2015 Cheltenham Festival Preview Night Reports

[Old Vic]

Irish Nights

TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd

Venue: Ferins Bar in Fermoy, Co Cork at 8.00pm in aid of the JT McNamara Fund

Panellists: Bryan Cooper, Tom Segal, Gary O'Brien, Rob Catterson (Paddy Power)


Venue: Martello Bar in Bray, Co Wicklow at 8.00pm sponsored by Star Sports
Panellists: Barry Geraghty, Donn McClean, Kevin O'Ryan, Dave Keena; Chair: Denis Kirwan

Venue: Ballinrobe Racecourse at Westport Hotel in conjunction with The Mayo News
Full details to be confirmed

Venue: Shabra Charity Preview Evening at Glencarn Hotel, Castleblaney, Co Monagahan at 8pm

Panellists: Tony Martin, Patrick Mullins, Shark Hanlon, David Jennings, Noel O'Brien, Patrick Kennelly

<a href="http://ads2.williamhill.com/redirect.aspx?pid=64294877&bid=1487412751&lpid=148 6819156"><img alt="" src="http://ads2.williamhill.com/renderimage.aspx?pid=64294877&bid=1487412751" border=0></img ></a>

[Lester]

The lads from Bounce Factor @TheBounceFactor
were at a Cheltenham Preview night last night with
Ryan Hatch,
Tom Bellamy
and Splash of Ginge owner John Neild.

First and foremost, the connections think Splash of Ginge is primed for an attack at the JLT and Neild can't see him outside the first 3.25/1 NRNB most places could be a massive price as confidence, coupled with very decent Cheltenham form, means a live chance for Ginge.

Not too much confidence on Supreme favourite Douvan who was described by most as 'opposable'. The panel believing he's priced on reputation.

Ryan Hatch, jockey for the Twiston-Davies yard, believes there is serious stable confidence in The New One for the Champion Hurdle.
As for the Arkle, the panel believed it's a case of Un De Sceaux getting over the fences in terms of winning. Few outsiders were mentioned..

Neild believes Josses Hill is under-rated and there was a few words mentioned for Sgt Reckless, however, definitely as each-way chances.

Interestingly Tom Bellamy, Alan King conditional jockey, didn't seem too bullish on Sego Success' chances. Mentioned Very Wood.
Thomas Crapper, running in the day one finale, seemed very popular with the panel and all were expecting a big run at a price around 12/1.

The horse liked for the Neptune was Parlour Games. Hatch chose it as his nap of the festival and a few were bemused it wasn't favourite.

Bellamy couldn't see past Don Poli (his nap) for the RSA. Neild mentioned Young Master as a horse he would love to see win after its year.

Champion Chase, as expected, described as minefield. Bookie on the panel happy to take on SSacre. Looks like Sire de Grugy has best chance.

Panel backed up the Bounce Factor's Cross Country selection Any Currency as comfortably the best chance for the unique race.
We will do a piece on Any Currency in the next few days.

Strong word from the panel on Apache Stronghold for the JLT but confidence was brimming for Splash of Ginge each-way.
Panel fancied Johns Spirit for the Ryanair. Few big runs this year gives him a great chance. Bellamy said Balder Succes is firing at home.

The lads pressed the panel for a view on our selection Module. Bellamy said his form wasn't great but had a good each-way chance (we agree!)

As for the World Hurdle, the panel were positive on Zarkander and negative on Saphir Du Rheu. Rock on Ruby no chance. Annie Power for mares.

Strong words on Buywise for the Festival Plate. Panel think it has a great chance and Neild especially likes Ballynagour (bookie agreed).

Most of the talk on the Triumph was for Beltor and how impressive it was in the Adonis. Hargam mentioned too. Happy to take on Peace & Co.

Hatch, ridden Blaklion to success this season, believes it has a fantastic chance for the Albert Bartlett. Sam Twiston-Davies gets the ride.
Hatch said it is a definite three-miler and stable confidence is very high. Admitted he was disappointed not to be riding it.

Salsify was popular for the Foxhunters. Panel keen on its Cheltenham form. They also admitted you won't go far wrong with Paint The Clouds.

An interesting point was made that if there is money for Le Mercurey (has been already) for the Martin Pipe it is worth taking a look at.

The Gold Cup was a hot topic and the panel were keen to take on Silviniaco Conti. Road to Riches was John Neild's nap of the festival.
Panel liked Holywell, too.
Also mentioned that Mullins wouldn't send a 6 year old (Djakadam) to a Gold Cup unless it was some horse.

[Lester]

Exeter not doing much for their PR

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Our Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening starts at 6.30pm. However, we will not be tweeting any info <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/youshouldbehere?src=hash">#youshouldbehere</a></p>&mdash; Exeter Racecourse (@ExeterRaces) <a href="https://twitter.com/ExeterRaces/status/572813488155987968">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Lester]

From London Racing Club Preview Night you can get in running tweets on their official twitter account https://twitter.com/RacingLRCand via @gazsax

https://twitter.com/gazsax

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Our full Cheltenham Festival preview panel: <a href="http://t.co/76JfrbGM6L">pic.twitter.com/76JfrbGM6L</a></p>&mdash; London Racing Club (@RacingLRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RacingLRC/status/570258961183719425">February 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Phil Smith (bha) Lydia Hislop, Lee Mottershead, Paul Jones, Martin Champman from star sports on stage
We're starting with the Champion Hurdle.. PS Faugheen or Jezki for him. He wishes Barry was on board Jezki instead of the champ

Tuesday

Lydia Hislop - Faugheen for us and fancies Arctic Fire for a place. All panel has doubts on TNO
All Panel go for Faugheen to beat Jezki.
Supreme Novice Hurdle - Lydia is a huge Douvan fan, she expects L'Ami Serge is drift on day of the race
PS thinks Qwey is a great EW shout and without doubt one for the future.
9 of the last 11 horse under 2/1 in the supreme hasn't won....
Henderson 9 top 4 finishes in last 8 years in Supreme.
Now onto the Arkle, this shouldn't take too long.
Jockeys will only be riding for second place.. UDS jumps first two ok he will be away and gone...
Panel agrees Josses Hill is an accident waiting to happen and jumping a big no no for them
Panel happy to back Vibrato Valtat without UDS in the betting and Phil Smith likes the looks of Three Kingdoms EW
If your backing UDS panel say hide behind the sofa and keep everything crossed !!!
Lee Mottershead expects Sgt Reckless to miss cheltenham and head straight to Aintree
Mares hurdle. Phil Smith big fan of Carole's Spirit
Lydia Hislop - Likes Polly Peachum only has to find 7pound and put a line through her Kempton form.
Bookies will be laying Annie Power at 4/5
Lydia likes both of Noel Meade horses in the 4miler, couldn't choose which one when pressed
Phil Smith tips up Cogry for the 4milers. "Crying out for 4m and will stay all day long"
Cogry only beat Doing Fine by a neck LTO and Doing Fine 25/1 for 4milers

Wednesday

QM Champion Chase - Lydia not having SDG after hearing about the new shoe story which has come out today.
Panel wouldn't be surprised if Champagne Fever went for Ryanair with Cue Card ruled out
Word is John Spirit maybe going to the Ryanair also after speaking to owners today.
Lydia tips Dodging Bullets for QM, Paul Jones a fan of Champagne Fever if he runs
Andrew Tinker says Sprinter all day long, blowing everything else away in the stables in the mornings. Needs only 5/6 pounds extra than
Last run to win this.
To sum up the Champion Chase. the panel haven't got a clue!!! Wide wide open!!
Doubts over first 5 in champion chase. As a huge Sprinter fan it will be one to watch and enjoy for me.
RSA Chase time: Panel think Don Poli is a class apart and Kings Palace could set up the race for DP
Short and sweet Don Poli for the RSA
Phil Smith thinks trainer/owner madn to even think about Gold Cup with Coneygree
Paul Smith puts up Toutancarmont for the cross country, given to him by a French friend .
Lydia likes Sire Collonges in the Cross Country and Zarib in the Fred Winter
LM puts up Aux Ptits Soins for the Coral Cup. Says PN not happy with the rise in weight though
No big thoughts the Neptune but panel all agree Windsor Park will be in the first 3 if he try's this time !!!

Thursday

We're back!!! Thursday World Hurdle first up
Paul Jones author of Wetherbys cheltenham fest betting guide like Zarkandar and think he is the better of the Nicholls two.
Panel thinks this years World Hurdle is poor on quality and doubts if Rock on Ruby will stay. Best of the Irish Lieutenant Colonel.
Ryanair - Don Cossack by far best horse in the race says Paul Jones
Module 33/1 for Ryanair could well run into a place and big odds, good reports of his work at home
Phil Smith like Ma Filleule and can't see her being out the top 3. Expects him to reverse the form on Balder Success
JLT Novice Chase - Vautour jumping a big worry for Lydia and Ruby won't have his own way like many races in Ireland on him.
She then puts up Valseur Lido for the JLT slick jumper and 6/1 non runner no bet looks the pick for her
Paul Jones also likes Valseur Lido and has backed him at 6/1
Phil Smith has Vautour only 4th best horse in race on ratings. Worries about Ptit Zig fall on recent race
Phil Jones taking no chances with Edeymi in the Pertemps think it could be a handicap job.
Lydia puts up Knight Of Noir in Pertemps

Friday

Straight onto Gold Cup friday now...
Lydia like Road To Riches but has already backed Djakadam
Paul Jones thinks the gold cup is a year to early for Djakadam and next year may well be his year. Holywell for him...
Phil Smith most likely to challenge Conti on ratings will be Djakadam !!!
Phil Smith has doubts about Holywell jumping and thinks AP would rather be on him than Carlingford Lough
Respects Many Clouds but worried about the drying ground
Triumph Hurdle - Panel agree Peace & Co is a bit like marmite !!
Paul Jones puts up Pain Au Chocolat and Karezak EW but thinks Peace & Co to win.
Lydia pick is Petite Parisienne has tick all the boxes for her. Worried about Hargam who wi love no rain till race day
Phil Smith also likes the look of Petite Parisienne
Albert Bartlett - Lydia all over Blacklion, happy the fact STD will be the jockey on the day
Lee and Paul both very sweet on Value At Risk and best of the British, Martello Tower best of Irish
Value At Risk owner in Crowd talking up his horse, thinks the better ground will work wonders for him and wouldn't want any other in race
County Hurdle - The Game Changer looks like he has had this race in mind all season !! Huge chance
Phil puts up Paint the clouds & Current Event for foxhunters, had both trainers on the phone wanting to know why horses so low in weights.
Charity bets to end the day. LH - Djakadam (gold cup) PS - Ned Stark (Ultima Business handicap chase) Phil Smith - Barry top jockey

[Lester]

Some bits from the Timeform evening on official twitter account https://twitter.com/Timeform1948


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Here we are <a href="https://twitter.com/StKentsPlace2B">@StKentsPlace2B</a> for Timeform's Cheltenham Preview Evening, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/BetfairRacing">@BetfairRacing</a> . <a href="http://t.co/BqWC3ygA04">pic.twitter.com/BqWC3ygA04</a></p>&mdash; Timeform (@Timeform1948) <a href="https://twitter.com/Timeform1948/status/572835274427916288">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Panellists, from l-r, @RacingMDWilly , @DanBarberTF , @LynchyTF , @martdixonTF & @BetfairBarry

Tuesday

.@DanBarberTF pointing out the rare depth of L'Ami Serge's form: Kilcooley, Jolly's Cracked It and Violet's Dancer all beaten.
Panellists trying manfully to get Un de Sceaux beat. Top Gamble and Sail By The Sea put up by @martdixonTF as potential spoilers.
Faugheen is "spectacular" and "probably better than Istabraq" (which raised some murmurs). 5/4 looking very tempting.

Wednesday

.@martdixonTF cannot have Nichols Canyon. Claims he "dogged it furiously" at Royal Ascot for Gosden. Likes Ordo Ab Chao at a price.
Split opinions on Sprinter Sacre. @DanBarberTF worried about his bleeding at Ascot; @martdixonTF not so much. @RacingMDWilly with Martin.
Martin sees Wait For Me in the bumper as a 14/1 wildcard. Dan thinks Polly Peachum might be the one to chase Annie Power home.

Thursday

World Hurdle: Rock On Ruby will be one of Mike's "bets of the Festival". Dan scathing about Zarkandar, likes Jetson e/w and Briar Hill.
We're back and Martin is straight in against Vautour. He suggests that Gods Own could be big at 25s/33s.
Ryanair: Martin & Dan like Ma Filleule's "Superb" h'cap form. Michael likes Taquin de Seuil and insists previous Festival form "not a myth".

Friday

Albert Bartlett: @BetfairBarry says Black Hercules is his bet of the meeting. Mike counters with Value At Risk.
Jamie speaks out! Peace And Co is hidden in plain sight and "best bet of the meeting" .
Plenty of doubts over Silviniaco Conti's stamina in the Gold Cup. Dan likes Many Clouds, Martin Holywell, Michael Carlingford Lough.

As a final tidbit, Michael appoints JJ Burke as the jockey to follow on our ratings, after Bryan Cooper and Mikey Fogarty in recent years.

[Lester]

From Wetherby https://twitter.com/WetherbyRaces

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/WetherbyRaces">@WetherbyRaces</a> for Festival Preview tonight at 715 with all star cast of <a href="https://twitter.com/Niallhannity">@Niallhannity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/McGracing">@McGracing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanQuinnracing">@SeanQuinnracing</a></p>&mdash; Darren Owen (@Darren_Owen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Darren_Owen/status/572766700703240193">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

@WetherbyRaces for Festival Preview tonight at 715 with all star cast of @Niallhannity @McGracing @SeanQuinnracing

And we're off 2015 @StarSports_Bet Cheltenham Preview Evening. Full house

Tuesday

Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle - No suprise that panel all behind Douvan and L'Ami Serge. Value possibly in Qewy
Arkle - Panel very excited for this race and Un De Sceaux. Sgt Reckless E/W for Niall. No questions from the floor! Nuff said.
Champion Hurdle - Faugheen a certainty say Niall and Jim. Sean fancies Kitten Rock at a price to place.
Audience member thinks Faugheen is going to 'get stuffed', and is demanding an E/W from Niall & Jim. Jim telling Francome story instead!

Wednesday

Neptune - Jim fancies Nichols Canyon and happy with 9/2 @StarSports_Bet Ordo Ab Chao & Beast of Burden at bigger prices.
RSA - uncertainty over runners, but Sean would like to see small yard winner with Coneygree and if he runs 9/2 now with @StarSports_Bet.
Panel Question to audience... If Coneygree was yours, where would you run him, RSA Chase or Gold Cup?
Queen Mother Chase - Sire De Grugy for Jim even in his new shoes!
Queen Mother - Niall would like to see Sprinter Sacre win but will have a bigger price bet with Johns Spirit at 33/1 with @StarSports_Bet
Queen Mother - Sean on Champagne Fever and Jim says sound advice from Niall re Johns Spirit.


Thursday

JLT - Not a lot to say about this one! Vautour for Jim, Niall doesn't like the race and Sean on Apache Stronghold.
Ryanair - Sean if pressed would be on Ma Filleule. Niall thinks Don Cossack too short at 3/1 and would be on Johns Spirit 8/1 if he runs.
Ryanair - Balder Success 6/1 with @StarSports_Bet would be Jim's pick.
World Hurdle - Niall sweet on Rock on Ruby, he thinks he will stay, question mark over who will ride him, but class @StarSports_Bet 8/1
World Hurdle - Jim agrees Rock on Ruby will stay, but fancies a punt on Jetson.
World Hurdle - Sean fancies Lieutenant Colonel if ground softens. @StarSports_Bet say eye-catching money for Un Temps Pour Tout
World Hurdle - Annie Power will not run say panel

Friday

All the panel are sweet on the chances of Martello tower at a big price for the Albert Bartlett #@WetherbyRaces
World Hurdle - Annie Power will not run say panel
Triumph Hurdle - Really great renewal. Hargam @StarSports_Bet 6/1 is the panel punt.
Albert Bartlett - Panel are all fans of Martello Tower at a big price with @StarSports_Bet 12/1.
Gold Cup - Niall, Silviniaco deserves to be favourite , but Niall's one ante post bet of the festival was Djakadam.
Gold Cup - Sean: Djakadam still improving but feels Road to Riches is the best of the Irish and @StarSports_Bet 8/1 will be his pick.
Gold Cup - Jim questioning Silviniaco form, and with Holywell and Lord Windermere.

<br><br>
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[Lester]

Newcastle from https://twitter.com/JRFArmstrong

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheltPreview?src=hash">#CheltPreview</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NewcastleRaces">@NewcastleRaces</a> this eve after racing with GRAHAM WYLIE, Gordy Clarkson, <a href="https://twitter.com/roryjiwani">@roryjiwani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mickfitzg">@mickfitzg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnBlance1">@JohnBlance1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/garethtopham">@garethtopham</a> RT</p>&mdash; James Armstrong (@JRFArmstrong) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRFArmstrong/status/572669197458796544">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Tuesday

@NewcastleRaces #CheltPreview Graham Wylie confirms Shaneshill for Supreme (pulled muscles earlier in season) & Nicholls Canyon for Neptune
#ChampionHurdle
general consensus Faugheen. J Blance goes Jezki for a place (spring horse). Gordy Clarkson likes Vaniteaux ew
Mick Fitz think Faugheen will win 5l. No one keen on the TNO & his jumping right. Graham Wylie ew Arctic Fire

#mares
Annie Power if she turns up. Others worth ew Rory likes Polly Peachum ew Mick likes Glens Meoldy IF AP doesn't turn up
Gordy Clarkson likes The Governess a good ew bet at big price for @fergalobrien07 but AP to win.

#novicechase on day 1 3 panellists really fancy Thomas Crapper


Wednesday

#neptune All generally keen on Graham's Nichols Canyon but Mick not sure about his jumping. Fancies Windsor Park (if not AlbB)

#RSA IF Conagree doesn't go to Gold Cup an outstanding chance (Mick Fitz) Gareth Topham rlikes Don Poli...need a good stayer
John Blance keen on Coneygree also. Rated 166 (Denman 161 when won). Mad not to run in it

#CoralCup Lac Fontana ew for John Blance. Don't forget Getmeoutofhere...for a place
Rory Jiwani says watch out for Goodwood Mirage (whatever race he runs in)

#QMChampionChase Mick Fitz thinks Champagne Fever a standout out ew. Says Sire De Grugy thrives on his racing...peaking?
Joh Blance agrees with Mick good ew bet in Champagne Fever. Graham Wylie in same camp as like Lord Transcend!
Gareth Topham goes with Sire De Grugy. Sprinter too many niggling doubts.

#CrossCounty John Blance likes Chicago Grey off a lowish weight. Mick likes Quantativeeasing if dries up (no watering poss)

#FredWinter John Blance Starchitect 18/1 ew & Gordon Elliot's Hostile Fire 10/1 fancied by a couple

#Bumper Moon Racer fancied by Gordy C. Supersundae mentioned. Graham says Bellshill is in great form & hopeful. Positive vibes
Mick fancies Pile On The Pressure also from Mullins yard.

Thursday

#JLT John Blance says Ptit Zig value bet. Mick concerns about him coming back after fall last time out. Big fan of ValseurLido
Gareth likes Apache Stronghold strong irish form & Ptit Zig (if ok after fall). Graham can't see passed Vautour
Rory Appache Stronghold fan & mentions Cooper really likes ValseurLido. Gods Own as poss good ew @ 25/1 but left handed?

#Pertemps
many horses laid out...not a favs race. Edeymi for John Blance. Gordy fancies Syabrite of NT-D ew at big price 20's

#RyanAir #CheltPreview Good vibes from Hendersons re Ma Filleule with 7lb allowance. Mick seems quite keen. Don Cossack is best Gordon's had
#RyanAir #CheltPreview Gareth Topham thinks Eduard a good ew bet & Don Cossack to win give Cue Cards absence
#RyanAir #CheltPreview Blance strong shout 4 Hidden Cyclone ew at 10's. Jumps well & has great attitude. Graham says Boston Bob a poss or GC
#RyanAir #Cheltenham Rory likes Ballynagour ew at big price. Good when fresh. Say Nicholls was keen on Wonderful Charm.
#Plate Buywise well Hcapped & Gordy likes Blood Cotil & fancied by owner Rich Ricci according to Mick Fitz.
#Plate #cheltpreview Rajdani Express (or where ever he runs) well fancied by JohnBlance & Rory Jiwani mentioned Darna at 40/1 ew
#Pertemps #CheltPreview Alivan one to keep an eye on whatever runs in!
#KimMuir #CheltPreview Just A Par at 20s for John Blance

Friday

#AlbertBartlett #CheltPreview Graham hopeful of Black Hercules. John likes him too & encouraged by his jumping. Mick likes Windsor Park.
#GrandAnnual #CheltPreview Ted Veale sneak into frame for Gareth. John poss ew on Ned Buntline. Also Starts are going to be key at Festival!
#GrandAnnual #CheltPreview Ned Buntline will be a massive punt as APMc last ride at Chelt. Mick keen on Next Sensation for Scudamores
#GrandAnnual #CheltPreview Graham likes Solar Impulse if copes with 'hurly burly' of race & P Nicholls would love to train him a fest winner
#GoldCup #CheltPreview need proven Festival form. Silvinaco best 3miler but is he up to GC distance...? Djakadam trip is an issue.
#GoldCup #CheltPreview ground & weather a concern for Many Clouds. Graham says On His Own needs a test & therefore rain pref or quick pace
#GoldCup #CheltPreview Graham ref Boston Bob may improve for better ground. Hopes they spring a surprise. Gareth a Many Clouds fan ground!?
#GoldCup #CheltPreview Gareth a Holywell fan & thinks Kelso will have him spot on with Goodish ground. Gordy a Windermere fan. Rory Silv fan
#GoldCup #CheltPreview Dark horse Djakadam. John interested in Road to Riches. Gordy thinks he beat horses in Lexus not fully wound up.
#foxhunters CheltPreview Paint The Clouds Gareth's *biggest bet of week! 9/2. A hunter chase guru is @garethtopham
#CountyHurdle #CheltPreview Calipto liked for John Blance @ 10/1. Lucky Bridle may run for Graham 'but he's not v good!' Lols in audience
#Conditionals #CheltPreview Un A Tout, Tagaltelli (AP?) for Gordy. Sailors Warn for John Blance. Dell Arca for Gareth.


Best Bets

#Cheltpreview best bets:
JB Hidden Cyclone & RijhaniExpress
GT Paint The Clouds (Fox)
MF Windsor Park
GW Nichols Canyon
GC Blood Cotil &.. & Top Notch
RJ Cole Harden & Next Sensation...and Goodnight!

[Lester]

Bray https://twitter.com/StarSports_Bet

Bray: Barry Geraghty thinks L'ami Serge's form through Killultagh Vic is very strong. #supremenovices
Bray: Jessica Harrington feels Nichols Canyon lacks the size to deal with the hustle and bustle of what will be a tough Neptune.
Both @donnmcclean and @Jessica_Racing think Martello Tower is a big price for the Albert Bartlett. Coming from Point to Point; he'll stay
Bray: Novices wrapped up. Peace and Co and L'ami Serge both fancied with Dicosimo (Triumph) and Martello Tower (Albert) at bigger prices
Bray: Interestingly Barry has said he will ride Vyta Du Roc if he runs in the Neptune (and thinks he could). Currently 25s with Star
With Coneygree likely to try Gold Cup (if he runs at all) the RSA is a straight shootout between Don Poli and The Young Master #Braypanel
Bray: Strongest fancy so far as Dave Keena feels Valseur Lido is 'absolutely bombproof' in the JLT and possibly 'bet of the festival' at 6s
Great night in Bray. Thanks to the panel and everyone who turned up. The horse to take out of tonight is Ma Filleule. #CheltenhamReady
Bray: Graham has been tipping Ma Filleule all week and is grinning from ear to ear as @BarryJGeraghty calls her 'one of his best rides'
Bray: Both @donnmcclean and @BarryJGeraghty think Lieutenant Colonel is the horse to beat in the World Hurdle #CheltenhamPreviewNight
Bray: According to Dave Keena Gordon Elliott thinks Jetstream Jack has a massive chance in the bumper at 25s #wideopen #CheltenhamFestival
Bray: @kevinblake2011 you can hold your head up. Jessica has just put Jetson up as a great ew in the World Hurdle #nofool
Bray: @donnmcclean says the Champion Hurdle is a 'fascinating renewal' and thinks that Hurricane Fly has a chance #sentimental
Bray: @BarryJGeraghty thinks Bobs Worth will give you a great run for your money at 16s. Silviniaco Conti & Djakadam the dangers #goldcup
Bray: @BarryJGeraghty says the old Sprinter Sacre is back & @Jessica_Racing thinks he only needs to be 80% to win anyway #ChampionChase
Answer of the night. 'MC to Barry' - Ruby has a tough choice in the Champion Hurdle The Fly or Faugheen. Who would you ride? Barry: Jezki

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

Another version of Salthill from lorenzo87 on boards.ie

Galway Preview Night - Main Panel was Patrick Mullins, Davy Russell, Paul Kealy (Racing Post) and Eddie O'Leary (Gigginstown).
All attended free of charge so hats off to them as most get a fee of 1k to 3k in other preview nights.

Supreme Novices Hurdle

Patrick Mullins: Douvan is exceptional, ground will be no issue, very hopeful. He said Shaneshill should also take his chance in this.
Davy Russell: Shaneshill and Bentelimar both too big a price, go each-way. Criticised Paul Kealy's selection of Jollyallan, says he can't jump and that's a shocking bet. He also said L'Ami Serge is a 2nd season novice and that they have a shocking record in this.
Paul Kealy: Douvan too short, Jollyallan great each-way bet, Patrick Mullins also questioned his selection, Jollyallan.
Eddie O'Leary: Douvan is tall and weak so might not be suited to this test. Alvisio Ville a great e/w bet, Patrick Mullins agreed with him.


Neptune Hurdle
Paul Kealy: Nichols Canyon will win (sounded very assured).
Davy Russell: Windsor Park a question mark for race, could go Albert Bartlett. He said it will be a travesty if the Irish don't win all novice hurdle races at Cheltenham and he will pack in racing if they don't.
Patrick Mullins: Nichols Canyon could take a lot of beating, rated 111 on flat which was higher than Hurricane Fly.
Eddie O'Leary: Nichols Canyon should win, he also said to watch Weld's horses this year who will be super fresh.


Albert Bartlett
Eddie O'Leary: No More Heroes scoped badly last time out, not as confident as they were about this horse.
Paul Kealy: No More Heroes will take the world of beating.
Patrick Mullins: Boost to Black Hercules if Douvan wins. Martello Tower has a great e/w chance, value. He feels Blaklion lacks class. Of all the novices, interestingly he said Black Hercules has the best chance!
Davy Russell: Martello Tower good e/w chance but No More Heroes should win, will love 3 miles.


Triumph Hurdle

Eddie O'Leary: Petite Parisienne has a decent chance.
Paul Kealy: Beltor is a massive price.
Patrick Mullins: No interest in this race.
Davy Russell: Thinks this is a great chance to do something with his wife to keep her happy, won't even watch it.


Arkle

Patrick Mullins: Un De Sceaux Leopardstown run phenomenal. Only worry is front runners' record in the race, but huge chance.
Davy Russell: Un De Sceaux, wait until he gets down to the start to back him because it's a long way and he is a very excitable horse.
Paul Kealy: Watching brief.
Eddie O'Leary: Un De Sceaux is an aeroplane, Clarcam has no chance.


JLT

Davy Russell: The Tullow Tank huge price, e/w chance.
Patrick Mullins: Afraid of Apache Stronghold, can't have Ptit Zig after his fall lto, Vautour working really well, will win!
Paul Kealy: Ptit Zig huge chance, best form in the race.
Eddie O'Leary: No strong opinion.


RSA Chase

Eddie O'Leary: All of a sudden got very quiet when asked about Don Poli, never commented.
Davy Russell: Between Don Poli & Coneygree if they run in it, but Don Poli will win.
Patrick Mullins: Valseur Lido could be a Gold Cup horse, wherever he turns up have a bet on him. David Pipe thinks Kings Palace is his bet of the week.
Paul Kealy: Don Poli huge chance. Southfield Theatre e/w.


4-Mile National Hunt Chase

Davy Russell: Wounded Warrior
Patrick Mullins: Perfect Gentleman off a good mark, big price if he shows up.
Eddie O'Leary: Thunder and Roses good chance, stays all day.
Paul Kealy: Doing Fine e/w chance, Russell laughed.


Champion Chase

Davy Russell: Sprinter Sacre has had 8 wind operations, has huge wind problems. Dodging Bullets has never won in spring. Champagne Fever has a chance but Sire De Grugy will win.
Patrick Mullins: Champagne Fever should run in this, he has been a little frustrating but he has a huge chance. He thinks Sire De Grugy will find it tough, Sacre the biggest danger.
Paul Kealy: Champagne Fever will win.
Eddie O'Leary: Champagne Fever fan, should be very hard to catch.


Ryanair Chase

Patrick Mullins: Don Cossack the one to beat. Boston Bob might run in this.
Paul Kealy: Don Cossack good chance, but Ma Filleule is his bet.. Russell and Mullins laughed.
Eddie O'Leary: Don Cossack for him.
Davy Russell: Don Cossack will win, but watch out for whatever race Johns Spirit shows up in, might go in Queen Mother but could nick a place at huge price.


Champion Hurdle

Breeder: Can't see him being beat, he re-mortgaged the house and put the whole lot on him @ 4/1. (Faugheen)
Davy Russell: Faugheen has not been tested, mistakes here will be punished. Jezki should be spot on, horse to beat.
Patrick Mullins: Faugheen has potential, but would love to see Hurricane Fly win. Unlikely due to age but in unbelievable form at home. If it turns soft, he has a chance. Faugheen error prone but never costs him ground. The faster he goes, the better he jumps. Special horse, riding him is like having the accelerator pushed to the max on a Ferrari.
Paul Kealy: Worried about The New One, think he is not in good form. Arctic Fire great e/w bet. Patrick questioned his bet, said Arctic Fire is out of his depth.
Eddie O'Leary: Faugheen.


World Hurdle

Eddie O'Leary: Dedigout has a shout if it's soft.
Paul Kealy: Poor race, Zarkandar tentative bet.
Patrick Mullins: Briar Hill small e/w, Lieutenant Colonel has a big chance.
Davy Russell: Lieutenant Colonel hard to beat, Saphir Du Rheu the danger.


Champion Bumper

Patrick Mullins: Very impressed with Bordini. Cousin David thinks Pylonthepressure is the best of the Mullins lot here. Afraid of Moon Racer.
Eddie O'Leary: Likes Stone Hard a lot. Afraid of Moon Racer.
Davy Russell: Bordini
Paul Kealy: No comment.


Gold Cup

Paul Kealy: Silviniaco Conti best horse in the race by a long way. Many Clouds if it is soft.
Eddie O'Leary: Road To Riches e/w chance. Carlingford Lough huge chance.
Patrick Mullins: Djakadam fan, big chance.. On His Own e/w squeak.
Davy Russell: Road To Riches horse to beat. Wouldn't swap his ride on Lord Windermere for anything else in the race, but trainer hasn't had a winner yet this year.


Charity Bets €100 on each

Hector - Don Poli
Eddie - Roi Des Francs
Paul - No More Heroes
Patrick - Djakadam
Davy - Jezki


Other Bits of Information

O'Leary told me in person that Tiger Roll will not be running at Cheltenham this year, the horse has gone backwards.
Patrick Mullins told everyone to back York Hill on Saturday, should give us a few quid for Cheltenham he said.
O'Leary said Roi Des Francs is the Gigginstown banker of the week in the Martin Pipe.
Patrick was asked for his top 4 in order of best chance on Day 1: He said 1) Annie Power, 2) Un De Sceaux, 3) Douvan, 4) Faugheen.

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

and another version of the Liverpool one from Bangor Billy

Jumping Prospects Preview Night at Aintree

Panel - Charlie Longsdon (CL)
Ben Pauling (BP)
John Parrott (JP)
John Morris (JM)
Andy Holding (AH)

John Morris & Andy Holding said much the same as they did at Bangor so will concentrate on the other three.

Supreme : All three went for L'Ami Serge. BP can't have Jollyalan

Arkle : All three agreed it was UDS's to lose

Champion Hurdle : CL - Faugheen beatable. Won't be in first 2. TNO to beat Jezki
BP - Jezki. Thinks TNO will be caught flat footed coming down hill & will be staying on too late.
JP - Likes TNO as his best form is at Cheltenham

Neptune : CL - Parlour Games best of the English, likes Winsor Park ew
BP - Parlour Games. Ferguson is finally training his horses like NH horses not like flat horses
JP - Also went with Parlour Games

RSA : CL - Didn't have a view
BP - Strong on Kings Palace. Thinks Conygree should go for Gold Cup as he would have more chance of winning that than RSA!
JP - Kings Palace

QM : CL- Hidden Cyclone ew if he runs here
BP - Sprinter Sacre. Vibes from Henderson yard are good
JP - Champagne Fever ew

World : CL - Whisper ew
BP - Saphir de Rieu. Henderson yard thinks Blue Fashion is better than Whisper
JP - Whisper ew

Ryanair : CL - Cue Card (so that's one loser)
BP - Balder Succes
JP - Balder Secces

Triumph : CL - Said AP told him Hargam will beat Peace & Co
BP - Hargam to outstay Peace & Co
JP - Hargam and Top Notch ew

Gold Cup : CL - Holywell
JP - Holywell
BP - Bob's Worth ew on good ground. Conygree if he goes.

CL & BP were asked about their horses. CL says best chances are Pendra in the handicap on the first day and Killala Quay in the novice handicap also on the first day.
BP said Smart Freddy will go well at a big price in the handicap on the first day. Also said he expects Ravens Tower to go well in the Imperial Cup.

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

This is Bangor from Gerlad on Boards.ie

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057374901&page=7

CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENING at BANGOR-ON-DEE RACECOURSE

The fifth edition of the Bangor preview took place two hours after racing in front of an audience of 120 and the panel consisted of leading local trainer Donald McCain (DM), commentator and broadcaster, Stewart Machin (SM), Jumping Prospects author, John Morris (JM), Form and Speed Figures analyst Andy Holding (AH) and Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ). The M.C. was Darren Owen.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
DM: I don’t think the British are keeping up with Willie Mullins. Good luck to him, he has a system and it works. Douvan all the way. I think Jollyallan should be running in the Neptune.

SM: Of Willie Mullins’ four short-priced favourites on Day 1, Douvan is the one I would look to try and get beat. L’Ami Serge makes most appeal against him. I was really struck by Nicky Henderson’s demeanour after he won the Tolworth. L’Ami Serge is my pick at the prices.

AH: Douvan ticks the boxes on my speed figures for both his starts. He must be a hell of a horse to beat Sizing John by 12l on the bridle. He is a big unit but I think he can be even better of faster ground. L’Ami Serge has also been impressive visually and on the clock and I make it between the pair. Jollyallan has no chance of beating L’Ami Serge on the times they clocked on the same day at Newbury.

JM: Douvan could be exceptional but I don’t like backing shorties. Tell Us More looks a big each-way price at 25/1 as it could be this step back to 2m is what he needs right now. It might be a blessing disguise he was beaten over 2m4f last time. Jollyallan doesn’t jump fast enough.

PJ: We know Douvan will be well backed and it will be McCoy this and McCoy that in the build up so I see Jollyallan also being well backed as well so something has to give and it’s likely to be L’Ami Serge. Given Henderson has had nine top-four finishers in the last eight runnings and he looks the best of the Brits so you would like to think he will be thereabouts again so he is interesting each-way near off time as I think that is when he will be at his biggest price. If Tell Us More runs here, he is the only horse at a double figure price that would interest me.

Arkle Trophy
DM: Un De Sceaux will be exciting. It might not be pretty though as I don’t think he’s that good over a fence. He is not bomb proof and he has had freebies in Ireland. Vibrato Valtat has been classed as quirky so he knows how to mind himself and that’s no bad thing in the Arkle. The way the race is run should suit and he travels strongly. Josses Hill jumped well at Doncaster when the gun was put to his head so I see him enjoying the strong pace too.

SM: Un De Sceaux is not my kind of price at 4/7. Vibrato Valtat has impressed me more and more as the season progressed and it looked effortless for him at Warwick to go by a 150-rated rival in Top Gamble.

AH: Un De Sceaux was spectacular on the clock at Leopardstown. He should be favourite for the Champion Chase if he was running there. He jumped well last time but he can be a bit hit or miss and the pace he will be going he’ll have to meet everything on the right stride. Vibrato Valtat is the obvious main danger and has Cheltenham chase experience on his side.

JM: Un De Sceaux jumps a bit flat which is my worry. Sgt Reckless is my little dark one. He has only had one chase start but jumped very well and he has some class about him. Henrietta Knight would be overseeing his schooling.

PJ: I am waiting for firms to bet without the favourite and, taking the view the British are not up to a lot, I fancy an Irish 1-2 and looking at Clarcam in this market. He may not have a 5yo allowance but he is a dependable jumper and very professional. I can see Vibrato Valtat chasing Un De Sceaux from 3 out and Clarcam picking up the pieces. Hopefully that’s the way he will ridden as it didn’t work trying to go after Un De Sceaux last time and being ridden for a place and hope to get lucky might be their plan. He will be hard to kick out of the first three.

Champion Hurdle
DM: The New One should have done it a lot better at Haydock. I have been a big fan of Hurricane Fly but he can’t go on forever and Jezki beat him last year so the door is wide open for Faugheen.

SM: I think Faugheen will win. I was talking with Walsh at Royal Ascot last year and he was telling me he is some machine and jumps so fast. I thought he meant Vautour at first but he was talking about Faugheen. The New One has to put himself right at his hurdles which is a worry.

AH: I timed The New One from the moment he was hampered in last year’s Champion Hurdle and Faugheen from the same point, albeit 24 hours later, and Faugheen was quicker so I have to say he is a faster horse. The New One only won at Haydock as Bertimont raced in the swamp against the far rail. To say Faugheen has beaten nothing is wrong as Blue Heron looked a good winner of the Kingwell. Faugheen is the closest I’ve seen to Istrabraq in that he floats along and also has the power. Jezki each-way is the obvious alternative though I would prefer Geraghty to McCoy on him being 5-5 when he has ridden him.

JM: Faugheen is some tool and can keep on improving. He should win with no mistakes and Arctic Fire is the best each-way value.

PJ: I fancy Jezki to be more of a threat to Faugheen than The New One who is a better horse on the New Course and doesn’t make ground at his hurdles like a Champion Hurdler should. Jezki is much quicker over a flight and looks an obvious each-way bet at 6/1.

Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle
DM: No real view but I would have run Jollyallan here and not run Beast Of Burden as he should be in the Albert Bartlett.

SM: Not a race I have a strong opinion on but I’m not sure whether Parlour Games will cut it. Windsor Park would be my tentative selection.

AH: Outlander beat a good field but not in a good time last time out. I’ve not seen too many holes in Nichols Canyon and he won the best trial in a good time. He is a professional and tough off the bridle so I like his attitude. Parlour Games is the best of the British but Challow winners have a bad record. He was very impressive before that off a slow pace but showed he can also slog it at Newbury.

JM: This always goes to a fancied horse. I was really taken by Beast Of Burden when he won here (Bangor) and when I saw him in the summer. Rebecca Curtis likes him a lot.

PJ: Parlour Games won the Challow and all 14 winners to run here were beaten but most get beaten as they find the faster ground compared to Newbury at Christmas too much, but he is a Flat horse so I wouldn’t be put off by that stat if you like him. I just think the Irish are miles better. I fancy Windsor Park can reverse Deloitte form with Nichols Canyon over a longer trip and being put into the race, which he wasn’t at Leopardstown until it was all over.

RSA Chase
DM: I’d run Coneygree here rather than the Gold Cup. He makes it very uncomfortable for other novices but he won’t be able to do that to top class professionals. I don’t think Mullins will get his way with Gigginstown so expect Don Poli to run here. I’ve been mightily impressed with Kings Palace and think he will improve for better ground. I’ll go with him.

SM: If Coneygree and Kings Palace run it will be like an RSA of old as they just gallop. I think it would be madness to run Coneygree in the Gold Cup. The tempo of race is just different to novice races.

AH: Don Poli all the way if he runs on the speed figures and the strength of his form when he won the Topaz.

JM: Kings Palace’s jumping worries me at the pace they will go. I will go for Coneygree if pressed if he runs as this looks his ideal race.

PJ: Don Poli has plenty of stats to defy if he is to win; 6yo, not run since Christmas, less than three chase starts. But then again the other leading hopes also aren’t perfect on trends. I will back Valseur Lido wherever he turns up but, as we don’t know yet where he, Don Poli, Coneygree or The Young Master will run, I don’t want to commit to the race yet.

Queen Mother Champion Chase
DM: The way Gary Moore has campaigned Sire De Grugy has been fantastic. They are not scared of trying anything different. Sprinter Sacre was drunk after he won at Punchestown and running at all three spring Festivals looks to have taken its toll on him.

SM: Sire De Grugy won a proper race last time and handicap form is so much more informative than beating three rivals at long odds-on in a pattern race. I was impressed by the way he did it. I couldn’t back Sprinter Sacre though wouldn’t be surprised if he won. Dodging Bullets doesn’t catch my imagination. The Newbury race Mr Mole won fell apart though he would have probably won anyway.

AH: The race of the meeting. I am very strong on Hidden Cyclone who is a massive price at 14/1. He committed too early when second in the Ryanair last year and again at Leopardstown at Christmas and a fast run 2m will be perfect for him if restrained more. However, Sire De Grugy did impress me last time or otherwise I would be even more confident.

JM: I like Hidden Cyclone for a bit of each-way value.

PJ: I think it’s between Champagne Fever and Sire De Grugy though accept that Hidden Cyclone is in a very good place right now. I’m not bothered that Champagne Fever would probably have been beaten by Don Cossack when he fell as I think he will hack up in the Ryanair so that’s top class form. I can’t wait to get stuck into Sire De Grugy to beat Sprinter Sacre at odds against when firms offer match betting. I have doubts that Ascot form is that great anyway and sense Nicholls prefers Mr Mole of his pair.

JLT Novices’ Chase
Skimmed through it as first half went on longer than planned.

DM: Pass.

SM: Splash Of Ginge each-way value.

AH: Apache Stronghold – I’m keen to oppose Vautour.

JM: Vautour – he’s on my front page cover so have to!

PJ: I will back Valseur Lido wherever he runs. He travels and jumps like a real class act and can reverse with Apache Stronghold as he wasn’t fully tuned up in the Flogas.

Ryanair Chase

DM: I just called Gordon Elliott and asked for what he fancies at the meeting. He gave me two and neither were Don Cossack which means it’s a certainty!!!

SM: I wouldn’t be with Cue Card and Balder Succes has yet to do it at Cheltenham. Don Cossack is priced up right and is the most likely winner. Eduard has been at the satellite yard at Newmarket and would have won the Peterborough Chase but for a mistake. That form is some way removed from this but I can see him running well.

AH: Don Cossack at 4/1 is a good price. I see him starting much shorter. He has come of age this season having been frail off the bridle but he looks really strong in the latter stages now. The time of his win last time was tremendous being over 9 seconds faster than Vroum Vroum Mag who won a Grade 2 which is ridiculous. I am looking for reasons not to back Don Cossack but can’t find any.

JM: Don Cossack is my map of the meeting. He has got it all together now.

PJ: Don Cossack for a clean sweep as I can’t have Cue Card on this season’s performances. His form compared to that of his likely rivals this season is on a different level. Module is the each-way value at 40/1, he’s been crying out for this trip so ignore his two runs before the New Year and he has run well at the last two Cheltenham Festivals.

World Hurdle

DM: Rock On Ruby is probably best at 2m4f. I think Cole Harden has had his wind done since his last run.

SM: I don’t know if Rock On Ruby will stay so I can’t back him. I don’t know how good Saphir Du Rheu is but I do know the price differential between him and Un Temps Pour Tout on Cleeve form is too big.

AH: I could short list half a dozen and still not find the winner it’s that competitive so I’ve chanced a couple each-way at bigger prices in Jetson and Monksland. Jetson’s defeat of Quevega last year was no fluke and he has run well both starts this season which were runs to get him ready for the spring.

JM: Zarkandar is my fancy. He was fourth last year and Nicholls told me in the summer he will be a better horse for this season. Cole Harden could be the each-way value if returning to the form of his Wetherby win.

PJ: I like Zarkandar. He’s a different horse this season in the way he travels and jumps since his wind operation, he loves this New Course and deep down and I fancy Nicholls prefers him to the chasing-type, Saphir Du Rheu. Only beaten 8l last year in a better race off the back of a poor season last year, this is weaker and he is in far better form.

Triumph Hurdle

DM: I ran Starchitect against Peace And Co and he annihilated us. Then I ran him against Hargam and he was not as impressive but beat us well in a nice relaxed fashion so he might be the one better suited to the demands of the Festival.

SM: I was very impressed with Top Notch’s hurdling at Haydock. The stiffer track and extra furlong worries for me for Beltor who pulled at Kempton. He will be hard to beat at Aintree.

AH: Nothing impressed on the clock until Petite Parisienne won at Leopardstown in a race that has featured the last three Triumph winners. I’ve backed Hargam and I can see his form lines being franked in the Fred Winter. I like the fact he has twice run at Cheltenham and he put up a better time than The New One overall and on the sectionals there in December.

JM: I was impressed by Beltor at Ludlow and that form has been franked and was impressed again with him at Kempton. Dicosimo took off in the final furlong on his debut for Mullins and looks the best of the Irish.

PJ: Like everyone else I was very impressed by Peace And Co at Doncaster but the more I think about it, he is a short price for a buzzy horse, especially on Gold Cup Day where the atmosphere will be at its height during the week. Karezak is the type to place again but I am warming to Top Notch who just looks like the ultra professional for 4yos and the longer trip will be in his favour.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

Again, this was skimmed through sharpish.

DM: Beast Of Burden should be running here, not the Neptune.

SM: Value At Risk has solid form and should relish the step up in trip.

AH: It’s been a while since we saw Black Hercules which is unlike Mullins.

JM: No real view

PJ: Value At Risk is bred to really improve for the step up in trip and 12/1 represents excellent each-way value.

Gold Cup

DM: I would love to see Many Clouds win and he has his chance. McCoy couldn’t wait to me at Kelso he was impressed with Holywell which is unlike him. He doesn’t say these things for nothing. I think he was very taken with him.

SM: I am still unconvinced Silviniaco Conti will come up the hill even if he is a better horse this season. My two against the field are Djakadam, who this might come a year too early but has so much potential, and The Giant Bolster each-way. There is no reason why he can’t place again.

AH: Holywell has the best profile. He is 2/2 at the Festival, comes alive in the spring and when fitted with blinkers and his Aintree form from last season is the best in the race. If McCoy had the choice I think he would ride him and not Carlingford Lough.

JM: Road To Riches and Holywell are my two against the field. Road To Riches is improving and consistent so just give him the edge. This has never quite been Silviniaco Conti’s course and that worries me.

PJ: Boston Bob is too big at 25/1 and worth an each-way bet. He’s a stayer who has never run over the Gold Cup trip so I am expecting him to improve for that and he is a spring horse to boot who will enjoy faster ground. Don’t forget he might have beaten Lord Windermere when he fell at the last when leading the RSA. Looking for a back up selection, if the ground is on the easy side then Many Clouds is a hard horse to pass as he really wants it and it if was good ground, then I would favour Holywell.

Naps:

DM: The Young Master (if runs in NH Chase)

SM: Faugheen (Champion Hurdle)

AH: Hidden Cyclone (Champion Chase)

JM: Don Cossack (Ryanair)

PJ: Ned Stark (Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase)
*

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

Gerlads Warwick Report


CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENING at WARWICK RACECOURSE

Moving from a lunchtime preview before racing to a dedicated evening helped to bring to a larger crowd made up mainly of racecourse members. The panel consisted of Jamie Moore (JM), Oliver Sherwood (OS), RacingUK pundit and county cricketer Will Smith (WS), Trevor Harris (TH) of the sponsors, Star Sports, and Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author, Paul Jones (PJ), whose views did not deviate in the 24 hours since we reported on his comments from Bangor so there is no need for a repetition. The M.C. was Roger Hart (RH) who is connected to Jonjo O’Neill’s stable where he runs their stable tours.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

JM: L’Ami Serge stuffed Violet Dancer and Kilcooley at Newbury and look at what they have done since. He smashed them up. To do that to battle-hardened handicappers will stand him in good stead.

OS: I always have evening dinner with Willie Mullins on Wednesday so he had better have a good first day! I do think that 7/4 is tight about Douvan though and L’Ami Serge offers better value. The vibes in the Lambourn valley are strong about him.

WS: I have to take on Douvan at the price as it’s a real cauldron in the first race and I would prefer a more battle-hardened horse. Shaneshill has Festival form when second in the Bumper last year and he is an each-way suggestion at around 16/1.

TH: Do you want to take 7/4 about a horse you’ve never seen come off the bridle? He is priced up on reputation. As a bookmaker we have to take him on.

Arkle Trophy

JM: The only way Un De Sceaux gets turned over is if he turns over. He is unbeatable with a clear round. Top Gamble is a good horse and Vibrato Valtat made him look very moderate last time and he is the one to finish second.

OS: Nothing much to add to what Jamie said, it’s a two horse race and Un De Sceaux should win and Vibrato Valtat should finish second.

WS: Hard to go against Un De Sceaux who is as fast a 2m chaser as I’ve seen. He is just electric.

TH: The feeling is that bookmakers have to lay horses when they are short but I’m not keen to lay Un De Sceaux. If you back Josses Hill, then best watch from behind the couch.

Champion Hurdle

JM: The talk in the weighing room is that Hurricane Fly is going better this season that last season and he could cause a surprise. I hope he wins but I would ride Faugheen if given the option.

OS: Best to wait for the ground until making a decision who to back as Hurricane Fly comes right into this if it is soft and 8/1 could be huge. The grass has not started growing on the course yet as it is too cold which is good for his chances as the longer the grass is the more moisture it soaks up.

WS: There are reasons to take on all the big four. Faugheen on form, The New One isn’t the slickest hurdler, Jezki can’t win purely on this season’s form but we know this is the day for him and Hurricane Fly on age and maybe ground. I can’t have Jezki out of the frame so he appeals each-way. A better bet is Arctic Fire at 66/1 for next season’s Champion Hurdle. He won’t be anything like that price if he hits the frame.

TH: I like Faugheen but I don’t like the price. I would rather play The New One and Jezki combined at 11/8 than 6/5 about the favourite. Hurricane Fly is for sentimental punters only.

Day 1 Shoulder Races

JM: Vino Griego goes for the 3m handicap chase. We worked him in a tongue tie for the first time and he went well and is off 139 having once been 156. He’ll be a massive price but he has a definite each-way chance. He’s in very good form.

OS: Mischievous Milly is my only other runner apart from Many Clouds and runs in the Mares Hurdle. I made a pig’s ear of it by running her at Ascot so soon after Sandown so ignore that run. She was twice second to Glens Melody last season who was second to Quevega in last year’s race so she has plenty of ability. If it is soft I will be disappointed if she is not in the first four.

Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle

JM: Ryan tells me that the Melrose at York is the toughest handicap on the Flat to win all season so for Parlour Games to win it that tells me he is up to this. Ordo Ab Chao looked decent at Cheltenham last time.

OS: It’s a little sad to see so many Flat horses at the top of the market for this NH race. Parlour Games would be my preference.

WS: Mullins holds the key with Nichols Canyon, Outlander and probably one or two more. It will be interesting if Alvisio Ville still runs here as there was loads of money for him for the Neptune before he was beaten in the Deloitte. Weld mentioned Windsor Park in the same breath at Forgotten Rules and I liked his Deloitte run and think he can reverse with Nichols Canyon.

TH: John Ferguson seems to have been training his horses more for Cheltenham this season and this could be his year with Parlour Games. Nichols Canyon should be in the Supreme and I have doubts he will stay. Outlander travels well but will he get home?

RSA Chase

JM: Kings Palace lights up when he sees a fence. It will be good to see him and Coneygree go at it from the start from the front. The Young Master won’t be far away.

OS: The vibes in the valley is that they are favouring the Gold Cup with Coneygree. Kings Palace has impressed me since day 1 and I can’t see past him.

WS: I’d be inclined to run The Young Master in the four-miler. The money for Don Poli suggests this is where he will run. If Coneygree and Kings Palace both run, that can set it up for Don Poli.

TH: Coneygree and Kings Palace could cut each others’ throats and set it up for a real stayer like The Young Master. This is a warrior’s race and who stays best wins.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

JM: Sire De Grugy has come out of Chepstow well. We felt that run was needed to give him confidence and he probably wouldn’t have run if he completed at Newbury. I’ve ridden Grey Gold ten times and honestly thought we would struggle to give him 20lb but he brushed him aside. He got a bit tired in the run in but it was soft ground. I honestly think he’s every bit as good as last year and the one to beat.

OS: I think you’ll see a different Sprinter Sacre to at Ascot. The drums are beating in Lambourn he is coming back, whether it’s in time for Cheltenham I don’t know. Running at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown two seasons ago may have taken it out of him. Mr Mole has huge ability and I can see him travel very well for a long way but it has to be Sire De Grugy.

WS: Sire De Grugy was electric at Chepstow and demonstrated his high cruising speed again and I much prefer him to Sprinter Sacre who is my lay of the meeting. Simply Ned is interesting in betting without the favourite or front two in the market each-way. His season has been geared around this day back on bouncy, spring ground.

TH: I can’t have the Nicholls pair of Dodging Bullets and Mr Mole. I am far happier to lay Sprinter Sacre than Sire De Grugy who ran up to his handicap mark last time out and he should be favourite. I do like Champagne Fever more than all of them though.

RH: Don’t be surprised if Johns Spirit runs here rather than the Ryanair. I know they are strongly considering it so any 33/1 NR No Bet would be interesting.

JLT Novices’ Chase

JM: I’m a Ptit Zig fan despite his fall last time out.

OS: Vautour is the nap of the meeting, he was so impressive in the Supreme last year.

WS: It might be trying to fit a square peg in a round hole running Vautour in this race as he looked a natural for the Arkle to me. Valseur Lido does looks a JLT type though as he has pace and stays well and he was probably underprepared when beaten by Apache Stronghold last time.

TH: I am not convinced Vautour is the same horse as 12 months ago. Happy to take him on with Valseur Lido.

Ryanair Chase

JM: I hear that Ma Filleule will improve from her Ascot run. Ballnagour is a bleeder but he is great when fresh and fully tuned up as we saw here last year.

OS: My lay of the meeting is Cue Card. He looks past his sell-by date. Balder Succes has really moved forward since he was stepped up in trip and his confidence is sky high which is a big thing with me and he has the speed to travel. Eduard has had a light campaign and also travels well.

WS: Ma Filleule’s spring form last season is top class and she looks to be peaking at the right time. Eduard can run well.

TH: Don Cossack should win if the ground is not too fast. I can’t have Cue Card or Balder Succes on my mind.

World Hurdle

JM: Un Temps Pour Tout ran a good race on Trials Day. He would have been fit but he got a bit tired and I think that run will sharpen him up.

OS: It all depends if Annie Power turns up and I think she might. If she runs she can win it. If prefer Saphir Du Rheu of the Nicholls pair. I can’t have Rock On Ruby.

WS: I am more keen on Saphir Du Rheu than Zarkandar but Monksland each-way is my fancy. He was a leading hope two years ago until he was injured and 16/1 is a nice price.

TH: They were falling over themselves to back Un Temps Pour Tout before the Cleeve when Saphir Du Rheu beat him. Blue Fashion has an each-way chance at 16/1 on his seconds to More Of That and Faugheen.

Triumph Hurdle

JM: Top Notch is as quick over a hurdle as I’ve seen in a juvenile this season and he has a good each-way chance. I was also impressed with Beltor at Kempton.

OS: I was really impressed with Beltor. Maybe Aintree will suit him better but he didn’t half travel. He would half his price if trained by Nicholls or Henderson.

WS: Peace And Co looks like he could be anything but he is short enough for such a young horse in a race where horses will improve for spring ground. Hargam each-way is a better option and he has good course form as well. If Devilment ran here rather than the Fred Winter, he would be interesting at a price.

TH: Peace And Co is my lay of the meeting. He is definitely the most talented in the race but his demeanour worries me. He looks like he has been stung by a wasp. Beltor’s form looks strong.

Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

JM: I’ve won on Blaklion and I like him as he tries very hard.

OS: I am a Caracci Apache fan who has improved in leaps and bounds. They thought he was absolutely useless after his first run.

WS: Value At Risk did well to lay up against speedier horses over 2m4f last time and was staying on and moving up to 3m will help him. He looks a big price at double figure odds.

TH: Dan Skelton doesn’t shout about his horses but he’s keen on Value At Risk. Thomas Brown showed the right attributes for this race when he won at Cheltenham but I’ll go with whatever is the Gigginstown number one.

Gold Cup:

JM: Many Clouds would be my choice. The Hennessy seems to be a good guide to the Gold Cup down the years. Holywell would have a better chance with McCoy on but Ritchie McLernon is 2-2 on him at the Festival.

OS: Paul Nicholls thinks he has found the key to Silviniaco Conti getting home but he still has to prove himself at Cheltenham. Touch wood I’ve not missed one single day with Many Clouds all season and it’s all gone to plan. He schooled for the first time this morning since he won at Cheltenham and will do so again next week. His confidence is sky high. I’d love to see them turn on the taps!

WS: If Silviniaco Conti was to see out his race better as his ulcers have been treated that is one thing, but I still think he is better on flat tracks. Boston Bob is a horse I have always thought could be a Gold Cup horse and he appears to have been trained with the race in mind judged by held-up efforts in Ireland this season. Blinkers would make him interesting.

TH: I have to take the favourite on. Would you back the in-form golfer in The Masters if he has a bad Augusta record? On His Own is a bigger price than when he almost won it last year and he is the value.

Naps:

JM: Sire De Grugy (Champion Chase)

OS: Vautour (JLT Novices’ Chase)

WS: The Druid’s Nephew (Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase)

TH: Don Cossack (Ryanair)

PJ: Ned Stark (Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase)

RH: Sam Winner (Gold Cup)
Gerlad is offline

[Old Vic]

I am back on duty this evening.

Paddy Power Night is always a good one and is the only one in Ireland I have on my list. Probably have missed something.

Very Busy in GB

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th

Venue: Sky Bet Preview Evening at Leeds Town Hall at 7.30pm

Panellists: Rich Ricci, Jason Maguire, Mark Howard, Donn McClean, Ed Chamberlin, Alex Hammond, Niall Hannity, Michael Shinners; Chair: Dave Ord

Entry: £10 includes pie and peas and a free £5 bet



Venue: SWAY Bar at Holborn, London at 7.00pm in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund

Panellists: Lydia Hislop, Tony Calvin, Tanya Stevenson, Liam Dye, 1 TBC; Chair: Rishi Persad

Entry: £20 includes drink on arrival



Venue: Tynedale Cricket Club, Hexham at 7.30pm

Panellists: Andy Richmond (Racing UK), Craig Forsyth (William Hill Radio), John Blance (Racecourse Commentator), Peter Buchanan, Trevor Harris; Chair: Gordon Brown

Entry: £10 including supper

Contact: Paul Brierly 01434602381/07516 674833



Venue: Oaksey House at 7.30pm

Panellists: John Francome, Nicky Henderson, Wayne Hutchinson, Simon Clare; Chair: Jonathan Powell

Contact: Tickets to include drink and supper – Sandra 01488 71543 or 07887 505211



Venue: The Dog & Gun by Chelmsford Racecourse

Panellists: Dan Skelton, Oli Bell, Graham Cunningham, Luke Tarr

Entry: TBC



Venue: The Pheasant Inn at Lambourn at 7.00pm sponsored by Star Sports in aid of IJF and Oaksey House

Panellists: Alan King, Philip Hobbs, Noel Fehily, Martin Chapman

Entry: Free

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[waywardlad]

Jason Maguire's gonna be a barrel of laughs tonight in Leeds

He was dull enough last year when he thought he had a Fez to look forward to. Thought he'd be off to sunnier climes to get out of the way.

[mayo]

Jason Maguire's gonna be a barrel of laughs tonight in Leeds

He was dull enough last year when he thought he had a Fez to look forward to. Thought he'd be off to sunnier climes to get out of the way.

Missed last year with injury ...might have been two years ago ?