in December. I would want the ground to be soft, but we're looking forward to running him and we believe he's an exciting horse. Sans Bruit Grand Annual Chase, 25-1 He's gone up in the handicap since winning the Red Rum but has run some solid races this season. He's a good, fun horse who always runs his race. He'll have a Grand Annual entry but is more likely to go to Aintree again. Shearer Hunters' Chase, 14-1 I'm trying to qualify him for Olive [Nicholls' daughter] to ride. He has to be first or second in another hunter chase before the end of the month after winning well at Ffos Las on Thursday. Threeunderthrufive Ultima Handicap Chase, 33-1 We've entered him in the Grand National, which is his main aim, and he's going to Ascot this month for the race he won last year, but I've put him in this as an option. He's run only once this season, finishing third at Ascot. Tutti Quanti Turners Novices' Hurdle, 33-1 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 66-1 He won very well on his reappearance at Ffos Las and we really like him. He'll come on for his second at Newbury on Saturday, which was his first run after a setback, and we're considering running in the Supreme. |
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Feature Cheltenham Stable Tour Dan Skelton
A carbon copy of last year's Cheltenham Festival would do very nicely for Dan Skelton, who led the British resistance from the front with four winners. On target to win his first trainers' championship this season, Skelton's team at Lodge Hill Farm in Warwickshire seems to get bigger and stronger every year and that is reflected in his squad for the biggest jumps meeting of the season. "I think we've got a nice team this year," he says. "Last year I thought the same going into it and all the stars aligned. It was magical and we're going to need the stars to align again for the same thing to happen. "I think we've got some really nice chances but we're not going there thinking we'll have exactly what we had last year because you need plenty of luck for it to go your way." If luck is one part of a winning festival formula, then talent is another, and that is exactly what The New Lion, Skelton's big hope for the Turners Novices' Hurdle, has in spades. "I'd say he's the most exciting horse we've had at this stage of his career," says his trainer, who has yet to categorically rule Grey Dawning out of the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup after sending a team to work at Huntingdon after racing last week. However, the captain's armband for his team rests with Protektorat, who returns to defend his Ryanair Chase crown after a storming victory at Windsor last month. Throw in a healthy mix of handicappers, some talented mares and one or two for the Champion Bumper, and it is easy to start believing that more of the same from last year might be achievable after all. Interview by Lewis Porteous Asta La Pasta Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 25-1 Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, 25-1 He's been looking like he's not quite staying over two and a half miles, so it might be that we drop back in trip for the Grand Annual. He's had plenty of experience for a novice, so that shouldn't be a concern. Be Aware Coral Cup, 10-1 He was second in the Greatwood and third in the Ladbrokes and ran really well in both. It looks like a step up in trip is absolutely what he wants and I'm looking forward to running him. He was wild when working at Huntingdon last week and was just in too good health, but I've got a month now to put a lid on him. He's got so much ability and we've set our stall out to run in the Coral Cup. Hopefully, he's a big player. Country Mile Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 50-1 He might be one for Aintree but we've given him the Cheltenham entry to have a look. He was very good when winning a novice hurdle at Cheltenham in December, but the ground was too soft and I ran him back too quickly in the Grade 1 Formby at Christmas. He's a lot better than that. Fortune De Mer Weatherbys Champion Bumper, 33-1 We could have quite a few entries in the bumper and I'm really happy with the young horses we have. I guess Fortune De Mer is the most obvious one, having won a Listed race at Cheltenham handsomely in November. He didn't stop pulling until he turned in at Huntingdon on Thursday and he was just way too fresh. It was inevitable he was going to get beaten, but in the Champion Bumper they will go flat out and I'll have him a bit more cooked, so I've no issue going to Cheltenham off the back of that. The race will probably come a bit too soon for Realco, who was second at Newbury on Saturday, but if it was really soft and he was in sparkling form, I think you'd have to run. Grey Dawning Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, 25-1 We'll have a conversation, maybe next week, and see how the horse is. My intentions at this stage are still Kelso and Aintree, but the Gold Cup might be something we have to have a little bit of a think about. The race looks like it's cutting up a little bit and I've left him in it because I'm not ruling it out. He started the season well when second in the Betfair Chase but the King George was a complete disaster after he made a mess of the first. After Haydock, I think you can say confidently he stays 3m1½f but there's always a question mark over the extra furlong in a Gold Cup. We all want to do what's best by the horse and that's what we'll do, but he looked in great physical condition when he worked at Huntingdon. Gwennie May Boy Pertemps Final, 16-1 He won three races last season, including two big ones at Uttoxeter and Aintree. A fast-run race is what he wants, and he just hasn't had that this season. The faster they go the better, and he'll probably run in the Rendlesham before the festival. Harper's Brook Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 33-1 He'll get an entry in the Grand Annual but I don't know whether Cheltenham really suits him. He made a bad mistake at Windsor and couldn't really get into the race, but he won well the time before at Wetherby and has had a productive season. He's got loads of experience in these big fields and is not without talent. Langer Dan Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 20-1 I think he'll end up running in the Stayers', but we're taking it on trust that he's going to turn up for us because he hasn't looked good all winter, although he never does. I can't even explain it, but he just gets to Cheltenham in March and does it. He's been running terribly, so realistically the handicapper should have dropped him more than the 2lb that he has this season. But the handicapper is as confused as his trainer and all the other pundits and punters because this horse doesn't operate under normal rules. We'll get him out there and hope he can do his best. That's all we can do. L'Eau Du Sud My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase, 5-1 The Arkle looks a hot race, despite the absence of Sir Gino, but I've no intention of swerving it. He might not have Grade 1-winning novice hurdle form like Majborough, but he's a very good chaser and I think he's a player. I thought he won in spite of the soft ground in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase, which was a good performance, and I was chuffed to bits with his win on Saturday at Warwick. He probably got lonely and a bit tired going to the last, but when he heard Rubaud coming he picked up again at the line. He's versatile and has won over fences at Cheltenham, which is a positive thing to have in your locker. Live Conti JCB Triumph Hurdle, 25-1 He runs at Wetherby on Wednesday and we really like him. We'll just have to see whether he's a horse for the Triumph and Harry [Skelton] will tell us if he feels he's suitable for a race like that after he runs. He looks a very nice horse at home and long-term I'd say he's a proper chaser in the making. Nurse Susan Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 40-1 She's had a couple of setbacks along the way, which has been frustrating, but she's a high-class mare. I don't think I'm going to have time to get a run into her before, but I'll be doing lots and lots with her at home and it might be that we end up running in the Mares' Hurdle. Panic Attack TrustATrader Plate, 16-1 She enjoyed going over fences when winning at Windsor in January and everything clicked together perfectly on the day. It was another good run when she was second back over hurdles at Warwick on Saturday but she wants a fence really. The handicapper has put her up 10lb over fences, so we'll look at the Plate and I think she'll be competitive. Protektorat Ryanair Chase, 6-1 The Fleur de Lys Chase and the Ryanair were always the two big ones for him this season and he looked great when winning at Windsor. He's come out of that race really well and I'm looking forward to going again with him. There's a good chance this becomes a very deep race with everyone looking to avoid Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup, but Protektorat has always turned up when he's run at the Cheltenham Festival and was brilliant when winning last year's Ryanair. I've no doubt he'll run the same sort of race again. Take No Chances Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 10-1 She's had a fantastic season and put up a great performance to beat Kargese at Ascot last time. She's in flying form and is versatile between two and three miles, so she's a likely runner in the Mares' Hurdle. The New Lion Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 5-1 Turners Novices' Hurdle, 3-1 He's also entered in the Supreme but is highly likely to run in the Turners. He gives us the impression he has everything you need and it's great to have one like him. We've always thought highly of him and to go and win a Grade 1 like he did in the Challow was more than you hope to see. He's never been to Cheltenham but he's a very versatile horse and he's in good form. I thought Final Demand was very good at Leopardstown and you can throw The Yellow Clay into the conversation as well, but as a novice hurdler we've never had one as short as The New Lion for one of the festival Grade 1s, so I'd say he's the most exciting horse we've had at this stage of his career. He delighted me when working at Huntingdon and I thought he looked in great shape. Unexpected Party Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 12-1 He won the Grand Annual last year and will go there again. He's higher in the handicap this time, so it's not going to be any easier, but he ran really well when second at Windsor last time. I'm not saying I think he'll win but he knows how to run well in races like this and I do think he'll go well. Valgrand William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, 10-1 His chance in the County hinges on what the ground is. Soft ground is not for him at all, but if it starts to dry out by Friday, he'd come into the reckoning. He tried two and a half miles against stronger opposition and carried top weight in handicaps on soft ground and hasn't been up to it, but I think on decent ground and as a fresh horse, he'd have a bit of a squeak. I'm not saying he's going to go there and win, but he's definitely got a chance. |
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Feature Henry de Bromhead Cheltenham Stable Tour
Slade Steel and Captain Guinness brought Henry de Bromhead's tally to 23 winners at the Cheltenham Festival last season and the Knockeen stable's stars are always cherry ripe for their Cotswolds assignment. Although Captain Guinness hasn't fired yet this season, he will be a force to be reckoned with if bouncing back to his best as he bids to retain the Champion Chase, a race his trainer has landed four times. The Big Westerner, Sky Lord and Workahead are exciting novices to be sending over, while July Flower is a leading fancy for the Mares' Hurdle. Of the remainder, De Bromhead holds a strong hand in the Ryanair Chase with three intriguing contenders, including the 2023 winner Envoi Allen. The lightly raced Monty's Star will face Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup and dual Festival winner Bob Olinger could take a crack at the Stayers' Hurdle for the first time. Bob Olinger Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 25-1 He ran well at Leopardstown but was beaten by a better horse on the day in Home By The Lee. I thought he could overturn the Navan form with him, so it was a little disappointing, but he ran a good race. He has a great record around Cheltenham and is being aimed at the spring, so we'll see about the Stayers'. Captain Guinness BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 33-1 It's been a disappointing season so far with him but I saw a glimmer of hope at Leopardstown. He doesn't like Leopardstown but Navan in November was disappointing. We thought it might be his heart but it wasn't. You're better looking at him at the second-last at Leopardstown rather than the line as that extra furlong doesn't suit him, we thought he was running well until then and he just about gets two miles. He'll be back to defend his title and we'll have him as best as we can, I definitely thought the spark was coming back into him. Last year's win was incredible and he deserved it, he loves Cheltenham and when you get into that scenario when they're jumping at speed, it suits him. Envoi Allen Ryanair Chase, 16-1 He won at Down Royal and didn't run his race in the King George, not for the first time. He always strikes me as a real King George horse, but he's proven at this stage he's not. We freshened him up and he's in some form at the moment. He won the Ryanair two years ago and was second in it last year. Protektorat looked very good at Windsor. The nicer the ground, the better for us as I thought the ground beat us last year. Heart Wood Ryanair Chase, 16-1 The Ryanair is the plan with him. He was very good at Wexford and I thought he ran really well in the Savills, he travelled everywhere but didn't just see it out. The Ryanair looks an ideal race for him as three miles seems to be just catching him out. July Flower Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 5-1/Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 50-1 She is in great form since Leopardstown. She's a lovely mare and I'm delighted for Duncan [Angove, owner] as he backed us to get her. We had her as a young horse and she moved back to France. We really liked her as a bumper horse at home, she did a piece of work with Slade Steel in their bumper season and worked really well with him. We followed her in France as I knew how much I liked her and she was third in the French Champion Hurdle which is rock-solid form. She could go to the Mares' Hurdle or the Stayers' but I imagine it'll be the Mares'. Hiddenvalley Lake Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 20-1 He ran very well at Ascot in the Long Walk when just chinned by Crambo. I think he came back too soon at Gowran in the Galmoy and our form was a bit out, so it may be a combination of both. He was in great form beforehand, so it was obviously disappointing. He's been doing well since though and is in good form. Jungle Boogie Ryanair Chase, 16-1 He was great at Ascot. There were a couple of other options but we said we'd wait for Cheltenham. I don't think we need to run him too often as he's an older horse now. He went a bit left at Ascot, which Cheltenham will hopefully help with. He's in the Champion Chase, Ryanair and Gold Cup, but I think we're leaning towards the Ryanair, although I will need to discuss it further with Malcolm [Denmark, owner]. He ran really well in the Gold Cup last season, he was right there at the second-last. He's a high-class horse. Even his first run for us in the Hilly Way last year, he ran really well and has plenty of ability. Monty's Star Boodles Gold Cup, 14-1 He's had a frustrating season training-wise. We just haven't had a clear run with him due to a few setbacks. He was always going to need his first run at Tramore but I hoped he'd have the class to win it anyway. Embassy Gardens was very good on the day and we turned around that form at Leopardstown. I thought he jumped and travelled really well in the Irish Gold Cup before getting a bit tired turning in. If we can get a clear run between now and the Gold Cup, I think he'll run really well. He ran very well in the Brown Advisory last season and has good form with Fact To File and Spillane's Tower. The extra couple of furlongs should suit him. Salt Bay Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 20-1 It was great to get him. Alex Elliott and Valmont sent him over. Robbie Power had him for a month and he got him jumping really well and enjoying it. His schooling has been good and we hope to run him on Sunday at Navan, so we'll see. It's a long way to the Supreme but it was easier to have him in it than not. He's obviously a high-class horse on the Flat. Sky Lord Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 50-1 He was good the first day at Cork but didn't really act around the inside track at Punchestown last time. He was only beaten four lengths by Salvator Mundi so he's not far off it and the Supreme is the plan. The Big Westerner Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 8-1 She's a lovely mare who is unbeaten so far. She's done nothing wrong and was impressive at Limerick with the way she picked up. She travels and stays well and is exciting. Ground-wise, I don't think it was that soft at Punchestown the first day and she handled softer ground well at Limerick. We put her away after Limerick as she could have gone to Leopardstown but, like Workahead, she was in a bit earlier so we decided to back off her. Quilixios BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 33-1 He ran well to a point at Leopardstown and his form prior to the race was rock solid. He ran well to the second-last and faded after it. He's been a bit tender since, so we're checking him out, but if he's all okay, then he'll head to Cheltenham. Workahead Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 12-1 He looked really exciting at Christmas. He ran nicely when third at Navan having not run for a while but looked different gravy at Leopardstown and I thought he did it very well. The form has worked out really well. It looks a very good Supreme again but I think we're bang there. We could have run in a Graded hurdle but that might have taken the edge off him as I wasn't able to back off him as he came in early. We decided to go there fresh. He winged hurdles at Leopardstown, he jumped really well. |
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Timeform ratings analysis | Cheltenham Festival contender Kopek des Bordes
In the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival, Timeform assess the claims of a leading contender. Sky Bet Supreme favourite Kopek des Bordes is first under the microscope. Pros Kopek des Bordes raced only once in bumpers last season but he created a huge impression when winning the valuable George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper by 13 lengths at Fairyhouse's Easter Festival. That performance earned Kopek des Bordes a Timeform rating of 110p, which was the joint-highest figure awarded to a bumper debutant last season, and the promise he showed there ensured he was included among the 20 Irish representatives in Timeform's Horses To Follow book for the 2024/25 jumps season. Kopek des Bordes, who was also nominated as one of assistant trainer Patrick Mullins' five to follow in the same publication, perhaps didn't post such a spectacular performance when making a successful start over hurdles at Leopardstown over Christmas. But the fireworks were very much on display back at the same venue last month when he took the step up in class in his stride to slam his rivals in the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle. That Grade 1 has an illustrious roll of honour and has been used as a stepping stone to success at the Cheltenham Festival by Samcro, Klassical Dream, Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard and Ballyburn since the Dublin Racing Festival's inception in 2018. However, none of those earned a higher rating than Kopek des Bordes at Leopardstown, with only Ballyburn matching his Timeform performance rating of 154. A rating of 154P places Kopek des Bordes 5 lb clear of Romeo Coolio at the head of this season's novice hurdle rankings and is a high figure to have earned prior to the Cheltenham Festival. The last horse to run in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle with a higher pre-race Timeform rating was Altior, rated 155p, who won in 2015. Kopek des Bordes has already run to a higher level than Slade Steel did when winning last year's Supreme. More is required to win a typical edition of the Festival opener - the mean Timeform performance rating of a Supreme winner stands at 158.3 and the median is at a similar level - but Kopek des Bordes still has the 'Large P' to highlight he remains open to significant improvement. Cons The way Kopek des Bordes powers through his races marks him out as something potentially special, though there's a fine line between travelling strongly and pulling too hard. Cheltenham's undulations and stiff finish can punish those who do too much too soon. Jumping errors can also prove more costly in a strongly-run Supreme than is sometimes the case in calmer waters. Kopek des Bordes was much better in the jumping department at Leopardstown last time but he had been by no means foot-perfect on his hurdling debut when he repeatedly jumped out to his left. As is typical for a race like the Supreme, there are a host of promising horses who have yet to be asked for everything they have to offer. Kopek des Bordes may have achieved the most so far and looks to have the highest ceiling of ability, but there's always the risk of bumping into a big improver in a race of this nature. Analysis by Tony McFadden Dan Barber's verdict Of the many examples that could be cited to highlight the strength in depth of the Willie Mullins stable, the performances of two novices over the two days of the Dublin Racing Festival might have provided the best yet. The display of Final Demand on the Saturday would rank as one of the very best by a novice at the meeting since its inception; yet, with the dust still settling, the bar was raised by another the following day, as Kopek des Bordes blew away his field in the two-miler. Everything about Kopek des Bordes screamed top-class hurdler in the making and those who share Timeform’s view won’t have to wait long to have that belief confirmed when he lines up next month as a justifiably short-priced favourite for the curtain-raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. |
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Ruby Walsh on novice hurdle races at 2025 Cheltenham Festival
By Sporting Life Horse Racing Thu February 13, 2025 · 1h ago Ruby Walsh has given his opinions on the novice hurdle races at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, including Kopek Des Bordes against Salvator Mundi in the Sky Bet Supreme. On the fifth episode of this year's Paddy Power Media's From The Horse’s Mouth podcast ‘Cheltenham Countdown’, Walsh was speaking alongside host Tom Nugent and well-known journalist Rory Delargy and runs the rule over the Supreme, Turners and Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Kopek Des Bordes has learned a lot from run to run, Ruby? "He did – he learnt that he is actually supposed to jump over the hurdles rather than through them from his first run to his second. But look we all saw him last week at the Dublin Racing Festival – he was really impressive, put a lot of distance between himself and a decent field and I think he left a huge impression on anyone that watched him. "He’s obviously quite short in the betting - is there a negative for him? Of course there is. There’s always a negative if you go looking for it. Only two runs and probably the nature to get a bit fizzed up and a bit hot. He did get quite buzzy before being saddled in the parade ring at the Dublin Racing Festival. "He’ll go to Cheltenham - he’ll probably leave Closutton on the Saturday, he'll spend Saturday night, Sunday night and Monday night in Cheltenham. Three days away from home, new environment, especially come Monday evening, more so Tuesday morning, atmosphere and noise, you know it all starts to build up. "Look, he's in the first race but they're just small things that won’t be factored into his price." Would Kopek Des Bordes be top of the pile? "Yeah, we’re no different to anybody else – it’s what you see. What Salvator Mundi shows you at home is probably a bit more than Kopek Des Bordes does. But what they do on the gallop at Closutton doesn’t really matter, it's what they do on the racecourse. "I did think Salvator Mundi did most things wrong at Punchestown and still managed to win the Moscow Flyer. I think he can be a better horse than that – he’s been to Cheltenham, I think he needs to jump better. When I watched him back I’m not sure his Triumph jumping was exceptional either. I definitely wasn’t blown away by his jumping in Punchestown. But I have watched him schooling since and he does seem to be able to jump better. "I wish he’d do it on the track but he’s still a fair horse and that’s a decision for Paul. You’d be fairly sure he’ll go and ride Kopek Des Bordes but Salvator Mundi would be a good ride for somebody else. "They wouldn’t work together - Salvator Mundi obviously wears a hood, he’s a bit keen, he works on his own. People say 'oh why wouldn’t you [work them together]?' but if you push the two of them in together at home to find out which is the best one, the chances are you’ll find out but you could leave your race there as well. "So you don’t want to leave the race on the gallop so they wouldn’t work together - they work with horses that would be a little bit inferior to them. "I know people are probably thinking about it from a betting point of view – you would think that’s so obvious - but from a training point of view when you’re trying to give both your horses the best chance of winning. They haven't been to any [schooling hurdles] and that could have been a factor in Kopek Des Bordes’s first run at Leopardstown. The fact that they weren’t away from home." Paddy Power: 5/6 Kopek Des Bordes, 5 The New Lion, 11-2 Romeo Coolio, Salvator Mundi, 8 Workahead, 12 Kawaboomga, Potters Charm, 14 Funiculi Funicula, 16 James’s Gate, Kappa Jy Pyke, Kel Histoire, 20 Karbau, Karniquet, Miami Magic, 25 bar. Turners Novices’ Hurdle Final Demand, your assessment of what he did at the Dublin Racing Festival? "I thought he was impressive – it was two six on pretty slow ground. He’s been a really good jumper, I thought he looked a thorough stayer winning at the Dublin Racing Festival. "The once I sat on him, he does ride like a stayer, I know Willie’s keen not to go Albert Bartlett with him and I think for the overall development of the horse, I can see why he’s doing that, but do I necessarily think he’s guaranteed to be quick enough for a Turners, I’m not sure. "There have been plenty of tactical Turners Novices’ Hurdles – don’t ask me why second day if you get one or two races that were too strongly run on the Tuesday, up in trip to two miles and five, it just can get messy the Turners can. "They can go a little bit slower and I'm not sure of the field size here and I think there's some good horses in there that might just be quicker than him and I think The New Lion has a good turn of foot. He was the fastest horse in the Challow. "And I think Kawaboomga is the same – I don’t know [if he goes here]. To me he couldn’t beat Kopek Des Bordes when Kopek Des Bordes broke every hurdle in Leopardstown so I couldn’t see him beating Kopek Des Bordes. Now Kopek Des Bordes’s jumping so I would be thinking two and a half might suit him and again he could have that turn of foot. "Ultimately, Final Demand is probably the best horse in here, but that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to win the race." Is The Yellow Clay a player? "Yeah, a tough horse who jumps well - Gordon was humming and haaing whether to take him out before the Lawlors, he thought the ground was too soft for him, he does think he wants a sounder surface... "You couldn’t rule out The Yellow Clay, Final Demand I think ultimately will be the best horse whether he wins the Turners or not, time will tell. Paddy Power: 13/8 Final Demand, 2 Kopek Des Bordes, 5-2 The New Lion, 5 Kawaboomga, 7 Romeo Coolio, The Yellow Clay, 8 James’s Gate, 10 Potters Charm, 12 Sixmilebridge, 16 Karbau, Kiss Will, 20 Fingle Bridge, Funiculi Funicula, Inn At The Park, Kaid D’Authie, Kel Histoire, The Big Westerner, 25 bar Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle The Big Westerner? "All she could do was win, she beat Mozzies Sister who ran respectably at the DRF so I wouldn’t knock her. Beat Argento Boy in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown – all right he disappointed the next day but he subsequently won since then so I’ve ruled out his Christmas run. "She looks like a mare that can only be improving – she’s huge, she’s raw. She has to be getting better so yeah I can see why she is as short in the market as she is and Henry has won the race with a horse with as little if not less experience in Minella Indo who had been beaten by Allaho in Clonmel before he came here the year he won it. "So he knows how to do it, I think Yellow Car jumped really poorly at Cheltenham behind Jet Blue and he improved to win the River Don. I thought the horse I took out of the Challow was Wendigo. "He was never on the bridle, slowly run race, came home really well of Jamie Snowden’s, I think he’s a runner here as well at a price. And the one I like, can’t guarantee he’s going to come here, but I know to ride him it will be the easiest race to ride him in is Jasmin De Vaux. "Three hurdles early in the back straight that you can just pop over the three, up the top of the hill third last you’d need to jump it somewhere well, long run to the second last I just think there’s loads of time between the hurdles, you could slow him down get him from A to B and he had the class to win a Cheltenham bumper. "Jasmin De Vaux came from Crawfords, he had him as a younger horse so he would have been really well schooled there whereas Kopek Des Bordes came from the store sale straight into Willie Mullins’s, was prepared for a bumper and then started schooling. "From the amount of jumping done, Kopek Des Bordes was always going to improve more whereas Jasmin De Vaux would have had a lot more of it done as a younger horse. So no unfortunately for Jasmin, he just can’t move his feet as quickly as his brain is telling him to." Paddy Power: 7/4 Final Demand, 3 The Yellow Clay, 6 The Big Westerner, 10 Jet Blue, 12 Jasmin De Vaux, 14 Intense Approach, Wingmen, 16 Wendigo, 18 Port Joulain, 20 Argento Boy, Ballybow, Derryhassen Paddy, Fishery Lane, Mozzies Sister, Flicker Of Hope, Yellow Car, 25 bar. |
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thanks lucky good luck and keep em coming!
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What was the biggest Cheltenham Festival clue we saw on Saturday?
Our experts assess the action at Newbury with an eye on the big week next month 'She gives a significant form boost to a festival contender' By James Hill, tipster By some margin the most informative race for the festival was the William Hill Hurdle. The winner, Joyeuse, was very impressive, although she’s not qualified for the festival handicaps, and what was more interesting was she was giving a significant form boost to the mares’ hurdle she finished second in at Cheltenham last time. And it wasn’t just her as the fourth horse, Royale Margaux, also scored at Warwick, and with third home Take No Chances also having since won a Grade 2, that is now a race worth following. The winner of that event, Wodhooh, has not been seen since, but she’s in the betting for the Coral Cup and Martin Pipe and it’s no surprise to see her price has shortened. '16-1 could look a big price on the day' By David Jennings, Deputy Ireland editor It will be interesting to see what the handicapper does with JPR One. He was beaten nine lengths by a horse rated 3lb inferior to him and Libberty Hunter, rated 5lb worse than him, was a good few lengths ahead of him, too. If dropped 2lb or 3lb, he could have a real say in the Grand Annual. On better ground, against handicappers, he will be a different proposition altogether and I was very surprised to see some firms push him all the way out to 16-1. That could look a big price on the day. 'Don't underestimate him if he goes to the festival' By Maddy Playle, reporter Navajo Indy would surely be interesting if sneaking into a Coral Cup after his excellent third in the William Hill Hurdle. He was roused into action and off the bridle from the word go under Gavin Sheehan, and he also put in some scruffy jumps on the way around, yet responded encouragingly to pressure and motored home after the final flight to finish third. Even a strongly run two miles wasn't enough to show him to best effect and now looks the perfect time to go up in trip. His brother Navajo Pass won over 2m4f and his sire Nathaniel is known for producing stayers over jumps. So, don't underestimate him if he goes to the Cheltenham Festival. |
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Joyeuse dismantles rivals to continue Nicky Henderson's superb record - but Cheltenham not on the agenda
Joyeuse dismantles rivals to continue Nicky Henderson's superb record - but Cheltenham not on the agenda Joyeuse is closely related to 2020 Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, who was also trained by Henderson, and bounced back to winning ways after finishing third and second at Ascot and Cheltenham this campaign. Henderson said: "The step back in trip suited her well. She was always travelling and jumping and it all seemed very straightforward. "She’s a good mare but she’s pretty inexperienced. It’s only her fourth run of her hurdle life and it’s not been easy for her." She was halved in price to 8-1 for the County Hurdle by Paddy Power but would require one more run to be eligible for a handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. "She won’t get in," said Henderson. "She needs another race to get in and we’re hardly going to run her again between now and then. "She cannot come into a Cheltenham handicap. She’s had four runs over hurdles and you have to have five to come into a handicap. It's a dilemma, but it’s a good problem." Winning jockey De Boinville praised the patience shown by Henderson, whose list of winners also includes Sharpical (1998), Geos (2000, 2004), Landing Light (2001) and My Tent Or Yours (2013). De Boinville said: "I was delighted for her and the boss has brought her on nice and slowly and she’s been allowed to find her feet. It’s great to be winning a big handicap like this again." Asked if it was a surprise at how well she settled into the race, he added: "It was because we’ve gone a really good gallop and she just held in my hands so easily. I thought it was the best she’s jumped all year really. She was brave and came right when I needed her. "She’s seen it out and I thought that rode good to soft, soft in places, and she handled it absolutely fine." Lump Sum was sent off at 16-1 and finished closest to Joyeuse, and trainer Sam Thomas was pleased with his effort. He said: "I was absolutely thrilled and he’s such a cool horse. To go and run such a race under top weight was not easy so I’m really happy. We gave the winner 21lb which puts his performance into perspective. "I didn’t want to say that he was the forgotten horse before the race because you’re setting yourself up for a bit of a hiding, but he definitely was. He’s a good horse and hopefully a few people had a couple of quid on each-way." Lump Sum finished narrowly clear of Navajo Indy, who stayed on to beat Favour And Fortune for third. |
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Olly Murphy
Act Of Authority Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, 33-1 He’s had some good runs this season, winning twice in quick succession in the autumn, and we’d be hopeful the trip and track would suit him well in the Martin Pipe. Long Draw Pertemps Final, 25-1 He’ll run in the Pertemps if he gets in. His form, having beaten Gowel Road at Cheltenham earlier this season, makes it look like he’s on a nice mark of 127, but he’s going to need a bit of luck to get there. Pierrot Jaguen Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, 50-1 His Lingfield win is working out okay with the third having won since, and he’ll have another run in a novice hurdle first. He’ll be kept in the Albert Bartlett and if he was to run well under a penalty we'd definitely consider it as he stays well. Resplendent Grey National Hunt Novices' Chase, 25-1 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, 25-1 He probably hasn’t had the rub of the green in his last two runs, but his form from Sandown when beaten only a few lengths by Handstands reads well. He could have a decent chance in the Kim Muir or National Hunt Chase. Westerninthepark National Hunt Novices' Chase, no odds available Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, no odds available He’s progressed all season and had a nice run at Cheltenham in November. He’ll appreciate the step up in trip and would have an each-way chance in either of those handicaps. Fergal O’Brien Crambo Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, 33-1 Cheltenham might not be the best track for him, but I also don't think it's detrimental. He's probably better going right-handed, but lots of horses are like that and he has won left-handed so we have to take our shot at the Stayers'. If we hadn't gone to the Cleeve he'd be a much shorter price, and he made a bad mistake there which didn't help. Dysart Enos Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, 33-1 We're aiming for the Mares' Hurdle. We'll go straight to Cheltenham, and we know she goes well fresh. The longer trip will be fine. Mister Cessna Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, no odds available He was very disappointing first time at Chepstow. We put him in the deep end there, but I embarrassed myself and the owners with that entry. He really redeemed himself at Ludlow, and I think we'll definitely take our chance in the Boodles if he gets in. Sixmilebridge Turners Novices’ Hurdle, 16-1 You'd hope he's got a big chance in the Turners after a good performance on Trials day. I'd be lying if we thought we could beat Potters Charm last time, but he did it very well. Tripoli Flyer Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 40-1 He's going for the Dovecote first and we'll see how that goes. I was impressed with him at Musselburgh – once Johnny [Burke] opened him up he really came alive, and I loved the way he jumped when they were going fast. Hopefully he can go well at Kempton and then go on to Cheltenham. Better ground will suit. James Owen Allmankind (trained by Owen's wife Jenny) St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase, 20-1 He's won his two open point-to-points for Jenny, which qualifies him. He settled well in those two races and jumped nicely for Alex Chadwick, who works with me and is the champion amateur. It was Tim Gredley's idea to do this and I think he's got every chance. Whether he stays those final two furlongs is the big question, but he'll run a big race. Burdett Road Unibet Champion Hurdle, 33-1 William Hill County Hurdle, 14-1 He ran well in defeat in the Kingwell. He’s usually an explosive jumper with a high cruising speed, but that tacky ground wasn’t to his liking. We can probably look back and think giving 8lb to Golden Ace wasn’t bad. He’s definitely still heading to Cheltenham, but I will put him in the County as an option. He’d be carrying a big weight in that, but we could claim off him. East India Dock JCB Triumph Hurdle, 5-2 He's in great form and I'm really excited for the Triumph. He was progressive on the Flat and has taken to jumping really well. He's quick from one side to the other, is uncomplicated and goes on any ground. Grozni Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, no odds available He ran very well in this race last year when finishing sixth, and we've deliberately kept him hurdling this season because he's on a very good mark and should get in. Hopefully the ground will be a bit drier because soft didn't suit last year. Liam Swagger Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 25-1 He definitely runs in the Boodles and will have a prep run on the Flat at Southwell on Friday. He's done well over hurdles, but struggled to carry the second penalty at Newbury. He's been freshened up since and hopefully Friday's prep will put him spot on for Cheltenham. One Big Bang Pertemps Final, 33-1 His win in the qualifier at Haydock was a nice performance. He's run really well there twice now and wasn’t bad at Cheltenham a few runs back. Hopefully he’ll go up enough in the handicap to make the cut. Jamie Brace will keep the ride. Opec JCB Triumph Hurdle, 100-1 She’s training well and has an entry in the Adonis on Saturday. After a fall on her first start over hurdles she won her next three, but just wasn't the same at Chepstow last time. She didn't go from the start and has had a nice break since. We still rate her, and it’s likely she’ll go for the Triumph after Kempton. David Pipe American Sniper and Gold In The Rivers Pertemps Final, no odds available If they were to squeeze in at the bottom of the weights we could run them both. American Sniper won a qualifier at Newbury, and the owners would love to see him run at Cheltenham. Gold In The Rivers has had a wind op since his last outing and will probably run at Chepstow on Saturday first. They’d be big prices, but would be at the right end of the weights. Gericault Roque National Hunt Novices' Chase, no odds available Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, 25-1 He’ll go for one of the National Hunt Chase or the Kim Muir. His first run for more than two years at Windsor last month was a pleasing comeback. Windbeneathmywings Weatherbys Champion Bumper, 6-1 He's in good shape and has been having an easy time building up towards Cheltenham. It was obviously a good performance at Ascot, and all we’ve got to do is get him there in good form. Jamie Snowden Colonel Harry TrustAtrader Plate, 25-1 He fell at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, but is back in good order and all being well he'll go for the Plate. I still think he's got a big race in him. Ga Law Ultima Handicap Chase, 25-1 His last winning mark was 150 and he's now down to 152, so it's the right time to go back into a handicap. He has run well over three miles before when he fell at the last in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster, so I think he does stay. Git Maker Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase, 25-1 The ground wasn’t soft enough for him last weekend at Haydock, where he was outpaced the whole way before running on well. That was his first run over fences for almost a year and he was a bit rusty early on. He’ll be in the Midlands National as well as the Kim Muir and would need soft ground to run. Hollygrove Cha Cha Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, 25-1 It was a bit close, but I thought she won the Jane Seymour impressively and she looked the best horse throughout the race. She almost got outstayed, but it was great to get her fifth win in six starts. I wouldn’t mind coming back in trip for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle if it was softer ground. There’s also a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse, but if she’s okay I’d like to go to Cheltenham. Milldam William Hill County Hurdle, no odds available There's a £100,000 bonus if you win the Morebattle at Kelso and follow up at Cheltenham. Hopefully he has a good chance of pulling it off, particularly if the ground is soft or heavy. Super Survivor Pertemps Final, 33-1 He'll go to the Pertemps, along with possibly Up For Parol if he gets in. Super Survivor has been back on song this season, winning the last twice quite easily, and I think there is more to come from his handicap mark. Wendigo Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, 18-1 We were on a bit of a hiding to nothing at Wetherby, but it was nice to get a confidence-boosting run into him, and if all goes well we’ll be heading to the Albert Bartlett. He’s going to improve going up to three miles, and hopefully he’ll have half a chance. |
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Nicky Henderson has been around long enough to have experienced most of the lows of a festival that provides us with the greatest highs, and his approach to them is a simple one. Yes, he's just lost Sir Gino from his squad, but the only way for a trainer to go barely three weeks before the main event is onwards and upwards.
"Sir Gino won't be running, and it's tough when one of your big bullets is ruled out – you're always looking over your shoulder – but we're lucky enough to have a few of them and now is a time to be positive," he says. "This kind of thing has happened before and it'll happen again. I just hope it's not us next time, but it'll be somebody, that's for sure. "Of course, him not being there means we have to take another look at our plans for certain races, but the focus is on getting them all there fit and ready." As he says, there are big bullets like Constitution Hill and Jonbon, not to mention Triumph Hurdle favourite Lulamba and the colossally expensive and highly promising Palladium in the same race, so the cupboard is far from bare. The past week has, he says, been busy rather than difficult, and now it's time to begin the final phase of preparation, as he's done so many times before. You won't find any misplaced optimism or unnecessary flag-waving going on at Seven Barrows, but if there are good horses with firm plans, he'll tell you. This is what he told us. Interview by Peter Thomas Constitution Hill Unibet Champion Hurdle, 4-7 I said recently, tongue in cheek, that I could probably do without public gallops because his last two didn't end well, but doing these things in public makes sure everybody is kept properly informed, as long as people take these things in context. After his last gallop at Newbury, which everybody slammed him for, the horse he was working with, Sir Gino, came out and won the Fighting Fifth and was mind-boggling at Kempton. So everybody then says Sir Gino is the best thing they've ever seen, but they forget he was the horse Constitution Hill was working with. It's not always straightforward. I don't want to keep him hidden away – I'll have people coming to see him every day before the Champion Hurdle, half media and half private – but although he may go away for a gallop, where and when is yet to be decided, and I'm not even sure he needs to. Nico [de Boinville] will sit on him this week and we'll make our minds up from there. The star hurdler hits the top of the flight under Nico de Boinville Constitution Hill clears the last under Nico de Boinville at Cheltenham in January Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos) Beyond that, though, he's very well, couldn't be better, and I have a plan, working back from the festival, knowing how many pieces of work I want to do with him and when I want to do them. That's where we are, and I can't spend all my time worrying about what's going to take us on. He'll run how he runs, we've just got to get him, and all the others, in the best shape we can on the day, whatever lines up against us. Whatever they throw at us, we'll throw it back. Jango Baie My Pension Expert Arkle Novices' Chase, 10-1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 16-1 In the absence of Sir Gino, it's very possible he'll switch from two and a half miles, which is what he's been running over, to two miles for the Arkle. The idea originally was to see if he stayed three miles, but our line of thought has changed, and although you can't make a horse go faster or further just by giving them speed work or running them over a longer trip, you can look at what they're naturally capable of. He did win a Grade 1 novice hurdle over two miles and half a furlong, so he's not slow, and our feeling is that he's got more chance of being very competitive at two miles than he has of staying three miles in the Brown Advisory. Jingko Blue Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, 16-1 With us leaning towards the two-miler for Jangio Baie, Jingko Blue's run over three miles in the Reynoldstown at Ascot on Saturday was a bit of a fact-finding mission, but with him unseating Nico at the third fence, it didn't tell us an awful lot. Those two horses are in the same ownership, so it would be a logical step to try to persuade Jango Baie that he's a two-miler and send Jingko Blue for the Brown Advisory, but we'll have to wait and see. I'd like to run Jingko Blue in the Pendil over two and a half miles at Kempton this Saturday, but he was a bit stiff this morning [Sunday], and don't forget he galloped three miles at Ascot, albeit riderless; so we'll see how he is later in the week and make a decision. Jonbon BetMGM Champion Chase, 5-6 He's done his racing, it's all been very good and he's in great form for the Champion Chase – everybody's very happy, so now we wait for the invasion, from Ireland or France or wherever. We could be hassled from all angles, but that's what the festival's about and I love it, as long as the Russians aren't coming! As ever, though, there's no point worrying what's going to turn up against us. We'll try to get him there at his best and that's that. He hasn't always impressed everybody and there are still some who have a theory he doesn't act around Cheltenham, but I can't see what he's done wrong – he's won two Shloer Chases, so he can't do much more on that score – and he's in great nick with three weeks to go, terrific shape. Lucky Place Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 10-1 A horse you have to love. He's very straightforward and has done nothing but improve. He was earmarked to go novice chasing, but through lack of opportunities I couldn't find anywhere to launch him – among our big team of novice chasers queuing up for places at the start of the season – so we switched him back to hurdles and he won two races. At Ascot over just shy of two and a half miles he was very good, and when we moved him up a little bit in trip for the Relkeel he was good again and very tough. He was looking like a stayer, but we resisted the temptation to find out because we'd have had to give him a hard race on Trials day, and luckily the horse he beat in the Relkeel [Gowel Road] went and won the Cleeve. So we know pretty much where we are in the British pecking order, and although we're unproven over three miles, we have to take that on trust, and maybe take the view he could even improve for the extra distance. He's in great form, and is one of those who could go away for a racecourse gallop at Kempton on the Tuesday a fortnight before the festival, which would do him the world of good. Yes, you'll have the likes of Teahupoo and Home By The Lee against you at Cheltenham, but we'll go there in a positive frame of mind. Lulamba JCB Triumph Hurdle, 7-4 He's a strong favourite for the Triumph on the strength of one run in France and one in England, but he did look very good at Ascot, very polished and extremely uncomplicated. He seems straightforward, schools well, doesn't pull and doesn't need to be pushed, and he's won on heavy ground and good ground. I'm sure something will happen to prove me wrong, but my gut feeling after Ascot was not to run again beforehand, so we go there full of hope. Punting-wise, I haven't had a bet at Cheltenham for about 30 years and I'm not about to start, but with him at 7-4 and Palladium at 16-1, I'd have to say they aren't that far apart in ability – quite probably one's too short and one's too long. Mister Coffey Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, 10-1 He'll go for the Cross Country Chase, having been second in the two races on the course this season, and I think he'll go well. I know he has a reputation for having his own ideas about the game, but I think that's completely wrong. He lost his way running in the Grand National as a novice a couple of years ago – I think it took a lot out of him – and it's taken him quite a long time to get back to where he was. We thought about retiring him at the end of last season, but I suggested having one more go, either hunter chasing or in cross-country chases, so we took him to Cheltenham for a practice, he had a ball and Nico had a ball, and we ran him in the first of the two races, where he was having a good school and finding his feet, then flew home in a way he hadn't for two years. We'd got him back, which was the most important thing, but in the second race in December thinking we had a proper chance, we probably rode him too prominently and he did a bit too much. So we'll drop him in a bit more and, although it'll be more competitive at the festival, I've seldom seen him look better. He's a very happy horse again, so away we go. Palladium JCB Triumph Hurdle, 16-1 You could look at his [British debut] win at Huntingdon two different ways, but those who liked it liked it a lot, and we were perfectly happy because it means he goes to the Triumph under the radar. He was ready to do what he had to do, but he was hardly wound up for it and did it very well, despite getting a bit lonely in front. I was very pleased with his jumping as well – you've got to learn to do it both ways, stand off but also get into the bottom of some of the hurdles, and that was what Nico was trying to do, to educate him. He's a colt, they can look very different to the rest, and he looked in the paddock as though he was ready to go to Royal Ascot, where I hope he will be going in time. The rest: day-by-day plan Tuesday We'll have several in the Ultima, but that probably won't include Hyland, who will most likely go to Kempton this coming week, with a view to taking the Grand National seriously. He'll need 15 to come out at Aintree, but I can't see the Ultima being the right route to take there. Chantry House (33-1) will be in the Ultima squad, and I've got to think also about Fantastic Lady (not quoted), who will struggle to get into the National, which was our original plan, needs three miles and will be off a good weight for a race like that. Wednesday I think I have a squad of about nine for the Coral Cup, many of whom will be in the Martin Pipe as well. Among the possibilities would be Captain Morgs (50-1 Coral Cup), No Ordinary Joe (33-1 Coral Cup), Punctuation (not quoted), Impose Toi (a toss-up between the two races – 16-1 Coral Cup, 20-1 Martin Pipe), Bo Zenith (33-1 Coral Cup), East India Express (more likely the Martin Pipe – 16-1, 25-1 for the Coral Cup) and Jeriko Du Reponet (16-1 Coral Cup, 6-1 Pertemps Final, 25-1 Martin Pipe, who will quite possibly run over three miles in the Pertemps). Thursday First Street could be our challenger for the Jack Richards Novices' Chase (25-1). I was very pleased with him when he was fourth at Kempton on Boxing Day, where the wind surgery he'd had seemed to help and he finished very strongly. I'll have two or three in the Pertemps, including Shanagh Bob (20-1), who was good when runner-up in his qualifier at Huntingdon, and quite possibly Jeriko Du Reponet (6-1). Friday In the County, Iberico Lord (20-1) would have to be in contention – he's a very good horse but is below Champion Hurdle class and at the top of the handicap. Remember, though, three years ago First Street finished a close second in the County giving a pound to State Man, which is how stupid it can get. |
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It may be an overused cliche, but with enough muscle in your arm you may actually be able to throw a stone from Ben Pauling’s yard into Nigel Twiston-Davies’s such is their proximity to each other by the small village of Naunton around 13 miles from Cheltenham racecourse.
Shakem Up’Arry provided Pauling with a fourth festival winner in last season’s Plate, although the trainer and owner Harry Redknapp were denied a famous double when The Jukebox Man was run down by Stellar Story in the Albert Bartlett. Unfortunately, The Jukebox Man, who had been highly impressive in his two chase wins and was shaping into a leading Brown Advisory contender, is not on the teamsheet after picking up a season-ending injury, but plenty of hope remains elsewhere. Minor in comparison, but the Twiston-Davies team suffered a slight setback of their own when Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Potters Charm suffered a first defeat under rules on Trials day last month. Before that he was, and still could be, one of the brightest young talents in Britain and Nigel’s son Willy, not officially on the training licence yet but an integral part of operations at Grange Hill, is confident he can be produced to peak again for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. Ben Pauling Diva Luna Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, 33-1 Coming into this season she was almost our most exciting horse having not really been extended to win Listed and Grade 2 mares’ bumpers. It hasn’t really worked this season, however. We had a nasty bug early in the season and then she got touched off at Lingfield. She won as I hoped she would at Cheltenham and the form is working out okay, although it wasn’t the deepest race in the world. She got bogged down in terrible ground at Sandown, so it’s not been plain-sailing. She seems in very good form now and I think it’s the first time she’s starting to look like the horse she was last season. She could very easily be overlooked in the market as she’s beaten a lot of the British horses in bumpers. She’s not a brilliant jumper or professional in every way, but if I can get her right for the day she’ll be a lively outsider. Fiercely Proud William Hill County Handicap Hurdle, 25-1 He had an irregular heartbeat after the Betfair Hurdle but it was back in rhythm by the next morning and we had all the tests done and the vets are happy it was a one-off. He won the Ladbroke at Ascot and is a progressive handicapper and will possibly have an entry in the County, or we could wait for Aintree. Henry’s Friend Ultima Handicap Chase, 20-1 He has a very good profile for the Ultima and has been in great form. He won well at Newbury and is being trained specifically for this race. He’s one I’m really looking forward to. Jig’s Forge Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, 66-1 He had a setback after Ffos Las, where he was very good first time out, and then the River Don just didn’t work out at all. He was too keen and paid the price, but I believe he is much better than average and he wouldn’t have a dissimilar profile or level of ability to The Jukebox Man. I expect him to head to the Albert Bartlett and probably outrun his odds. No Questions Asked Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 66-1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle, 66-1 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, no odds available I was quite taken by his performance in the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon. He has entries in the Supreme and the Turners but we might also give him another quick run so he can qualify for the Martin Pipe or something like that. Whether he goes for a Grade 1 or not I’m not sure, but he recorded a very good figure and I genuinely think that performance puts him bang up there some of the best novices in Britain. I’m quite sweet on him. Personal Ambition TrustATrader Plate, 40-1 He’s had his four runs, which will qualify him to run in the Plate. He’ll have an entry in the novice handicap chase [Jack Richards] as well, but I think he’d be good enough for the Plate and I think the Old course will suit him better than the New course. He’s improving all the time and would be an exciting one to watch. Roysse Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, 66-1 He has a huge engine, but his jumping has let him down at times. We like him though and he'll probably run in the Dovecote at Kempton on Saturday and then we'll see about the Supreme. Pic Roc Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, 20-1 He could go for the National Hunt Chase, but it’s perhaps more likely he’ll run in the Jack Richards. He met with a setback after he fell at Carlisle, and we knew he was going to need it at Exeter. He then ran a lovely race at Newbury. He stays three miles and has the pace for two and a half, so I think he’s going to be quite exciting. Shakem Up’Arry TrustATrader Plate, 25-1 Ultima Handicap Chase, 50-1 He came out of the race at Warwick well but it hasn’t been the easiest of seasons after his fall in the veterans' chase at Cheltenham in December. He has options in the Ultima or a return to the Plate, but if we had to wait for Aintree and run in the Topham or the Grand National we could. Slipway Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, 50-1 He had his prep run for this over hurdles at Kempton last week and won. He’’ll probably be out of the weights, but he was very good the first time over the course in November and we’ve had his wind tightened since then. Nigel Twiston-Davies Quotes from Willy Twiston-Davies Broadway Boy Ultima Handicap Chase, 20-1 It's all systems go for the Ultima, and he worked brilliantly last Tuesday. He's had a quiet time since his disappointing run on New Year's Day and he's had his knees medicated since. He could be a forgotten horse in that race. Gowel Road Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, 20-1 He has great course form and had been running well all season before getting his day in the Cleeve. Whether he's quite good enough to win the Stayers' I don't know, but on a track he likes he's got to have a very good each-way chance. We know he'll stay on from the bottom of the hill and hit the line strong. Guard Your Dreams Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, 50-1 He's very consistent and likes the course. He was disappointing last time in a similar race on Trials day, but I'd hope he has an each-way chance. Master Chewy Ryanair Chase, 40-1 We were very pleased with him in the Game Spirit, and he's always threatened to put up a performance like that. He was beaten only a head in a Grade 1 at Aintree, and was running a big race in the Arkle when he fell. We hope a step up in trip will bring out even more improvement. Potters Charm Turners Novices’ Hurdle, 16-1 He's a lovely horse and has very good course form. The last race was a bit of an afterthought and he just wasn't 100 per cent – Sam said even going down to the start he didn't feel like the same horse he'd sat on the rest of the season. We know he gets two and a half miles and handles all sorts of ground. A Grade 1 at the festival is always going to be hard to win, but we're quite bullish. Push The Button Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, no odds available He was a bit disappointing at Exeter recently after a great run at Windsor. We probably ran him too soon, but two and a half miles on the New track for the Martin Pipe will suit him well. The Kniphand National Hunt Novices' Chase, no odds available He ran a very good race at Uttoxeter this month, but just slightly needed it having had a quiet time since his last run. He's a dour stayer, is consistent and versatile ground-wise, so if he gets in he'll have a little squeak. Weveallbeencaught National Hunt Novices' Chase, no odds available Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, 33-1 He might be going to the sales on Friday, but he'll be entered in the National Hunt Chase and the Kim Muir. His main target if he doesn't sell would be the Grimthorpe. |
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JCB Triumph Hurdle
1.20 Cheltenham, March 14 Key trends Last ran between 18 and 55 days ago, ten winners in the last ten runnings Won at least 50 per cent of hurdle races, 9/10 (exception still a maiden) Top-two finish last time out, 8/10 (six won) Adjusted Racing Post Rating of at least 150, 8/10 By a Group 1-winning sire, 7/10 Ran no more than three times over hurdles, 7/10 Other factors Five of the last ten winners were undefeated over hurdles (two had just run once). Six winners had landed Graded events. Since the introduction of the Fred Winter Hurdle in 2005, 17 of the 20 winners have had an SP of 10-1 or shorter. The two winners to have finished outside the first two on their most recent start were both owned by JP McManus. |
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Cian Collins
Jazzy Matty Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 10-1 Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, 33-1 TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, 16-1 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, 33-1 He's in great form and will run in whatever race he gets into. Hopefully that's the Grand Annual, because I think that race is made for him. He loves Cheltenham and that's a big bonus. He won the Fred Winter in 2023 and ran a cracker at the October meeting this season, when the race totally went against him. Drusilla Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 33-1 She's entered at Newcastle at the weekend and, if she happens to win, she might sneak into the Fred Winter and we'd let her take her chance. She's a nice filly. Barry Connell Marine Nationale BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, 8-1 He's come out of the Dublin Racing Festival in excellent form. He's improving 10lb every time he runs over fences as he's effectively a novice. That was his fifth chase run, and the winner's 17th. He did the donkey work of chasing down Solness and I think he'll come on for it. He's a course-and-distance winner on the Old course over hurdles, and his temperament is bombproof. He's the best Irish challenger in the race, although whether we beat Jonbon is another matter. He's in great nick at home. Nine Graces Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase, 14-1 She won the Amateur National at Punchestown and we said we'd put her away for the Kim Muir. I'm hoping she can get in off bottom weight – she's on 130 over here [Ireland] and two 127-rated horses got in last year. She's a very effective jumper and an extra half a mile should suit her. William Munny Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 14-1 He'll be on the boat over after his win at Punchestown. He'd been doing everything wrong given he's been too keen and making mistakes. But he's still been running to figures that suggest he'll be there or thereabouts in a Supreme. He has so much natural ability, and Punchestown was his last bit of work before the Supreme. Sam Curling Angels Dawn St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase, 7-2 We've been working back from Cheltenham all season and she got qualified early, which was great. She's won her two point-to-points and we decided to keep her fresh for the spring. She ran a cracker in the Thyestes last season and was running a big race before falling two out in the Kim Muir. The track suits and we'd be hoping for a bit of soft ground, which she is more effective on. Wonderwall St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase, 20-1 He had some good form for the Bowens and has won two open points for us. He's qualified for the race now and we're looking forward to running him. Mark Fahey Flicker Of Hope Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 25-1 He's heading to the Albert Bartlett. He's a hardened horse over three miles and has been running in good, competitive handicaps. He has loads of experience and we'd hope he can run well. He'll be my first runner at the festival and I think he's good enough to be competitive. His third at the Dublin Racing Festival was a great run, and he stayed on well to win at Navan the time before. John Flavin Midnight Our Fred National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase, 14-1 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase, 12-1 I'd say we'll go to the Kim Muir as the trip could suit him better than the National Hunt Chase. He's run well in races around three and a quarter miles a few times, so we'll probably keep him at that. He ran a great race in the Paddy Power Chase, doing everything bar win. He jumped, travelled and quickened nicely and a couple of the horses around him have boosted the form nicely. His first three handicap chase runs were at Cheltenham which obviously wouldn't be the norm for Irish horses, but he ran well each time. I'd be hopeful he's improved this season and if we can get him there in good he'd hopefully have a chance. Roi Mage Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, 25-1 He's 13 but is fresh for his age mileage-wise. He'll go straight to Cheltenham and also has an entry in the Grand National, but we might lean towards the Irish National instead. As soon as they announced the Cross Country was changing to a handicap, it was a no-brainer. Sweet David winning at the track in November was a good boost to the form as we beat him off levels at Craon. If we get him there in the same form as he has been at Aintree or in France, I'd be expecting a bold run. John McConnell Anna Bunina Coral Cup, 50-1 Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, 20-1 She hasn't qualified for the Pertemps yet but she'll run in a qualifier this weekend [Chepstow, Saturday]. If we can get her qualified, she'll go for it and if not, she could go for the Coral Cup. Heads Up Champion Bumper, 25-1 The Champion Bumper is the plan. He was impressive at Punchestown in November and ran well to be second to Kalypso'chance at Navan last time. He was also runner-up to Colcannon at Galway before those runs so his form is strong. Intense Approach Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, 33-1 He's been in good form, winning at Cheltenham and Musselburgh and we've been happy with him. The plan is to go for the Albert Bartlett, but he wouldn't go if it the ground was very soft. Ira Hayes and Lieutenant Mayne are due out shortly and if they run very well, they could earn a shot at the race too. Moon D'Orange Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, 14-1 TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, 16-1 He's in good shape since his win at Cheltenham last month and the plan is to go for the novice handicap chase. He showed a good attitude to win despite the mistake at the last and we've found the way to ride him, which is a big thing. We're hopeful he can run a big race. No Time To Wait National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase, 33-1 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase, 33-1 We'd be leaning towards the National Hunt Chase as long as he gets in. He ran well at Musselburgh last time at a track which wouldn't have suited on ground that was plenty quick. He's definitely going the right way and we think there's more to come. Seddon TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, 33-1 He'll go to the Plate and ran very well when third at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. We're hopeful he can have a good crack at winning it again. Paul Nolan An Peann Dearg Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 14-1 He's very lightly raced for his age. He's had all sorts of problems over the years, but he's come alive of late. We didn't fancy him going to Leopardstown at Christmas, so he surprised us there and then he backed it up by winning at the Dublin Racing Festival. He won well there and goes to the Grand Annual with a decent squeak. Conyers Hill Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, 33-1 Conyers Hill is Conyers Hill! You know what you're going to get from him. He'll be dropped out last with the hope of cutting through the pack. That's the way he has to be ridden. Don't be surprised if he looks like winning turning for home. What happens from there, we'll have to wait and see. Feet Of A Dancer Pertemps Final, 16-1 She's a smart mare. She was just too fresh and keen at Leopardstown but hopefully we can get rid of that fizziness for Cheltenham. If she settles better, I've no doubt she'll stay. She has some decent form in the book. Sandor Clegane Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, 40-1 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 66-1 He ran well enough in the Galmoy and actually hit the line well, which he hadn't been doing, so I was happy to see that. He's in the Stayers' Hurdle and could go for that, but I'd love to see him have a crack at the Coral Cup – that sort of race would suit him. If he got into a rhythm early, I could see him running a big race. Ufouria Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, 40-1 I couldn't believe it when she won so easily at Cork. She's a smart mare, but has had problems. She's put it all together at home lately and seems in a very good place. She'll run in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday and could head to Cheltenham if she happens to win that. I like her. Terence O'Brien Answer To Kayf Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, 12-1 He had a nice mark at Naas and did it well. He’s not qualified for any other race other than the novice handicap so that's the aim and he's in good form. He ran a cracker in the Martin Pipe last season and we're hoping he's a better chaser than hurdler. He's not spectacular over a fence, but he's quick and efficient. Declan Queally Bacchanalian JCB Triumph Hurdle, 100-1 He runs at Naas on Sunday. If that goes well, he could run in the Triumph, but it would have to be soft ground. Rocky's Diamond Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 16-1 The Stayers' is the plan and he's been good since the Galmoy. Dylan Phelan worked him this week and was very happy with him. He'll be good to go after another couple bits of work next week. Rocky's Howya St James’s Place Hunters’ Chase, 16-1 John Kirwan was very happy with him in his work this week. I'll ride him in the Hunters' Chase all being well and he's in good order and fresher than he was when fourth two years ago. He beat Con's Roc in a point last time, and with Ryehill winning the Naas hunter chase two weeks ago, the division looks wide open. I'm sure Its On The Line will bring his A-game to Cheltenham, but we beat him at Ballindesk in 2023. |
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https://againstthecrowd.co.uk/pdf/Cheltenham_Festival_2025_Report.pdf
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Nicky Henderson
Lucky Place Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 8-1 A horse you have to love. He's very straightforward and has done nothing but improve. He was earmarked to go novice chasing, but through lack of opportunities I couldn't find anywhere to launch him – among our big team of novice chasers queuing up for places at the start of the season – so we switched him back to hurdles and he won two races. At Ascot over just shy of two and a half miles he was very good, and when we moved him up a little bit in trip for the Relkeel he was good again and very tough. He was looking like a stayer, but we resisted the temptation to find out because we'd have had to give him a hard race on Trials day, and luckily the horse he beat in the Relkeel [Gowel Road] went and won the Cleeve. So we know pretty much where we are in the British pecking order, and although we're unproven over three miles, we have to take that on trust, and maybe take the view he could even improve for the extra distance. He's in great form, and is one of those who could go away for a racecourse gallop at Kempton on the Tuesday a fortnight before the festival, which would do him the world of good. Yes, you'll have the likes of Teahupoo and Home By The Lee against you at Cheltenham, but we'll go there in a positive frame of mind. Gordon Elliott American Mike Grand Annual Handicap Chase, 16-1 I have a feeling the Grand Annual will be right up his street. He has been running on quite well over two miles on his last two runs at Fairyhouse and the pace they go in the Grand Annual will mean stamina has to come into play at the business end. We've purposely kept him fresh for the festival and he ran well in the bumper there a few years ago. Ben Pauling Diva Luna Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, 33-1 Coming into this season she was almost our most exciting horse having not really been extended to win Listed and Grade 2 mares’ bumpers. It hasn’t really worked this season, however. We had a nasty bug early in the season and then she got touched off at Lingfield. She won as I hoped she would at Cheltenham and the form is working out okay, although it wasn’t the deepest race in the world. She got bogged down in terrible ground at Sandown, so it’s not been plain-sailing. She seems in very good form now and I think it’s the first time she’s starting to look like the horse she was last season. She could very easily be overlooked in the market as she’s beaten a lot of the British horses in bumpers. She’s not a brilliant jumper or professional in every way, but if I can get her right for the day she’ll be a lively outsider. Barry Connell William Munny Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 14-1 He'll be on the boat over after his win at Punchestown. He'd been doing everything wrong given he's been too keen and making mistakes. But he's still been running to figures that suggest he'll be there or thereabouts in a Supreme. He has so much natural ability, and Punchestown was his last bit of work before the Supreme. Nigel Twiston-Davies Quote from Willy Twiston-Davies Broadway Boy Ultima Handicap Chase, 12-1 It's all systems go for the Ultima, and he worked brilliantly last Tuesday. He's had a quiet time since his disappointing run on New Year's Day and he's had his knees medicated since. He could be a forgotten horse in that race. Olly Murphy Pierrot Jaguen Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, 50-1 His Lingfield win is working out okay with the third having won since, and he’ll have another run in a novice hurdle first. He’ll be kept in the Albert Bartlett and if he was to run well under a penalty we'd definitely consider it as he stays well. Fergal O’Brien Sixmilebridge Turners Novices’ Hurdle, 16-1 You'd hope he's got a big chance in the Turners after a good performance on Trials day. I'd be lying if we thought we could beat Potters Charm last time, but he did it very well. John McConnell Moon D'Orange Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase, 14-1 TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, 16-1 He's in good shape since his win at Cheltenham last month and the plan is to go for the novice handicap chase. He showed a good attitude to win despite the mistake at the last and we've found the way to ride him, which is a big thing. We're hopeful he can run a big race. Paul Nolan Feet Of A Dancer Pertemps Final, 14-1 She's a smart mare. She was just too fresh and keen at Leopardstown but hopefully we can get rid of that fizziness for Cheltenham. If she settles better, I've no doubt she'll stay. She has some decent form in the book. |
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When it comes to magical memories of the Cheltenham Festival, trainer Joe Tizzard already has enough to last a lifetime.
During a successful career as jockey, the father-of-two was lucky enough to ride four winners at National Hunt racing’s flagship meeting, which included Grade One wins aboard Cue Card in the Champion Bumper and Ryanair Chase and Flagship Uberalles in the Arkle. And upon retiring from the saddle he played an integral role in helping his dad, and now retired trainer Colin, prepare the likes of Native River to Gold Cup glory and Thistlecrack to victory in what was then the World Hurdle. Thistlecrack in his pomp But for all those great days both in and out of the saddle, the 44-year-old is keen to make a real imprint at the meeting with his own career as a trainer beginning to gather pace in what is now his third season at the helm of Spurles Stables. Tizzard said: “It is unbelievable to have a winner at Cheltenham and it is second to none. It really is special and I was lucky enough to have four winners there as a jockey. “They were incredible days, and even more so, when there was an 11 year gap between my second one aboard Flagship Uberalles in the 1999 Arkle and third one with Cue Card in the 2010 Champion Bumper for my family, which was special. "That hour in 2018 was crazy with Kilbricken Storm winning the Albert Bartlett and Native River then winning the Gold Cup. Those celebrations will never ever be forgotten, that is as simple as that, but I want to be there with my name on it. “I was part of it, but it was Colin Tizzard that was the trainer and I want to catch him up and do it myself.” 'Five or six horses that deserve to be there' It will be a case of small and select for Tizzard at this year’s Festival as opposed to going mob handed to the meeting as has been the case for the yard in previous years. However, while there might not be a genuine Grade One contender like a Native River or Cue Card among his team Tizzard, who has already equalled his best tally of 55 winners, is content with those that will represent him at the meeting. Tizzard added: “We are having a good season with young horses that I have bought with Ross Doyle. We have got some momentum again and we are going forwards. We have had two Grade Two winners, and we are closing on breaking a million pounds in prize money, while we have equalled our best winners total. It is all going in the right direction. “I’ve not got the depth we, as a family, had years ago, but I feel like I’ve got some nice horses coming through. The horses are flying and I’ve got five or six horses that deserve to be at Cheltenham and that is where we are.” Youth is very much to the fore of Tizzard’s team for the Festival, which will be headed by The Changing Man, who ran out an impressive winner of the Grade Two Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot on his last start following a series of near misses. And although Tizzard is undecided which race the eight-year-old, who holds entries in the Ultima Handicap Chase, National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase and Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, will contest, he expects a bold sight wherever he appears next. Tizzard said: “The race fell apart at Ascot a bit, but that wasn’t his fault and he deserved it. I was pleased with the way he did it as beat a couple of useful horses and they were stuffed by Swinley Bottom. “He had been second nearly all season, and although nobody had the nerve to say anything to me, I was waiting to snap if somebody said he wasn’t trying as he had just kept bumping into one, but he has now won his Grade Two. “He probably fits the Ultima quite well, but if the Brown Advisory cut up then we might go for that as he is only a novice until the end of the season. There will be 20 odd runners in an Ultima, however he can handle that. I’m not deciding now, or leaning one way, and we will work it out closer to the time.” Plenty was expected of Lord Of Thunder this season, who finally put everything together over fences on his latest start upped to an extended two miles seven furlongs at Newbury on his most recent start. Although the seven-year-old holds an entry in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase on Thursday of the meeting, the Grade Two Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase on the same day appears Tizzard’s preferred option. Tizzard said: “Lord Of Thunder will go for the extended two and a half miles Grade Two novices’ handicap chase as a hard run race over that trip should be ideal. “He was running well there at the beginning of the season when he fell. I was disappointed with him at Exeter as he didn’t finish his race off, but the form has worked out well. He takes a lot of work to get fit and I got really stuck into him after that. We went to the Grade Two at Ffos Las and that was a good move. “We rode him with confidence and he picked up a nice bit of prize money for finishing second. That was his best performance at Newbury and Jemma (Sargent) says he has been jumping out of his skin since Newbury. “He has got enough pace for this race and I think when he is right, and on song, he is full of it. You are going to have to stay in this race as they will go at a helter-skelter pace. “He has got the ability to sit in the first half a dozen and hopefully his stamina will then kick up in the straight. He should give him a lovely racing weight and if we get ground on the soft side of good he has a serious chance of being in the first four.” Mark Howard Cheltenham Festival Dark Horses READ: Mark Howard backs JPR One to run a big race Classy One has options Having ruled out a tilt at the Ryanair Chase, it will either be an outing in the Grade One BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase for JPR One according to Tizzard. However, Tizzard has issued a word of warning with the participation of this year’s Haldon Gold Cup hero at the Festival only being fulfilled if the ground is suitable. Tizzard said: “I don’t think I will go for the Ryanair with JPR One. He is in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Grand Annual, but I will only run him if it is decent ground. “You don’t get too many chances to run in a Queen Mother Champion Chase and he was third in the Tingle Creek where the form has worked out well. In a Grand Annual he would have top weight, but it will be between those two races. “He was a bit disappointing at Newbury in the Game Spirit last time as he travelled well into it, but he should be competitive in the spring. I’ve said that to John (Romans, owner) as there is then only three weeks until Aintree. I think a flat two miles around there is right up his street as he has got bags of pace. “I’ve spoken to John in depth, and we will go through all the motions, and if it is going to be slow ground at Cheltenham, we will wait for Aintree and then we will go to Punchestown, or Sandown.” Confession to make an impact? When it comes to saddling big priced winners of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, the Tizzard team have form following the 33/1 victory secured by Kilbricken Storm in the 2018 renewal. And in dual Ascot winner First Confession, who also holds a Turners Novices’ Hurdle entry, Tizzard feels he could have a horse capable of popping up at a big price in the three mile Grade One test. Tizzard added: “First Confession is in the Turners, but I think the Albert Bartlett is probably the easier option. He didn’t jump a yard in the Challow Hurdle either side of his two wins at Ascot. He did not perform that day, but he bounced right back at Ascot. “He has never been tested against this sort of horse, but he is a galloper and he couldn’t have been more impressive at Ascot on his last start. The boys deserve to have a go with him. He has won a point-to-point so he should be fine over three miles in the Albert Bartlett.” It has already been a season to savour for 11 year old Copperhead, who holds an Ultima Handicap Chase entry, while recent recruit Rock My Way might bid to go one better than on his stable debut at Doncaster in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase. And although their ante-post odds suggest both horses face tall orders in their respective races Tizzard has not ruled out taking the pair to the Festival. Tizzard said “Copperhead is entered in the Ultima. He has had a wonderful season winning the Veterans’ Chase Series Final at Market Rasen and the owners are up for a day out. “He ran well in a veterans’ chase around there, but whether we decide to go I will see. I regretted running him at Exeter just three three weeks after Market Rasen as he ran a bit flat, but this would give him a five week gap and the owners are up for it. “Rock My Way will either go for the National Hunt Chase or to Uttoxeter on the Saturday for a three mile £50,000 novices’ handicap chase. He has only had one run for me and that came 10 days after he came into the yard. I don’t think he was settled into our routine at that point. “The three mile six furlong trip in the National Hunt Chase will be a question mark, but we will have a look at it. I’m not covered in pressure going to Cheltenham this year as I’m not going in there with a short-priced favourite. “I’m going there with horses that if they can produce their best it gives us a chance of being very competitive from the back of two out and hopefully from there one can pop their head out with a bit of luck and get home.” |
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Ryanair or Champion Chase for Il Est Francais? One of a handful of big questions we tackle as the festival looms
The 2025 Cheltenham Festival is only two weeks away and most of the jigsaw pieces have fallen into place – even the usual uncertainty around which races Willie Mullins’ best novices will run has largely been resolved. However, there are still plenty of unanswered questions as the big week looms Will Brighterdaysahead run in the Champion Hurdle or the Mares’ Hurdle? This one decision could define the Tuesday afternoon of the Cheltenham Festival. After two defeats of defending champion State Man – including arguably the performance of the season at Leopardstown over Christmas – will star mare Brighterdayshead take on Constitution Hill and Co in the Champion Hurdle, or go the softer route in the Mares’ Hurdle, a race she would be long odds-on for? The vibes coming from her trainer Gordon Elliott certainly seem to indicate he favours the more ambitious Champion Hurdle route. In his Racing Post stable tour he said: “I'd love to win a Champion Hurdle, I've never won it before, and she would be my best chance if we run her in it.” However, Gigginstown supremo Michael O’Leary will have the final say. The Brighterdaysahead conundrum - will the star mare take on Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle? If Brighterdaysahead does run in the Champion, would that tempt Willie Mullins into switching targets with Lossiemouth? She won the Mares’ easily last year and has had this year’s Champion Hurdle as her big aim for the best part of two years, but was beaten by Constitution Hill at Kempton and suffered a crashing fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle. If both run in the Champion, the Mares’ Hurdle market would undergo a major transformation, with Mullins’ Jade De Grugy possibly being the main beneficiary. Il Est Francais and Gaelic Warrior – Champion Chase or Ryanair? The Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase pictures will be strongly defined by plans for these two extremely talented but often unpredictable chasers. Ever since his gallant effort in the King George VI Chase, when just denied in his bid to make all by Banbridge, Il Est Francais’s connections have been weighing up their Cheltenham options, keeping a keen eye on the potential opposition in each race. Seeing him take on Jonbon and attempt to run the field ragged from the front in a Champion Chase would be some sight, although he is notably much shorter for the Ryanair on the Betfair exchange rather than the two-mile championship. Gaelic Warrior has been far from his best in two defeats to Solness at Leopardstown this season, but did rebound from a disappointing run at last year’s Dublin Racing Festival to win the Arkle. The Champion Chase has been mooted as his primary target for much of the season, but Willie Mullins admitted the Ryanair would be factored into considerations following the Dublin Chase. He is a general 6-1 for the Champion Chase and 7-2 for the Ryanair, but his participation may also hinge on how Mullins plans to split up his team of senior chasers. Who is going to take on Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup? Speaking of Mullins and his older chase stars, it looks likely Galopin Des Champs will face a more reduced challenge in his bid for a third consecutive Gold Cup than was once expected. At the beginning of the season the staying chase division was talked up as being at its most competitive for years, with a strong batch of novice chasers emerging to challenge established stars. A brilliant John Durkan Chase in which new kids on the block Fact To File and Spillane's Tower battled out the finish further whetted the appetite, but fast forward three months and Galopin Des Champs has sent his potential opposition scattering with two dominant victories in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup. Stablemate Fact To File is still around 6-1 for the Gold Cup but is a short-priced favourite for the Ryanair and, judged on their last two clashes over 3m, there is little evidence to suggest he can reverse form with Galopin Des Champs over the two-furlongs-longer Gold Cup trip. Injuries to Gerri Colombe and Fastorslow have ruled them out for the season, while the potential British challenge looks to have hit a new low. Grey Dawning looks like he is heading to Kelso and then Aintree, L'Homme Presse must bounce back from being pulled up in the Ascot Chase and there is no other home contender shorter than 50-1. King George winner Banbridge could emerge as Galopin Des Champs's biggest threat, although he has never raced further than 3m and will need the ground to be no deeper than good to soft. Plenty have yet to commit one way or the other and there is still time for supplementary entries, but we could be heading towards the first single-figure Gold Cup field since 2016. More decisions for Elliott Once the Brighterdaysahead dilemma is out of the way, Gordon Elliott has plenty more to ponder for two of his biggest festival contenders. The Wallpark has won seven of his last 11 starts and earned his spot in the Pertemps Final with an impressive qualifying win at Cheltenham in October over Gowel Road, form which has been boosted since. He is 6-1 favourite for the festival handicap hurdle, but is also just 12-1 for the Stayers' Hurdle. Elliott also trains the overwhelming Stayers' favourite Teahupoo, and much may depend on the handicap mark The Wallpark is allotted at Tuesday's weights reveal. Then there is The Yellow Clay, who is a perfect four from four over hurdles and won the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas in fine style in January to cement himself a leading player for the Turners or Albert Bartlett novice hurdles. Elliott is “leaning” towards the Turners over 2m5f, but that is undoubtedly the hotter race with Final Demand and The New Lion heading the market, whereas The Yellow Clay is 3-1 favourite for the Albert Bartlett. |
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...Lossiemouth... Fact To File... Gaelic Warrior...
...where do they go... no one knows?! Well... Willie Mullins might know... or maybe he genuinely hasn't decided yet... Truth is though, I really don't give a damn... I don't deal in rumours or try and figure out exactly which races Willie Mullins is going to sent individual members of his massive Cheltenham team to... I prefer to deal in the hard facts... And the facts are this... There have been 167 races at the last six Cheltenham Festivals... Willie Mullins has won 42 of them! 25% of them won by ONE trainer!? That's nothing short of crazy!! It gets even more crazy when you look at the 111 Non-Handicap races... as Big Willie has won a whopping 38 of them! THIRTY. EIGHT! 34% of the Non-Handicap races have been won by one trainer! Willie Mullins is simply on a different level! But we should be used to it by now... those are the extreme levels that Willie Mullins operates at... and has been operating at for some time... He's not, however, the only trainer worth talking about for next week... and it's another of the Irish trainers I'm concentrating on in this email... But before I get onto that... >>>See what NTF has to offer you for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival ...back to those Cheltenham trainer stats... Any of you that have followed me for any period of time will know I love digging into trends and stats, and the Cheltenham Festival is a place where you can PROPERLY get stuck in... especially on the trainer front... and especially with the Irish trainers... They produce such an insane amount of winners that they are the perfect subjects to delve into and uncover profitable angles that we punters can look to... well... profit from! And the following is what I have uncovered during the deep digging I've been undertaking over the past couple of weeks... as I get thing prepared behind the scenes for my 2025 NTF Cheltenham Festival Service... HENRY DE BROMHEAD Henry De Bromhead is no stranger to a Cheltenham winner or two... or 23 to precise! Indeed if we look at Cheltenham Festivals from 2017 - 2024 we see he third on the list with 20-winners... Only Willie Mullins (shock horror!) and Gordon Elliott have recorded more winners than De Bromhead in the same period... The overall stats for De Bromhead read... 20/166 | 12% S/R | +£152.55 BFLSP (20% above expectation) Win & Place - 48/166 | 29% S/R Solid... steady... and just what you'd expect from a man of De Bromhead's talents... But here's where it gets interesting... ALL 20 of his winners ran in a GRADED race last time out... Those that came into the Cheltenham Festival having NOT run in a Graded race LTO returned... 0/51, 10p ...and if you know me, you know I won't stop digging there! ...to start with I removed the year filter and just concentrated on all Cheltenham Festivals that De Bromhead had a runner at... that gives him the total of 23 Cheltenham Festival winners that I mentioned earlier... How many of them warmed up for Cheltenham by running in a Graded race? 22 of them... So even extending the period under analysis only produced ONE De Bromhead winner that warmed up outside of Graded company... For the record that winner was SIZING AUSTRALIA in the 2011 X-Country Chase... and being that it's the X-Country Chase, it doesn't really count anyway!? That means De Bromhead's overall figures at the Cheltenham Festival with runners that DIDN'T run in a Graded race LTO read... 1/68 | 1.5% S/R | -£50.50 - W&P 12/68 | 18% S/R 78% below expectation So the figures stack up even when we expand the period under examination... But let's flip back to the initial time-frame... 2017-2024... as 2017 was when De Bromhead really started to figure out how to produce Cheltenham winners on a regular basis... Using his runners that ran in a Graded race LTO as my starting point... I uncovered the following Henry De Bromhead Cheltenham Festival angle... H De Bromhead | Cheltenham Festival | Ran in a GRADED race LTO | DSLR 28-119 | Won or Placed on 1 of last 3 starts | 0-1 starts in calendar year 20/78 | 26% S/R | +£240.55 BFLSP (+£109.03 LSP) Win & Place - 34/78 | 44% S/R 89% above expectation | E/W returns = +£124.05 Those are some extremely solid figures from De Bromhead and, unsurprisingly, he seems to be plotting a path to the Festival from some way out... if he thinks he has a live player then chances are they are taking in Graded company on their final start before Cheltenham... it likely gives De Bromhead the last piece of the jigsaw he needs so he can fine-tune things before March... Last year there were four qualifiers on the angle... returning two winners and a close 2nd (of 21)... chipping in +12.78 points profit to the overall total... The angle hasn't returned profit every year...in 2022 it dropped -0.86 and in 2018 it dropped -1.57... those are, however, nothing but minor blips... I'd be concerned if it was swinging wildly between profit and loss... but it isn't... so I'm not worried... I have that angle firmly plugged into my database and when a qualifier appears over any of the 4-days next week it will be highlighted in the relevant race analysis guide, and will form part of my overall assessment of a race... Analysis you can get your hands on by heading HERE>>> That's not to say I will be ignoring any De Bromhead horses that DON'T fit the above angle... far from it... but I'd probably be wanting some solid pointers from other avenues to make me want to stick my money on a De Bromhead horse that came in NOT fitting the above angle/profile... Anyway... that's enough from me today... I'm off to continue my deep dive into the 2025 Cheltenham Festival... There's a hell of a lot to cover and the 4-days are ticking closer by the day... Cheers Ben (NTF) p.s. I'll have more informative (and free) Cheltenham content for you soon... so stay tuned... >>>Join NTF for the Cheltenham Festival HERE |
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Lads
if you do anything this year for Cheltenham, join the above Cheltenham service absolutely the best out there by miles. |
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Brighterdaysahead to take on Constitution Hill in Champion Hurdle showdown - but Nicky Henderson reiterates confidence in unbeaten star
The big story By David Jennings The Champion Hurdle showdown everyone wanted is on after Gordon Elliott revealed Brighterdaysahead will take on Constitution Hill in a pulsating clash at the Cheltenham Festival. The superstar six-year-old will take on the boys in the opening-day highlight, rather than sticking to mares' company, following discussions over the weekend with Gigginstown's Michael and Eddie O'Leary. Nicky Henderson, trainer of Constitution Hill, has welcomed the decision. He predicted it will lead to a good gallop, a scenario he feels will suit Michael Buckley's unbeaten hurdler perfectly. Bookmakers reacted by shortening Brighterdaysahead into 7-4 and pushing Constitution Hill out to a general 4-6 to reclaim his title, while the Mares' Hurdle market has also been impacted, with Lossiemouth now odds-on to repeat last year's win. What they said |
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Ruby Walsh thinks Gordon Elliott's mare Brighterdaysahead can sink Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on day one at the Cheltenham Festival.
Walsh was speaking at the The Ultimate Cheltenham 2025 Preview Night, hosted by Paddy Power, and he admits he was blown away by what the six-year-old did in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29, where she won by 30 lengths. He said: "I was watching it thinking, you’re going too fast, you’re going too fast, you’re going too fast the whole way and all of a sudden, they were going too fast for the pacemaker, he falls in a hole going to the third last, King Of Kingsfield, the next minute the mare picks up, heads on to the second last and away with her off the bend again. "You’re thinking – she can’t – and she did and she kept doing it. And down to the last, she’s a bit long and had a grab and ran all the way to the line. "Take out whatever way you read the race as in were the rest of them sharp enough at the start or why didn’t they follow her, when you just watch to me what she did, to me that was the best performance I saw over hurdles in Leopardstown in a long, long time. "It’s the one hurdle performance this year that you went ‘Jesus’." Can you replicate that at Cheltenham? "No it’s a more undulating track so it’s whatever way you look at it, how far do you think King Of Kingsfield will bring Brighterdaysahead? How far do you think he needs to bring Brighterdaysahead? "I think King Of Kingsfield will bring her to the fourth last in the Champion Hurdle. She’ll take it off him as they rise up on to the top of the hill and it’ll be what the crowd want from there home – Nico will be on their tail, I hope two of Willie’s are right behind them and it’ll be whoever wins from there. "But I think you’ll have some running done when you get past her." If you were riding would you replicate Leopardstown? "To an extent obviously the undulations in Cheltenham there are places where you have to up the ante and there are places where you have to slow a little bit, but I know when I went out to ride Annie Power, I was thinking about the way that Dawn Run was ridden. "She just went flat out from the word go and galloped them into the ground and I was hellbent on doing that on Annie Power and I think this mare could do the same thing. I just think she’s spectacular." Brighterdaysahead is a 2/1 chance with Paddy Power for the Champion Hurdle, with Nicky Henderson's Constitution Hill the 4/6 favourite to regain his crown from last year's winner State Man, a 6/1 chance. |
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London Racing Club Cheltenham Preview Night 2025 Notes
6 March 2025//by Matt Bisogno In front of a full house of keen racing fans, London Racing Club's brains trust assembled. They were Lydia Hislop (LH), Matt Tombs (MT), Jamie Benson (JB), and maintaining order, Lee Mottershead (LM). What follows are the notes I managed to make from their thoughts. Tuesday Supreme Novices' Hurdle LH: Kopek des Bordes (KdB) will have to replicate his last race form. Bit edgy, and Supreme a test of temperament. By far the best horse in the field on what we've seen. Karbau is talented, each way or without favourite. MT: KdB at DRF was a 'wow' race but a little worried about the preliminaries at Cheltenham. Won’t shorten much in the minutes before the race so that’s the time to bet him. Workahead e/w: Don't know his level of form but his last race has worked out, he did it well and is unexposed. JB: At the prices want to take on KdB. Workahead Christmas form looks strong. Arkle MT: Majborough "most likely winner of the week." Might be a very small field. JB: Maj looks "bar a fall." LH: Maj very likely winner. L'Eau de Sud opposable. Second best form is Touch Me Not if he runs here. Would quite like to see Only By Night in here, too. Mares' Hurdle MT: "My source has been backing Lossiemouth for Mares ante post". But what sort of form is she in after that fall last time? If she doesn't run, I'm against Jade de Grugy. Instead, split stakes between Golden Ace (Kingwell form is good) and Kala Conti. They went quickly last time, and KC, close to the pace, hung tough conceding weight to July Flower. LH: Lossie is miles clear on form. JdG is a player. KC ran great against the pace at DRF and is perhaps the value. Champion Hurdle LH: Brilliant race prospect. Constitution Hill cannot be "better than ever", but his near best might be enough. Brighterdaysahead will be a tough challenger, might drift on the day, and she’s backable if she does. JB: Constitution Hill is "your absolute made in a test tube" Champion Hurdler. Price would dictate whether CH or BDA is the bet. MT: Believe Nicky Henderson will have left plenty to work on and expect CH to improve notably. The "vibes" feels like he's back close to his best. You can have close to Evens and that might look a very big price teatime on Tuesday. "Shoulder Races" JB: Fred Winter - Outforastroll/Holy See race is high-class form, interesting; Murcia also interesting here. Ultima - Farouk d'Alene (100/1 shot), small throwaway bet. NH Chase - Will Do weighted to go well and this should suit. LH: Ultima - Farouk d'Alene does have latent ability, but Whistle Stop Tour from Lucinda Russell factory. Novice, strong stayer, form solid. No view in Fred Winter but like Gericault Roque in the NH Chase. Wednesday Turners Novices' Hurdle MT: Turn of foot usually needed rather than stamina, but theory might not hold up this year. Potters Charm form may not be strong enough. Suspect Final Demand might gun forward. Think Irish form is stronger than the British. The New Lion form might be overrated. Perhaps The Yellow Clay is the one: felt he quickened and then got tired at Naas last time. LH: Really like Final Demand, but a quick ground steadily run Turners might not suit ideally. Good stayer. In steadily run race, TNL a better option but TYC is a value play against both. JB: TYC pick of top three, but James's Gate, rated 135, would normally be exploited by Martin Brassil in a handicap. Bit of a tip perhaps. Brown Advisory JB: Taking on Ballyburn and Dancing City with Croke Park. Dual Grade 1 winner, outpaced over 2m5f last time. MT: Don’t think Ballyburn will stay, he's opposable - DC very likeable but might be vulnerable to a better turn of foot. Betterdaysahead will be annoying if he wins. At big prices, Gorgeous Tom is interesting, as to a lesser degree is Asian Master stepping up a mile in trip. LH: On instinct, thought Ballyburn might be a very good 3-miler. Ground might not be that testing and Wednesday likely to be quickest turf. Poor value but likely winner. Elsewhere, Betterdaysahead is a proper stayer. Can see Gorgeous Tom argument. Queen Mother Champion Chase (QMCC) MT: Jonbon good enough to win a CC but overall not sure. Feel he’s 3 or 4lb less good at Cheltenham. Deep enough race - Gaelic Warrior, Marine Nationale, Energumene, Solness. Last named is fascinating, could be "this year’s Flooring Porter". Was going quick at DRF and quickened again when MN came to him. Against MN. 40/1 NRNB Qulixios thumped MN first time up this season; if he turns up he's got a win chance, never mind e/w. LH: Jonbon is at his absolute peak this season. I don't buy the theory that he needs to go right-handed; rather, I feel that's a function of most of the British two-mile Grade 1's being run on right-handed tracks. So it's coincidence. His Cheltenham runs can all be excused: too aggressively ridden vs. Constitution Hill in the Supreme; beaten by an on-song El Fabiolo in Arkle (but he’s gone on from his novice form and El Fab hasn’t); seasonal debuts for Shloer so unlikely at peak (though his 2023 win is not far off his upper efforts); and in a holding pattern when a nervier type than he is now in rerouted 2024 Clarence House when also ridden sub-optimally by new rider. Lots of shorties have been beaten in the Champion Chase and I don't really want to bet him (or lay him!) Gaelic Warrior might have an issue in his throat (rumour) but would need it wet anyway. Found A Fifty might be overpriced. Suited to quickish ground. Energumene might be a backable price on the day with so many naysayers on the circuit. JB: MN looks reasonable on his Supreme win. Blood Destiny crying out for a fast run two mile race. Cross Country Chase MT: Believe top weights will continue to dominate as they did when the race was a limited handicap previously. Galvin looks a fantastic bet. "Feel he should almost be an even money job"! "Shoulders" LH: Touch Me Not - Grand Annual. JB: The Other Mozzie - Grand Annual. Bet of the Day is Colonel Mustard at 33/1 in Coral Cup. Thursday Ryanair Chase LH: Il Est Francais will take them along, Protektorat in second, but it's a deeper race this year than last when Protek won. MT: Could make a case for Djelo. Stayers' Hurdle JB: Most vulnerable favourite of the shorties is Teahupoo. Ga Law could run well at a massive price. LH: It's become trendy to knock Teahupoo. Might end up a fair price. Expecting ground to be softer than predicted (watering). MT: Traditionally a Teahupoo fan. But got a bit twitchy since. If he drifts, he might be a bet, but he’s short enough at the moment. Lucky Place is an improving 6yo with form that has worked out well. Just about the only progressive horse in the race. Looks very solid e/w. "Shoulders" JB: Nine Graces, Kim Muir - "Bet of the Day." Idem in the Pertemps worth a look. MT: FeetofaDancer in Pertemps has a similar look to Paul Nolan's winner, Mrs Milner. LH: Git Maker and Aworkinprogress interesting wherever they run. Galileo Dame in the Dawn Run if she goes there. Also Air Of Entitlement in that race might be ovoerpriced. Friday Gold Cup LH: Galopin Des Champs just wins, doesn't he? Can win off any pace, on any ground. Monty's Star has upside: improved from a moderate start to season and given an end-to-end gallop he’s interesting. Don’t think Banbridge will stay. MT: Think GDC will win, really hope he wins. But if there’s one horse who might do him for speed, it’s Banbridge, who definitely has a squeak. Want GDC to have a race rather than a procession. If Monty's shortens in the betting, that could be noteworthy e/w. Triumph Hurdle JB: East India Dock is hard to oppose. Nicky Henderson saying Palladium and Lulamba are tough to separate. So Palladium might be value. Slight worry that EID may not find enough up the hill. MT: EID is miles the best horse on form and is overpriced even at 2/1. But how good are the Irish juveniles? 9 of the last 12 Triumph winners came from Dublin Racing Festival Spring Juvenile, only three won there. From that race, Hello Neighbour is 5/1, Galileo Dame 16/1 but there's not that much between them. LH: "Palladium jumps like an entire!" EID has by far the best form and should be shorter. Albert Bartlett LH: Not got handle on this race. Wingmen seems fairly solid. TYC credible if he came here. JB: Wingmen been crying out for a lead and this is exactly the sort of race he wants. MT: Jet Blue won the best UK trial. Could drift and would be backable if he did. Argento Boy is a "now" horse. Has been a bit clueless but won easily last time in a nothing race. Paul Townend could pick this lad over Jasmin de Vaux. "Shoulders" JB: Woodhooh- Martin Pipe, happy Kopek de Mee goes here because he makes the price on anything else you fancy! Kargese - County, needs faster pace, which she’ll get here. Dangerous off 145. LH: Strong on Kargese in County. MT: Really like Woodhooh. Also Lark In The Mornin in County. Ryehill (Hunter Chase) is a big horse, makes mistakes but has bundles of talent. NAPS / CHARITY BETS JB: E/W Colonel Mustard - Coral Cup LH: Whistle Stop Tour - Ultima LM: Absurde - County MT: Galvin - Cross Country |
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Chasers than ran over Hurdles LTO...
Cheltenham Festival Chases (G2 or less) | Ran (and COMPLETED) in a Hurdle race LTO | DSLR 75 or less | SP |
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LTO Winners in Novice Chasers...
Cheltenham Festival | Novice Chases | 6yo-7yo NOT wearing a Tongue-Tie | 3+ starts in season | Previously run at track 25/79 | 32% S/R | +£142.74 BFLSP - Win & Place - 40/79 | 51% S/R 62% above expectation |
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WON at Leopardstown or Naas LTO...
Cheltenham Festival Class 1 races over 2m-3m | DSLR 28+ | WON at Leopardstown or Naas LTO 45/198 | 23% S/R | +£194.73 BFLSP - Win & Place - 97/198 | 49% S/R 15% above expectation |
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the above three stats are from narrowingthefield
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FAV IN THE SUPREME
Mullins himself is just 1-15 with a first-time hood at the festival, but only six of those runners were shorter than 5-1, and they finished 202122, which is more than respectable. |
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13:20, Cheltenham
Fergal O'Brien Tripoli Flyer Dec Odds: 32 (BetFair Exchange) Tripoli Flyer is a very good horse and we think he's one of the special ones. He loves being a racehorse - that's always a plus, so while it's a tough race, we think he can give them a good go and take them on. 14:40, Cheltenham Ben Pauling Henry's Friend Dec Odds: 18 (BetFair Exchange) I'm very happy with Henry's Frtiend and he goes there on the back of a positive run last time. I think he has the right profile for the race and while his one previous run at Cheltenham was disappointing it came after a race at Ascot which he won. 14:40, Cheltenham Nicky Richards Famous Bridge Today's TQ View Dec Odds: 26 (BetFair Exchange) Famous Bridge is in better order than he was last year and he ran a great race then. I'm hoping he gets into a nice rhythm and that the ground is nearer soft than good to soft as he goes so well in it. TONY NAP: Famous Bridge 14.40 Cheltenham Fourth in the corresponding race 12 months ago, Famous Bridge warmed up for it with a commanding success in the Grand National Trial over 3f further at Haydock. He was raised 4lb for that but if his jumping holds up, he should be staying on as well up the hill as anything else. Value each-way. 14:40, Cheltenham Kim Bailey Trelawne Dec Odds: 50 (BetFair Exchange) Trelawne fell in this race last year. He has had a good season and this has been his target for a while. The first couple of fences come up very quickly which is not ideal as he is a slow starter. If he gets into a good rhythm then he has place chances. He is 8lb higher than last year when he went off nearly favourite. 15:20, Cheltenham Fergal O'Brien Dysart Enos Dec Odds: 46 (BetFair Exchange) We're really looking forward to running Dysart Enos. Normally I'd be getting nervous beforehand, especially as we missed last year's Festival at the last minute, but I think she's coming here under the radar. She's run only one bad race in her life - at Ascot last time - and before that ran a blinder in the Greatwood Hurdle. She's going up in trip but there are no issues with that and I expect her to run a nice race. 16:40, Cheltenham Warren Greatrex Quantock Hills Today's TQ View Each Way Dec Odds: 25 (BetFair Exchange) Quantock Hils has solid course form and the drying conditions should suit him well. Has a strong each-way chance. TONY NB: Quantock Hills 16.40 Cheltenham The gaggle of seven Irish (and one French-trained) horses above Quantock Hills suggest the UK handicapper isn't falling for the line-them-up trick which served them so well last year when six of the first seven home were from Ireland. Quantock Hills was a winner (dead-heater) over the course and while well beaten by East India Dock last time, his rating reflects that. A good value bet from the Greatrex yard. 16:40, Cheltenham Fergal O'Brien Mister Cessna Dec Odds: 120 (BetFair Exchange) Mister Cessna is in good form. We think he'll love the rough and tumble that a race like this inevitably brings. 17:20, Cheltenham Warren Greatrex Herakles Westwood Dec Odds: 29 (BetFair Exchange) Herakles Westwood jumps and stays very well. He is a consistent sort who will not be too far away. FROMTHESTABLES |