Day Three - Thursday, 16 March 2000

{2.00} ~ Elite Racing Club Triumph Hurdle 
Should be a near maximum field in this. Looking at how the race's history I appreciate why this race favours future stayers. The New Course seems to be two disciplines in one; the first half of the race suit the agile horse with the six flight of hurdles to cover. The complexion changes in the second half, this is a long galloping mile with two hurdles evenly spaced out. So many times on this course, horses hopelessly placed at halfway have been able to get back into the race, which would be impossible to do on the Old Course. I wouldn't want to be on a front runner in this.

0 Accounting 4 Henrietta Knight

4 Anamore 4 Charlie Mann 

111145 Angie Marinie 4 Martin Pipe

52 Ansar {IRE} 4 Dermot Weld in Ireland

P23 April Allegro {FR} 4 Ferdy Murphy 

Architect {IRE} 4 Nicky Henderson 

11 Asador {FR} 4 Francois Rohaut in France

501212 Baclama {FR} 4 Martin Pipe 

21 Bangalore 4 Amanda Perrett

Bayard Lady 4 Lee Lloyd-James 

1111 Bring Sweets 4 Martin Pipe 

03132034 Calico Lady 4 Michael Hourigan in Ireland

1f6 Calladine {IRE} 4 Stephen Mahon in Ireland

1 Canta Ke Brave {USA} 4 Jim Old

P1151 Captain Miller 4 Nicky Henderson 

324 Creux Noir {IRE} 4 Dermot Weld in Ireland

2311 Delayed {FR} 4 Henrietta Knight

2224 Donatus {IRE} 4 Simon Dow

0 Ebinzayd {IRE} 4 Jim Old 

2 Entertainer {IRE} 4 Paul Nicholls 

10112202 Estacado {IRE} 4 Seamus Mullins

16 Eternal Night {FR} 4 Noel Meade in Ireland 

Eton {GER} 4 Venetia Williams 

11111p Exit To Wave {FR} 4 Jacques Ortet in France

11114 Fable {USA} 4 Noel Meade in Ireland

122144 Face The Class {IRE} 4 Martin Pipe

0 Franchetti 4 Micky Hammond 

4322 French Style {IRE} 4 Dessie Hughes in Ireland

0323542 Gabby Hayes {IRE} 4 Ted Walsh in Ireland

1 General Cloney {IRE} 4 Willie Mullins in Ireland

4 Genghis Khan {IRE} 4 Luke Comer in Ireland

Golden Eye {FR} 4 Charlie Egerton 

5 Greyfield {IRE} 4 Mick Channon 

Hero's Son {FR} 4 Ian Williams 

01121 High Stakes 4 Christy Roche in Ireland

333 Ibal {FR} 4 Paul Nicholls

124425 Jaguar 4 Nigel Twiston-Davies

2 Kattegat 4 Jim Old 

King's Travel {FR} 4 David Bridgwater

2311314 L'epicurien {FR} 4 Martin Pipe 

13 Lady Coldunell 4 Neville Callaghan 

23 Ledham {USA} 4 Charlie Mann 

314 Lord Brex {FR} 4 Philip Hobbs 

5 Martial Eagle {IRE} 4 Charlie Mann 

63 Mirjan {IRE} 4 Len Lungo 

111 Mister Banjo {FR} 4 Nicky Henderson 

U121321 Mixsterthetrixster {USA}4Tim Easterby 

2 Murray River {FR} 4 Micky Hammond 

12 Oro Street {IRE} 4 David Bridgwater 

Paperweight 4 Karen George

Pekan Heights {USA} 4 Charlie Egerton 

1f10p Perugino Diamond {IRE} 4 Martin Pipe 

13 Regal Exit {FR} 4 Nicky Henderson

Reiziger {FR} 4 David Bridgwater 

42114 Snow Drop {FR} 4 Francois Doumen in France

021251 Sungazer {IRE} 4 Noel Meade in Ireland 

11 Through The Rye 4 Martin Pipe 

2112 Topacio 4 Pat Hughes in Ireland 

52433 Tumbleweed Glen {IRE} 4 Peter Kelsall Debbie Key 

1 Urban Hymn {IRE} 4 Martin Pipe

1 Valiramix {FR} 4 Jim Weeden Martin Pipe

510 Whispering Wind 4 Eddie Hales in Ireland 

103 Wild Arms {FR} 4 Edward O'Grady in Ireland

514 Young American {IRE} 4 Christy Roche in Ireland

2231 Zahari {IRE} 4 Venetia Williams 

POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Nicky Henderson has a strong hand with Architect, Regal Exit, and Mister Banjo lining up. Asador and Exit to Wave winner of some decent prizes in the french provinces have been brought by the Nichol’s camp. Bring Sweets, and L'Epicurien and Valiatrix have run well and give Martin Pipe good chances. Fable and High Stake, Sungazer and Topacio have been running well in Ireland and will be suited by how the race will be run. Snowdrop underlined her claims with a good win last time out at Kempton 
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
In view of my earlier comments, I have to eliminate Miser Banjo from deliberations. Conditions will be different to when he won his initial starts, and he doesn’t seem likely to be suit by the hurly burly of the race on sticky but drying ground, he wasn’t impressive last time out either. Regal Exit was made to look slow by Bring Sweets, and his jumping is a bit hit and miss, That horse and Valiatrix give Pipe a god chance of another win, however if she reproduces the form of her last run Snowdrop looks the one to be on. 
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Fable Asador and Exit to Wave appeal, and does Valiatrix who I think will go close. He would be my choice of these
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
If he's ridden with more restraint than last time, when he went off like the proverbial scalded cat, L'Epicurien could go well at a big price particularly as he's almost certain not going to be ridden by Mr McCoy

{3.15} ~ Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup 
Well its crunch time, and whilst these frankly aren't a vintage crop they look certain to serve up a classic. Potentially we have the prospect of Gloria Victis and The Last Fling serving it to the field. See More Business and Looks Like Trouble like to be handy as well, so will they try to demoralise these two by taking them on early on. What about Ireland's hope Florida Pearl? Does he really stay this trip ?, and is he man enough to take the spoils ? 

110-114 Alexander Banquet {IRE} 7 Willie Mullins in Ireland
Hard to entertain after some lacklustre efforts in novice company, and is more likely to run in the Sun Alliance Chase anyway

21/64up-2ppp Bitofamixup {IRE} 9 Mike Roberts 
Disappointing after a respectable first run, and is a no hoper making up the numbers

111f-11 Brother Of Iris {IRE} 7 Mary Reveley
Non runner after sustaining an injury in the Racing Post Chase

111-42 Castle Mane {IRE} 8 Caroline Bailey
A poor preparation, and a couple of lacklustre runs have ensured his absence from the race, and the Festival

212124- Collier Bay 10 Jim Old 
Little realistic chance on last season's form, and yet to race this term

F1f1f//3-f3 Danoli {IRE} 12 Tom Foley in Ireland 
Nice to see him back, however sensibly will miss this after failing to return to former glories, he has to win his next race decisively to be entertained 

03-421p Dorans Pride {IRE} 11 Michael Hourigan in Ireland 
Doesn't really quite have it anymore at the highest level but is still good enough to nick a place on a 'going' day

202f-452 Escartefigue {FR} 8 Paul Nicholls 
Little realistic chance on this season's form, and not certain to run, (needs appreciable cut in the ground). He might be interesting if we had that miracle 

111f-11 Ever Blessed {IRE} 8 Mark Pitman 
Hard to fault the form figures but like many of the principles, how good is their form really. Spendid has taken a while to frank the Hennessy forms that form, and whilst he is open to significant improvement, I am wary of a horse whose claim to fame is a win of a handicap off of 10-0, even allowing for the fact he was out of the handicap..... a possible, but no more than that 

F132-1211 Florida Pearl {IRE} 8 Willie Mullins in Ireland 
Another example of a vanquished horse taking a slating from punters simply because he got beat,... it does and will happen. Only two doubts rest in my mind.....{1} His attitude/aptitude; whether Willie Mullins has hindered his progression by his mollycoddling him, he has always looks until recently, as though he lacked the necessary skills to battle;.. and {2} the trip, he definitely gets 3m1f, but does he get the rest in a true run heat. If he wasn't 100% last year, and yet he to within 20 lengths of See More Business, in my view he should be on everyone's shortlist 

23-3131 Gloria Victis {FR} 6 Martin Pipe 
The Joker in the pack, you cannot give too much praise in my view of how refreshing his rise through the national hunt ranks has been, and his demolition job in the Racing Post Chase deserves the highest plaudits. I am much taken by his ability to sustain such a strong pace, almost two mile pace over 3 miles. A must for your shortlist however if he's your fancy, you must consider the following; {1} his lack of experience at this level; {2} The trip, I suspect he'll get it, but appreciate that as yet he hasn't; {3} His tactics, it is almost certain that he'll be taken on, though whether that is a wise tactic, should be a topic of conversation in itself, and {4} The course, he does jump to his right, though to negate that concern, so did Desert Orchid, who never won round the Old Course, but of won this race on the New Course

P224-22 Go Ballistic 11 Alan King 
Good and honest as he is I don't rate his chances at all of winning this but must have an eachway chance

15f-323 His Song {IRE} 7 Mouse Morris in Ireland 
A doubtful runner, and not good enough

111-31p1 Looks Like Trouble {IRE} 8 Noel Chance
Another vanquished horse who answered his critics in no uncertain terms after flopping in the King George He looked good in the Pillar Chase, however Dr Leunt's demise and the obvious failure of Majadou to stay takes an edge off of that form. He does though have an obvious chance 

6441-4p Macgeorge {IRE} 10 Richard Lee 
Little realistic chance on this season's form, and not certain to run

23-6324 Mulligan {IRE} 10 Alan King 
Another one who appears to have little realistic chance on last season's form, and yet to win over this trip

121-321 Rince Ri {IRE} 7 Ted Walsh in Ireland 
Slightly disappointing in the Irish equivalent, but does give the impression that the trip/race will suit, and must have a eachway chance at least on his previous run

1p31-111 See More Business {IRE}Paul Nicholls 
I'm probably doing him an injustice, but I'm still not sure about him... don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the horse, its the standard of his achievement. Whilst there is no knocking his victory of Looks Like Trouble at the beginning of the season, I am not exactly crazy about the King George form, and his win in the AON Chase serves to remind me of how low he gets at his obstacles. If Dr Leunt and Go Ballistic are accurate gauges of his form this term, he doesn't appear as far ahead of this field as the official handicapper currently has him. Deserves to be current favourite but is plenty short enough at present, and is not unbeatable 

200-652 Senor El Betrutti {IRE} 11 Susan Nock
Little realistic chance on this season's form

2p1-F226 Spendid {IRE} 8 Alan King 
Disappointing for me this term , however I like the way he won at Wincanton last time out, and he would be suited by a grueling race like the Gold Cup, therefore if the ground continues to dry out he is developing into an interesting eachway choice

2223/-54 Strong Promise {IRE} 9 
Doesn't appear to be the horse of old, he's sacrificed the speed of his youth, and has matures into a stronger, but slower version . His last couple of runs suggest that a step up in trip is required, and whilst he has something to find it wouldn't surprise me if he ran creditably 

31/53-13 The Grey Monk {IRE} 12 Nicky Richards 
Little realistic chance on this season's form, and wont run after taking an X-rated fall last time at Kelso

04-U142 The Last Fling {IRE} 10 Sue Smith 
Whilst I'm still not convinced he's up to winning, you had to be impressed by the ease of his win at Haydock, evidently the attacking style of riding Seamus Durack provides suits him. Another one with eachway pretensions 

225-4f13 Tresor De Mai {FR}. 6 Martin Pipe
On this season's form, he appears to need to find something on the book form to win, and I suspect he is more likely to run in one of the handicaps. Decent ground will aid his rather sloppy jumping

02-112f 2Tullymurry Toff {IRE} 9 Malcolm Jefferson 
Frankly would have better claims in one of the handicap,.... no chance in this.

U111-0613 Young Kenny 9 J Read Peter Beaumont 
Very good win in the National Trial at Uttoxeter, again might run better than some feel on the right ground, but is not a better proposition until nearer the time

POSSIBLES WINNERS;
See More Business, Florida Pearl, Gloria Victis, Looks Like Trouble, Ever Blessed, Spendid, Rince Ri
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
This is a championship race, tear up the form book, and apply a bit of logic.
Most observers believe this is a great race,.. Id agree, some say top class,... I’d beg to differ. As good a horse as Go Ballistic is, he is a decent handicapper and no more. He succeeds in devaluing a lot of the relevant formlines. Therefore Looks Like Trouble and See More Business are vulnerable and poor odds. Similar comments apply to Gloria Victis, though hopefully his Racing Post win will be boosted by the time of the race. 
I have a picture in my mind created by listening to what I’ve heard punters say. Most people assume that Gloria Victis will set a strong pace, and try and make all. I concur with this and believe he is likely to go faster than some of the main principles have been this season, ever even. We start to differ from then on. 
{Observation 1} - Most think Gloria Victis will fall by the wayside as Looks Like Trouble, The Last Fling, and See More Business stretch and test him for the first circuit. Pace judgement is important because those who try this tactic arguably are going too fast for their own good, if you’re within 5 lengths of him early on you’re racing at his pace, and not the other way round. I don’t think there is any doubt about Gloria Victis at the trip, and if this analogy occurs, I could see an all the way win for him, and I think its his price that is dissuading some from this view, and nothing else. If that’s your perception have a saver bet on him.
{Observation 2} - There has to be a very good chance that the top three in the market are going to be racing a stride too quickly for their own good, and therefore must be are vulnerable to a finisher. If I looked at the formbook Go Ballistic, Rince Ri, Spendid and Ever Blessed don’t look good enough, however based on the likelihood or a fierce pace they have great chances of causing an upset. I haven’t mentioned Florida Pearl either. I’ve never had any doubt about the trip with him, and he seems a little tougher mentally of last. If his rider’s sensible and lets the leaders get on with it on the first lap if he really stays the trip he’ll never get a better chance being handed the spoils.

Which is more likely ? As much as it would be good for racing if Gloria Victis did win, If you believe my second observation is a strong possibility then you’ll agree with me and back Florida Pearl (eachway) who is my selection. So many people feel certain he cant win that its possible he’ll go off at a nice price, he’s already starting to drift, I’ve seen 7/1 on him, and on the day I suspect he’ll be bigger or around that price for a time.. 
ARE THERE ANY OTHER EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
I would have gone with Spendid if he runs, but as the ground continues to dry Rince Ri’s chances of a place improve 
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Strong Promise interests me, as I think he’ll confirm that he now requires a trip in excess of 2m5f. I can see him running creditably

{3.55} ~ Christie's Foxhunter Chase 
Castle Mane's defection does detract from this, but it has made it a more competitive affair as a result. There is plenty of pace in the race and suspect stamina will almost certainly be exposed

111-42 Castle Mane {IRE} 8-12-00 Caroline Bailey
2350p-2 Cavalero 11-12-00 John Manners
5///P2up1- Charden 14-12-00 Seamus Mullins
36/11p-4 Charmer's Well {IRE} 12-12-00 Gary Brown 
1-11 Gunner Welburn 8-12-00 Caroline Bailey 
13-F2 Knight Of Passion 8-12-00 Pauline Tizzard 
323112- Last Option 8-12-00 Robin Tate
25/20/-11 Little Buck {IRE} 12-12-00 Lawrence Wells 
405p-12 Manhattan Rainbow {IRE}9-12-00 Joan Hollands 
32p11-1 Marching Marquis {IRE} 9-12-00 Gary Brown
4534//1-23 Master Of Troy 12-12-00 Theresa Mccurrich 
2134/-11 Mighty Moss {IRE} 9-12-00 Alan King 
0/F1-2p3 Mr Dow Jones {IRE} 8-12-00 Linda Goldsworthy
5/0/P/1p1- Muntafi 9-12-00 Simon Lewis 
121-131 Sheltering {IRE} 8-12-00 Edward O'Grady in Ireland
3/112-2 Skip'n'time 10-12-00 Richard Miller 
P13f-22 Spot Thedifference {IRE}7-12-00 Enda Bolger in Ireland
311u-1f Trade Dispute {IRE} 8-12-00 Edwin Tuer 
0/200//4-1 Dan's Your Man {IRE} 8-12-00 Paul Cashman in Ireland
P//P3-5 Forest Fountain {IRE} 9-12-00 Helen Needham 
P Fresh Prince 12-12-00 Jelly Nolan
1/14fpp- Gillan Cove {IRE} 11-12-00 Susie Old
00p4//-1 It's Himself 8-12-00 Tony Martin in Ireland
F0000/1-11 Lakefield Rambler {IRE}8-12-00 Richard Barber
0/P50-33 Makin' Doo {IRE} 10-12-00 R G Makin
1410p/-P Opera Fan {IRE} 8-12-00 Lisa Llewellyn
-f11 Real Value {IRE} 9-12-00 Di Grissell
412640//- Solba {USA} 11-12-00 Andrew Dalton
-12The Hobbit {IRE} 7-12-00 Richard Barber 
2- 1Whatafellow {IRE} 10-12-00 Sheila Crow
1/-13 Brambledown {IRE} 9-11-09 Belinda Sillars 
340-P0p Coolvawn Lady {IRE} 11-11-09 David Brace
2/1111-0 Grimley Gale {IRE} 11-11-09 Mark Jackson
1-p11 Miss O'Grady (IRE) 8-11-09 Louise Alner

POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Grimley Gale, Brambledown, Sheltering, Mighty Moss, Real Value, Cavalero, Its Himself
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Everything seems to be coming right for Sheltering and he has impressed me on ground less likely to suit than today’s . He appeals chiefly at the expense of Mighty Moss, and Real Value, who both has claims but there lack of experience of regulation fences could prove costly
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
If they’re ready for this Grimley Gale and Last Option must go well, as should Brambledown if he turns up. I’d go with Grimley Gale 
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Lakefield Rambler if he takes his chance 

{4.30} ~ Grand Annual Handicap Chase 
Fortunately it is almost certain that the weight will go up at least 14lbs as most of the top horses are likely to defect. I'd hope so because most of the runners would be significantly out of the weights. A good race for first season novices, who almost always get in on a good mark

143200 Echo Des Mottes {FR} 8-12-00 Etienne Leenders in France

11-1121 Flagship Uberalles {IRE}6-12-00 Paul Nicholls 

4-06006 Pickland {FR} 9-12-00 Etienne Leenders in France

1/113-P4 Call Equiname 10-11-00 Paul Nicholls

1f1-1111 Rockforce 8-10-10 Paul Nicholls 

15-0143 Majadou {FR} 6-10-09 Martin Pipe 

3343322 Celibate {IRE} 9-10-07 Charlie Mann

0-11p15 The Outback Way {IRE} 10-10-05 Venetia Williams 

245-430 Space Trucker {IRE} 9-10-05Jessica Harrington in Ireland 

F1f1211 Cenkos {FR} 6-10-04 Oliver Sherwood 

545u0-5 Lake Kariba 9-10-00 Venetia Williams

1110-2f1 Aghawadda Gold {IRE} 8-10-00 Tom Tate 

1-24452 Klairon Davis {FR} 11-9-12 Arthur Moore in Ireland 

3-223311 Irbee 8-9-11 , Paul Nicholls

126614 Cumbrian Challenge {IRE}11-9-10 Tim Easterby

41-3143 Hill Society {IRE} 8-9-07 Noel Meade in Ireland

2/101f-1 Easter Ross 7-9-05 Nicky Henderson

43f-125 Hurricane Lamp 9-9-04 Alan King 

13/2/-5421 Amancio {USA} 9-9-03 Amanda Perrett

P-543022 Green Green Desert {FR}9-9-03 Paul Nicholls 

36615632 Chief's Song 10-9-02 Simon Dow 

0f4121u Carandrew {FR} 7-9-02 Martin Pipe 

1u120-11 Samakaan {IRE} 7-9-01 Venetia Williams

2f4321 Amberleigh House {IRE}8-9-01 Michael Hourigan in Ireland 

P233-23 Manhattan Castle {IRE}11-9-00 Arthur Moore in Ireland

4-2r52r Dines {IRE} 8-9-00 Paul Nicholls 

11121r2 Go Roger Go {IRE} 8-8-13 Edward O'Grady in Ireland 

314221- Clifton Beat {USA} 9-8-13 Philip Hobbs

134-332 Commanche Court {IRE}7-8-13 Ted Walsh in Ireland 

26/-11p1 Polydamas 8-8-11 Kim Bailey 

10-12133 Jungli {IRE} 7-8-10 Paul Webber

20-1f411 Leaburn {IRE} 7-8-08 Philip Hobbs 

021-223 Dantes Cavalier {IRE} 10-8-08 David Gandolfo 

062/12-3 Whip Hand {IRE} 9-8-07 Jimmy Fitzgerald

0/1p1-P4 Sydney Twothousand {NZ}10-8-06 Noel Meade in Ireland 

U31f15f Mazileo 7-8-05 Ian Williams

10-11321 More Than A Stroll {IRE}8-8-03 Arthur Moore in Ireland 

4-211233 Sursum Corda 9-8-03 Henry Daly 

105/40-6 Arctic Weather {IRE} 11-8-03 Toby Balding

30/4-423 Arctic Kinsman 12-8-00 Jim Old

12f321 Wave Rock 5-7-13 Philip Hobbs

22-1341 The Brewmaster {IRE} 8-7-12Ian Williams 

662125 Canadiane {FR} 5-7-12 Martin Pipe 

413211 Adamatic {IRE} 9-7-07 Dick Allan

0652f3 Corniche {IRE} 5-7-04 Nigel Twiston-Davies

40-P1202 Count Karmuski 8-7-03 Ferdy Murphy

4521063 Morstock 10-7-01 Ron Hodges

Impossible to evaluate until we know for certain what the weights will be, however 
POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Easter Ross, Irbee, Samakaan, Carandrew, More than a Stroll, Go Roger Go
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Easter Ross looks potentially thrown if the weight go up a stone, and would have to be the choice Samakaan stands by to be the second choice
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Carandrew would appeal if he went for this, as would More than a Stroll, and Go Roger Go assuming they go. More Than a Stroll would be my choice
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Mazileo could go well at a nice price


{5.05} Cathcart Chase 
The best intermediate chase run in the season, in which none of the likeliest runners appear to have been 'let in' lightly. They should go at a healthy pace but not as briskly as some of the championship races will be run.
1-4223 Bouchasson {FR} 7-11-12 Philip Hobbs 
4-24252 Cockney Lad {IRE} 11-11-12 Noel Meade in Ireland
F-32341 His Song {IRE} 7-11-12 Mouse Morris in Ireland
33112-P Stormyfairweather {IRE}8-11-12 Nicky Henderson
12p-5164 Korakor {FR} 6-11-07 Tim Easterby 
1p3-0u1 Makounji {FR} 6-11-07 Nicky Henderson 
5-32310 Native Estates {IRE} 8-11-07 Noel Meade in Ireland
110-2f1 Aghawadda Gold {IRE} 8-11-03 Tom Tate 
0-41121 Blowing Wind {FR} 7-11-03 Martin Pipe
11-121u Castle Sweep {IRE} 9-11-03 Alan King
221454 Connor Macleod {IRE} 7-11-03 Mark Pitman
0-11512 Fadalko {FR} 7-11-03 Paul Nicholls 
U20-133 Feathered Leader {IRE}8-11-03Arthur Moore in Ireland 
3-31311 Gloria Victis {FR} 6-11-03 Martin Pipe
1121r2 Go Roger Go {IRE} 8-11-03 Edward O'Grady in Ireland
3-1u11p Lanturn {IRE} 10-11-03 Pat Hughes in Ireland
15-0143 Majadou {FR} 6-11-03 Martin Pipe 
Ff-Pu12 Marlborough {IRE} 8-11-03 Nicky Henderson 
3133-11 Native King {IRE} 8-11-03 Ted Stanners 
221-111 Native Upmanship {IRE} 7-11-03 Arthur Moore in Ireland
6-42041 Supreme Charm {IRE} 8-11-03 Kim Bailey
122113 Toto Toscato {FR} 6-11-03 Alan King 
F11-16u Tremallt {IRE} 9-11-03 Tom George 
5-4f133 Tresor De Mai {FR} 6-11-03 Martin Pipe
122-133 Village King {IRE} 7-11-03 Philip Hobbs
524115 Bangabunny 10-11-00 Sue Bramall in Ireland
134-332 Commanche Court {IRE}7-11-00 Ted Walsh in Ireland
213-F20 Dawn Leader {IRE} 9-11-00 Ted Stanners
2/101f-1 Easter Ross 7-11-00 Nicky Henderson
2-13213 Good Vibes 8-11-00 Oliver Sherwood
3441p2 Mr Markham {IRE} 8-11-00 Josh Gifford
5-22212 New Inn 9-11-00 Steve Gollings
132341 Paddy's Return {IRE} 8-11-00 Ferdy Murphy
26/-11p1 Polydamas 8-11-00 Kim Bailey 
463241 Prince Wot A Mess {IRE}9-11-00 Dianne Coleman in Ireland
1///14/-1p Rowington 9-11-00 Alan King
U120-11 Samakaan {IRE} 7-11-00 Venetia Williams
216214 Skycab {IRE} 8-11-00 Josh Gifford
4f21p3 Strong Arrow {IRE} 7-11-00 Chris Kinane 
22-1341 The Brewmaster {IRE} 8-11-00 Ian Williams 
0-00022 Vitus {USA} 8-11-00 Don Kelly in Ireland
062/12-3 Whip Hand {IRE} 9-11-00 Jimmy Fitzgerald 
2-11222 Young Spartacus 7-11-00 Henry Daly 
51-F124 Arlas {FR} 5-10-12 ,Paul Nicholls 
44-1212 Lady Cricket {FR} 6-10-12 Martin Pipe
4-F1112 Native Charm {IRE} 8-10-12 Charlie Morlock

{Quite a few entries have this as an option in case Plan A goes wrong. Ive ignored those and concentrated on horse principally aimed at the race}

POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Stormyfairweather, Castle Sweep, Tresor de Mai, Toto Toscato, Lady Cricket Majadou, and Samakaan
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
Castle Sweep has been laid out for this and looks to have a good chance in this. Majadou at his best trip would be 2nd choice 
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
Stormyfairweather is being aimed at this and would go close if he’s back to his best
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
Korakor better than his first run in Britain indicates




{5.40} Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle 
The last hurrah !!. This should be a good finale, with a fast pace assured. It is conceivable that a first season novice can win this, though personally I'd be concerned about placing faith in one, particularly with no experience of racing in large fields We are fortunate that this season's handicap hurdle form appears to be rock solid, which assists my deliberations. 

215-4f2 Sir Talbot 6-12-00 Jim Old 

2515-343 Nomadic 6-12-00 Noel Meade in Ireland

631321 Geos {FR} 5-11-11 Nicky Henderson

11124 Rodock {FR} 6-11-10 Martin Pipe 

512113 Mantles Prince 6-11-09 Pat Hughes in Ireland

15-02261 Balla Sola {IRE} 5-11-08 Willie Mullins in Ireland

3515-23 Hit And Run {FR} 5-11-08 Martin Pipe 

11-03412 Auetaler {GER} 6-11-07 Martin Pipe

261/P-32 Sharpical 8-11-07 Nicky Henderson 

2211-10 Blue Royal {FR} 5-11-06 Nicky Henderson 

005-316 Rainbow Frontier {IRE} 6-11-06 Martin Pipe 

5u2220 Crazy Horse {IRE} 7-11-04 Len Lungo

0/1-2113 Man On The Hill {IRE} 6-11-02 Martin Pipe 

1121/5-41 Deep Water {USA} 6-11-01 Micky Hammond 

060-211 The French Furze {IRE} 6-11-00 Martin Pipe 

141/221- More Dash Thancash {IRE}10-11-00 Merrita Jones 

06-44000 Archive Footage 8-11-00 Dermot Weld in Ireland

1-1f2 Mr Lamb 5-10-13 Martin Pipe

11 Seebald {GER} 5-10-13 Martin Pipe 

323-161 Afarad {IRE} 5-10-13 Christy Roche in Ireland

2112 Copeland 5-10-11 Martin Pipe 

2011-00 Star Of Dungannon 7-10-11 Martin Pipe

60-5440 Native Dara {IRE} 7-10-07 Noel Meade in Ireland 

211020-4 Premier Generation {IRE}7-10-07 Nicky Henderson

11 Evening World {FR} 5-10-06 Martin Pipe

310-640 Kinnescash {IRE} 7-10-06 Peter Bowen

220-111 Ross Moff {IRE} 7-10-06 Tony Martin in Ireland

1-02222 River Pilot 6-10-05 Noel Meade in Ireland 

211f413 Out On A Promise {IRE} 8-10-05 Charlie Mann

00111-0 Back On Top {IRE} 6-10-05 John Hassett in Ireland

240-2322 Renzo {IRE} 7-10-04 Jimmy Harris 

6-011u23 Buddy Marvel {IRE} 6-10-04 Mary Reveley

3-21112 Admiral Wings {IRE} 6-10-03 Noel Meade in Ireland

111511p Tenseesee {FR} 5-10-03 Nicky Henderson 

134-15 Moving On Up 6-10-02 Dermot Weld in Ireland 

1f2 Hulysse Royal {FR} 5-10-01 Oliver Sherwood 

124112-0 Mersey Beat 6-10-01 Gary Moore

3424322 Vanilla Man {IRE} 7-10-01 Paddy Mullins in Ireland

212111 Minivet 5-10-01 Tim Easterby

2-2134 Doctor Goddard 5-10-01 Philip Hobbs

20-4211 Phariwarmer {IRE} 6-10-01 Arthur Moore in Ireland

3p02-13 Spokesman 6-10-00 Christy Roche in Ireland

000-600 Danegold {IRE} 8-10-00 Mick Channon 

52501414 Hugo De Perro {FR} 5-10-00 Martin Pipe

121130 Miss Fara {FR} 5-10-00 Martin Pipe 

265/-140 Veridian 7-10-00 Nicky Henderson 

162-032 Coulthard {IRE} 7-9-13 Pam Sly

10-11111 Mr Cool 6-9-13 Martin Pipe

11340-0 Medaille Militaire 8-9-13 Martin Pipe 

1223521 Eponine 6-9-13 Eric A Elliott 

24012-30 New Bird {GER} 5-9-12 Alan King 

1/035f1- Yokki Moppie {USA} 6-9-12 Nicky Henderson

421131 La Landiere {FR} 5-9-12 Alan King

F45340 Shantarini {IRE} 6-9-11 David Wintle 

0460-311 Redemption 5-9-11 Paul Webber 

431221 Exit Swinger {FR} 5-9-10 Martin Pipe 

110126 Quintus {USA} 5-9-10 Edward O'Grady in Ireland

2/11/-P010 Ormania {FR} 7-9-08 Martin Pipe

32-0401 Master Tern {USA} 5-9-08 Jonjo O'Neill

332-51 The Gatherer {IRE} 6-9-08 Arthur Moore in Ireland

11f0f2 Its Time For A Win {IRE} 8-9-08 Willie Mullins in Ireland

1-353236 Masamadas 5-9-08 Nicky Henderson 

52/-13110 Bicycle Thief {IRE} 7-9-07 Venetia Williams

11014-4 Wynyard Knight 8-9-07 Mary Reveley 

P/P0/P-2p Le Khoumf {FR} 9-9-05 Jim Neville 

10-5fp Dhaudeloup {FR} 5-9-05 Richard Fahey 

1142f//-4 Kailash {USA} 9-9-05 Martin Pipe 

P-12324 Ferrers 9-9-05 Pam Sly

2-11411 Phardante Flyer {IRE} 6-9-05 Philip Hobbs

2f-04225 Hot Stuff {IRE} 6-9-05 John Kiely in Ireland 

201-2363 Majesty {IRE} 6-9-05 Divots Simon Dow

314522 Piped Aboard {IRE} 5-9-05 Martin Pipe 

13-4361 Galapino 7-9-04 Jamie Poulton 

0521 The Glow-Worm {IRE} 5-9-03 Patrick O'brady in Ireland

12f321 Wave Rock 5-9-02 Philip Hobbs 

43553-6 Time For Action {IRE} 8-9-01 Charlie Mann

43-32015 Zapateado {FR} 5-9-00 Martin Pipe 

1051312 Shiny Bay {IRE} 7-9-00 Ted Walsh in Ireland

3301p4 Afrostar {IRE} 6-9-00 Michael Hourigan in Ireland

21 Brother Joe {NZ} 6-8-13 Philip Hobbs 

61110-21 Misconduct 6-8-13 Merrita Jones 

13-4 Batswing 5-8-12 Brian Ellison 

2511//0-0 Le Teteu {FR} 7-8-12 Bob Jones 

2621100 Experimental {IRE} 6-8-12 Ger Lynch in Ireland 

456040 Dan De Man {IRE} 9-8-12 Lynn Siddall 

441200-5 Polar Champ 7-8-10 Nick Gaselee 

163-0006 Kamactay {IRE} 8-8-10 Dessie Hughes in Ireland

21f212 Magua {IRE} 6-8-08Tony Martin in Ireland

3013322 Killultagh Storm {IRE} 6-8-06 Willie Mullins in Ireland

06/51-F14 Mazzelmo 7-8-05 Alan Bailey

130f423 Lord Of Love 5-8-05 Dai Williams 

424 Far Removed {IRE} 5-8-04 Val Ward 

113106p Weet And See 6-8-04 Trevor Wall 

32-S3p Westfield Cockney {IRE}7-8-04 Martin Pipe 

32-Ppp160 Lastman {USA} 5-8-03 Jonjo O'Neill 

000050 Shalaal {USA} 6-7-06 Michael Chapman 

3665402 Lobuche {IRE} 5-6-12 Michael Chapman 

056-0pp Sea God 9-5-11 Michael Chapman

POSSIBLES WINNERS;
Geos, Copeland Sir Talbot, and Rodock on their handicap form. Nomadic is capable of a bold show despite top weight , Man on the Hill, Exit Swinger Seebald, Evening World and Auetaler add to Martin Pipe's strong hand. Ross Moff, Spokesman, Phariwarmer, The Gatherer, Vanilla Man, and Moving on Up, are part of a strong Irish Challenge. Redemption, and Premier Generation have been laid out for the race
FURLONG TO GO’S SELECTION
I think Geos will be extremely hard to beat if there is cut in the ground on Thursday. He is my choice, Should that not be the case, the alternative could be Seebald who appeals most of the Pipe entrants and by this time he could be on for a £50000 bonus if he runs and wins the Imperial Cup on Saturday.
ARE THERE ANY EACHWAY ALTERNATIVES ?
The Irish challenge is extremely strong and Spokesman, Moving on Up and Phariwarmer will give good accounts. Spokesman is my choice of these
WHAT ABOUT A LONG SHOT ?
The Glow-Worm who won nicely last time, Miss Fara and Star of Dungannon on good ground are likeliest to succeed

My Bet of the Festival
Because I’ve found it profitable to follow horses throughout the season/ their career, whilst its hard to see Flagship Uberailles, and Istabraq losing, I‘ll be having my loudest cheer if Font Romeu wins the last on the first day.. He has been laid out for this, and must go close if he’s as good as the Pipe camp think he could be

This page was updated - Friday December 28, 2001 10:39:27 AM