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Cheltenham (((( PREVIEW Nights ))))
Cheltenham (((( PREVIEW Nights ))))
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thats cos they all consider solwhit rubbish.
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BANGOR-ON-DEE RACECOURSE CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENING
Bangor put on their first ever Cheltenham Preview Evening which proved a very popular night (doubtless the red cabbage supper being the main draw) so I will be amazed if this is now not an annual event here. The panel comprised leading trainer Donald McCain Jnr (DM), broadcaster and commentator Stewart Machin (SM) who won a strong running of the most dapper looking shirt contest, local stud owner and influential breeder Richard Aston (RA) and Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ). The evening was chaired by racecourse commentator Darren Owen (DO). SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE DM: I couldn’t believe they were considering the Champion Hurdle for Cue Card – the form wasn’t good enough. It was a no brainer that he should go for this and he’ll take the world of beating. I was very taken with Recession Proof at Newbury as you could call him the winner half-way down the back. It’s top-class handicap form. SM: I couldn’t back Cue Card at the price. Spirit Son has a high cruising speed and jumps quickly and Henderson can’t wait to get him on better ground. I’d rather take 6/1 Spirit Son than 9/4 Card Card. RA: I helped sell Cue Card as a foal so have watched him very closely and to have achieved what he has achieved so far is extraordinary given his make and shape. He is my Day 1 nap. PJ: On official ratings, there are grounds for arguing that Cue Card is too big at 9/4 but I’ve seen so many shorties beaten in this race. I respect Spirit Son a lot but the value here and now if he runs is Day Of A Lifetime at 25/1 for Mullins who has twice won the race with outsiders and very impressive only hurdles start where he wore earplugs having proven unsteerable in the Champion Bumper. He is the best each-way Play when non-runner no-bet comes into force as still in Neptune. ARKLE TROPHY DM: I was very taken with Medermit at Sandown. I couldn’t have Finian’s Rainbow because of the way he jumps – he’s too straight backed. Ghizao strikes me as very tough. I was standing at the last when he won at Cheltenham and he wasn’t stopping. SM: Medermit is the most likely winner. He stays further, has a high cruising speed, his jumping is getting better with every race and I liked the way he found more when Captain Chris challenged him at Sandown. Finian’s Rainbow was fizzy going to the start at Warwick and had no cover in the race and I don’t think it is a given he would have beaten Kilmurry if that horse did not break down. If he runs here, Captain Chris’ jumping is an issue for me as he is better right-handed and that underlying problem could see them take the easier race on paper instead (Jewson). RA: I know connections of Captain Chris are very sweet on him as an individual and believe there is a lot more improvement to come when he gets better ground. He is getting better from race to race as is his jumping. PJ: Goodish ground would concern me a little for Ghizao, Realt Dubh has been beating the worst lot of Irish 2m novice chasers I’ve seen for a long time and Finian’s Rainbow’s jumping went to pieces at Warwick when he couldn’t get his own way so it has to be Medermit for all the reasons Stewart has already outlined plus he is likely to be the highest rated hurdler in the field by a huge margin if Starluck doesn’t run, and I don’t think he will, and they have won half of the last ten runnings. CHAMPION HURDLE DM: I’m absolutely relieved that Jason’s ban has been revised and he can ride Peddlers Cross. It hasn’t been pleasant the last few days. To be honest, I think I was worse than Jason, who didn’t show much, but he was very subdued the last couple of days when I think it suddenly hit him he might not be riding. It’s a massive relief – we were only trying to do our best. I think Peddlers Cross’ defeat of Binocular at Newbury has been under-rated. Before the race everyone was saying the small field was not going to suit us but we did the donkey work and won it the hard way, then afterwards people said it did suit us! The way he gets himself to the front and travels is mind blowing and we don’t know how good he is. He was 85-90% at Newbury – he didn’t have an edge on him. He had a blow turning in and pickled up three times in the straight. The better the ground, the better he’ll be but he will cope with bad ground. At Kelso it was very deep and the performance of the 2nd, Bygones of Brid, has been under-rated. Everyone in the north knows he’s a very good horse on bad ground. Peddlers came out of Kelso tremendously well. Who do I fear? I think it’s between us, Binocular and Menorah. Hurricane Fly has only won in a bog in Ireland beating the same horse. I can’t have him. That’s the theory and it sounds good at the moment! Regards Overturn, he was beaten the moment he jumped off at Wincanton according to Jason. And previously at Kempton, Timmy Murphy said he was very disappointed with Starluck, which is not what I was hoping to hear. SM: I do like track form here and Hurricane Fly doesn’t have any whereas his three main rivals have all put up their best performance here. I just wonder if this may come a year too soon for Menorah as reigning Supreme winners haven’t won for 40 years but the likes of Brave Inca and Hors La Loi won it later in their career and didn’t he only really beat novices last time? It’s between Binocular and Peddlers Cross for me and the latter is the better price but I would back them both. RA: I just love Peddlers Cross’ attitude to racing and would go for him but I have this down as just a three-horse race as wouldn’t fancy Hurricane Fly. PJ: Lack of track form is a worry for Hurricane Fly plus we only really know he is better than Solwhit who is vulnerable to a horse with a turn of foot. Menorah will run well but just come up short for me as I don’t think his form is strong enough as he beat two embryo chasers last time. Before the start of the season I had it between Binocular and Peddlers Cross and what I have seen on the track has only reinforced that view. Peddlers Cross is the better priced so better value but in my gut I just think Binocular will pick him up on the run-in. He has been trained for one race only so runs this season not bother me. I’ve already backed both. NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HURDLE DM: Tornado Bob goes for this. He’s not done anything wrong. Originally, Jason didn’t think he was mature enough, but he’s matured a fair bit. He didn’t like the ground at Ascot last time but we were forced to go to get a run. He’s been running well despite the ground. He doesn’t lack foot and I didn’t think the Neptune was that strong a race. Until I saw Oscar Wells on the TV. Really he’s a chaser for next year. The RSA Chase nest year? Absolutely. SM: There is not much strength in depth to this race. If you push my arm I would go with So Young at the prices. The fact they are talking of switching Bobs Worth for the Albert Bartlett would worry me, it suggested to me they preferred Minella Class before he got beat at Huntingdon. RA: Oscars Well is the standout. I was very impressed with him in the Deloitte last time and can improve for Festival ground. First Lieutenant reminds me of Weapons Amnesty and give him a big chance also. PJ: I can see a clean sweep for the Irish here as don’t rate the British form at all. Bobs Worth was considered an EBF Final horse before he beat Rock On Ruby last time and that form is over-rated for me. I have no problem with Oscars Well except the value straight after the Deloitte has dried up and believe best bet here and now is So Young at 13/2 as if there is a horse that has the potential to blow the field away it could be him. Unbeaten in his last five races and trained by Willie Mullins who dropped him back to 2m last time in same race he did for Mikael D’Haguenet before he won this, if there is a special horse in the race, I think it would be So Young. RSA CHASE DM: Wymott has always found the job too easy and has an awful lot of ability. I was quite impressed by the way he picked up last time. Time For Rupert beat one of mine at Catterick a few years ago and I was really devastated as I fancied it a lot. Paul Webber’s doing a great job with him. Can we beat him? It’s a three mile novice chase around Cheltenham! And it’s the first time these novices have taken each other on. SM: This is a very good renewal in terms of strength in depth. If I wanted to back a 2/1 shot like Time For Rupert in a race like the RSA I would have wanted him to have the perfect preparation which he hasn’t so would rather watch at those odds. Mikael D’Haguenet makes too many mistakes so I like the look of Wymott and Wayward Prince as both are unflashy, strong staying, far from exciting types but that is the kind of horse that wins the RSA. RA: I bought Time For Rupert as a foal and sold him to Paul Webber as a three-year-old and he was a revelation last season and I see no chinks in him. He has got everything, he jumps, has class, stays, has guts and a superb physique. PJ: Time For Rupert is very short for a horse trying to defy 47 years of history in that he hasn’t run in the same calendar and clearly everything has not gone 100% smoothly. Like Aiteenthirtythree, he has only had two chase starts whereas the last 11 winners had at least three. Aiteenthirtythree looks too gorky for me at present and not a ‘now’ horse and more of a Newbury type in slow ground and I can see him getting into all kinds of trouble on Good ground. I like Jessies Dream most as he is crying out for Good ground being by Presenting and the step up to three miles and he did beat two subsequent dual Grade 1 winners when winning the Drinmore. QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE DM: No strong view to be honest. SM: Does Master Minded need it soft now? That would worry me and Big Zeb has been unimpressive in Ireland this season. In the cold light of day just how good was last year’s Champion Chase anyway? Probably not good enough to win it this year. I don’t fancy Somersby as at the 2m point at Ascot he was well behind Master Minded in that 2m1f race. Captain Cee Bee could be the e/w value. At his best fresh, he likes Good ground and beat Binocular in the Supreme so no worries about the course.The value has all gone about Woolcombe Folly. RA: Question marks over everything. If Master Minded is on his game I think he will win. Big Zeb doesn’t excite me. PJ: Ground is a big worry for Master Minded and Big Zeb is a better horse anyway so should be favourite. Somersby will run on too late but I can see Woolcombe Folly or Captain Cee Bee have every chance but are they quite good enough? The value is 14/1 e/w Golden Silver who is in rude health and not far behind Big Zeb when both at their best. He has been pigeon-holed as a soft ground horse but I am not so sure and he can hit the frame under new exaggerated waiting tactics this season. RYANAIR CHASE DM: I have to support Riverside Theatre because I’ve bought his sister! He’s very solid though. SM: I place quite a lot of emphasis on track form, especially New Course form, and Poquelin does love the New Course whereas Tranquil Sea has looked far better on the Old Course and would he have it soft enough? Lack of track form puts me off Riverside Theatre to an extent so Poquelin will be a tough nut to crack. RA: A big vested interest here as I bred Riverside Theatre and I think he will win. I don’t agree he doesn’t handle the course, I just thought the jockey gave up on him far too early in the Arkle last year and then he absolutely flew home. He has gears, is a good jumper and all ground comes alike to him and he is still improving. PJ: Poquelin was also the solid one last year but he got beat then so do think he is vulnerable and believe Riverside Theatre probably has slightly more talent. I have been with Kalahari King e/w straight after he was third in the Victor Chandler Chase when very bad impeded but he is crying out for this trip on spring ground and has finished 423 at the last three Festivals and has also won at Aintree and Punchestown Festivals so he is only trained for the spring. WORLD HURDLE DM: Any Given Day hated the ground at Haydock – it was as testing as it’s been in a long time – and was shattered afterwards. I’m hoping it was just the ground and am just waiting to see how he comes back over the next 10 days before committing. He’s very tough and genuine. It’s a terrible thing to say, but I just don’t like Big Buck’s, or should I say I just haven’t taken to him. I do think he will take the world of beating. But it would freshen things up if something did. I love the way Grands Crus gallops and I’m not sure about him needing it soft. The Haydock hurdle course does not ride as soft as people think. It’s a myth. Horses kick the top off it. SM: Looking at his action you can be forgiven for thinking that Grands Crus wants soft ground. The hurdles course on the New Course has a lot of racing so I think it will be on the easy side. He is a different style of horse to the 3m stayers that Big Buck’s has usually been beating as he also has speed. RA: Grands Crus appeals to me at the moment of a being a soft-ground horse. He is very good but whether he can beat Big Buck’s is another matter. PJ: Not a two horse race at all as Mourad is bang in this, in fact, I think he will be second to Big Buck’s and not Grands Crus and is great value in a without Big Buck’s book at 9/2, especially e/w as he is not finishing out of the first four. Mourad has looked very good this season and will be even better on Festival ground. I think Big Buck’s will win but Mourad without the favourite is a better value bet. TRIUMPH HURDLE DM: I like tough horses like Marsh Warbler and Local Hero and not necessarily horses that set the world alight. A lot of horses disappointed at Haydock when Local Hero did so I would not worry about that defeat. SM: Grandouet has rather inherited his position at the top of the betting and I can’t get it out of my head how he was beaten at Wetherby. He doesn’t appeal at the price. In fact none of them do. One hurdles run for Zarkander would worry me. Smad Place for me at a push after a good confidence booster last time. RA: I’ve definitely got splinters from sitting on the fence on this race. Marsh Warbler if you twisted my arm. PJ: I can’t get Henderson’s comment out of my head when Grandouet won at Newbury was that he was a flat track horse and would miss Cheltenham for Aintree. I think he has too much speed for a Triumph as does A Media Luz and fastish ground and undulations would worry me for big, shouldery filly like Unaccompanied even though I was taken with her Grade 1 win last time. I like Smad Place e/w as he will love a fast-run 2m1f with a stiff finish as all he does is stay for a yard with a top-notch record in the race and he ran well at Chepstow when third to Marsh Warbler considering he wasn’t scoping right at the time in a tactical race that didn’t play to his strengths. He may need a bit of juice but I like his e/w chance a lot. ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE DM: Storming Gale’s entry has been scrapped. I was under bidder on Champion Court at Doncaster and was very disappointed with him the last day – he hung. Kilcrea Kim beat Drill Sergeant here when I fancied Drill Sergeant like mad. I do like tough, hard horses like him in novice events. At a big price each-way I’d suggest Radetsky March. Jason has ridden him a couple of times and likes him. He’ll keep galloping. SM: A difficult race and I think there was an over-reaction to Back In Focus winning at Haydock on his hurdling debut. 7/1 is short off one run. I quite like Habbie Simpson if he runs here rather than the Coral Cup at 20/1 e/w as he is a tough sort which you need for this race. RA: I like Champion Court. The yard have been under a cloud but have hot form now. PJ: If it’s Goodish ground, that would put me right off Back In Focus, Join Together and Court In Motion. The two I like are Kilcrea Kim and Champion Court and hope the former runs here rather the Pertemps Final as bringing high quality handicap hurdle form into this race is a big plus. Champion Court injured himself last time so I would ignore that and judge him on his debut win over hurdles in a Grade 2 where he did everything wrong but still won and is crying out for this step up to 3m. GOLD CUP DM: I’m with Imperial Commander all the way. He’s a hell of a tool and it was a breath of fresh air when he won last year. You can’t say Denman and Kauto Star have gone but they are not what they were – that’s natural progression, isn’t it? As for Long Run, Kempton is a hugely different place to Cheltenham. I hear Albertas Run will run here. Weird Al is also a likely runner. SM: I’ve tied myself up in knots over this race which has been marred by seeing so little of the main contenders. I am not sure connections of Imperial Commander were as ebullient deep down about his Kempton workout as they made out last week but he is the reigning champ and is this race any stronger? Denman has lost seven of his last eight races and when I spoke to Nick Williams about Diamond Harry, he was most downcast last week saying he could be an autumn horse. I do still keep coming back to Imperial Commander. RA: Out with the old and in with the new. Long Run underachieved in the RSA but he has the right profile and there is not enough evidence to suggest he doesn’t handle Cheltenham and he certainly wasn’t stopping when he won the King George so the trip will not be a problem. PJ: Kauto Star has lost his speed, Denman has lost his mid-race ability to pulverise his rivals and no horse in 50 years has won Gold Cup off longer layoff than Imperial Commander and Diamond Harry. Kempes is very interesting as is coming right at the right time and will love decent ground which he hasn’t had in Ireland and we don’t know if Pandorama doesn’t handle Good ground yet and he is the right kind of age and does keep on winning. Long Run is the most likely winner. 12 length winners of the King George would normally be starting about 5/2 for the Gold Cup and he is only six so likely to get even better. Both Cheltenham runs he had excuses of sorts, gone in coat in RSA and 2m4f in Paddy Power got him out of rhythm at a time when yard out of sorts a bit, but he has not run the New Course yet and I reckon all he does is stay so the extra distance can be in his favour. If any horse could win the race by 15 lengths, it is Long Run. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DM: I’ll be taking a team of 10-12 to Cheltenham. Cinders And Ashes, my bumper horse, worked really nicely here yesterday and we were delighted with him. Ebanour is more likely to wait for the Aintree bumper. The step up another 2f is made for him. Chamirey is fairly high quality. He had as easier race as I could have hoped he would at Newcastle. He goes in the 4m, gets the trip and will run a big race if he jumps. FESTIVAL NAPS: DM: Peddlers Cross SM: Barafundle (Pertemps Final) RA: Quevega PJ: Medermit DO: So Young |
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more slating of hurricane fly.
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let them - We'll get our price.
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They'll know who Hurricane Fly is this time next week!
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http://kildare.tv/
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PP going 11/4 Cue Card ALL DAY today in shops
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Towcester
Live Cheltenham tips from Andrew Mount, Mark Winstanley, Matt Chapman, Kieran Packman and Gold Cup Winner, Paddy Brennan. Robert Cooper (ATR) is in the chair for the night and Gary "The Wizard of Odds" Wiltshire will have all the latest prices. Hello. Paul Jones here, your host for the evening here at the Towcester Cheltenham Preview Evening. Room filling up nicely. Expecting 300. Kick off will probably be a little later than the 7.30 advertised (as always at these events) but all panellists confirmed as advertised The panel is Robert Cooper (RC) of Attheraces as Master of Ceremonies, Paddy Brennan (PB), Matt Chapman (MC) (broadcaster of year) Mark Winstanley (MW) (punter/tipster) (hope you don't mind swearing and bad taste jokes, Kieran Packman (KP) of Timeform Gary Wiltshire (GW) for a bit of jovialty more than tips I would say and our own Andrew Mount (AM) of gg.com & part owner of Reve De Sivola The format is I will give the race name and then crack on with the panellist comments using just their initials and then the quotes. Guessing it will finish at around a 10.00-10.15 as there will be a break after Day 2 analysis. This is the best fun preview on the circuit. Panel taken to stage at 7.45, Witlshire and Winstanley on same side of stage is a concern for health and safety SUPREME NOVICES HURDLE - Here we go Kieran Packman (KP): Cue Card has achieved more than Dunguib but is a bigger price. Joe Tizzard a worry though. Paddy Brennan (PB): Slates Packman for slating Tizzard. It's a one horse race and if Cure Card does everything right he will win Matt Chapman (MC): Tizzard would not be in the top 20 jockeys you would pick for Cue Card. Don't like his head carraige or fact found nil I like Spirit Son in this. His owner says McCoy rides the one Geraghty ditches. Trip wrong for Cue Card. Go with the speed horse S Son Mark Winstanley (MW): Handicapper got Cue Card so far clear but that is cos ran in Grade 2. Just heard Tranquil Sea so weak on Betfair for Ryanair. Could this mean he is out? Available at 20s!!!!!!! Andrew Mount (AM): Cue Card's novice form not working out. I am with Spirit Son. His sire also only had 5 fest runnners and 2 won.Lay C Card Gary Wiltshire (GW): Paddy Power give money back up to £200 if you lose and Cure Card wins so check them out MC: Sprinter Sacre is a big old boat of a chaser ARKLE TROPHY ANALYSIS MW: Medermit i am not sure about in a battle. too short. Massive price is Blazing Tempo. He is in Centenary but take 50/1 NR No bet KP: Blazing Tempo is Timeform top rated but reckon will go for the Centenary Hcap. I like fact Medermit of big 3 as had Festival form KP: Realt Dubh isn't far off big three on ratings. FInians Rainbow only beat 7 horses. Race fraught with danger PB: I would love to ride Medermit. Impressive last time, 2.5 when beaten by Hells Bay. 2m in fast race suit him ideally PB: Timmy Murphy has question marks about Ghizao on goodish ground MC: I'm not a fan of Medermit. He won't make a length at any fence and I want a horse that will be thrown at every fence MC: Finians Rainbow will be thrown at fences as that is when he jumps at his best so is exactly the kind of horse I want in the Arkle MC: Finians hated being held up last time. Made him look an iffy jumper but he isn't. They will let it free wheel and he stays further AM: Against Medermit as 0-5 at Cheltenham, not sure he comes up hill. All out to win last time when looked likely to win easy. AM: I am a Ghizao fan. He can outbattle Medermit MW: At this time of year 99 horses shorten and 1 drifts. And that 1 is usually dead. A few women shaking their hands at Winstanley's endless swearing. This is the Towcester Preview Night!!!! CHAMPION HURDLE ANALYSIS PB: Last year might have been Khyber's nbig chance. Has e/w chance and will be dropped in and ridden to be placed. anything else be a bonus PB: Menorah the one to beat. I think Peddlers Cross is a chaser in the making AM: I am with Binocular, nailed on for this., should have won the last 2 years AM: Ignore last run, some serious punters were lumping to win under six lengths. They just kept hammering it KP: Neptune not really worked out and Fighting Fifth everyone knew Binocular not fit so Peddlers Cross to short KP: Khyber Kim way too big on pure form at 16/1 and Oscar Whisky also overpriced KP: Hurricane Fly visually very impressive. only 4lbs below Binocular but hill worries me a little MW: Katchit won as 5yo but worst Champion Hurdle in yrs so I am getting out of my Mille Chief bet. Can't have Khyber Kim at any price. MW: No one really knows how good Hurricane Fly is. Can't have Dunguib at all. Menorah is bombproof but I missed the price MW: I've backed Thousand Stars at 50/1. Will be laying P Cross, can't have it at all. Even Starluck bt Binocular at Newbury behind him MW: I'm playing match bet big on Hurricane Fly to finish ahead of Peddlers Cross. KP: Oscar Whisky my value bet MC: Winstanley can't have got this race more wrong!!!! MC: Menorah solid but not brilliant. Hurricane Fly guess job what he will do. Jumps a bit right as well, can't do that at Cheltenham MC: History dictates 2m4f horses win the Champion Hurdle so big plus for Peddlers Cross. Tactics fascinating. Overturn can play as team MC: But I would like to see Overturn not run & PC to make all and be fired at every hurdle AM: Just heard Our Girl Salley is a non runner in the Mares Hurdle MC: I like Definity in the Centenary, he will be well backed, Nicholls thinks very good chance, will be near 5/1 PB: L'Accordioniste is a mare I hold in very high regard and goes for the mares race. Ignore her Ascot run KP: Magens Star is a good NR no bet fancy for the Mares Hurdle at 20s. Will be 10s if runs MW: I've backed Great Endeavour in the Andy Stewart. Heard Pipey sticking headgear on him as will Dan Breen in the Arkle MW: Fact Great Endeavour entered for Gold Cup big factor, must have decent ground. 9s now but can't have Bensalem.....ridiculous price AM: I own a share in Reve De Sivola. He is 14 with Coral for Spinal Research Hcap. will be much shorter and trainer thinks well hcapped NEPTUNE NOVICES' HURDLE ANALYSIS AM: I want to be against Bobs Worth. I like Tornado Bob for last yr's winning stable. Done well to win over 2m. Unlucky last time. 16s value PB: Not sure I have a run. So Young a big talking horse in Ireland. Don't see why Rock On Ruby should reverse with Bobs Worth. KP: Be surprised in Bobs Worth not in the first 4. Prince Of Pirates more interesting of Hendersons at the prices. Took him out of Supreme MW: I want to be against Oscars Well. Ridiculous price at 7/2. Prince Of Pirates and Bobs Worth similar ability on bumper form KP: You also haver to take it on trust Oscars Well will go on the ground GW: I want to lay Oscars Well for a place. MC: I've spent lot of time with Townend this week. Her adores So Young but not saying so outwardly as wants Walsh on Rock On Ruby RSA CHASE ANALYSIS David Bridgwater in audeince and runs The Giant Bolster Says he stays very well and he is a very good jumper. Satisfied with his Cheltenham win last time as his prep for that race not ideal Good performance as needed it, was soft ground and had top wt. He is a brilliant ew bet at 25/1. If Henderson trained him would be shorter Roddi Greene will ride him says owner in audience, schools him and knows him back to front so wouldn't swap him PB: Time For Rupert has no chinks and think he is the one to beat in next year's Gold Cup. With a clear round he will win impressively MC: I have an inkling Webber got cold feet about running TFR in Argento as if won pressure would have been on to run in Gold Cup Owner of TFR in audience puts Chapman straight. Says trach wash not up to scratch. Chapman comes back - convenient excuse MC: I would rather back TFR at 9/4 than Cue Card. He is Evens on form but know Hemmings love Wymott KP: TFR good thing. Awful opposition. How 1833 has a rating of 159 is stupid. Phil Smith got that figure from a bingo machine KP: I know the owner is here but only problem with TFR is the trainer. When was the last time he won a decent race? MW: (defends Webber) MW: TFR most obvious winner but do I want to back him at 9/4? No. I've been told 1833 has improved out of all recognition MW: Quel Esprit, Jessies Dream and Wymott are all runners so don't want 9/4 although best horse MC: Spent lot of time with Gordon Eliiott last week. Jessie Dream is a horrible thing, stay away from him in the paddock AM: The Giant Bolster e/w for me, (relayed stats too quickly to remember them!!!) CHAMPION CHASE ANALYSIS PB: Master Minded hard to judge, probably better on softer. Somersby was interesting horse of race, says could now go Ryanair PB: Didn't like her comments about Hadden Frost recently. Wonder if could go Ryanair on a jockey angle, hoping AP can ride Obviously AP has to ride Captain Cee Bee in Champion Chase. Does seem strange she didn't contemplate it might be Good ground for the Festival and could be smokescreen so AP rides by switching race? MC: Big Zeb is not a great two miler so surprised if he won two Champion Chases, Woocomb folly way too short, C Cee Bee breaks blood vessels I like Sizing Europe e/w on the Arkle stat (last 12 to run all placed at worst) but Master Minded still the best two miler around AM: Very keen for Big Zeb who is 6/6 when given six weeks or more off over 2m. Never fallen for Geraghty. Master Minded not to be in first 3 AM: I also want to back Big Zeb to beat Master Minded in a match KP: Kicked too soon on Master Minded last time. Golden Silver too big at 14/1 if Big Zeb is 3/1 as hardly anything between them MC: I am worried Golden Silver takes too long to warm up in his race and could be too far back even though he is now a hold up horse MW: Master Minded must have soft and with Mad Max going 100% mph with Sizing E hard on heels I think Master Minded will be taken off feet MW: Big Zeb won worst Champion Chase run for ages. Captain Cee Be is a burster and doesn't jump, who knows where Somersby will run MW: Still think 8/1 good price for Woolcombe Folly who has a good turn of foot. Think this will go to a new kid on the block GW: You can lay the front two at Evens which looks the way to go. DAY 2 SHOULDER RACES ANALYSIS MW: I reckon they will smash into Call The Police for the Coral Cup...interested as a back to lay here and now AM: I know Nick Williams think For Non Stop is very well handicapped for Coral Cup. Trainer only had 2 runners in race both 3rd at big price MC: Titan De Sarti worked all over Grandouet last wk & goes for Fred Winter. Owner had lumpy bet, is he a morning glory though? MC: IF Bygones Of Brid runs in Bumper I think this is a superstar in the making. Owned by Harry Redknapp. tender handling last time KP: two of my stronger views of week are an Irish horse will win NH Chase. Alfa Beat my preference, revelation since switched to Byrnes KP: BHA handicappers frightened off plot in Fred Winter. Irish all look 10lbs too high. Tenor Nivernais is very interesting WORLD HURDLE ANALYSIS KP: I am shoulder deep where Grands Crus is concerned, Would be a life changer for me if he wins KP: So I can't have a rational view on this race any more! Also big on Grands Crus without fav. Not concerned about ground. g/s last twice MW: Big Buck's bet of the meeting. It's Matt Chapman's kind of price too! Ruby said could go close in Champion Hdle. 11/8 massive price. PB: Grands Crus is a danger to fav. Did a preview with Dan Skelton and he made me believe he is an even bigger cert than I thought he was. MC: If GC beats Big Buck's then he has to be so exceptional. Just keeps winning & no one knows how good BB really is as never tested MC: Grands Crus is terrible value. Mourad only beat Moskova last time who would be lapped here. BB bombproof however way race is run. MC: You can 5/4 about 4/6 shot. Banker AM: Mourad e/w at 5/1 without fav is the bet. Can't be out first 4 & could beat Grands Crus as race likely to suit him being a hold up horse MC: I can see Grands Crus pulling himself into the ground and blowing out totally RYANAIR ANALYSIS KP: Race cut up, Henrietta looks like changed mind again but she doesn't trained winners anymore, a small time trainer now. KP: This race shouldn't be at Festival, I'm dead against Kalahari King. Trainer talks a better game than he is. About 3 winners this year PB: I hear Tranquil Sea could be a NR. Poquelin sets the standard. Tartak I ride. He needs to raise his game to have e/w chance MC: Massive Albertas Run fan but talkiing of Gold Cup now. Madness! If 1 class act in Ryanair it is him. Never care about form of yard TRIUMPH HURDLE ANALYSIS MW: I like Sam Winner. He beat Grandouet 15 lengths but is a bigger price and told he did a really nice piece of work last week. KP: Don't think Nicholls got a strong team this year bar Big Buck's but like 2 of his here - Sam Winner and Zarkander. The form of Sam Winner is the best on offer. Unaccompanied visually very impressive but I am struggling to come up with a figure for her. PB: I'm with Zarkander. The Adonis is always a good race and he won it well on his hurdling debut so must be very decent. MC: I was on a panel with Dermot Weld last week and he kept stresses Unaccompanied needs soft ground. Marsh Warbler would be 7/1 if trainer by Nicholls or Henderson rather than Ellison. I really like Smad Place though and the way he jumps for a yard that win this race. ALBERT BARTLETT ANALYSIS PB: Looks like I am getting the jock off Sybarite and Sam rides. He is only 5 and weak though so three miles might be a problem. MC: No view but Hoilesy is all over Habbie Simpson and says 20/1 is a great NR No bet selection as 10/1 on the day. GOLD CUP ANALYSIS MW: Is this the new veteran's race at the Festival? I can't have any of Dads Army. Pandorama trained by Meade who has won more Festival races than Germany have won World Wars. MW: China Rock overpriced at 50/1. Up and coming improving individual that likes good ground. Midnight Chase has absolutely no chance whatsoever. MW: Only time the French use hills for the Tour De France and Waley-Cohen can't claim his 5lbs so got to be a negative for Long Run. PB: I'm getting very excited now. Kauto wouldn't have beaten us last year had he stood up. Aintree was a disaster and I should have pulled him up. PB: He got tired at Haydock having travelled very well 2 out. In his gallop at Warwick he felt he like he did in the King George. He didn't give me the feel that day I was expecting. PB: My honest opinion on his next gallop was that he felt 85% right. I'm schooling him in the morning and that will tell me lot. Not worried about Kauto or Denman. PB: Long Run can't be written off but all is well travelling at top of hill. Not sure he will last home. Imperial Commander is the one to beat 100%. He looks a million. MC: So hard this race, you wouldn't touch it if it wasn't the Gold Cup. Everything about a horse that hits 11 says they are now too old. PB: There is only one young pretender unless heavy for Pandorama. If Kempes wins by Intikhab you can throw form books out the window. PB: Earplugs could have made all the difference to Long Run settling. Tidal Bay is an old rogue, you can't really think Midnight Chase will win a Gold Cup. PB: At 10 you are just about young enough and he is a course specialist so 7/2 is fair price for Imperial Commander. KP: Imperial Commander should be nearer 7/4. Anyone considering backing Long Run just watch the RSA and that will put you off. Shape of jumping all wrong. KP: Imperial Commander lightly raced for a 10yr. Proper Gd 1 horse. Midnight Chase is 14/1 for Christ's sake. Had a good bet at 7/2. Would like to hear Paddy say is 99% though PB: Maybe 85% is harsh. Still good enough to beat these if 90% AM: Denman won only 1 of 8 races since heart problems. Kempes has more chance in the Lincoln than the Gold Cup. Tidal Bay can plod on into a place. AM: Process of elimination and it has to be Imperial Commander. FRIDAY SHOULDER RACES PB: Baby Run looks great and he is even better than last year. He is the stable banker of the meeting. MC: I would rather back Baby Run at 7/2 than Imperial Commander at same price. GW: You need to stay 4m to win this and I really fancy Gone To Lunch MW: My hunter chase man Mick Connaughton says Gone To Lunch. Loves the track KP: Grand Annual is always race I start with, great betting race. Shoreacres interesting. Ran well both starts at Festival. KP: Course form, jumps well, ticks many horses and handicap debut. |
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Thanks for that BJG
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Thanks BJG excellent work again any feed back from Maynooth night in the Glen Royal yet?
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Maynooth
Naps & Best e/w Tony O'Hehir - Sivota (Pertemps) Nina Carberry - Plan A & On The Fringe Dessie Hughes - Cue Card & Magnanimity Andrew Lynch - Time For Rupert & Loosen My Load Dave McGurrin - So Young Damien McElroy - Big Zeb & Bostons Angel Charity bets Jim McGrath - 100win Bobs Worth(Neptune or AB) & 50 e/w Snap Tie (County) Noel O'Brien - 100win Cue Card & 100 win Time For Rupert |
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Thanks Down was interested in what Noel O'Brien and Dessie Hughes napped and both went for cue card
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have notes from Maynooth but they have gone AWOL
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Can you remember what Dave McGurrin put up as his e/w bet Cup?
Couldn't read my own writing!  |
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Tonights preview in Cheltenham being covered here.
http://www.jpfestival.com/ |
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Doubtin preview fckers
 wd al those faith keepers |
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found 1 set and it's not on it, will look again tonight
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Down,
Whitby Jack was the e/w selection. |
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CHELTENHAM PREVIEW NIGHTS ARE SOME FARCE .......how many of these things did davy from Youghal sit on and I bet never said a word about Arthur and what a charm...
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he was out having a smoke
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Jay,
He probably had to "bite his tongue" to keep What A Charm under his hat, just like he openly admitted he did with Tiger Cry a few years ago. Typical Ireland that he is still as popular as ever at preview nights despite that disgraceful admission. If he ran in an election in North Tipp, he'd get voted in by a landslide. |