Dark horses for Cheltenham 2021

[Kevloaf]

I have no actual word on this or anything, but Calthor in second race Galway tomorrow feels to me like he could be a Cromwell replacement for Espor D'allen. Complete guess obviously, but he's doing so well as a trainer i wouldn't be surprised if JP fires him one a decent one again.

6/5 with PP, 6/1 with 365 lads.

From last year's dossier Jono kindly supplies.


Calthor: Ellen Holden (Califet)
A 42,000 2018 Land Rover sale store: a half-brother to dual UK bumper winner Black Kalanisi: a lanky leggy unfurnished bay gelding. Strongly fancied for his point debut at Ballynoe(g): he was poised to mount his challenge when he fell at the 5th last fence. Derek O Connor retained the ride for the next start at Ballysteen(y), a race won famously in the past by Faugheen. Derek rode with supreme confidence: electing to educate his charge out the rear for the first half of the race and then making headway from 5 out to lead at the 3rd last and emphatically draw away in the manner of a talented horse to post a ten lengths win. Certainly an above average youngster, he has a touch of class and should win a bumper and can be competitive at graded level over hurdles and has aspirations of a life as a 140+ chaser and enjoy some chunky pay days during his track career. Handles good and soft ground and could prove effective from 2m2f to 3 miles plus.

Didn't last too long.... 2/1 though still with PP 6/5

[Birds Nest]

Interesting runner in the last race at Cheltenham tomorrow. I am maximus, one of those Henrietta knight/ Mike grech horses along with the likes of Gallyhill, Keskonrisk, fils d'oudairies and floueur... Interested how this racing partnership pans out.

[jack1092]

Interesting runner in the last race at Cheltenham tomorrow. I am maximus, one of those Henrietta knight/ Mike grech horses along with the likes of Gallyhill, Keskonrisk, fils d'oudairies and floueur... Interested how this racing partnership pans out.

Very interesting indeed.
Pauling's runner opened 25s with 365!

[jonthehammer]

I have no actual word on this or anything, but Calthor in second race Galway tomorrow feels to me like he could be a Cromwell replacement for Espor D'allen. Complete guess obviously, but he's doing so well as a trainer i wouldn't be surprised if JP fires him one a decent one again.

6/5 with PP, 6/1 with 365 lads.

From last year's dossier Jono kindly supplies.


Calthor: Ellen Holden (Califet)
A 42,000 2018 Land Rover sale store: a half-brother to dual UK bumper winner Black Kalanisi: a lanky leggy unfurnished bay gelding. Strongly fancied for his point debut at Ballynoe(g): he was poised to mount his challenge when he fell at the 5th last fence. Derek O Connor retained the ride for the next start at Ballysteen(y), a race won famously in the past by Faugheen. Derek rode with supreme confidence: electing to educate his charge out the rear for the first half of the race and then making headway from 5 out to lead at the 3rd last and emphatically draw away in the manner of a talented horse to post a ten lengths win. Certainly an above average youngster, he has a touch of class and should win a bumper and can be competitive at graded level over hurdles and has aspirations of a life as a 140+ chaser and enjoy some chunky pay days during his track career. Handles good and soft ground and could prove effective from 2m2f to 3 miles plus.

He had been in my tracker Jack and mentioned him briefly on the Novice Hurdle thread, missed the 6s and managed to get 2/1. I have also got him priced up by Sky any race and they have put him in at 25s, I have asked hills as well but no response as yet

[Quevega]

Cromwell's runners bother me.
Because I think he's a chemist.
But with no evidence I'll just have to treat him like a good up and coming trainer.

[jack1092]

lol a chemist meaning???

I wouldn’t be surprised if this horse drifts like a barge, but we’ll see

[Pendil]

Cromwell was a farrier before going full time trainer. I would say damning with faint praise as "up and coming" for a trainer who already has win and 3rd place in Champion Hurdle and over 2 million in prize money

[Quevega]

Cromwell was a farrier before going full time trainer. I would say damning with faint praise as "up and coming" for a trainer who already has win and 3rd place in Champion Hurdle and over 2 million in prize money

I'd say it was more damning suggesting he's a cheat.

[nortonscoin200]

I'd say it was more damning suggesting he's a cheat.

It's also libellous.

Maybe worth being a little bit careful on that score.

[Quevega]

It's also libellous.

Maybe worth being a little bit careful on that score.

They'd never contest it though would they ?
And he's done it/been caught before.
Just suspicious looking improvement in some of his animals and reminds me of Fenton.
Having said that, they're probably all at it to some degree.

Although my original comment was self chastising, for having such thoughts in the first place.
It's not progressive and innocent until proven guilty is better.

[nortonscoin200]

Agreed. It is highly unlikely they would contest it but ( and I'm thinking purely of your interests here Q) you are leaving yourself very exposed.

Especially when you admit having "no evidence".

That is game, set and match to them.

[Birds Nest]

Seen Jatiluwih gone done to Beth Childs, 148 hurdler, quite liked his pertemps run and nice win in the betvictor hurdle at chelt too, targets confirmed for foxhunters. Been told 16s would be available twar. Would think he"d be roughly that on opening show.

[nortonscoin200]

Ok he's not really a dark horse but in terms of the betting for next year's Festival I think he's a forgotten horse.

The Storyteller went off 11-2 joint favourite for the Pertemps in March.

He was beaten just 1/2 a length by Sire Du Berlais in receipt of 3lbs with the next horse finished more than six lengths back.

So where will Gordon place him next March?

The Storyteller's had a busy time since Cheltenham - running four times over fences and once over hurdles, winning three races.

He's rated 156 over fences and 153 over hurdles and is entered in the Ladbrokes Champions Chase over 3m at Down Royal next Saturday. Assuming he runs, that race could define his season.

I think Gordon's got 4 option for Cheltenham: The Gold Cup, Ryanair, Stayers Hurdle or Pertemps. I'd rule out the Ultima because Gordie doesn't target the race and TS would have to carry too much weight.

If he runs well next week he could have a tilt at the Gold Cup. I can't see him going for the Ryanair again (pulled up 2 years ago).

But if TS fails to cut the mustard at that level he could be back over hurdles at next year's Festival.

IMO I don't think he'll join Sire Du Berlais in the Stayers but he could have another crack at the Pertemps - possibly off a mark a few pounds higher than SDB had in March.

I wouldn't be surprised if it happened - maybe with a claimer on board if TS's rating is a bit too high.

As has been mentioned elsewhere, the weights in the handicaps are becoming ever more compressed.

Bottom weight in the Pertemps was 10st 5lbs in March.

On current ratings The Storyteller would probably have to give The Bosses Oscar around 16lbs - without using a claimer.

He's been in cracking form since his abortive trip to the US a year ago.

Since then his race record reads 162P1121.

The 6th place finish was in the Leopardstown Pertemps qualifier (job done Davy) and he pulled up in the Galway Plate Chase after making early mistakes.

I can only find 2 markets where he's priced up for Cheltenham.

He's 33-1 for the Stayers and 25-1 TWAR with Hills (27-1 with boost).

He's not even listed in the Pertemps market but surely that's his best chance of victory at next year's Festival.

If that's where TS ends up he will surely go off at single figures and 25-1 TWAR may look very juicy indeed with either Davy or a decent claimer on board.

Who would you fancy in the Pertemps: The Storyteller or The Bosses Oscar in receipt of 16lbs.

I'd go for TS because of my reservations about whether TBO will be good enough.

Even if TS ends up in the Stayers or The Gold Cup he wouldn't be a totally forlorn hope - provided Gordon doesn't decide to duck Cheltenham with him altogether.

1pt each way The Storyteller TWAR at 27.6-1.

[Kautostar]

Feel like they have nowhere to go with him anymore that’s why he’s been running every week over the summer making their money while they can

[Lobos]

Him and Sire De Berlais will end up in the same race (Stayers) as they did last Fez.