not now.

Ive done my looking at Paddy Power and I'm keen  on:

Champion Court (handicapped nicely, good form at Cheltenham)

Walkon (Useful forfirst time out).

Grand Crus obvious chance but 3-1 in a handicap is a pi55 take.

They must think he's well in for 3-1 is he a 170+ chaser who just had an off day in the RSA?

price holding up though grinchy!

Thanks for the update BJG though not quite sure how to take it tbh.

Pleased to hear that if he goes then he won't get a prep as seems very capable of running to his best form 1st time out.  Whilst I think the distance is perfect, considering the races he ran in last backend they may wait for the Hennessy.

Will wait to see how he's priced when the big boys price up this week

Forgive my ignorance harchi, how could he go for a novice?

Yeah, I can't have Grand Crus either at that price. I might be tempted by 5's or 6's but no hope of that now. The thing is I can't see what will beat him, no point in taking him on just for the sake of it. It's not as if he is a bad favourite, per say. A poor price for sure but a strong market leader nonetheless. I would be a bit worried about his run at the Festival. Everyone is just glossing over it as if it's okay. "Didn't give his running." Why? He went out before stamina might of been an issue and he is by Dom Alco afterall (very stout breeding) even though not as much stamina on dams side, plus he stayed fairly well against Big Bucks at Cheltenham. This isn't a handicapper having a poor run, this is a top notcher...always a reason and have to ask why before steaming in at scabby prices.

Can't have Walkon for this. Scottish National flops don't really win this. Plus he ran-up the Triumph 3 and a half years ago and hasn't really gone on since. Sharp 4 year olds like that don't really come back at 7 and win races like this having disappointed in-bewteen. Yes, he has shown some good form but his profile has become very patchy and in 6 of his last 7 races he has been a weak finisher, irrespective of distance. The thing going for him is that his two best runs since his Triumph year have been when fresh. It's the only thing going for him. Wouldn't be nearly enough to tempt me anyway.

sint,
i would'nt have Grand Crus at any price,he wont be backed by me till ive seen him run this season.

Yes I thought the entries were out today too ... the market is suspended. As someone on here earlier said, the declaration process is terrible and opaque this year for some reason.

Paddy Power are still making a market though, it's my suspiscion they are privvy to the actual entries as they are the sponsors and also have removed a few from the betting, i.e. those likely NR's

Many thanks for the perspective Roo - I wasn't aware of that so cheers.

I remember Pipey doing something similar with Celestial Gold roo . Hope the entries are on the site early 2mrw

And Liam it wouldn't be the first time that all the talk is about one Pipe horse and its the target of another whose price is sheltered - perhaps a bit too cynical

They don't run them for the public roo !

Indeed stront, owt on your radar ?

roo - I'm going on what Mark Ball (is that his name?) said earlier on this thread (the racing manager for the Divers syndicate).

Liam, I haven't looked yet - I rarely bother before the entries for a race like this. That said, I think this is perfect for Grands Crus, though he's not backable at the current price.

GC is tempting off 157 4 sure, i'l be looking for something lower tho, has anyone heard if Hidden Cyclone is being aimed at this ? Off around 145 he'd interest me, we wont know tho 4 another week what rating the irish horses will get tho !! Irksome to say the least

Good point about the Irish weights liam

Hard to weigh up Liam this early in the season but has to be over 160, his run on Sat was fabulous.

162 innit?

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE MEDIA RELEASE



embargoed until noon, Wednesday, October 31, 2012



GRANDS CRUS & HUNT BALL HEAD 44 IN PADDY POWER GOLD CUP



Meeting - The Open - Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 16, 17 & 18

First race - 1.10pm Friday & Sunday, 12.45pm Saturday  - gates open 10am Friday & Saturday, 11.00am Sunday

Tickets available from www.cheltenham.co.uk or by calling 08445 793 003.



This year's £160,000 Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup looks set to serve up another treat for Jump racing fans with a host of stars among the 44 entries for the highlight of The Open at Cheltenham on Saturday, November 17.



David Pipe captured the prestigious extended two and a half-mile handicap chase last season with Great Endeavour and the Somerset handler could bid to become the first trainer to win back to back renewals since his father Martin in 2004 and 2005.



A pair of contenders from Pipe includes Grands Crus, who is Paddy Power's 7/2 favourite. The seven-year-old enjoyed a superb first season over fences last term that included a facile victory in the Grade One Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton and ended with a fourth place in the RSA Chase at The Festival in March. Notus De La Tour (20/1), second in the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown in December, could also represent the master of Pond House.



Hunt Ball (13/2) was one of the stories of last season, winning seven times for trainer Keiran Burke and colourful owner Anthony Knott including an emphatic victory in the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase at The Festival. The seven-year-old acquitted himself well against seasoned opposition on his most recent start, coming home third in the Grade One Betfred Bowl at Aintree's Grand National meeting.



Tipperary jockey/trainer Denis Hogan is hoping that the progressive Kalellshan (25/1), one of eight Irish-trained entries, can continue his upward curve over fences at Ascot this Saturday ahead of a potential trip to Cheltenham.



The lightly-raced nine-year-old is unlucky not to be unbeaten in four starts over fences, having won three times and fallen at the final fence when six lengths clear in a Grade Three novices' chase at Roscommon in September, 2009.



After scoring over hurdles at the Galway Festival in July, Kalellshan posted an easy success on his latest appearance in a Killarney handicap chase over an extended two and a half miles on August 31.



Hogan revealed: "Kalellshan is likely to run at Ascot on Saturday in the United House Gold Cup and then the Paddy Power Gold Cup is certainly an option for him.



"He has been in good form since his win at Killarney. We backed off him a little bit after that but I think we have him cherry ripe again.



"He is a nine-year-old now and has low mileage on the clock because of tendon problems but I think he is a really good horse.  He is not badly treated on the ratings in Britain and hopefully, with a good round of jumping, he will put up a good show on Saturday.



"His owner is keen to run at Cheltenham and he is ground dependent - the going in Ireland has been too soft for him, which is why we are looking to bring him over to England."



Paul Nicholls, still bidding for a first Paddy Power Gold Cup success, has eight entries including dual Grade One winner Al Ferof (14/1), Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle second Edgardo Sol (14/1), last year's fourth Aerial (16/1), Grade One runner-up Cristal Bonus (16/1) and course specialist Poquelin (25/1).



Nadiya De La Vega (14/1) may return to Cheltenham after taking the Betvictor.com Handicap Chase at The Showcase on October 20. The six-year-old's trainer Nicky Henderson is also responsible for last year's runner-up Quantitativeeasing (20/1),  Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase runner-up Tanks for That (20/1), Giorgio Quercus (33/1) and Triolo D'Alene (20/1).



Nick Williams has given an entry to For Non Stop (10/1), a Grade One winner last term who made an impressive seasonal return with a 23-length victory over Wishfull Thinking (20/1) in the Grade Two Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 27.



Other contenders include Menorah (14/1), successful in the Grade One Betfred Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree last season, Grade Two Dipper Novices' Chase victor Champion Court (10/1) and Walkon (11/1), who was fifth in the RSA Chase at The Festival in March.



Paddy Power Gold Cup - Paddy Power Bet: 7/2 Grands Crus; 13/2 Hunt Ball; 10/1 For Non Stop, Champion Court; 11/1 Walkon; 14/1 Menorah, Al Ferof, Edgardo Sol, Nadiya de La Vega; 16/1 Aerial, Cristal Bonus, Divers; 20/1 Wishfull Thinking, Time For Rupert, Tanks For That, Quantitativeeasing, Ghizao, Micheal Flips, Notus de La Tour, The Knoxs, Triolo D'Alene, Havingotascoobydo; 25/1 Poquelin, Solix, Tartak, Pepite Rose, Kalellshan, The Disengager, Kingsmere; 33/1 Calgary Bay, Forpadydeplasterer, Giorgio Quercus, Darna, Torphichen, Fosters Cross, Tiptoeaway, Criqtonic, Questions Answered, Jamsie Hall, Gilbarry, Casey Top; 50/1 Finger Onthe Pulse, Vino Griego, Ordinary Man



BYRNES AIMING FOR RACING POST HURDLE DOMINATION



A total of 43 horses have been entered in the £100,000 Grade Three Racing Post Hurdle, the feature race on the third and final day of The Open, Sunday, November 18.



The extended two-mile contest has proven a springboard for top-class horses with Rooster Booster, Detroit City, Sizing Europe, Khyber Kim and Menorah featuring among the recent roll of honour.



Darlan filled the runner-up spot in last season's William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle before ending his campaign with victory in a Grade Two contest at Aintree. The five-year-old is 5/1 favourite for the Racing Post Hurdle with Paddy Power.



His trainer Nicky Henderson may also be represented by Cash And Go (12/1), a Grade One winner for his former handler Edward O'Grady, and Une Artiste (14/1), who won the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at The Festival in March.



Trainer Charles Byrnes is looking forward to seeing his talented dual-code performer Domination (10/1)return to hurdles at Cheltenham. The five-year-old was a comprehensive winner of a valuable Newmarket handicap on September 22 and had previously gone down by a nose to prolific winner Baily Green in a Killarney handicap hurdle on September 1.



Byrnes commented: "Domination is likely to run in the Racing Post Hurdle at The Open. He has been in good form since his run at Newmarket - we gave him a little break - and as long as the ground is good, he will probably take his chance.



"He won well at Newmarket but his run wasn't too surprising because he was quite unlucky in Ireland on a few previous occasions and we were expecting him to run well.



"The two and a quarter mile trip at Newmarket really suited him and the two miles at Cheltenham will probably be on the sharp side for him. I think two and a half miles is ideal for him over hurdles but you need to stay well to win these races.



"I wouldn't say he was unlucky at Killarney but it has worked out to be a good race and the winner is a good horse. He is still lightly raced over hurdles but I don't think that is a concern going to Cheltenham because he jumps well."



Paul Nicholls sent out Brampour to victory in 2011 and the champion trainer has another strong hand this year with seven entries including last season's JCB Triumph Hurdle fourth Dodging Bullets (12/1), who posted a decisive success in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle at The Showcase.



A formidable team from the Ditcheat handler also features recent Chepstow scorer Hinterland (14/1), the unexposed Ranjaan (12/1), course and distance winner Dark Lover (12/1) and Grade One William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle fifth Prospect Wells (14/1).



Other contenders include the lightly-raced It's A Gimme (8/1), from the stable of Jonjo O'Neill, and the David Pipe-trained Kazlian (12/1), who was fourth behind Une Artiste at The Festival.



Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Raya Star (14/1) and Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle third Vendor (16/1) could represent Alan King, while a quartet of entries from Donald McCain includes Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate hero Ile De Re (10/1), Lexi's Boy (14/1) and Desert Cry (25/1).



Racing Post Hurdle - Paddy Power Bet: 5/1 Darlan; 8/1 It's A Gimme; 10/1 Domination, Ile de Re; 12/1 Dodging Bullets, Cash And Go, Ranjaan, Kazlian, Dark Lover; 14/1 Raya Star, Hinterland, Prospect Wells, Staying Article, Edgardo Sol, Lexi's Boy, Une Artiste; 16/1 Snap Tie, Cotton Mill, Vendor, Olofi, Ted Spread; 20/1 Moon Dice, Cause of Causes, Maller Tree; 25/1 Starluck, Bothy, Desert Cry, Constant Contact, Conquisto, Hi Dancer, Changing The Guard, Rattan, Star of Aragon, King Of Queens; 33/1 Blue Bajan, Alasi, One Cool Shabra, Hunters Belt, Grey Soldier, The Tiddly Tadpole, Glam Gerry, Albert Hall; 50/1 Akula



For more information, please contact Andy Clifton, Cheltenham Racecourse's Communications Manager, on 07876 330090



Web: www.cheltenham.co.uk



Mobile Apps: http://www.cheltenham.co.uk/about/mobile-apps/



Twitter: @CheltenhamRaces



Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomeofjumpracing

 


THE PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Class 1, Grade 3, £160,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.35pm,. Cheltenham, Saturday, November 17, 2012. For 4yo+, 2m 4f 110yds. Entries closed October 30, entries revealed October 31 (44 entries), weights revealed November 7. Penalties: after November 4, a winner of a chase 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb). Five-day confirmation stage November 12, final 48-hour declaration stage 10.00am, November 15. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, October 29.



Form  Horse    Age Owner     Trainer

2/41412- AERIAL (FR)   6 Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton  Paul Nicholls

1/11343- AL FEROF (FR)  7 John Hales    Paul Nicholls

F/05110- CALGARY BAY (IRE)  9 Camilla Radford   Mick Channon

336-120 CASEY TOP (IRE)  9 Casey Brothers Syndicate  Leonard Whitmore IRE

123122- CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 7 Mark Boothright   Martin Keighley

3PP/212- CRIQTONIC (FR)  5 Axom XXXIII    Paul Nicholls

50/11P2- CRISTAL BONUS (FR)  6 Robin Geffen    Paul Nicholls

01P11-F DARNA   6 Julie Martin and David Martin  Kim Bailey

3U040-0 DIVERS (FR)   8 Let's Live Racing   Ferdy Murphy

435216- EDGARDO SOL (FR)  5 Axom XXXII    Paul Nicholls

F0-3633 FINGER ONTHE PULSE (IRE) 11 J P McManus    Jonjo O'Neill

22213-1 FOR NON STOP (IRE)  7 Potensis Limited & Chris Giles  Nick Williams

33464-2 FORPADYDEPLASTERER (IRE) 10 Goat Racing Syndicate   Thomas Cooper IRE

F021F3 FOSTERS CROSS (IRE) 10 Pat O'Donovan    Thomas Mullins IRE

152/460- GHIZAO (GER)  8 The Johnson & Stewart Families Paul Nicholls

3P0F-30 GILBARRY (IRE)  7 Mrs Peter Bond    Jonjo O'Neill

5/2100-0 GIORGIO QUERCUS (FR) 7 Seasons Holidays   Nicky Henderson

2/61114- GRANDS CRUS (FR)  7 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III David Pipe

123F2-0 HAVINGOTASCOOBYDO (IRE) 7 D Bishop C Bowkley M Parker M Thornton Martin Keighley

211113- HUNT BALL (IRE)  7 Anthony Knott    Keiran Burke

2P6244 JAMSIE HALL (IRE)  9 Teresa Mangan   Gordon Elliott IRE

4/011/-11 KALELLSHAN (IRE)  9 Liam O'Kelly    Denis Hogan IRE

1F-211F KINGSMERE   7 Hamer & Hawkes   Henry Daly

11F314- MENORAH (IRE)  7 Diana Whateley   Philip Hobbs

140124- MICHEAL FLIPS (IRE)  8 Martin Tedham    Andy Turnell

603/10-1 NADIYA DE LA VEGA (FR) 6 J P McManus    Nicky Henderson

11323F- NOTUS DE LA TOUR (FR) 6 D Bradshaw,J Dale,P Deal,J Smee,W Walsh David Pipe

05F132 ORDINARY MAN (IRE)  7 Simply The Best Syndicate  Liam Burke IRE

411114- PEPITE ROSE (FR)  5 Falcons Line Ltd   Venetia Williams

41/5U26- POQUELIN (FR)  9 The Stewart Family   Paul Nicholls

2/02105- QUANTITATIVEEASING (IRE) 7 J P McManus    Nicky Henderson

26/0-023 QUESTIONS ANSWERED (IRE) 7 B Graham    Eric McNamara IRE

11264-1 SOLIX (FR)   6 Paul Vogt    Ian Williams

3/1F32P- TANKS FOR THAT (IRE) 9 Bridget Hanbury   Nicky Henderson

06050-6 TARTAK (FR)   9 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tim Vaughan

S41141 THE DISENGAGER (IRE) 8 Govier & Brown   Philip Hobbs

1/15001- THE KNOXS (IRE)  9 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Paul Nicholls

5/25145- TIME FOR RUPERT (IRE) 8 Littlecote Racing Partnership  Paul Webber

12541-1 TIPTOEAWAY (IRE)  7 Trevor Hemmings   Tim Easterby

023-031 TORPHICHEN   7 J P McManus    Edward O'Grady IRE

41110-2 TRIOLO D'ALENE (FR) 5 Mr & Mrs Sandy Orr   Nicky Henderson

23400-4 VINO GRIEGO (FR)  7 C E Stedman    Gary Moore

0/1345P- WALKON (FR)   7 McNeill Family    Alan King

26F25-2 WISHFULL THINKING  9 Diana Whateley   Philip Hobbs



44 entries

8 Irish-trained



THE RACING POST HURDLE

Class 1, Grade 3, £100,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.55pm,. Cheltenham, Sunday, November 18, 2012. For 4yo+, 2m 110yds. Entries closed October 30, entries revealed October 31 (43 entries), weights revealed November 7. Penalties: after November 4, a winner of a hurdle race 5lb (no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb). Five-day confirmation stage November 13, final 48-hour declaration stage 10.00am, November 16. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday,2October 29.



Form  Horse    Age Owner     Trainer

160-  FUFAKULA (IRE)  5 Jay Three Racing   Mark Tompkins

11U145- ALASI    8 Shully Liebermann   Paul Webber

PP/1/-111 ALBERT HALL (USA)  7 Claudine Minier               Arnaud Chaille-Chaille FR

004/600//- BLUE BAJAN (IRE)  10 Dr John Hollowood   David O'Meara

2(5)220/-2 BOTHY   6 Dan Gilbert    Brian Ellison

4/31115- CASH AND GO (IRE)  5 Robin Geffen    Nicky Henderson

2-10126 CAUSE OF CAUSES (USA) 4 Timeform Betfair Racing Club Ltd Gordon Elliott IRE

431142  CHANGING THE GUARD 6 BetterTipster.co.uk   Dr Richard Newland

5123-63 CONQUISTO   7 Phil Martin    Steve Gollings

101-155 CONSTANT CONTACT 5 Delboy & Rodney   Donald McCain

111U3-  COTTON MILL   5 Bloomfields    John Ferguson

2/21(2)1/-1 DARK LOVER (GER)  7 Des Nichols & Peter Hart  Paul Nicholls

111F21- DARLAN   5 J P McManus    Nicky Henderson

052000- DESERT CRY (IRE)  6 NYPD Racing    Donald McCain

246-1  DODGING BULLETS  4 Martin Broughton & Friends  Paul Nicholls

6D1/21-2 DOMINATION   5 Patrick Wilmott/Ms C Cleary  Charles Byrnes IRE

435216- EDGARDO SOL (FR)  5 Axom XXXII    Paul Nicholls

601U3P- GLAM GERRY (IRE)  8 Barry Connell    Colm Murphy IRE

P004-30 GREY SOLDIER (IRE)  7 J O'Brien & Christian Leech  Sophie Leech

25511-1 HI DANCER   9 R Tocher    Ben Haslam

1123F-1 HINTERLAND (FR)  4 Chris Giles & Potensis Limited  Paul Nicholls

F33511 HUNTERS BELT (IRE)  8 R A Fisher & John Blair   George Bewley

32110-  ILE DE RE (FR)  6 D Mead    Donald McCain

4/21210- IT'S A GIMME (IRE)  5 J P McManus    Jonjo O'Neill

21140-  KAZLIAN (FR)   4 Twelve Pipers Piping   David Pipe

04133///-1 KING OF QUEENS (IRE) 7 Ashley Scanlon    Thomas Mullins

32111-B LEXI'S BOY (IRE)  4 Tim Leslie    Donald McCain

31440-1 MALLER TREE  5 Favourites Racing   Jessica Harrington IRE

50-0FF1 MOON DICE (IRE)  7 Three Friers Cross Syndicate  Paul Flynn IRE

0/42F50- OLOFI (FR)   6 McNeill Family    Tom George

54-4502 ONE COOL SHABRA (IRE) 4 Rita Shah    Oliver Brady IRE

214453- PROSPECT WELLS (FR) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie  Paul Nicholls

2F11-  RANJAAN (FR)  4 Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Ranjaan Paul Nicholls

0-20131 RATTAN (USA)  7 J A Coleman    Willie Mullins IRE

131301- RAYA STAR (IRE)  6 Simon Munir    Alan King

2306/1//1- SNAP TIE (IRE)  10 Diana Whateley   Philip Hobbs

F101-05 STAR OF ARAGON (IRE) 6 Holly's Buddies Syndicate  James Nash IRE

03134/30- STARLUCK (IRE)  7 Andrew Wates    David Arbuthnot

11/213- STAYING ARTICLE (IRE) 7 Thomas Barr    Edward O'Grady IRE

42100-  TED SPREAD   5 False Nose 'n Glasses Partnership Paul Nicholls

404352  THE TIDDLY TADPOLE 7 The Frog Chorus   Simon West

11411R- UNE ARTISTE (FR)  4 Simon Munir    Nicky Henderson

2F131-P VENDOR (FR)   4 Thurloe 52    Alan King



43 entries

9 Irish-trained

1 French-trained

Thanks guys. The race certainly revolves around Grands Cru and Hunt Ball off around 11-1. Now to find what's sneakily well handicapped....

He has run in it the last 3 seasons, though they say he prefers the New Course.