Win Today & Festival 2025

[archie]

The recent Irish dominance has skewed the stats away from The King George but as already pointed out in the past it has not stopped a horse running well in both. I think 5 of the last 19 did the double which even taking into account recent records is not a bad stat. Maybe the King George places more emphasis on stamina than one expects and that this becomes a premium in the Gold Cup?

The point is that only 5 horses have ever done the KG/GC double in the same season. There are several recent examples of KG winners who didn't get home at Cheltenham, eg Silviniaco Conti, Clan Des Obeaux, Frodon and Bravemansgame - spot the link! - but going further back you have the likes of Wayward Lad and One Man.

We'll know more after his next race but, given the trainer's comments before last weekend, I'd say that the Ryanair is clear favourite for Il Est Francais next March if he turns up. I took 12/1 with my latest time-restricted free bet from Coral but I really don't see the point of throwing cash at any race at the moment. As was said before, back him for the KG and then take a view after that.

[opatcho]

Think those who backed Il Est Francais KG/Ryanair before his win and his price cut have a decent bet

wouldn’t touch him now

personally, and this is my gut feel, I don’t think Il Est Francais will act around Cheltenham. Just feels like a flat track bully, I’m sure someone will come out with “he won at this track in France and that’s undulating”… but I only have to go with what I think and if I’m wrong, I’m wrong

but Ryanair winners have been those that are battle hardened in tough novice company and with experience

I tend to stay away from horses that where novices chases, Allaho and Vautour are the recent exceptions but both of them imo are ahead of this lad

I’d take a 10 year old Bravemansgame or L’homme in the Ryanair over this lad (…. this might come back and bite me in a few months lol)

[Benjy23]

I think KG then Ryanair is probably the right thing to do. But I also completely see the angle that if he wins the KG they won't be able to get the Gold Cup out of their heads.

I also get those who haven't taken to him. If he runs in the Ryanair I'll be acting like he's the second coming. If he runs in the Gold Cup I'll have him as an over hyped Frenchie

[Lobos]

I already backed him for the GC (in a roll up with the GN winner) although at this stage I do prefer both F2F and GDC over him. It did feel like a no brainer however to do the KG/Ryanair double at 50/1 as if he wins the KG then clearly his price will be smashed for both races. I chose not to just back him for the Ryanair single as if he gets beat in the KG his price likely will be pushed out to bigger than it is now or, most probably, he'll just skip Cheltenham altogether.

[Eggs]

…Hills;

My Noble Lord & TH 50-1

[Lobos]

Shame they aren't doing a win today and Paddy Power Gold Cup for King of Ryhope race.

[Eggs]

….Hills Thursday;

Bugise Seagull & a/r 50-1
Cherie D’am & a/r 40-1
Johnnywho & BANC 66-1; a/r 25-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Friday;
Gale Mahler & MNH 33-1 (25-1 Sky)

Hills Saturday;
Broadway Boy & a/r 33-1; GC 150-1; GN 150-1
Some Scope & a/r 40-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Friday;
Gale Mahler & MNH 33-1 (25-1 Sky)

Hills Saturday;
Broadway Boy & a/r 33-1; GC 150-1; GN 150-1
Some Scope & a/r 40-1

….Hills have added;

Kish Bank & Gall 50-1; AB 50-1; a/r 25-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Sunday;

Stage Star & Ry 40-1;GC 100-1; a/r 20-1
Ahoy Senor & GC 150-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Sunday;

Stage Star & Ry 40-1;GC 100-1; a/r 20-1
Ahoy Senor & GC 150-1

…Hills have added;

Half Past Tipsy & MNH 150-1
Mozzie’s Sister & MNH 25-1
East India Dock & TH 50-1
Aurora Vega & MNH 22-1; Gall 66-1; a/r 14-1
Patter Merchant & Gall 100-1; AB 100-1
Al Arrivee & CB 33-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Monday;

Buddy One & BANC 40-1; a/r 20-1
Corbetts & Betfair 10-1; KG 25-1; Ry 25-1; GC 33-1; a/r 16-1; GN 50-1
Heart Wood & Ry 33-1; a/r 20-1

[Eggs]

….Hills Monday;

Buddy One & BANC 40-1; a/r 20-1
Corbetts & Betfair 10-1; KG 25-1; Ry 25-1; GC 33-1; a/r 16-1; GN 50-1
Heart Wood & Ry 33-1; a/r 20-1

…..Hills have added;

Inthepocket & a/r 16-1; Ark 22-1

[Eggs]

…PP;

Inthepocket & Ark 18-1
Corbetts & GC 40-1
Heart Wood & Ry 40-1

[Eggs]

…Hills;

Constitution Hill; Fighting 5th, Christmas Hurdle & CH 3-1