In this preview, I will give you my views on the leading contenders and what I think will be adding some weight to the wallet! I hope you enjoy it.
1.30 - John Oaksey National Hunt Chase - 4m:
A gruelling event for novice chasers and amateur riders. Back In Focus is favourite for Willie Mullins, and with the ground now soft, that will definitely benefit him. However, the track is a complete unknown, and he is plenty short enough. Rival D'Estruval has Derek O'Connor on board, the winning most Point to Point rider of all time. This horse is very progressive and has been saved for this race, so is of course quite interesting for the North. Buddy Bolero is another I really like for David Pipe. Tony McCoy was quite keen to ride this horse in a handicap, but runs here instead under Jamie Codd, a winner on the yard's Junior here before. Merry King is interesting too, but the track may be a worry. However, Godsmejudge is very interesting under Nico De Boinville, a very strong stayer who went down on his sword in the Classic Chase behind Rigadin De Beauchene, then won nicely back at Warwick. He would be the selection.
2.05 - Neptune Novice Hurdle - 2m5f:
What a race this promises to be. Pont Alexandre is favourite for Willie Mullins, but is a very short price. He has no Cheltenham run and I wouldn't be rushing to take 7/4. I have followed The New One from Day One, and if he came here with his 'A' game, he would win. But with the dreaded 'bug' in the Twiston Davies camp, I'll let him be at his current price.
Taquin Du Seuil however is the pick. I flagged him up as a Dark Horse in October, and has done me proud with two victories, including at Grade 1 level, and only one defeat, which came at Ascot finishing a close second to My Tent Or Yours giving him weight. He is bombproof apart from a Cheltenham run. Two Rockers is one to watch too at bigger odds if he ran.
2.40 - RSA Chase - 3m110y:
No Dynaste anymore in this which is a shame, but I do think that they have made the right call. I'm finding it hard to oppose Boston Bob, who will be ridden by Paul Townend. He got a great tune out of him to win narrowly at Leopardstown last time, a performance jam-packed full of stamina. Past winner of this race such as Bostons Angel is a real warrior and jumps very well too. Ruby Walsh is on Unioniste, who is a horse I've never really got attached too and think is a bit too short at 7/2. Hadrian's Approach doesn't jump well enough for me. Goulanes is very interesting and lightly raced, but he does have to step up a little on what we have seen to date. Lord Windermere and Lyreen Legend would be the value as they don't have a lot of ground to find with Boston Bob, but Boston Bob will do for me.
3.20 - Queen Mother Champion Chase - 2m:
Two words, Sprinter Sacre. So many superlatives have been used about this horse, but none of them do him justice. He is so good and I don't think I have seen one as good in this discipline before. He is in a seven strong field, of which Sizing Europe has to be considered as the only danger under Andrew Lynch. He is of course a previous winner of this race, but he is 11 years old and I would have really fancied him for the Ryanair this time as he has lost a bit of his old speed. Supplemented entry Mail De Bievre could run well but he shouldn't be able to touch Sprinter Sacre.
4.00 - Coral Cup - 2m5f:
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| Fiveforthree: Can he do it again at the Festival aged 11? |
A handicap that has left punters puzzled for endless years, with a succession of big priced winners. Last year, a titanic gamble on Son Of Flicka netted his owner the best part of a million pounds as well. It is a race for a shortlist of three or four if possible. Pendra is a horse I quite like, but not at 7/1. Mr Watson has done me a couple of favours this season, but I think the trip is long enough and competition for the lead a big issue. The four I have are Fiveforthree, Barbatos, Bondage and Saphir River. Fiveforthree is eleven now, but is off the same he finished second to Solwhit off in the Aintree Hurdle of 2009. He has apparently been working very well, looking back to his best according to Irish reporters. He has a good record here too and must be taken seriously by all. Barbatos is another grey who has very good novice form here. He has only had one start this campaign, when the ground was far too soft for him. He can go well. Bondage again goes well here at Cheltenham, and the booking of Paul Carberry is another positive. He stays well and goes on most ground as well. Finally, Saphir River completes a trio of greys for Lucinda Russell. It would be terribly emotional if he did win, in the colours of the ill fated Brinidisi Breeze, and I think he has an each way chance for sure. He acts well in big fields, with a good fourth at Aintree to his name. He needs to be produced late off a strong pace, but only got as far as the second flight in this last term. 40/1 is too big however.
4.40 - Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle - 2m110y:
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| I think JP may be smiling after the Fred Winter! |
5.15 - Champion Bumper - 2m110y:
An Irish benefit for the majority of the last ten years, and yet again, they appear to be holding all the aces. Favourite Le Vent D'Antan looks a very nice horse on what he did at Leopardstown last time. Willie Mullins looks to have a good chance with Union Dues under son Paddy, a horse who he says has 'gears to burn'. Aidan O'Brien and Derby winning rider, his son Joseph, are represented with Shield, who would have a small each way chance. The British though hold a big chance I think this year, with Sgt Reckless very popular under Flat Champion jockey Richard Hughes. He oozes class and looks a very exciting prospect. But my vote is firmly with Regal Encore! He was another Dark Horse back in October, shortly before he hosed up at Chepstow. He is my favourite horse in training and can't wait to see him again. I'm Fraam Govan could outrun his price as well for the George Baker yard.
Best of luck, and if you have any feedback, feel free to tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
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