Ante Post for National Hunt 2021-2022 Season

[Quevega]

I liked the look of Dragon Bones, thought she ran pretty big being a possible AB contender on her reappearance, but in saying that 145 seems very light?? Would be interested to hear the thought process behind it, maybe as he had a run before, but that's not taking the individual run at face value...

Case to be made that 4-1 could still be worth betting. Especially as DB's is entered in the g2, possible they'll aim higher.

Backed dragon bones today.
Hoping that form works out, he was miles clear of third, and he's on a good mark really and with the claimer a 1lb better off. 11-2 seems ok, and I'll leave proschema in a couple of doubles, now his price has gone. Ballymillsy would be a worry but they have met off levels and Dragon looked like he was gonna win.

[opatcho]

Paddy Power Gold Cup
Doesnt disappoint in terms of studying and trying to pick out a winner. Nice biggggg field and various players that could run well

I've decided to pull the trigger on Galahad Quest today and managed to a rollup onto him which is a bonus

Didnt make my initial shortlist, didnt like his runs at Sandown (not ideal, form over heavy on a course thats totally different to Cheltenham) and him being 5 year old, and not having any form at the big festivals.
However... I really like the following

- he's one of few who has yet to be found by the handicapper. I think you'll need to be at least 6-8 lbs well in to win this renewal, it looks really competitive. He age combine with him running off a urdle mark of 134 as a juvenile gives him plenty of scope to improve on his 135 mark over fences
- he travelled well into a good trial race for the PPGC, jockey didnt touch him until after the last where he got him a little trouble
- I really look for horses who have had a prep run, race fitness is one of my top selection points, this lad has had a great prep for this and his mark has remained untouched - perfect
- Yup, not many have won as a 5 year old. I remember Frodon coming here but he ran off a mark of 151! He went onto win the Caspian


I've gone off Up The Straight, purely based on jockey selection, also gone off Manofthemountain, just cant see him improving that much - rated 34 lbs more than when he first started jumping fences.

I still like Protektorat, trainer is in great form and could have a fab weekend if all goes well.
_________________________________________


Primary Selection: Galahad Quest
Secondary Selection: Protektorat

I will place a cheeky reverse forecast too, just for jokes

[Captain Chris]

Paddy Power Gold Cup
Doesnt disappoint in terms of studying and trying to pick out a winner. Nice biggggg field and various players that could run well

I've decided to pull the trigger on Galahad Quest today and managed to a rollup onto him which is a bonus

Didnt make my initial shortlist, didnt like his runs at Sandown (not ideal, form over heavy on a course thats totally different to Cheltenham) and him being 5 year old, and not having any form at the big festivals.
However... I really like the following

- he's one of few who has yet to be found by the handicapper. I think you'll need to be at least 6-8 lbs well in to win this renewal, it looks really competitive. He age combine with him running off a urdle mark of 134 as a juvenile gives him plenty of scope to improve on his 135 mark over fences
- he travelled well into a good trial race for the PPGC, jockey didnt touch him until after the last where he got him a little trouble
- I really look for horses who have had a prep run, race fitness is one of my top selection points, this lad has had a great prep for this and his mark has remained untouched - perfect
- Yup, not many have won as a 5 year old. I remember Frodon coming here but he ran off a mark of 151! He went onto win the Caspian


I've gone off Up The Straight, purely based on jockey selection, also gone off Manofthemountain, just cant see him improving that much - rated 34 lbs more than when he first started jumping fences.

I still like Protektorat, trainer is in great form and could have a fab weekend if all goes well.
_________________________________________


Primary Selection: Galahad Quest
Secondary Selection: Protektorat

I will place a cheeky reverse forecast too, just for jokes

I like this one as well, sorry Opatcho! Think he'll be one dart alongside Coole Cody and Midnight Shadow. Both have good course form off a similar or higher mark. My only concern with all 3 is that they would want it a bit softer, so I'm biding my time. From what I remember with this race, there aren't usually many single figure horses on Saturday morning, so I might be able to find a bit more value then. Good luck

[opatcho]

Yeah, had initial doubts about Galahad Quest over good ground, but travelled soundly over good to soft last time out
Attempted to shortlist based on going but I just cant find anything that well handicapped and acts well over good ground

[Lobos]

All gone a little quiet on current Fav Eklat De Rire for the Ladbrokes Trophy. Do we think he may miss the race in view of the going/lack of rain ?? A worry as pretty much all his racing has been done on deep ground.

[That Horse]

All gone a little quiet on current Fav Eklat De Rire for the Ladbrokes Trophy. Do we think he may miss the race in view of the going/lack of rain ?? A worry as pretty much all his racing has been done on deep ground.

It's not for another week and a half, checked the forecast for Newbury last night and they are due rain from this day next week and it should stay about for a few days. Of course, not sure how reliable forecasts are a week out but bit early to be pulling horses out is it not?

[Lobos]

It's not for another week and a half, checked the forecast for Newbury last night and they are due rain from this day next week and it should stay about for a few days. Of course, not sure how reliable forecasts are a week out but bit early to be pulling horses out is it not?

I'll be waiting until Decs I think as his price probably won't go in much if at all.

[Lobos]

Hoping Guard Your Dreams advertises his Stayers Hurdle claims tomorrow in the Coral Hurdle versus Buzz. Beat Coole Cody at Cheltenham giving him 10lbs and that one was running a huge race in the PP GC before falling. The 4th home who he gave 19lbs to (Art Approval) won at Cheltenham last Friday. The 3rd home, Captain Morgs who he gave 15lbs to, runs today at Ascot. The form looks red hot to me.

[Brooksie]

Eklat De Rire looks to be coming over this weekend based on Henry's comments today. Was starting to have my doubts based on the exchange market.

https://www.racingtv.com/news/eklat-de-rire-has-de-bromhead-in-the-hunt-for-more-weekend-riches

Looks a decent renewal if the top 5-6 show up.

[Istabraq]

Eklat De Rire looks to be coming over this weekend based on Henry's comments today. Was starting to have my doubts based on the exchange market.

https://www.racingtv.com/news/eklat-de-rire-has-de-bromhead-in-the-hunt-for-more-weekend-riches

Looks a decent renewal if the top 5-6 show up.

If he does come over he would have a serious chance for me.
Has there been any mention of potential pilot booking ?

[Eggs]

….3-1 Irish winner of Ladbroke with Sky.

[Brooksie]

If he does come over he would have a serious chance for me.
Has there been any mention of potential pilot booking ?

I'd imagine Rachel rides. If what they think they have is a gold cup horse, then he's probably 10lbs well in. So I don't see them looking to claim.

[FinalFurlong91]

If he does come over he would have a serious chance for me.
Has there been any mention of potential pilot booking ?

Henry has quite a few entries so hopefully rachel

[Istabraq]

Henry has quite a few entries so hopefully rachel

Not sure how many HDB will run at Fairyhouse on Saturday so chance Rachel heads over, confidence would increase if she did...

[FinalFurlong91]

Not sure how many HDB will run at Fairyhouse on Saturday so chance Rachel heads over, confidence would increase if she did...

He doesnt appear to have any big names at fairyhouse on Saturday so must be a good chance