| |
Saturday 9th December
12:15 Concord Brights Filing Products 'Relkeel' Hurdle Class B (for the Sport of Kings Challenge)
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; October Mist, Mister Banjo, Doctor Goddard, and Run For Paddy look the likeliest winners of the first. It is hard to know what to make of Mister Banjo's performance at Auteuil. He was in the process of running creditably when falling two out, but I have heard opposing views of how he was travelling from easily to he was beaten at the time. He should love today's conditions, and is certain to go well. I think the same can be said for the vastly improved Run for Paddy who has looked well up to this type of event in his last three runs in handicap company..... A bold bid is certain. Doctor Goddard is favoured most by the weights, and will be dangerous if he stays this trip, however despite the poor record of the stable, everything points to October Mist, who frankly has looked very good in two handicaps, and would be a very popular bet if he wasn't likely to start at a prohibitive price....Boring but on recent evidence its where I have to go with him
No*1 CHOICE; October Mist (R*ecommended)
(e/w) Alternative;
12:50 Wragge & Co Handicap Chase Class B
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; Davoski is taken to bounce back after his efforts in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup. There was a stage in that race where he, Exit Swinger and Lady Cricket looked at the top of the hill to have the race between them, Unlike the others he failed to get home, and should be far better suite to this trip round this track. Red Ark, and Jungli are to be feared, but he may possess too many gears for these at today's weights
No*1 CHOICE; Davoski
(e/w) Alternative;
1:25 Doubleprint Tingle Creek Trophy Chase Class A Grade 1
<H>; Cenkos, Fadalko, and Tiutchev
"The 4 Long Pole"; A decent renewal of this race, however unlike recent years which have been run at a brisk clip, this year's renewal looks the complete opposite and Bellator, Fadalko, and Cenkos look likeliest to lead possibly even on sufferance. I think that Direct Route, who is struggling to get ready for a tilt at the King George, and Flagship Uberailles whose season curtailed so alarmingly last term, (and who anyway suggested that a larger trip may be better this time around) may just need this. Cenkos will continue to improve this term and will go close, as I suspect will Fadalko who is probably better going left-handed. He is a bit better than he showed in the Peterborough Chase.
I going to go with Tiutchev, who is going to be a major force at this trip this term. I was wondering whether he is up to this test after a niggling injury, however Malborough' s great effort yesterday has buoyed me and I'll take a chance and go with him.
No*1 CHOICE; Tiutchev
(e/w) Alternative; The Outback Way
1:55 Doubleprint Novices' Chase Class B
<H>; Goodtime George
"The 4 Long Pole"; Not a race to take an early price on with both Crocadee, and Somemanforoneman, likely to run elsewhere. Dusk Duel looked unlucky behind Best Mate here when almost coming down two out when upsides. I don't think he would have won that day, anyway he is worth opposing at the trip, and on the ground. Cadougold gets the vote as he'll definitely get the trip and looks a safe conveyance if judged on his win at Taunton. Goodtime George could make his mark this time over fences if fully recovered from injury and could be an interesting alternative
No*1 CHOICE; Cadougold
(e/w) Alternative; Goodtime George
2:30 Tripleprint Gold Cup Showcase Handicap Chase Class A Grade 3
<H>; Exit Swinger
"The 4 Long Pole"; I've looked at this race since the weights have been published but never strayed from Exit Swinger at all, as I am certain he is ideal for this sort of event, and more importantly again has conditions to suit. If he jumps round I cant see him losing, so wont prolong the agony !!!. as for an eachway alternative. I think the irish challenge is strong, and Lyreen Wonder and Go Roger Go must enter place calculations if putting in a clear round. I think the latter is a decent 'tool' on his day and wins that war
No*1 CHOICE; Exit Swinger (R*ecommended)
(e/w) Alternative; Go Roger Go
LONGSHOT; I really don't think there is one really however the only one that fits the bill is Or Royal !!! ...... yes Or Royal, yes I know that he's a moody old sow now, but look again at his recent form and say whether a horse that ran well behind Edredon Bleu deserves rank outsider status in this field.....back him at your peril, curse him if you don't, and he nips into a place
3:05 Bonusprint Bula Hurdle Class A Grade 2
<H>; Youlneverwalkalone, and Geos
"The 4 Long Pole"; Another fascinating race. Again though of recent evidence the likely winner is Youlneverwalkalone, who couldn't have been more impressive last weekend at Fairyhouse. Despite the presence of Barton who won nicely at Newcastle but frankly beat nothing and will need to improve to win this, and Hor La Loi III, who of course ran well in the Champion Hurdle, but flopped badly at Aintree subsequently.... he may need this. I will pass over Youlneverwalkalone, who is the win bet, instead and take a chance with Geos (e/w)... why? This is his best trip, he didn't quite get home last time out over 2m4f, at Ascot. He has also recent posted a decent performance under these conditions, in the Tote Gold Trophy, and wasn't beaten far by Mister Morose in the welsh Champion Hurdle after that. I think an older more mature horse has a good chance of reversing placings. He'll travel well throughout and then it will be a case of whether he picks up the bridle
No*1 CHOICE; Geos (e/w)
Alternative; Youlneverwalkalone,
3:40 ILJ Is Fifty Novices' Hurdle Class A (Registered As Bristol Novices' Hurdle) Grade 2
<H>; Gola Cher
"The 4 Long Pole"; Sheer Genius is likely to go off favourite in the last after bringing up the hat trick this term with a hard fought success here over 2m5f. He must go close if staying this longer trip but I think may be out battled/outstayed by the promising Gola Cher who did this to Ready to Rumble at Ascot last time out
No*1 CHOICE; Gola Cher
(e/w) Alternative;
TRIPLEPRINT MEETING AT CHELTENHAM
Friday 8th December
12:10 Coral Eurobet Three Yrs Old Novices' Hurdle Class B
<H>; Caesar's Palace
"The 4 Long Pole"; Fascinating juvenile hurdle, plenty here with chances.... Fait Le Jojo, useful on the flat and easy winner of his only start at Ascot, Eternal Spring listed class on the flat so could be interesting if taking to the jumping game, ex German Caesar's Palace, winner of all his three starts, and looks worthy of a go in this company, Useful handicappers Jocko Glasses, and First Officer, are with stables who have to be respected, and Open Ground, winner of his last two starts who like Caesars Palace is stepping up in class but has already won two starts..... who would you choose ?.....if he jumps Eternal Spring must go close , however I'd make Caesar's Palace (e/w) my main bet, and have that saver on the classy Eternal Spring,... if however you like to go with class, then reverse the bet
No*1 CHOICE; Caesar's Palace (e/w)
Alternative; Eternal Spring
12:45 Ian Williams' Owners Novices' Chase Class C
<H>; Hati Roy
"The 4 Long Pole"; Another fascinating race, top class hurdler, come novice chaser Behrajan makes his third chase appearance here, and has to concede weight to his main rivals Hati Roy (1lb), and Anna Karnali (5lbs). Anna Karnali is a most interesting opponent who slaughtered a field at kempton 23 days ago. She really could be anything, and the current wet spell will suit her the most. On hurdles form, Behrajan will prevail (he's 40lbs superior), however if this weather continues to get into the ground, it may well be worth taking a chance on the horse best suited to the conditions rather than the 'better of the two'
No*1 CHOICE; Anna Karnali, if the rain gets into the ground
Alternative; Behrajan if it doesn't
1:20 Tripleprint Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase Class E
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; A lull in quality but an interesting race nonetheless. Storm Damage, Beefy Nova, and Arlequin de Sou are the ones to concentrate on. Storm Damage should appreciate the drop in trip, after a decnet effort behind Young Kenny at Aintree last time, however Arlequin de Sou, whose run consistently well in this grade (and better) this term is preferred at the weights
No*1 CHOICE; Arlequin de Sou
(e/w) Alternative;
1:55 Events International Handicap Hurdle Class C
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; Rooster Booster, Knockdoo, Murray River, Kapok, Bhutan, Donatus, Shampooed, Young American, Lets Be Frank, Perfect Venue, Copper Coin, Dictum, Ferrers, and Nemisto, all are entitled to consideration in this open handicap hurdle. Bhutan interested me back at this trip as he didn't appear to get home over 2m 4f at Aintree last time out. He is capable of a bold bid on his previous efforts, and is at the very worst a great eachway bet. I do though like the Irish challenge here, and both Kapok, and Young American are sure to make bold bids ....the latter only 8 lengths behind Ned Kelly last time gets the call
No*1 CHOICE; Young American
(e/w) Alternative; Bhutan
2:30 Chubb Chase Showcase Handicap Class B
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; The Cheltenham executive must be chuffed with the field they've gathere3d for the main chase on the card. Punters should have plenty to deliberate with the likes of Marlborough, Brother Of Iris, Russell Road, Supreme Charm, Bosuns Mate, Majadou, Samuel Wilderspin, Bleu Superbe, Prince Sorinieres, Montroe, Torduff Express, and Folly Road lining up.
I cant be the only racing fan who now thinks that Brother of Iris' claim to the term 'top class' is somewhat tainted. He is a good horse, of that I have no doubt however he has flattered to deceived whenever upped to this class, and has one poor effort, and one fall to his name. I'm not saying he can't win but frankly about time he showed it. Let him prove it before backing him is my conclusion.
Of the others; Majadou who stayed on eye catchingly in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup has a good record on the new course, and is interesting if he appreciates this extra distance (he didn't behind Looks Like Trouble, here in February, but this is another season), Ex French
Bleu Superbe has good form in France, and ran creditably behind the useful Boca Boca in Milan last time out. He's another to bear in mind for the future, as he might need this. Cross-country chaser winner Supreme Charm, and useful second season chasers Russell Road, and Prince Sorinieres can also be entertained.
However I am long been of the view (those who follow me know this already) that Marlborough could well be worthy of that term 'top class chaser' by the end of this season. His victory over Beau at the Cheltenham Festival, and good second to the ill fated Gloria Victis, gave notice of this, and I for one noted how well he travelled throughout the Scottish National, before going wrong at the third last. At the time I feared the worst so it's good to see him back here. He might need this but it wouldn't surprise me that his class saw him home. Whatever happens bear him in mind in the second half of the campaign
No*1 CHOICE; Marlborough
(e/w) Alternative; Majadou
3:05 Ladbroke Casinos Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) Class B
<H>;
"The 4 Long Pole"; Although there are some useful sort on light weights because of the presence of former useful staying hurdler splendid Thyme's presence in the field (Brother Joe, Aspirant Dancer, Persian Waters, Toby Brown, and Bullfinch, to name five) I find it hard to oppose the progressive Carryonharry who has twice this term sauntered to easy victories .... this is harder but he looks up to the task
No*1 CHOICE; Carryonharry (R*ecommended)
(e/w) Alternative; Brother Joe
3:40 European Breeders Fund 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) Class B
"The 4 Long Pole"; An informative end to the day's proceeding with several of the season's most impressive novice hurdlers lining up in opposition. It is hard to fault the form of some of these, but you'd argue that the winner is likely to come from one of impressive first time out winners Razer Blade, Cruise The Fairway, and St Pirran whilst it would be unwise not to consider Southern Star, Saor Theas, and Glacial Sunset, Razer Blade is an unoriginal choice but he was so impressive last time at Kempton that on the face of that performance you could imagine him giving weight to most of these.
No*1 CHOICE; Razer Blade
(e/w) Alternative; Saor Theas (He'll need to jump better than he did here last time, but definitely possesses ability)
|
|
