As has come to be expected there are two top quality cards at Cheltenham this week. There are established stars, tough handicappers, potential champions and so on, all in action. It really does look excellent stuff and eagerly anticipated. There is nothing like a good bit of racing at Cheltenham to get you through the winter blues. The final fields for these races are not yet known so there is an element of guesswork with who is likely to run.
Friday
12.00 2m5f Novice Chase - Mossley and Sam Winner look like taking their chances in this and both have something to prove after less than perfect fencing debuts. Mossley won but his jumping left a little to be desired whilst Sam Winner looked to be about to benefit from Menorah unseating when coming to grief at the last. He jumped markedly left handed on that occasion and will need to have improved in that department to figure here. I would expect Champion Court to run in the 3m race and Gift Of Dgab must be a doubt after running at Plumpton on Monday. Henderson also has Solix entered but Geraghty is down to ride Mossley so I can only assume that is who they are running. Traffic Article is going in the right direction for Gordon Elliott and has plenty of experience to his name. Doubtful whether he is quite good enough to figure here. This looks, at this stage, to be between Mossley and Sam Winner, and whilst both have question marks preference might just be for Sam Winner who looks to be more suited by the trip. Mossley has shown his best form over 3m but the step up to 2m5f looks set to suit Sam Winner, who has always been held in high regard by connections.
1.45 3m Handicap Chase - Mon Parrain looks set to take his first step on the ladder to rebuilding his shattered reputation. He looked a shadow of the horse that was so impressive last season in the Paddy Power and it is interesting that he is asked to run at Cheltenham again. Ruby felt it was the trip that got him beat so the step up to 3m looks set to suit. I would still be of the opinion that he is a relatively well handicapped horse and might be worth another chance. The obvious danger is Planet Of Sound, a valiant 2nd in the Hennessy but he has never taken too much racing and that huge effort was just 2 weeks ago. Shakalakaboomboom won at Punchestown last time but has been put up as a result and may need a career best first time up. A lot depends on the prices but if the price was right I'd be willing to give Mon Parrain another chance.
2.20 3m7f XC Handicap Chase - Garde Champetre is a standing dish over these fences but Uncle Junior was too strong at the Paddy Power meeting and is no better off at the weights. They both might have to give best with Scotsirish looking a natural last time at Punchestown. He is a decent horse over regulation fences and his 2m pace will stand him in good stead. He has stamina to prove but the likely quick ground and sedate early pace will give him every chance of seeing out the trip.
2.55 3m Handicap Hurdle - No idea who turns up but I do know that Our Father is expected to prove far better than his current mark. He was running over shorter in novice races last year but is thrown in straight at 3m first time in a handicap for a decent prize. He is sure to be well supported and will be a threat to all in this. Oscargo looks a similar type for Paul Nicholls. Without the confirmed field and prices it is difficult to put forward anything with great confidence.
3.30 2m1f Novice Hurdle - Henderson seems to hold the trump cards with Ericht and Darlan. Whichever turns up must be respected, in particular Ericht who held every chance over course and distance at the last before finding Steps To Freedom and Prospect Wells too strong. Both of those feature prominently in the Supreme market and he would be expected to make up for that defeat if allowed to take his chance.
12.00 2m5f Novice Chase - Mossley and Sam Winner look like taking their chances in this and both have something to prove after less than perfect fencing debuts. Mossley won but his jumping left a little to be desired whilst Sam Winner looked to be about to benefit from Menorah unseating when coming to grief at the last. He jumped markedly left handed on that occasion and will need to have improved in that department to figure here. I would expect Champion Court to run in the 3m race and Gift Of Dgab must be a doubt after running at Plumpton on Monday. Henderson also has Solix entered but Geraghty is down to ride Mossley so I can only assume that is who they are running. Traffic Article is going in the right direction for Gordon Elliott and has plenty of experience to his name. Doubtful whether he is quite good enough to figure here. This looks, at this stage, to be between Mossley and Sam Winner, and whilst both have question marks preference might just be for Sam Winner who looks to be more suited by the trip. Mossley has shown his best form over 3m but the step up to 2m5f looks set to suit Sam Winner, who has always been held in high regard by connections.
1.45 3m Handicap Chase - Mon Parrain looks set to take his first step on the ladder to rebuilding his shattered reputation. He looked a shadow of the horse that was so impressive last season in the Paddy Power and it is interesting that he is asked to run at Cheltenham again. Ruby felt it was the trip that got him beat so the step up to 3m looks set to suit. I would still be of the opinion that he is a relatively well handicapped horse and might be worth another chance. The obvious danger is Planet Of Sound, a valiant 2nd in the Hennessy but he has never taken too much racing and that huge effort was just 2 weeks ago. Shakalakaboomboom won at Punchestown last time but has been put up as a result and may need a career best first time up. A lot depends on the prices but if the price was right I'd be willing to give Mon Parrain another chance.
2.20 3m7f XC Handicap Chase - Garde Champetre is a standing dish over these fences but Uncle Junior was too strong at the Paddy Power meeting and is no better off at the weights. They both might have to give best with Scotsirish looking a natural last time at Punchestown. He is a decent horse over regulation fences and his 2m pace will stand him in good stead. He has stamina to prove but the likely quick ground and sedate early pace will give him every chance of seeing out the trip.
2.55 3m Handicap Hurdle - No idea who turns up but I do know that Our Father is expected to prove far better than his current mark. He was running over shorter in novice races last year but is thrown in straight at 3m first time in a handicap for a decent prize. He is sure to be well supported and will be a threat to all in this. Oscargo looks a similar type for Paul Nicholls. Without the confirmed field and prices it is difficult to put forward anything with great confidence.
3.30 2m1f Novice Hurdle - Henderson seems to hold the trump cards with Ericht and Darlan. Whichever turns up must be respected, in particular Ericht who held every chance over course and distance at the last before finding Steps To Freedom and Prospect Wells too strong. Both of those feature prominently in the Supreme market and he would be expected to make up for that defeat if allowed to take his chance.
Saturday
12.10 2m Juvenile Hurdle - Hinterland looked very good at the Paddy Power meeting and the form has been boosted to a certain extent by the 2nd Hollow Tree winning in facile fashion since. It would be disappointing and surprising if a penalty could stop him following up. Sure to be a warm order but I was thoroughly impressed with his first effort and this looks easier.
12.45 3m Novice Chase - Some very good entries for this including Champion Court who has 3 runs under his belt already. A winner at Aintree and then only beaten 9 lengths by Grand Crus under a penalty at the last meeting. He looks a proper chasing type and the step up to 3m should suit. Join Together won over 3m at the last meeting under an excellent ride from Ruby Walsh. He jumped well in the main, bar one bad error entering the back straight. However he might just lack the class of Champion Court and is viewed as a National Hunt Chase prospect rather than the RSA. Ground will be lively enough for him too so Champion Court is preferred.
1.20 2m Handicap Chase - Tanks For That will likely prove popular if taking up this engagement after a convincing course and distance success last time. He's been raised 9lbs for that which doesn't look insurmountable but I fancy that he might just find on or two too good here. He ran really well first time up last year before disappointing later in the season and might fall the same way this time around too. The same sentiments apply to Dave's Dream who was disappointing in the Paddy Power but has always run best when fresh. Havingotascoobydo was 2nd behind Tanks For That and receives only a 4lb pull at the weights. However, he looks to be going in the right direction and would be dangerous if lining up. Temple Lord is another with good form figures but he receives only 8lb from Havingotascoobydo but was beaten a very easy 16l when they met back in October at level weights. Unless he has improved dramatically it is hard to see the form being reversed. Another worthy of respect is Astracad who is pitched into handicap company after chasing home Al Ferof last time. He has jumped well in the main and would be a poignant winner for the famous Mould colours. That said I suspect he might just get outpaced over 2m here.
1.55 3m G2 Novice Hurdle - A very decent race with a lot of smart prospects currently engaged, including Tom George's French G1 winner Halley. A difficult race to weight up with any amount of improvement possibly in the offing from a number of runners. A race to watch for Festival clues but not a betting heat for me.
2.30 2m5f G3 Handicap Chase - A very competitive renewal of this race which sees the 1-2-3 from the Paddy Power reoppose. The winner that day was Great Endeavour and he would have an outstanding chance of following up if his fitness could be assured. However, this will be his 3rd competitive handicap inside a month and that is a big ask. Looked best at the weights before failing to stay in the Hennessy and a big chance if on top form once more. Quantitativeeasing was 2nd that day and is favourite to go one better this time. He looks progressive and is still unexposed and it is easy to see why he is well fancied. Divers is another going the right way, bar an appalling effort at Carlisle earlier in the year. My impression with him is that the Paddy Power was his big target so I suspect he'll find a few in front once more. Ghizao is the primary hope for Paul Nicholls, and the ride of Ruby Walsh, and for those reasons alone is worthy of respect. He ran a stinker in the Haldon Gold Cup and his one try at this trip (over hurdles) he weakened like he'd been shot. Nicholls also has top weight Woolcombe Folly but I feel the jury is out on this on after a really poor run at Cheltenham last time. This is a big ask off top weight. Medermit won the Haldon Gold Cup, somewhat fortuitously after the last fence departure of Captain Chris. He has since found Master Minded and Somersby too good and he takes in this race rather than the Peterborough Chase on Thursday. Alan King states that he likes the undulations at Cheltenham but he is 0/6 at the track. I think he has a biggish task at the weights though is the type to run well. Sunnyhillboy is a name that keeps cropping up in these big handicaps and he seems sure to win one, the question is when. He was 3rd in this last year and is just 3lbs higher this time. He has had a spin over hurdles when running well enough behind Dynaste at Haydock which should put him spot on. Quel Esprit is an interesting contender for Willie Mullins if he takes his chance. The fact that Ruby is already committed to Ghizao tells me either that he won't run or that he prefers Ghizao and that will do for me. I think he is probably better than his mark though. Roudoudou Village has shown progressive form and has risen up the weights sharply as a result. This is a much tougher assignment and he has still to prove that he is up to the required level. The Pipe team, as well as Great Endeavour, also have the unexposed Salut Flo, the thoroughly exposed I'msingingtheblues and the middle man Matuhi. Matuhi has a good record first time out but did disappoint in this race last year. Not without a chance mind. I'msingingtheblues looks exposed and has been busy of late. Salut Flo is something of an unknown quantity having not run since April 2010. He has only run twice in this country and looks capable of better. If he is fit and jumps round then he would have a chance. I will reserve my final call until the final field is known, but there are any number with chances.
3.05 2m G2 Hurdle - It definitely looks an open race but one over which I don't have a particularly strong opinion, though if Overturn were to run here then 4/1 might look a very big price. I thought connections had lined up a break before bringing him back for the Champion Hurdle in the spring but it will be interesting if they try for the big race hatrick in this. Grandouet has looked very good but the suspicion is that he will prove best round a flat track. Henderson has specifically chosen this race to see whether he is up to the top level round Cheltenham with the Champion in mind. It will be interesting to see how he fares. Menorah returns to hurdles after unseating on his chase debut. He won this race last year but that now looks a pretty weak renewal (in Champion Hurdle terms) with Silviniaco Conti looking like an RSA candidate and Cue Card unplaced in the Supreme and looking like a 2m4f+ horse over fences. Nevertheless he did win it well but appeared exposed against the very best when 5th in the Champion and 4th at Punchestown. He is rated 164 and should run up to that level but if he were to win I think the conclusion would be that none of these are potential Champion Hurdlers. Brampour has won two competitive handicaps this season including the Greatwood. Menorah took the Greatwood before winning this event 12 months ago and there is no doubt that this is another improving sort. Winners of that competitive handicap have a terrific record in this race with five following up in the last 10 runnings. He had the benefit of a wind operation over the summer and has proved a revelation since, jumping up the handicap by 20lbs. He is a bit of an unknown quantity given the way he is improving and he is another who is interesting. I'm not sure I could back him because I just have a lingering doubt whether he is up to the top level. Pittoni brings a bit of Irish form to the table and he would be an interesting runner if he took his chance. He was put in his place in no uncertain terms by Thousand Stars last time and that formline should give a good guide to where a lot of the British challengers stand in relation to the Irish team. He is in receipt of a bit of weight from some of the leading contenders and that might enable him to challenge. Clerk's Choice was 4th 12 months ago and there doesn't appear any obvious reason why he should be able to win this time around. Sanctuaire is a bit of an enigma and his chances have improved since Ruby was confirmed for the ride as he has yet to win for anybody else (3/6 with Walsh and 0/5 without). He definitely has ability but has more than his fair share of quirkiness to go with it. If he can settle in the early stages then he has the ability to outrun his price. Abergavenny ran a cracker when 3rd in the Greatwood but that was off a mark of 130 and a whole lot more is required in this. Marsh Warbler won in soft ground at Chepstow last Christmas but was well beaten in the Triumph and comfortably beaten by Grandouet last time. Very hard to see him reversing the form with that rival. Stormy Weather has a career best hurdles rating of 125 but an effort significantly superior to that will be required to feature in this.
3.35 2m4f G2 Hurdle - A really smart race with Oscar Whisky heading the line-up. If he has either Champion or World Hurdle pretensions then he must surely be winning this. Chief among the opposition are the tough campaigner Any Given Day for Donald McCain and the fast improving Dynaste for David Pipe. The former is tough and consistent but it is hard to see him overturning Cheltenham form with the likely favourite. Dynaste is clearly going the right way but more is needed once again. The stable pulled of a similar feat with Grand Crus last year and he will need to be nearly as good to win this. The Knoxs won a handicap last time first time for Paul Nicholls, having fallen over fences a couple of times for Howard Johnson. He won that handicap well enough but a mark of 150 (up 18lbs) looks on the high side and yet still more is needed to take this. Oscar Whisky looks a worthy and very solid favourite with everything in his favour.
12.10 2m Juvenile Hurdle - Hinterland looked very good at the Paddy Power meeting and the form has been boosted to a certain extent by the 2nd Hollow Tree winning in facile fashion since. It would be disappointing and surprising if a penalty could stop him following up. Sure to be a warm order but I was thoroughly impressed with his first effort and this looks easier.
12.45 3m Novice Chase - Some very good entries for this including Champion Court who has 3 runs under his belt already. A winner at Aintree and then only beaten 9 lengths by Grand Crus under a penalty at the last meeting. He looks a proper chasing type and the step up to 3m should suit. Join Together won over 3m at the last meeting under an excellent ride from Ruby Walsh. He jumped well in the main, bar one bad error entering the back straight. However he might just lack the class of Champion Court and is viewed as a National Hunt Chase prospect rather than the RSA. Ground will be lively enough for him too so Champion Court is preferred.
1.20 2m Handicap Chase - Tanks For That will likely prove popular if taking up this engagement after a convincing course and distance success last time. He's been raised 9lbs for that which doesn't look insurmountable but I fancy that he might just find on or two too good here. He ran really well first time up last year before disappointing later in the season and might fall the same way this time around too. The same sentiments apply to Dave's Dream who was disappointing in the Paddy Power but has always run best when fresh. Havingotascoobydo was 2nd behind Tanks For That and receives only a 4lb pull at the weights. However, he looks to be going in the right direction and would be dangerous if lining up. Temple Lord is another with good form figures but he receives only 8lb from Havingotascoobydo but was beaten a very easy 16l when they met back in October at level weights. Unless he has improved dramatically it is hard to see the form being reversed. Another worthy of respect is Astracad who is pitched into handicap company after chasing home Al Ferof last time. He has jumped well in the main and would be a poignant winner for the famous Mould colours. That said I suspect he might just get outpaced over 2m here.
1.55 3m G2 Novice Hurdle - A very decent race with a lot of smart prospects currently engaged, including Tom George's French G1 winner Halley. A difficult race to weight up with any amount of improvement possibly in the offing from a number of runners. A race to watch for Festival clues but not a betting heat for me.
2.30 2m5f G3 Handicap Chase - A very competitive renewal of this race which sees the 1-2-3 from the Paddy Power reoppose. The winner that day was Great Endeavour and he would have an outstanding chance of following up if his fitness could be assured. However, this will be his 3rd competitive handicap inside a month and that is a big ask. Looked best at the weights before failing to stay in the Hennessy and a big chance if on top form once more. Quantitativeeasing was 2nd that day and is favourite to go one better this time. He looks progressive and is still unexposed and it is easy to see why he is well fancied. Divers is another going the right way, bar an appalling effort at Carlisle earlier in the year. My impression with him is that the Paddy Power was his big target so I suspect he'll find a few in front once more. Ghizao is the primary hope for Paul Nicholls, and the ride of Ruby Walsh, and for those reasons alone is worthy of respect. He ran a stinker in the Haldon Gold Cup and his one try at this trip (over hurdles) he weakened like he'd been shot. Nicholls also has top weight Woolcombe Folly but I feel the jury is out on this on after a really poor run at Cheltenham last time. This is a big ask off top weight. Medermit won the Haldon Gold Cup, somewhat fortuitously after the last fence departure of Captain Chris. He has since found Master Minded and Somersby too good and he takes in this race rather than the Peterborough Chase on Thursday. Alan King states that he likes the undulations at Cheltenham but he is 0/6 at the track. I think he has a biggish task at the weights though is the type to run well. Sunnyhillboy is a name that keeps cropping up in these big handicaps and he seems sure to win one, the question is when. He was 3rd in this last year and is just 3lbs higher this time. He has had a spin over hurdles when running well enough behind Dynaste at Haydock which should put him spot on. Quel Esprit is an interesting contender for Willie Mullins if he takes his chance. The fact that Ruby is already committed to Ghizao tells me either that he won't run or that he prefers Ghizao and that will do for me. I think he is probably better than his mark though. Roudoudou Village has shown progressive form and has risen up the weights sharply as a result. This is a much tougher assignment and he has still to prove that he is up to the required level. The Pipe team, as well as Great Endeavour, also have the unexposed Salut Flo, the thoroughly exposed I'msingingtheblues and the middle man Matuhi. Matuhi has a good record first time out but did disappoint in this race last year. Not without a chance mind. I'msingingtheblues looks exposed and has been busy of late. Salut Flo is something of an unknown quantity having not run since April 2010. He has only run twice in this country and looks capable of better. If he is fit and jumps round then he would have a chance. I will reserve my final call until the final field is known, but there are any number with chances.
3.05 2m G2 Hurdle - It definitely looks an open race but one over which I don't have a particularly strong opinion, though if Overturn were to run here then 4/1 might look a very big price. I thought connections had lined up a break before bringing him back for the Champion Hurdle in the spring but it will be interesting if they try for the big race hatrick in this. Grandouet has looked very good but the suspicion is that he will prove best round a flat track. Henderson has specifically chosen this race to see whether he is up to the top level round Cheltenham with the Champion in mind. It will be interesting to see how he fares. Menorah returns to hurdles after unseating on his chase debut. He won this race last year but that now looks a pretty weak renewal (in Champion Hurdle terms) with Silviniaco Conti looking like an RSA candidate and Cue Card unplaced in the Supreme and looking like a 2m4f+ horse over fences. Nevertheless he did win it well but appeared exposed against the very best when 5th in the Champion and 4th at Punchestown. He is rated 164 and should run up to that level but if he were to win I think the conclusion would be that none of these are potential Champion Hurdlers. Brampour has won two competitive handicaps this season including the Greatwood. Menorah took the Greatwood before winning this event 12 months ago and there is no doubt that this is another improving sort. Winners of that competitive handicap have a terrific record in this race with five following up in the last 10 runnings. He had the benefit of a wind operation over the summer and has proved a revelation since, jumping up the handicap by 20lbs. He is a bit of an unknown quantity given the way he is improving and he is another who is interesting. I'm not sure I could back him because I just have a lingering doubt whether he is up to the top level. Pittoni brings a bit of Irish form to the table and he would be an interesting runner if he took his chance. He was put in his place in no uncertain terms by Thousand Stars last time and that formline should give a good guide to where a lot of the British challengers stand in relation to the Irish team. He is in receipt of a bit of weight from some of the leading contenders and that might enable him to challenge. Clerk's Choice was 4th 12 months ago and there doesn't appear any obvious reason why he should be able to win this time around. Sanctuaire is a bit of an enigma and his chances have improved since Ruby was confirmed for the ride as he has yet to win for anybody else (3/6 with Walsh and 0/5 without). He definitely has ability but has more than his fair share of quirkiness to go with it. If he can settle in the early stages then he has the ability to outrun his price. Abergavenny ran a cracker when 3rd in the Greatwood but that was off a mark of 130 and a whole lot more is required in this. Marsh Warbler won in soft ground at Chepstow last Christmas but was well beaten in the Triumph and comfortably beaten by Grandouet last time. Very hard to see him reversing the form with that rival. Stormy Weather has a career best hurdles rating of 125 but an effort significantly superior to that will be required to feature in this.
3.35 2m4f G2 Hurdle - A really smart race with Oscar Whisky heading the line-up. If he has either Champion or World Hurdle pretensions then he must surely be winning this. Chief among the opposition are the tough campaigner Any Given Day for Donald McCain and the fast improving Dynaste for David Pipe. The former is tough and consistent but it is hard to see him overturning Cheltenham form with the likely favourite. Dynaste is clearly going the right way but more is needed once again. The stable pulled of a similar feat with Grand Crus last year and he will need to be nearly as good to win this. The Knoxs won a handicap last time first time for Paul Nicholls, having fallen over fences a couple of times for Howard Johnson. He won that handicap well enough but a mark of 150 (up 18lbs) looks on the high side and yet still more is needed to take this. Oscar Whisky looks a worthy and very solid favourite with everything in his favour.
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