A really nice venue for this preview and a pleasant surprise too see free food available especially if one was having a few beverages. There was alarge enthusiastic crownd of about 400-500 hundred present.
The panal was very well managed by Colm Murray and I was particularly taken by Evan Williams and Barry Geraghty. Williams had a strong opinion on each of the races discussed. He was sweet on Somersby for the Arkle - super jumper he said. He likes his one in the triumph - Barizan 50/1 shot. Barry said Finains Rainbow was his best ride and whatever he rides in the triumph should be backed. Super Kenny is a hush hush horse which has its first run on Friday at Newbury.
There was conference call with WP Mullins. He nominated Shakervitz and Scotsirish has two good e/w bets and quel espr (excuse my spellin) as probably his best bet of the meeting. He was not as bullish as previously about Sports Line. He thinks shoot from the hip will be hard to beat in the bumper. Colm Murphy had little inspiration or strong opinions. Donn McClean was his analytical self and his bet was Imperial Commander e/w in Gold Cup. Dunguib was generally a good thing though Barry was not so sure and Williams suggested Oscar Whiskey would run a good race. Barry also felt Rite of Passage had no chance. Russell said Twist Magic had no chance as he has a dreadful record at Cheltenham.
One of the better preview nights at a well appointed venue. It was a relief after a joke of an event in Leopardstown last Sunday.
I'm with Evan Williams on Barizan, think it has a huge chance at 50-1 if the ground came up fast. Already a C&D winner and lto was probably feeling the effects of too many races in a short space of time when second to Pistolet Noir conceding 7lb on ground he hated.Already rated 140 with improvement to come.... stonking value
Shakervillz is another dark horse i fancy. At 25's he's great value. He finished the same distance ahead of Osana as sizing europe and is 4 times the price. Has jumped accurately and efficiently and seems to enjoy it more than hurdles. Mullins wrote in the field he believes he'll reach a rating of 160 + over jumps (4 paddy not there yet). His best form over hurdles was over 2m 4 and therefore a strong 2 miles at cheltenham will really suit !!!
EW DOUBLE !!!!
I'm with Evan Williams on Barizan, think it has a huge chance at 50-1 if the ground came up fast. Already a C&D winner and lto was probably feeling the effects of too many races in a short space of time when second to Pistolet Noir conceding 7lb on
Thumbs up for captain cee bee overall, but colm murrays friend ruined it with one of the most boring assessments ever...the analysis of the arkle was the lowlight of the night
Thumbs up for captain cee bee overall, but colm murrays friend ruined it with one of the most boring assessments ever...the analysis of the arkle was the lowlight of the night
EP looks a real stayer, but he has only had two runs over hurdles and yet to run over 3miles(won over 2m6f). I can see why ppl like him, but i dunno? I think if i was gonna back QE & EP it would be a small ew double.
I think Tell Massini is massively over priced in the 3miler. Like Premier Victory & The Hurl ew in the race too. Shinrock Paddy should be running in the Neptune.
EP looks a real stayer, but he has only had two runs over hurdles and yet to run over 3miles(won over 2m6f). I can see why ppl like him, but i dunno?I think if i was gonna back QE & EP it would be a small ew double.I think Tell Massini is massively o
A good crowd turned out for a pretty informative night, on the panel were Jim Culloty, Tommy Cooper,Adrew mcNamara snr,M Chapman.
SN: The panel were all very keen on Dunguib but Culloty said he wouldnt be backing him, not at that price , he said his jumping left a lot to be desired "you can get away with his hurdling in soft ground in Leop as the hurdles give way but over in Chelt he said the hurdles are like gates an their is little give, he found him hard to oppose but wouldnt be backing him.
CH: AmcN said that Solwhit was too slow and I thnk he sided with Zaynar along with MC. Cooper liked Solwhit and so did JC. JC went with a bit of value with Medermit e/w but after the show was talking to him and when asked for a win only bet he said he thought Solwhit would win, he was having none of GN.
ARKLE: JC was sweet on CCB and added Sportsline would also grant serious consideration. AmcN was also sweet on CCB
CC: TC said MM not the horse of two years ago he said Pady was is in very good order and was happy with him. JC thought MM was a certainty, if Gerathy can do his magic Big Zeb would have a big shout. Chappers was blabbing on as usual an Andrew McNamara was hard to understand he was muttering about Osana, should put in a good show
RSA: JC was sweet on Weapons Amnesty he said great e/w bet, he was not keen on Sam Waley Coen on Long Run he said LRun needed a professional jockey. AmcN thought Punch was the most complete racehorse and was his choice
NEP: Lot of the panel were in agreement that ROP was the horse to beat
RYAN: Tranquil Sea was the choice here but Culloty found it hard to rule out Poquin
WH:No suprises BB was the choice here.
RALBARTLET: JC was keen on shinrock paddy said he was a relentless galloper, word from another preview night, Nolan said it was his best bet of the meeting. AmcN thought Tell Mansini was a good bet
GOLD: Chappers was on about Denman, he was spouting some amount of s,hite at tis stage. JC thought KS was absolutely certainty, but he said he be taking the 16/1 e/w offer on Cooldine, this was his 1,2.
Bumper: No one had a strong opinion on it
I suppose the most revealing part of the night was Coppers confidence in Son amix, JC backed him up on his choice, and Ladcrokes were offering 20/1, I immediately lumped on and Sonamix was backed into 12/1 by eager punters.
I have found culloty to give some excellent calls down tru the years,excellent calls by him
A good crowd turned out for a pretty informative night, on the panel were Jim Culloty, Tommy Cooper,Adrew mcNamara snr,M Chapman.SN: The panel were all very keen on Dunguib but Culloty said he wouldnt be backing him, not at that price , he said his j