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Plenty of chances to watch reruns of the racing Uk preview today but a few bits of the twitter account here:
Join @LydiaHislop, @Bodugi_Dave Steve Mellish & Mark Howard now at MIDDAY for our #TheFestival preview show.
Nevison: "I think Douvan is absolutely a good thing for the Supreme but I think you'll get better than 7-4 on the day." #TheFestivalPreview
Mellish: "I probably would be against Douvan. The L'Ami Serge is already a proven Grade 1 performer and his form is every bit as good."
Mellish "If something chases Un De Sceaux early they might pay for it. I think he has reserves that are underestimated."#TheFestivalPreview
Nevison advocating Vibrato Valtat E/W: "I don't think he's anywhere near Un De Sceaux, but I don't think he'll need to be to be clear 2nd."
Nevison: "This is a book constructed to prevent people betting each-way." #Arkle #TheFestivalPreview
Mellish: "Three Kingdoms is my idea of a lively outsider, but I think if Un De Sceaux only falls only once he'll win!" #TheFestivalPreview
Mellish: "How about the Christmas Hurdle form might be very good? Faugheen's form has worked out excellently." #TheFestivalPreview
Lydia Hislop: "We're not feeling big, and we're not feeling clever, but we do think that Faugheen will win the Champion" #TheFestivalPreview
Mark Howard: "King's Palace has won races with only five, four and two runners in them." #RSA #TheFestivalPreview
Nevison: "Personally I think they are mad. They should go for the RSA. They have one top horse to beat." #Coneygree #TheFestivalPreview
Nevison: "Sprinter Sacre is a lay for the Champion Chase. They do not come back. I think backing horses with that problems is senseless."
Mark Howard: "He has bled since he ran at Ascot, and you can't tell me that is an ideal preparation." #SprinterSacre #TheFestivalPreview
Steve Mellish: "You are fully entitled to think he could improve enough. It is irrelevant to talk about what he was." #SprinterSacre
Mellish: 'Blaklion has an absolutely outstanding chance. I think three mile is what he wants." #AlbertBartlett #TheFestivalPreview
Steve Mellish: "I really don't like last year's Gold Cup form." #TheFestivalPreview
Best #TheFestival bets: Mellish: Don Poli, Howard: Don Poli and Ma Filleule. Nevison: Mullins' yankee on day one! ICYMI: It is repeated now.
hadnt heard that about sprinter bleeding since ascot before.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A cracking panel comprising; Charlie Longsdon, Ben Pauling, John Parrott OBE, Andy Holding & John Morris with Darren Owen presenting</p>— William Hill Racing (@WillHillRacing) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillHillRacing/status/572469550077386752">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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We're at The Old Railway Club, Melling Road, Aintree, to bring you snippets from the Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening
A cracking panel comprising;
Charlie Longsdon,
Ben Pauling, J
ohn Parrott OBE,
Andy Holding &
John Morris with
Darren Owen presenting
Whopping crowd at the Cheltenham Preview in Liverpool, must be knocking on for 200 salivating punters
Ben Pauling on the Supreme "Can't have Jollyallan - doesn't know which leg is in which parish!!" "L'ami Serge working exceptionally well".
Charlie Longsdon keen on L'ami Serge too. Spoke in glowing terms of the horse, as does JP. Andy Holding likes Qewy at a price
Ben Pauling on Josses Hill "He's everything you look for in a horse. On the other hand, he jumps a fence like he's terrified of it"
Charlie Longsdon - "Un De Sceaux's race to lose, if he jumps, he wins" Not a fan of Josses either or many Winged Love's over fences
Andy Holding likes Vibrato Voltat as a sneaky each way, comparing his Sandown last circuit time favourably to Dodging Bullets the same day
John Parrott OBE - "Jezki bombproof for a place; if The New One is on their tails turning in, he'll win".
Andy Holding comparing Faugheen to the great Istabraq in terms of the way he moves and his potential.
Charlie Longsdon "Faugheen is beatable, I'd be with The New One and Jezki 2nd.
Ben Pauling "I like Jezki, think The New One will be flat-footed coming down the hill again". Very strong on the reigning champ'.
Ben Pauling - "Eddie O'Grady is going mad over Kitten Rock, complete dark horse of the race"
Day 2 upcoming..
Charlie Longsdon (Neptune) "Parlour Games best of the English". Spoke well of John Ferguson as a NH trainer. Expects a good festival.
Andy Holding rates Parlour Games as best of the English too. Challow Hurdle form rock solid, tho' that race has brutal stats in this.
Beast Of Burden receiving universal acclaim from the panel as one for the future. John Parrott OBE likes Parlour Games too #Cheltenhamready
Ben Pauling - "Parlour Games for me too, John Ferguson desperate to get Barry Geraghty on it". A full house!!
Ben Pauling on RSA "Think Don Poli will end up in the 4-miler, strong fancy for Kings Palace"..
Ben Pauling - "I'd take Coneygree to the Gold Cup as I think it would be easier to win that than beat Kings Palace"
Andy Holding "Don Poli is an absolute beast, time at Gowran Park v that of Ballycasey stunning" Loads of circuit figures, all good
John Parrott OBE on the RSA - "Kings Palace for me, they've sorted out his wind this year, can't see him out of the frame"
Expecting fireworks on the Champion Chase... #Cheltenhamready @WillHillBet
Ben Pauling - "I was very lucky to be at Nicky's when Sprinter was at his absolute best, if he's within 10lbs of his best, he wins"..
..."I really think he'll win again. A very sympathetic ride at Ascot"
Charlie Longsdon "I like Hidden Cyclone, lovely horse by Stowaway. Big question mark over Sprinter ever coming back"
John Morris - "The old Sprinter turbo perhaps isn't there anymore, I quietly fancy Hidden Cyclone, really good each way value"
John Parrott OBE - "If you think Sprinter is back, you couldn't resist the current price. I fancy them to gun Fever from the front"
Andy Holding "Champion Chase an absolute belter, too many Sprinter ifs and buts for me (supported today tho') Hidden Cyclone a value bet"
Andy Holding - "Hidden Cyclone top of my two mile figures, time in the Punchestown race a scorcher"
Ryanair and World Hurdle next..
John Morris "Don Cossack my NAP of the meeting. The most improved horse in Ireland"
Ben Pauling "Age is catching up with Cue Card, Don Cossack very solid but I'd take Balder Success each way"
Andy Holding "Really keen on Don Cossack, excellent times this year. Hidden Cyclone the danger here if he turns up".
John Parrott OBE "Ma Filleule tries for her life, really like her attitude, though prefer Balder Success - can't be out of the frame"
Interesting snippet from Ben Pauling - "Waley-Cohen's trying to qualify Rajdhani Express for the National by finishing placed in a 3m chase"
Andy Holding on the WH - "My two against the field; Monksland, Meade's horses in great nick & Jetson, no fluke about his Punchy G1 victory"
Charlie Longsdon - "Rock On Ruby an unknown at 3m, buzzy horse, ageing, prefer an each way tilt at Whisper"
JP likes Whisper too, noting a 2/2 Cheltenham record.
Ben Pauling keen on Saphir De Rheu, a nice horse and prefers him of the PFN pair. John Morris thinks Cole Harden could sneak each way dough.
Ben Pauling keen on Saphir De Rheu, a nice horse and prefers him of the PFN pair. John Morris thinks Cole Harden could sneak each way dough.
Asked about Blue Fashion - Ben Pauling "Nicky really likes him, he wouldn't be going on about BF if he thought Whisper was going to win"
Question "What about Seeyouatmidnight" JP "Where"!!
Gold Cup before the Triumph and Albert Bartlett..
John Parrott OBE - "Silviniaco Conti has won 14 races, 13 on flat tracks. I'd want Holywell on my side every day of the week"
Andy Holding "I reckon AP would rather be on Holywell than Carlingford Lough, I have Conti the fastest on my figures but I'd take Holywell"
Charlie Longsdon also thinks Holywell the most likely to beat Conti but flags up huge prices; Bobs Worth, On His Own and TGB"
Ben Pauling "Bobs Worth (sighs) needs everything to fall into place". Makes a compelling case for Coneygree. Really, really likes him.
Ben Pauling "Nico (De Boinville) has huge faith in him. Think he's going here and I've backed him" @WillHillBet #Coneygree #Cheltenhamready
Darren Owen "How many people are going to back Coneygree for the Gold Cup on the back of Ben Pauling's comments"? *oodles of hands rise*
Great tributes from Ben Pauling and Charlie Longsdon to the incomparable @AP_McCoy "There will be no one like him". Simple.
Andy Holding on the Triumph - "Petite Parisienne top on my speed figures, jumps well stays on powerfully, market underestimates her"
Andy Holding "Also backed Hargam, only little but really like his attitude, worried about Peace and Co's buzzy nature"
Ben Pauling thinks Peace and Co will be the best horse in time, a gorgeous animal, potential Champion Hurdler, tho' prefers Beltor & Hargam
Charlie Longsdon a huge Peace and Co fan though AP McCoy told him Hargam would turn it over. Likes Karezak for the frame.
John Parrott OBE "Best performance of the season P&C at Donny". Another concerned by his buzzy nature.
Ben Pauling - "Peace and Co will have some form of aid without a shadow of a doubt"
Overview of Charlie Longsdon's and Ben Pauling's runners upcoming..
JP talks up Le Mercurey for the Coral Cup, leniently handicapped and has caught his eye.
Andy on the Fred Winter "Very keen on Hostile Fire, runs in the same colours as Flaxen Flare, improve markedly for this better ground"
Andy Holding on the Pertemps "Brother Brian, though Mydor a danger if he gets in" but *drumroll*..
Andy H "Roi Des Frances the best handicapped horse of the entire week in the Martin Pipe"
Charlie Longsdon - 3 to note - Glens Melody in the Mares, Hostile Fire in the FW, Aux Petits Soirs, Coral Cup, off 139 "a machine"
Charlie on his own "Pendra had a wind-op, may wear cheek pieces, hope AP rides, my best chance of the week". "Killala Quay an ew bet".
Charlie likes his own Java Rose in the Charity Race.
Ben Pauling "Not soft enough for Cadeaux George, sweet on Smart Freddie's each way chance"
Ben Pauling also flags up Golden Doyen as a solid Fred Winter prop' for Phillip Hobbs
"Ravens Tower had a wind-op after a couple of weak finishes in the Greatwood and Wetherby. If it's worked, has an Imperial Cup squeak" - BP
Charity bets upcoming, 5 x £50 with @WillHillBet #Cheltenhamready
Fair play to John Parrott, a brilliant panellist, and just found out he's drawn Steve Davis on the World Seniors tomorrow
They ended up having a ton each, as follows..
John Parrott £50 each way Holywell, Andy Holding £100 Roi Des Frances, Charlie Longsdon £50 Glens Melody, £25 each way Hidden Cyclone..
Ben Pauling £50 Coneygree, £25 each way Smart Freddie, John Morris £50 Salsify, £50 Don Cossack
Thanks to @willhillracing for the tweets
William Hill Free Bet offer is now a £25 Matched bet
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Good morning all .Tonight is the night for our Cheltenham preview evening at the Europa hotel.Check it out.<a href="https://twitter.com/puntersg">@puntersg</a> <a href="http://t.co/ElaptWjpd3">pic.twitter.com/ElaptWjpd3</a></p>— Sean Graham (@SPGBETTING) <a href="https://twitter.com/SPGBETTING/status/572347472552583169">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Tonight's panel: David Casey (DC), Gordon Elliott (GE), Richard Hoiles (RH), Mark Winstanley (MW), Gary O'Brien (GOB) Brian Graham (BG)
Crowd is building very nicely! #SGPreview
And we are underway!
Supreme Novices, naturally, to kick off the evening...
MW: I think Douvan's an aeroplane to be honest. Sizing John's won a group one, the form's worked out brilliantly.
MW: Biggest certainty since Jihadi John turned up at a pass the parcel competition - And the couch has started!
BG: More against than for Douvan. Doesn't have form in the book like Vautour did. We're 2/1
BG: Why didn't Douvan go Deloittie Hurdle like Vautour and Champagne?
BG: Jollyallan for me at 10/1. Better value than the fav.
DC: Worked brilliantly at home, huge engine. Monster of a horse, but WIllie runs 4. They are all the best novices at the yard.
DC: I like Shaneshill though, riding work a lot and he's turning the corner, work improving. 12/1 for me is super each way value.
DC: Thought Alysio Ville couldn't get beat the last day. No explanations for his defeat to Nichols Canyon. Working well at home though
DC: Don't ride a lot of work on Douvan. He does everything so easy though and has huge potential.
RH: L'Ami Serge impressive but smallish fields. Didn't win much in France. Jollyallan travels well but has a dodgy head carriage.
GE: David is shrewd judge, think Willie will win it. Alysio Ville is a massive each way chance.
That rounds up the Supreme. Very interesting comments from David Casey regarding Shaneshill.
Arkle next!
BG: If things goes his way he'll go off in front and they won't see. Still as a bookmaker he's too short
BG: Something at a price - Vibrato Valtat. Should be 4 from 4. Whether he's good enough to get near UDS who knows. God's Own at a price
DC: He's very free and does all his work at home by himself. Hard to know how good he is. Looks like just has to stand up to win
DC: I'd love to be riding in the race and drop something in for second.
GE: To be honest it was a massive performance from UDS against my Clarcam. Clarcam gonna be dropped in and ridden for second.
GE: UDS could fall and get back up and still win
RH: Point about Cheltenham the tempo unrelenting. Given he's such a short price. With those question marks, wouldn't be keen on taking price
RH: SGT Reckless fast ground performer. Hold up horse. Creep around try for second. Without favourite betting each way
MW: All have the same plan. Backed the ambulance to come second.
MW: Empty your bank account. Horse has learned from its mistake. Got one wrong last time and corrected himself. Shows he's learning. NAP
Champion Hurdle next. The big one!
DC: Ruby will ride Faugheen. On the form book. Fly has better form obviously. Faugheen exceptional at home. TNO unlucky last year.
DC: If Faugheen jumps right he'll end up losing a tonne of ground. Think he'll make the running in a small field. Dictate from the front.
DC: Faugheen will be hard to beat. I'd ride Faugheen. Arctic Fire is working well. Hold up horse and will be dropped in. Worst horses placed
DC: Jezki improved last year, but this year he hasn't improved with his runs. Soft ground Fly comes into it
RH: Faugheen has to win. Really promising talent. Hasn't beat much but dynamics of the race really suit
RH: Jezki still the main danger. Spring ground would suit. But Faugheen deep impression and has what it takes whatever way the race is run
GE: Faugheen improving horse. Wasn't impressed with TNO the last day. Faugheen and Arctic Fire at an each way price
MW: Faugheen is special. Knock what it's beat. But it's a monster. These don't come along too often. He'll win by 5-6 lengths
MW: Crashed through them all at Cheltenham last year, but improved at Punch. Again he's learning
BG: Faugheen hasn't taken obvious Champion Hurdle route, that most winners have in last 20. Beat handicapper at Kempton.
BG: Jezki primed for one day. Ground comes up any way good, it will really suit. At 5/4 about a horse taking it on trust
Hands up poll in audience: Who fancies Hurricane Fly - Few hands go up to cries of "Eejits"!
So great banter there on the Champion Hurdle. Brian adamant you can't take the price on Faugheen with the reigning champ Jezki at 11/2
Neptune coming up
DC: Would prefer to see Shaneshill in this race. Nichols done nothing wrong. He does stay very well. Outlander impressive last day
DC: Outstayed the last day. This trip suits well. Killutagh Vic at a big price. He'd be for me. Windsor Park has a chance but Weld poor rec
MW: Mission impossible this race. Parlour games won Challow. Poor record for winners. Kilcrea Vale nice horse for Hendo but injured
MW: Honestly find this impossible. Will listen to David.
GE: Nichols Canyon is the highest rated flat horse over hurdles. Obviously classy. Would love to see Shaneshill going for this.
RH: Worst action i've ever seen Nichols. If ground dries, underlations would be hard and will be opposing him.
RH: Would like to see Qewy run, but likely won't. Basically i'm a big negative for the fav Nichols Canyon
BG: Probably have big field. Nichols Canyon not much value. Parlour Games course winner. Ran in Galway Hurdle, experience stand in good sted
So a tough race to get a hold of for the panel. Most interesting to hear Killutagh Vic tipped at a price by David Casey.
Onto the RSA
MW: Don Poli should run here. Backed him after he won at Gowran. Loved his attitude. Apache Stronghold franked the form
MW: He does everything. Jumps perfectly. Rock solid. Coneygree trained by a nutcase. Probably turn up in the GC. Kings Palace will run bad
GE: Kings Palace good last year then bombed at Cheltenham. Don't think he's quite good enough to win. Place maybe.
GE: Coneygree if he was mine he'd be going RSA. That's madness. Don Poli best staying chaser around by a mile. 25/1 to win RSA then Gold Cup
RH: Kings Palace bosses small fields, not good experiene last year at Cheltenham. Southfield Theatre honest horse has chance of making frame
RH: But I'm a big Don Poli fan!
DC: I like Coneygree. Strong form in the book. Stays and jumps. Destroyed a strong field at Newbury. Would be bit concerned on the ground...
BG: Don't think its as cut and dry as everyone thinks. Kings Palace 3/3 from fences, same as Coneygree with his form outside novice
BG: Young Master for Mulholland is 4/4 improving all the time, won nicely at Ascot. Don Poli is priced right but race has strength in depth
Champion Chase - one of the races of the Festival coming up
RH: Is Sprinter as good as he was, highly unlikely. More likely to be retired than win. I like SDG, very honest, but drying ground a questio
RH: Dodging Bullets never thought he'd get up the hill at the Festival. Interested in Champagne Fever. What's the deal David?
RH: Festival record makes him interesting. Race with question marks however
GE: SDG beat nothing the other day. Dodging is a flat bred. Hidden Cyclone goes Ryanair. Thought he had a chance Champ Chase.
MW: Confusing race. Doubts over everything. Can't believe Champagne got beat last year. Sprinter Sacre burst a blood vessel that's awful
MW: Couldn't back it to get up the hill after its problem. Dodging Bullets wins round right handed tracks
MW: One race that confuses me, not clever enough to sort it out. If Mr Mole wins it I'll be doing a Basil Fawlty. Can't have it
DC: Wouldn't ride Sprinter. No chance. Bleeding too much. Barry talking shite. If he was riding that chair he'd say it'd have a chance
DC: Dodging Bullets looks reformed, can't see him coming up hill. Champagne bit of an afterthought. Has got course form though.
DC: Hidden Cyclone has a chance if he turns up. One at a big price for a place, Simply Ned. Bits of form that'd give him a chance
BG: I went down the list and found one at the bottom. Special Tiara bit of a reformed character. Jumped rivals into submission at Kempton
That's it then folks. Interval time.
We're back underway with the bumper
DC: Pileonthepressure impressive the first day. Beat a good one first time out from the Roche yard. Visually most impressive. Up in the air
DC: Vigil beat a horse of Willie's and won a schooling bumper few weeks ago. Maybe Willie doesn't know his best horse
GE: Disappointed by Space Cadet when beat by POTP. The winner was impressive though. Bordini for me will be shorter on day.
GE: General Principle - bought him out of Crawfords. Thought he wasn't fit enough first day. But won nicely.
RH: Supasundae now with third trainer in as many runs. Now with De Bromhead. Wait For Me won nicely on debut. Would they be good enough?
MW: Patrick probs ride Bordini. Will shorten. Willie won it 8 times. Gordon runs two, will be the value with his record this year.
RG: Quiet betting heat. So many question marks. Win once then put away. One horse interested is See The World. Ran all over the place
GE: See The World absolutely no chance
RG: Moon Racer strongest of the English. Up For Review beat by one of Gordon's and then at the weekend. But would be interesting
So a wide open heat the Bumper as usual. Onto the Ryanair Chase.
GE: Don Cossack in great form. Great prep. Finishing his races stronger. Couldn't be happier at home
GE: 4/1 is short. I got excited when I first had him. Hopefully if he wins it'll be dream come true.
Gordon loves this horse it seems and is keen....
GE: Really looking forward to it. If he could win it'd be brilliant. Ride him forward, but would like to have a lead on him. Gallop to line
GE: Taquin Du Seuil has good form round Cheltenham. Horse I'd be most afraid of. After that I can't really tell ya
RG: Horse deserves to be at head of market. One thing when he fell last year he was travelling sweetly. Can't have Cue Card bang outa form
RG: John's Spirit a bit of value likes it at Cheltenham. Don Cossack could go off short if Irish are cleaning up early in the week
RH: Johns Spirit of interest. Traveled well enough for long enough in King George. Good record at Chelt. Drying ground a plus
MW: Ma Filleule second last year to Holywell. Comes to herself in spring. Gets allowance. 2 runner race. Cue Card is gone. Back is done
MW: Ma Filleule lightly raced horse. Jumps brilliantly. Blatant two runner race
DC: I like the mare. She comes well in herself in Spring. She won at Aintree ran well the last day. Has to go some to beat Don Cossack tho..
World Hurdle up next
MW: Saphir Du Rheu has come on bundles. He rally battled at Cheltenham past Reve De Sivola. At the prices it's a big each way bet
MW: Can't have Zarkandar. Well beat last year. Why did Fehily get off Rock On? Henderson making word about Whisper.
RH: Saphir Du Rheu is short enough. RDS pushed him close. Take a chance on Whisper. Drying ground in his favour. Hendo plots him out
GE: Dedigout it the ground turns up soft at a big price each way
RG: Jetson and Lieutenant Colonel best Irish hopes. realistically they have no chance. Whisper has won round the track.
RG: One of the races we'll take a view on in the morning. I don't know how strong the Irish form is at the minute. Saphir Du Rheu gun to hed
DC: Rock On Ruby, I think he'll stay. Heard Harry Fry has monkey each way on him at 9/1.
Triumph Hurdle up next.
RG: A lot of impressive performances. Peace and Co probs his right price now. This will be the lay of the meeting for us cos of strength
RG: Hargam impressed me. Beltor don't know what to make of him. Quickened up the last day but what did he beat?
RG: Petite Parisienne was good the last day but the third horse isn't too clever for the form
RG: Value wise i'd go Top Notch. But this will be our lay of the meeting Peace And Co
DC: Wonder whether Willie's are good enough. Hargam beat Starcitecht as easy as Peace and Co did. Beltor would be fav if with Hendo/Nicholls
MW: Robert Stephens doesn't know where Cheltenham is. Top Notch, though worried he doesn't go.
MW: Kalkir could be a bet at the prices, wasn't right at Xmas missed work. So Kalkir and Top Notch after he jumped well the last day
RH: Can't have a strong view at all. Gwencilly Berbad, might be a horse that is underestimated. Beltor should be kept for Aintree.
Up next according to the Couch is the Potato Race! Albert Bartlett to you and me
GE: Tell Us More going well. Scoped bad the last day. Rode work at Lep and he's in good form. If he won the last day he'd be 4/1 fav.
GE: Step up in trip right up his alley. Ground isn't a worry either. 8/1 is a right kinda price. Top each way bet. Everything's well.
DC: Black Hercules in good enough order. Huge engine, bit of course form after the Bumper. Deffos has his chance. Open and strong race
DC: Value At Risk a decent horse. Good bumper horse with Fenton. Stayed on the last time at Chelt. No standout candidates. Maybe VAR ew
MW: Fenton had more drugs than Amy Winehouse. Interesting Willie never won this. I do like Vyta Du Roc, but may run in the Neptune
MW: Martello Tower is another one for me in the race, but have backed Vyta Du Roc NRNB.
RH: Not convinced Value At Risk is a Cheltenham horse. Like Martello Tower. Hendo seems convinced Vyta has a lot of speed. But should gohere
RG: Didn't like Black Hercules when he won. Hasn't beat much. Value At Risk was beat fair and square last time. McKinley if he was to go
RG: Flat track form shocking. Underlating track is fantastic. David thinks he goes Hcap route. Under the radar at a big price if he goes
DC: Ground too sticky last time on McKinley. Bit quirky at home. Doesn't always put his best foot forward. Willie thinks he's well hcapped
DC: Probs too far down the hcap though so will have to run in a novice race.
Gold Cup then up next!
DC: No balls the stewards. I shoulda got it last year. Shit happens we move on. You have to stretch the truth a little in the stewards...
DC: At the moment I ride Home Farm. Big outsider in the race. Could improve and you never know. Wide open contest. Silviniaco best form
DC: Not sure I'd be confident backing him. Many Clouds improving, Road To Riches. Carlingford Lough my choice, better prep this year
DC: Don't belive the ulcer problem story from Nicholls. Thought LW had no chance last year. Hard to work the race out. LW trained for this
GE: Think it's a load of bollix saying he's been trained for one day. Love to see Carlingford win it and AP. Open race
RH: Culloty hardly had a winner since LW. Conti been good this year. But best form on flat tracks. Will he get up hill?
RH: Smad Place doesn't have ability to win but may be ridden for a place. Generally against front of the market
MW: Not a great prep for Holywell. Is it good enough? Carlingford makes a lot of mistakes. But does battle. 4 or 5 in a line jumping at end
MW: One thing about last year, class from Wylie saying he didn't wanna win it in the Stewards room. Djakadam different class of form
MW: Travelling like a dream last year till it fell in JLT. Won Thyestes under top weight. Better form than the rest of them.
MW: Sam Winner overpriced. Conti flat track bully. Could lead at the last and won't get up the hill. KG form is bad.
DC: Djakadam worked well at Lep on Sat.
RG: Carlingford maybe the value is gone. How AP got him up the last day unreal. Irish Hen a funny race this year. What way will form hold?
RG: Form from last year's race is not good enough this year. Road To Riches done nothing wrong. Was the Thyestes that strong? 5 finished
RG: I come back to Smad Place gonna be big price and get a run for money. Likewise Sam Winner. Not much to make up from his Lexus run.
Run through the Hcaps now!
DC: Annie Power in the mares in any sort of good form she'll win.
RH: Buddy Bolero holds lots of entries, now with Tony Martin. Good Festival form. On a good mark. Maybe 3 mile chase on day one
RH: Thomas Crapper under a good mark in the novice hcap
GE: Cause of Causes I think he'll run well in the 4 miler. He stays so the trip is not a worry
GE: Chicago Grey had wind operation and in the X Country. Hostile Fire, more the ground dries the better for him in Fred Winter.
GE: Tagliatelle in the Coral Cup will go for us. Won a charity race the last day
RH: Alderwood has a few entries, but he's a chance off a reasonable mark and is a JP horse.
DC: Un Atout might be one for Willie.
DC: Vautour should win the JLT. Very good horse.Blip at Xmas, but came back and has been impressive. Nap of the week
MW: Brother Brian nap of the meeting in the Pertemps. Previously won at Cheltenham in April. Beat Call The Cops who has won well since
RH: Ataglance in the Festival plate
MW: Ned Buntline hopefully give AP a good ending for Grand Annual. Should go off shorter
RH: Eastlake another for JP in the Grand Annual. Workable mark
RG: Le Mercurey well backed in the Martin Pipe. Strong vibes from stable. Look out for the value over the next days
RG: Big offers for tomorrow - Douvan 5/2 for the Supreme and Un De Sceaux at EVS! Singles only for £50
Naps time!!!
RH: Buddy Bolero and Ataglance.
GE: Monetaire in Grand Annual or Plate
MW: Brother Brian in the Pertemps
DC: Vautour JLT
RG: The Druids Nephew - first day handicap chase 3 mile
That concludes the evening. Fantastic night we'll round it all up shortly!
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stage is set here ahead of our 2nd Cheltenham preview night. Big crowd expected. Come down ! <a href="http://t.co/nb4Bb8eqyH">pic.twitter.com/nb4Bb8eqyH</a></p>— Bambury Bookmakers (@BamburyBookie) <a href="https://twitter.com/BamburyBookie/status/572478534846971904">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stage is set for a glorious Cheltenham Preview night with Paddy, Rich Ricci, Sam Twiston-Davies and <a href="https://twitter.com/MCYeeehaaa">@MCYeeehaaa</a>! <a href="http://t.co/NyGcV9n12J">pic.twitter.com/NyGcV9n12J</a></p>— Paddy Power (@paddypower) <a href="https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/572460217524477952">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We're in London tonight for a Cheltenham Preview. Send us your questions for the top owner Rich Ricci! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskRich?src=hash">#AskRich</a> <a href="http://t.co/ZX3vzazKCZ">pic.twitter.com/ZX3vzazKCZ</a></p>— Paddy Power Racing (@pphorseracing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pphorseracing/status/572448033327091712">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Kicking off with a video montage of some of Rich Ricci's best horses. Could be a while...
Matt adjusting the light so Rich doesn't have to wear the sunglasses!
Sam: 'if you don't have a winner at Cheltenham, it's almost like your season hasn't been great'
Sam: 'The whole Big Buck's thing made me the jockey I am. I know how to deal with defeat'
Matt asks about 'mollycoddling' horses to get them right for Cheltenham. RR admits this year more than ever has been Cheltenham-geared.
How much do you control Willie and how much does he control you?' RR says he is active in planning and will argue, but Willie makes call.
He recognises the need to let Willie do what he's paid to do. Rare that RR and Willie would fall out.
Starting with novice hurdles. All aboard the Douvan train...
RR on Douvan: Willie's bullish. He's got a huge future, hopefully as a chaser. He's been on the go a while. We have a lot of confidence.
He goes with a good chance. RR reckons the Supreme is a weaker race than the Neptune this year.
Douvan difficult to get off the bridle at home but RR points out the last time we heard these things was Pont Alexandre, who Sam beat!
Sam says Nicholls doesn't look like having a novice hurdler. Has been trying to sweeten John Ferguson to get the Qewy ride!
All in agreement that Douvan will be a bigger price on the day.
Onto the Neptune. Rich and Sam have nowt in it. Rich reckons Tell Us More runs in it. Nichols Canyon wouldn't be his choice.
Albert Bartlett. RR would reroute his horse (Arbre) to avoid Black Hercules! Reckons he'll be very hard to beat.
Sam happy with how Blaklion will handle the big occasion but 'whether he's up to that class remains to be seen'. Seems content though.
Sam says Blaklion is 'awfully ordinary' at home but comes alive at the races. Getting better and better with racing.
Triumph Hurdle. RR: Kalkir frustrating. Missed work before Christmas race. Another niggle before Spring Juvenile, ran a good race.
Hard to split Kalkir and Dicosimo. Not sure who Ruby will ride.
Ricci says given work at home, Kalkir would appear the better. Dicosimo thin back end, but good turn of foot. Both big chance.
Arkle. Sam declares his Cheltenham ride on Vibrato Valtat 'one of the most awful rides you'll see'.
Agreement that Vibrato Valtat gets the perfect scenario with UDS bowling along in front. But how much rope to give him?
If Vautour was not in the same yard as UDS, does he run in the Arkle?' RR: I don't think so. Ruby thinks he's a Gold Cup horse.
A shudder around the room (including in this seat) as Ricci mentions Champagne Fever getting nutted in last year's Arkle.
Question from Will on here about Vroum Vroum Mag in the four miler. 'If you run in that race, that's it for the season. She's only five'
Big one! RR doesn't think Vroum Vroum Mag runs at festival. Heading to Limerick just after. Could be a champion chase horse some day.
Sam very sweet on Southfield Theatre in RSA on better ground.
RR fairly confident Don Poli runs in the RSA and that Patrick Mullins will ride Perfect Gentleman in the four miler.
JLT. Sam says you couldn't get Ptit Zig to make a mistake at home. Once out of novice company, paid for mistake but HAS learned from it.
Sam respects Vautour and says you have to forgive one mistake.
RR on Vautour: 'our horses all being geared towards festival. A lot of confidence. Anyone who saw him on Saturday would be impressed.'
RR says it's 'highly highly highly likely Annie Power runs in the Mares hurdle' In answer to @mwilliams10282's question.
Matt asks for a show of hands of who wanted Annie in the Champion last year. Everyone raises hands. Nobody raises for World Hurdle.
Handicaps. RR says Arbre De Vie has great chance in Coral Cup. Dogora may run in the Cross Country!
RR best handicap bets are Arbre and maybe Max Dynamite. Matt is aghast at Max Dynamite tip.
Audience member asks for dark horse outside of panel involvement. Sam tips Thomas Crapper.
Ricci reckons Tony Martin always dangerous in big handicaps.
Of Ricci's four Day One hotpots, who's he least confident of? Faugheen.
Ricci asked about Vautour v Douvan. Vautour has the form in the book.
Audience member asks if Annie will 'have her day in the sun' (taking on lads) Ricci says likely target after Cheltenham is Aintree Hurdle.
After this he hopes she will take on the boys at Punchestown.
A break for half time. I'm going to the jacks. Want me to live tweet that too, do ya?
I treat myself to a beer for the second half, as Sam Twiston Davies plays Angry Birds waiting for the restart.
Bumper. Ricci describes Au Quart De Tour as an enigma. Willie wants to run all 8 of his stables, RR has 5. Ricci only wants to run 3 of his
Bordini his best bet but Au Quart De Tour 'could be anything'. Sam has no ride in it and says he'll take one of Rich Ricci's!
We're going chasing. Ricci reckons Champagne Fever goes in Champion Chase despite Ryanair being the 'obvious race' for him.
Will Champagne Fever be held up or front running? RR reckons Special Tiara will give CF a tow into the race. Doesn't have to front run.
Chapman describes Ch Fever's Cheltenham record and asks Sam what Dodging Bullets has done at Cheltenham.
Sam quite confident and diplomatic and says Frankie Dettoti couldn't believe his eyes when he visited Dodging Bullets last week.
Sam says Geraghty is quite poker faced in the weighing room about Sprinter Sacre, but Jamie Moore sweet on Sire De Grugy.
Rich Ricci reckons all the good vibes about Sprinter Sacre are to 'scare us all off'.
Sam says he couldn't believe how settled Sprinter Sacre was after so long off. Should have been keener.
Ryanair. Ballycasey? RR says he scoped badly after Ascot. Probably runs and hopes he runs a good race. Describes him 'very frustrating'.
Sam says Wonderful Charm goes in Ryanair and is in good form but seems more hopeful than confident.
Right, time for the Champion Hurdle! Faugheen v The New One! Ricci v Sam!
If Ruby ditches one of your runners, do you then think you've no chance?' RR would be disappointed, but understands Ruby delaying decision
Ooh! Ricci says 'Faugheen is working very well' and has a glint in his eye.
RR: 'it's Ruby's decision, not mine. He's not my retained jockey.' Says IF Ruby doesn't ride Faugheen, Paul Townend would.
Oof! Rich Ricci: 'No disrespect to the rivals, but I think Faugheen will win no matter who rides'
Sam on The New One: devastated after last year, and hopes they didn't leave it behind then. Loves the horse and wouldn't swap him.
Ricci: We shouldn't diss Hurricane Fly. Look at his record. But the stats are against him. It's a great Champion Hurdle.
Would Faugheen have met Hurricane Fly by now if he was trained by Noel Meade?' Rich Ricci gives an emphatic, one word answer: yes.
Ricci says he IS a little bit worried that Faugheen hasn't had a run in 2015. But managing between trainer/owner is 'give and take'.
Rich is happy to 'take' every so often if that's what it takes for the success they've achieved together.
Both Sam and Ricci grimace at Faugheen's price of 5/4.
Sam says Jezki is the one who would major benefit from a pacemaker. He can't predict how the race will be run.
Ricci says Faugheen can make the running if needs be.
World Hurdle. Nicholls told Sam that he'd get loads of improvement from Saphir, that helped make his mind up.
Ricci says he doesn't think Pont Alexandre will make Cheltenham then jokes that Zaidpour wins the World Hurdle easily.
Ricci reckons Annie would have a great chance if not only on seasonal reappearance, will be too keen for the World Hurdle.
Ricci says Faugheen's Neptune win was extraordinary. The way he kicked hurdles out of the ground and still won easily.
Ricci says himself and the Mullins crew sat around and really debated who of Vautour and Faugheen would stay hurdling!
Ricci asked who he would like to own, of those he doesn't. He says Un De Sceaux and Silviniaco Conti.
The panel are asked who would be their ONE banker. Ricci says confidently Annie Power. The rest agree. I'm off to get me wheelbarrow lads.
Gold Cup. Sam says Sam Winner 'may lack the class of Silvi' but seems very happy nonetheless. Staying power.
Would it be a massive shock if Conti finished behind Sam Winner? Sam: no. He's got loads of good form.
Djakadam. Ricci absolutely loves him. He says he's been 'unusually unabashed' in his admiration for him.
Ricci thought Djakadam was fat for his Thyestes win. Thinks he's got a great chance. Really quite bullish on this one.
On Silviniaco Conti, Ricci points out how only one horse has won the Gold Cup on a third attempt, but he's still the one to beat.
Overheard Rich Ricci and Sam chatting. Caught Ricci saying 'I like your Dad'!
Onto audience questions. Sam says if The New One wasn't in it, and given the choice, he'd ride Faugheen.
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Paddy asks Sam if he wins the Champion Hurdle, will he go out celebrating? 'You can't'
One audience members asks Rich Ricci to give Matt Chapman the number of his tailor!
Panel asked if they can have just ONE winner at Cheltenham, who? (Want, not think) Ricci says Djakadam. Sam says The New One.
RR and Sam maintain eye contact, holding hands. They embrace. Ricci declares he's finally found a retained jockey. Just joking.
Ricci says he chose National Hunt over flat because NH is about winning, flat is about money.
A man just fell off his chair and took at least 15 seconds to rise again. But rise he did.
Ricci asked about his most disappointing horse. Mikael D'Haguenet, he says. Did I spell that right?
Charity bets for Injured Jockeys Fund!
Sam: Annie Power
Rich Ricci: Djakadam (!)
Matt: Douvan
Paddy: Douvan
A final round of applause. Brilliant panel. Chapman asking right questions. Ricci brilliantly candid. Sam just impossibly nice.
Charlie Austin's come along and nominates Shaneshill as his charity bet!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>You can tweet me your questions for the panel through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/johnmul?src=hash">#johnmul</a>. Best ten win a €10 free bet <a href="http://t.co/nR1GbZOWQd">pic.twitter.com/nR1GbZOWQd</a></p>— John Mulholland (@JohnMulhollands) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMulhollands/status/572451546262323201">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Got a question for Patrick Mullins, Davy Russell, Paul Kealy, Eddie O Leary, George McDonagh or Barney Curley. Tweet us with #johnmul
Doing a bit of study with @JohnMulhollands preview night for the trip across the water to Cheltenham next week!!
A wizard is never late, he just arrives! Davy Russell rocks up a bit late @salthillhotel @JohnMulhollands Cheltenham Preview Night
Sorry folks, got a little mad there. Get your questions in.
We're previewing Supreme & Neptune #johnmul
Patrick Mullins & Eddie O' Leary see Nicholas Canyon hard to beat in Neptune
Davy straight in to jag Eddie "are you good my to tip any of your horses" -(Gigginstown )
Davy & Patrick says Ireland win all three novice hurdle no problem. No English danger #johnmul Patrick says Black Hurcles best bet
Looking at Triumph now #johnmul
Despite winning last year, Davy still has no grá for the Triump
Patrick Mullins rates Tuesday's big 4 in order 1 Annie Power 2 UDS 3 Douvan 4 Faugheen. So Faugheen least likely #johnmul
Davy on the Arkle "when the horses are coming up the hill, the other ones may as well head for the stables" UDS can't be beaten #johnmul
Ryanair's owners brother says UDS is an aeroplane. Only animal that could get close to him is Vautour #johnmul
We're coming up to Don Poli chat. Patrick ready to go to bat to Eddie O Leary
God they're not only tipping Don Poli, table recommends backing him 25/1 for next years Gold Cup
Eddie O Leary on Don Cossack In the the Ryanair: not exactly glowing in confidence
Annie Power extremely doubtful for the World Hurdle. Best chance of a winner for Willie on Tuesday
Patrick on bumper( out of 8 entered) most positive sounding on Stonehard
Most interesting line in the preview above for me is that Vautour is the only horse that can get close to UDS. I really like Vautour but have been a but unsure about backing him for the JLT as this year doesn't really seem to have sparkled. That gives me a bit more confidence though- although maybe he can only get near him over 2 miles...
Will try my hand at Cheltenham preview tweeting tonight. Hopefully be able to transmit the thoughts of messers Nicholls, Mellish & Boyce.
About 5 ppl at this preview at mo. Could be a group discussion rather than a panel. Due to kick off in 15mins.
Nicholls: nothing for novice hurdles, blames Willie Mullins owners with bottomless pit of funds for taking everything promising.
Mini win...Nicholls says good point when I say Mullins increasing prices of horses then blaming Cheltenham for lack of prize money. #miniwin
Boyce: Douvan too short....Told by Tony Mullins that it would win all 3 novice hurdlers....states caution due to favs beaten.
Boyce also says girl who rides Douvan says better than Fly. He likes Some Plan & Seedling and that Cheltenham novice hurdle.
Nicholls likes Qewy....immediately thought will go close when it won at Newbury.
Mellish agrees about Qewy, horses in behind won well since. Douvan could be machine but u don't get rich backing shorties at Cheltenham.
L'ami Serge for Mellish. Loves the way he's been winning and sectionals of the horse. Nicholls thinks he needs soft. No love for Jollyallan
Nicholls adds Douvan similar to Pont Alexandre and might well need good deal of cut.
Nicholls says mad backing UDS. Small fields, too free, takes chances at fences. Take him on with VV (shock!)
Backtracks and says if UDS jumps he wins, but not 1/2 he makes big mistake.
Mellish says UDS wins bar a fall. 4/7 not his bag but will win. Boyce admits Josses Hill is awful given he tipped him up in autumn.
Smashing e/w to Boyce. Says great credit for trying to go with UDS. Those who dont try and go with him will be placed.
Arkle not won by those with no Cheltenham experience says Boyce....look at Gemix form compared to Zarkandar.
Faugheen time
Mellish says of all favourites on 1st day Faugheen is biggest certainty. Blue Heron very good horse and he spat him out. Jumping improving
Mellish doesn't think last years horses are actually that good. Faugheen to bolt up. Have a bet on 5 lengths plus he says.
Nicholls pleaded with Nigel not to run TNO at Haydock so 1) Sam could ride Dodge 2) he didn't bottom him. Says lost all chance after Haydock
Nicholls says Faugheen half fit at Kempton let alone Ascot.
Boyce sites long lay off as only negative to Faugheen. Again says last years form not as good as we thought it would be.
Jezki e/w outstanding bet tho given ground. Faugheen out in front will put jumping under pressure tho.
Mellish says Faugheen is a 4/7 shot. 2 horse race and thinks TNO is not a 2 miler. Sure to be outpaced and run on like last year.
Annie Power wins...all agree...job done...nobody cares about the race.
Wouldn't be suprised if she didn't run and goes to Aintree tho says Nicholls
Mellish says Don Poli bet of the week if runs in 4 miler but other 2 say certain for RSA. NRNB for 4 miler is a must for all.
Black Thunder will run off top weight in hcap chase and Vilvado Collonges serious chance in 4 miler.
Keltus h'cap bet of the week
Onto Wednesday & Champion Chase
Sprinter Sacre no for Nicholls but admits he'll have optimum conditions...Hendo saying not as good as he was tells u all tho.
Job to split Dodge & Mr Mole says Nicholls. If either win not good Champion Chase as both are solid but not top drawer
Nicholls says ulcers are thing that affect a lot of horses....most have no clue but his vet found the trick. Says Silver Birch prime example
Mellish says must have done magic with Dodge to improve so much...thinks ground a worry and could be better in Ryanair maybe.
Mellish says 11/4 must be a lay of Sprinter. Says fact he was smashed at Ascot means they thought was certainty and got beat.
All say SS physically looks much weaker than before...like stripping a car of its turbo.
Sprinter good back to lay for those who like that.
Boyce says Geraghty stopped riding very quickly because he felt something wrong not cos horse tired.
Boyce with Dodging Bullets via process of elimination. Sire de grugy win last year won't be good enough if repeated.
Nicholls says bleed shouldn't matter cos of mass breathing ops re Sprinter. Rocky Creek bleeds every day he says...just sometimes happens.
RSA now...Nicholls says Southfield Theatre made for RSA...one of best chances of week and he's always loved him for fences.
Southfield Theatre Gold Cup horse for next year. Boyce says ground big neg for Coneygree & Kings Palace ducked top company for a reason.
Mellish is all over Don Poli wherever he runs. Great chance here...festival form...jumped brilliantly and made for this race.
Don Poli for next year's Gold cup is the bet. Boyce whose been in Ireland says Don Poli all the rage but lack of runs big neg.
Neptune quickly....Boyce fancies Outlander...prefers NH type for the race
Regal Encore in Coral Cup hcap bet on Wed for Boyce he adds. Nichols Canyon not fancied at all by Mellish. Thinks he won't jump held up
Mellish best hcap bet is Activial in Coral Cup...fancies Beuvruil in Fred Winter.
Nicholls says money for Aux Ptits Soins not stable money. Won't be experienced enough, no idea how good or bad he could be.
Nicholls says Lac Fontana better bet with Sean Bowen.
Back to Champion Chase...forgotten Champagne Fever who all say is a certainty to place.
Thursday about to get underway now
JLT. Nicholls on Ptit Zig: Fall could be seen as good experience or bad prep. Good Cheltenham experience at New Years. Very solid.
Stiffer track of New Course will really help Ptit Zig says Nicholls. Vautour not invincible but one to beat
Mellish had 2 ante post bets..one is Ptit Zig. Says of Vautour that the one time he hasn't been able to dominate he's failed. One to take on
Mellish worries about Apache Stronghold's jumping. Remembers Oscar Whiskey re jumping worry in this race.
Boyce says Vautour one to take on...not great jumper and won't have it his own way. Likes Apache Stronghold, will travel strongly into race.
Boyce says Meade will have strong festival...team are flying in Ireland.
World Hurdle now. Saphir Du Rheu, plan is 2016 Gold Cup. Has to improve on Cheltenham and likes way he galloped to line.
Nicholls definitely prefers Zarkandar. Trained for race, in front too soon at Ascot. Noel Fehily will pounce late. Worked 2 of them together
And nothing to split them, but Zarkandar always keeps a bit up his sleeve. Zarkandar the one but only just.
Mellish says it's a lottery...but Zarkandar most likely to run his race. Travelled all over them at Ascot. Rock on Ruby won't stay.
Briar Hill e/w fancy in open race. Boyce not sure about Zarkandar stamina...thinks is best horse in race tho.
Boyce goes for Saphir du Rheu as stamina assured. Nicholls hopes Z sits behind SDR and they fight it out after the last (obviously!)
Mellish says Buywise in Festival plate the one for Thursday. Jumping shouldn't matter is so well in.
Ryanair: Nicholls thinks Ma Fillule is a good handicapper, nothing more.
Boyce: Dont need to be top drawer to win this race...Ma Filleule could win.
Boyce says killer Kim Muir stat is back non claiming riders. The top amateurs come to the fore regardless of horse.
Mellish thinks concept of Ryanair awful. Balder Succes best of average bunch.
Nicholls runs Caid Du Berlais in 2m 4f hcap...will run very tidy. Just A Par under Will Biddick a squeak in Kim Muir.
Gold Cup: Nicholls asked what happened to Conti in Gold Cup last year
Nicholls "Jumped last in front, hung etc. Couldn't work it out.....went to Aintree, won....still not happy...bleeding a bit"
Monday after Conti won at Aintree he was tested for ulcers and he was sick with them. Different animal to horse beaten in Gold Cup 2014
Boyce: Does Conti stay 3m 2f? Nicholls says he'll relish it. Idles a bit and cheekpieces should prevent that. Boyce likes Road to Riches.
Sam Winner not good enough according to Nicholls, therefore Irish form not good enough. Tho said it won't finish last.
Mellish cannot have Lord Windermere...freak race last year. Conti best horse now he finishes races.
Mellish 2nd antepost bet is Peace & Co. He is worried by Beltor now. Bet due to time of Doncaster win.
Mellish says race more open than he envisaged when bet on after Donny. If he repeats that time he will win.
Nicholls bitter about Peace & Co, had it bought and knicked from under his nose. Thinks Peace & Co too buzzy and prefers Hargam.
Boyce loves Peace & Co, Cheltenham race was a trial and Geraghty rode like that. Boyce not a triumph fan tho.
Boyce unsure Beltor will stay...didn't get a trip on flat. Calvin chips in with positive word for Beltor.
Another Peace & Co story...Dan Skelton bought it before it ran and it failed vet
Potato Race...Mellish loves Blaklion. Big positive a claimer winning unable to claim. Got racing very early at Donny & he's better than that
Nicholls on Friday: Calipto out the back in slow race at Newbury....will get better pace and shouldn't be out the frame.
Current Event...
E/w shout in foxhunters. Le Mercury will have good chance...says will be 160 chaser and this still might be year too soon
Boyce puts up Colouer France in Albert Bartlett at massive price. Not far behind best of Ireland.
Rich Coast in County hurdle says Boyce with a glint in his eye. He's backing every Meade horse by the sound of it.
Bets of week now:
Mellish: Blaklion e/w
Nicholls: Southfield Theatre
Boyce: Saphir Du Rheu
Talking about headgear...earplugs should be declared says Nicholls as is the same as a hood. Everything of Willie's will run in ear plugs
Last few thoughts...Nicholls would have Faugheen in the yard of others.
Mellish says Nichols Canyon worst fav.
Venue: London Racing Club at Holiday Inn in Kensington at 7.00pm sponsored by Star Sports
Panellists: Phil Smith, Lydia Hislop, Paul Jones, Luke Tarr; Chair: Lee Mottershead
Venue: Exeter Racecourse at 6.30pm after racing sponsored by Star Sports
Panellists: Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Philip Hobbs, Nick Schofield, Luke Tarr; Chair: Luke Harvey
Entry: £18 in advance or £20 on the door; (£25 Grandstand & Paddock admission and preview evening; £30 premier admission and preview evening) includes a one-course hot meal
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse at 6.00pm (food served at 6.30, preview 7.00)
Panellists: Graham Wylie, Rory Jiwani, John Blance, Gareth Topham; Chair: Paul Clarkson
Entry: £5 Members, £10 Non Members
Venue: Timeform Preview Evening at St Kent’s Irish Club in Manchester at 7.00pm
Panellists: Jamie Lynch, Dan Barber, Martin Dixon, Michael Williamson, Barry Orr
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