I’m finally beginning to form initial views about Cheltenham after a quiet period (here) of watching more prep races than ever. There are many potentially informative races still to come but here’s my opener with a few random notes. There’s a strong Irish bias already!
Gold Cup
I’m really interested in Rubi Ball, a top notch French campaigner that has moved to Willie Mullins this season. His run in the Lexus was a revelation.
Here’s Willie talking about him
Currently 7/2 for the Irish Hennessy, 25/1 for the World Hurdle and only 16/1 for the Gold Cup. An each way option for the latter.
Supreme Novices’
I like Wicklow Brave for the Supreme Novices’ against all those currently ahead of him.
Arkle
If Champagne Fever wins properly at the weekend then he’s the selection. If not, it’s Trifolium.
Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle could be one of the best races I’ve ever seen if all make it. My current choice is Hurricane Fly (I’ll elaborate on that versus Our Conor, The New One and My Tent Or Yours nearer the time) but, as everyone knows, the big question is whether Annie Power and who rides her. It’s hard to imagine that Ruby won’t ride Hurricane Fly but I’m not entirely ruling it out. If he does then my bet will go with him.
My picture selection provides a clue:
RSA
The RSA is far too early to call but Sam Winner is a horse that I’ve regained faith in.
Champion Chase
For the Champion Chase it’s very interesting that hardly any bookies are offering Sprinter Sacre with a run. Bookies tend to be well ahead of the press so he can’t be considered for this outing. Without him there is no reason to oppose Sire de Grugy whose 2013-2014 campaign has been impeccable.
Cross Country
Love Rory did really well at the weekend and the connections know how to win this race. Many have taken the view that this is not a betting race but the last few years have shown that this is possibly one of the easier races! There is no obvious reason to oppose the favourite, Balthazar King who has excelled in this discipline. The owners have not balked at embracing some of the most challenging courses in Europe including the mad challenge at Craon where he won easily. Cheltenham is a doddle in comparison. Current 5/1 is reasonable value (will be much shorter).
Ryanair Chase
The Ryanair is far too early to call and will remain so until the five day stage. I will merely observe that this is where Cue Card should be.
World Hurdle
The World Hurdle is another that must wait. If Annie Power runs she wins (but I hope that she will have won the Champion Hurdle earlier in the week).
Triumph Hurdle
The (Daily Express) Triumph Hurdle is, bizarrely, the first race that brought my attention to Cheltenham and the first winner I can remember is Peter O’Sullevan’s Attivo who he called: “And it’s first Attivo, owned by, uh, Peter O’Sullevan… trained by Cyril Mitchell and ridden by Robert Hughes”! Incidentally I found when preparing this post that Sir Peter is of Irish descent, born in 1918, and his father, Colonel John O’Sullevan, was resident magistrate at Killarney. Obviously much depends on this weekend’s performance of Ivan Grozny but I’m very interested in Simon Munir’s Gitane du Berlais who, I think, has loads of improvement waiting to happen.
Potato Race
Everyone seems to want Kings Palace in the Albert Bartlett but not me. This is another race that has yet to develop.
Gold Cup (again!)
So, time for the Gold Cup and it’s time to pin my colours to the mast! I’ve opposed Bobs Worth time and again and I’m going to do so again. I think that Silviniaco Conti will win!
I loved this horse from the outset and I take a lot from last year’s race. He was ready to take on the leaders and I firmly believe that he will in 2014. He’s as short as 3/1 with Bet Victor so it’s one to wait for but bear in mind Rubi Ball each way!
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