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THE 'OPEN 2000 MEETING' AT CHELTENHAM
Whilst "FURLONG TO GO" has had a successful flat season, thanks to the exploits of the likes of Sinndar, Kalanisi, Petruskha, and Giants Causeway, to name four, this time of year is when my first love, the national hunt season really takes hold, and captures the imagination of its loyal following
National Hunt racing is the poorer relation, but it is the more passionate. For many, the second Cheltenham meeting of the season is when the season really begins, this year run under the "Open 2000" title. For the next three days we should hopefully see some of the horses that through the comings months hopefully will be making their way back here in March for the National Hunt Festival, the championship meeting of the English and Irish season.
THE COURSES
There are three courses;
"The Old Course" is an oval of 12 furlongs, with 9 fences to a circuit; with a 350yard run-in. "The New Course", on the outside also is an oval of 13 furlongs, with 10 fences to a circuit, with a 350yard run-in. The cross-country course concentrates itself mainly in the centre of the course, but dissects both of the main courses with its unique twists and turns. All three courses are undulating courses with stiff fences. The ability to jump, and to stay is essential, particularly when the ground gets heavy in wet weather.
THE FENCES
The Steeplechase fences at Cheltenham are constructed along the same lines as fences at all National hunt Courses in Britain, except for the Grand National Course at Aintree.
They are made from a combination of timber, birch and gorse. Since the birch becomes brittle and shrinks over a period of time, the fences are rebuilt every 2-3 years.
OPEN 2000 MEETING AT CHELTENHAM ~ DAY THREE
OPEN MEETING AT CHELTENHAM
Sunday 12th November
1:10 Gloucestershire Cricket Treble Novices' Hurdle Class B
<F>*<H> ~ Saor Theas,
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Its very unusual to have a race of this nature, so dominated by overseas raiders ( I wonder why that is?). Anyway, Fnan, Sheer Genius, Saor Theas, and Jaybee-M look the likeliest winners. Sheer Genius has won two races but hasn't impressed me as much as this imposing individual should have ( I accept I may be being very harsh). Fnan is quietly picking off his races and whilst this is his biggest 'ask' thus far, he should be up to going close. I'll take a chance and go with Saor Theas, who I thought ran like a stayer like time out at Punchestown over 2miles, and it is no surprise that he is being upped in trip. a mention for Jaybee-M a useful point-to-pointer last term who should soon be making his mark under rules
No*1 CHOICE ~ Saor Theas, <F>*<H>
(e/w) Alternative ~
1:40 Ladbroke Casinos Handicap Hurdle Class C (Intermediate Race)
<F>*<H> ~ One Nation,
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ A wide-open handicap. One Nation, Better Think Again, The Extra Man, Pateley, Persian Waters, Blow Wind Blow, Give Over, Clever Consul, Gatorade, Royal Jake, Tiger Grass, Monifeth Man, Mystery Guest, Estacado, and Oulton Broad, all have little bits of form. The Extra Man should make thing interesting off of his light weight, and therefore set things up for (hopefully) One Nation, Better Think Again, Persian Waters, and Blow Wind Blow. I just prefer One Nation who looked as though he'd improved physically when winning at Hereford on his reappearance, but this is so open its hard to be confident
No*1 CHOICE ~ One Nation <F>*<H>
(e/w) Alternative ~ Blow Wind Blow,
2:15 Independent Novices' Chase Class A (Registered As The November Novices' Steeple Chase) (Grade 2)
<F>*<H> ~ Best Mate
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ It will be a big surprise if Best Mate is beaten, (assuming he jumps a clear round) despite the presence of Prancing Blade, and Khairabar, who should at least try and test him
No*1 CHOICE ~ Best Mate <F>*<H>; (R*ecommended),
(e/w) Alternative ~
2:50 Direct Answers Hurdle Showcase Handicap Class B
<F>*<H> ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ The Gatherer, Milligan, Mr Lamb, Hulysse Royal, Mister Morose, Phardante Flyer, Hit And Run, and The French Furze, have claims in the main race on the final day of the card. This should be strongly run which will suit the likes of The Gatherer, Phardante Flyer, Mr lamb, and Milligan, however it is worth pointing out that Mister Morose, The French Furze, and Hit and Run, are well capable of sustaining a strong gallop, so it would unwise to completely dismiss these, particularly as all three are ridden by competent pilots able to claims significant weight allowances. I am going to go with Milligan who was so impressive on his recent start who must go close on that form. The Gatherer, Hit and Run, and Mr Lamb (if he gets into a rhythm) are my idea of the dangers
No*1 CHOICE ~ Milligan
(e/w) Alternative ~ Hit And Run,
3:25 Food Brokers Handicap Chase Class D
<F>*<H> ~ Lislaughtin Abbey,
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Arlequin De Sou who won nicely at Wincanton on his seasonal reappearance must go close in this handicap chase, however I saw David's Lad, 'dot up' in a handicap chase at Navan, and he surely must go close off of only 10-2
No*1 CHOICE ~ David's Lad, (R*ecommended),
(e/w) Alternative ~ Lislaughtin Abbey <F>*<H>
4:00 Open 2000 Bumper Class B (A Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race)
<F>*<H> ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ In Contrast and Spring Margot are two likeable individuals coming off the back of an easy success, at Exeter, and Southwell respectively. Add Southern Star, third to Best mate is the corresponding event last year, Breaking Breeze, and Irish bumper winner, Wintertide, a winner of two last term, and Desert Captain, and this should be a very informative race. I'll go with Spring Margot, though I'm very much afraid on In Contrast.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Spring Margot
(e/w) Alternative ~ First Touch
OPEN 2000 MEETING AT CHELTENHAM ~ DAY TWO
Racing is a funny game. None of the selections yesterday exactly covered themselves with glory at Cheltenham, yet at Southwell I managed to pick seven of the eight winners !!!. Lets hope I translate some of that good fortune to cheltenham today !!
OPEN MEETING AT CHELTENHAM - DAY TWO
Saturday 11th November
1:15 Jet UK Three Year Old Novices' Hurdle Class B
<F>*<H>; ; Montreal
"The 4 Long Pole" - Kadarann so impressive on his hurdling debut, is likely to be a warm order here in the first. If taken on face value that looks a decent performance and with that experience behind him I think he should go close again. However I must go with Montreal, who I think is an extremely good long term prospect, (definitely will make a chaser in time). He has already put in some decent performances in France, and may be up to the task.... I hope so, he's one of my ten to follow !!!
No*1 CHOICE - Montreal <F>*<H>;
(e/w) Alternative -
1:50 Highfield Social Club Bicester Novices' Chase Class B
<F>*<H>; ; Galant Moss, Capitaine Leau,
"The 4 Long Pole" - Galant Moss, Hunt Hill, Dorans Gold, Star Of Dungannon, and Capitaine Leau, are the likeliest winners of the second, although Good Time Melody, and Percy Parkeeper are worth a mention. Galant Moss was the best of these over hurdles, and if he puts in a clear round I think he'll win, so that's the choice made. I am very scared of Hunt Hill who would have won on his chasing debut at Chepstow but for falling two out. He led his field a merry dance that day and could get these into trouble. Star of Dungannon who had good form in handicap hurdles when trained by Martin Pipe is the eachway alternative
No*1 CHOICE - Galant Moss <F>*<H>;
(e/w) Alternative - Star of Dungannon
2:20 Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle Class B
<F>*<H>; ;
"The 4 Long Pole" - Barba Papa, Polar Champ, Tistrabraq, Eastwell Hall, Maid Equal, Flying Gunner, Course Doctor, Alta, Extra Jack (if he turns out again) and Nine O Three have chances of sorts in the third. I have been very impressed with Polar Champ who Martin Pipe has improved out of all recognition. He'll definitely stay this trip and is dangerous, as is Barba Papa, who was in such good form on the flat this summer. He was a creditable third in the Cesarewitch and should go well. I like Course Doctor who we've always know was a nice individual, but who has always struggled a bit over the larger obstacles. Ground, and trip should suit and he should go close
No*1 CHOICE - Course Doctor (e/w)
Alternative - Polar Champ
2:55 Thomas Pink Gold Cup Chase Showcase Handicap Class A Grade 3
"The 4 Long Pole" - My thoughts on the field are as follows
MAJADOU: Hard to evaluate as he has a very good record at the track (one of the best of these) yet he didn't really improve of the form he showed as a five year old. In a season that is likely to be dominated by the younger generation, it may be worth remembering that he is only six and could bounce back. Despite top weight, he has a decent eachway chance, and don't be put off if you like him. He must jump well to stand any chance though.
CELIBATE: Ran well behind Fadalko at Wincanton in the Desert Orchid Chase in October and will run well. Not sure he's good enough at these weights though
LUZCADOU: Could be interesting at his best but hasn fired at all in France this season, last time out coming 6th of 16, 17l behind Saute Au Bois at Auteuil in a 2m 7f chase in Oct. More likely to run at Haydock
SLANEY NATIVE: Won at Gowran Park in Oct beating Ferbet Junior by 10l. He has decent claims on the best of his form last term and must be considered
RED MARAUDER: Decent handicap chaser at his best, he has already got onto the scoresheet when winning at Market Rasen over hurdles in Sept beating Nine O Three by 2l, My only reservation is that he didn't handle the young generation last year, and I'm not convinced he will this time around. Does have an obvious claim though
INN AT THE TOP: Showed how good he is when winning in April at Ayr beating River Wye by 5l, but this is harder, and conditions are softer than he'd ideally want
LADY CRICKET: At her best she'd go close, but she has two distinct ways on running, and whilst not suggesting she'd ungenuine, she is becoming harder to predict. On her best she can win this but punters should evaluate whether she represents a worthwhile risk
CORNICHE: Impressed when making all here over 2m in Oct when beating Big Perks by 11l. This is more competitive but he must go well, however his style of racing may be setting up this event for some of these
DAVOSKI: Hard to fault on the basis on two soft wins over fences, most recently at Stratford over 2m 5f in Oct beating Skipcarl by 9l. He was a useful hurdler so has to be respected, but this even for a horse so talented is a big ask, and he could be found wanting.... must have a strong claim though
ROBBO: Talented but temperamental chaser who has a chance if he puts his best foot forward. I'm not sure though that I'd want to have money on a horse that pulls himself up on a flat track, never mind one who could on an uphill finish like this... He has to be considered, but also should the risk.
VILLAGE KING: Tends to run well first time out, and has a good record at the track. His run in the Whitbread Gold Cup is best ignored, and he enters my eachway calculations.
NORSKI LAD: Decent hurdler who was a little inconsistent last term over fences. He has come out and won at Chepstow over 2m 3f in Oct beating River Dawn by 2 1/2l, but this is harder.
SKYCAB: Useful at his best,.. but probably in a lower grade .... an honorable middle field placing in what I'd except (last time out, still had every chance when reins broke and pulled up 3 out in the race won by Davoski at Stratford in Oct).
EXIT SWINGER: Destined to have a good season, only ran once over fences, jumping well and eventually beating Crookedstone by 4l at Sandown over 2m 4f. He also ran some decent races over hurdles, particularly when there was plenty of cut in the ground. If he handles these obstacles, its hard to imagine him not going close
FEATHERED LEADER: Decent handicapper on his day and probably the best pf the Irish challengers out, who last time out won a Punchestown handicap hurdle over 2miles. Likely to play his hand late, Feathered Leader is to be feared
BOARDROOM SHUFFLE: Decent on his day but finished only 3rd, 5l behind Flaxley Wood at Cheltenham over course and distance in Oct. He'll go well but not convinced he's up to this
CONCLUSION
The decent pace likely to be set by Corniche, should see him stretch these, though I suspect that Celibate will try and take him on. It really then depends on who gets into their rhythm. Lady Cricket, Feathered Leader. Exit Swinger, and Majadou appeal most to me, and I think these and Davoski are where the winner comes from. Every since he won at Sandown, I've thought Exit Swinger would be ideal for this race, and hopefully he proves that today.
No*1 CHOICE - Exit Winger <F>*<H> (R*ecommended),
(e/w) Alternative - Majadou <F>*<H>
3:30 Intervet Trophy Handicap Chase Class B
<F>*<H>; ; Kaki Crazy
"The 4 Long Pole" - Beau begins on the road that some se him travelling along until coming back here in March for the Gold Cup. that is a long way away, and this isn't an easy opener, as apart from him. Earthmover, (so brave over hurdles at Wetherby), Honey Mount, Edmond, Spendid, Ackzo, and Foxchapel King in opposition. I'm prepared to overlook these, and am tempted to go for Kaki Crazy, who if you've read my horses to follow selection, is a horse I think has a future, but i'm not quite sure about the trip with him. If he gets it I think he'll nearly win, but I'll play percentage, and go with Honey Mount, already a winner here this season
No*1 CHOICE - Honey Mount
(e/w) Alternative - Kaki Crazy <F>*<H>
4:05 sport4cast.com Novices' Handicap Hurdle Class D
<F>*<H>; ;
"The 4 Long Pole" - Impossible race to conclude. Colonel Bradley, Hidden Ability, Biliverdin, Fireside Girl, Heliette, Razor Ruddock, Nashkapour, Kind Word, Lisard River, Rosinus, Pace Stalker, Commanche Pride, Mister Ermyn, Tumbleweed Glen, Bell Tex, Channahrlie, Homestead, and Kind Sir, all have chances of sorts. Colonel Brady whose been running in Ireland got the vote, but not with any strong conviction
No*1 CHOICE - Colonel Brady
(e/w) Alternative - Heliette
OPEN 2000 MEETING AT CHELTENHAM ~ DAY ONE
Friday 10th November
1:15 Thomas Pink Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase Class E 3m 1f
<F>*<H>; -
"The 4 Long Pole" - Quite an interesting long distance handicap chase to open the meeting with. Plenty are in with chances. Tiraldo, Gigi Beach, Moondigua, Twisted Logic, Alpine Gale, Royale De Vassy, and Swing Quartet, are amongst those I'd consider. If you choose any of these you'll get a good run for your money. I was leaning towards Gigi Beach, who was just touched off last time out, here over course and distance. I have a suspicion that he may have to give best again to Twisted Logic who progressed throughout last season, and should be forgiven his first time out fall. Former hunters Real Value and Melnik should cut ice in Handicap Company this term. Both appeal as eachway alternatives (I prefer the former)
No*1 CHOICE - Twisted Logic
(e/w) Alternative - Real Value
1:50 Mitsubishi Shogun Trophy Showcase Handicap (Chase) Class B 2m
<F>*<H>; ;Fadoudal du Cochet
"The 4 Long Pole" - Another competitive affair Artic Fancy, Wave Rock, Jungli, Puget Blue, Green Green Desert, Lord York, Desert Mountain, Chief's Song, Hurricane Lamp, and Fadoudal du Cochet, all have claims. Jungli, Chiefs Song and Puget Blue will all be popular after last time out wins, and should go close as should Lord York though I am worried about the ground for him. I was most impressed with Jungli's win at Wetherby, and he looks the one to be on. A mention for Fadoudal du Cochet who is in my list of horses to follow. He does go well fresh and was campaigned against some of the better 2m novice chasers in Ireland last term, so don't be surprised if he puts in a bold bid
No*1 CHOICE - Jungli (R*ecommended),
(e/w) Alternative - Fadoudal du Cochet <F>*<H>
2:25 Capel Cure Sharp Novices' Hurdle Class A Grade 2 2m
<F>*<H>; ;Cardiff Arms
"The 4 Long Pole" - Reiziger, Cardiff Arms, Aerleon Pete, Entertainer, Palouse, and Green Card, have claims in the third. Interestingly all of these are former recruits from the flat, only Lucky Sinna isn't, which is why I excluded him, though he is a nice prospect and should be winning before long. Arguably Reiziger has the best form, trouncing a useful field of horses at Exeter carrying a double penalty, and I'm sure he'll go close. I marginally prefer Cardiff Arms who was a useful sort of the flat in Australia/England, who won nicely on his debut at Aintree, though in this company will need to improve his jumping technique
No*1 CHOICE - Cardiff Arms <F>*<H>
(e/w) Alternative -
3:00 Sporting Index Chase (Cross Country Chase) Class B 3m7f
<F>*<H>; ;Extra Jack
"The 4 Long Pole" - I love cross-country races. I know they aren't popular with all 'purists' but there is something about this sort of racing that is fundamental to this sport, hopefully the British public will continue to take it to its heart, it is pleasing the home of national hunt racing in Britain entertains a race of this nature.
Over the last couple of seasons Linden's Lotto has farmed these sorts of races, and he is almost certainly likely to figure again. This is an interesting field in opposition though Torduff Express, Browjoshy, Galapiat du Mesnil, Supreme Charm, and Mister One all proved themselves well capable of running well here if they transfer their respective talents to these unique obstacles. Add to these Fanfaron and Zabadi, (both able individuals on their day but frustratingly are not genuine horses who have thrown the towel in more times than I care to mention and should be stamped with an official 'punter health warning') and you have a fascinating field, however I'm not sure the winner is amongst these. No I am fascinated by the participation of Frileux Royal, For Astaan, Grand Fougeray, who all have good form in these types of event when trained in France and Extra Jack who has good steeplechase French form to his name, and he has already won a hurdle race at Stratford at the end of last term. If he takes to these obstacles I think he will be very hard to beat, and therefore I have to go with him
No*1 CHOICE - Extra Jack <F>*<H> (R*ecommended),
(e/w) Alternative - Grand Fougeray
3:35 Steel Plate And Sections Novices' Chase Class B
<F>*<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole" - Sackville, You're Agoodun, and Charter Ridge, are the three that appeal most in the fifth. Sackville has run well in two starts, most recently against Limestone Lad, and should go well, and should Charter Ridge who is on a four timer. Although I was worried about his attitude over hurdles, its hard to oppose You're Agoodun who has been impressive in two races around Hereford. This is a step up in class, but he has twice looked up to the required standard. Spanish Main who could go close if he fences more cleanly than he did over course and distance last time; Lord Cyprus, up in grade after an easy win at Exeter, and Millyhenry, a decent point-to-pointer last term, who could go well at long odds, are my idea of thee eachway alternatives. The last named wins that particular vote
No*1 CHOICE - You're Agoodun
(e/w) Alternative - Millyhenry
4:05 Mm Run Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Class E 2m 5f
<F>*<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole" - 30 runners contest the last.... Lets hope were not trying to save face by this stage !!!. Its ultra competitive as well, so many are entitled to consideration; Sean's Cross, Festival Leader Lanmire Tower, Go-onmyson, Micky Mackelhatton, No Messin' Young Dalesman, Home Counties, Joe Crump, San Georgio; I could go on. Lanmire Tower is likely to be favourite. He was in good form last term and didn't run too badly behind The Extra Man at Market Rasen 27 days ago. He should go close but I'll take a chance and go with Micky Mackelhatton, who despite only winning a national hunt flat race at Downpatrick, has shown enough over hurdles previously to make him appealing off of his light weight
No*1 CHOICE - Micky Mackelhatton,
(e/w) Alternative - Festival Leader
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