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Not the greatest Thursday for me punting wise with only The Storyteller going in at 7/1. I must admit, swinging in for home in the Kim Muir, me and many around me thought Mall Dini was going to win the closing race of the day. He cruised alongside the winner but was eventually out-battled into second. The winner was very game having led throughout to be fair and thrust his neck out at the finish to win. It’s a bigger punting day for me today with Apples Shakira the last of some ante post trixies with Samcro and Altior. I will be cheering loudest of all if she pops over the last in contention. Burning Ambition in the Foxhunters is my other big winner on Gold Cup day.
1:30 – Triumph Hurdle
I think this race gets an unfair rep from racing fans when looking at the Chetenham week as a whole. Personally, and I don’t say this because of finding the winner last year, I really like the race. Farclas and Mr Adjudicator take each other on again after the latter held on gamely in a grade 1 at the Dublin Festival. The betting suggests they are Ireland’s second fiddle though as Stormy Ireland represents Willie Mullins at a general price of 9/2. She won her only start for him by 58 lengths but I think that was a bit of a false race From the off, the other jockeys let the odds on favourite bound clear and it was never allowed to be a contest. Whilst she could be as good as Mullins believes she is (he rates her very highly), I am prepared to take her on. She was beat on her previous four starts in France and so isn’t bombproof. The selection instead goes to APPLES SHAKIRA (7/4), who has shown both high class form and a willingness to respond under pressure (albeit at a minimum level). She has also won all of her races since arriving to Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham. Her course form is a massive plus and she is taken to start Gold Cup day with a perfect start for the punters. Like Stormy Ireland, she also gets 7lb from the boys which is a welcome bonus. Redicean would be better in my opinion on a flat track like at Kempton. I suspect the Cheltenham hill will find him out.
2:10 – County Hurdle
Asides from the Coral Cup, this is probably the most prestigious and wide open handicap of the week. FLYING TIGER (11/1) won last years Fred Winter after soaring up the hill and his decent (but not spectacular) form this year can soar into life on a track he loves off a strong gallop which he will relish. Bleu Et Rouge arrived on the scene in the Betfair Hurdle to win but it was no disgrace being beaten by the Supreme runner-up Kalashnikov in that race and he will have improved for the experience. Sandsend could go on to be a superstar but his lack of expereicne in a hustle and bustle race of this nature may find him out. Marie Devie is hard to trust with her inconsistency whilst Ivanovich Gorbatov looks a shadow of himself from when he won the Triumph in 2016. He needs to improve from his 6th place finishlast year and is certainly capable. WHISKY SOUR 911/1) ran on strongly last time suggesting that the extr half a mile will be right up his street and he is the second selection in a wide open betting heat.
2:50 – Albert Bartlett Hurdle
The losing of Cracking Smart makes this race far easier than it was. I had to start on the race from scratch and I like the front two in the market. As boring as that is, SANTINI (9/2) showed a willing ttitude and that he copes with heavy ground when winning the trial. That form was franked on Wednesday when Black Op was second to the brilliant Samcro. I also like his stablemate CHEF DES OBEAUX (11/2) who stays for fun. The experienced dour staying type is the type that wins this. Both will surely run good races. Calett Mad has a good profile for the race as an experienced dour dour stayer and could go well at a big price. Gigginstown and Gordon Elliott are flying this week and Dortmund park will likely attract support because of that. It should be a real test for these novice hurdlers. If it rains even more, this won’t be the prettiest of watches.
3:30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
It is the big one now and the punters have wanted to be on Native River and Our Duke this week. Saying that, it hasn’t been as much as a slog as I was expected which would certainly suit the former. He had a busy campaign last year which included Hennessy and Welsh National wins. He’s had an easier time this year with just the one run which he won well. It is hard to see him out of the frame. I think he may find something with a bit more class beat him on the day though. Our Duke destroyed a good field of staying chasers last year with a relentless gallop in the Irish National and bounced back to that form when beating Presenting Percy (won the RSA impressively on Wednesday) last time. I do think his jumping is a major worry though. If he gets round without any significant errors, he has a big chance. It’s a big ‘if’ however. MIGHT BITE (9/2) tore apart the RSA field last year and led by 20 lengths turning for home before almost throwing the race away. He idled out in front and ran to the rails towards the Guiness village. As Whisper soared past him again, Nico De Boinville regalvanised the favourite for the last 100 yards and he miraculously got back up on the line to win in a photo. It was a truly stunning performance.His ability is undeniable and his ability to pull both victory and defeat from the jaws of both is somewhat endearing as he’s a bit of a lunatic. He brings drama to the race that is for sure. Road To Respect done me a turn when routing the Brown Plate field last year and has proven to be high class this season. The ground is a big concern for me here though and that makes him easily opposable against a field of this quality. Definitly Red doesn’t have the class to win a Gold Cup surely? He’s a good horse who will relish the ground but who honestly thought at the start of the season this horse was Gold Cup quality. The track and trip suits him though so he could place. I think he is too short for sure at 8/1 though. I would have him nearer double that price. I’ve also done BACHASSON (e/w 28/1) for the first five places with Skybet. He’s a classy type and on the upgrade. I think this step up in trip will suit and he has a lively each way shout. Edwulf is a miracle horse after seizing up in the four miler last year at this meeting but he survived (despite being don for 40 minutes). His Irish Gold Cup win last time was a moving victory and he would be a welcome welcome. Djakadam is probably past his best but is a dual placed horse in this race whilst Killultagh Vic is a very classy horse. His jumping frailties are stark though and it’s a big ask to win this off of a fall last time. Whatever the outcome, it will be a memorable race.
4:10 – Foxhunters Chase
Paul Nicholls has had a retched week but claims that this is his best chance of the week. Wonderful Charm rattled home last year behind Pachu Du Polder and can reverse the form despite the ground. Foxrock was beaten y Gilgaamboa who isn’t qualified for this. Through Gilgamboa, BURNING AMBITION (10/3) has the beating of Foxrock. The selection has looked top class and is improving with every run. It’s a tough race to win but he could be slightly better than a Hunter Chaser and I have taken him to win this. I backed him earlier in the season for this at 10/1 which has clearly shortened now. On The Fringe has dominated this code in the past but looks on the downgrade. Unioniste is probably the best of the rest.
4:50 – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
This is a wide open race that any of ten have outstanding claims in. Flawless Escape looks better than a handicapper and is weighted to go well whilst big things were expected of Blow By Blow this year. Carter Mckay went off favourite in the bumper last year whilst Melrose Boy has a touch of class. Lough Derg Spirit has dropped to a winnable mark. Mr Big Shot runs for David Pipe in the race named after his dad and looks chucked in on his handicap debut. The selection instead goes to DEAL D’ESTRUVAL (9/1) who liked the big field handicap last time and the strong gallop here will suit. The step up in trip looks a bonus based on how he finished in that Leapardstown race.
5:30 – Grand Annual
North Hill Harvey was expected to run in the Arkle but the decision was taken to bypass that hot contest and send him here. He disappointed last time but does like this track and novices have a good record in this race. Le Prezien often travels well and will finish strongly from the back whilst Dolos is consistent. Vaniteux was sent off second favourite for a grade 1 here three seasons ago and could have been aimed at this. Valdez is fragile but talented and Townshend has shown flashes of form. Garde La Victoire has the task of carrying top weight but would be bang in with a chance if jumping level at the last. He’s a strong stayer which helps in this race as they go round at a lightning fast gallop. THEINVAL (14/1) looks laid out for this since his unlucky second last year. The ground has gone against him out in turn his price has gone out to a tasty 14/1. My other fancy for the race is BOUVREILL (12/1) who has looked like winning a race of this nature for some time. He has a good Festival record at this track and his weight is surprisingly lenient. Win or lose, I’m glad I came to the Festival and I hope you have enjoyed these previews this week.
Bets:
1:30 – APPLES SHAKIRA (NAP) @ 7/4
2:10 – WHISKEY SOUR @ 11/1 & FLYING TIGER @ 11/1
2:50 – SANTINI @ 9/2 & CHEF DES OBEAUX @ 11/2
3:30 – MIGHT BITE @ 9/2 & BACHASSON @ 28/1 E/W
4:10 – BURNING AMBITION @ 10/1 (ANTEPOST) & 10/3
4:50 – DEAL D’ESTRUVAL @ 9/1
5:30 – THEINVAL @ 14/1 & BOUVREUILL @ 12/1
1:30 – Triumph Hurdle
I think this race gets an unfair rep from racing fans when looking at the Chetenham week as a whole. Personally, and I don’t say this because of finding the winner last year, I really like the race. Farclas and Mr Adjudicator take each other on again after the latter held on gamely in a grade 1 at the Dublin Festival. The betting suggests they are Ireland’s second fiddle though as Stormy Ireland represents Willie Mullins at a general price of 9/2. She won her only start for him by 58 lengths but I think that was a bit of a false race From the off, the other jockeys let the odds on favourite bound clear and it was never allowed to be a contest. Whilst she could be as good as Mullins believes she is (he rates her very highly), I am prepared to take her on. She was beat on her previous four starts in France and so isn’t bombproof. The selection instead goes to APPLES SHAKIRA (7/4), who has shown both high class form and a willingness to respond under pressure (albeit at a minimum level). She has also won all of her races since arriving to Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham. Her course form is a massive plus and she is taken to start Gold Cup day with a perfect start for the punters. Like Stormy Ireland, she also gets 7lb from the boys which is a welcome bonus. Redicean would be better in my opinion on a flat track like at Kempton. I suspect the Cheltenham hill will find him out.
2:10 – County Hurdle
Asides from the Coral Cup, this is probably the most prestigious and wide open handicap of the week. FLYING TIGER (11/1) won last years Fred Winter after soaring up the hill and his decent (but not spectacular) form this year can soar into life on a track he loves off a strong gallop which he will relish. Bleu Et Rouge arrived on the scene in the Betfair Hurdle to win but it was no disgrace being beaten by the Supreme runner-up Kalashnikov in that race and he will have improved for the experience. Sandsend could go on to be a superstar but his lack of expereicne in a hustle and bustle race of this nature may find him out. Marie Devie is hard to trust with her inconsistency whilst Ivanovich Gorbatov looks a shadow of himself from when he won the Triumph in 2016. He needs to improve from his 6th place finishlast year and is certainly capable. WHISKY SOUR 911/1) ran on strongly last time suggesting that the extr half a mile will be right up his street and he is the second selection in a wide open betting heat.
2:50 – Albert Bartlett Hurdle
The losing of Cracking Smart makes this race far easier than it was. I had to start on the race from scratch and I like the front two in the market. As boring as that is, SANTINI (9/2) showed a willing ttitude and that he copes with heavy ground when winning the trial. That form was franked on Wednesday when Black Op was second to the brilliant Samcro. I also like his stablemate CHEF DES OBEAUX (11/2) who stays for fun. The experienced dour staying type is the type that wins this. Both will surely run good races. Calett Mad has a good profile for the race as an experienced dour dour stayer and could go well at a big price. Gigginstown and Gordon Elliott are flying this week and Dortmund park will likely attract support because of that. It should be a real test for these novice hurdlers. If it rains even more, this won’t be the prettiest of watches.
3:30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
It is the big one now and the punters have wanted to be on Native River and Our Duke this week. Saying that, it hasn’t been as much as a slog as I was expected which would certainly suit the former. He had a busy campaign last year which included Hennessy and Welsh National wins. He’s had an easier time this year with just the one run which he won well. It is hard to see him out of the frame. I think he may find something with a bit more class beat him on the day though. Our Duke destroyed a good field of staying chasers last year with a relentless gallop in the Irish National and bounced back to that form when beating Presenting Percy (won the RSA impressively on Wednesday) last time. I do think his jumping is a major worry though. If he gets round without any significant errors, he has a big chance. It’s a big ‘if’ however. MIGHT BITE (9/2) tore apart the RSA field last year and led by 20 lengths turning for home before almost throwing the race away. He idled out in front and ran to the rails towards the Guiness village. As Whisper soared past him again, Nico De Boinville regalvanised the favourite for the last 100 yards and he miraculously got back up on the line to win in a photo. It was a truly stunning performance.His ability is undeniable and his ability to pull both victory and defeat from the jaws of both is somewhat endearing as he’s a bit of a lunatic. He brings drama to the race that is for sure. Road To Respect done me a turn when routing the Brown Plate field last year and has proven to be high class this season. The ground is a big concern for me here though and that makes him easily opposable against a field of this quality. Definitly Red doesn’t have the class to win a Gold Cup surely? He’s a good horse who will relish the ground but who honestly thought at the start of the season this horse was Gold Cup quality. The track and trip suits him though so he could place. I think he is too short for sure at 8/1 though. I would have him nearer double that price. I’ve also done BACHASSON (e/w 28/1) for the first five places with Skybet. He’s a classy type and on the upgrade. I think this step up in trip will suit and he has a lively each way shout. Edwulf is a miracle horse after seizing up in the four miler last year at this meeting but he survived (despite being don for 40 minutes). His Irish Gold Cup win last time was a moving victory and he would be a welcome welcome. Djakadam is probably past his best but is a dual placed horse in this race whilst Killultagh Vic is a very classy horse. His jumping frailties are stark though and it’s a big ask to win this off of a fall last time. Whatever the outcome, it will be a memorable race.
4:10 – Foxhunters Chase
Paul Nicholls has had a retched week but claims that this is his best chance of the week. Wonderful Charm rattled home last year behind Pachu Du Polder and can reverse the form despite the ground. Foxrock was beaten y Gilgaamboa who isn’t qualified for this. Through Gilgamboa, BURNING AMBITION (10/3) has the beating of Foxrock. The selection has looked top class and is improving with every run. It’s a tough race to win but he could be slightly better than a Hunter Chaser and I have taken him to win this. I backed him earlier in the season for this at 10/1 which has clearly shortened now. On The Fringe has dominated this code in the past but looks on the downgrade. Unioniste is probably the best of the rest.
4:50 – Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle
This is a wide open race that any of ten have outstanding claims in. Flawless Escape looks better than a handicapper and is weighted to go well whilst big things were expected of Blow By Blow this year. Carter Mckay went off favourite in the bumper last year whilst Melrose Boy has a touch of class. Lough Derg Spirit has dropped to a winnable mark. Mr Big Shot runs for David Pipe in the race named after his dad and looks chucked in on his handicap debut. The selection instead goes to DEAL D’ESTRUVAL (9/1) who liked the big field handicap last time and the strong gallop here will suit. The step up in trip looks a bonus based on how he finished in that Leapardstown race.
5:30 – Grand Annual
North Hill Harvey was expected to run in the Arkle but the decision was taken to bypass that hot contest and send him here. He disappointed last time but does like this track and novices have a good record in this race. Le Prezien often travels well and will finish strongly from the back whilst Dolos is consistent. Vaniteux was sent off second favourite for a grade 1 here three seasons ago and could have been aimed at this. Valdez is fragile but talented and Townshend has shown flashes of form. Garde La Victoire has the task of carrying top weight but would be bang in with a chance if jumping level at the last. He’s a strong stayer which helps in this race as they go round at a lightning fast gallop. THEINVAL (14/1) looks laid out for this since his unlucky second last year. The ground has gone against him out in turn his price has gone out to a tasty 14/1. My other fancy for the race is BOUVREILL (12/1) who has looked like winning a race of this nature for some time. He has a good Festival record at this track and his weight is surprisingly lenient. Win or lose, I’m glad I came to the Festival and I hope you have enjoyed these previews this week.
Bets:
1:30 – APPLES SHAKIRA (NAP) @ 7/4
2:10 – WHISKEY SOUR @ 11/1 & FLYING TIGER @ 11/1
2:50 – SANTINI @ 9/2 & CHEF DES OBEAUX @ 11/2
3:30 – MIGHT BITE @ 9/2 & BACHASSON @ 28/1 E/W
4:10 – BURNING AMBITION @ 10/1 (ANTEPOST) & 10/3
4:50 – DEAL D’ESTRUVAL @ 9/1
5:30 – THEINVAL @ 14/1 & BOUVREUILL @ 12/1