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Day One -
Tuesday, 14 March 2000
{2:00} The Capel Cure Sharp Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Most races at the Cheltenham Festival will be truly run, and there isn't
much doubt that this will be too. There doesn't appear to be many front
runners in the fields, and it could be a case of the occasion carrying those
who like to be handy forward a stride quicker than is ideal. As a result,
those blessed with a bit of pace appeal the most
3-21112 Admiral Wings {IRE} 6 Noel Meade in Ireland
501212 Baclama {FR} 4 Martin Pipe
1115-F12 Ballet-K 6 Jim Neville
112 Best Mate {IRE} 5 Henrietta Knight
21 Brother Joe {Nz} 6 Philip Hobbs
2112 Copeland 5 Martin Pipe
30- Dodjo {FR} 7 Etienne Leenders in France
10-211 Dusk Duel {USA} 5 Nicky Henderson
F4124 Eastwell Hall 5 Tom McGovern
11 Evening World {FR} 5 Martin Pipe
124 Far Cry {IRE} 5 Martin Pipe
31p Fleet Lad {USA} 5 Richard Frost
40 Genghis Khan {IRE} 4 Luke Comer in Ireland
1011 Halexy {FR} 5 Venetia Williams
5p Hero's Son {FR} 4 Ian Williams
4152 Iris Royal {FR} 4 Nicky Henderson
351 Kaiserstolz {GER} 7 Ian Williams
421131 La Landiere {FR} 5 Alan King
1 Landing Light {IRE} 5 Nicky Henderson
10 Lord Native {IRE} 5 Nicky Henderson
1121130 Miss Fara {FR} 5 Martin Pipe
1-1f2 Mr Lamb 5 Martin Pipe
2-11411 Phardante Flyer {IRE} 6 Philip Hobbs
11124 Rodock {FR} 6 Martin Pipe
11 Sausalito Bay 6 Noel Meade in Ireland
11 Seebald {GER} 5 Martin Pipe
0-1631 Silence Reigns 6 Paul Nicholls
111122 Stage Affair {USA} 6 Dermot Weld in Ireland
116 Through The Rye 4 Martin Pipe
1-111 Youlneverwalkalone {IRE} 6 Christy Roche in Ireland
514 Young American {IRE} 4 Christy Roche in Ireland
POSSIBLES WINNERS ;
Best Mate; {impressive in all of his starts, including his 2nd to Monsignor
last time out}; Copeland, {Good performances in handicap company after an
easy winner in novice company}, Dusk Duel, Has looked good in all his starts
this term, facile winner at Wetherby last time out}, Evening World, {placed
in Group class on the flat, has two easy wins behind him}; Far Cry {decent
stayer on the flat, has the ability, but will his sloppy jumping stand the
Cheltenham test} La Landiere {Still improving and won nicely at Sandown last
time out}; Mr Lamb {Has potential, but how good really was his 2nd to Deep
Water Last time out}; Rodock {Has rock solid form in novice and handicap
company, but was his bad run last time an indication that he'd had enough
for the season}; Saulsolito Bay {Has acquitted himself well in two runs in
ireland, and comes here in great heart} Seebald {Has looked good in two runs
in this country, and was particularly impressive last time out at Newbury}
Stage Affair {Decent runs in novice company before finishing a good 2nd in
the Irish Champion Hurdle, though you have to ask, how good is that form};
Youlneverwalkalone; {Has looked the part in three runs in ireland, and looks
the one the field has to beat}.
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION;
Its very hard to get away from Youlneverwalkalone, who does look one to
follow. The price doesn’t appeal to me personally, but I believe the horse
you consider backing should not be determined first by its price.
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Should they run, Best Mate, Seebald, Rodock, and Dusk Duel, are have solid
claims for a place, Best Mate would be my personal choice of these
What About A Long Shot ?
Landing Light had decent form on the flat in France, and he looked promising
when winning at Wincanton on his only start. He should start at a big price,
20/1 + and should accredit himself well
{2:35} The Irish Independent Arkle
Chase
A competitive renewal of The Arkle which is sure to be well contested.
Personally I wouldn't want to be on a horse which attempts to make all
normally, though they will always be exceptions to this rule. The race is
run probably a stride too quickly for novices, and unsurprisingly has proved
historically a good hunting ground for the future staying types as Tresor du
Mai typifies. Looking at this year's entry I'd be wary of the poor jumpers,
or the nervous type which a history of runs solely in smaller fields
4044-111 Bellator 7 Venetia Williams
Pf1f1211 Cenkos {FR} 6 Oliver Sherwood
21134-332 Commanche Court {IRE}7 Ted Walsh in Ireland
2122-11 Decoupage 8 Charlie Egerton
210-11512 Fadalko {FR} 7 Paul Nicholls
2416411 Frozen Groom {FR} 5 Noel Meade in Ireland
11121r2 Go Roger Go {IRE} 8 Edward O’Grady in Ireland
0044/2-453 Grimes 7 Christy Roche in Ireland
11u1rr La Brigantine {IRE} 7 Bob Buckler
13351122 Native Wit {IRE} 7 Ferdy Murphy
505-222125 New Inn 9 Steve Gollings
0-0p2p321 Rathbawn Prince {IRE}8 Dessie Hughes in Ireland
11u120-111 Samakaan {IRE} 7 Venetia Williams
5-216214 Skycab {IRE} 8 Josh Gifford
012-0122 Slaney Native {IRE} 7 Jessica Harrington in Ireland
022-1341 The Brewmaster {IRE}8 Ian Williams
1662-11 Tiutchev 7 Nicky Henderson
F30-26f12 Upgrade 6 Martin Pipe
0/12-112u Wahiba Sands 7 Martin Pipe
30-5p124u Wakeel {USA} 8 Mark Pitman
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Bellator,{Has looked good in winning all his starts but could be found
wanting in a competitive race}, Cenkos {looked good in beating Fadalko last
time out, but is prone to 'missing' one out}, Decoupage {Definitely looked
good when winning last time out at Sandown, but is debatable whether he
operates on an undulating track}; Fadalko {is better than his defeat by
Cenkos indicates, and is better judged on his previous start when beating
Wave Rock at Uttoxeter {winner since}, where he gave that horse 28lbs, and a
sound beating} Frozen Groom {Possible Ireland's best chance in this, and he
did look good when winning at Leopardstown last time} Tituchev {Definitely
has the ability to win this, but like Cenkos, I'm worried about his jumping
in a race of this nature}, Upgrade {Goes into this on the back on a good win
at Sandown, and a respectable 2nd to Flagship Uberailles at Newbury. Should
go well.} Wahiba Sands {Definitely possess the ability, but this is a big
ask on his chasing bow}
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
There are solid grounds to oppose some of these. Decoupage's 2nd in the
County Hurdle doesn’t convince me that he is suited by the track, he has
never won here, and I’d rather oppose him until he does, Cenkos Wahiba
Sands, and Tiutchev will go close if they put in a clean round of jumping,
but that is a big if, and whilst he looks good so far, part of me says that
Bellator may be found wanting in a competitive. This leaves Frozen Groom,
and Fadalko. Both of these have produce runs good enough to go close in
this, and both of these represent in my view good eachway bets, though I
marginally prefer Fadalko
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Selection and Frozen Groom
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
I'm not sure there is one, though Rathbawn Prince should accredit himself
well at a nice price
{3.15} Smurfit Champion Hurdle
This isn't likely to be
run at the searching pace that Limestone Lad would have guaranteed, however
in Make a Stand, Dato Star, and Sir Talbot, there is at the least the
certainty of a true run affair. Although I wouldn't be certain it would
work, I'd like to think that one of these jockeys is bold enough to take
Istabraq on, to at least make things interesting. We've learnt that if his
'sting' is drawn, he can be found wanting, and it is surprising that a
'sacrificial lamb' hasn't been entered to possibly set the scenario up.
Having said that, it is possible that the tactics employed so brilliantly by
Make a Stand in his victory could be vital factor in this, particularly if
he is sent on going into the country
1- Ashley Park {IRE} 6 Mark Pitman
Has the potential to be a great hurdler, but realistically is up against it.
However it wouldn’t surprise me if he gave notice of what could be to come
next term
15-02261 Balla Sola {IRE} 5 Willie Mullins in Ireland
Does appear to be up against it, however the race seems likely to be run to
suit and the Old Course suits his style of racing. An outsider with a place
chance
2211-10 Blue Royal {FR} 5 Nicky Henderson
On what he's done so far, you wouldn’t think he'd be good enough to beat
istabraq, however he goes into the race on the back on two solid run; an
honourable 6th in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury, and a defeat of Sir
Talbot at Ascot. Given the right conditions I can imagine him endorsing the
quality of that form.
0/1f3-111 Dato Star {IRE} 9 Malcolm Jefferson
You could legitimately argue that but for his recent cheltenham record, he'd
have an outstanding chance in this, however his record suggests that the
inclines, over obstacles anyway, don’t suit him, this seems plausible
since the course probably does ride differently at speed over jumps. It may
be purely insignificant but it does detract from his chances
1111-301 Hors La Loi Iii {FR} 5 Francois Doumen in France
Doesn’t seem the same horse that so enthralled us last season, and his
history of breaking blood vessels is off-putting. The most recent victory
over Auetaler gives him a chance of sorts, but there’s still a nagging
doubt about him in the back of my mind
111-1211 Istabraq {IRE} 8 Aidan O’Brien in Ireland
Almost impossible to fault this term, though Limestone's Lad win over him
proved he's mortal. I don’t think he's needed to be near his best to win
races this term, I'd go further if he was trained by anyone other trainer
with as poor a strike rate as Aidan O'Brien this term, you'd be concerned.
He is the favourite by rights....... are these really willing to try and
take him on.
1111-254 Katarino {FR} 5 Nicky Henderson
After a great run in France his season has rather fallen flat, and although
he's worked really well over the weekend, you have to wonder whether he's up
to taken this field on at this trip. It is also worth noting that the Old
Course, far from assisting him, could well hinder him if he comes off of the
bridle as he did in last season's Triumph hurdle victory. His saving grace
could be the race will be run to suit
141113-1 Lady Rebecca 8 Venetia Williams
Hasn’t convinced me that she could go well at the trip, and if the weather
remains as it is she'll go for the Stayers hurdle
111113//- Make A Stand 9 Martin Pipe
Normally you'd put a line through a horse who hadn’t run for so long but
arguably horse run best after long absences, so by accident he may arrive
here as well as they get him. He is an interesting proposition; if he's
allowed to dominate he could get many of these into trouble,.. conversely
his presence undermines Dato Star's claims since there must be a chance that
these two may take each other on.... Must have choices of sorts
U443-1f Mister Morose {IRE} 10 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Has had the wrong preparation for this, but he did last year and finished
4th. I can see him putting in a similar run but this is a better field that
last years event
00/16f-324 Mr Percy {IRE} 9 Josh Gifford
He has little bits of form that give him a squeak of an eachway placing, but
doesn’t appeal to me as much as others do in this field
215-4f2 Sir Talbot 6 Jim Old
Another horse who links in neatly with the best handicap form we have to
gauge this term. He is one of several candidates for a place, and given the
right ground should go well
111122 Stage Affair {USA} 6 Dermot Weld in Ireland
When thinking of Stage Affair, I remind myself of His Song and his gallant
effort in the Irish Champion Hurdle. It looks good on paper, but didn’t
stand up to scrutiny at Cheltenham next time out. He is suited by fast
ground and could run well on genuinely good ground but I personally question
whether he is up to it
0/4432-062 Theatreworld {IRE} 8 Aidan O’Brien in Ireland
He's been very disappointing this term, but I suppose he has been the last
three years going into the race, that fact makes him a eachway possible but
I think its more likely that he'll get going long after the fat lady began
singing !!!!
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Istabraq, and Dato Star
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Ive got to go with Istabraq, though I do think it will a lot closer than
many imagine it will be
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Since all bar Istabraq at eachway odds, they all appeal. If the ground
continues to dry out Sir Talbot, and Blue Royal appeal as horses who can
improve on their performances this term. I also think Ashley Park may
indicate his undoubted potential I have to go with Blue Royal
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Balla Sola, impressed in beating Theatreworld last time out, and is more
likely to be suited to the New Course than the long run in which enabled
Katarino to sweep past him in last year’s Triumph Hurdle. He wouldnt
surprise me if he made a bold show
{3.55} ~ William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase
This would be very interesting if Gloria Victis ran, however we now know
that he is a non starter. It is however fiercely competitive, and not a race
for those horses who need favours to get around. It is hard to win this race
from the front, and the winner normally does tend to come from the off of
the pace. Horse that have form over trips in excess of 3 miles do have a
good record
04-0p40 Pain Royal {FR} 10-12-00 Venetia Williams
P1-F2251 Spendid {IRE} 8-10-13 Alan King
5-4f133 Tresor De Mai {FR} 6-10-13 Martin Pipe
0-26f12 Upgrade 6-10-11 Martin Pipe
011-P5p Listen Timmy {Nz} 11-10-08 Alan King
B0-41121 Blowing Wind {FR} 7-10-07 Martin Pipe
33112-P Stormyfairweather {IRE} 8-10-06 Nicky Henderson
1ff-Pu12 Marlborough {IRE} 8-10-03 Nicky Henderson
2-1p2222 Niki Dee {IRE} 10-10-02 Peter Beaumont
4-241211 Beau {IRE} 7-10-02 Nigel Twiston-Davies
F1-1112 Edmond {FR} 8-10-02 Henry Daly
40-221f1 Windross 8-10-02 Alan King
222f-3pp Fiddling The Facts {IRE}9-10-02 Nicky Henderson
311-4223 Bouchasson {FR} 7-10-00 Philip Hobbs
1-25112 Star Traveller 9-9-13 Henry Daly
122-133 Village King {IRE} 7-9-12 Philip Hobbs
Pp-1f311 Moondigua {IRE} 8-9-12 Martin Pipe
2-13213 Good Vibes 8-9-11 Oliver Sherwood
00-6520 Senor El Betrutti {IRE}11-9-11 Susan Nock
5332-113 Browjoshy {IRE} 7-9-06 Mark Pitman
12104-3 Torduff Express {IRE} 9-9-06 Paul Nicholls
5-32310 Native Estates {IRE} 8-9-05 Noel Meade in Ireland
F422f3 Prince Sorinieres {FR} 5-9-05 Martin Pipe
16-42041 Supreme Charm {IRE} 8-9-04 Kim Bailey
44-12216 The Gopher {IRE} 11-9-04 David Wintle
12f52-10 Scotia Nostra {IRE} 8-9-01 Venetia Williams
12-2432 Avanti Express {IRE} 10-8-10 Charlie Egerton
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Spendid, particularly if Pain Royal keeps the weights down, he was a good
winner at Wincanton last time out; Tresor de Mai closely matched with him on
their run at Ascot; Blowing Wind, interesting if he gets this trip; Beau and
Edmond, have decent staying performance behind them and will go well;
Browjoshy, Windross, and Moondigua are good winner in novice company and
should go well; Scotia Nostra appeals in the weights go up
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Has to be Malborough, he is finally getting his act together over fences,
and must go close if he puts in a clear round, Spendid would be the
alternative if he runs in this instead of the Gold Cup
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Martin Pipe's runners Moondigua, Blowing Wind and Tresor de Mai all have run
well at the track, and are likely to be aided if the ground continues to dry
up I also like the look of Browjoshy who should also acquit himself well.
I'll go with Moondigua, if he goes in this, or Browjoshy if he goes for the
next race.
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Because of his poor jumping on soft ground, Tresor de Mai may start at a
good price, particularly if AP deserts him .
{4.30}- Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase
This race is confined to amateur riders. It is usually won by a decent
stayer, and is normally a good trial for horses entered in the Grand
National, The runners normally set off at a pace too quick for the runners
to get home, particularly on quick ground and the emphasis is always then
placed on stamina. Like the previous race, horses that have won over trips
in excess of 3 miles do have a decent record.
656543-2 Carlus Major {FR} 10-12-00 Etienne Leenders Fr
311-4223 Bouchasson {FR} 7-11-12 Philip Hobbs
1-25112 Star Traveller 9-11-11 Henry Daly
Pp-1f311 Moondigua {IRE} 8-11-10 Martin Pipe
21-2fpp4 Esprit De Cotte {FR} 8-11-09 Nicky Henderson
F11-16u Tremallt {IRE} 9-11-06 Tom George
21121f1 Alpine Gale {IRE} 8-11-04 Don Cantillon
2bf-132 Rightsaidfred 12-11-04 Anna Newton-Smith
52-121u Lancastrian Jet {IRE} 9-11-03 Henry Daly
2p1-P3p3 Lord Of The West {IRE} 11-11-03 Jonjo O’Neill
F422f3 Prince Sorinieres {FR} 5-11-03 Martin Pipe
16-42041 Supreme Charm {IRE} 8-11-02 Kim Bailey
12f52-10 Scotia Nostra {IRE} 8-10-13 Venetia Williams
Fu223/1- General Pongo 11-10-09 Paul Webber
3r/11pp- Celtic Giant 10-10-08 Len Lungo
12-2432 Avanti Express {IRE} 10-10-08 Charlie Egerton
4220p/5- Stormtracker {IRE} 11-10-08 Lady Herries
04-2324 Noble Lord 7-10-07 Richard Phillips
01/5-331 Casterbridge 8-10-05 Mandy Bowlby
1-212341 Honey Mount 9-10-03 Robert Alner
32p11-1 Marching Marquis {IRE} 9-10-03 Gary Brown
123153-3 Clifton Set 9-10-02 Charlie Mann
2/101-F4 Careysville {IRE} 9-10-01 Venetia Williams
251-5152 Act In Time {IRE} 8-10-01 Tom George
144423- Nordic Breeze {IRE} 8-9-13 Martin Pipe
14p-252 Shannon Gale {IRE} 8-9-13 Christy Roche in Ireland
5-P353u13 Folly Road {IRE} 10-9-12 Dai Williams
01331-P2 Toni's Tip {IRE} 8-9-12 Ferdy Murphy
16-2111r Cherokee Boy 8-9-11 John Ryall
2-1f02f Clash Of The Gales {IRE}8-9-10 Tom Hogan in Ireland
5-303023 Magical Approach {IRE}10-9-10 Liam Burke in Ireland
2f1635 Enivrant {FR} 8-9-08 Martin Pipe
F-212251 Golden Drum {IRE} 10-9-07 Ian Williams
2-16643 Lady Of Gortmerron {IRE}8-9-06 Nigel Twiston-Davies
Pp-21104 Ontheboil {IRE} 9-9-06 Venetia Williams
F522u1f Nibalda {IRE} 8-9-05 Paul Nolan in Ireland
3-0650f4 Hardiman {IRE} 7-9-03 Christy Roche in Ireland
1ff-25p2 Wisley Warrior 9-9-01 Nigel Twiston-Davies
6124511 Change The Script {IRE}10-9-00 Paul Nolan in Ireland
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Bouchasson, and Scotia Nostra attempt to hold up the Racing Post Chase form;
Moondigua, and Alpine Gale have performed well in novice company, and can go
close. Celtic Giant goes well fresh, and of course won this last year,
Shannon Gale Cherokee Boy, and Marching Marquis, are interesting horses with
useful handicap and hunter chase form lurking at the foot of the handicap
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Shannon Gale looks to have been laid out for this and off of 9-13 looks
attractive weighted to take this
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Marching Marquis, Cherokee Boy {only if the ground continues to dry out} and
Moondigua appeal. The latter gets the nod of these though
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Marching Marquis is worth keeping an eye on
5.05 Ladbrokes Casinos Gold Card Hurdle Final
Considering the trip, the runners normally go off at a frenetic. I would
guess that it is one of the few races run over 3m2f, at this pace, and as a
result, it does always fall to horses with an abundance of stamina. I'd
avoid front runners in this, and would be looking for something that
historically can lay midfield, or at the back and come off of the pace.
12-2465 Moorish 10-12-00 Nigel Twiston-Davies
010-1212 Merry Masquerade {IRE}9-11-09 Mary Reveley
341551 Rubhahunish {IRE} 9-11-02 Nigel Twiston-Davies
3-22ffp Generosa 7-11-01john Hassett in Ireland
02p/-4603 Gysart {IRE} 11-11-00 Martin Pipe
1-12516 Papo Kharisma 10-10-12 Philip Hobbs
0-11160 Heros Fatal {FR} 6-10-10 Martin Pipe
2-11530 Daraydan {IRE} 8-10-09 Martin Pipe
04131//-1 Font Romeu {FR} 7-10-06 Martin Pipe
1p-4p20 Country Beau 8-10-06 Jeff King
0-64041 Flying Gunner 9-10-05 Alan King
64420-5 Darapour {IRE} 6-10-05 Aidan O’Brien in Ireland
221304 Picket Piece 9-10-04 Alan King
4440-36 Allegation 10-10-03martin Pipe
11-104f2 You're Agoodun 8-10-02 Martin Pipe
51/36p/-2 Warner For Players {IRE}9-10-01 Martin Pipe
1013-10 Tilty {USA} 10-10-00 Andy Streeter
102440 Hayaain 7-09-12 Kim Bailey
61-2424 Take Five {IRE} 7-09-12 John Kiely in Ireland
121112 Reverse Charge 8-09-11 Chris Grant
501-1131 Take Control {IRE} 6-09-08 Martin Pipe
44-Fp64 Jathib {Can} 9-09-07 Martin Pipe
211264 Wontcostalotbut 6-09-07 Mark Wilkinson
020-1001 Royale Angela {FR} 8-09-05 Jim Neville
04-5110 Coq Hardi Diamond {IRE}6-09-05 Noel Meade in Ireland
222u33 Springfield Scally 7-09-03 Steve Gollings
4-3p4f2 Master Rastus 7-09-03 Sarah Williams
3231250 Give Over {IRE} 7-09-00 Eddie Hales in Ireland
P2-034p6 Storm Castle {IRE} 8-08-12david Arbuthnot
60-20263 Minella Storm {IRE} 8-08-10 David Wintle
6-30460 The Cushman {IRE} 9-08-08 Clifford Wilkinson in Ireland
6f3//-P304 Tragic Hero 8-08-05 Martin Pipe
0620304 Roscrea Travel {IRE} 8-08-04 Young in Ireland
406445 Cromwell {IRE} 5-08-02 Michael Chapman
04p-00p Allez Wijins {USA} 11-08-01 Nicky Henderson
03-P200 Treasure Chest {IRE} 5-06-11 Martin Pipe
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Darapour, and Font Romeu, appear to have been laid out for this. Gysart,
Reverse Charge, Rubhanunish, Flying Gunner, Merry Masquerade, and Picket
Piece all have decent staying form and must enter calculations Generosa
landed a touch for me in this last year and is worth considering if the
ground continues to dry out. Take Control, and Coq Hardi Diamond, are
novices worthy of note
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
I have made no secret of the fact that I think Font Romeu is a name to
remember, and he looks as good as ever when winning his first race for 1000+
days in December. Many punters landed a touch that day, and will be looking
to do the same here. Here’s hoping for a repeat in this
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Coq Hardi Diamond was a ridiculously easy winner of the Irish qualifier, and
looks attractive at around 20s
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