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Category: Leopardstown

Dublin Racing Festival Entries

January 9, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I’m looking forward to being at day two of the DRF for four Grade 1s and hopefully some decent pointers for Cheltenham, let alone high quality racing in its own right.

The big race entries came out today, so what have we got in store? All comments are subject to which horses actually turn up.

Saturday

13:20 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m6f

Final Demand is the current favourite at 3/1 for WP. A point winner last March at 5/4f. He won his maiden hurdle at Limerick on 28 December very easily but the form doesn’t mean much. By top sire Walk In The Park, this is his first proper test.

Sounds Victorius (4/1), also for WP, should come on well from his hard fought maiden win at Fairyhouse after his fourth in the Champion Bumper.

Supersundae (WP) was well backed when beaten by The Yellow Clay (GE) in the Lawlors of Naas Grade 1 novices’ hurdle last Sunday but shaped well to improve. I was suprised by The Yellow Clay’s win but he’s chasing a five timer so has to be respected. It’s notable that he’s currently favourite for the Martin Pipe and that might be his level.

Bleu De Vassy (GE) was well beaten by Romeo Coolio in the Grade 1 2m Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on 27 December but may suit the longer trip.

Jasmin De Vaux beat Romeo Coolio to win the Champion Bumper but has not taken at all to jumping and can’t be backed on that basis.

13:50 Gannon’s Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Hello Neighbour (3/1jf) (Gavin Cromwell) won the Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day, only just beating Lady Vega Allen (10/1). Hard to judge on that run, not least because of the fog.

Sainte Lucie (3/1jf) was an impressive winner of a maiden on New Year’s Eve at Punchestown, is highly regarded and my current idea of the winner.

14:55 Goffs Irish Arkle (Grade 1) 2m1f

Majborough (8/11f) was mightily impressive in his beginners’ chase last month and is currently 7/2 for the Cheltenham version. He’s the only serious threat to Sir Gino and much will depend on this performance.

Ile Atlantique (3/1) was OK when winning a Grade 2 at Naas last Sunday, beating Firefox and disappointing Inthepocket, who are third and fourth in the market for this one.

15:30 Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 1/2f

I’m not sure which ones will turn up here so here are the current market leaders:

  • Galopin Des Champs (4/5f)
  • Fact To File (7/2)
  • Embassy Gardens (10/1)
  • Gerri Colombe (10/1)
  • Monty’s Star (10/1)

Sunday

13:10 Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m 5 1/2f

Ballyburn (7/4f) was by common consent identified as needing further when being well beaten by Sir Gino in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase on 27 December. This race will answer that question. He made a bad mistake at the last so jumping will also be under scrutiny. Currently 7/2f for the Brown Advisory (formerly the RSA) at Cheltenham.

Impaire Et Passe (100/30) seems not to have received the credit due for his last four wins in the Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1), Select Hurdle (Grade 2), Geginners Chase and, most recently in the Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1). He’s my choice at this stage.

Croke Park (14/1) is on a four timer and noteworthy.

13:40 Tattersalls Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Salvator Mundi (7/1) is the current favourite for the Supreme (6/1). He’s also entered in the Moscow Flyer (Grade 2) this Sunday so much depends on which option he takes up, having been last seen when easily winning his maiden at Tipperary last May.

Kopek Des Bordes (3/1jf) won his maiden at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day and is highly regarded by his yard (WP). I suspect the Salvator Mundi may run on Sunday (subject to the weather), leaving the way clear for this one here.

Kaid D’Authie (3/1jf) is also at the head of the market for WP/JP and won a maiden at Leopardstown on 28 December. I wasn’t bowled over by the performance but there’s room for improvement so he’s a contender.

Romeo Coolio (4/1) won the Grade 1 at Leopardstown on 27 December, beating Bleu De Vassy well enough. Another I’m not entirely convinced about, yet…

14:10 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase Grade 1) 2m 1f

This has the makings of a great race if they all turn up with no clear favourite in my view.

Energumene is the right joint favourite at 2/1 but he’s an 11yo and needs to show he’s still got it after his so so return in the Hilly Way (Grade 2) at Cork on 8 December.

Gaelic Warrior is the other joint favourite but was soundly beaten by Solness at 28/1 in a Grade 1. For me, he’s a talented but unreliable sort with inadequate jumping.

Banbridge (6/1) had absolutely everything in his favour when winning the King George at 7/1. He was 9th in the Ryanair and 4th in the Fortria and I think that they are better indicators. I’m not sure that he’ll turn up here.

El Fabiolo (8/1) is on a retrieval mission after being pulled up in the Champion Chase and making several mistakes when beaten by Jonbon in the Celebration Chase. Undoubtedly has talent but one to watch.

Found A Fifty (10/1) won the Fortria, beating Solness (12/1) and Senecia (200/1) so that form is dubious. He was pulled up in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown on 27 December (may have bled) so is another one to watch.

Marine Nationale (12/1) was vaunted as the next coming star but has singularly failed to live up to the hype.

15:20 Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

And we save the best until last.

Much depends on the declarations but this could be a corker. Here are the market leaders:

  • Lossiemouth 11/8f
  • Brighterdaysahead 6/4
  • State Man 3/1
  • Anzadam 6/1
  • Kargese 10/1
  • Dysart Enos 20/1

Lossiemouth‘s no show in the Christmas Hurdle behind Constitution Hill was too bad to be true. I think that she’s still a serious contender.

Brighterdaysahead could not have been more impressive when winning the Neville Hotel Hurdle (Grade 1) but was it a fluke?

State Man has been great and is the defending Champion Hurdler but does he retain the ability to return to the top? On reflection, last year’s Champion Hurdle was a very poor renewal (Irish Point second, Luccia third, Zarak The Brave fourth, Colonel Mustard fifth)

Anzadam is an unbeaten unknown, having won a Grade 3 last November but is massively highly regarded. Possibly the revelation of the weekend.

Kargese is for me a highly underrated horse. Won the Grade 1 Irish Champion 4yo Hurdle (as did Quatre Heures), second to Sir Gino in the Aintree Grade 1 4yo hurdle, second to Majborough in the Triumph Hurdle, beat Majborough in the Grade 1 Leopardstown Spring Juvenile Hurdle. That is some CV.

Looking forward to great racing.

Timeform top rated NH horses – updated today

November 20, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Which horses do Timeform think are the current top rated? Normally, I wouldn’t want to disclose what might be seen as protected content. However, since they’ve published the details on Twitter, they’re obviously happy to let the information be known.

Top hurdlers

167 BUVEUR D’AIR

166 MELON

165 FAUGHEEN

164 PENHILL

163p SAMCRO

163 L’AMI SERGE

162 BAPAUME

162 SUPASUNDAE

161 MICK JAZZ

160 AGRAPART

159 MY TENT OR YOURS

159 WHOLESTONE

158 SAM SPINNER

158 YANWORTH

157 CILAOS EMERY

157 ELGIN

157 SHARJAH

156p SUMMERVILLE BOY

I agree with the top five and that makes the anticipated Fighting Fifth at Newcastle with Buveur D’Air and Samcro very interesting. I think that Bapaume is slightly overrated and I wouldn’t be backing Mick Jazz at the highest level. Agrapart can have a good day and I think that My Tent Or Yours is probably past his best. We’ll have to see how Sam Spinner performs this season and I’d definitely hold fire on that one. Cilaos Emery has had no outings in 2018 and holds no entries so we’ll have to wait and see about that one as well.

I think that Sharjah is underrated. I know that he’s been race fit against season debutants but the record is there to be challenged.

Top chasers

179p ALTIOR

174 FOOTPAD

172 NATIVE RIVER

171 MIGHT BITE 

170p GREAT FIELD

169 MIN

169 ROAD TO RESPECT

169 SIZING JOHN

169 UN DE SCEAUX

168p WAITING PATIENTLY

167 FOX NORTON

166 BALKO DES FLOS

166 BELLSHILL

166 POLITOLOGUE

166 THISTLECRACK

166 TOP NOTCH

This is a very compressed list, particularly towards the bottom, with 10 horses between 166 and 169.

I strongly agree that Altior is the best current chaser. Footpad has to assert following his latest outing to take the mantle. I think that Great Field deserves his “p” and could be one of the horses of the season. I hope to see Min on TV at Ascot this weekend, entered for the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot (currently 3/1), along with Politilogue (13/8f), Bellshill (5/1) and surprising omission from the list Shattered Love (5/1).

Sizing John will need to show that he retains top class form, but I doubt that this will be a problem for hard as nails Un de Sceaux. Waiting Patiently is another with a deserved “p”.

Top Novice Chasers

152P LALOR

149 DIAKALI

147p COUNT MERIBEL

147p VOIX DU REVE

145p BAGS GROOVE

145p KAISER BLACK

145p THE WORLDS END

145p WINTER ESCAPE

145 BRAVE EAGLE

145 MALL DINI

145 ORNUA

144p BLOW BY BLOW

144p LE BREUIL

144p LIL ROCKERFELLER

I could not have been more impressed with Lalor’s jumping and running away win at Cheltenham last weekend. For me, this is the Arkle one to beat.

I’m very surprised that Diakali is so highly rated. Kaiser Black is another that hasn’t beaten much opposition and appears overrated. I totally get why Winter Escape is included in the list. A very exciting prospect.

It’s too early to say much about the following two categories but I’ve added them all to my horses to follow.

Top Novice Hurdlers

139 QUICK GRABIM

137 AYE AYE CHARLIE

137 HEARTS ARE TRUMPS

136p CITY ISLAND

136p TRIPLICATE

136 GRAND SANCY

135p BLACK SAM BELLA

135 DEBUCHET

135 DOUBLE TREASURE

134p CHAMP

134p FAIR MOUNTAIN

134p ROYAL RENDEZVOUS

134p STONEY MOUNTAIN

134p THE DEVILS DROP

Top Juvenile Hurdlers

137 QUEL DESTIN

135p JACK REGAN

134 CRACKER FACTORY

133 MONTESTREL

128 CHIEF JUSTICE

126p NEVER ADAPT

125p FANFAN DU SEUIL

123p KING D’ARGENT

122p ELYSEES

122 KATPOLI

121p OUR POWER

121p SONG FOR SOMEONE

120 IDILICO

119 NEEDS TO BE SEEN

117p FRET D’ESTRUVAL

The bottom of this list is intriguing. Idilico (by Lawman from a Sadler’s Wells mare) was a beaten evens favourite at Market Rasen on 8 November (“ridden when switched inside flat, kept on, no extra towards finish”). Needs To Be Seen (by Motivator and formerly with J P O’Brien) was fifth of six in Quel Destin’s Triumph Hurdle Trial last weekend at Cheltenham (50/1) –  “held up in rear, headway on wide outside before 3 out, soon prominent, every chance next, ridden and unable to quicken before last, well held flat”. Fret d’Estruval has been bought by Munir/Souede and placed with Alan King. Formerly with Guillaume Macaire, he won at Vittel on 4 August and followed up with a win at Lyon Parilly on 16 September, both over hurdles. Looks very interesting! Song For Someone, a son of Medicean, won a hurdle at Le Lion d’Angers in July for Joel Boisnard and has been placed with Tom Symonds for Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings.

I wonder how many of these will turn out to be Dublin Racing Festival and Cheltenham Festival winners? It’s a good long list to work from.

Dublin Saturday

February 1, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Well! Now that we have the declarations I need to refine my initial views (particularly concerning Samcro and the race choice is significant) but, above all, it’s still held up as a hell of a day’s racing. I’ll have a look at Sunday when the decs are out tomorrow but, for now, here are my thoughts about Saturday. By the way, this is a complete endorsement of the decision that Cheltenham decs are going to be 48 hrs so we can take a measured view of the races. So, here we go:

1.10 Lacy & Partners Novices’ Hurdle 2m 6f (Grade 1)

Without Samcro this is a big Grade 1 opportunity. Last season I was a big fan of Carter McKay but I’m now far more skeptical after his third to Getabird and Mengli Khan in the Moscow Flyer Hurdle (Grade 2) on 13 January. It wasn’t so much the ones that beat him than his run which was modest. Dortmund Park** (2/1) looks like good value and could be a lot better than the decent current form suggests. The only serious opponent is Fabulous Saga. Now this one could be a very good WP horse but he notably failed to deliver over 3m at Cork in November. He’s the main threat (Saint des Saints by Fabalina).

1.45 Dublin Steeplechase 2m 1f (Grade 2)

This race has stood up so, as previously advised, I’m with Yorkhill*** (currently evens). Simply Ned is still good value at 7/1 and exceptional as an each way option.

2.20 Frank Ward Irish Arkle Novices’ Chase 2m 1f (Grade 1)

I’m delighted that Footpad***** (8/13) has stood his ground and, quite rightly, Petit Mouchoir (another recovering from injury) is drifting. I’m looking forward to getting a photo with my Cheltenham Festival favourite.

2.55 Coral Sandyford Handicap Chase 2m 1f (Grade B)

Now then, oh my goodness, here’s the first big challenge of the day. 20 runners as matters stand and 8/1 the field with seven currently shortening! OK, decision time. I don’t like any of the favourites up to 20/1 apart from… Tully East* (9/1). This one was 6th in the BetVictor at Cheltenham in November and has properly been highly tried. He could fly in or bomb out but I’m happy to give him another chance.

3.30 Irish Champion Hurdle 2m (Grade 1)

So Faugheen is declared! What do you think? Oh my goodness, this could be the best odds against ever (currently 6/4) or the worst ever. I have to declare, I didn’t think that he would make it. I’m sticking with my view expressed a couple of days ago that he won’t be the machine and I’m looking at the rest of the field for value. I’m not a big fan of Supasundae and I’m disregarding Defi du Seuil (note that this one remains entered in a number of other races notwithstanding the declaration). I’m sticking with Mick Jazz** at an excellent 12/1, including e/w for the current eight.

4.05 Coral Hurdle 2m (Grade B)

What a race! 29 have stood their ground and the forecast favourite is the 29th on 9st 10lb in the shape of Off You Go* (6/1), a JP horse trained by Charles Byrnes with Mark Enwright delivering (lack of) the weight. I will also be having a little wager on Bleu Berry** (16/1) for win and place.

4.40 Goffs Future Stars Bumper 2m (Grade 2)

Well, I had a try a couple of days ago and now it’s a bit easier. There are no odds on the Racing Post website yet but Patrick is riding Blackbow**** (forecast 7/2) and that will do for me.

 

Footpad is in a class of his own at Gowran

It’s the best time of the year

January 30, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Six weeks today is the first day of the Cheltenham Festival and things are shaping up nicely. I’m looking forward to settling down and watching Racing UK’s Half Term Report later this evening but, before that, my attention is all on the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival which effectively gathers a few of the prep races and adds a few to create a bonanza of top racing including Cheltenham auditions. However, with 1.5 million euros in prize money over two days at Leopardstown, this stands in its own right as the fourth major NH festival of the season and I’m sure it will be immediately established as one of the highlights of the year.

I’m delighted to say that the flights, accommodation and tickets are booked and I can’t wait. So here is a quick glance over the entries. I’m not up to speed with trainer plans but Willie Mullins has been clear that he is a big supporter of the initiative and, for once, we’ll know about his plans for Cheltenham with several of his key players needing to prove themselves.

At this stage we just have the entries but let’s take them at face value and make a start on a shortlist.

Saturday

1.10 Lacy & Partners Novices’ Hurdle 2m 6f (Grade 1)

There is every chance that the star of the weekend will make his bow in the shape of Samcro***** (1/2). I haven’t heard a bad word about him and many see him as the Cheltenham banker. There is no serious opposition and this should be a penalty kick.

1.45 Dublin Steeplechase 2m 1f (Grade 2)

This is a three way call between Min (9/4), Yorkhill (5/4) and Simply Ned (6/1). Min was rightly disqualified in his last outing, with Simply Ned being awarded the race. The point is that Min was too keen early on and therefore flat out up the home straight and that’s what caused the DQ. Simply Ned is a proper candidate for this one. The question is how Yorkhill will perform over a little over two miles. 8/12 over 3 miles in that strange Leopardstown Christmas Chase (formerly the Lexus) and beaten by Road to Respect at Fairyhouse over 2m 4f, he beat Top Notch over the same distance in the JLT at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. He’s headstrong but then so was Un de Sceaux over varying distances before settling over 2m to 2m 4f and maybe this one will follow. I’m going to disregard Min’s last performance but, even so, my choice is Yorkhill** to set himself up nicely for a crack at the Ryanair (yes, the Ryanair, here I am going again for a less obvious Cheltenham race selection!).  Closutton’s jockey selection will be interesting.

2.20 Frank Ward Irish Arkle Novices’ Chase 2m 1f (Grade 1)

For me, this is the race of the meeting and features my current favourite horse of the season (ahead even of Samcro) in the shape of Footpad***** (8/13). I’ve sung his praises in previous posts and I think that he’s the best new chaser of at least this season and possibly several. His jumping is foot perfect and he’s got a decent turn of foot to boot. I really believe that he’s a star champion chaser in the making. Petit Mouchoir (another favourite of mine) provides the main opposition but I’ll be amazed if Footpad doesn’t take this one.

2.55 Coral Sandyford Handicap Chase 2m 1f (Grade B)

With 29 entries and 8/1 the field it’s too early to take a view on this one.

3.30 Irish Champion Hurdle 2m (Grade 1)

Well, this is the dilemma of the weekend. It’s all about Faugheen* (13/8). You have to take a view and no-one including WP (I genuinely believe that) knows. The hard headed view is that if a horse flops after a long injury absence he probably won’t bounce back and I have to approach the race on that basis. I could be completely wrong but, at best, I think that he won’t be the same Faugheen and could struggle to win this. I must therefore look elsewhere and I certainly won’t be with Defi du Seuil who is following the well worn path of a juvenile struggling in his next season. Melon, on the other hand and a 7-y-o, looks like a developing horse and is a serious candidate but, for value, I’ll be having a little wager on Mick Jazz* at an appealing 8/1 to follow up on his win in the Christmas meeting’s 2m highlight in which Faugheen was pulled up. Horses can’t talk and there was a reason why the machine flopped which, by all accounts, has not been identified let alone dealt with.

4.05 Coral Hurdle 2m (Grade B)

37 entries and another to watch for declarations and market moves. Having seen the entries I might well wait until shortly before the race and watch the market moves. If I’ve had a few drinks in the 1888 Restaurant I’ll probably support Ivanovich Gorbatov into another hole. He’s my Irish equivalent of Singlefarmpayment for others!

4.40 Goffs Future Stars Bumper 2m (Grade 2)

I tend to avoid bumpers because you have to be a serious aficionado to sort them out (and to be honest I don’t have the time). I was a little thrown by this one because it wasn’t listed in the Racing Post cards but now it’s here let’s take a look. WP has three, GE has four, JP O’B has two and Jessica has one, unraced, but another Sizing horse in the shape of Sizing Pottsie (what an odd name). Rhinestone (by Montjeu) is a former Magnier horse with AP, now with JP, and has beaten nine opponents on heavy in a minor event at Thurles last month. Carefully Selected (by Well Chosen) won on soft for WP at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting at 3/1JF and could be decent. Empire Burleque (by Cape Cross) beat a WP/Ricci favourite on heavy last February. Noel Meade’s Village Mystic has not been seen since January 16 and, before that, February 2015 and is therefore disregarded. Blackbow* (by Stowaway) won a decent bumper at Leopardstown, is with WP, and looks to me the selection as matters stand. As with an earlier race, jockey selection will be informative and I would like to see Patrick Mullins on this one.

 

Sunday early views will follow tomorrow evening.

Top class racing this weekend

January 27, 2017 / / 0 Comments

What a day! No less than 18 featured races to savour this weekend including three Grade 1s, seven Grade 2s and three Grade 3s. So here goes!

Saturday
12:00 JCB Triumph Trial 2m (Grade 2) (Chelt)

So Barry Geraghty has chosen Charlie Parcs. I’ve read on Twitter that perhaps both JP horses won’t run against each other. Defi du Seuil is a fine horse with better form but I think that Charli Parcs**** is the choice at 4/7. Notable that the favourites have flip flopped tonight. There is a suspicion that Defi du Seuil won’t run #justsaying. UPDATE: Well well, Charli Parcs announced a non-runner at 11:35. What a shame. Defi du Seuil now unopposable.

12:35 Novices’ Chase 2m 4f (Chelt)

Two choices: Singlefarmpayment** (at a best 11/2) is the deserving favourite, but I would definitely have an each way on Champers On Ice* at an appealing 9/1 e/w 1/4 odds (make sure that you get the latter – widely available). MARKET UPDATE: Champers On Ice now 13/2.

13:10 Handicap Chase 2m 4f (Grade 3) (Chelt)

Well, I could be a bit biased when Shantou Flyer is 6/1 and I understand that he has a Gold Cup entry. Anyhow, this is the day for Thomas Crapper* at an appealing 7/1.

13:30 Limestone Lad Hurdle 2m (Grade 3) (Naas)

8/11 Ivan Grozny**** is a given. The opposition is irrelevant.

13:45 Clarence House Chase 2m (Grade 1) (Chelt)

I think that Un De Sceaux*** is vulnerable. However I can’t find an opponent. This is all about whether Uxizandre is fit for 2m on his return. I doubt it.

13:55 Handicap Chase 2m (Don)

Cyrus Moriviere is the surprising 100/30 favourite. That requires a leap of faith. My preference is for progressive Romain de Senam*.

14:15 Cotswold Chase  3m 1f (Grade 2) (Chelt)

I’ve not selected Thistlecrack**** for the Gold Cup yet but, with a clear round, he’s too good for the opposition today,

14:30 Lightning Novices’ Chase 2m (Grade 2) (Don)

This is a realistic chance for Marracudja* (outsider at 6/1).

14:35 Woodlands Park Novice Chase 3m (Grade 3) (Naas)

Forgive Briar Hill** his last run and take the 5/1.

14:50 Glenfarclas Cross Country 3m 6f (Chelt)

I prefer Auvergnat** over Cantlow in this one. I’ll also have a bit of Cause of Causes* at 12/1.

15:05 Doncaster Mares’ Hurdle 2m 1/2f (Grade 2) (Don)

One to watch and enjoy. Has to be Vroum Vroum Mag***** at 1/3.

15:25 Neptune Novices’ Hurdle 2m 4f (Grade 2) (Chelt)

Another progressive Nicholls selection in the shape of Topofthegame* at an appealing 6/1.

15:40 Sky Bet Handicap Chase 3m (Listed) (Don)

I’m going to follow Caid du Berlais** into a hole at 14/1 (if I’ve not done so already).

16:00 Cleeve Hurdle 3m (Grade 2) (Chelt)

Unowhatimeanharry***** is excellent value at 10/11.

16:35 Steel Plate and Sections Hurdle 2m 1f (Chelt)

Drumcliff* was poised to take this one but is a non-runner so the tentative alternative is Max do Brazil* at 5/1.

Sunday
14:00 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Novice Hurdle 2m 4f (Grade 2) (Leop)

Let’s Dance*** deserves to be 15/8 favourite.

14:30 Frank Ward Irish Arkle 2m 1f (Grade 1) (Leop)

I prefer Royal Caviar** over the disappointing last time out Identity Thief.

15:30 Irish Champion Hurdle 2m (Grade 1) (Leop)

It’s all about Faugheen*****, already my selection for the Champion Hurdle

Good luck!

 

 

Great weekend coming

January 26, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Cheltenham is coming and it’s not the Festival (yet).

I’m very excited about this week’s racing and will be putting up a full preview after the decs tomorrow. For now, here are my initial thoughts based on entries. Some are multi-declared and I’ll sort that out tomorrow.

Cheltenham

12:00 Charli Parcs

12:35 Champers On Ice

13:10 Uxizandre

13:45 Un De Sceaux

14:15 Thistlecrack

14:50 Cause Of Causes

15:25 Topofthegame

16:00 Unknowhatimeanharry

16:35 The Storyteller

Sunday is almost equally good with Faugheen in the Irish Champion Hurdle and Min in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle

Enjoy!!

Cheltenham update

February 3, 2014 / / 0 Comments

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.

rubiball-dufaure09b

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.

Champagne-Fever

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:

HORSE RACING

RSA

The RSA is far too early to call but Sam Winner is a horse that I’ve regained faith in.

Sam_Winner.jpg

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.

rpx_chelt2_ew6.jpg

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!

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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!

Boxing Day selections

December 25, 2013 / / 0 Comments

Horse Racing - King George VI Chase - Kempton Park So Christmas Day is nearly done and I’m ready for a joyful day’s racing after an unusually long break since the weekend. 10 points for identifying this superb King George winner in 1965

I’ll just pick out a few for tomorrow and I’m conscious that the weather is likely to play a part so betting will be sparse. Remarkably, Kempton is good to soft, soft in places but I’d like to see for myself what the going is really like.

  • 12.50 2m Hurdle (Class 2) – Sgt Reckless could well dent the reputations of the two leading him in the betting.
  • 1.25 2m 4f Novices’ Chase (Class 3) I fancy Urbain de Sivola to turn over the favourite.
  • 2.00 3m Novices’ Chase (Feltham) (Class 1) One of my favourite races of the year but not the best field this time. It’s a re-run of Newbury and I can’t see Third Intention getting the better of Just A Par.
  • 2.35 2m Hurdle (Christmas Hurdle) (Class 1) It’s a match and I’m with My Tent Or Yours to get the better of The New One to install himself as favourite for (but not winner of) the Champion Hurdle.
  • 3.10 3m Chase (King George) (Class 1) Nine runners but what a race!! I’m opposing Cue Card and Dynaste so that leaves it to the Nicholls’ runners and on this occasion (but not for Cheltenham) I’m with Al Ferof because I think conditions will suit him better at Kempton.

Leopardstown

  • 12.20 2m 2f Maiden Hurdle I’m looking forward to watching Clondaw Court become a serious player for the rest of the season but without a penny bet.
  • 1.20 2m Hurdle (Grade 2) The same applies for Anafilet – a penalty kick and before this race half the price of the next favourite for the Triumph Hurdle.
  • 2.55 2m 1f Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Another showcase for WP with the unopposable Champagne Fever (currently 3/1 with the next 10/1 for the Arkle) presumably putting in a show, as on his last outing.

Wetherby (Good to Soft)

  • 1.45 3m 1f Chase (Class 1) (Rowland Meyrick) This is a way below average renewal and an easy Grade 3 chance for the deserving Tullamore Dew with Sydney Paget the threat.

What a day’s racing. Can’t wait!!

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