The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

[callhimgamblor]

I have to reflect that we were all frothing about birchdale and nothing much has changed since he got routed here so wondering why all the cold feet now... Ground looks ok to me.

[Splinterboy82]

I have to reflect that we were all frothing about birchdale and nothing much has changed since he got routed here so wondering why all the cold feet now... Ground looks ok to me.

My biggest result in this & really hope he wins. Like AC as a jockey booking too. With fresh eyes this morning, I’ve had a few quid on Black Tears as an extra dart as I really like this graded mares form...think those top 4-5 mares are very good so think her hcap mark is fair

[DenmanSacre]

Champagne Well with support now. DDC is going to go off short.

[DenmanSacre]

I wonder if they will add a special for this - a JP McManus owned to win it. Seems to have half the field.

2.88 on Sky price boost.

[JackieMoon33]

The BHA handicap panel will be pleased with that one

Hendo bleated about an extra 2lbs and she had about 10 up her skirt

[Jrow]

Twas not to be for Bachasson, although I feel he wasnt given the best of rides from PM, he should have been much closer to the pace and he gave the horse far too much to do to sneak a place

He provided the best finishing position from the Mullins horses, on another day he may have snook a place. The winner was far too well in by about 12 lbs

[Kevloaf]

I love this race because it's such a challenge. You have horses stepping up in trip, horses coming down in trip. Novices on the improve, ex-high class horses slipping down the weights, plots, a big field, luck in running, ground, jockeys, trainer form all to consider!

This year, the favourite won. Boring She was really well handicapped, plotted for the race, got a great ride and there isn't a lot more to say about Dame De Compagnie is there? Should be into graded company now but a best price of 12/1 for the Mares Hurdle isn't going to get anybody parting with their money. They might even muck about with her now for a while and get the mark down foir a repeat Coral Cup bid! She had plenty in hand after they tried so hard to get the 2lb rise back.

Black Tears ran well in second. Another mare, another Elliott well handicapped horse. Boring as it is, Elliott is my starting point in every handicap and work backwards from there. I love the ones he campaigns openly, like Black Tears, who was up behind some good mares like Elfile and Stormy Island. They often get over looked because 'sexy plots' (like the winner) stick in peoples minds...but even though the 'sexy plot' won this time, the price difference between the two generally means you're better off with the 'proven form that is overlooked' - so I'll be continuing to look for horses with similar profiles as Black Tears next year.


This Coral Cup is a race I'll look back on throughout the season and with a view to next year, however there is too much information to go through on a whim - as without knowing what angle you're looking for or why you're looking for a race there is just too much to go through. In short, I don't think we'll see any graded winners at next years festival from the race but we'll have plenty of returning handicappers.

[Saxon Warrior]

DDC went up from 140 to 148 with her Coral Cup win.

It was pretty decisive, and not impossible off 148 that she may have another go given her liking for the course, with form over C&D of 1511 in her last four hurdles runs.

She has risen from 134 to 148 in those runs, may still be competitive off less than 150 on the track where she shines.

She hasn’t ran anywhere else but Cheltenham since February 2018 - pause for thought maybe!

[Kevloaf]

DDC went up from 140 to 148 with her Coral Cup win.

It was pretty decisive, and not impossible off 148 that she may have another go given her liking for the course, with form over C&D of 1511 in her last four hurdles runs.

She has risen from 134 to 148 in those runs, may still be competitive off less than 150 on the track where she shines.

She hasn’t ran anywhere but Cheltenham since February 2018!

A couple of runs elsewhere, drop a few lbs.... circa 145 next year? Goes off fav. Wins.
Next race.

Seriously, you'd back her off 8 lbs higher though if they ran the race again, she'd have placed at least!

[Saxon Warrior]

A couple of runs elsewhere, drop a few lbs.... circa 145 next year? Goes off fav. Wins.
Next race.

Seriously, you'd back her off 8 lbs higher though if they ran the race again, she'd have placed at least!

Yep. I don’t think Hendo will go anywhere but back for the Coral Cup.

[BigChaang]

Good Call , and it worked for Sire du Berlais this year didn't it.
A decent starting point , along with one of Elliott's.
And Davy Russell gave a shout for Black tears .
at the Cheltenham preview evening too.