Irish Sports
There is currently 1 person viewing this thread.
26 Feb 12
19:38
Joined:
Date Joined:
09 Sep 03
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENING at EXETER RACECOURSE Sponsored by Sky Bet
From Thursday, February 23rd
The panel comprised of four top trainers Paul Nicholls (PN), David Pipe (DP), Philip Hobbs (PH), Nick Williams (NW) who basically only talked about their own horses, Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ), Racing Post West Country Correspondent Andrew King (AK), Paddy Power representative Paul Binfield (PB) who mainly gave betting updates and Zoey Bird (ZB) as Master of Ceremonies.
With such a big panel, a lot of races were rushed through in time of the excellent Toad In The Hole Supper so not all panellists were asked for their views on all races but here are the best bits. For the latest prices for each race please click on the Sky Bet banners.
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
PN: We’ve had coughing in the yard so had to cancel the media day as it wasn’t fair on the horses but also provided a good excuse not to have the media here! We will possibly run Prospect Wells. He has had a breathing op since his last run and is a big price at 33/1 on his best form.
PH: Colour Squadron is fine after his fall but that was not the ideal prep. He has schooled well since so no reason why he shouldn’t perform on the day. He has not had the strongly run race he needs yet.
PJ: Simonsig is the most likely winner if he runs here but I fear they will run him in the wrong race. Looks like he is crying out for a fast-run 2m given his cruising speed. In his possible absence then Midnight Game appeals most as he is coming right at the right time, is the Mullins number one and expected to improve again for better ground than he has faced in Ireland.
AK: I think Darlan will run and has a major chance as long as his confidence has not been affected by his bad fall last time. I’ve also a sneaky feeling Cinders And Ashes will run very well.
ARKLE TROPHY
PN: Al Ferof got some good experience against established two-milers at Ascot. I’m hopeful we can outstay Sprinter Sacre who could be a speed horse on flat tracks who is very keen in his races. He got outstayed by Al Ferof in last year’s Supreme and it will be interesting to see if he gets up the hill this time.
DP: Sprinter Sacre is a good thing. He can go long and short and will come up the hill okay and have too much pace for his rivals.
PH: Menorah jumps well for the most part but the most part isn’t good enough and especially in a race like the Arkle. A strong pace will suit him better but I don’t think he can beat Sprinter Sacre but he has a good place chance.
PJ: Stats point to Peddlers Cross but in my heart of hearts I think the only thing can stop Sprinter Sacre is him being too brave at a fence. The hill argument is a red herring as he has had a wind op since last year, he has physically improved since last year plus the Arkle is a shorter race than the Supreme and they jump five more obstacles so it’s not quite as all-out a gallop as the Supreme is which means that would be against Al Ferof.
AK: Sprinter Sacre is my lay of the meeting. He can not win! He is not guaranteed to come up the hill and folded tamely last year in the Supreme. He is up against strong stayers here and four Cheltenham Festival winners and he has yet to win at the course. At around Evens he is too short.
JLT SPECIALTY HANDICAP CHASE
PN: Noland will be my only runner I suspect.
DP: The Grand National is the main aim for The Package but he runs here first and was second two years ago off 141 and is now rated 139. He’s in great form but needs everything to go right. Massinis Maguire is also in the Grand National but he is sore after Ascot as he puts so much into his races. We’ll see if he goes here. Junior could go here as his Grand National prep or the Gold Cup or maybe the Grimthorpe at Doncaster.
CHAMPION HURDLE
PN: I was beginning to sweat regards Zarkandar before Newbury as the horses next to him were coughing. Since he won as he has snuffling and is on antibiotics but has cantered well since. The quicker they go the better for him. We’ve got improve enormously to beat Hurricane Fly but he is the one unexposed horse. Rock On Ruby will improve enormously for the return to Cheltenham and Noel Fehily rides. I don’t think Binocular enhanced his claims beating Celestial Halo last time. I would rather run Celestial Halo in the World Hurdle but the owner thinks he can finish second in the Champion Hurdle so he runs here.
PJ: I will keep it short and sweet as I can’t see past Hurricane Fly. Oscars Well is my idea of the horse most likely to finish second.
AK: The way Binocular beat Celestial Halo was impressive. If that Binocular turns up I think he will give Hurricane Fly a race. He’s an each-way good thing.
CROSS COUNTRY CHASE
NW: Maljimar will run again and has won two cross country races in France. He has twice been beaten at the Festival at 1-10 in running so hopefully it will be third time lucky.
PH: Balthazar King will run. He hurt himself in the fracas here at the December Meeting but is okay now.
OLBG MARES HURDLE
NW: There is no strength in depth in the mares race whereas there will be 24 runners in the Coral Cup so we will run Swincombe Flame here. I want to take the easier option and I think she will be in the first three.
NH CHASE
PN: Harry The Viking will definitely stay and has not run as he want him fresh. He has been coughing but we are confident he will get over it.
NW: Alfie Spinner will run after his good third in the Reynoldstown and we have booked Sam Waley-Cohen. He will definitely get the trip.
NEPTUNE INVESTMENTS NEPTUNE HURDLE
PN: I was discussing running plans for Prospect Wells with Graham Wylie and he told me Boston Bob is likely to run here.
PH: He has pulled a hamstring and needs a few days easy. He is not out of the race but more than a week off and it’s a problem. It’s 50-50.
PJ: I have a lot of respect for the Fingal Bay-Simonsig Sandown form but I rate Boston Bob even a notch up from that giving 10lbs in heavy ground to class horses last time and I hope they run here and think they might as Mullins and Wylie both like the race and it is more prestigious than the Albert Bartlett. I strongly fancy Boston Bob to win whichever race he runs in.
RSA CHASE
PN: We’ve purposely not run Join Together saving him for this. He jumps well and stays very well. Stamina is his forte so he would prefer the New Course (RSA run on Old Course).
DP: If I could have £1 for every time I have been asked where Grands Crus will run. It’s a nice dilemma to have. It’s frightening looking at the media every day seeing who is missing the Festival so let’s see. We will decide five days before.
PJ: Grands Crus wouldn’t be a stats horse as Feltham winners have a shocking record but we know he bounds up the hill. I strongly fancy Bobs Worth each-way. He was giving Invictus weight at Ascot when not beaten far having only had one gallop since a wind op and is much better racing left-handed being unbeaten at Cheltenham in three starts. He also only had five lengths to find with Grands Crus in the Feltham and has had a wind op since and will be happier away from Kempton.
AK: Grands Crus has to be one of the better bets of the meeting of those at short prices.
QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
PH: The problem with Wishfull Thinking has been his breathing. He has 2 wind ops already and it is still not sorted. He has one decent runs this season and three moderate runs. His best trip is somewhere between 2m-3m. I don’t know! It’s hard to tell when he can’t get the air.
PJ: Sizing Europe for me is not just the best two-miler chaser in training but the best chaser in training full stop and is a bet at odds-against.
AK: Wishfull Thinking has lost the plot. Finians Rainbow is very beatable. Sizing Europe should win but it’s not a race I want to get involved in.
CORAL CUP
DP: Our Father will go for this or the Pertemps Final. Battle Group’s owners want to run in the novice handicap chase instead.
PH: Dare Me and Featherbed Lane are intended runners. Dare Me may be eight but he is still improving. Dunraven Storm was a possible but returned lame from Ascot so may not go anywhere at Cheltenham.
FRED WINTER JUVENILE HANDCIAP HURDLE
PN: Hinterland will probably run. Ruby told me he overdid the waiting tactics last time saying it wasn’t his best ride. He is still on the same mark. He’ll have a big weight but is built to carry it. He is not as well handicapped as when Sanctuaire won it but good enough to win off his mark.
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
PH: Village Vic will probably run but he wouldn’t be as good as Cheltenian who won it last year. He is going the right way.
NW: Horatio Hornblower will be entered and if he is full of himself and looks well in his coast I would go for it. If he can improve a 3-4 lengths then we are in the mix but he would need good-to-soft or slower to run.
PB: Sword Of Honour is interesting for pat Flynn who has had a winner and second in this race before. He is ex Aidan O’Brien and an interesting outsider if he runs.
JEWSON NOVICES’ CHASE
PN: The plan is to run Cristal Bonus in the Pendil and then this race if good or softer. He is classy being rated 152 over hurdles.
NW: For Non Stop needs everything to go right in his races. Quite a few of these are much of a muchness so he has a chance.
PJ: If you split stakes on Sir Des Champs and Cristal Bonus I don’t think you will lose on the race.
PERTEMPS FINAL
PN: I will run Sonofvic who qualified courtesy of bad weather at Carlisle.
DP: Buena Vista will be going for a third win. I was worried after his Kempton run but he showed a lot more spark last time and that run coincided with better ground. He has won this race off 133 and 138 and is 140 this year so it is not impossible and we will probably put a 10lbs claimer on. Whoever rides he will give them a fantastic spin.
PH: Voladaor is a proper stayer with a squeak but nothing stronger than that.
RYANAIR CHASE
DP: Great Endeavour is the Plate but I imagine the owner will want to run here. Everything went wrong with him in the 3m Festival handicap last year and needs to improve to win. 2n5f at Cheltenham is ideal for him.
NW: Gauvain is a 2m4f horse but he will go to the race where he has the best chance of picking up some prize money so the race with the smallest field (other option is Champion Chase).
PJ: Having not been a great fan if they run Somersby here I am very much warming to his each-way chance as he has the class, is most consistent and cheekpieces could be the making of him.
WORLD HURDLE
PN: Big Buck’s is not coughing. He wasn’t at his best in the Cleeve and came back a bit quiet but has bloomed since. He worked with Kauto this morning and I am very happy with him. Oscar Whisky could be the hardest opponent he has faced as more pacey and has looked very good over 2m4f and is an unknown over 3m. He could be very good. He’s been hurdling too long now to ever go for the Gold Cup.
DP: Big Buck’s is a cert but there is lots of good prize money for Dynaste to chase. Worrying to hear Big Buck’s not at his best last time given he gave us weight an easy beating.
PJ: I’ll be betting without Big Buck’s and reckon if he runs Thousand Stars is the e/w value as he is more or the less than same horse as Oscar Whisky over 2m and 2m4f.
TRIUMPH HURDLE
PN: Ruby will school Dildar on Friday. He has worked and schooled well on Tuesday and there is plenty of improvement to come. He runs in the Adonis and Dodging Bullets runs in the Dovecote. Pearl Swan has the best form so far and I can get him better than last time. All are also in the Supreme so let’s see how Dildar gets on first.
PH: Sadlers Risk is a good horse but let’s get over Saturday first. He has a lot to prove has the potential to be very good. He is my best chance of the week.
NW: Urbain De Sivola is a jumps bred so our chances are helped a lot if it comes up soft to make this a real stamina test.
PJ: Grumeti is so professional that he looks an each-way steal to me at 10/1.
GOLD CUP
PN: It just astounds me how Kauto Star looks. He did a strong 5f with Big Buck’s and for the first time in a long time he took a long time to pull up. His enthusiasm is unbelievable. He is in as good form now as before Haydock and Kempton. Ruby schools him on Friday. Not having Denman harrying him this year will be in his advantage and I also think there is more pressure on Sam (Waley-Cohen) this year. I don’t think Long Run has trained on.
PH: Captain Chris has always jumped to the right but not like that before. Let’s see how we go in the next two weeks, he’s in the Ryanair as well but may not go to Cheltenham. If there was an obvious race on a right handed course he would go there but there isn’t now until Pucnhestown. He’s not looking great in his coat right now.
NW: Diamond Harry has had a wind op. That’s the first time I’ve done it mid season and wouldn’t do it again, I’d wait until the summer.
PJ: Weird Al e/w for me. Doesn’t have a lot to find with Kauto and Long Run on Haydock form which came too soon after winning the Charlie Hall and has a very good Cheltenham record.
AK: I have a feeling that the big two could get beat but prefer Kauto to Long Run. What A Friend is a massive e/w price at 40/1.
NAPS
Paul Nicholls: Chapoturgeon
David Pipe: Alfie Spinner
Philip Hobbs: Sadlers Risk
Nick Williams: Swincombe Flame e/w
Paul Jones: On The Fringe
Zoey Bird: Scotsirish
(© Catch Me ifyoucan)
From Thursday, February 23rd
The panel comprised of four top trainers Paul Nicholls (PN), David Pipe (DP), Philip Hobbs (PH), Nick Williams (NW) who basically only talked about their own horses, Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ), Racing Post West Country Correspondent Andrew King (AK), Paddy Power representative Paul Binfield (PB) who mainly gave betting updates and Zoey Bird (ZB) as Master of Ceremonies.
With such a big panel, a lot of races were rushed through in time of the excellent Toad In The Hole Supper so not all panellists were asked for their views on all races but here are the best bits. For the latest prices for each race please click on the Sky Bet banners.
SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE
PN: We’ve had coughing in the yard so had to cancel the media day as it wasn’t fair on the horses but also provided a good excuse not to have the media here! We will possibly run Prospect Wells. He has had a breathing op since his last run and is a big price at 33/1 on his best form.
PH: Colour Squadron is fine after his fall but that was not the ideal prep. He has schooled well since so no reason why he shouldn’t perform on the day. He has not had the strongly run race he needs yet.
PJ: Simonsig is the most likely winner if he runs here but I fear they will run him in the wrong race. Looks like he is crying out for a fast-run 2m given his cruising speed. In his possible absence then Midnight Game appeals most as he is coming right at the right time, is the Mullins number one and expected to improve again for better ground than he has faced in Ireland.
AK: I think Darlan will run and has a major chance as long as his confidence has not been affected by his bad fall last time. I’ve also a sneaky feeling Cinders And Ashes will run very well.
ARKLE TROPHY
PN: Al Ferof got some good experience against established two-milers at Ascot. I’m hopeful we can outstay Sprinter Sacre who could be a speed horse on flat tracks who is very keen in his races. He got outstayed by Al Ferof in last year’s Supreme and it will be interesting to see if he gets up the hill this time.
DP: Sprinter Sacre is a good thing. He can go long and short and will come up the hill okay and have too much pace for his rivals.
PH: Menorah jumps well for the most part but the most part isn’t good enough and especially in a race like the Arkle. A strong pace will suit him better but I don’t think he can beat Sprinter Sacre but he has a good place chance.
PJ: Stats point to Peddlers Cross but in my heart of hearts I think the only thing can stop Sprinter Sacre is him being too brave at a fence. The hill argument is a red herring as he has had a wind op since last year, he has physically improved since last year plus the Arkle is a shorter race than the Supreme and they jump five more obstacles so it’s not quite as all-out a gallop as the Supreme is which means that would be against Al Ferof.
AK: Sprinter Sacre is my lay of the meeting. He can not win! He is not guaranteed to come up the hill and folded tamely last year in the Supreme. He is up against strong stayers here and four Cheltenham Festival winners and he has yet to win at the course. At around Evens he is too short.
JLT SPECIALTY HANDICAP CHASE
PN: Noland will be my only runner I suspect.
DP: The Grand National is the main aim for The Package but he runs here first and was second two years ago off 141 and is now rated 139. He’s in great form but needs everything to go right. Massinis Maguire is also in the Grand National but he is sore after Ascot as he puts so much into his races. We’ll see if he goes here. Junior could go here as his Grand National prep or the Gold Cup or maybe the Grimthorpe at Doncaster.
CHAMPION HURDLE
PN: I was beginning to sweat regards Zarkandar before Newbury as the horses next to him were coughing. Since he won as he has snuffling and is on antibiotics but has cantered well since. The quicker they go the better for him. We’ve got improve enormously to beat Hurricane Fly but he is the one unexposed horse. Rock On Ruby will improve enormously for the return to Cheltenham and Noel Fehily rides. I don’t think Binocular enhanced his claims beating Celestial Halo last time. I would rather run Celestial Halo in the World Hurdle but the owner thinks he can finish second in the Champion Hurdle so he runs here.
PJ: I will keep it short and sweet as I can’t see past Hurricane Fly. Oscars Well is my idea of the horse most likely to finish second.
AK: The way Binocular beat Celestial Halo was impressive. If that Binocular turns up I think he will give Hurricane Fly a race. He’s an each-way good thing.
CROSS COUNTRY CHASE
NW: Maljimar will run again and has won two cross country races in France. He has twice been beaten at the Festival at 1-10 in running so hopefully it will be third time lucky.
PH: Balthazar King will run. He hurt himself in the fracas here at the December Meeting but is okay now.
OLBG MARES HURDLE
NW: There is no strength in depth in the mares race whereas there will be 24 runners in the Coral Cup so we will run Swincombe Flame here. I want to take the easier option and I think she will be in the first three.
NH CHASE
PN: Harry The Viking will definitely stay and has not run as he want him fresh. He has been coughing but we are confident he will get over it.
NW: Alfie Spinner will run after his good third in the Reynoldstown and we have booked Sam Waley-Cohen. He will definitely get the trip.
NEPTUNE INVESTMENTS NEPTUNE HURDLE
PN: I was discussing running plans for Prospect Wells with Graham Wylie and he told me Boston Bob is likely to run here.
PH: He has pulled a hamstring and needs a few days easy. He is not out of the race but more than a week off and it’s a problem. It’s 50-50.
PJ: I have a lot of respect for the Fingal Bay-Simonsig Sandown form but I rate Boston Bob even a notch up from that giving 10lbs in heavy ground to class horses last time and I hope they run here and think they might as Mullins and Wylie both like the race and it is more prestigious than the Albert Bartlett. I strongly fancy Boston Bob to win whichever race he runs in.
RSA CHASE
PN: We’ve purposely not run Join Together saving him for this. He jumps well and stays very well. Stamina is his forte so he would prefer the New Course (RSA run on Old Course).
DP: If I could have £1 for every time I have been asked where Grands Crus will run. It’s a nice dilemma to have. It’s frightening looking at the media every day seeing who is missing the Festival so let’s see. We will decide five days before.
PJ: Grands Crus wouldn’t be a stats horse as Feltham winners have a shocking record but we know he bounds up the hill. I strongly fancy Bobs Worth each-way. He was giving Invictus weight at Ascot when not beaten far having only had one gallop since a wind op and is much better racing left-handed being unbeaten at Cheltenham in three starts. He also only had five lengths to find with Grands Crus in the Feltham and has had a wind op since and will be happier away from Kempton.
AK: Grands Crus has to be one of the better bets of the meeting of those at short prices.
QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
PH: The problem with Wishfull Thinking has been his breathing. He has 2 wind ops already and it is still not sorted. He has one decent runs this season and three moderate runs. His best trip is somewhere between 2m-3m. I don’t know! It’s hard to tell when he can’t get the air.
PJ: Sizing Europe for me is not just the best two-miler chaser in training but the best chaser in training full stop and is a bet at odds-against.
AK: Wishfull Thinking has lost the plot. Finians Rainbow is very beatable. Sizing Europe should win but it’s not a race I want to get involved in.
CORAL CUP
DP: Our Father will go for this or the Pertemps Final. Battle Group’s owners want to run in the novice handicap chase instead.
PH: Dare Me and Featherbed Lane are intended runners. Dare Me may be eight but he is still improving. Dunraven Storm was a possible but returned lame from Ascot so may not go anywhere at Cheltenham.
FRED WINTER JUVENILE HANDCIAP HURDLE
PN: Hinterland will probably run. Ruby told me he overdid the waiting tactics last time saying it wasn’t his best ride. He is still on the same mark. He’ll have a big weight but is built to carry it. He is not as well handicapped as when Sanctuaire won it but good enough to win off his mark.
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
PH: Village Vic will probably run but he wouldn’t be as good as Cheltenian who won it last year. He is going the right way.
NW: Horatio Hornblower will be entered and if he is full of himself and looks well in his coast I would go for it. If he can improve a 3-4 lengths then we are in the mix but he would need good-to-soft or slower to run.
PB: Sword Of Honour is interesting for pat Flynn who has had a winner and second in this race before. He is ex Aidan O’Brien and an interesting outsider if he runs.
JEWSON NOVICES’ CHASE
PN: The plan is to run Cristal Bonus in the Pendil and then this race if good or softer. He is classy being rated 152 over hurdles.
NW: For Non Stop needs everything to go right in his races. Quite a few of these are much of a muchness so he has a chance.
PJ: If you split stakes on Sir Des Champs and Cristal Bonus I don’t think you will lose on the race.
PERTEMPS FINAL
PN: I will run Sonofvic who qualified courtesy of bad weather at Carlisle.
DP: Buena Vista will be going for a third win. I was worried after his Kempton run but he showed a lot more spark last time and that run coincided with better ground. He has won this race off 133 and 138 and is 140 this year so it is not impossible and we will probably put a 10lbs claimer on. Whoever rides he will give them a fantastic spin.
PH: Voladaor is a proper stayer with a squeak but nothing stronger than that.
RYANAIR CHASE
DP: Great Endeavour is the Plate but I imagine the owner will want to run here. Everything went wrong with him in the 3m Festival handicap last year and needs to improve to win. 2n5f at Cheltenham is ideal for him.
NW: Gauvain is a 2m4f horse but he will go to the race where he has the best chance of picking up some prize money so the race with the smallest field (other option is Champion Chase).
PJ: Having not been a great fan if they run Somersby here I am very much warming to his each-way chance as he has the class, is most consistent and cheekpieces could be the making of him.
WORLD HURDLE
PN: Big Buck’s is not coughing. He wasn’t at his best in the Cleeve and came back a bit quiet but has bloomed since. He worked with Kauto this morning and I am very happy with him. Oscar Whisky could be the hardest opponent he has faced as more pacey and has looked very good over 2m4f and is an unknown over 3m. He could be very good. He’s been hurdling too long now to ever go for the Gold Cup.
DP: Big Buck’s is a cert but there is lots of good prize money for Dynaste to chase. Worrying to hear Big Buck’s not at his best last time given he gave us weight an easy beating.
PJ: I’ll be betting without Big Buck’s and reckon if he runs Thousand Stars is the e/w value as he is more or the less than same horse as Oscar Whisky over 2m and 2m4f.
TRIUMPH HURDLE
PN: Ruby will school Dildar on Friday. He has worked and schooled well on Tuesday and there is plenty of improvement to come. He runs in the Adonis and Dodging Bullets runs in the Dovecote. Pearl Swan has the best form so far and I can get him better than last time. All are also in the Supreme so let’s see how Dildar gets on first.
PH: Sadlers Risk is a good horse but let’s get over Saturday first. He has a lot to prove has the potential to be very good. He is my best chance of the week.
NW: Urbain De Sivola is a jumps bred so our chances are helped a lot if it comes up soft to make this a real stamina test.
PJ: Grumeti is so professional that he looks an each-way steal to me at 10/1.
GOLD CUP
PN: It just astounds me how Kauto Star looks. He did a strong 5f with Big Buck’s and for the first time in a long time he took a long time to pull up. His enthusiasm is unbelievable. He is in as good form now as before Haydock and Kempton. Ruby schools him on Friday. Not having Denman harrying him this year will be in his advantage and I also think there is more pressure on Sam (Waley-Cohen) this year. I don’t think Long Run has trained on.
PH: Captain Chris has always jumped to the right but not like that before. Let’s see how we go in the next two weeks, he’s in the Ryanair as well but may not go to Cheltenham. If there was an obvious race on a right handed course he would go there but there isn’t now until Pucnhestown. He’s not looking great in his coat right now.
NW: Diamond Harry has had a wind op. That’s the first time I’ve done it mid season and wouldn’t do it again, I’d wait until the summer.
PJ: Weird Al e/w for me. Doesn’t have a lot to find with Kauto and Long Run on Haydock form which came too soon after winning the Charlie Hall and has a very good Cheltenham record.
AK: I have a feeling that the big two could get beat but prefer Kauto to Long Run. What A Friend is a massive e/w price at 40/1.
NAPS
Paul Nicholls: Chapoturgeon
David Pipe: Alfie Spinner
Philip Hobbs: Sadlers Risk
Nick Williams: Swincombe Flame e/w
Paul Jones: On The Fringe
Zoey Bird: Scotsirish
(© Catch Me ifyoucan)
sort by:
Show
per page
Replies: 144
|
By:
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW at WARWICK RACECOURSE Sponsored by Sky Bet
From Friday, February 24th The panel was chaired by Chris Pitt who rattled through the races in double quick time to finish before racing commenced and featured up-and-coming trainer Charlie Longsdon (CL) who has a few horses with chances for the Festival (actually ‘arrived’ probably a better term for him now), Andrew Tinkler (AT) who rides for Nicky Henderson and gave the low down of many of their chief hopes, Kevan Minter (KM) (aka The Colonel to some) who gave betting updates and Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author, Paul Jones. As Paul’s views on the Grade 1 races were reported in the first of this series from Exeter, there is no need to repeat those but his views on all 27 races will be reported after the Knaresborough Preview on March 8th when all panellists for that evening run through all races. To view the latest prices for each race, please click on the Sky Bet banners. SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE CL: We will run Vulcanite and Hazy Tom. My horses are not right at the moment so you can see from both of their last runs. I was disappointed with Vulcanite at Newbury as he is 7lbs-14lbs better than that. He wants a strong pace and leading last time was hardly ideal. The owner wanted to take him to a valuable staying prize in Dubai instead but thankfully David Redvers has managed to change his mind which is good for me as he runs here. I hope you will see a far improved performance off a strong pace. I think we will reverse Kempton form with Tetlami. Hazy Tom wasn’t right at Ascot so forget that. Dickie Johnson thinks a fast-run 2m will really suit him when he is right so we have taken him out of the Neptune. AT: Simonsig schooled very slicky this morning and has the pace to run in either the Supreme or Neptune. They go very, very quick in the Supreme so I would like to see him run here as it would really suit him. He is a real two-miler that would see it out very well. I schooled Darlan today and he went very well and showed no ill effects of his bad fall. Tetlami is by Daylami and has the traits of many offspring of his sire in that he only shows you half his hand as he does what you ask and no more. He has ten times more ability that he has shown. KM: I always find this a hard race to predict. I know some shrewd judges are on Steps To Freedom at 14s but it worries me that he will not have run since November. ARKLE TROPHY CL: Barry Geraghty rode Moscow Flyer and he seems to think that Sprinter Sacre is in a different league to him so I can’t go against him. Flat tracks may suit him better and he has not done it yet at Cheltenham like four of his rivals but, even so. Peddlers Cross to chase him home. AT: Sptrinter Sacre needs very little introduction now. I made the running on French Opera at Newbury at what I thought was championship pace and he just breezed by me at half-way like I wasn’t even there. He has to work on his own at home as nothing can live with him and we don’t want to break the hearts of horses like Oscar Whisky by working with him. The intention was sit him in behind at Newbury so he can learn but that only lasted about five fences as he just took off past them without even trying. He was a shell of a horse last year which is why he didn’t get up the hill but came back to us looking unrecognisable after the summer and has grown up now. KM: The stats are against Sprinter Sacre as favourites have a poor Arkle record but I still see it as a match between him and Peddlers Cross. CHAMPION HURDLE CL: Hurricane Fly is outstanding and I expect him to win. I hear Zarkandar didn’t come out of his Newbury win brilliantly. AT: Binocular looked great at Wincanton and I will be really surprised if he is not in the first three. I preferred him to Grandouet as our main hope even before Grandouet had his setback. KM: I could win on Hurricane Fly. The Evens keeps getting wiped out every time someone offers it on the exchanges. NH CHASE CL: The plan is to run Universal Soldier. He has only had one run for us and, to be fair, although he won easily it was a mickey mouse race as Chartreux didn’t get very far. He pulled a muscle on his last start for his previous trainer and is best fresh. He is as slow as a hearse and needs all of 4m so this race should suit him and there is a good chance that Jamie Codd will ride and he has won this race twice before. I would like it to be on the easy side of good ground for him. Strongbows Legend is entered but this might come a year too soon for him, we’ll consider it as he won’t get another chance. AT: We don’t really have anything for this. Loose Performer maybe but he is not a horse to back at the Festival. Teaforthree I like but just concentrate on the best amateur riders. KM: A hard race to play in. Teaforthree and Fists Of Fury have been the horses for money recently. NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES’ HURDLE CL: We’ve got Cross Of Honour for this. He’s rated 126. If he was 130 he would have gone for the Coral Cup which would have been ideal but I doubt he would get in off 126. We need to a 140+ horse for this. Dawn Commander will run either here or the Albert Bartlett. AT: This is Simonsig’s other option but I would personally like to see him in the Supreme as think he is a real two-miler. KM: Even if Fingal Bay does run I would be worried about the form of the Hobbs yard. Boston Bob will start favourite if he runs here or the Albert Bartlett. RSA CHASE CL: I really can’t see past Grands Crus, he has too much class for these. AT: I’ve not had much to do with Bobs Worth until five days before Ascot when I was asked to school him beforehand. He has no wow factor about him and I would be a bit surprised if he can beat Grands Crus. It can often take a run to get over a wind operation as they think it might hurt them the next time they race. I think that might have happened at Ascot as he looked quite laboured but then when he realised it wasn’t going to hurt he ran on. KM: Grands Crus is one of my bankers of the meeting. He has high-class hurdles form and travels really easily. Invictus would be my idea of the main danger. QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE CL: Sizing Europe should retain his crown. There is not much more to say really, he bolts up over 2m and doesn’t stay 3m. If healthy, he’ll win. AT: Finian’s Rainbow schooled well this morning. I can’t see him beating Sizing Europe though. Whoever wins this year won’t win it again next year though as Sprinter Sacre will. JEWSON NOVICES’ CHASE AT: I schooled Solix this week. He jumped the first three beautiful but was bit flat at the fourth, or French as we like to call it at the yard. He has a good chance and he is better than his form says he is. RYANAIR CHASE CL: I don’t think you can rule out Albertas Run again and Jonjo knows what it takes. I’d love to this horse win it for a third time. If it comes up soft though I would switch to Rubi Light. AT: Riverside Theatre was very much tuned up for Ascot. He gets himself fit so there is not much to work on. He could be better on a flat track. I quite like the chances of Medermit to reverse form as Choc almost fell off during the race which we gave him stick for and he wasn’t beaten far and 2m5f suits him really well. If you offered me the ride between Riverside Theatre and Medermit, I would pick Medermit. KM: The message was very strong for Riverside Theatre at Ascot and the money was right. For me he is an outstanding each-way bet. WORLD HURDLE CL: Big Buck’s, what more can I add? AT: Ruby says Big Buck’s is the biggest cert in racing. Oscar Whisky will be second or third. If there were a Ryanair Hurdle though he would win that. As for the Aintree Hurdle as some say he won’t stay as Thousand Stars nearly caught him that day, I thought Barry nicked the race at Aintree rather than committed too soon him. I thought it was a brilliant ride. KM: Big Buck’s is an awesome machine but why take 4/9 now when he will trade at around Evens in-running at some point? |
|
By:
great thread cmiyc
fair play! |
|
By:
A different take/version of CHELTENHAM PREVIEW 2012 EXETER fyi
The Panel consisted of Paul Nicholls David Pipe Philip Hobbs Paul Binfield representing sponsors Paddy Power Nick Williams Andrew King (Racing Post) Paul Jones (Cheltenham Trends) Zoey Bird, Compère DAY 1 1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2m 1/2f This is clearly a very open race and there was no clear selection from the panel Philip Hobbs stated Colour Sergeant was fine after his recent fall, and should go very well Paul Nicholls says Prospect Wells is very classy at home, and goes there with a decent chance, allowing for poor effort last time Paul Jones thinks Simonsig will run Neptune, but if running in the Supreme would win Steps to Freedom has the best form, whilst Midnight Game is improving Andrew King thought Darlan had a good chance Paul Binfield thought Galileo’s Choice was the best of the Irish 2.05 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase 2m Paul Binfield said it was quite possible Sprinter Sacre could go off at odds on Paul Nicholls thought Sprinter Sacre was by no means certain to stay as he has done all his top class form on flat tracks Philip Hobbs says Menorah jumps well at home, but does make the odd mistake, which he will need to avoid on the day Doesn’t think anything can beat Sprinter Sacre Paul Jones says Sprinter Sacre is the one to beat, reminded us the best “hurdler” often wins the Arkle, and that would be Peddlers Cross David Pipe thought Sprinter Sacre had too much pace for the rest Andrew King wanted to oppose Sprinter Sacre big time, doesn’t think Cheltenham will suit, similar to the Supreme last year 2.40 William Hill Trophy Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1/2f Not a lot on this race David Pipe said The Package should run well in this race, although the Grand National was his main aim Massini’s Maguire may also take his chance 3.20 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 2m 1/2f Paul Binfield thought Zarkandar had a decent chance of beating Hurricane Fly Paul Nicholls thought he had a chance and would be better than he was at Newbury Also said Zarkandar was on anti-biotics and would finish the course next couple days, but seemed OK Also thought Rock on Ruby was way overpriced on form with Binocular Brampour will run and may have EW squeak, Celestial Halo will take his chance Andrew King thought Binocular was the EW bet, impressed with last win 4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 7f Nothing on this race discussed in detail Paul Jones asked Philip Hobbs about Balthazar King, and I thought he got quite a positive response to his chances 14-1 EW not the worse bet in this race 4.40 David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle Race 2m 4f Nobody can see Quevega being beaten However Nick Williams was very keen on Swinford Flame‘s chance Each Way 5.15 Centenary Novice handicap Chase 2m 4.5f Again not a lot discussed although Criqtonic mentioned as having a decent chance DAY 2 1.30 National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 4m Nothing mentioned 2.05 Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle 2m 5f Philip Hobbs said Fingal Bay was 50/50 after injuring a hamstring Paul Jones thought Boston Bob had the soundest chance, indeed had the best novice hurdle form at the meeting Also didn’t think Simonsig would win this if running Andrew King thought it was between Fingal bay and Boston Bob Paul Nicholls said he had been told this would be Boston Bob‘s target 2.40 RSA Steeple Chase 3m 1/2f David Pipe said Grand Crus was in great form at home, probably wouldn’t decide on the race, until the 5 day decs. Andrew king thought Bobs Worth would go well, but Grand Crus would win if running Paul Nicholls said Join Together has won twice at the course, and would stay on as well as anything in the race Paul Jones respected Invictus and Bobs Worth who is 3/3 at Cheltenham Indeed thought Bobs Worth EW at 5-1 was one of the best bets at the meeting 3.20 Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 2m Paul Binfield thought Big Zeb was the better bet at the prices Philip Hobbs says Wishfull Thinking has breathing problems, not sure they are resolved still he is not quite right. Paul Jones thinks Sizing Europe is the best chaser in training anything above Evens is a decent bet Andrew King thought Wishfull Thinking at his best would be interesting 4.00 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) 2m 5f Lots of horses but no information specific to the Coral Cup, most horses are multiple entries 4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m 1/2f Hinterland will run in this race and hopefully go well 5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Open NH Flat Race) 2m 1/2f Paul Binfield thinks Sword of Honour is a decent EW bet Philip Hobbs thought Village Vic would run very well Andrew King likes New Years Eve and Population Paul Jones said that the top BHA rated horse on the flat do run well in this race, and Moscow Mannon would be the horse backed on the day Nick Williams said Horatio Hornblower was nice horse and would run, if the going had “soft” in it DAY 3 1.30 Jewson Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase 2m 5f Paul Nicholls said Cristal Bonus was running on Saturday and should go well, and then would run in this race, as long as going was soft enough Nick Williams thought For Non Stop had a good chance but no more than that Paul Jones thought he had never seen Ruby Walsh look happier than the last time he got off Cristal Bonus who jumps for fun, also likes Sir Des Champs, winner would come form one of these two Andrew king thought For Non Stop could go off favourite and was the most likely winner 2.05 Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle) 3m David Pipe expected Buena Vista to run well again, he had been concerned from two races ago, when he seemed to lose form, but last run was pretty good Buena Vista still has a chance on official rating Paul Nicholls was keen on Sonofvic, 20-1 seems a decent price 2.40 Ryanair Chase 2m 5f Paul Binfield said Noble Prince is the selection here, last race, ground was too soft Massive chance this time David pipe thought Great Endeavour had a really good chance which would improve on better going Andrew King thought it was between Somersby and Great Endeavour Paul Jones thought Somersby was very good EW bet, but not sure he wouldn’t go for the Queen Mother Chase. Great Endeavour and Medermit needed to find around 7lbs 3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle 3m Paul Nicholls said Big Buck’s was Ok, no cough Indeed he said the older horses all seem Ok, it’s just the younger ones who have shown some signs Big Buck’s has come on from last run He did think Oscar Whisky would be his toughest challenger yet David Pipe said Big Buck’s was certainty and that Dynaste was playing for one of the places Paul Jones wished they would run Thousand Stars in this race rather than Champion Hurdle 4.00 Byrne Group Plate Handicap Steeple Chase 2m 5f Paul Nicholls said Crack Away Jack would run here, seemed quite keen on a decent run as well I thought David Pipe said Salut Flo was entered in just about every race; there was some money for this one yesterday in this race 4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1 1/2f No discussion on this race 5.15 St Patricks Day Derby (Charity race) No discussion on this race {Editor’s note – I should bloody well think not!! } DAY 4 1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f Minsk is the favourite for this race, not run all season – unbelievable. Philip Hobbs said Sadlers Risk runs this Saturday, very happy with him Nick Williams said Urbain De Sivola would run if ground was on the soft side Paul Nicholls said Pearl Swan has the best form so far of his horses, but also said Dildar runs this Saturday, against Sadlers Risk I got the impression he has very high hopes for Dildar Andrew king liked Grumeti and Pearl Swan Paul Jones thought Minsk could go off as low at 2-1, as his flat form is far in excess of anything else Paul Binfield likes Darroun Paul Nicholls did say he wouldn’t be surprised if Minsk never ran either this weekend or at Cheltenham! 2.05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f Philip Hobbs said Snap Tie is in good form, he reported this last year but the horse never got in, hasn’t run for two years, so you’d want a very big price, not sure 33-1 is big enough to tempt me 2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 3m Paul Nicholls very keen on Rocky Creek As mentioned earlier he believes Boston Bob will go to the Neptune Andrew King thought Rocky Creek would go off 7-2 if Boston Bob was NR, so 10-1 at the moment was excellent Paul Jones was not taken by Brindisi Breeze last run, not up to the standard to win this race 3.20 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase 3m 2 1/2f Much of this was taken up discussing the merits of Long Run‘s last run, and whether Grand Crus would run Paul Jones thought the front two were vulnerable, and that Weird Al was the best bet at 20-1 Andrew king thought What a Friend EW, although Paul Nicholls dismissed this saying 3rd was his best chance if everyone turned up Paul Nicholls said Kauto Star was in top form at home, as good as he has seen him Wasn’t sure Long Run had trained on, and that meant there was not a lot between them Philip Hobbs was asked about Captain Chris, he said he has always jumped right, so that was not an issue as such, however he was not at his best IF HE RAN it would be Ryanair or Gold Cup, however then said he wouldn’t really want more than 3 miles, so I give him next to no chance of running in the Gold Cup, and I got the impression he was by no means certain to run at the Festival 4.00 Christie’s Foxhunter Steeple Chase 3m 2 1/2f No discussion, although couple of tips at the end 4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m 4 1/2f As usual; David Pipe gets questioned on this race, however he said it is very difficult to even get a horse in this race, he tried with Grand Crus a couple years ago, but couldn’t as he had an OR of only 124 A few mentioned and maybe the most likely is Salut Flo if this 5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase 2m 1/2f No discussion on this race Charity Bets Andrew King Rocky Creek Albert Bartlett Paul Jones On The fringe Foxhunters Zoey Bird Scotsirish Cross Country Nick Williams Swincombe Flame EW David Nicholson Mares Paul Nicholls Chapoturgeon Foxhunters David Pipe Alfie Spinner National Hunt Chase Paul Binfield Salsify Foxhunters Philip Hobbs Sadlers Risk Triumph |
|
By:
Great stuff CMIYC, - So relieved that they are going for the right race with Boston Bob
 |
|
By:
BTW, if anybody wants 1/1 on Big Buck's or Hurricane Fly, you'll probably get it at the Ballymore preview later tonight. The bookie on site has made it a habit of his to bismark one of the hot-pots every year and he's likely to make one of those his bismark tonight. It might be worth going along for an hour or so and he'll be going NR-NB by the way too.
|
|
By:
Mon.27th.Feb.2012.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CO.KILDARE, Paddy Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace. MC: Pat Nolan Panel: Andrew Lynch, Gordon Elliot, 'Shark' Hanlon, Damien McElroy, Fran Flood, Paddy Aspell, Darragh Fitzpatrick & Paddy Power representative. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CO.DUBLIN, Strand Bar, Rush. Panel Denis Kirwan (MC), Oliver Brady, Andrew Lynch, Ado McGuinness, Brian Flanagan and The Sam Maguire Cup. ANYONE AT THESE ? |
|
By:
i'll be at the Westmanstown one Tomorrow Evening,Not very good at taking notes though!
|
|
By:
ANY snippets of news will do ! Tks.
|
|
By:
No worries CMIYC i'll do my best
 |
|
By:
I suspect Wetherbys have copyright on the material you have pasted above CMIYC.
|
|
By:
I was there myself (© Catch Me ifyoucan)
Amazing two jurnos can have similiar writing styles  |
|
By:
[i]ilikewavingatbuses 26 Feb 12 19:47
great thread cmiyc fair play![/i] THANKS  |
|
By:
GREAT STUFF CMIUC
|
|
By:
Was at the Ballymore one.
Major things to take out of it was Gordon Elliot saying that the 'vibes weren't good for Peddlers Cross in the Arkle' :( Presume that came from Jason Maguire. His best chances of a winner are Mount Benbulben, Shadow Catcher (Will be on the bridle at the last hurdle in the Triumph but doesn't know what will happen after that) and Toner D'Ouderies(really likes him in the Coral Cup). However, his charity bet was Master Of Arts in the County Hurdle (connection obviously still there with Pipey). Good local word for Citizenship in the County Hurdle while word from the panel was that Thousand Stars will run in the World Hurdle and put it up to BB. All agreed on Hurricane Fly & Sizing Europe and there was good banter between Gordon & The Shark. It was the most I've ever heard Gordon speak, he's really come out of his shell :) Good night, about 200 or so there and the bookie on site took on BB (went 4/5 on the night) and also gave 5/1 about the HF, Quevega & BB treble! |
|
By:
NO 52
Toner d'Oudairies (FR) Gordon Elliott, Ireland 10st 6lb |
|
By:
CMIYC you are doing a great job but do we need to know what no 51 was/is.
|
|
By:
Was at Westmanstown this evening,heres a brief few notes,
first of all,Davy Russell said he was told by Choc that Medermit goes for the Gold Cup and not the Ryanair Supreme Novices. Willie mullins was on the phone and was very sweet on midnight game,but stressed good ground is essential,and we havent seen the best of him by a long way,the faster the ground the better, Ruby likes Darlan, Triumph. Ruby and Willie both agree Ut De Sivola is way overpriced,They hadnt got him ready in his last race and wanted to get another run into him for experience,They were confident he's a lot better than he showed last time out, all the panel Hurricane Fly is impossible to beat barring an accident,Ruby reckons Zarkandar is'nt quick enough to win a CH, Colm Murphy confirmed Voler la Vedette runs in the WH,Davy says Carlito Brigante has no chance,he was quite funny actually lol, Quevega schooled over hurdles at the curragh at the weekend,worked great but got a slight bang,nothing worrying though, all the panel are dead against Grands Crus in the RSA,particularly ruby,says he doesnt really see out his races,Ruby also doesnt like peddlers cross,says he doesnt have a good enough cut at his fences. Willie likes sweet my lord in the pertemps,and also says mikhael will run at the festival,didnt say which race though,Most agreed Long run would win the GC again,as the 3miles plus will suit him and will outstay kauto again,Barry geraghty was quite sweet on Bobs Worth in the RSA, Ruby liked the bumper at newbury few weeks ago that shutthefrontdoor won,said it rode like a very good race Charity Bets, Ruby-Boston bob,and Ted Spread in the County Hurlde. Davy russell-Noble prince Colm murphy-Scotsirish and Somersby Jessie Harrington-Steps to freedom Barry G-Bobs Worth. |
|
By:
snaff, did ruby say which race he was napping boston bob for?
|
|
By:
Oufies pal
I was at the Ratoath, Co Meath preview last night and I'll write my notes up later but the best there by far, for his 'stick your neck' out honesty, I'll explain more later, was Patrick Mullins. He said he felt they would edge towards Boston Bob for the Albert Bartlett on the Friday and he even made it his charity bet of the week and by far his banker of the Friday. Of all his father's horses, this was what he most most confident about. I came away thinking this horse is not going to the Neptune. Let me get all my notes together and put up by this afternoon. |
|
By:
cheers jumper
|
|
By:
Ratoath, Co Meath, Wednesday 29 February
In race order. Supreme Novices Most of the panel felt while it is an open race, Steps to Freedom would be their preference. Noel Meade preferred Galileo’s Choice but did say that Dylan Ross would be going and will be better on good ground although he only gave it an each way chance. While Nina Carberry also went with Steps to Freedom, she wouldn’t rule out Dylan Ross either. Patrick Mullins didn’t think his father’s Midnight Game would be the obvious one here, and we should take a look at the bigger priced Allure of Illusion. Now, reading On the Snaff’s comments here above at another preview, same evening, there’s a difference of views. Arkle The panel, almost to a man, and woman, sounded like they have taken out life time membership of the Sprinter Sacre Appreciation Society. Noel Meade even went as far as believing he could be the best he’s ever seen. By complete contrast, Patrick Mullins was adamant this was his lay of the meeting and believed he would be caught by one of the other previous course winners. Champion Hurdle This really amounted to what would be second predictably. Both Noel Meade and Patrick Mullins opted for Thousand Stars (are they running it in both this and the World Hurdle?) while Andrew Lynch went with Oscars Well. Neptune Noel Meade felt Monksland was the stable’s best chance and he was confident, no doubt more so now Fingal Bay is out and if Boston Boy is re-routed to the Albert Bartlett. Patrick Mullins used this point in the evening, as they have both Sous Les Cieux and Make Your Mark here, to say that his dad isn’t trying to be deliberately awkward, it’s just that when you have more than one option for a particular race, running plans are still not finalised until closer to race day. He was more confident about Make Your Mark than Sous Les Cieux interestingly. RSA Chase The panel wanted to take on Grand Crus and there was general agreement that Sir Des Champs would be the alternative. Patrick Mullins very confident and Noel Meade reminded us he has won at the festival already, albeit in a Handicap Hurdle last year, but is now 3 from 3 over fences here as well. Champion Chase Unanimous Sizing Europe roadshow. Andrew Lynch very confident. Bumper No strong views here. Nina Carberry doesn’t think she’ll have a ride. Champagne Fever and Moscow Mannon were her two against the field. Patrick Mullins gave a mention for another one of his father’s, Mazeltop, who while well beaten on his last start by Clonbanan Lad, Patrick felt the winner just got first run on him. He was confident of reversing the form should they meet again. This is any price you want at the moment in an otherwise open race. Noel Meade said the English trainers are going some way to getting their act together with bumpers, notably Colin Tizzard and Rebecca Curtis. There was little confidence in the flat profile of John Ferguson’s horses. Ryanair Chase Robbie Hennessy could do with some rain for Rubi Light and is hopeful of some wet weather next week. Saw Sommersby as his main rival. Similar from Andrew Lynch. Noel Meade was sweet on the chances of Albertas Run with his solid Festival pedigree. Ditto with Noble Prince. Lynch and both Carberrys don’t see beyond Rubi Light. World Hurdle Only Noel Meade thought Big Bucks winning run could come to an end sometime and why not here. He’s preference was Oscar Whisky. Patrick Mullins believed Thousand Stars was as good as Oscar Whisky yet he is double the price. Andrew Lynch believes he can nick a place on Voler La Vedette. I think it was Paul Carberry on the night who quoted Ruby Walsh as stating Big Bucks just ambles along and doesn’t get himself in the race until the final turn. He couldn’t see anything other than a Big Bucks repeat win. Triumph Hurdle No great fancies, too open. Nina put up Darroun and Baby Mix but nobody felt there was a stand out juvenile left in the race. Paul Carberry gave a mention to Gordon Elliot’s Shadow Catcher as his value in an otherwise open contest. Albert Bartlett Patrick Mullins said he believed this would be the target for Boston Bob and he was very keen on its chances. I got the impression this was his favourite horse in the yard such was his enthusiasm. Paul Carberry flagged up both Mount Benbullben for Gordon Elliott and Meade’s Ipsos Du Berlais. Gold Cup A wide range of views. Nina Carberry, Synchronised. Patrick Mullins, Kauto with a view that Quel Esprit is his value. Noel Meade thought the same with Quel Esprit. Andrew Lynch, Long Run. Paul Carberry, Kauto Star. Robbie Hennessy, Synchronised. Charity Bets Nina Carberry, Moscow Mannon, The Bumper Patrick Mullins, Boston Bob in Albert Bartlett Noel Meade, Sprinter Sacre in Arkle Andrew Lynch, Scotsirish in the Cross Country Paul Carberry Sprinter Sacre in Arkle Robbie Hennessy, Rubi Light in the Ryanair Chase Dessie Scahill MC’d and his charity bet was Cristal Bonus in the Jewson Novices Chase. Apologies to the Bruce Betting rep, didn’t get his name or his charity tip. Summary Not a lot you didn’t know already. As I stated earlier, Patrick Mullins was the most interesting and very opinionated (oozing confidence over Sir Des Champs and Boston Bob particularly) although Robbie Hennessy believed Long Run probably wouldn’t win because of the jockey. The laws of libel prevent me from quoting him directly although to be fair to him it was probably meant in jest. I’d like to think with my Ante-post bet on Dylan Ross that Meade was just being cagey rather than downbeat regarding the Supreme Novices. I’m a bit cynical to the benefit of these events. If you only following racing irregularly then this is ideal. Otherwise it’s all a bit obvious. Still, was impressed enough with Mullins on the night. |
|
By:
excellent reporting jumper although im more confused now than ever...i was going to make Boston Bob my nap in the albert bart !!!who knows
|
|
By:
Thanks for all the updates lads - a good few conflicting views there
Patrick Mullins fancies Thousand Stars in the Champion Hurdle AND the World Hurdle!!!!!!!!!!! WTF is that all about? |
|
By:
Great stuff jumper (and others), much appreciated. Laughed re Meade and Sprinter Sacre - I was at the Leopardstown preview gig last year and even then NM was almost reverential about the horse, clearly thinks he could be VERY special.
One question jumper - from the comments above it almost seems the RSA is a done deal for Sir Des Champs? was there any mention (from young Mullins particularly) as to this or the Jewson for him? |
|
By:
db1974
WTF indeed but he talked it up for both races and at different times during the evening. They went through it race by race, starting with the Supreme, so it was about 80 minutes later that we got to the World Hurdle. Maybe this is why we should take some of these comments with a pinch of salt. Then again, at the festival it is not unusual to see something declared a couple of times during race week, although most don't run again, though some have from memory. Just So. They didn't discuss the Jewsons. Only the races above in the list. No mention of Sir Des Champs going to the Jewsons when they were complimenting him during the RSA discussion. |
|
By:
Willie put up his two charity bets last night as follows:
50 ew Sweet My Lord in the Coral Cup 50 ew Gorgeous Sixty in the Fred Winter |
|
By:
Willie's two charity bets last night were as follows:
50ew Gorgeous Sixty in the Fred Winter Juv H'Cap Hdle 50 ew Sweet My Lord in the Coral Cup |
|
By:
Willie's two charity bets last night were as follows:
50ew Gorgeous Sixty in the Fred Winter Juv H'Cap Hdle 50 ew Sweet My Lord in the Coral Cup Re above : Should it not read 50 ew Sweet My Lord in the Pertemps, as stated in another preview thread ? Can you confirm please ChildofMine2, Ta. |
|
By:
thanks jumper
|
|
By:
I see someone's put a detailed report of last night's Westmanstown preview over on the Cheltenham 2012 section.
Ruby very keen on Boston Bob wherever he goes and Willie Mullins by phone saying Thousand Stars will run in the Champion. |
|
By:
They weren't giving anything re Boston Bob.it's still anybody's guess as to where he turns up.
Decent preview night though,Fair few at it too |
|
By:
who else is going to waterford tonight? any one taking notes?
|
|
By:
Willie is stone mad not sending Thousand Stars to the World Hurdle - Makes no sense whatsoever!
|
|
By:
Willie has read your post and informs me that TS will now run in the stayers.
|
|
By:
What's the stayers?
|
|
By:
|
|
By:
How many of these previews involved one or other of messrs Walsh and Nicholls since last Friday. And following on from that, how many times was Kauto Stars "tumble" mentioned!?
Joke shops, that's all they are. |
|
By:
I'd say Ruby was playing down Kauto's chances before the "tumble". I havent a notion what is going on though. Might be some kidology at work. Takes pressure of Kauto/Ruby and heaps it on the dentist. If there is Henderson started it at media day
We started the year at Haydock behind Kauto Star where Ruby (Walsh) injected this huge burst of speed down the back straight where the turbo kicked in and then did the same thing at Kempton.I don't know if he will do that at Cheltenham but it is a different track to be doing it on as in a Gold Cup you tend to wind up the pace. If he is going to head for home a long way out then he has another two and half furlongs to go up a hill and that may be harder for Kauto Star and easier for Long Run. |
|
By:
Thanks for going to the trouble to right up your notes - in shock here about two tips for Synchronised in Gold Cup!
|