Fancy a few tomorrow, none more so than Wonderful Charm in the first. A natural over the larger obstacles, and improving with every run, he has his best days ahead of him. Unlike Oscar Whiskey, whom I am convinced is on a downward spiral. I took him on with Taquin du Seuil on chase debut, and even though turning into a sprint finish which wouldn't have suited Taquin, Oscar was brushed aside. He just doesn't look the horse he was, and hasn't done for a year now. 2.4 looks generous as should be fav in my book, about 1.8.
Moonbeg Dude looks a cracking bet in the 2.10 at 17-2. After only ten chase starts, he still has plenty of scope off his current mark, and proved this at the Open meeting, when denied by a poor ride. Considering he needs holding onto, Dickie Johnson put the gun to his head very early, and he was headed on the long run in, having looked all over a winner jumping the last. With the benefit of that run, and hopefully a more patient approach from Tom Scu, he will surely take beating. Theatre Guide is a deserving fav on the strength of his fine Hennessy run, but this comes very quickly on the back of such a performance, and he is hardly the most consistent.
Having backed Thomas Crapper in his last two wins, i wont dessert him now. A fast improver, he is a handicappers nightmare, looking like he is just doing enough to win on both occasions, and escaping a sharp rise. Proven around here, expect further progress and another ground out win tomorrow. 6s looks big.
Finally, backing Any Currency in the X Country. Harshly treated on ratings the last day, he can show what he can do off his current mark around here tomorrow. Trained locally, he looked well at ease on the course, and should prove too good for these.
The big chase is very competitive, there is nothing between Moonbeg and Knockara on their previous run, Prince of Pirates is a bit of dark horse lurking, Theatre Guide brings the best form to the table a 2lb rise is hardly taxing but will he reproduce it?.
Watching brief for me.
I like Southland Theatre 3.15 to reverse the form with Return Spring with the slight weight pull and the small drop in trip, Ladcrooks are as usual way too short at 5/2, Boyles are 4/1 as I type but for how long?, certainly won't go off at Ladcrooks miserly 5/2.
But having said that Ladcrooks were a standout 25/1 Dan Breen 1.40 now 16/1, Dan was running huge race in this exact contest a year ago only to make a horrendous error at the last but still clung on for 3rd, off the same mark today and with his jockey taking off 7lb there is an argument to say he is very well handicapped and at the prices looks worth a speculative ew stab.
I might chance Doctor Harpur against the Hobbs one in the last.
Certainly an interesting card.The big chase is very competitive, there is nothing between Moonbeg and Knockara on their previous run, Prince of Pirates is a bit of dark horse lurking, Theatre Guide brings the best form to the table a 2lb rise is hard
No Mushroom, not backing Up and Go. Didn't think he value last night, and certainly don't think he is now. He may indeed come on enough for debut, to win here, but as I said, I wasn't at all impressed with his lack of conviction at his fences. Hendos have been needing the run, otherwise I would have a good bet on Open Hearted. Have had a small place lay of Up and Go at 1.52 instead. He may prove me wrong, and devour his fences today, but to my eye, Maguire had to ask him to attack a few too many, it didn't look natural.
No Mushroom, not backing Up and Go. Didn't think he value last night, and certainly don't think he is now. He may indeed come on enough for debut, to win here, but as I said, I wasn't at all impressed with his lack of conviction at his fences. Hendos
After the cruelty of what happened Monbeg last day to you in particular Huddys you got your deserved payback,well done Callit a nice priced winner to put up.
After the cruelty of what happened Monbeg last day to you in particular Huddys you got your deserved payback,well done Callit a nice priced winner to put up.
No 'Dude' about to mark our card this time although Theatre Guide does run again BUT BALLY LONGFORD @10/1 ought to continue this winning thread at 1.30 tomorrow in the 3m2f Handicap Chase. Aidan Coleman takes over 2moro after beating stablemate Sizing Codelco here last time and Tizzard & Co will surely have learned a lot from that experience. We'll see did the Potts make a good move to Engerland. The fav Southfield Theatre was unlucky last time, and he's also has been a shade unlucky around Cheltenham - where his record reads 4,1,3,4,2,2,BD (second to Don Poli in 2015 RSA) - with his only win, a bumper! at his third attempt. The combo might do the double in the 3.15.
The following 2.05 race - the 3m6f Glenfarclas Cross Country H/cap Chase - should remain in Enda's hands with Cantlow 7/4 and Mark Walsh.
No 'Dude' about to mark our card this time although Theatre Guide does run again BUT BALLY LONGFORD @10/1 ought to continue this winning thread at 1.30 tomorrow in the 3m2f Handicap Chase. Aidan Coleman takes over 2moro after beating stablemate Sizin