Cheltenham 2023 - Early fancies

[BigChaang]

One place for those who are crazy enough to already be looking ahead, to discuss early fancies.... before the 2023 diaries kick off.


No after timing prices you've already taken in here if they're not available anymore. If you are desperate to after time a price, make a diary in the members section and do it there



To kick off, and I'm not going to be actively looking at 2023 myself yet, but did stumble across one I thought was a decent enough price to consider even at this stage..... it is James's Gate in the Ballymore at 20/1 (WH)

3rd in a (potentially) red hot Champion Bumper. He's kept on well for 3rd too.

It's rare to know the target, but given the owners and connections, I think it's fairly safe to think if he ends up being better than a handicapper, he'll be their most likely Ballymore 2023 runner. Whatdeawant placed for them in this years renewal, after a mixed season... and for all that he was available at bigger prices through the season, he went off with an SP of 16/1

So all in all, 20/1 now seems okay.

Just had a look here , and i was going to suggest James's gate for all the same Reasons . Have had a bet myself , but only 16-1 with Corals., although that is the best
price out there today.. . I have done some already for next year , duly noted in my Diary - dec 21 / jan 22.

[DenmanSacre]

Mercurey - ballymore
Sir G - Arkle
jonbon - turners

Do you believe these are most likely race options for the above ?

5 year olds have a terrible record in the Ballymore so Mercurey I would assume would be aimed at the Supreme first but Mullins probably won't have a firm target and see how he goes in his maiden hurdle. His dam is related to Marracudja, whose best RPR is over 2m1f, and his sire's progeny tend to be quite speedy.

Henderson usually aims his best novice chaser at the Arkle(assuming Constitution Hill remains over hurdles) even though I think the step up would suit Jonbon.

[Bonjers]

Very impressive winner at Auteuil today in the same race that Monmiral and Pic D'Orhy started their careers in before moving over the sea. Les Cerfs Volants.

[DenmanSacre]

Very impressive winner at Auteuil today in the same race that Monmiral and Pic D'Orhy started their careers in before moving over the sea. Les Cerfs Volants.

Half sister to Monmiral is in the Prix Auricula at 4.35. Some nicely bred fillies in the race and can throw up some decent sorts.

[Joeski29]

Was Hillcrests under performance down to the Haydock run or everything happening too quickly for him?
If the latter the NH Chase could be an option?
16s for that with Bet 365

[Halffat1]

Learned my lesson from last year not to go too hard too early on these. The only one that tempts me currently is Banbridge at 20/1 for the National Hunt Chase but won't be backing that yet.

Was anything said post race about him going chasing? I don’t think the stats back this up (and Fakir the obvious example) but just have this mental block that Joseph has less chasers than hurdlers? Historically horses from the Martin Pipe have done well if sent chasing, so he would certainly be one to watch if being sent that route. As you say the Bartlett angle also potentially sets a target.

[Ice]

Michael Buckley says Constitution Hill likely to stay over hurdles next season.

[Exar Essay]

Michael Buckley says Constitution Hill likely to stay over hurdles next season.

And Willie implies SG probably will too:

"Sir Gerhard could be Champion Hurdle material, I think, because he has a Flat pedigree and I think he's fast enough.”

That division could be awesome next year. With Vauban too.

Making me think the 12/1 about DD in the Arkle looks a decent early season bet.

[Ice]

And Willie implies SG probably will too:

"Sir Gerhard could be Champion Hurdle material, I think, because he has a Flat pedigree and I think he's fast enough.”

That division could be awesome next year. With Vauban too.

Making me think the 12/1 about DD in the Arkle looks a decent early season bet.

The 2023 champion hurdle could be an amazing race if we get those pair, honey and maybe vauban, like the good ol days !

[Irish Rugby]

To be fair, we need the premier trainers throwing their best quality darts at the Champion Hurdle. Let's hope they all come here.

[Zachx02]

Demandrivingdouvan 14/1 for the bumper already! Will be a lot of burnt fingers if they bring him out in a late season bumper but that would be quite un-elliott like with him usually not getting his new recruits out until the next season

[HoldenTheReins]

Demandrivingdouvan 14/1 for the bumper already! Will be a lot of burnt fingers if they bring him out in a late season bumper but that would be quite un-elliott like with him usually not getting his new recruits out until the next season

I would expect him to go novice hurdling given his age but you never know. Bumpers should be 4-5 years old only.

[DenmanSacre]

I would expect him to go novice hurdling given his age but you never know. Bumpers should be 4-5 years old only.

This is something I'd like to see. Champion bumper for 4 and 5 year olds. Supreme and Ballymore 4 to 6 year olds. Arkle and Turners 5 to 7 year olds.

None of this nonsense of a season wasted for a 6 year old to win a flat race at the Festival.

As for Demandrivingdouvan, his owners are American National Hunt fans aren't they? Can't see them wanting him on the flat for a season as 5/6 year old.

[Studfarm254]

Wouldn’t be writing dinoblue off just yet in what is still a weak mares division. When that amount of money goes down for a Mullins horse it doesn’t often go amiss. She was far too keen on the day and I’d put a line through that run completely. Don’t forget epatante got stuffed in the same race 2

[Hurricane fly]

Henry says he’s likely to stay over fences. Also says his jumping won’t be an issue over 3 miles …. Sounds like GC might be the target.

Where was this?

I've been seeing quite a few quotes from owners on twitter today but nobody is saying where they have come from - notably Buckley saying CH stats hurdling

edit: I've found most of them