Cheltenham Previews [Archive]

JamesM

02-03-2010, 12:43 PM

I just thought i'd set up a thread for anyone to post in any previews they get.

JamesM

02-03-2010, 12:44 PM

Panel:
Gary O’Brien (GOB) – attheraces
Matt Chapman (MC) – attheraces
John Hackett (JH) – Hackett Bookmakers
Davy Russell (DR) – jockey
Tony Mullins (TM) – trainer
Johnny Ward (JW) – Irish journalist
Christian Williams (CW) – jockey
Kevin O’Ryan – Jockey agent

A good crowd was in attendance for what must have been the longest preview night I’ve ever attended! The atmosphere was good though and the banter between MC and DR was top class.
The format of the evening was to cover the hurdle races and then move on to the chases.

Supreme Novices’
GOB: Is Dunguib beatable?
JH: Yeah sure, impressive so far but jumping is a question mark, tough to beat though. Menorah e/w for me.
MC: Dunguib is a certainty, should be 1/2 in my book, 5/6 is massive. Menorah is a nutcase, Get Me Out Of Here is promising but I think Bellvano is the best McManus runner. Just get Dunguib in the Champion Hurdle, Sea The Stars of the jumps world.
KOR: Dunguib is a certainty but why Champion Hurdle?
MC: Champion would be run perfectly to suit.
DR: Dunguib wouldn’t get involved in the Champion this year; would finish 8th. Honestly he wouldn’t live in it, don’t know why we’re evening talking about it.
TM: Dunguib will win half he track, 5/6 unreal price, certainty of meeting, no one will get him off the bridle, most exciting horse I’ve ever seen.
JW: His jumping isn’t an issue, never looked like falling, 1/4 in my book.

Neptune Hurdle
GOB: Some Present, Davy?
DR: Very good horse but Dunguib beating him has hurt his confidence, Rite Of Passage is a big problem for us. Irish better than the English.
GOB: 3/1 ok for Rite Of Passage?
DR: Standout out novice, bar Dunguib, Dermot Weld is crazy about him, future Melbourne Cup winner.
TM: Big fan of him but looks more a flat horse to me. His best performance to date was on the level in the November Handicap. Looks a poor race this one actually, I’ll arrive late and miss it! Form is all mixed up and Weld hasn’t had a Cheltenham winner for 20 odd years.
JW: I wouldn’t back him @ 3s and I prefer Quantitativeeasing @ 16s.
KOR: I like Rite Of Passage, impressed me no end and will be hard beat. Jumps well and is solid. Quel Esprit e/w if he runs here.
MC: Weld just uses Cheltenham to get ready for Galway, we all know that! I’m nor convinced by Rite Of Passage, not sure he’s quite good enough. Reve De Sivola not a sexy horse but is already a Grade 1 winner.
JH: Peddlers Cross has been well supported and I’m happy to lay the favourite.
CW: Favourite will take the beating but Reve De Sivola is the best of the British.

Albert Bartlett
GOB: What about the Iirsh?
JW: Quel Esprit if he goes for it has a big chance. Shinrock Paddy is ok too.
CW: Tell Massini, I rode him in work the other day and was impressive. He’ll be hard to beat.
TM: Hope Shinrock is, he’s a good horse with a chance. Quel Esprit though he goes for it. Enterprise Park is a very good horse though and is improving fast.
DR: Competitve race, Tell Massini is good, Shinrock is class but stamina is a worry for him. Enterprise Park is interesting.
KOR: Big fan of Quel Esprit and this 3m would really suit him.
MC: Not a good ante-post race as no one really knows who’s going for it. Quel Esprit must be better than we’ve seen seeing as how much Willie Mullins goes on about him. Najaf is the interesting one though.
CW: Najaf will be better next year in my opinion.
JH: Enterprise Park is the interesting one for money.

Triumph Hurdle
GOB: Mile Chief now doubtfull.
DR: Hard to assess. Carlito Brigante has done nothing wrong, but he works terribly at home, so its hard to figure him out. Don’t take his beating of Alavian seriously, and Alavian is probably the one to beat.
TM: All of these have been beating each other, so I think they are all useless.
DR: I’ve heard good things about Super Kenny from Nicky Henderson’s yard.
JW: The Irish are strong. Not Carlito nor Alavian but Secant Star is the one to beat.
CW: English horses are poor, the Irish will win it. Alan King loves Mille Chief, but I can’t have him.
KOR: Alavian worthy favourite and hard to beat. He is slowly getting the hand of things and is a different class.
JH: Most money for Secant Star, although Super Kenny is interesting and has been nibbled at.

Champion Bumper
GOB: Tavern Times?
DR: Very nice horse. His Tuesday morning work will decide if he runs or not. The bumpers this year are hard to judge.
TM: Day of a Lifetime is the best of Willie Mullins’ gang. It is so hard to judge bumpers in Ireland now; using inside tracks are no good. Al Ferof is a very good horse. He is an improver and is tough.
JW: Really like Shot from the Hip, and I’m not too keen on anything else. Ignore the hype, and follow the form.
TM: Hidden Universe has no chance. He is a 100-1 shot and it is completely impossible for him to win.
KOR: Al Farof has been impressive.
CW: I’m not Irish, so what do I know?!

World Hurdle
GOB: Is Big Bucks beatable?
CW: He’s no value, but a certainty for this. Along with Kauto Star he is the best horse in training.
JW: He’s a funny horse. He often looks in trouble but is clearly just taking the mick. Mourad for the E/W money but Tidal Bay can go well too.
TM: Big Bucks is a world apart. Tidal Bay is value though, and a good bet without the favourite. Can’t see what all the fuss is about Mourad.
DR: War of Attrition loves the track and will stay. E/W at 33s is cracking value. I’m gutted the Grand National has been ruled out BUT there is still a chance he might run.
KOR: I respect War of Attrition, but I like Tidal Bay and Cousin Vinny E/W.
MC: Big Bucks is good value, as he’s world class. Powerstation can make the frame.

Champion Hurdle:
GOB: Zaynar’s defeat has opened it all up…
DR: I have a great chance with Solwhit but I am worried about Go Native. I am slightly concerned Solwhit might lack a gear at a crucial time. I can’t fancy Zaynar, but Punjabi is not a million miles away.
CW: Go Native was maybe lucky last year at Cheltenham. Khyber Kim is the best of the English.
JW: Solwhit is an awesome bet. He just keeps improving and keeps going, and Go Native won’t hold him off up the hill.
TM: I’d love to see Go Native win and get the £1 million bonus. Zaynar should be 100-1 but Punjabi should be there again. It’s basically Solwhit V Go Native, and it’s hard to split them.
MC: Go Native is a dog. Zaynar is no good. Medermit is rubbish. Punjabi is boring and Celestial Halo is slow. Solwhit wins, and only Davy Russell can muck this up!

Arkle
GOB: Big Irish challenge…
JH: We (Irish) should win this and rightly dominate. Mikael D’Haguenet taken out of betting after schooling here after racing today.
MC: Captain Cee Bee is better since his injury and having McCoy onboard will help. Market has is right. Somersby not for me.
KOR: Great training to bring back Captain Cee Bee. Somersby is a good horse but I’ not sure about Hen Knight.
DR: I’d ride Captain if I had the choice, best horse in the race. Somersby is the danger, can’t have Sports Line.
TM: Captain is the class horse. Clear round = certainty. Sports Line is improving and is doing better than the opinion of him in the yard.
JW: I’ve got 25s on Captain so I’m happy! Sizing Europe has no chance but Sports Line is value.
CW: I’m surprise AP (McCoy) has got off Somersby for Captain.

RSA
GOB: Pandorama is doubtful which is a real shame…
KOR: Uimhiraceathair schooled well today but he’s not good enough. Punchestowns and Long Run can fight it out.
MC: Don’t like the Irish, Punchestowns decent bet at around 7/2.
TM: Punchestowns is the class, Irish are well behind.
DR: Very tough ask for Weapons Amnesty, he’s getting better but not good enough for this. +

Ryanair
GOB: What did you make of Tranquil Sea’s win today?
MC: Didn’t impress me, even allowing for the trip being short of his best. Don’t like Poquelin, Barber’s Shop seems so obvious. Quality animal running over his perfect trip.
KOR: I liked Tranquil Sea today actually.
JW: Me too, plenty to like about it, did nothing wrong.
TM: Barber’s Shop is class, Tranquil Sea for the Irish. Head-to-head between them.
JW: Terrible race. Is it exciting? Tranquil is solid
DR: Tranquil Sea the value bet of the meeting.

Queen Mother
GOB: Master Minded Christian?
CW: We all know how good he is but I like Kalahari King.
DR: The one odds-on favourite that is beatable, Kalahari King is a real danger. His performance at Doncaster was very impressive.
JW: MM was flattered in this 2 years ago but with question marks against all his rivals he should win again.
TM: Best ever performance I’ve seen at the Festival was his two ears ago. If Nicholls is right, and he’s back to his best, then it’s game over for the rest.
MC: Probably the greatest 2m chaser ever, nothing is in his league.

Gold Cup
GOB: Denman vs. Kauto, the main event…Cooldine schooled well today.
CW: Big Denman fan but you can’t be with him after that last run. Have we seen the best Denman since his Gold Cup win? No.
DR: I agree but he’ll be better at Cheltneham. Not sure if McCoy is the right man, Sam Thomas should have the ride.
CW: Maybe he needs blinkers now.
MC: If both horses are at their peak then Denman wins. They need to be ultra positive on him, I’d grind them into the ground.
DR: I agree, take them all on early. Sam Thomas knows the horse better than anyone.
TM: Not sure why we’re talking about this as Kauto will win! Cooline worth a second look.
JW: Denman has no chance.

clayton

02-03-2010, 12:55 PM

brilliant, thanks for this James

clayton

02-03-2010, 01:00 PM

paul nicholls said that his best chance of a winner at the festival is Big Bucks, says it all really as he has quite a number of chances of winners.

Patrick Mullins said last Friday night at the one i was at, that what ever race Mikael D'augenaet runs in - BACK HIM.

Andrew Lynch said that his bes chance of a winner is Sizing Australia in the cross country

JamesM

02-03-2010, 01:08 PM

I'd fancy Sizing myself to turn the tables on Garde, as long as the weights don't go ridiculous ill back him..

clayton

02-03-2010, 01:45 PM

weights must be out now surely?

if dunguib is beaten, there will be a lot of dissatisfied people i can tell you.

wertyu

02-03-2010, 02:16 PM

PP are paying out on all single losing bets if Dunguib wins the Supreme.

JamesM

02-03-2010, 02:27 PM

weights must be out now surely?

if dunguib is beaten, there will be a lot of dissatisfied people i can tell you.

checked racecards on sporting life there and thats the only race they dont seem to have up for the Tuesday yet.

clayton

02-03-2010, 02:56 PM

checked racecards on sporting life there and thats the only race they dont seem to have up for the Tuesday yet.

can you post up the link for the rest of them here please

south

02-03-2010, 03:22 PM

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cheltenham+Festival+preview+nights.-a0219974928

JamesM

02-03-2010, 03:32 PM

http://horses.sportinglife.com/Cheltenham2010/Racecards/

GDLUCKXABI

02-03-2010, 03:47 PM

Kalahari King each way at 6/1 - I dont think u can actually lose on that, he is defo gonna be second if he cant beat masterminded!

clayton

02-03-2010, 03:55 PM

yeah i think out of all of nicholls / walsh odds on fav's, master minded is the most likely one to be turned over.
law of average would say that kauto star, big bucks and master minded all can't win..... you never know though however.

Daz

02-03-2010, 04:10 PM

Bar the last fence cock up (which Ruby blamed on himself) MM looked phenomenal the last day. His 2 jumps at the 2nd and 3rd last were incredible.

elvis

02-03-2010, 04:54 PM

stiffler

02-03-2010, 05:27 PM

Anyone heading to the preview night in Belfast next monday night?

GDLUCKXABI

03-03-2010, 08:35 AM

Oh I think Masterminded is sure to win but I dont think anybody else in the field will get close bar kalahari king so each way at 6/1 I think is a cert to give a return.

He'll get second atleast for sure.

david_w

03-03-2010, 10:52 AM

gowinit6times

04-03-2010, 09:26 PM

Patrick Mullins said last Friday night at the one i was at, that what ever race Mikael D'augenaet runs in - BACK HIM.

Has just been ruled out of Cheltenham by Willie Mullins. I think Long Run is a great bet for the RSA @ 9/2, this horse is potentially the future of staying chasers.

JamesM

05-03-2010, 02:44 PM

The event went ahead at about 9:45 and did not finish up until 12:45am . There was no English coverage which was a pity but all panel and the video guy done the night for free so with the 20e Admission going to various charities in was just about worth it .
Gordon Elliot did not have much to say on the races and PP had someone on the panel but did not give out any free bets to the public but did give Charties bets to the panel .

Gary O’Brien was a good MC and Kevin O’Ryan did a great job and was the heart and soul of the night. Will Lattimore seemed a shrewd judge.
Gordon Elliot = GE
Robbie Power = RP
Franny Woods = FW
Kevin O’Ryan ( Jockeys Agent & ATR) = KR
Will Lattimore(ATR) = WL
Paul Paddy Powers = PP
Gary O’Brien = GB

Supreme Novice Hurdle
GE – Dunguib class horse , Jumping a worry but if he stands up he wins.
RP= Dunguib Wins , Blackstairs Mountain ew chance.
FW = Dunguib should win but Oscar Whiskey a good ew bet.
KR = Dunguib will love better ground and will win.
WL = Dunguib Wins but Menorah w/o looks a great bet.

Arkle
GB = Had a good anti post on Captain Cee Bee but thinks Sportsline is now the ew Value
PP = CCB is a poor jumper and Sportsline is a huge ew price at 12/1
GE = Osana EW
RP= CCB is a lot better than Sizing Europe , Somersby is a big danger to the Irish runners but overall Sizing Europe is a major lay
FW = CCB wins , has course form and will love the ground
KR = Hen Knight is a shit trainer and Boy George could of trained Best mate so he cant back Somersby , Sizing Europe is the class act in the field and should be winning.
WL = Somersby is a great jumper and won the best trail for the race and is a massive price at 6/1.

Champion Hurdle
PP = Medermit and Sublimity EW
GE = Starluck EW
RP = Solwhit is a bit lazy but got a great engine , Go native is a bridle horse and cant win . Zaynar is a huge price now and with Blinkers should be fav.
FW = Go native should win , but has been backing sublimity ew and huge prices
KR = Between Go NAtive and Solwhit went for Go native
WL = No front runner in the race which is a huge issue , Celestial Halo will go from the front with Ruby up and will take all the beating.

Cross Country
GE = Silver birch wont get into the NAtional so this is his gold cup and will be there trying its best.

Mares Hurdle
Just quick runa round and all the guys went for Voller de Veddet for Colm Murphy

Neptune Novice hurdle
GE = Peddlers cross has a great chance and his mate Jason McGuire think the world of the horse.
GB = Quiel Esprit is his fancy and was chatting Ted Walsh about race and he also fancies Quiel Esprit
PP= Wide open Finnians rainbow ew
RP – Summit Surge is a huge price and will go very close he will ride it.
KR = Rite of Passage to win on his way to running in the Melbourne Cup next Autumn
FW = RoP wont win and peddlers cross ew
WL= RoP cant jump and wont be sited Queil Esprit is a huge price

RSA Chase
PP = Seen Mickeal Dhaugnet school amazingly over fences on tuesday and looked like a superstar and will run on Sunday. Will be about 4/1 not the 14s now if he wins.
GB – Unceatheir mor is a big price ew
GE = Punchestown should win
RP = Fancies Punchestown
KR = Be very surprised if MD runs the bounce factor would be a huge worry if he did fancies Punchestown.
WL = Huge value in Weapons Amnesty has ran five times over fences which wil be a huge help compared to a lot of his rivals who have only ran once or twice.

Champion Chase
Everyone said Master minded was a cert and Big Zeb will probably Fall
WL = Kalahari King W/o Master Minded was a good punt
GE = Agreed With Will About Kalahairi

Cheltenham Bumper
KR = thinks Hidden Universe will be the weld runner , but even though he is Pat Smullens agent he think its crazy having flat jockeys riding in the race.
They all went for Al Ferof stating that Day of a life time was by far the best Mullins horse this year. but was a race to leave alone.
KR = Said he would not not back tavern times cause it was a pig of a thing like its owner DR
RP = Weld wont win becuase if he does not know which of his two is the best , both of them are probably only average.

RyanAir
RP – barbers Shop has been running in top class races adn should be winning
FW = Voy por has to have a great chance and is a huge price
WL = Voy por is one of the bets of the meeting at the price
KR – tranquil Sea small ew
GB – J’Vole ew
GE = Tranquil Sea EW

World Hurdle
They all said Big Bucks wins and War Of Attrition a solid ew bet at 33/1
KR – Cousin Vinny is a solid ew bet in a poor race outside the fav , Tidal bay is a cert to be placed
GB- Sentry Duty ew

Coral Cup
WL – Noble price will go very close for Paul Nolan
RP – rides Prince erik and should get a place

Jewson
FW – The package will go very close to winning

Triumph hurdle
GE – Carlito is in great form and should take a lot of beating .
FW – Didnt like race hope GE should of won.
RP – Alavan should win
KB – Don’t like Pettoni Alavan is the best of the Irish with Mille Chief best of the English

Cheltenham Gold Cup
They all said Denman has no chance and only won hennessy because of Ruby and he might fall, Kauto will win on the bridle.
GE – Imperial Commander to be second to Kauto

Albert Bartlet
RP – Shinrock paddy will go very close
Wl – Enterprise Park is worth a decent bet

Charity bets
WL – 100 ew Celestial Halo 16/1
KR – 100 ew Tidal Bay 10/1
PP – 100ew Restless Harry
FW- 200 Captain Cee Bee
GE – 100 ew Silver birch at 33/1 to finish in first five – PP guy gave it to him after a few min.
RP – 100 ew War of Attrition @ 33/1
Gb – 100 ew Quiel Esprit 12/1

JamesM

05-03-2010, 02:44 PM

The panel consisted of:

Paul Nicholls (PN), Andrew King (AK), David Pipe (DP), Harry Findlay (HF), Phillip Hobbs (PH), Paddy Power (PP) and hosted by Zoey Bird (ZB)

There was also input from Nick Williams (NW), trainer of Diamond Harry and Reve De Sivola, who was in the audience.

Supreme Novices

ZB: We’ll start with the Supreme Novices and obviously Dunguib is the strong favourite and looks a sure thing at the prices.

PP: Yeah, he is very short and looks unbeatable.

HF: I will be backing him. Last year’s bumper was competitive and I have never seen a run like it, all his form has been franked. The Arabs should buy him for the flat with his speed. He looks the real deal to me.

PH: Menorah is decent but I can’t say whether he’s good enough for Dunguib. However, its always worth taking on.

PN: Ghizao won’t run. Pepe Simo most likely and he has an outside chance.

DP: Dan Breen impressed last time and put up a very good show at Doncaster. I’m very impressed with his jumping and he has an outside squeak. Get Me Out Of Here has looked impressive and if he goes he has an each-way chance.

AK: Get Me Out Of Here is the value bet other than the favourite. Short priced favourites are not everyone’s cup of tea and Menorah is a lot better than the showing on Saturday.

Arkle

ZB: We move onto the Arkle, the prices Paddy?

PP: The Irish have really got stuck into Dunguib and will be looking to lump those winnings onto Captain Cee Bee. Although I believe him to be falsely shorter than Sizing Europe.

AK: Captain Cee Bee for me although both of the top two in the betting cannot really be fancied. It would be nice for Somersby to win for Henrietta Knight and has a good chance.

HF: I’m finding it hard to price up Somersby. Captain Cee Bee would have beat Sizing Europe if he had not fallen when they met last time. Long Run could end up here which would be interesting.

ZB: Paul, you have Tataniano here.

PN: Yes, he travelled really well last time but made a mistake at the last and has now been dismissed for the race it seems. I slightly regret running him at Newbury. He is a decent ground horse but his form has not really worked out. Somersby is nice but the form isn’t great. This looks a really open race to me. Woolcombe Folly is a big price as he has the speed and jumps well. Ruby has not decided who he will be on yet. The Nightingale will probably have to wait for Aintree.

ZB: What about Riverside Theatre?

HF: No big opinion for me but I don’t like Osana.

Champion Hurdle

ZB: Prices Paddy?

PP: Yeah (goes through prices), we also have Dunguib at 3/1 with a run, but thats only a 10% chance.

ZB: What does Go Native have to do to be favourite?

HF: It depends on the ground for me. If the ground is good Go Native will be favourite. Solwhit has had a hard season so others look a better option but Dunguib tempts me as it looks a weak race.

ZB: Does Medermit have enough.

AK: No. If the ground is good Starluck has to have a chance each-way for me. It looks an open race.

ZB: How is Celestial Halo Paul?

PN: He loves Cheltenham and it brings out the best in him but we are hoping for better ground. He has come into his coat and looks fabulous. I maybe regret running him at Leopardstown now. Apart from Go Native and Solwhit it looks very open and Khyber Kim may have a chance.

Audience: How do you rate Punjabis chance considering he won what looked a better race last year?

HF: You just need to see Nicky Henderson’s face after last year’s win; he looked so surprised he was fit to burst! The form hasn’t really worked out and has taken a bit of a battering.

Neptune Investments

ZB: Any money for the Neptune Investments Paddy?

PP: Rite Of Passage has been well supported.

ZB: Were you on Rite Of Passage last year Harry?

HF: Yes, only small. His jumping is a concern and Finians Rainbow may be the best bet at the prices. I don’t fancy Reve De Sivola.

AK: I disagree with Harry, I think Sivola has a very good chance and this has always been his trip. I cannot see him being out of the top three.

NW: He has an each-way chance. He has not progressed a huge amount from last year and will need to improve.

ZB: He looks a solid each-way option. What about Peddlers Cross?

HF: No opinion.

AK: Same for me so onto Paddy!

PP: He looks to have a good chance in my book.

PN: Najaf won’t be running. May try Ghizao here as the trip is ideal and he would have an each-way chance.

DP: I have three entered but the only one I may run is The Package. He wouldn’t mind the ground and stays forever. He has to improve on official ratings and is not the easiest to get right.

RSA

ZB: Onto the RSA.

PP: We have taken money today for Long Run.

PH: Punchestowns has looked good and has a great chance. It looks between the two Henderson horses for me.

AK: Long Run’s jumping looks suspect to me and that’s a worry around Cheltenham. Although it’s a no bet race for me, Punchestowns looks solid and would be my choice.

HF: I nearly bought Long Run, there seemed to be many problems and I have no idea how it fell apart. He has a real engine and for me he will be a Gold Cup horse in two years. He is a three miler already and could go for the Arkle. Bensalem looks to have had his tactics all wrong this seasons and therefore I cannot have Diamond Harry as Bensalem should have beat him. The front two in the betting look classy. The worry with the jockey for Long Run is the reason he is not shorter.

NW: Long Run’s run in the Feltham is one of the best runs I have ever seen from a novice. Punchestowns made a meal of beating Paul’s horse (Tchico Polos). Pandorama can’t be left out and looks rock solid. Diamond Harry was great at Haydock but disappointed at Newbury and I agree with Harry about Bensalem.

PN: There is no doubt Long Run is the best horse and I thought he jumped ok at Warwick. I’m not convinced Punchestowns is a total stayer after McCoy said he is like a two and half miler. Slight possibility I will run The Nightingale if impressive on Saturday.

PP: Pandorama is big price. The trainer of Weapons Amnesty had a charity bet and put it on Pandorama.

ZB: I don’t think we have seen the best of Pandorama left handed.

Champion Chase

ZB: Paul, I think we will start with you and Master Minded.

PN: He is now as well as he was two years ago and is capable of a similar victory. He was not right for last year’s run and I was never happy with him until we found he had problems with his ribs. He had six weeks off after that and was only walking until the 6th Jan. I only ran him to see if the spark was back and he looked fantastic. Twists’ form actually gave Ruby a headache (he is Rubys’ main fear) but after his last run he has a fantastic chance again. Kalahari King has a big gap to make up to catch Twist Magic and Master Minded.

ZB: Twist Magic has a bit of a mind of his own.

PN: Yes, he dropped Sam twice last year on the way down to the track. Even so Master Minded has that extra class.

PP: The Irish are interested in Big Zeb and if he stands up he could be the one to take it to Master Minded.

HF: I’m very convinced by Master Minded after what Ruby Walsh said on Saturday and you would be to. He looked very good and Ruby was very bullish about him afterwards. His prices makes him a bet.

DP: I agree, it was not a great race at Newbury but he will win. Well Chief has had a break and is good fresh at Cheltenham. Although not as good as before he is still a fantastic horse. He never lets us down and if he lines up I doubt he will again.

AK: Master Minded will probably win. Twist Magic’s Cheltenham form is moderate at best. Kalahari King’s form from Doncaster doesn’t really stand up and he is no way near Master Minded.

Champion Bumper

ZB: Obviously, we are not sure of runner as not everything has been entered. Paul shall we start with Al Ferof?

PN: Yes, the Champion Bumper is the intention. Won well at Newbury but he is a stayer and the plan is for him to go chasing in the future. He likes a bit of cut in the ground as he has tons of stamina so he has a place chance. If the ground is very dry he may not run.

PP: Day Of A Lifetime has been impressive but Dermot Weld holds the key here and has a very good chance with Elegant Concorde and is very good on good ground.

ZB: Dunraven Storm Phillip?

PH: He was going to run at Ascot but it was too soft. Dare Me has bolted up in both starts and both are nice horses but the bumper looks very tough.

HF: Mullins sold Day Of A Lifetime to his top owner so he thinks a lot of him. There isn’t as much hype this year about his bumpers though and seems most excited about his novice hurdlers.

Pertemps Final

ZB: The Pertemps looks fairly tricky and is hard to work out with no set prices. Alfie Sherron has a big reputation already Harry?

HF: He is really impressive to the eye and looks like a rocket. Paul has done really well with him as he is hard to train. He has a 12lb penalty from his last win but the form has been franked. He could potentially be anything.

PN: He’s hard because he struggles with his knees. Has gone lame after two wins but we’ve kicked on and has a good chance despite the penalty.

DP: We were second here last year with Buena Vista who is off the same mark but wants good ground. We also have Our Vic who could be interesting. Although the World Hurdle is more likely, Mr Thriller would have a decent chance.

ZB: Fair Along?

PH: Probably going for the World Hurdle but his last run wasn’t great.

Ryanair

ZB: The Ryanair next and this looks very difficult to work out.

PP: Poquelin is a popular favourite.

ZB: Should Tranquil Sea be favourite?

PN: If the ground if soft then yes, Tranquil will be favourite. Poquelin is ground dependent and the new ground on Thursday should be good enough which is helpful. Has run well of late despite the ground being against him. We will have to see the weights before deciding on Chapoturgeon but a handicap is likely.

ZB: Barbers Shop?

AK: This is his trip and has a good chance. Planet Of Sound for me also has a great chance. Hopefully his confidence has been repaired from Saturday.

PH: I’ve no idea if his confidence is back and he can’t walk!

AK: Thanks for telling me that.

PH: He’s a good horse but may like a longer trip and is still inexperienced.

DP: Our Vic has a chance is the ground is soft. He has won twice this year and although I cannot say he is better than ever at twelve years old he is a still a good horse.

HF: I like Poquelin but it is very ground dependent.

World Hurdle

ZB: Onto the World Hurdle Paddy.

PP: Yes, Big Bucks dominates the betting and is the banker for many. Cousin Vinny has also been backed.

ZB: Big Bucks has proven you can’t rule out horses that revert back to hurdles after a stint over fences.

PN: Yes. He would have been a Gold Cup horse is he continued over fences. Ruby is very happy with him and will be hard to beat.

HF: Not nice for me and Denman but the two horses Paul has known all along what the plan would be are Kauto Star and Big Bucks and both look great.

AK: The rest are only playing for places really. Karabak did well last year but what has happened recently?

ZB: Any others?

HF: I make Tidal Bay second favourite and would back him in a match bet over Karabak.

ZB: He seems a bit of a shirker though.

HF: He’s won a lot of races for a shirker!

DP: Mr Thriller is a big price and maybe has each-way value.

ZB: Any questions?

Audience: What about Chapoturgeon going for the Grand Annual?

PN: Yes, he has an entry but we need to see the weights first. We don’t want him top weighted.

Audience: Obviously there have been a lot of problems with the weather and trainers up north have had a mountain of problems. Does it really make a difference?

PN: Well hopefully the snow stays up north and we will be happy! It does make a difference but it also depends on the facilities available. Obviously it is great to have an all weather gallop.

Audience: Is Voy Por Ustedes a big price?

HF: I can’t have him at any price. Not at all.

Triumph Hurdle

ZB: Flat experience is important and Advisor looked good Paul.

PN: Yes, we have had a lot of fun with him. The form doesn’t always stand up with juveniles but he has all the attributes for this contest and has many similarities to Celestial Halo. I’m hopeful of a big run.

PP: Carlito Brigante should be shorter.

HF: I agree, he is hard to keep out and shouldn’t be out of the top five.

PN: Pistol Noir may fun for us but he hasn’t been jumping that well and can be timid which is a negative in a race like this, he is one for the future.

NW: Flat experience is a must and I agree with Paul the horse needs to be tough. It is a large field in a quick race.

DP: Notus De La Tour has only run once over here but has impressed me. Unlike most French horses he has settled well and is very straight forward. He sprints all the way and even on bad ground. He is one we like and has one of the best chances of all our runners at the meeting.

ZB: Mille Chief Andrew?

AK: I have backed him as the race is not living up to its star billing. He has done everything he has been asked for and has a great chance.

Albert Bartlett

PP: Looks a very open race and we are not sure on the line up.

AK: Tell Massini has solid form and deserves to be favourite. He has not been seen since December but has had a gallop and from what I’ve seen has a great chance.

HF: No opinion for me. Maybe Silver Kate.

PP: Enterprise Park at 10/1 is a big price and Shamrock Paddy is a good horse with a definite chance.

AK: The Betchworth Kid does not have enough and can’t compete with Tell Massini who has the form in the book.

PN: River DOr is unlikely to run and may go for the Martin Pipe race. Najaf has improved for last run and is intended for the race.

Gold Cup

ZB: This race needs to introduction and has given us a real treat the last few years. Paul you could have the first six home!

PN: That won’t happen as only five are running! What A Friend will look to Aintree or Punchestown.

ZB: All the vibes or right for Kauto.

PN: Yes, he showed great form at Kempton. We left him short for Haydock and he improved for the run. He looks fantastic and I fell his run at Kempton was one of his best ever. Ruby Schooled Denman and he is ok. I’m not too worried about the mistake last time and he is looking great now. If you had seen him before the Hennessy you wouldn’t have though he could win an egg and spoon race! Both are exactly where we want them, we are winding Denman up for the day whereas Kauto is just ticking over. I can’t believe people are writing off Denman, he was giving What A Friend 22lbs in the Hennessy who then went on to win a Grade 1. If Kauto is at his best it will take a lot to beat him but Denman is the one horse to do that. Cooldine has mountain to climb for me and for me Tricky Trickster and Taranis could put up a solid fight.

ZB: Are they hard words to hear Harry?

HF: No, I’ve been to see them both and as a short priced punter I would like Kauto. He has done punters well in the past. This is the first year he has only had two races for his prep and he looks fantastic, I will be amazed he if he is not at his best. Denman is a real character and Paul has done a great job with him. I’m confident he would have won without the mistakes at Newbury. McCoy is coming down once more and we may try blinkers but because of his character that could go either way. I’m just hopeful of a great race.

PP: Just looking and Cooldine is favourite without the big two.

HF: If he is, lay that all day long. If Cooldine is the best horse behind Kauto and Denman I’ll get a day job. The RSA turned out to be a terrible race last year. Tricky Trickster each-way interests me and he can stay forever whereas some of the others may struggle.

DP: We will see how Madison Du Berlais does on Saturday but it’s a two horse race and it all depends who is the healthiest on the day.

PH: The way recent events have unfolded Kauto is the obvious choice.

AK: It depends on the ground for me, if it is good (which it usually is) then Kauto but if it gets boggy then I would look elsewhere. I personally would be worried about Denmans run at Newbury.

HF: Oh yes, I think he would have still won but I was disappointed.

Coral Cup

ZB: How about the handicaps? The Coral Cup?

HF: Beshabar looks good.

ZB: I like him.

HF: Yes, all the girls like him, big chesnut. He has a good chance. He is looking towards the RSA next year. The 7lbs penalty is about right and will go novice chasing next year.

PN: Yes, we only have Beshabar.

DP: Mamlook’s Cheltenham form isn’t great but we are leaning towards this race. He is a good flat horse.

PH: Wishful Thinking is a possibility but is also entered for the Neptune. Has won all his three starts over hurdles and hopeful he could go well.

Jewson

ZB: You have Rivaliste here Paul.

PN: Yes, he is the same mark as Chapoturgeon last year and is in good form.

ZB: Leo’s Lucky Star David?

DP: He’s worth a step up in trip at some stage and may go to Newbury first after the weights are out. He’s a great traveller and we were hopeful of a place at Doncaster. We don’t want the ground too soft.

Martin Pipe

ZB: David, shall we start with you?

DP: Well I don’t have as many as last year but still enough. Its one race i’ll probably never win! Mutual Friend would want better ground but most probably top weight after win at Cheltenham. Ashkazar is the next best.

Audience: David I wondered if you would gave a gamble in the Imperial Cup and if you could tell us the name?

DP: That was my father! We have a few and will see.

Audience: Could I have Harry’s nap and Paddy’s lay of the festival?

HF: Dunguib/Big Bucks double, but the real nap is Europe to win the Ryder Cup!

PP: Garde Champetre. Is very short and I think L’Ami and Sizing Australia could put up a good fight.

Audience: Will Denman be run as aggressive as last year Harry?

PN: Don’t tell them Harry!

HF: Last year was an incredible run from Denman in what truth was a benefit race for Kauto. Kauto has looked great recently but we will give Denman a great go.

Audience: Out of all the horses that you do not train who would you like to have now?

ZB: I think Long Run would be the joint answer.

HF: Paul should be training him!

Paddy Power then offered each panellist a £200 charity bet, their choices were:

PN: Poquelin – Ryanair

AK: Mille Chief – Triumph Hurdle

HF: Big Bucks/Master Minded/Dunguib treble

DP: Long Run (wherever running)

PH: Long Run

ZB: Finians Rainbow – Neptune Invesments

JamesM

05-03-2010, 02:45 PM

Matt Chapman done the hosting, works very well in this role, had some great banter with Oliver Brady whos charity the night was in aid of. (Incidentally, Ollie has raised close to €500,000 for charity in the last 12 months for charities in Ireland and Kenya, a great man.)

Panelists, Oliver Brady, Dermot Weld, Dessie Mc Donagh, Frank Berry, Paddy Power, Tony Martin, Davy Russell, Dave Keena(Journo), Don Mc Clean (American Pie), John Cullen, and late arrivals, Christian Williams and Graham Bradley.

All in all, the main points are as follows. Weld thinks Rite of Passage is a very very good horse and will take all the beating. Will love Cheltenham etc etc. Didnt put anyone off backing him. In the bumper, likes them both, ground dependent on their chances, both will probably run anyways, Elegent needs good, Hidden likes soft. That was basically all to report from Weld.

Davy Russell is always good at these, and was the best by a mile for talking racing. He said he wasnt too sure on weapons amnesty, a bit slow mentally and not the best jumper. I think it was him that said Noel Fehily was absolutely sick about missing out on the ride on Weird Al (race someone please, havent time..) One horse that came up a few times, from Davy and then Shark Hanlon who was in attendance and was given a charity bet was Drumbaloo of JJ Lambes for the bumper. Very positive word on its ability. Davy was very impressed with Rite of passage when it beat him before. Davy had a good things to say about Tranquil Sea, and put this up as his Charity Bet.

They made three phone calls on the night, had them on the speakers, Firstly to Michael O Leary. Really likes Carlito Brigante, only other positive from anyone on the triumph was for the O Grady horse, Ailaivan or something. He said Grey Soldier is highly thought of and that paid compliment to Rite of Passage, but wont go to Chelt. War of Attrition, Stayers then swansong at Punch. There for the spin!!

Next Call to Willie. Positive news on Cooldine. Bradley said hedbeen on same flight as Ruby and he said Cooldine wouldnt be out of places. Mullins keen to stress he wouldnt be ruling out Quel Esprit as a big contender either. Enterpirse Park mentioned as one of his better hurdlers too. Gave a nice mention to Blackstairsmountain at a price.

Final call to Paul Nicholls, Rivilleuz or whatever its called for the Jewson, he has it in the post today anyways.That was basically all from him.

For the most part, the rest of the panel gave little opinion on anything. All in the opinion that Kuato was a good thing.

Someone like Karabak, think Berry said he was in good form. The champion hurdle, Davy said he like Solwhit, didnt rave about him, thinks its very competitive. Someone said Geraghty was very sweet on Punjabi. Most of them were ruling last years champion as a very poor one. Go Native was a popular pick amongst them.

When Christian Williams and Graham Bradley arrived, Williams said he thought Denman has never quite got over the Gold Cup 2 yrs ago. Didnt give off good vibes.

Bradley was very good when he spoke. Was against the theory that you need a 2 and a half miler for champion, thought that Go Native would pounce. He was very very positive on Long Run, thinks its a machine.

Frank Berrys charity bets, were half on Belvano and half on Lami. He stressed that Lami had a breathing op and that he was flying at the minute. Has Garde to beat but in fine fettle. Sunnyhill Boy go well ew in the Jewson.

Tony Martin gave us a yawn. That is all. Actually, thats unfair, he gave us several.

Charity Bets.

Dermot Weld Rite Of Passage

Graham Bradly Long Run

Tony Martin Whiteoak and Silver Birch ew in the Cross Country

John Cullen Premier Victory ew in the Albert Bartlett

Davy Russell Kalahari King and Tranquil Sea

Christian Williams Quevega and Tell Masini

Frank Berry Bellvano and Lami

Dessie Mc Donagh Punchestowns and Carlito Brigante

Matt Chapman Elegant Concorde

Don Mc Clean Captain Cee Bee

Dave Keena...Went for the Fenton Bumper horse, seemed sweet on it ew

Oliver Brady Takestan in the County Hurdle

Shark Hanlon Drumbaloo

GDLUCKXABI

05-03-2010, 02:49 PM

Cheers for those!

GaryMc

05-03-2010, 02:53 PM

'''''ZB: Obviously, we are not sure of runner as not everything has been entered. Paul shall we start with Al Ferof?

PN: Yes, the Champion Bumper is the intention. Won well at Newbury but he is a stayer and the plan is for him to go chasing in the future. He likes a bit of cut in the ground as he has tons of stamina so he has a place chance. If the ground is very dry he may not run''''

I hope this runs, have a few quid e/w on this at 33/1 and he is now into 10/1. Be sickened if it was pulled out at the last minute.

The St John

05-03-2010, 09:19 PM

Lads,I was speaking to David Pipe after the preview night held in Waterford last
night,he was very sweet on three of his running in the handicaps.
Ashkazar will run in the martin pipe conditional jockey's race,he's after dropping
nearly 20lbs from last year and really happy with his weight.
I'm So Lucky will run in the plate,this has been his plan all year,very happy with
him and should've won the last day but got brought down.Owners only bet
of the meeting is on this fella.
The Package in the William Hill is really well handicapped and is crying out for 3 miles and will relish Cheltenham.Is unexposed great chance.

Just thought I'd pass on what I was told.
Good Luck

SOC

09-03-2010, 07:49 PM

I heard there was a preview night in the Nest last night, anybody go to it? Any info worth passing on?

Millhouse

09-03-2010, 10:11 PM

clayton

10-03-2010, 08:04 AM

the talk of the weighing room is that Right of Passage is the lay of the festival.

GDLUCKXABI

10-03-2010, 02:36 PM

Lad in work just sent this around:

Hey folks,

Well I went to a Cheltenham preview night in the Cuckoo's Nest last night. Was a great bit of craic, went from about 8-11pm and had a great line up of pundits including

Derek 'Thommo' Thompson
Edward O Grady
Davy Russell
Mark 'The Couch' Winstanley
Noel O Brien
Brian Flannagan
Paddy Power (who calls himself the celebrity bookmaker, what a tw@t)

Anyway they went through ten of the races at the festival so I'd thought I'd pass on what info I gathered

Supreme Novices Hurdle - Tuesday 16th March

From all accounts there's only one horse in this race, Dunguib will not be beaten. All pundits agreed on this. Paddy Power basically said that the reason he is offering the money back if Dungrib wins is because it will cost him less to do this than if everyone is on Dungrib. Good each way bets for the money back offer are Flat Out and Blackstair Mountain, with the latter being the better shout. There's a doubt about Loosen My Load so stay away from that!! (Bet he wins it now)

Arkle Chase - Tuesday 16th March

Pundits were a bit split on this one. Eoin O Grady was the only one who had any faith in the Favourite Captain Cee Bee. He seems to think it will be an Irish 1,2,3 with Cee Bee, Sizing Europe and Osana. All the rest feel that Cee Bee's jumping is too eratic and feel that Sizing Europe is a better stayer and has a better chance. If the ground is good, Riverside Theatre will be a huge threat but more interesting is the possibilty that French Opera may be a late entry to this race and at odds of 25/1 would be worth a punt. The other good value outside bet is Shakervilz

Champion Hurdle - Tuesday 16th March

Davy Russell confirmed that his horse, Solwhit, the pre race favourite is out of the race, leaving Go Native as the out and out favourite, which the pundits all agreed has a great chance. Punjabi was mentioned as his closest competition and is the best valued of the outsiders. Other Each Way chances are Celestial Halo, Zaynar, Starluck and Medermit.

Novices Hurdle - Wednesday 17th March

Everyone but Paddy Power have written off the chances of the favourite Rite of Passage. Apparantley he has a wind proble, which when you're talking about a horse must be manky!!! All the pundits mentioned the same two horses, Peddlers Cross and Quel Esprit, with the latter being the preferred due to Ruby being on his back. Two outsiders worth an each way flutter are Summit Meeting at 20/1 and Some Present at 25/1.

Royal Sun Alliance Chase - Wednesday 17th March

To quote Davy Russell - Long Run is a freak!!!! The best horse in the race, with a few questions about his jumping but should be the one to watch. They didn't rate Punchestown too highly, but didn't completely write off his chances. Russell himself is on Weapons Amnesty and said that the stable have a few worries about the horse, but he's been with him for the last couple of days and he seems to be in good form. Best of the each way value is Uimhiraceathair

Queen Mother Champion Chase - Wednesday 17th March

Five of the pundits went for the odds on favourite Master Minded. The other two, Davy Russell and The Couch believe that there's just no value in going for him. They wrote off Twist Magics Chances saying that quite simply he is not good enough. Couch was amazing at Forpadytheplasterer was such high odds, but after checking today, he's down to 8's from 16's. Kalahari King was the only other horse that they said had a chance.

Champion Bumper - Wednesday 17th March

The favourite in this race is Elegant Concorde at 6-1. Eoin O Grady was the only one who seemed anyway sweet on the horse, where the rest said that they were avoiding him due to Welds terrible record at Cheltenham, 1 winner back in 1980. Surprisingly the pundits all agreed on one horse, the 14/1 shot Drumbaloo. He has won three bumpers in the past and all were amazed at the odds being offered. Another interesting horse mentioned is Al Ferof, who The Couch has said is possibly the next Kauto Star. Day of a Lifetime was also mentioned as well as Tavern Times. Funnily Enough when I went to get a pint I met Noel O Brien at the bar and asked him what did he think of Hidden Universe in the Bumper, who we got a tip for. He said he thought it had a great chance so I asked why didn't he mention when talking about horses with chances. He just smiled and said he didn't pass out all his information at nights like this.

World Hurdle - Thursday 18th March

Everyone said the same thing, Big Bucks is a sure thing. Davy Russell saying he can't be beaten, Brian Flanagan saying he's the certainty of the meeting and The Couch saying he's bomb proof. Interesting on the Each Way Market though are War of Attriction, Powerstation and Katchit, all at 33/1. Karabak and Tidal Bay might be worth a small punt, but it's all about Big Bucks.

Triumph Hurdle - Friday 19th March

All the pundits agree that my favourite horse at the moment, Carlito Brigante is in with a great shout in this race. The going for Cheltenham should be Good/Good to Soft, which will really suit him down to the ground (No Pun Intended……well maybe just a little one) Davy Russell is riding him and said he's in fantastic form and jumping really well. The Couch was the only one who said that he felt Alaivan would beat Carlito, and Secant Star is the only other horse mentioned. On a side not I've heard that Ruby is on Soldatino and is very confident about his chances.

Cheltenham Gold Cup - Friday 19th March

The big one!!!! And they all could only talk about one horse………Kauto Star!!!!!! They say that he is in absolutely fantastic form, and nothing will be able to touch him. Denman was brought up, and Davy Russell was the only one who thought he had any chance, which the Couch replied to, surprisingly, that he didn't think Denman would be in the race. He's heard rumours that the yard are going to pull him as they don't want him to be destroyed again. The panel thought that Cooldine would be Kauto's closest rival and each way bets for Imperial Commander and specifically Tricky Trickster look the best value for money.

So they were the ten races that they concentrated on. The floor was opened to the public and a few other horses to watch were

Ryan Air Chase - Thursday 18th March

Anyone of the three favourites Tranquil Sea, Poquelen and to a lesser mark, Barbershop

Coral Cup - Wednesday 17th March

Only one horse mentioned here, Mourad

Jewson Novice Handicap - Thursday 18th March

The Midnight Club at 20/1 and the favourite Rivaliste

Fred Winter Handicap - Wednesday 17th March

Cappellanus 10/1

Cross Country Handicap Chase - Tuesday 16th March

Argued that Grande Champetre is the greatest cross country horse going. They all agreed, especially with Nina on board, but interestly enough, they feel that the closest competition comes not from L'ami, but from Sizing Australia.

Pertemps Final Handicap - Thursday 18th March

Silk Affair, who we were also told about yesterday

Copper Blue is listed in three races and they're unsure which one he'll be in but say he's worth a flutter

Sericina in the Foxhunter Chase on Friday 19th March

Shinrock Paddy in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle on Friday 19th March

clayton

10-03-2010, 02:46 PM

it all points towards a dunguib / big bucks double..

GDLUCKXABI

10-03-2010, 02:51 PM

Im already on that.

Been suggested Dunguib will go off at a bigger price than what he is at now.

Everyone seems to fancy Long Run as well.

GDLUCKXABI

10-03-2010, 02:57 PM

Also am I the only person who is having a good serious look at Binocular for the Champion Hurdle?

barrydoherty

10-03-2010, 02:58 PM

Also am I the only person who is having a good serious look at Binocular for the Champion Hurdle?

I already have 20 quid e/w on him before he got pulled out at 8/1 so will be hoping he can prove his fitness. Binocular is a big price and hopefully can perform on the day.

clayton

10-03-2010, 03:01 PM

yep, binocular at 8/1 appeals to me too. punjabi was 16/1 last year and sprang a surprise, so he appeals to me to - actually, go native appeals to me too.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..........

clayton

10-03-2010, 03:02 PM

Im already on that.

Been suggested Dunguib will go off at a bigger price than what he is at now.

Everyone seems to fancy Long Run as well.

if the bookies are going to do that, it is blatantly obvious what they are going to do.
They are taking the massive hit on dunguib to reel in the custom for the remainder of the week.

I hope, for the first time ever, they get lashed out of it this Cheltenham.

barrydoherty

10-03-2010, 03:04 PM

There was bets took on Betfair at 72/1 for Binocular to win before he was bought back in. read on sportinglife

clayton

10-03-2010, 03:12 PM

There was bets took on Betfair at 72/1 for Binocular to win before he was bought back in. read on sportinglife

so there are some poor cu*ts somewhere having sleepless nights.

Daz

10-03-2010, 03:27 PM

There was bets took on Betfair at 72/1 for Binocular to win before he was bought back in. read on sportinglife

pretty sure I read it was for a lot bigger that 72/1

gowinit6times

10-03-2010, 03:55 PM

Im already on that.

Been suggested Dunguib will go off at a bigger price than what he is at now.

Everyone seems to fancy Long Run as well.

Dunguib has drifted slightly already and is currently trading at 1.99 on betfair. Some bookie will put up Evens shortly to try and reel in new account holders. I am waiting until he goes Evens before backing him.

I fancy Long Run strongly as well and have him backed at 11/2. This horse could win a Gold Cup next year if the talk is to be believed.

barrydoherty

10-03-2010, 04:04 PM

Six Betfair punters will be hoping Binocular does take his place in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle field.

Nicky Henderson's charge was expected to miss the race but is now back in training and could book his place at the Festival if he pleases connections next week.

J P McManus' charge drifted to the maximum price on Betfair when he was ruled him out of the Champion three weeks ago - £52 was matched (£26 backed; £26 laid) at those odds - and a colossal £881 has been matched at 100 (99-1) or bigger on the one-time favourite.

In addition, he has also been matched at 980 (979-1), 880 (879-1) and at all rates down from 720 (719-1) on the exchange.

Your right DAZ,

Daz

10-03-2010, 04:13 PM

Champion Bumper - Wednesday 17th March

The favourite in this race is Elegant Concorde at 6-1. Eoin O Grady was the only one who seemed anyway sweet on the horse, where the rest said that they were avoiding him due to Welds terrible record at Cheltenham, 1 winner back in 1980. Surprisingly the pundits all agreed on one horse, the 14/1 shot Drumbaloo. He has won three bumpers in the past and all were amazed at the odds being offered. Another interesting horse mentioned is Al Ferof, who The Couch has said is possibly the next Kauto Star. Day of a Lifetime was also mentioned as well as Tavern Times. Funnily Enough when I went to get a pint I met Noel O Brien at the bar and asked him what did he think of Hidden Universe in the Bumper, who we got a tip for. He said he thought it had a great chance so I asked why didn't he mention when talking about horses with chances. He just smiled and said he didn't pass out all his information at nights like this.
World Hurdle -

This was my original choice for the bumper. Very impressed with his win a few weeks ago. Another preview though that I read a few 'experts' said he has no chance and should be 100/1. - decisions decisions

Fran74

10-03-2010, 07:26 PM

his is a bonus preview report in addition to the ten we will cover as Ferdy Murphy (FM) and Denis O’Regan (DO’R), who were down for the Doncaster preview but could not attend, were appearing here so we wanted to include their views. Also appearing were to myself Paul Jones (PJ), Iain Turner (IT) of WBX.com and local racing journalist John Budden (JB). Denis O’Regan was riding in the last race at Newcastle so missed the start and joined the panel mid-way through the first day analysis. I’ve attended this preview for all five years and this was the best to date and the biggest audience so far, the biggest in the north I would say.

SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

FM: I’ve never seen a novice quicken like Dunguib when his rider changed his hands since Golden Cygnet and the mistakes he made early on were because he was put to sleep. If you have that kind of class, it is very hard to get beaten on good ground.

PJ: History has taught me you don’t win in the long run backing odds-on shots at the Festival and I like the two Mullins horses e/w or betting without Dunguib namely Flat Out and Blackatairmountain with the former the better value. I do like lightly-raced novices for this race and both won their only hurdling start.

IT: Get Me Out Of Here looks the best alternative to Dunguib so back him with Paddy Power who will refund stakes if the favourite wins.

JB: Dunguib is too short so take him on with both Get Me Out Of Here and Blackstairmountain.

ARKLE TROPHY

FM: We run I’m Delilah and she has a sporting each-way chance if she gets into an early rhythm. Captain Cee Bee will not get away with his mistakes here and Sizing Europe is a poor traveller and he wrecked the box on his way to Naas.

PJ: Sports Line is my idea of the best bet and hopefully they can rein his enthusiasm in a little. I see him improving greatly on his second in the Irish Arkle which is usually their best guide. I have time for Somersby but am worried he has been off for so long and think Sizing Europe is a better horse than Captain Cee Bee but I have Riverside Theatre down as a flat track horse.

IT: I hear McCoy can not split Captain Cee Bee and Somersby bur he is contracted to ride for the owner of Captain Cee Bee. However, I feel the Brits have the edge and fancy Somersby to beat Riverside Theatre.

JB: Captain Cee Bee is too short so I am a Somersby man whose Supreme form from last season is working out great and he is a super jumper.

CHAMPION HURDLE

FM: Go Native is the class act of the race and I really hope he can the £1million bonus.

DO’R: It looks like I will be on standby as don’t have a ride but Muirhead is a possibility for me. Having worked at Noel Meade’s a few years back I really hope Go Native can win for them and Carberry who was centimetres away on Harchibald from the greatest ride in Festival history.

PJ: Punjabi each-way is my idea of the best bet. He may not have beaten much last time but he had his swagger back and a fast-run 2m at Cheltenham is perfect for him. Celestial Halo is becoming the forgotten horse and unlike last year he could get the run of the race from the front so I have time for his chance as I do Medermit. Go Native has his chance but 31/ looks on the short side.

IT: Last season’s race is just not working out at all. The rumours last week that all was not well with Solwhit. Carberry rode Go Native in work this week for the first time in ages and could not have been happier and it will be fantastic if they can land our £1million bonus. Punjabi rates as the main danger.

JB: Medemit for me. He beat Punjabi convincingly at Haydock and there is little between him and Go Native on Supreme form but he is twice the price.

TUESDAY SHOULDER RACES

FM: Graham Lee will ride Calgary Bay in the William Hill Trophy so he doesn’t go for the Gold Cup. I used to run horses and win the cross country races but there is no point now as J P McManus sends expensive horses to these races and they outclass everything so what is the point?

DO’R: I make Quevega my banker of the meeting in the Mares Hurdle

PJ: I think its between the novices at the front of the market in the William Hill Trophy namely The Package and Bensalem, reckon Quevega will outstay Voler La Vedette if Ruby kicks on early enough and Sizing Australia is the each-way play in the cross country.

IT: I’ve heard that David Johnson rates The Package as his best chance of a winner at the Festival in the William Hill Trophy and Carberry has been booked for Character Building who should sui him ideally but a late injury meant they missed the Grand National last season so will they want to risk leaving Aintree behind here?

JB: Alan King had a good season last year but a poor Festival. This time he has had a poor season but I can see him having a good Festival. If Bensalem jumps well he is handicapped to win the William Hill Trophy. Character Building loves good ground and will be fit as he has a bad foot so has to be fit when he runs.

NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES’ HURDLE

FM: I have to be against Rite Of Passage given Dermot Weld’s record at the Festival so I will go with Finians Rainbow.

DO’R: I know Barry Geraghty is really looking forward to Finians Rianbow who he thinks is his best ride of the meeting which is saying something the book he has.

PJ: I think Rite Of Passage will be well backed and have too much speed for the NH-breds with ground looking as if it is not going to be testing.

IT: Finians Rainbow is the value. Peddlers Cross should be in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

JB: The Challow Hurdle is working out well so I respect the winner Reve De Sivola but feel Finians Rainbow can reverse placings with him on the better ground.

RSA CHASE

FM: They go near enough Gold Cup pace so jumping is crucial. The Nightingale is one of the nicest horse I’ve seen for a while and like him if he runs. If a top jockey was on Long Run then you be confident as he looked special at Kempton.

DO’R I thought Long Run was a future Gold Cup winner when I saw him at Kempton. It takes a special horse to win at 3m and then drop down and win at 2m.

PJ: Punchestowns, Diamond Harry, Uimhiraceathair and The Nightingale have only run twice over fences which concerns me as experience allied to toughness counts in the race which is why I like Weapon’s Amnesty to run a big race back up to 3m and back on a decent racing surface.

IT: prefer Punchestowns to Long Run. Henderson thinks he may now beat Big Buck’s if he took him on again over hurdles as they know more about each horse.

JB: If Punchestowns runs he looks value following his drift. Knockara Beau is the best each-way shot. Forget his Reynoldstown run where he jumped left throughout as he slipped into the second fence and hurt his back which has been treated since.

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

FM: Kalahari King schooled over four fences this morning and everything is going well with his preparation. The plan was the Peterborough Chase but he had a slight setback and we were never going to run him on testing ground in the middle of winter. We wouldn’t want any more watering but understand why it is necessary for safety reasons.

DO’R: Master Minded was seriously impressive at Newbury and maybe I’m reading too much into it but I still felt he was hanging slightly. Twist Magic has been trained differently this season and I don’t believe the rubbish he doesn’t handle Cheltenham so he can go very well.

PJ: Master Minded to win easily with Kalahari King’s running style being ideally suited to run through beaten horses for second. Kalahari King without Master Minded at 5/2 for me.

JB: Kalahari King won in such a stylish manner at Doncaster I would take a chance with him to beat Master Minded who still has some questions to answer.

WEDNESDAY SHOULDER RACES

FM: Poker De Sivola goes for the NH Chase. I like Bothy for the Fred Winter as he is a right tough little horse and have heard Walsh feels that Al Ferof has a big future so he could be the one for the Bumper.

DO’R: I’ve a great chance on On Raglan Road in the Coral Cup who is one of my best rides at the meeting and can see Presenting Forever for well in the NH Chase.

PJ: I like Saddlers Storm for the NH Chase, Day In a Lifetime is the only bumper this season I’ve been really impressed with and reckon Quantitattiveeasing is handicapped to win the Coral Cup if they head down that route.

IT: Quantitativeeasing catches the eye off 139 in the Coral Cup, Gilded Age could be the one for the Fred Winter on better ground and if Olofi goes for the Fred Winter also look at him as Tom George and Sam Thomas think he would have a chance of winning of the Triumph.

JB: Pettifour for the NH Chase, Bothy for the Fred Winter and Drumbaloo in the Bumper.

RYANAIR CHASE

FM: Petit Robin will appreciate the step up in trip so is my selection with Tranquil Sea as the danger.

DO’R: I think Schindlers Hunt is great each-way value. He was not beaten in this race last year of the Melling Chase and Voy Por Ustedes has regressed since then.

PJ: Scotsirish is overpriced at 25/1 but Cheltenham form is the key and I find it hard to split Poquelin and Tranquil Sea. I just feel Barbers Shop is and always will be a nearly horse.

IT: Barbers Shop is ideal for this race and better value than Poquelin who would be double the price if not trained by Nicholls.

JB: Barbers Shop appeals back to 2m5f. I can’t see a weakness in Tranquil Sea and he looks the most reliable horse in a tricky race.

WORLD HURDLE

FM: Big Buck’s is quirky but Ruby rides him so well but Baracouda was a similar type beaten twice as a hot favourite in this race. If anything finds him out it will probably be Tidal bay.

DO’R: The key to Big Buck’s is Ruby as he gets a great tune out of him and the horse likes a target. I ride Tidal Bay who will love decent ground and think we have a chance. Barry said he made a mistake in last year’s race on Punchestowns as he kicked on when he saw Ruby rowing along but now wishes he had held onto him.

PJ: Very hard to see beyond Big Buck’s so prefer to bet in a market without the favourite where Time For Rupert makes plenty of appeal at 10/1 as he is progressing with each run and I feel he could reverse placings with Tidal Bay given that fact and racing off level weights this time.

IT: Sentry Duty could run into a place if there is a big battle up front.

JB: Tidal Bay is a spring horse and he can give Big Buck’s one heck of a race.

THURSDAY SHOULDER RACES

FM: Watch My Back goes for the Byrne Group Plate and I would say he is my best chance of the week on his run behind Poquelin back in December. The Hollinwell goes for the Jewson and is not the finished article and is on a high enough mark and I am not 100% sure Cheltenham will suit. All that said, if he takes to the course he has a decent chance as he is a horse with a future. Nina Carberry Galant Nuit in the Kim Muir but 11st 5lbs is more than I would like. He handles any but soft would be best as he handles it better than most. Elzahann goes for the Pertemps Final and is a spring horse that wants the sun on her back. She would have a good chance on good ground.

D’OR: Door Boy is a great ride for me in the Jewson and he has been trained for this. He jumps great and is well handicapped. I fancy Abbeybraney for the Grand National and we struggled to beat The Hollinwell so I rate him my main danger.

PJ: Silk Affair looks to have been plotted up for the Pertemps Final as does Song Of Songs for the Plate and Sunnyhillboy for the Jewson though I just prefer Rivaliste for that race. Shillingstone is my idea of the Kim Muir winner.

IT: J P McManus can win the Jewson with either Sunnyhillboy or Jered.

JB: The Hollinwell ahs to go well in the Jewson, Fredo for the Pertemps Final, Galant Nuit for the Kim Muir and Watch My Back for the Plate.

TRIUMPH HURDLE

FM: I think Carlito Brigante is a gorgeous horse, maybe too big for a 4yo but I don’t know a lot about the race so will go with him.

DO’R: Advisor looked very professional at Ascot and I will be surprised if he is not in the frame.

PJ: I was big on Mille Chief so have had to have a rethink. Secant Star at a push but this race is really disappointing.

IT: Alaivan is a small horse that looks like he may need soft ground so is not great value. If Olofi runs here don’t write him off and better ground will suit.

JB: I am keep being told Alaivan with reverse Leopardstown running with Carlito Brigante but I am not sure and think Gordon Elliott’s horse can prevail.

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE

FM: Enterprise Park has been laid out for this and I hear he did a very good piece of work at Thurles last week.

DO’R I ride The Knoxs feel he can go well at a big price. Tell Massini is the one to beat and I know Sam Thomas is very sweet on him.

PJ: I am confident I have nailed this down to two class horses in Enterprise Park and Tell Massini but just prefer the latter at the prices and, looking at his action, I feel he will improve for better ground whose last time out win has been franked by the second and third.

IT: Enterprise Park has been very well backed in the last week. The Betchworth Kid ran well over too short a trip last time and should be backed each-way.

GOLD CUP

FM: Kauto Star will win as Denman has ‘gone’. McCoy couldn’t get a tune out of him so reckon there must be something radically wrong. Cooldine is his main danger.

DO’R: Very soft ground brings Denman into this but I rode in the King George and I’ve never seen a horse like Kauto Star. Cooldine is the each-way horse.

PJ: Kauto Star all the way with Cooldine more of a threat than Denman as he doesn’t know when to lay down and has been trained to peak slowly for this race.

IT: Lay Denman win and place.

FRIDAY SHOULDER RACES

FM: Naiad Du Misselot goes for the Martin Pipe. He should just creep in and I am pleased with him. Beggars Cap travelled well in the Grand Annual last year until falling. He is a few pounds higher but has a chance on decent ground.

DO’R: Caravel goes for the Imperial Cup and then we will see about the County or Martin Pipe. Arcalis goes for the County and finished like a train to just miss out on fourth last year. Lennon goes for the Grand Annual but his main aim is the Topham at Aintree.

PJ: Trust Fund ew is a knocking bet in the Foxhunters’, if Quantitativeeasing goes for the Martin Pipe then he would interest me most, I backed Arcalis e/w in the County last season and don’t think he is out of it again on good ground despite his age.

IT: Just follow J P McManus in the County Hurdle. Trust Fund for the Foxhunters’ and maybe Ashkazar for the Martin Pipe. He may have ‘gone’ but still could be worth taking a chance on.

JB: Sericena for the Foxhunters’, Palomar for the County or Martin Pipe and Dave’s Dream will appreciate better ground in the Grand Annual.

GaryMc

10-03-2010, 07:32 PM

barrydoherty

10-03-2010, 08:06 PM

Cheers for the previews so far. Every year the buzz around Cheltenham seems to get bigger and bigger. Backed out of heading as flights got too dear. Still have the two days off next Thursday and Friday though. Three days with two boxes of Miller in the gaff. Going to be sweet unless I lose me bolix!!!

Yeah I will be able enjoy 3 days off to watch, Normally off Tuesday, Paddy's day on wed and booked friday off. Should be good cant wait

Fran74

10-03-2010, 08:26 PM

Have Tuesday off and flying into Bristol Friday morning for The Gold Cup. Back from Bristol on the Saturday morning. Hopefully I'll have some ammunition left by the Friday.

bryanod

10-03-2010, 09:59 PM

I'm going to this next year screw it!

Backed Go Native as if Solwhit does pull out his price will drop even further, plus with most going guaranteed you've not much to lose on it!

If you want to oppose Dunguib, I'd like Blackstairsmountain too, I'd agree Dunguib probably will be evens at some stage to tempt people in, sportingbet are 10/11 stand out price now.

Did a Long Run/MM double for wednsday, very annoyed missed the bigger prices on Long Run, he is a beast, hope he doesn't disappoint.

Also on Kauto, just hope don't over water the track.

Big Bucks seems to have the love all around, and there really isnt much in the race at all, quite poor really.

And I'm going away on Thursday and all!!

GDLUCKXABI

11-03-2010, 08:33 AM

This was my original choice for the bumper. Very impressed with his win a few weeks ago. Another preview though that I read a few 'experts' said he has no chance and should be 100/1. - decisions decisions

Yeah I likied him too but that other preview siad to avoid him so crossed him off my list. Think ill leave him off my list, have enough to be abcking. The thing about cheltenham is you get about 6 tips for each bloody race.

Im gonna have a good punt on Binocular at 8/1 though, think its a great price

GDLUCKXABI

11-03-2010, 08:34 AM

clayton

11-03-2010, 09:44 AM

after what Barry Geraghty said about Punchestowns, i am not backing Long Run..... And the jockey booking doesn't help either, Sam Whaley-Cohen? the pressure might get to him, obviously his dad owns the horse and would love to see his son ride him a winner at Cheltenham. I think their dream might fall to pieces.

Fran74

11-03-2010, 12:07 PM

Always a fun night, probably the best on the circuit with the maximum capacity of 300 seats all filled which also had an added twist this year. You knew it was going to be one of those nights when a Jethro impersonator introduced the panel. Said panel comprised of M.C. Robert Cooper whose dry wit worked perfectly in tandem with panellists headed by Paddy Brennan (PB) who has a strong book of rides next week, Raceform, GG.Com journalist and multiple Scoop6 winner Andrew Mount (AM) who was dressed for the occasion in countryman gentlemen attire, the inimitable Mark Winstanley (MW) who was also dressed for the occasion in a Green Bay Packers puffa jacket and shellsuit tracksuit bottoms and the belly from the telly Gary Wiltshire (GW) who kept us up to speed with the market moves but didn’t contribute to all races. Timeform’s Kieran Packman had been struck down with flu so was a non-runner so rather than leave a void, innovative chaps that they are, Towcester’s team plucked an audience member from obscurity to appear as his replacement after asking for a show of hands who wanted to take his place. Gavin Gibson was his name or Betting Shop Man (BSM) as we are going to call him, and he wasn’t short on a controversial opinion it is fair to say! He certainly divided the audience whether the bold move to have him on or not but he wasn’t a mug, he knew his stuff. He appeared on the panel so his views are also listed.

SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

PB: Dunguib is my banker of the Festival and I am very happy he is not taking me on in the Champion Hurdle where I ride Khyber Kim. He’s a certainty and will love the better ground being by Presenting. I honestly think he could win by 20 lengths.

MW: All the Irish are backing Dunguib, even Father Ted has returned to back him. However the other jocks know he is the one to beat and has an inexperienced rider so they won’t be making it easy for him so he is a lay at 4/6. It was the same story for Cousin Vinny last year. Blackstairmountain is a bit of value against him but the lay is the bet of the race.

AM: I don’t think we should be worried about Dunguib’s jumping as his mistakes were in small fields and on testing ground. I wouldn’t back him at Evens but I wouldn’t want to lay him either.

GW: I really don’t think Dunguib will start odds-on as he is already around Evens on Betfair and that dictates the on-course market. The word is he also finished with sore shins last time. I would lay him and the bookies will want to lay him.

BSM: I can’t have Menorah or Oscar Whisky and Dunguib is too short so a small each-way bet on Get Me Out Of Here is the call.

ARKLE TROPHY

PB: Henrietta Knight wraps her horses up a little but she can certainly train them for the day that matters and I like Somersby most. I don’t think Riverside Theatre is good enough to win as I rode against him last time and although he won well in the end, Barry was shaking at him earlier.

MW: I want to take on Captain Cee Bee whose jumping isn’t good enough and is a nine-year-old. I’ve backed Sports Line and Riverside Theatre. Mullins’ horses worked at Gowran a couple of days ago and I asked which worked best and was told it was Sports Line.

AM: Sports Line probably paid for getting in a battle last time but the one I like is Somersby and I am not worried about his longish absence coming from this yard.

GW: I did fancy Long Run but he goes for the RSA Chase.

BSM: I like Captain Cee Bee. I know good judges think he is underpriced but he gave Binocular 8lbs and a beating in the Supreme. The one horse I can’t have is Somersby who has won just two four-runner races and I don’t like the way she has trained it. Best Mate must have been a wonder horse for her to train him to win three Gold Cups!

CHAMPION HURDLE

PB: I couldn’t have given Khyber Kim a worse ride in the Greatwood as held him right out the back but then they hacked so for him to win was an unbelievable performance. He’s a Ferrari. He proved it was no fluke in the Boylesports when he beat Celestial Halo but I felt he was better in the Greatwood. I was praying they wouldn’t run him in the Totesport Trophy as that could have taken the edge off him. If he runs I don’t think Solwhit has the speed and I rate Go Native my main danger. Good-to-soft will be okay for my fellow.

MW: I’ve been with Go Native all season who kicked on too early when he won the Supreme. He is all speed and there is no substitute for speed in the Champion Hurdle. Celestial Halo could be the only front runner which makes him interesting if he were to slow it down and he could get the run of the race. I would not be surprised if he turns up with something different this year and I better not say anything more. Starluck is a million for me as won’t get up the hill. There was mucus found in Solwhit’s system and the same problem for Pittoni so I would be worried about the Byrnes horses running next week.

AM: No strong view at the top of the market but I do feel that Donnas Palm is overpriced at 50/1.

BSM: I backed Zaynar before it got beat at Kelso as on a line through Starluck he has the beating of Go Native but they have got to make a lot more use of him. I think Khyber Kim needs more cut and also wants a real gallop and not sure he will get that this year if Ruby slows it up in front on Celestial Halo.

TUESDAY SHOULDER RACES (basically only the William Hill Trophy)

PB: I was on a panel with Alan King last night and he came across with very honest opinions and he was very keen on Bensalem in the William Hill Chase. Razor Royale probably runs in the same race but it may come a bit quick for him.

MW: Character Building has had a wind op this year but I am a Bensalem man off that mark. I just don’t like The Package as a horse – never have.

AM: I am also keen on Bensalem and think his jumping will improve for a bigger field and faster pace. Theatrical Moment may be a right-handed track horse.

BSM: I think Bensalem needs more cut. I like Theatrical Moment who has won his last two novice chases and the big field should suit.

NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES’ HURDLE

PB: Rite Of Passage looks the one to beat.

MW: Rite Of Passage is one of the lays of the meeting. They lumped on him in the Bumper last year but like the other Weld horses at the Festibal he was another that got beat. Rumours are he has had a wind problem and the form of his hurdles wins is awful. I’ve had a proper bet on Quel Esprit and I heard his blood wasn’t quite right when he was beaten last time. There will be more money for him.

AM: Rite Of Passage has not taken on anything of note over hurdles. Maybe I am biased as I have a share in Reve De Sivola but I think he is the value at 12/1. His hurdling has to improve but he has been well schooled since he won the Challow where he beat Finians Rainbow who is half his price. If he hurdled better that day he could have won five or ten lengths. He goes well fresh so has been deliberately kept back for this.

BSM: Rite Of Passage didn’t come down the hill in the Bumper last year. I’d be worried about the ground for Reve De Sivola and Peddlers Cross just can not win. Summit Meeting is a bit of value at 16/1 and had his form franked at the weekend.

RSA CHASE

PB: Sam is under pressure on Long Run and he will blamed if it goes wrong. I don’t think Diamond Harry gets up the hill. I won on Weird Al at Wetherby and he is a good horse and has a chance.

MW: I couldn’t understand why Waley-Cohen took the outside route at Warwick on Long Run when the horse was jumping to his right – I thought he went to public school! I can’t have him at the price as he just hurdles too many fences. Burton Port could be the one. Sneaky old Henderson wanted to run him at Aintree as he has two already in the race but Hemmings said no. My contact at the yard says he just does not stop improving and McCoy has been booked so I see him starting nearer 10/1 at the off. I just don’t think the Weird Al formlines are strong enough.

AM: Diamond Harry has yet to run a bad race but his jumping at Newbury was a worry. Also not sure he is quite good enough. I like Weapon’s Amnesty so I hope the mucus problem at the yard has not extended to him. He has done it before at the meeting. Long Run strikes me more as an Aintree horse.

GW: Waley-Cohen gets some stick but he still seems to get them home.

BSM: Long Run is just a five-year-old so only receives 1lb and his rider can’t claim either so the way I see it is that he effectively has overweight. I’m all over Punchestowns. It’s a weapon. Weird Al has been beating rotting corpses this season and Diamond Harry needs it soft.

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

PB: I was second to Master Minded at Newbury and if he runs like that again he wins though there is a danger he was so good he may have left his race behind. He’s miles ahead of last year’s Arkle form.

MW: Master Minded is not for me at the price and still being judged on his win in this race two years ago. He only did what he was entitled to at Newbury. I’ve gone with Arkle form that always seems to work out in this race and backed Kalahari King and Forpadydeplasterer who both also look like getting their decent ground. I can’t have Kalahari King out of the frame who is an each-way thieves horse. I also can’t have Twist Magic running well. McCoy has been booked for Forpadydeplasterer and he looks the ideal partner for him.

AM: Kalahari King is the one. Forpady needs a strong pace and good ground which he has not had since last year’s Arkle so I also see a big run from him.

GW: No view except I can’t have Twist Magic.

BSM: Master Minded should be 1-3 if back to his best. Kalahari King e/w is the only possible bet.

WEDNESDAY SHOULDER RACES

PB: Pettifour has a very good chance of running into a place in the NH Chase and he will definitely stay.

MW: O’Grady is keen on Capellanus in the Fred Winter and I’ve been told that Hidden Universe is the best of Weld’s in the Bumper but with Smullen riding he will have two and a half stones of lead weight in the saddle. Drunbaloo has been well backed recently and is the form horse of the Bumper and I think the gamble will continue. I was told that Quantitativeeasing worked very well this morning and he could be very well in off 139 in the Coral Cup.

AM: Barwell Bridge interests me for the Fred Winter if he runs here rather than the Triumph as does Abbeybraney in the NH Chase who was second to Notre Pere on testing ground two years ago. Beshabar is favourite for the Coral Cup but he looks best going right-handed.

RYANAIR CHASE

PB: Poquelin looks the best bet of the meeting at the prices. He slaughtered Razor Royale at Cheltenham and I then won the Racing Post Chase on him. I think Poquelin is a much better horse than Tranquil Sea.

MW: This is a two horse race and I have backed Poquelin big and saved on Tranquil Sea. Cheltenham form means a lot in this race. Voy Por Ustedes has gone and Barbers Shop is a dodgepot. The ambulance boys will have their binoculars firmly glued on Richard Johnson on Planet Of Sound.

AM: My problem with Tranquil Sea is they gave him a recent prep before the last two Festivals and he disappointed both times here and they have given him another recent prep.

GW: If you can get 2/1 the top two combined then that is a great bet.

BSM: A small each-way stab on Planet Of Sound for me even thought I know he can’t jump. Hobbs thinks he is the best he has got.

WORLD HURDLE

PB: Big Buck’s is a cert. It’s a weak race bar Karabak and King said last night he has not been working brilliantly of late. In fact he suggested Katchit at 33/1 each-way as his bet.

MW: Big Buck’s is the most solid of the four odds-on shots. I thought I had a sneaky one in Cousin Vinny but am told he dislikes hurdles now as much as he does fences so it could be the Lincoln next!

AM: I can see Time For Rupert running well but Tidal Bay is the only realistic alternative.

BSM: Big Buck’s is buying money. There has not been a shekel on the machine for Karabak for two weeks and Sentry Duty has no chance as just beat two dodgy horses in a three runner last time.

THURSDAY SHOULDER RACES (basically only the Pertemps Final)

PB: Kayf Aramis always runs a solid race and will run well in the Pertemps Final especially as the bottom weight may be on about 10st 12lbs so the less exposed horses have less chance of getting in so it could be a flag bearer’s race.

MW: Alfie Sherrin could be miles ahead of the handicapper in the Pertemps and Ainama has clearly been plotted up for this.

AM: Elzahann is my Pertemps fancy as she caught the eye in the Cheltenham qualifier and is a spring mare but could do with Fair Along coming out as she has just 9st 7lbs.

GW: If Harry Findlay gets stuck into Alfie Sherrin I can see him starting at 3/1 especially as he will also be a public horse being Nicholls and Walsh.

TRIUMPH HURDLE (time was cracking on so they whizzed through this in 2 minutes)

MW: The worst Triumph in a long time. A man whose speed figures I note said Alaivan put up a great time last time but he is small so will a big field suit? I am worried for Notus De La Tour that he is not running in the Imperial Cup which suggests to me all is not well with him.

AM: Good ground would worry me for Alaivan.

ALBERT BARTLETT HURDLE

PB: Tell Massini reminds me of Denman. His form is on softer ground but he will still take all the beating. Alan King said he wasn’t sure if The Betchworth Kid was man enough for this.

MW: I’ve backed Shinrock Paddy who is crying out for three miles.

AM: I would oppose Restless Harry whose improvement has coincided with getting soft ground. Tell Massini looks a machine on soft ground but close to good ground would really worry me.

BSM: I am all over Enterprise Park who won over 2m and then won again stepping up to 2m6f and the form of that win is working out well. I also think Tell Massini and Restless Harry need soft ground and need to lead so they could not get their ground and cut each other’s throats and set it up for Walsh stalking on Enterprise Park.

GOLD CUP

PB: Imperial Commander’s Haydock run was no fluke and I thought I had won. I have never been going so fast at the end of a three mile chase and agree with Ruby that Kauto Star was a bit short on the day. If we finish second to Kauto Star I will be delighted as he is still a young horse and the trip is not a concern. I would be disappointed if we are not very close to Denman at worst.

MW: I can’t have Denman. Maybe the Hennessy took more out of him than we thought. I’ve backed Tricky Trickster at massive prices who is a young horse and a strong stayer and when these Nicholls horses start improving they can go through the roof. I still think 20/1 each-way now is a great bet as Cooldine won an awful RSA Chase.

AM: Cooldine has had legitimate excuses since he won the RSA and peaks at this time of the year but the one I like is Imperial Commander as the key to him is a good break between his races which he has here.

GW: I feel Denman could easily drift out to 5/1 on the day.

BSM: Imperial Commander each-way is the bet as I can’t have Cooldine as his RSA Chase form is worth nothing.

FRIDAY SHOULDER RACES (again rushed as getting late)

MW: Ashkazar is lobbed in on old form in the Martin Pipe race and he could develop into one of the big gambles of the meeting. Dave’s Dream is interesting in the Grand Annual as is a novice and trained by Henderson which are both good pointers,

An audience member then highlighted the Irish-trained Kilty Storm for the Foxhunters’, a horse he says is currently residing in his back garden! He went on to tell us all about the good horses he has beaten in Irish points and hunter chases since moving from David Pipe, an experience he hated as he needs a small stable environment which he now has.

elvis

11-03-2010, 12:18 PM

Probably not the place, but I done a Lucky 15 for the Tuesday with Dunguib, Sizing Europe, Go Native and Sizing Australia,. Win bet of course,.

clayton

11-03-2010, 01:29 PM

Probably not the place, but I done a Lucky 15 for the Tuesday with Dunguib, Sizing Europe, Go Native and Sizing Australia,. Win bet of course,.

no, you're in the right place :o

i can see the 4 of them winning, and i did go for captain cee bee myself but andrew lynch has said that captain cee bee won't get within 20 lenghts of sizing europe. Everyone in the room laughed when he said it, but he did say it nonetheless

elvis

11-03-2010, 01:45 PM

no, you're in the right place :o

i can see the 4 of them winning, and i did go for captain cee bee myself but andrew lynch has said that captain cee bee won't get within 20 lenghts of sizing europe. Everyone in the room laughed when he said it, but he did say it nonetheless

Well if that's true happy days,. I'll be broke by the end of the week regardless,. :)

Fran74

12-03-2010, 12:59 PM

The friendliest preview evening on the circuit chaired by Chris Pitt that we report back from each year though this was my first visit back here in three years. The panel comprised of RacingUK presenter and pundit Lydia Hislop (LH) and Steve Mellish (SMel), The Daily Mail’s Sam Turner (ST) aka Robin Goodfellow, Channel 4 Racing’s Stewart Machin (SMac) and Andy Gibson (AG) who runs the racing-based website Patterns and Profiles.

SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

LH: Dunguib is too short so is my lay of the meeting so happy to take him on at the price. Get Me Out Of Here, Menorah and Peddlers Cross have already posted ratings good enough to place in a normal year so this is a strong running. Menorah got a bizarre ride when beaten at Ascot and I feel Get Me Out Of Here is a good price.

SMel: Dunguib is priced up as if he is already a champion which he isn’t as yet. Menorah and Get Me Out Of Here each-way appeal against him.

ST: They will have watered which will play to the strengths of Blackstairmountain who is fair each-way value. He had only schooled once before winning his only start at Punchestown so there is a lot more to come. I’d rather back Wolves to stay up at 4/6 than Dunguib at similar odds. There are much better 4/6 shots running during any week.

SMac: I am happy to let Dunguib win at that price. I would be interested in Peddlers Cross if he rocked up here and thought it was interested he was jocked up for this race and not the Neptune.

AG: Dunguib is one of the weaker odds-on shots of the meeting as all his form is on soft ground and all his hurdling form is in small fields.

ARKLE TROPHY

LH: Somersby is my banker of the meeting. This is the strongest I have felt about a horse at the Festival for a long time. It was a big positive for him to place in the Supreme and I don’t know how anyone can criticize the form of his Sandown win which was also run in a faster time than Twist Magic posted in the Tingle Creek on the same day. Captain Cee Bee’s overall profile is fragile and Sizing Europe is a coward. Kangaroo Court is the overpriced contender.

SMel: I’m a fully paid up member of the Somersby fan club. Riverside Theatre is a rock solid jumper and the main danger.

ST: There has been a lot of strength behind Somersby this week and has many factors in his favour. At a bigger price Shakervilz interests me as he is 2-2 over fences and has a similar chance to Captain Cee Bee on a line through Osana but is a 20/1 chance so he is each-way value.

SMac: Most Arkle winners have had a prep run which is against Somersby but I like him and his jumping at Sandown was fantastic. A degree of momentum gathered around Captain Cee Bee a few weeks back but I feel Somersby will take a heck of a lot of beating.

AG: The problem I have with Somersby is that he has only beaten six horses over fences and the way he runs suggests he wants further. I am on Shakervilz who is unbeaten over fences. Captain Cee Bee is the most likely winner. I know he is a 9yo but he had a season off. It could be an Irish 1-2-3 as Sizing Europe’s form has substance.

CHAMPION HURDLE

LH: I can’t have Binocular at all and too much momentum gathered around Medermit so he looks too short now and I can envisage him drifting. Zaynar and Khyber are s**t or bust horses that could win or be nowhere but I can’t get it out of my head how well Punjabi travelled in the Boylesports and, if forced, I would go with him. That said, I have been against Zaynar all year but he hasn’t had a strong gallop or cheekpieces fitted this season so could see it now.

SMel: I could see any of five or six winning and there is only 7lbs between the first nine in the betting. I have doubts about Go Native staying in a strongly run race and worries about Zaynar for the opposite reason and Medermit could hit a flat spot and is too short now. Celestial Halo boasts the single best piece of form this season when he won at Wincanton but I fully accept he bombed last time and I am hearing he has not worked well recently.

ST: Starluck will give you a run for your money but I am very much in the Go Native camp. The two trials he won were not the best ever but he won them well and goes well fresh so the break is a positive. He is a good back-to-lay bet in running.

SMac: You can’t back Binocular but maybe Celestial Halo could get a soft lead as I can’t see another front runner. I am not sure Go Native is good enough as he has little in hand over Medermit and Starluck when winning and this was never the plan for Medermit this season and he was going chasing. Punjabi is a player and Henderson was not at all discouraged by his two defeats. Khyber Kim is also a player if he can hold it all together. Punjabi and Khyber Kim against the field for me.

AG: I am quite strong on Go Native. If held onto longer I think he would have beaten Medermit further in the Supreme. The danger is the gap opening at the wrong time. Celestial Halo’s best form is off a break and he has run well at the last two Festivals and he could be an in-running play. The trip is too short for Zaynar on this ground but Punjabi is a spring horse and can reverse Haydock form with Medermit. Khyber Kim is 3-3 on soft ground.

NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES’ HURDLE

LH: No strong view. I would prefer to see Peddlers Cross run here. I think Reve De Sivola is intrinsically a better horse than Finian’s Rainbow but he has no respect for his hurdles. I do like Summit Meeting and respect the trainer who is very selective who she brings to Cheltenham and he is bred to want this likely better ground. Of course I also respect Rite Of Passage.

SMel: Rite Of Passage murdered Donnas Palm on the Flat and I feel that he could be very good. Reve De Sivola never ran on the Flat so it is understandable why he keeps improving and, if he jumps like he can, he has the most ability of the British runners. Finian’s Rainbow didn’t like it when it was put up to him in the Challow when Reve de Sivola beat him and the winner is twice his price.

ST: The Irish could have a very big day on the Tuesday with such a strong looking team and if so they could steam right into Rite Of Passage here. Reve De Sivola e/w is my idea of the bet as although I know the Challow winner has a poor record here, that form is working out really well this season. He reminds me of past winners of this race in that he is a headbanger that just keeps on going.

SMac: Peddlers Cross is a live player if he runs here. Finian’s Rainbow was a moral winner of the Challow as the awful ground caught him out close home but stats are not in his favour as only one 7yo has won this race since it was first run in 1971.

AG: The problem I have with Reve De Sivola is that it took him six runs to get off the mark. I like Finian’s Rainbow most and reckon Quel Esprit is better than he looked last time but Peddlers Cross is not as good as he looked last time.

RSA CHASE

LH: Sam Waley-Cohen is a very good amateur but he is an amateur which is why I prefer Punchestowns. I have the feeling he has had foot problems all his life so not sure I would be concerned about Henderson’s recent comments as this was the first time he felt compelled to mention it with a big race approaching. I can’t knock Weird Al but he just lacks the X-Factor for me though you don’t need that for this race. Maybe Diamond Harry prefers flatter tracks.

SMel: I think Long Run is the most likely winner as after I saw him at Kempton I thought he was something very special but the price has gone now. I massively respect Punchestowns but the downhill fences do worry me. At the prices and on condition of NR No Bet as he is not a certain runner, I do see The Nightingale as a very good horse.

ST: Waley-Cohen is a very talented amateur so I am still with Long Run. I was so impressed with him at Kempton and the runner-up has franked the form twice. He came from Guillaume Macaire who schools them 4-5 times a week so I am not worried about his jumping. If The Nightingale runs I would also back him.

SMac: I don’t think Weird Al has the class to win it. Punchestowns is the proven Grade 1 horse, a bigger price that Long Run and a proven stayer.

AG: The one of the Henderson pair that jumps best on the day should win. Long Run is short enough with an amateur on. Diamond Harry does not appeal as a horse that wants a hill after 3m. I have had a small interest on Weird Al who has twice won at the track and is 3-3 for this season and if I like him then 33/1 Knockara Beau is too big.

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

LH: No strong view but Master Minded was very convincing at Newbury except for the bizarre mistake at the final fence. This is a better race than last year though so he will have to put up a better performance than last year.

SMel: Master Minded is a better 4/5 shot than Dunguib. Twist Magic is more consistent this season and comfortably the main danger.

ST: The Nicholls yard felt Master Minded would improve for Newbury where he was tremendously impressive and his work with Kauto Star which has been exhilarating since apparently. The value has dried up about Kalahari King but he is the obvious e/w alternative.

SMac: Master Minded is officially 5lbs superior to Twist Magic and I can see Kalahari King picking up the pieces to finish second.

AG: Master Minded looks just about back to his best. The only danger is Kalahari King and this compact field will be more to his advantage than when beaten in a big field in the Arkle. Twist Magic has acquired his rating on soft ground on right-handed tracks in small fields when front running. The prelims could also hurt him. Big Zeb is too short for me so Forpadydeplasterer is the best of the Irish. I’ve backed Well Chief e/w without Master Minded as can see him ridden for a place as they know he can not win and he could nick fourth.

WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER

At this point leading owner John Hales who was in the audience informed us that earlier in the day they had booked Ruby Walsh for Al Ferof.

RYANAIR CHASE

LH: Poquelin’s chance is ground dependant as he would not want it soft. Barbers Shop has a strong chance at this trip. I feel Deep Purple is overpriced and maybe better going left-handed and he broke a blood vessel in the King George but prior to that he was on a sharp upward curve.

SMel: I am not a fan of this race and will be sitting it out with the cross country race. It’s like having a 150m race at the Olympics. On soft ground Tranquil Sea is a massive player but if it is nearer good then that will suit Poquelin.

ST: I’m very keen on Barbers Shop e/w as his strengths lay over this trip as his stamina has given way over further.

SMac: On good ground Poquelin, on soft ground Tranquil Sea. I do feel Voy Por Ustedes has got to a big price now.

AG: Tranquil Sea is a strong bet if it came up testing but on good ground it is worth a pop at a couple at big prices. I’m on Schindlers Hunt at a big price and Albertas Run is too big and is 2-3 at the track. It’s a possibility that Voy Por Ustedes has gone but I didn’t think he had much chance in any of the three races he has run in this season beforehand.

WORLD HURDLE

LH: Big Buck’s’ flat spot was longer last time maybe as the ground was very soft. He could be a deceptive traveller who is going better than he appears. He is the best staying hurdler I have seen. Time For Rupert is a definite place player and connections are pleased with Lie Forrit so if we can remove his last run he could sneak a place.

SMel: I would say Tidal Bay is a win bet rather than an each-way bet as he is Tidal Bay but I feel Karabak is the main danger to Big Buck’s.

ST: Big Buck’s will throw in the towel at some point. Tidal Bay has won 11 of his 23 starts so isn’t bad for a supposedly dodgy horse but the price is ebbing away.

SMac: Big Buck’s will hit a flat spot at some point and I think he might drop the lot so he is my lay of the meeting. Tidal Bay is a leading player and it is probably a relief to him he is back hurdling again and I still think he is too big a price. Alan King says that Katchit is working better now than he has done for two years.

AG: Big Buck’s obviously. Tidal Bay has never been out of the first two in nine starts over hurdles and I just prefer him to be second but the best bet is Time For Rupert at 10/1 without the favourite. He would be a shorter price if with a more fashionable yard.

TRIUMPH HURDLE

LH: I did take the view that Carlito Brigante was a doubtful stayer but am not so convinced about that now. I’m not convinced by Alaivan if it dries out and can see Westlin’ Winds running well.

SMel: I don’t like 9f/10f horses in juvenile hurdles so am worried about Carlito Brigante getting home and, of the two at the head of the market, Alaivan is the stronger stayer and ticks a lot of boxes and is the class act in the race. He is unproven on quicker ground but may handle it.

ST: O’Grady says Alaivan is coming right at the right time and I believe it is between him and Carlito Brigante with the latter better e/w value. I am told Soldatino frets a lot so maybe it would best to see how he handles the prelims first.

SMac: The British hand looks weak and I don’t fancy Advisor at all. Soldatino could be our best and he had only been with Henderson for six weeks before he won the Adonis so there could be stacks of improvement to come. Soldatino if pressed.

AG: I prefer Carlito Brigante to Alaivan and Secant Star of the top three in the betting with Westlin’ Winds the best at double figure prices.

ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE

LH: I am fond of Restless Harry who I think is a thorough stayer but I am worried he doesn’t jump straight. I am slightly interested in The Hurl at this trip at a big price and also Shinrock Paddy.

SMel: Silver Kate has shown improved form but the ground is a worry. I am against The Betchworth Kid who I am not sure will stay or try very hard.

ST: Shinrock Paddy will be better on better ground and upped to 3m so is a player. Tell Massini looks a real street fighter and I like him.

SMac: I think they know what they have had for a long time with Tell Massini and I’m told he’s working very well at home by people who should know so he can take a lot of beating.

AG: Who knows which of the four at the head of the market will improve most for better ground as all their form is on a soft surface. Tell Massini and Restless Harry like to front run which makes me slightly prefer the Irish pair of Enterprise Park and Shinrock Paddy more but I can also see this falling to a big priced winner.

GOLD CUP

LH: Kauto Star has put up 17 straight 170+ performances and although Kempton suits him best he is still clear of his rivals on Cheltenham runs. I think Denman may have one big run him a season now and he looks to have had it in the Hennessy so Imperial Commander is the danger with Tricky Trickster the least exposed runner so is more interesting than most.

SMel: Kauto Star’s King George performance was the best I have ever seen and keeps proving his critics wrong. I think he will win but I can not get my head around the without-favourite markets as a lot depends on how the race will be run. I think Denman could drift to as big as 6/1 but I really hope he runs a race.

ST: I am told Kauto Star is working better than he has ever worked. Tricky Trickster without the favourite for me is a bet and he is reportedly improving week on week. Even 20/1 in the outright market is a big price.

SMac: Kauto Star is the most obvious winner and Imperial Commander is the second best chaser I have seen this year and think his Haydock run has been too easily dismissed.

AG: Denman was too short at 7/2 after unseating McCoy last time and is now drifting to the price he should be. In a book with Kauto Star I think Denman is a weak favourite and think it is worth supporting both Imperial Commander and Cooldine in that market and lay Denman for a place. Betting without the front two I quite like My Will e/w at 40/1 as he could sneak into fifth paying 10/1 a place.