MONITAIRE 8/1 December Gold CUP

Not that keen,up 10 lb a 4yrld of Nicholls giving weight got close enough, will it stay???

If Court in Motion were fit???? He would be on the shortlist!

Very disappointing... not even declared!!!! Will stick with Splash of Ginge @20s this morning...

What a shockingly poor entry (both in numbers and quality) for what was once a major prize.

Still is a major prize; £100,000 race. Terrible entries.

It's not very often that I think 4/1 is value in a 16 runner handicap, but I think it may be this time. Caid Du Berlais is surely better than 148 imo and doesn't have a lot to beat. There should be a bit more pace than in the Paddy Power, with What a Warrior and Splash of Ginge in the field, but I don't see that inconveniencing him. Nicholls is in great form too. Tatenen could be interesting for each way purposes if we get more rain than is currently forecast.

Re: monitaire ... what i dont understand is trainers set targets for there horses... and when they dont declare them they dont state why? My guess is John Spirit not turning up meant greater weight rise.. but relying on Easter Meteor alone wouldnt be the obvious answer... his Chelt form aint great and 6th in this last year... so questions there...

As for Caid du berlais cant see him winning this I think its more open now that he is at the top end of the handicap ... will wait for declarations now... and see if something is lurking at the bottom...  as def got it wrong 6 day stage!

Owner wanted to go for King George regarding Johns Spirit

Worst field I can ever recall.

Every single horse is blue on oddschecker

seems a little strange to me that the BHA rules allow them to reopen the hurdle races if there are less than 10 entries (I think?) - yet no provision to do that for the supposedly big field handicaps.

The three hurdle races now have 11,10 and 12 entries respectively (according to racecard order).

Surely reopening the entries if the 5 day decs are less than the maximum field size must be an option? I suppose the issue is that it would be unfair if the race was then oversubscribed and one or more of the original entries was consequently balloted out but they could look at a proviso whereby the original entries were prioritised if the race then became oversubscribed.

Potentially slightly more complex for antepost punters but the emphasis has to be on providing the most attractive race day spectacle possible.

Cheltenham putting a brave face on it by stating they normally have a good conversion rate to entries at the meeting but four of these have alternative engagements - they'll probably avoid it but a single figure field would surely be embarrassing.

Can't summon up much enthusiasm for the race though I see Sean Bowen is already booked to take 7lbs off Sound Investment for Nicholls.

on reflection probably would n't work with an early closing race because you'd have to restrict the re-opening to the original entries otherwise it would become a minefield - and those who were already entered have elected not to declare at 5 day stage.

Don't mind me, I'm just thinking aloud...

Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, distinctly ordinary entry I would say.

Perhaps should be renamed the Caspian Fish Paste Gold Cup.

However, a couple of interesting clock participants. Thursday`s declarations should clarify investments to be made.

I usually take on the shortish favourite in these big handicaps but I just can't see beyond Caid Du Berlais here and have got involved at 4/1. The race has cut up pretty badly and it looks a poor renewal. Nicholls was adamant Caid would be better on better ground and the 5lb rise shouldn't inconvenience him. There must be further improvement in him but I don't think he needs it for this one. 
Attaglance basically skips from Cheltenham to Cheltenham and would be most feared if he gets his ground. Won the Martin Pipe in 2012 and 4th to Johns Spirit in last years Paddy Power when 6lb out of the handicap. Unlucky not to win the Novices Handicap Chase at the Festival last season when Present View shut the door in his face. I'm sure he still has a bit in the bag and if we see it anywhere it will be here but he'll be depending on Caid not running his race.
Ericht was the strongly fancied favourite for that same Novices Handicap Chase but disappointed, as he can do. Was going pretty well under a drive in the Paddy Power before a stumble 2 out ended things. Again it's difficult to say he would have beat Caid that day (he wouldn't) but he'd be a player if running to his best here.
Of the rest I don't really want any of them. I'll be following Easter Meteor's season closely but I haven't heard any excuse for his run in the Paddy Power.
I wouldn't have much interest in No Buts and Barrakilla. 


Bit early to get involved but the 4/1 is disappearing. Fingers crossed he gets there.

Ataglance is also entered at Doncaster where the ground normally does n't get too bad so if he runs here will only be if trainer is satisfied ground is in his favour (they pulled him out after the overnight dec stage in the Paddy Power).

Having said that, STD wanted Nicholls to pull CdB out of the Paddy Power due to the ground so,as you say,you'd think he might improve on a sounder surface also.

The only other caveat is that the New Course does tend to throw up different results than the Old Course - John's Spirit was well beaten in this last year off 148 after winning the Paddy Power,he's now rated 160.

Johns Spirit was sore after his Paddy Power and was up against it getting back in time. They went a cracking pace that year and plenty of horses looked weary after the line in what was a slog. 
It was a slowly run affair this year, hence why so many were still in with a chance at the end. Caid skipped away with it and flew at the finish (compared to Johns Spirit stumbling at the last and idling up the hill). I can only guess that it didn't take nearly as much from Caid as Johns Spirit in 2013.

I think the new course could play into Caid's hands. The extra half furlong and fresh ground should be right up his street.
(Providing he runs of course!)

fair comment, I know Exotic Dancer and Senor El Betrutti were good enough to win both the Paddy Power and this but not sure how many others have tried.

The early jockey bookings are perhaps an indicator that both Nicholls entries are intended runners barring mishaps but I just struggle temperamentally to get involved at 4/1 at the 5 day stage - having said that, I do feel that you've almost got to manufacture a reason to oppose CdB, will be interesting to see how competitive the bookies want to be on Saturday morning - Djakadam was bigger for the Hennessy on Saturday than he'd been all week though I accept he was a far less solid proposition in a more competitive race.

A Nicholls one-two would n't be the biggest shock but I'll take a closer look once the overnight decs are through.

Djakadam was a different animal, and his trainer's form in UK handicaps received plenty of bad press through that week. I can't see Caid any bigger than 4/1.


In recent years Poquelin came second in the Paddy Power before winning this, as did Quantitativeeasing. I wouldn't be too worried about the history of Paddy Power form. Plus those recent December Gold Cups were higher class renewals than this years show, imo.

Johns Spirit failed but he was reported sore and needed time between races I think. Jonjo mentioned between the two that they were struggling with him. Little Josh and Great Endeavour also failed (the latter tried to win the Hennessy in between).


I wouldn't shove Caid down anyone's throat as there's no sure thing here but to me he looks very difficult to beat. I would be happier if Attaglance buggered off to Doncaster though, but it looks like he will get his ground here. The Paddy Power was his long term target and coming fresh into the weaker equivalent might be to his benefit. You couldn't back him ante post as although they target Cheltenham they have no problem pulling him out if soft (the Paddy Power & Chelt Fest 2013). If there's any 10/1 left after decs he'd be by far the most interesting alternative for me.

Impossible to believe that Caid Du Berlais will go off near 4/1 come race time.

Just what can you oppose him with?
Attaglance is the only one, and there's got to be a good chance that he'll stay up North come Saturday.

Everything points to Caid Du Berlaise following up in this, and an SP of around 2/1 would not come as a surprise.

No chance unless the race cuts up badly i.e 11-12 runner field! CDB will be around 4s in the morning probably as a push out and depending on oppo can see its sp being around what it is now, 3/1!

If CDB is going to be 2/1 then what price do you make the next in IDKW? Hope in away he is, could make it for the perfect filthy each way bet(s)

What A Warrior won't run according to Dan Skelton quoted by Racing UK.

Seathestars, it's not so much what would price I would put the next in, it's more a case of what is going to be backed against him?

The opposition looks poor.
Caid Du Berlais has won the PP much more comfortably than the margins suggest.

Just watch the race again. STD always seems confident of picking them up in the straight, and a 5lb rise against weaker opposition makes him a good bet to me.

Anyway, I've had a bit @4/1 with Lads, and more at 7/2 with Billies both EW 1234.

Splash of Ginge is interesting on his October win on the Old Course beating a 148 (now 145) rated animal 9 lengths giving him 2lbs - especially bearing in mind the turnaround in form with the same animal from Perth the previous month.

His performance in the novice chase last month was underwhelming but he was trying to give all the others weight and there was the nonsense with the missing fences.I wonder how long this has been the plan? I presume Hatch will ride and they'll claim 5lbs off him, he got the job done in the Betfair Hurdle last season which came after he finished a long way behind Deputy Dan at Warwick.

Ginge seems to run one good one followed by a poor one repeat ad infinitum - he's due the good one on Saturday.

I suspect the Ginge army will be out in force...

I think Iris has a decent bet at 20/1.

I think this race is more competitive than a few here think. Fav's have a very poor record in it. Reaseheath I think is onto something with splash of ginge but there maybe one or two more in there to have a go at come Saturday mornings push outs. I like no buts but worried about the hike in the weights for lto. I will decide on Fri night what am doing when I looked on oddschecker then will be in shops for 9am lol

Think it is Favs to lose, very poor quality race for prize money, it he starts 4/1 I will give up, more like 2/1?

I hoping that during the Saturday morning price battle that someone will push CDB back out to 4/1. I'll have a decent bet on him if that does happen, as this is far weaker than the Paddy Power and I think the new course may suit the horse better.

13 declared. What a Warrior, Sound Investment and Headley's Bridge scratched.

On the anticipated "Good" ground, with no real rain forecast, I have taken the 10s Ataglance. Decent course form. Should have won the Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase at the festival though that's my pocket talking
Was gonna bet Barrakilla but to short now at 6s and I think it will want more juice.
GL

Darna could be well treated. 14/1 seems more than fair. Of the big priced runners Edgardo Sol is capable of springing a surprise.

Willie, no rain you joking mate lashing it down at Cheltenham mate.

Jefferson quoted by RP saying Attaglance won't run if ground is soft, s'pose he'll declare for Doncaster tomorrow as well.

I took 16s ew Splash of Ginge today, watching last year's renewal reminded me that stable won this race last year with a horse with a similar profile (albeit off a significantly lower rating).

Getting a good shower overnight, maybe 10mm.

Paul Nicholls:

"Hopefully, the ground will be better this weekend. It's on a different track which I think will suit him, so he's got every chance. Looking at the declarations, the Paddy Power looked the tougher, more competitive race, but that's not always the whole story.
He's not the biggest in the world to be carrying 11st 11lb, but he's in good shape. I'd say at the moment he's in the form of his life."


Sam Twiston-Davies:

"A lot of things didn't go his way in the Paddy Power, we didn't go particularly fast, we were right out the back and the ground probably wasn't ideal, so to see nice ground and a bit more speed will hopefully see him in a better light.
Obviously it's a competitive handicap and you need luck in these races but he's still lower than his hurdles mark so hopefully there's a bit more improvement there.
The one doubt could be the New Course as at Galway we felt he didn't quite see the trip out so it's a little question mark if he'll see it out as well as the last day, but at the same time he's going there in good form and we're hopeful."


Malcolm Jefferson:

"They are not expecting any more rain, so he's going to take his chance, all being well.
He's in great form. It's a pity it rained, but he has to run somewhere, he hasn't run for ages. He'll take his chance unless they get a deluge during the night.
We're very happy with him at home. Some of ours haven't just been firing on all cylinders of late, but he seems in great form.
He hasn't run for a while, but he's not a big robust horse who takes a lot of work anyway, so that isn't really a worry. He doesn't need races to keep him fit. The ground is more important to him than anything."

Evan Williams:

"I'm well aware this is a step up in class and he's going to have to improve, but the form of his last race has worked out so well. " He's in there off a lovely low weight and we thought we'd have a go. We've had half an eye on this race for a while.
He's going to have to run in these races, hopefully, sooner or later, and he might not get a chance off a weight like this again. He's a second-season chaser and you'd like to think he's got improvement in him."


David Bridgwater:

"It was a good performance at Newbury and his preparation has been brilliant. He came on bundles for his reappearance at Sandown and I think he has come on bundles again.
He is on the upgrade and ground does not really matter to him. Obviously, horses can make idiots of you but I would say Cheltenham is made for him. The stiff track will suit, as he will get three miles, and his jumping is very accurate.
I think he has a big chance at the weekend and I am really looking forward to it."


Kim Bailey:

"He's gone up 10lb for that (win at Sedgefield) but he's won four out of his seven races over fences so deserves a crack at a race like this. He's in very good health at the moment and you could say that he is still unexposed, I hope so anyway.
AP (McCoy) is riding as Jason (Maguire) is going to Doncaster. We're delighted to have AP on our side."


Richard Johnson:

"It looks an open affair. Obviously Paul Nicholls' horse that won the Paddy Power (Caid Du Berlais) is favourite and he'd be the one we have to beat.
It will be very different ground conditions. A fast-run two-mile-five round there would suit Carrigmorna King on decent ground. He'd have an each-way chance."

Hope you are right Dickie!!

Caid Du Berlais available at 9/2 in a place this morning with money back second concession (and 4/1 generally).

May well be shorter come off time but not the first time recently that the antepost favourite in the big Saturday handicap has been available at a bigger price on Saturday morning than through the week...

Just saying....(I had a small saver).

skye bet.....4/1 money back as a free bet if 2nd or 3rd

Had to have a bit of that.

Always of interest to me when the twister puts a novice into a competitive handicap. Three chases to get a mark of which two were terrible runs. Sandwiched in the middle the trainer had no explanation for the improved form. I'll twist with Splash of Ginge EW 16/1

Splash of Ginge – I could see him being laid out for this race since the summer, have 3 runs, 2 were at Cheltenham and he’s managed to get a handicap mark lower than his hurdles one. He was bough to be a National horse so fences will improve him. It’s great to see Ryan Hatch back in the saddle and claiming off him. He won the Betfair Hurdle on him.

Ericht - Ran a better race than his finishing position suggests in the Paddy Power, he had run a good pipe opener at cheltenham on better ground in October and the feeling is he is well handicapped and will win one of these big middle distance ones soon, if not here then at the Festival.

Caid Du Berlais will improve for 3 things, his first run of the season, the better ground and the stiffer course and extra furlong.


Splash of Ginge & Ericht main bets, smaller one on Caid Du Berlais


Good luck all

The clock says Attaglance followed by Niceonefrankie. Will back both e-w and also Ericht who is highly thought of and I don`t want to be crying in my beer if he makes the frame.

Absolutely gutted. Splash of Ginge was going so well.

Well done Feltfair and other winners.

Me too was getting hopeful for a brief moment.

Sorry, hadn't even noticed that, well done Feltfair, nice price.

You`re most kind.

Not too many seen that coming. Race fell apart but winner ran a cracker. Well done if you were on.

Bet Jonjo is raging the owner didn't want to go for it.

Interesting that in 24 chases he'd never won off higher than 129 then up he pops off 142. Given the way they finished good to soft seemed an inadequate ground description and when it's hard work Venetia's horses seem to have a fitness advantage.

^that's what put me off - I think he benefitted from an enterprising ride as much as anything else although to be fair his win off 129 was lto and he's still only 8 so perhaps he's had physical problems.

Claisse did say he'd added 'soft in places' to the ground description before racing but it did look hard work, I don't see how going stick measurements published earlier help the punter after a night of frost and the ground sweating under covers.Not that I'd've backed the winnert in any case.

Anyway, well done Felt and any other winners, on to The Ladbroke...

A win off 129 was last time out. He also did it Nov 13 then was beaten off a higher mark in 6 subsequent chases. Yesterday must have been due to ground, fitness and moderate opposition. Only ginge seemed like he could make a fight of it before a novice's fall.

I wouldn't read too much into it folks. He ran a blinder but what was an already very poor renewal fell apart. He'll have a tough time of it from his new mark.
Every race has a chance of an underdog getting up.

Well done Feltfair...

Was hopeful of a good result until Splash of Ginge fell... but thats horseracing for you...

"folks" , Christ, where is that "block user" button? Bye bye BJ.