"THE PILLAR  STEEPLECH"

Analysis & Selections by

ð` rØøk

Whether it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied horses participating each day and their characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims. whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.

SELECTIONS - For each race, we have given you who, in our view, are the likeliest winners; (1er _ THE WINNER?), as well as any runners who could run well at eachway odds; (E/W ALTERNATIVE) . Any runner from our features are shown before each race's analysis.

Up to the minute racing news.... 

Sports: horse racing news

Cheltenham Saturday, January 24.

goingSTICK ¬: Good-Good to Soft in places (7.7)
¦¨¨¨¨¨¨First¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 12.55 - Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Novices` Handicap Hurdle [D] 20 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~1f Penalty €, 10353 4-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨¨¨¨one¨tº¨jump¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¦ ¬: are there any horses from "ºNE TO JUMP" 2003/4 - Our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the current national hunt season? ¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- Flying Lyric, Kómbinàçja (POL) and Don Valentino (POL)
¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»-- A fascinating day's racing begins with this open-looking 20 runner handicap. My idea of the horses to consider are:

KÓMBINÀÇJA - Hasn't quite lived up to expectations, however did run well last time when making most until approaching the last, eventually finishing 4th, 5l behind Feel The Pride at Haydock in November.
DOCE VIDA - One of two runners from Alan King's yard with chances. He comes here on the back of a good win at Wetherby in November where he beat Magical Field by 4l.
DON VALENTINO - Has been in good form this season and lost nothing in defeat when going down by a neck behind Pardishar at Fontwell last time out.
ATTORNEY GENERAL - Fairly useful when trained on the flat. A winner on his hurdles debut, but very disappointing last time out at Ascot.
HERON'S GHYLL - Progressive course and distance winner who ran well last week in defeat behind The Gene Genie at Wincanton.
ARDASHIR - Deserves to be considered on his run behind Oracle des Mottes at Chepstow in December.
FLYING LYRIC - Formerly useful on the flat. Will find this grade far easier than he encountered last time when he stayed on to finish 3rd, 20l behind Grande Jete at Wincanton.
COOL SPICE - Slightly disappointing over hurdles though stayed on last time behind Kadara at Sandown...possibly better than bare form suggests.
SPRING PURSUIT - Consistent performer on the flat who took advantage of a lenient mark when winning at Warwick last time out... this is more competitive.
FORBEARING - Useful once on the flat. Martin Pipe hasn't quite found the key to him, though his 10 length 4th to Spring Pursuit gives him a chance here.
PARDISHAR - Mugged Don Valentino on the post at Fontwell and isn't guaranteed to confirm that form here.
CHASE THE SUNSET - A One To Jump horse from last season who is finally finding his form. Any improvement on his 2nd to Heron's Ghyll over course and distance in December gives him a chance here. 
JUST SUPERB - Likely pace-setter. Has chances to reverse form with Spring Pursuit here, however this race is far more competitive.

A strong pace is guaranteed which may well play into the hands of Flying Lyric who seems to be progressing with each run. Dom Valentino, Chase The Sunset and Doce Vida are likeliest to follow him home.
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Flying Lyric
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Dom Valentino (POL)
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Chase The Sunset
¦¨¨4ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Doce Vida

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Second¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 1.30 - Timeform Novices` Handicap Steeple-CH´. [B] 7 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~5f Penalty €, 12528 5-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨¨¨¨one¨tº¨jump¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¦ ¬: are there any horses from "ºNE TO JUMP" 2003/4 - Our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the current national hunt season? ¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- Tuçacãs 
¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»-- An interesting novice chase comes next on the card. TUÇACÃS and RUBY GALE renew rivalry after their titanic battle last weekend at Wincanton which Tuçacãs sealed with a huge jump at the last. They are weighted to finish virtually upsides each other again and with The Extra Man ensuring there'll be a strong pace, it looks set for another exciting clash here. They won't have things their own way though as they must concede 20lbs to Nick Gaselee 's BALLYROBERT, unbeaten so far this season after beating Kings Travel at Ascot last month. He will give these plenty to think about if he jumps round at these weights, however Tuçacãs does have a touch of class and if she manages to get into a similar position as she found herself last week, I wouldn't want to be opposing her...would you? 
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tuçacãs (FR)
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ballyrobert
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ruby Gale

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Third¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 2.00 - Wragge & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices` Hurdle [A] [Grade 2] 11 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~1f Penalty €, 17400 4-Year-Olds only 
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¦¨¨¨¨¨¨¨one¨tº¨jump¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¦ ¬: are there any horses from "ºNE TO JUMP" 2003/4 - Our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the current national hunt season? ¦¨¨¨¨¨»--  A TOI A MOI (FR)
¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»-- A fascinating juvenile hurdle comes next on the card. Arguably (with the possible exception of A Toi A Moi), you can make a case for each of the 11 runners. Much will depend on the pace of this race, MONDUL is the likeliest to make the running and connections will hope that he isn't 'gunned down' as he was last time by SUNRAY at Chepstow. There is some logic in this tactic as we still do not know whether HOWLE HILL truly stays 2m at this grade and whilst there is no doubt that he was impressive last time out at Wincanton it will be fascinating to see how he fares in a more truly run race. Similarly, whilst he may be a decent prospect in the long term, it would ask a seriously big question of newcomer DALARAM though he is definitely one of the horses to take out of the race for the future. I think that Mondul has a decent chance if he commits from flagfall. However, he tactics will surely play into the hands of more stoutly-bred individuals such as LOUGH DERG (still unbeaten after winning easily at Warwick last time) as well as VAL DU DON, ZIMBABWE and MERYL who all finished behind TROUBLE AT BAY over course and distance last time out. Meryl came out best of these and may confirm that form again here. However, we may not have got to the bottom of Lough Derg 's potential and he is marginally preferred. 
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lough Derg (FR)
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Meryl (FR)
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Val Du Don (FR) (e/w)

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Fourth¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 2.35 - Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle [A] [Grade 2] 6 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~4f 110yds Penalty €, 29000 5-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»-- A tactical race on paper which could become immensely messy if GREY ABBEY doesn't make the running. CRYSTAL D´AINAY is definitely the form horse going into this race after his recent clashes with Sh Boom and despite the presence of Royal and SunAlliance winner HARDY EUSTACE and REDEMPTION (so talented...but so clumsy) it'll be a bit of a surprise if he isn't capable of out-battling these...even though both of these are more than capable of giving him plenty to think about here. 
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Crystal d´Ainay
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Hardy Eustace
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Redemption

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Fifth¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 3.05 - Pillar Property Steeple-CH´. [A] [Grade 2] 6 runners. This race will be run over 3Miles~1f 110yds Penalty €, 46400 6-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨¨¨¨one¨tº¨jump¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¦ ¬: are there any horses from "ºNE TO JUMP" 2003/4 - Our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the current national hunt season? ¦¨¨¨¨¨»--Jaïr Du Cochet 
¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»--A intriguing renewal for the pillar chase which has courted far more controversy going into a race than I can remember in recent history. Six horses are due to line up and each of them theoretically has chances of winning. Here's my opinion for what it's worth:

	JAÏR DU COCHET - Almost every time this horse runs, I feel a little more embarrassed about the standard of journalism/prejudice that seems to constantly follow this horse's every run. I think I understand how the new depths to which our journalism sunk this week occurred. I think most decent trainers who are constantly questioned about the jockeyship by a foreign country's press must ultimately begin to question whether or not it's possible for his jockey to withstand the level of pressure Jacques Ricou comes under. Some of the comments that have been posted have gone as far to even to suggest that his job in France under Macaire is under threat...what utter rubbish. What trainer in his right mind would refuse to employ a jockey who won on nearly 44 % of his rides last season. There aren't many trainers in France who would walk past a jockey with those credentials. Jacques Ricou was 3rd best jockey last season over obstacles in France and it's very noticeable how little criticism we give him when he rides over there, which with the advent of coverage on Attheraces, we are more able to view. He is no A.P. or Ruby Walsh (the comparism is ridiculous), however is a far more accomplished horseman than he is given credit for in this country and the fact remains that he is still the only jockey to ever win on the horse and since Madame Montauban has now stated that only French jockeys will ride the horse, be careful what you wish for. There are far less accomplished jockeys than Jacques Ricou out there that could get the ride on the horse. Leaving all that animosity aside, it is difficult not to argue he is the form horse going into this race, because even though you could question Best Mate's form, he beat Valley Henry with plenty to spare. The real negative against him is his appalling effort in the King George last time for which no explanation has been discovered. This is potentially a huge negative because understandably connections will hold his well-being a paramount here, whereas had all have been well a far more aggressive approach would have been taken particularly when there is no guaranteed pace in the race. I'm not sure which way to play him, though I do believe he will be a much better proposition for the Gold Cup should he come through this unscathed.
	RINCE RI - Previous winner of this race when condition deteriorated and the race became a slog which might occur again today. His 2nd to Florida Pearl at Fairyhouse over 2m1f is encouraging though I do believe he will need more to win this
	VALLEY HENRY - Looked to be going well when falling at the 13th in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Poor jumping has blighted his career so far, however he is a decent horse on his day, particularly in this type of event but the threatening rain is a concern.
	SIR REMBRANDT - Hugely impressive when winning the Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow two runs ago, Sir Rembrandt lost nothing in defeat when going down by 1/2 length to Bindaree in the Welsh Grand National. There is plenty to like about him, however this is by far his hardest race to date over fences and it's worth remembering how well Akarus and Kings Minstrel were travelling when they fell independently at the 4th last in the Welsh Grand National. There is a decent chance that their departures flatters him slightly.
	TRUCKERS TAVERN - Last year's Gold Cup 2nd is being prepared for that race again this term. He did appear to be travelling well when falling 5 out at Wetherby in December and although he will probably run well here, you would be disappointed if there wasn't something with a little more toe to beat him here.
	THEREALBANDIT - Martin Pipe's seven-year-old has caused plenty of discussion since it was muted that he might go for the Gold Cup instead of the SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. This alone has caused plenty of debate, as obviously there are many pundits and punters who use the examples of Gloria Victis and Lanzarote (two brilliant novices who's careers were cut short by attempting to win the Gold Cup in their Novice year) . However, whilst those losses were tragic, Drumadowney was an unlucky 4th in his novice year and there are other examples through history where novices ran creditably when asked this question. I don't consider David Johnson or Martin Pipe mercenary if they choose to go that route after this race and I would argue that if they were able to win easily, you could not argue that they were tilting at windmills. Therealbandit would have beaten legitimate Gold Cup contenders. His two runs to date over fences have both been particularly exciting though he'll need more than he showed when beating Massåc by 20 lengths here at the last meeting.

What will happen? ... I'm really not sure. 

It's impossible to say what Jaïr Du Cochet is going to do and equally, if the heavens open up Rince Ri is almost certainly going to attempt to stretch these to bring his stamina into play. I genuinely do believe Jaïr Du Cochet should win this and I will go with him here however connections do very much have the big race in March on their mind unlike Therealbandit who hasn't really got anything to lose and if you choose to give Jaïr Du Cochet a wide berth, he would definitely be the horse I would suggest as the alternative here.
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jaïr Du Cochet (FR) 
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Therealbandit
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Sir Rembrandt

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Sixth¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 3.35 - Ladbroke Trophy Steeple-CH´. [A Showcase Handicap] [A] [Listed Race] 13 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~5f Penalty €, 23200 5-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»--The penultimate race on the card has several runners worth considering here and I would imagine the winner to come from the following list of runners:

IMPEK - Didn't get home over 3 miles last time at Ascot, having travelled well for much of the race. This trip should be ideal.
HAND INN HAND - Unlucky not to win last time at Kempton, this useful ex-Novice is progressing with each run and could run well here especially as he should get the strong early pace he desires. 
HORUS - Beat the ill-fated Behrajan at Ascot and was travelling well when unseating rider 5 out in the race won by Artic Jack. A strongly run 2 1/2 mile should suit him.
WHEREAREYOUNOW - Jumped impressively when staying on strongly to beat Spring Grove by 7 lengths over course and distance last time out. Sure to run well again here if he puts in a similar round of jumping.
TELEMOSS - Strongly fancied to land the Tripleprint, he held every chance until 2 out, eventually finishing 3rd to Iris Royal. He won't have to improve much on that form to figure again here.
KELREV - Ex-Guillaume Macaire trained 6-year-old who might just be finding his form over here if judged by his easy success at Uttoxeter last time out.

I'm going to stick with my original choice Whereareyounow to land this competitive heat. Horus, Impek and Kelrev will give him plenty to think about.
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Whereareyounow
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Horus
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Kelrev (e/w)

¦¨¨¨¨¨¨Seventh¨Race¨¨¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- 4.10 - Western Daily Press Handicap Hurdle [B] 15 runners. This race will be run over 2Miles~1f Penalty €, 12818 4-Year-Olds plus 
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¦¨¨¨¨¨¨¨one¨tº¨jump¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¦ ¬: are there any horses from "ºNE TO JUMP" 2003/4 - Our feature which; each season, provides a list of horses to follow during the current national hunt season? ¦¨¨¨¨¨»-- Mambo
¦¨¨¨¨ð´¨rØøk¨¨¨¨¦¨¨¨¨»-- Another open handicap, this time over hurdles to end the card. Plenty of these entered calculations; I certainly wouldn't put off any punter who wanted to back the likes of Mambo, Sud Bleu, Gone Far, Turn Of Phrase, Demi Beau, Bound, Anatar, The Last Cast, or Swan Knight here. Our one to jump horse MAMBO, makes plenty of appeal here and is unlucky not to be unbeaten this term after falling at the last at Haydock on his reappearance, before making no mistake last time out at Wetherby in December, where he cruised into the lead at the last before beating Archie Babe by 2 1/2llengths. The handicapper has fair to him and he wouldn´t have to improve much here to land this prize. 
¦¨¨1ª¨PLACE?¨¬¨THE WINNER?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mambo
¦¨¨2ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Demi Beau, 
¦¨¨3ª¨Place?¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Swan Knight (e/w) 

This page was last updated on Saturday January 24, 2004 at 02:26:38 AM

THE FEATURE MEETING

POSTING TIME
Selections for Monday - Friday should be available after 9:30pm the previous evening, however on Saturday and Sunday due to other commitments won't be posted until after 8:30am those respective mornings unless otherwise stated. Hopefully this helps

DEDICATION

GEORGE E. ROBERTSON
1936 - 2003

FURLONG TO GO would like to convey our condolences to the rØøk, whose father; George Edward Robertson passed away on  16th April 2003. 

Mr. Robertson nurtured the rØøk´s enthusiasm for this sport, and it was this inspiration, which is probably behind the creation of this website. As a permanent tribute to his memory, all the meetings covered under the "feature Meeting" banner will be dedicated to him...

"Big George"