2016 Cheltenham Festival Preview Nights

[Faugheen_Machine]

The betfair preview is just starting now, if anyone's interested.

[Istabraq]

The betfair preview is just starting now, if anyone's interested.

Bollox I thought that was tomorrow !!!

[Lester]

The panel includes: Paul Nicholls, Davy Russell, Andrew McNamaram, Gary O'Brien, Mark Winstanley, Brian Flanagan and Bary Orr.
We're 10 minutes away from the @Betfair Cheltenham Festival preview. Stay tuned for live updates...
Paul Nicholls on My Tent Or Yours: "Can a horse win after two years off? I'm not sure." #CheltenhamPreview
Davy Russell: The horse for me in the Champion Hurdle is Identity Thief. #CheltenhamPreview
Mark Winstanley: If Annie Power wins the Champion Hurdle I'll go back to work #CheltenhamPreview
Gary O'Brien: I've liked Identity Thief since his win at Newcastle. Sempre Medici is overpriced. #CheltenhamPreview
The Couch, O'Brien and McNamara all like Sempre Medici in Champion Hurdle. #CheltenhamPreview
Davy Russell: If you're backing champion owners at Cheltenham, you're going down the wrong road. #BetfairPreview
Davy Russell: Vroum Vroum Mag is a certainty in the Mares Hurdle #BetfairPreview
Brian Flanagan: Shantou Village at 16/1 to chase home Yanworth in Neptune #BetfairPreview
Mark Winstanley: Yorkhill one of the bets of the Festival if he runs in Neptune #BetfairPreview
Mark Winstanley: Yanworth shouldn't be the price he is in the Neptune #BetfairPreview
Davy Russell: It'll be madness if Yorkhill doesn't run in the Neptune. He's the best of the lot #BetfairPreview
Davy Russell: Yorkhill is the horse you have to back in the Neptune #BetfairPreview
Paul Nicholls: I think Yanworth will go very close to winning the Neptune. He's best of British #BetfairPreview
Andrew McNamara likes Long Dog in the Neptune #BetfairPreview
Brian Flanagan likes Monksland in RSA. Concerned with No More Heroes on better ground. #BetfairPreview
Mark Winstanley: No More Heroes ticks every box for me. I'm not convinced with More Of That. #BetfairPreview
Davy Russell: No More Heroes is such a calculated jumper of a fence. He's a marvellous horse #BetfairPreview
Paul Nicholls: The RSA is the race for More Of That. If he turns up he's got a big chance. #BetfairPreview
On to the Champion Chase...
Nicholls: I've had a nightmare with Dodging Bullets this season but he's just beginning to come to himself #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Un De Sceaux will take an awful lot of beating in CC #BetfairPreview
McNamara: I don't think it's a great Champion Chase. Douvan could turn up at win.
Gary O'Brien: I think Felix Yonger could follow Un De Sceaux home and is good each-way bet #BetfairPreview
O'Brien: Only concern for UDS is if something jumps off upsides him #BetfairPreview
Russell: Only worry with UDS is the pre-race parade which is not in his favour. I would wait until he gets to the start #BetfairPreview
Winstanley: Sizing Granite is the forgotten horse in Champion Chase at 33/1 #BetfairPreview
Winstanley: Can't have Felix Yonger (too old), can't have Sprinter Sacre (won't come back)
On to Champion Bumper...
Winstanley: Ballyandy is the best of the English. This is a lottery race #BetfairPreview
Barry Orr likes High Bridge in Champion Bumper at 20/1 #BetfairPreview
Gary O'Brien: It's interesting Willie persuaded Gigginstown to enter Avenir D'Une Vie in Champion Bumper #BetfairPreview
Davy Russell: I think Battleford will win the Bumper for Graham Wylie #BetfairPreview
Elsewhere, at the @BETDAQ Cheltenham preview tonight David Casey has said Black Hercules is very likely to go to JLT #CheltenhamFestival
Noel Shannon
Gerry mc gee
We're underway with the second half of the #BetfairPreview...
Looking at the JLT Novices' Chase now...
Winstanley: If Pont Alexandre wins the JLT I'll jump off the Cheltenham roof #BetfairPreview
O'Brien: If More Of That runs in JLT then he'd be a standout
McNamara: I like L'Ami Serge if he runs #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Bristol De Mai needs soft ground in the JLT. As De Me a good e/w bet #BetfairPreview
Russell: It'll be hard for Zabana to reverse form with Outlander in JLT #BetfairPreview
Flanagan: Noel Meade will burst if Road To Riches runs in the Ryanair #BetfairPreview
Flanagan likes Village Vic each-way in the Ryanair Chase #BetfairPreview
Winstanley: Vibrato Valtat is crying out for a trip and is a player in Ryanair. Josses Hill a dodgy jumper. #BetfairPreview
Russell: Gigginstown will have at least two runners in this. If Al Ferof wins then they should get rid of the race! #BetfairPreview
Russell: If Willie says Vautour will stay 3m2f then he will stay 3m2f #BetfairPreview
Majority of the panel like Village Vic each-way in the Ryanair.
On to the World Hurdle...
O'Brien: It's impossible to look past Thistlecrack. Most confident favourite for the week. Whisper a dark horse each-way #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Aux Ptit Soins is a very good horse. He's coming to himself and could be anything. He's very smart #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Aux Ptit Soins looked amazing this morning. Saphir Du Rheu has a big chance in the World Hurdle #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Twiston-Davies chose Saphir Du Rheu because of his form over 3m. Aux Ptit Soins an unknown over trip #BetfairPreview
Russell: I hope Aux Ptit Soins wins the World Hurdle but Thistlecrack will be very hard to beat. Martello Tower e/w chance #BetfairPreview
Flanagan: 8/1 about Cole Harden in WH is a good price. Will relish the good ground #BetfairPreview
Winstanley: Vroum Vroum Mag is biggest certainty in the Mares'.Thistlecrack should be 1/2 #BetfairPreview
Winstanley: Thistlecrack has absolutely everything and is a certainty #BetfairPreview
Follow the Live streaming of #BetfairPreview here: http://bit.ly/1RIdwm7
Nicholls: Barters Hill reminds me of Denman #BetfairPreview
Nicholls is very keen on All Yours in the County Hurdle #BetfairPreview
Paul Nicholls also sweet on Diego Du Charmil in the Fred Winter at 8/1 #BetfairPreview
McNamara: Blazer was very impressive when winning in Ireland. He'll run well in whatever he goes for #BetfairPreview
O'Brien: The Voice also likes Blazer and Abre De Vie for Willie Mullins in the Coral Cup #BetfairPreview
O'Brien adds Our Father in the Kim Muir.
Russell: Rock The World will go well in the Grand Annual. #BetfairPreview
Russell: The English handicapper adds a few pounds on the Irish because they're sick of us always winning.
Winstanley: Kruzlinin will take the world of beating in whichever race he runs. #BetfairPreview
Flanagan: John's Spirit has a lovely weight in the Plate and looks thrown in #BetfairPreview
Barry Orr puts up O O Seven in the Coral Cup and says he could go really close #BetfairPreview
Now on to the big one, the Gold Cup...
McNamara: It's a slight worry that Djakadam has fallen but still goes there with a great chance.
McNamara: Don Cossack is a superstar and would have won the King George. He'll outstay them in the Gold Cup #BetfairPreview
O'Brien: Vautour is the best horse in the race based on talent. But he might find the trip stretching. Don Poli is shocking value
O'Brien: 9/2 on Don Poli is a shocking price. Winner is either Cue Card or Don Cossack. Don Cossack marginal preference #BetfairPreview
O'Brien: I think it will be Don Cossack's day if he stays on his feet #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: I'd love to see Cue Card win. The key is whatever Ruby rides. I think Vautour will stay. #BetfairPreview
Nicholls: Don Poli has it all to do. It's between Cue Card, Vautour and Don Cossack #BetfairPreview
Barry Orr: Don Cossack for me. I thought he'd win the King George if he'd stay on his feet #BetfairPreview
Flanagan: In the last few days I've been coming around to Don Cossack's form. But I wasn't mad about him at Thurles #BetfairPreview
Couch: Cue Card is too old. Don Cossack's Cheltenham form worries me. Don Poli at 6/1 is one of bets of meeting
Couch: Don Poli just keeps winning. Won the RSA last year which Don Cossack couldn't do.
Couch: Don Poli just does enough. The best bit of form is Don Cossack winning at Punchestown but I concentrate on Cheltenham form
Couch: Don Poli is 2/2 at Cheltenham and nice at 6/1 #BetfairPreview
Russell: I don't care who I ride. If Cooper rides Don Poli, I'm confident I'll ride Don Cossack. Not sure the other-way round
Russell: It's an exceptionally good Gold Cup. Don Cossack gave me a fantastic feel the other day #BetfairPreview
Read Betting @ReadBetting 18m18 minutes ago
Russell: Don Cossack didn't put a foot wrong when schooling last year. The most awesome specimen of a horse. #BetfairPreview
Read Betting @ReadBetting 16m16 minutes ago
Russell: You must remember that you really need to stay in the Gold Cup. No hiding place anywhere. Smad Place has a chance #BetfairPreview
Read Betting @ReadBetting 15m15 minutes ago
Russell: Limini, Thistlecrack, Vroum Vroum Mag treble Nicholls: All Yours E/W (County) Voice: Roi Des Francs (4-miler) McNamara: Don Cossack
Read Betting @ReadBetting 10m10 minutes ago
Barry Orr: Josies Orders (X-Country) Flanagan: Johns Spirit (Plate) Couch: Sempre Medici E/W (Champion Hurdle)

[Old Vic]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Starting with the supreme <a href="https://t.co/v6yZYUo766">pic.twitter.com/v6yZYUo766</a></p>&mdash; Gary Saxby (@gazsax) <a href="https://twitter.com/gazsax/status/705471445896404994">March 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://twitter.com/gazsax

RR - Min best and fast novice in training, better than Vautour at this stage but not as good as Douvan
PK - Wait till the day to back min, some bookie will price him at 2/1 on the day
Joe Chambers (Irish expert) thinks it's a two horse race, Min or Altior
PK. Altior is Paul Kealy's NAP of the whole meeting !!!!
Joe Chambers - min to win by 6lengths
Neptune - PK will be shocked if Yanworth doesn't win but yet to be tested in the heat of battle
JC thinks A Toi Phil is very good each way value at around 8/1
RR - Long Dog has the form in the book and will go to this race, doesn't expect him out the frame
All the panel go for Yanworth with JC taking A Toi Phil EW
Onto the Albert Bartlett
JC, against Barters Hill doesn't think it's jumping is good enough, Thomas Hobson could be a big danger
If Jp allows Bleu Et Rauge is run in this could be a great bet
RR also happy to take on Barters Hill with his own horse Thomas Hobson
Pk, Shantou Village need good ground and a longer race and he will get in at Cheltenham
Pk, whatever race Fingal Bay goes to, back now and back often EW
RR tells us Kalkir hurt this morning and out of Cheltenham
Arkle - RR Douvan is a monster and Willie thinks it's the best horse he has ever trained !!!!!
RR, Douvan would win the Champion Chase carrying UDS on his back
PK, Sizing John WILL finish second to Douvan and great beat at 4/1 without
Nicky Henderson very sweet on Vaniteux but ain't he on every horse says Matt Chapman
JLT now, Garde La Victoire will run in this race says Phillip Hobbs
Pk, doesn't think More Of That will run in JLT and thinks Bristol De Mai is far to short at 7/2
Gary Saxby@gazsax 57m57 minutes ago
Point Alexander will run in RSA says RR
RR, fancies Garde La Victoire also. Think more of that does RSA
JC - Black Hercules The rest Garde La Victoire EW
STD been asked for his ID at the door and couldn't get in
RSA - No more heroes a fault fav for JC, More of that for him!! 3/1 one of the best bets of the week
RSA still, PK also agrees More Of That should be fav
STD rides Le Mercurey in the RSA says he has a each way shout at 50/1, will like the better ground
RSA, 3 for more of that and Pk takes Monksland EW at 33s
STD goes Altior in the supreme if he had to pick a ride.
STD, Yanworth away and gone, Gangster ew also he likes
STD, can't see anything beating Barters Hill but if Thomas Hobson is close to the lead at the last he has speed to fly up the hill
Triumph - Clan Des Obeaux worked all over Dodging Bullets this morning says STD
Diego-du-charmil working like a dream says STD, Paul Nicholls kept his mark down just for the Fred winter
Let's Dance for RR at 14/1 in the triumph
STD also really likes bouvreuil in the last on Tuesday, had this in mind since having him in the stable
STD says dads best chance of a winner in Bristol Du Mai
Champion Hurdle - Annie Power can't unsure where to go, but looking better day by day at home
Std, The new one has never been better heading into a Cheltenham festival !!!
RR, let's not waste time on the world hurdle, Thistlecrack away and gone!!
Std, Saphir Du Rheu had a wind op and looking better and better good ew chance around 12s
Queen mother now, UDS best horse in the race by a mile, Pk
Gods Own without the fav for Pk.
Very simple from the panel, UDS to win 8lengths and Felix Younger to follow him home
Ryanair, RR is very unsure about Vautour, Gold cup all nothing, hasn't been himself back home but still has 10days till the big day
If Vautour doesn't stay in GC he will win the next two Ryanairs says Rich
Std, Vibrato Valtat hopefully to nick a place at best, rest of the panel all say Road To Riches win and Village Vic ew chance
RR says Ruby still unsure who to ride in GC, for class it's Vautour for form in Djakadam.
Djakadam is 2 or 3 days behind Vautour in training, whoever Ruby doesn't ride, Paul Townsend has 1st choice
If std could ride any horse it would be Vautour
Pk, Don Poli the worse 5/1 shot in the history of racing should be 50/1!!!!
Pk, head says Vautour heart wants cue card
Everyone agrees Vautour for the GC but chapman likes Don Cossack
RR lucky 15 Douvan Limlli Annie Power Vroum Vroum Mag



and

https://twitter.com/GetYourTipsOut

RR on Min "Would be unbelievable to win that race four years in a row. I keep talking myself out of him but see him work and believe again."
PK on Min: "Every fav as it stands will be a bigger price on the day. Someone will go 2/1. The form is stronger than it looked at the time."
Paul Kealy quick to label Altior as his Nap of the meeting. Claims Nicky Henderson is extremely bullish about him. #BetBright
Phillip Hobbs keen on these four in the handicaps says @MCYeeehaaa Kruzhlinin Rock The Kasbah If In Doubt - Pertemps Wait For Me - County
Rich Ricci: "Kalkir hurt on the gallops today and sadly won't be going to Cheltenham." #BetBright
Schedule a bit of a mess as @samtwiston missed his train! Rich Ricci quick to say the same applies to the bar staff - understaffed tonight.
Hobbs siding with the JLT for Garde La Victoire.
Hobbs not here but @MCYeeehaaa claims he spoke to him earlier today.
"You're gonna have a shocking Cheltenham!" says @MCYeeehaaa to @PaulKealyRP "I'm with you again on Garde La Victoire in the JLT." #BetBright
Clan Des Obeaux given a very positive mention from @samtwiston for the Triumph. Couldn't believe got beaten. Thinks a lot of him. #BetBright
Diego Du Charmil 'quickened away from Zubayr' in a piece of work says @samtwiston Put away for the Fred Winter. Well-handicapped. #BetBright
Bristol De Mai 'our best chance of the festival' - takes horses out of their comfort zone on bad ground. Might not be as easy on good ground

Back underway after a brief interval. More bar staff thanks to Rich Ricci. Crowd show their appreciation. #BetBright
Who's choice is it to send Annie Power to the Champion Hurdle? Rich Ricci says this one is "particularly difficult." #BetBright
Joe Chambers: "If she was good enough to win the Champion Hurdle two years ago good enough now. Nothing's changed bar the owners emotions."
Sam Twiston-Davies gets a cheer from the crowd after giving a glowing report on The New One "He's going into Cheltenham the best he can be."
"If he finishes third or fourth then that's the best he is. I'm going to be positive on him and if something wants to go faster they can."
Good to hear @PaulKealyRP telling it how it is: "Can pick holes in everything in the race. I wouldn't be backing anything at a short price."
Rich Ricci on Annie Power: "If she runs you have to think she wins." #BetBright
Thistlecrack @PaulKealyRP "bombproof" Rich Ricci "So good, won't look back." Whisper given an each way shout by Joe Chambers. #BetBright
Un De Sceaux @PaulKealyRP "He's no superstar but he's better than anything around at the minute over two miles" The panel tend to agree too.
Rich Ricci: "If Sprinter wins it would be great for racing." #BetBright
Rich Ricci claims Vautour only started working well 4 days prior to Cheltenham last year. And at the moment he's just not seeing that spark.
If he doesn't show us that spark we might miss Cheltenham altogether. Rich Ricci adamant he'll stay. Joe Chambers said Ruby's eyes lit up.
Joe Chambers: "He's been trained for the Gold Cup. As long as it's Good To Soft I'd run him there." #Vautour #BetBright
On who @Ruby_Walsh will ride in the Gold Cup: "On class you'd have to say Vautour. On form Djakadam." I just want @WillieMullinsNH to win it
Djakadam cut: "A bad cut but it was clean. Flesh womb. In great form now but he's probably two or three days behind. That's easily made up."
Joe Chambers adamant @Ruby_Walsh will ride Vautour. Even more so if it's Good To Soft. @samtwiston thinks he'll go & win it too. #BetBright
Rich Ricci Lucky 15 Douvan Limini Vroum Vroum Mag Annie Power "Non runner no bet." #BetBright

<!-- Affiliate Code Do NOT Modify--><a onclick="window.open(this.href,'_blank');return false;" href="http://partners.betbrightaffiliates.com/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a_3113b_12&aid=" ><img src="http://partners.betbrightaffiliates.com/processing/impressions.asp?btag=a_3113b_12&aid=" style="border:none;width:728px;height:90px;" border=""></a><!-- End affiliate Code-->

[jonthehammer]

Not so much a preview night but some snippets I lifted from the Nicholls yard. Hope this is ok to post......



Had blinding time at PN's.....went to the two yards yesterday and wincanton in the afternoon. Saw loads in their boxes silvy, saphir etc...conetable is in celestial halos box.....zubyr looked a picture..

Saw 4 school dodging bullets with unioniste....then le Mercury with samtegle...who looked on fire....and steroids .

The meal the night before..was 13 guests with 5 from the yard sat mixed in ....we had Tom his assistant trainer next to us...( although he's leaving and harry Durham will be taking over that role)...seemed to be a bit of tension between him and PN.
after the meal PN went through each day...with questions after each day.
You all know what it's like...they say nearly everything has a chance....but in order of what they were most bullish about in my opinion.....

Diego du charmil...PN...rates him big chance....the lad Tom. I'd already asked him about DDC during....couldn't hide his excitement....I said ffs don't take poker will ya


All yours
Apparently had done a great piece of work up against old guard.

Bouvreil....they very happy he in hcap.

Qualando....another big chance this yr.

Harry Durham thinks aux pits sons is gonna win the world....and PN confirmed there's not much between the two....

Fire away if you got any question about others...

He did say he's been told more of that has been bleeding ...is this common knowledge?

[Cashew King]

Did they mention if Tara Point is on track for the Mares Hurdle - was 50/50 last update I saw.

[jonthehammer]

Im not sure Cashew, it wasn't me who went. I found these notes elsewhere

[Cashew King]

Im not sure Cashew, it wasn't me who went. I found these notes elsewhere

No worries

[Faugheen_Machine]

Still 50/50 CK. The vibes I'm getting are that they are up against it, unfortunately.

[Old Vic]

Dublin Racing Club

https://twitter.com/DublinRacingClu

[Yeehaa]

Dublin Racing Club

https://twitter.com/DublinRacingClu

Borrowed this

Went to one last night specifically as Barry O'Connell was on the panel and thought he had some interesting runners probably under the radar.

He gives a big shout to Ballychorus - excellent form albeit 2 falls. Receives 7 lbs and Clements rides - very good value at 16s/20s. My concern was two final fence falls - probably tiring - but has experience.

Also Foxrock has been schooled twice in Punchestown recently - 2nd time there he was electric. Conditions races v handicap now so he is well in if he takes to the course


and another version


Barry Connell was way better than i thought he'd be He knows his stuff, goes to all the schooling races etc.

Most were against Min, said he's way too free. BC said he ran away with Ruby down to the start the last day and said Ruby has been getting freebe's the last few yrs at Chelts but wont this yr.BC & Andy Mac like Yorkhill where ever he goes. TK likes Tombstone but worried he folded the last day, AMac said he's soft.

Douvan is a surt, could win the CH an hr later.

AP is way too short most thought. TK said Identity Thief should be 3/1.A negative they are even thinking about running Nic Can in the Stayers.A few like Sempre Medici ew.

BC very negative about More of That - injuries, bleeder, won 2 poor races, missed targets.

He was also against Smashing in the Ryanair - has no hope.

They weren't keen on Yanworth - Long Dog & Yorkhill ew alternatives.

Most liked Thistlecrack. BC not sure he's improved past some of last yrs novices as much as his mark suggests, esp on better gnd.

Sean Flanagan said RTR was too slow for the Ryanair said he sat on him the other day and couldnt believe how slow he was.

SF said that Monksland has been down to Paul Carberry's to jump the solid poles And he schooled him at Leop on Tuesday and he winged them. Said he's been getting close to NHM despite clouting 3/4 each race, BC likes him too.

BC very bullish about Ballychorus in the 4 miler

Didn't care about how much weight Blue Hell was given, said he'll win the Arkle next yr

Was also bullish about Velvet Maker, his nap.

Foxrock - said he's a 156 horse so isn't good enough for the GC etc, as above likes the x-country, conditions of the race suit him. Not all horses take to it (On His Own) but he has.

Still seems bullish on Blue Hell's chances in the county even though he has gone up in the weights significantly - they think the world of him - could be grade 1 horse

Martello Tower is in great form but has it all to do as he thinks a lot of Thistlecrack

Tully East goes for the Martin Pipe with Shane Shorthall riding - form is good and thinks he could be well in

Finally he thinks Velvet Maker is 2nd best 2 mile novice in Ireland and that may be good enough to win the Grand Annual

[TimRiggins]

Preview night chaired by Matt Chapman last night, which I've tried to make a bit easier to read than a big block, lol.

Supreme

RR – Min is probably our best novice and certainly the fastest. He’s very good but he is short and I’m sure he’ll be bigger on the day. He’s not as good as Douvan but he could be better than Vautour. I’m not sure how good he is but I think he could be very good. Having said that, I do respect both of Nicky’s horses.

PK – If you want to back Min wait until the day because someone will go 2/1 and that would be tempting but I think Altior is one of Nicky’s best. If Min hadn’t had the hype around him I think Altior would be favourite; he did everything right at Kempton and is my NAP of the meeting.

JC – I spoke to Nicky [Henderson] this afternoon and he’s very bullish about Altior. I personally think Min will win by around six lengths but he’s the wrong price at the moment.

MC – 17 of the last 20 places have been filled by bumper horses and Min wasn’t a bumper horse, however I think he can overcome the stats and prove to be too good.

STD – If I could ride any horse it would be Altior. He’s had four runs and has learned a lot and I’ve fallen in love with him. I think Buveur Dair will be too keen.



Neptune

PK – If Yanworth reproduces the form he showed at Cheltenham last time out on better ground he will win.

JC – Yanworth looks a machine. We haven’t see him have to battle yet though and I think 8/1 about A Toi Phil is a great each-way bet; I can see the race cutting up and I can’t see him being out the first three.

RR – We like Long Dog a lot; he’s very tough and I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t make the frame; I’d back him each-way.

MC – I think Yanworth is the best value short-priced favourite of the Festival



Handicaps

PK – I’m getting confident about Fingal Bay in the Ultima Handicap Chase; he’s been crying out for good ground over fences. I also like Killer Crow in the Novice Handicap Chase. Gordon Elliott entered him at Trials Day and I believe he had no intentions of running him but wanted to see what mark the handicapper would give him. He unsurprisingly hasn’t run since and I think he is interesting off a mark of 136 on better ground.

JC – I like the Charles Byrne-trained Leave at Dawn in the Pertemps. He won well at Cheltenham in November and is the one for me. I also like Doctor Harper on the first day; he is handicapped on his form over 2m but I think he’s been crying out for 3m. Orbasa is another one; he’s trained by Paul Nicholls and won at Fontwell recently; he’ll be suited by the step up in trip if he runs in the Novices’ Handicap Chase and will be carrying my money. One more would be Hawk High for the Easterby’s in either the County or the Coral Cup. He’s won off a higher mark and I like the fact he has Festival form.



Albert Bartlett

JC– I’d be against Barters Hill and I think Thomas Hobson has a little bit of Flat class, he could rattle him.

RR – I’ll be taking on Barters Hill with Thomas Hobson who I think will run a huge race; he’s mad and does his own thing though.

STD – Gangster is interesting for me. I think a horse with more speed will go past Barters Hill after the last and that could be either Gangster or Mr Ricci’s horse, Thomas Hobson.



Triumph

STD – This race will determine if I keep my job! Nick [Schofield] will ride Zubayr and Sean [Bowen] will ride Frodon. I’ve got to pick from Tommy Silver, Clan Des Obeaux and Connetable. Clan Des Obeaux worked with Dodging Bullets this morning and he was very impressive and I’m leaning towards him but it wouldn’t take much to swing back to Connetable; I’ll sit on him next week. I was gutted when he [CDO] got beat at Cheltenham last time out and he rides like a future chaser. The one could be Connetable; he beat Peace & Co and Rayvin Black, and the form looks good. He’s rated 150 so has to go there with a real chance, but it’s a tough decision between Connetable and Clan Des Obeaux.

PK – Ivanovich Gorbatov won a Maiden Hurdle and was then thrashed when he was stepped up in grade and I can’t for any reason see why he’s still favourite. He made one mistake and threw the towel in and he looks soft to me. Who Dares Wins is the one for me; he won three times on the Flat including on good, good to firm, and you want to see this horse off the bridle six out, which you will in the Triumph and I think he’s good value at 14/1.

RR – We run Let’s Dance and I thought she ran very well last time out. I think she’s the forgotten horse in the race and she was still very green and could be outstanding value.



Fred Winter

STD – Diego Du Charmil worked with Zubayr at a racecourse galloped and quickened up nicely and worked the better of the two. Paul [Nicholls] said straight away that he would go straight to the Fred Winter and he looks very well-handicapped off 136. He’s Paul’s best chance of a winner.



Martin Pipe

RR – I think Children’s List could run really well in the Martin Pipe; I think he’s the forgotten horse.



Arkle

RR – [Douvan] He’s something special and he’s done everything so effortlessly so far. He’s huge and he’s a monster and I would be disappointed if he lost. For Willie to say he could be the best he’s ever trained is a huge indicator to me. He’s the best I’ve ever owned and the Arkle is the right race for him.
When asked by MC if he thought Douvan could beat Un De Sceaux he said: “I think so.”

PK – Douvan will win, but the bet for me is Sizing John without Douvan at 4/1. I think that’s amazing value; he’s a big horse who is made for chasing and will be second to Douvan.

JC – I think Douvan will win. I was speaking to Nicky [Henderson] and he said Vanituex schooled this morning and he’s never seen anything like it and could be one of the best horse he’s run in the Arkle; he’s very sweet on him.



JLT

MC – Philip Hobbs said to me about 80 minutes ago that Garde La Victoire is probably going to run in the JLT.

PK – This is one race I’m finding very hard. Bristol De Mai is a very good horse but needs to show he can do it on good ground. Zabana is a lively outsider for me on decent ground.

RR – I like Garde La Victoire in this race. Pont Alexandre won’t run in this, he will run in either the RSA or the 4-miler.

JC – I hope Willie runs Black Hercules in this race; he travels and jumps well and he’d have a great chance in this.

STD – Bristol De Mai is our [Nigel Twiston-Davies’] best chance of a Festival winner; he’s training well and is in great form. If it was soft ground I’d be very confident, but he might not find it as easy on good, having said that I think he’ll take a lot of beating.



RSA

JC – No More Heroes shouldn’t be favourite, More Of That should be. He’s run at Cheltenham four times and won four times. He gave Annie Power 7lb in the World Hurdle and I really hope they run him in this race.

PK – [More Of That] He’d be odds-on if this was over hurdles, but top-class hurdlers don’t always make top-class chasers. However, I think he should be favourite. I do think No More Heroes is the 2017 Gold Cup winner though, I’ve been very keen on him for a long time but when he has run in graded races not on soft he’s got beat, which is a question he has to answer. I think Monksland each-way at 33/1 could be the value.

STD – I ride Le Mecury in this race and he’s got an each-way squeak. He s#*t himself at Doncaster but better ground will suit him.

RR – More Of That for me.



Handicaps

STD – We run Bouvreuil in the last race on the first day. He beat Vyta Du Roc, admittedly over 2m3f, but he’s been aimed at the race by Paul for some time. He’s keen but will be dropped in and I think he will come home well.



Champion Hurdle

RR – When the news broke about Faugheen it was devastating, but he’ll stay over hurdles; he has the chance to the highest rated hurdler of all time. It’s far from a done deal that Annie Power runs in the Champion Hurdle as we think she deserves to win at Cheltenham. All I can say is that she is gleaming in her coat and I’ve not seen her look this good for a long time.

PK – The 7lb allowance Annie Power would receive is massive and she’s good enough to win it. The first and second favourites have come out; she’s a superstar and none of the others are and the race is there for the taking. I wouldn’t have a big bet on anything in the race, though. Annie Power should go for the race and she probably wins but I couldn’t back her at that price. You can pick holes in the form of every horse in the race.

STD – [The New One] He was very unlucky two years ago when everything went wrong for him and he still nearly won. Last year all he was doing before the race was swimming which meant he was only maintaining his fitness; when a horse gallops they get bigger and stronger, and he couldn’t do that. This year will be the best form we’ve ever got him to the race in and he’s got a great chance. If he finished 3rd or 4th then we just have to accept that’s how good he is. In comparison to Old Guard, The New One has been there and done it, Old Guard hasn’t but he could still potentially be a very good horse. He was flat out all the way against Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle and he could be one for the Aintree Hurdle.



World Hurdle

JC – Thistlecrack will be very hard to beat.

STD – Saphir Du Rheu is in great form and if we do things differently this year we could reverse the form with Cole Harden. He’s had a wind op but has had a better prep than Aux Ptits Soins, which is why I’ve chosen to ride him. Aux Ptits Soins has had lots of problems and does need to improve, but he could. I think Saphir has a great chance; this is a different kettle of fish for Thistlecrack but he is still the one to beat.

JC – I like Whisper each-way.



Champion Chase

PK – I think the British 2m form is very poor. My bet would be God’s Own without Un De Sceaux at 4/1 as he followed him home in the Arkle last year.

JC – Un De Sceaux looked more mature at Ascot and jumped much better. I think Ruby has more confidence in him and as 4/6 shots go, he’s probably as good as it gets.

STD – Dodging Bullets is a lot better now than when he ran at Newbury. He’s had a racecourse gallop and is in great
nick. He needs to improve a stone on his Newbury run but there’s no reason he can’t improve two stone on better ground. There will be lots of pace on with UDS and Special Tiara and he stays a little further so he can follow the pace. He has to improve from Newbury but I think he can.

RR – Outside of Un De Sceaux I can’t have Dodging Bullets or Special Tiara; I’d love Sprinter Sacre to win, it would be great for racing.



Ryanair

RR – Vautour is working out and if he’s right he will run in the Gold Cup, if he’s not right then he won’t run at all. He’s better on better ground and a stone better left-handed. The Gold Cup’s where we want to go, that’s the race we want to win and it’s full steam ahead for the Gold Cup; I think he’ll stay

PK – [Vautour] He recorded a RPR of 180 in the King George so why on earth would you go down in trip.

STD – Vibrato Valtat has an each-way chance. Stepping up in trip will suit him and he’s been schooling nicely. The race looks like cutting up and he will hopefully nick a place, or even go one better and win it.



Gold Cup

RR – Who Ruby will ride will depend how they work nearer the time but Vautour will still run if Ruby decides to ride Djakadam; I think he’s got a very hard decision to make and Paul Townend will have first choice on whichever horse Ruby doesn’t ride. On class it would have to be Vautour but on form it would have to be Djakadam. I’m not concerned about Djakadam’s fall at Cheltenham, it was a silly, lazy mistake but he’s in great form and is only 2/3 days behind where he needs to be but that can be made up.

JC – Everyone connected with Vautour thinks he’s a Gold Cup horse. Willie [Mullins] is convinced on good to soft ground he’ll stay and if it was good to soft I’d run him in the Gold Cup. I think Djakadam getting his arse too high in the air is his Achilles heel; he’s been to Cheltenham three times and fallen twice. I’d imagine Ruby will ride Vautour and he’s the one for me too.

STD – Cue Card is the best of the English challengers but the one which will be doing everything the easiest coming to three out will be Vautour and he’d be the one that I would want to be on.

PK – Don Poli is far too slow to win a Gold Cup – Don Slowly is his name. Last year’s RSA Chase is one of the worst races you’ll see at Cheltenham; that form is s#*t. He only beat Many Clouds by four lengths getting 5lb, Smad Place smashed Many Clouds on more or less the same terms. Put it this way, if Ruby Walsh could ride Vautour, Djakadam or Don Poli, he’d be 50/1 to ride Don Poli; he’s got no chance whatsoever and I can’t see why he’s the price he is. The winner will be either Vautour or Don Cossack; if Vautour stays then he wins.

[Old Vic]

Tote Cheltenham Preview at Kildare House Hotel

Our panel for tonight is
Kevin O'Ryan (KOR),
Gary O'Brien (GOB),
Joesph O'Brien (JOB),
Jonathon Burke (JB),
Sandra Hughes (SH) &
Pat Brennan

Supreme

GOB thinks Yorkhill might be the way to go in the Supreme, no value backing Min #Cheltenham
JB likes Supasundae each way in the festival opener thinks Altior is the biggest danger #Cheltenham

Arkle
PB thinks Douvan is the banker of the week but likes Sizing John to follow him home #Cheltenham
JB "the only way Sizing John will win is if Douvan falls". Confirms the Ankle is the target #Cheltenham
GOB also thinks Sizing John is the one to follow Douvan home. JOB thinks the race could be run to suit The Game Changer for second

Gordon Elliott makes a brief appearance, tells us to watch out for Missy Tata and Our Father in handicaps

Champion Hurdle
GOB doesn't think Annie Power is a betting proposition in the Champion, likes Identity Thief on decent ground. Sempre Medici each way
JOB gives My Tent Or Yours a chance in Champion, thinks they have done a lot of work to relax him
SH likes Nichols Canyon. "My father (Dessie) always used to say you needed a 2m5f horse to win a Champion, he should be staying on up hill"

GOB would be very sweet on Roi Des Francs if he runs in the 4 miler #Cheltenham


Neptune
Mixed thoughts on Yanworth from the panel, general consensus he is a bit short.
Long Dog best at a price for the Neptune #Cheltenham

RSA
PB very sweet on More Of That for the RSA, JB likes No More Heroes but not so sure after talk for MOT #Cheltenham

Champion Chase
GOB sees Felix Younger as the value bet in the Queen Mother. "Sprinter Scare 70% the horse he was at his peak" #Cheltenham
JB sees Sizing Granite as a great value each way bet at 33/1 for the QM. Will probably have to ride him quietly due to pace in race

Bumper
JOB not sure if Aspen Colorado will go to the Champion Bumper yet. Has a good chance if he does. #Cheltenham
Good reports for Ballyandy from JOB through his cousin Johnny Slevin.
JB sat on New To This Town this morning, happy with him #Cheltenham
GOB says the vibes from Mullins yard suggest Avenir D'Une Vie could be their best in the Bumper #Cheltenham

JLT
Panel all seem to be keen on the chances of Outlander in the JLT.
Zabana also getting a good mention #Cheltenham

Pertemps
Join The Clan is the one at a big price for PB in the Pertemps,
SH gives All Hell Let Loose a chance on better ground, hates heavy ground
GOB will be keen to go for whatever Barry Geraghty choses in the Pertemps, maybe Mall Dini at a bigger price, might go to Martin Pipe

Ryanair
GOB likes Smashing in Ryanair, JB reports him in great order, 2m on quick ground too sharp for him in Arkle last year, best ride of week

World Hurdle
Entire panel very keen on the chances of Thistlecrack in the World Hurdle, GOB "shocked if he gets beaten" #Cheltenham
JB doing his best to talk his way onto Lieutenant Colonel in World Hurdle. KOR (Davy Russel's agent) having none of it #Cheltenham

Mares Novice
Everyone thinks Limini is a formality in the New Mares Hurdle. Mrs. Mullins has given her as the NAP of the week #LumpOn


Triumph
JOB on Ivanovich Gorbatov "Very happy with him since Leopardstown, ground to blame last time. We think he's a very good horse" #Cheltenham
JOB gives Bacillus as a horse to watch out for in the coming weeks in a bumper
JB and GOB are both keen on Zubayr in the Triumph. Think Apple's Jade is value at 20/1 #Cheltenham

Albert Bartlett
Shantou Village getting a lot of love from the panel in the Albert Bartlett as the value alternative to Barters Hill #Cheltenham

Gold Cup
GOB "Bryan Cooper would be mad to get off Don Cossack in the Gold Cup" #Cheltenham
No-one on the panel seems to think Vautour will stay in the Gold Cup, Cue Card fancied in places #Cheltenham

[Old Vic]

Albatross Club

Banker & outsider tips from Nico De Boinville on @BetBright preview last night: Sprinter Sacre, Whisper in WH & A Hare Breath in County Hurdle
Rich Ricci @BetBright preview went Limini as his banker & Pont Alexandre his one to watch wherever he runs #CheltenhamFestival
Banker and Handicap picks for @BigCityBanker Sprinter Sacre & Desoto County @BetBright preview #CheltenhamFestival
The @AP_McCoy Festival Yankee from tonight's @albatross_club preview Limini (banker of whole week) Thistlecrack, Douvan & Un de Sceaux.


<

[Old Vic]

Betway Preview

Betway Insider Cheltenham Preview - with Richard Johnson and Davy Russell

<a href="https://sports.betway.com/?s=bw35082&a=1274162141691126&mid=20374" title="Betway Horse Racing UK EN £ banner"><img src="http://www.betwaypartners.com/affiliate_media/18842e0003d69c3.jpg?fid=21251&si=37491&ai=5235228" alt="Betway Horse Racing UK EN £ banner" /></a>