Sunday 16th November 2014
1.00pm Conditional
Jockeys Handicap Hurdle – Distance – 2m 5f
A competitive opening race to the 3rd and final day of The Paddy Power meeting, which has already thrown up some outstanding finishes, and you’d imagine this race might as well….David Pipe can never be forgotten in these sort of races, having Home Run win at 40/1 in last years running. However Street Entertainer, only won a selling hurdle at Stratford, he’s one to avoid.
The selections in this who are looking to get us off to a good start are Howlongisafoot and Saphir River. Howlongisfoot ran 5 1/4l behind Fridays winner Morito Du Berlais, whom should appreciate the ground and hopefully he can be in the top 4. Saphir River may need a bit of lee-way from the handicapper before he’s winning, but a reliable sort in this grade showing this last time out at Aintree when 4th. His owner also had the well talented and late Brindisi Breeze.
1.35pm Novice Hurdle – Distance - 2m
The most exciting runner of the 3 day meeting in Emerging Talent. His name says it all, Paul Nicholls thinks the world of him, his first success being in a quite nice bumper over the Irish Sea, and last times first effort over hurdles behind the useful Shelford of Dan Skelton, he looks a chaser in the making, a big scopey sort looks very exciting.
2.10 Racing Post Arkle Trial – Novices Chase – Distance – 2m
A very competitive event here, whom have all won last time out on their chase debuts. A very tough race indeed. Duke of Navan and Little Jon may just not have the star quality. Court Minstrel has to give 6lbs to his rivals due to having the 2 chase wins this term and that could make the world of difference. Originally Sgt Reckless was the selection, however he is a non-runner. Preference is for Vibrato Valtat, a fairly useful hurdler, running 3rd in the Imperial Cup last March, he looks like he could be a better chaser already than a hurdler, fingers crossed he is. Any winner of this race will be a good horse
2.40 Schloer Chase – Distance - 2m
Recent winners of this race have been Kid Cassidy and the awesome Sprinter Sacre. It isn’t the strongest renewal however and 6 go to post. Preference is for the 6yo Dodging Bullets. He won the previous race we just mentioned on the card beating Alan King’s Raya Star and came 5l 4th to Western Warhorse in the Arkle here in March. Simply Ned’s form isn’t as strong as others and Uxizandre’s drop back to 2m is worrying. Dodging Bullets could be of some value if his jumping holds up.
3.15 GREATWOOD HURDLE – Distance – 2m
A fantastic race for all us jump lovers. A winner I remember very well a few years ago was Sizing Europe winning it in 2007, conditions that day were just like the today. Hopefully we could see a potential future Arkle and Champion Chase winner in this line up.
The three that strike me to run a big race are Vaniteux, Baltimore Rock and Baradari – Vaniteux has done nothing wrong in his short career with a fantastic 3rd to Supreme Novice Vautour, he won’t mind a bit of juice in the ground and could be a very exciting prospect for the Nicky Henderson yard. The other two selections could be worth an each way squeak, Baltimore Rock won the Imperial Cup in March before bypassing Cheltenham to run at the Aintree festival when again, another fantastic run behind Josses Hill. Roger Brookhouse has some useful types, the last 7 races his horses have contested in the last 14 days, he hasn’t come out the top two. Baradari is on the radar due to the ground, Venetia Williams hasn’t hit the ground running this season just yet, and he could run a big race today if getting some luck in running, which he hasn’t received of late.
3.50 National Hunt Flat – Distance – 2m
Last but not least, we have a bumper to finish the 3day festival off, with some very nice sorts indeed. Aqalim and No No Manolito are the chosen selections to take the last. John Ferguson has already had a couple of winners this week, in Parlour Games and Chesterfield, and he is finding that winning formula around Cheltenham. Aqalim ran a creditable in the Champion bumper at the Aintree festival and looks to be first stable preference too. No No Manolito for Charlie Longsdon ran a fine race first time out at Fontwell and has been kept back for a shot at this. The ground was better for him, fingers crossed he likes the ground.
Thanks and as always, may the odds be in your favour!
Good morning all! Only a small write up today, to include my Cheltenham selections for the opening day of the 2014 season at Cheltenham. A trappy card to say the least and it will be interesting to see if there are any potential festival winners over today and tomorrows cards. Below are a few comments on my selections and why I think they can be finishing well. Be Lucky!
2.10 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle
This looks quite a decent race from looking down at the field, with 6 going to post. Man of Leisure has held a few of these over the last 12 months and is strangely the outsider. Rum and Butter's head carriage and recent running's for me don't inspire much confidence, Descaro being not too far behind him at Newton Abbot and that form lets him down. If Cloud Brook will appreciate the ground and jump well the first time over hurdles, then he wont be far away but the one for me is Pure Science. Shows determination in finishing his races off, a gallant 6th at the Cheltenham Festival this year and at the prices (7/2 at present), I think he is value on the face of his form, even though this is first time out over hurdles. Nigel Twiston Davies took this race last year with the Neptune winner The New One.
2.40 Cheltenham Annual Members Novices Chase
Just 3 go to post in what looks an exciting race and the three that go to post have potential to win. Third Intention unfortunately hasn't won over fences yet and is becoming frustrating. Taquin Du Seiul has his first spin over fences so we don't really know how much ability is there and then there is Rebel Fitz. Some fine performances this season already, travelling superbly at the end of his races and his experience should really take the prize today.
3.15 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
A good turn out in what looks a tough race, with some old favourites and some up and coming improving sorts. Pure Faith and Trackmate have gone up the weights but they haven't done nothing wrong in their attempts to add a course victory to their prizes. Sinbad The Sailor and Monetary Fund look a tad wrong at the weights on the ability shown of late. The two I'm taking a chance with are Cross Kennon and Viking Blond. The former could well benefit from the rain soften ground and faces different sorts compared to Solwhit which he faced in the World Hurdle. As for Viking Blond, 2nd in the race last year, you can see on his form he runs well at this time of year and the visor will make sure he is switched on today.
3.50 Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices Chase
Some sorts in here who have major potential to progress and it will be hard to find the winner in this. For me, According To Trev and Twirling Magnet can go on to better things if they disappoint today. Panxtoa has been running well of late and has 3 wins from 3 over fences. His jumping towards the end was a bit lacklustre and for me that could prove crucial today. Although my selection in Sizing Symphony is a little less experienced (2 runs over fences to date), the style of his 3rd to Toner D'oudairies showed he would appreciate the step up in trip today and a course win is more beneficial that not for runners around here!
4.25 Jack Dee Here on 31st October Maiden Hurdle
For me, this should be an easy win for the Triumph Hurdle 8th, Lac Fontana. His form he has shown is brilliant and compared to some of his rivals, he is in a different league to them. Even though Paul Nicholls has admitted his string are a little behind on their work, you can see that the form the selection has, he can still win even if under-performing.
5.00 Fine & Country North Cotwsolds Amatuer Riders Handicap Chase
A great amateur riders race here in my eyes with literally all the runners having some kind of chance to run some sort of race. The two I think can challenge well at the death are Oscar Davey and Dammam. The Phillip Hobb trained Oscar Davey has the typical profile to run well in this race, showing grit and determination at the death. His second to Same Difference at Chepstow last season shows he will give it a real good go. As for Dammam, he has been an exciting sort to follow round here with form figures being 143. He might need further this season but he knows what it's all about around here and has each way chances.
5.30 Rewards4racing Rewarding Your Passion Conditionals Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
In the finale, we have the conditional jockeys race where it's bound sure to be a thick and fast run race. It isn't the strongest of races but a chance is being taken with Leviathan and Della Sun. The former being well handicapped on the face of the form he has shown in recent runs and the break would have freshened him up. As for Della Sun, he has small each way hope today on the recent ability that has been shown. Josh Wall has been riding well upon him and their partnership could prove well
Be Lucky!
Blue_Bajan
A competitive opening race to the 3rd and final day of The Paddy Power meeting, which has already thrown up some outstanding finishes, and you’d imagine this race might as well….David Pipe can never be forgotten in these sort of races, having Home Run win at 40/1 in last years running. However Street Entertainer, only won a selling hurdle at Stratford, he’s one to avoid.
The selections in this who are looking to get us off to a good start are Howlongisafoot and Saphir River. Howlongisfoot ran 5 1/4l behind Fridays winner Morito Du Berlais, whom should appreciate the ground and hopefully he can be in the top 4. Saphir River may need a bit of lee-way from the handicapper before he’s winning, but a reliable sort in this grade showing this last time out at Aintree when 4th. His owner also had the well talented and late Brindisi Breeze.
1.35pm Novice Hurdle – Distance - 2m
The most exciting runner of the 3 day meeting in Emerging Talent. His name says it all, Paul Nicholls thinks the world of him, his first success being in a quite nice bumper over the Irish Sea, and last times first effort over hurdles behind the useful Shelford of Dan Skelton, he looks a chaser in the making, a big scopey sort looks very exciting.
2.10 Racing Post Arkle Trial – Novices Chase – Distance – 2m
A very competitive event here, whom have all won last time out on their chase debuts. A very tough race indeed. Duke of Navan and Little Jon may just not have the star quality. Court Minstrel has to give 6lbs to his rivals due to having the 2 chase wins this term and that could make the world of difference. Originally Sgt Reckless was the selection, however he is a non-runner. Preference is for Vibrato Valtat, a fairly useful hurdler, running 3rd in the Imperial Cup last March, he looks like he could be a better chaser already than a hurdler, fingers crossed he is. Any winner of this race will be a good horse
2.40 Schloer Chase – Distance - 2m
Recent winners of this race have been Kid Cassidy and the awesome Sprinter Sacre. It isn’t the strongest renewal however and 6 go to post. Preference is for the 6yo Dodging Bullets. He won the previous race we just mentioned on the card beating Alan King’s Raya Star and came 5l 4th to Western Warhorse in the Arkle here in March. Simply Ned’s form isn’t as strong as others and Uxizandre’s drop back to 2m is worrying. Dodging Bullets could be of some value if his jumping holds up.
3.15 GREATWOOD HURDLE – Distance – 2m
A fantastic race for all us jump lovers. A winner I remember very well a few years ago was Sizing Europe winning it in 2007, conditions that day were just like the today. Hopefully we could see a potential future Arkle and Champion Chase winner in this line up.
The three that strike me to run a big race are Vaniteux, Baltimore Rock and Baradari – Vaniteux has done nothing wrong in his short career with a fantastic 3rd to Supreme Novice Vautour, he won’t mind a bit of juice in the ground and could be a very exciting prospect for the Nicky Henderson yard. The other two selections could be worth an each way squeak, Baltimore Rock won the Imperial Cup in March before bypassing Cheltenham to run at the Aintree festival when again, another fantastic run behind Josses Hill. Roger Brookhouse has some useful types, the last 7 races his horses have contested in the last 14 days, he hasn’t come out the top two. Baradari is on the radar due to the ground, Venetia Williams hasn’t hit the ground running this season just yet, and he could run a big race today if getting some luck in running, which he hasn’t received of late.
3.50 National Hunt Flat – Distance – 2m
Last but not least, we have a bumper to finish the 3day festival off, with some very nice sorts indeed. Aqalim and No No Manolito are the chosen selections to take the last. John Ferguson has already had a couple of winners this week, in Parlour Games and Chesterfield, and he is finding that winning formula around Cheltenham. Aqalim ran a creditable in the Champion bumper at the Aintree festival and looks to be first stable preference too. No No Manolito for Charlie Longsdon ran a fine race first time out at Fontwell and has been kept back for a shot at this. The ground was better for him, fingers crossed he likes the ground.
Thanks and as always, may the odds be in your favour!
Good morning all! Only a small write up today, to include my Cheltenham selections for the opening day of the 2014 season at Cheltenham. A trappy card to say the least and it will be interesting to see if there are any potential festival winners over today and tomorrows cards. Below are a few comments on my selections and why I think they can be finishing well. Be Lucky!
2.10 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle
This looks quite a decent race from looking down at the field, with 6 going to post. Man of Leisure has held a few of these over the last 12 months and is strangely the outsider. Rum and Butter's head carriage and recent running's for me don't inspire much confidence, Descaro being not too far behind him at Newton Abbot and that form lets him down. If Cloud Brook will appreciate the ground and jump well the first time over hurdles, then he wont be far away but the one for me is Pure Science. Shows determination in finishing his races off, a gallant 6th at the Cheltenham Festival this year and at the prices (7/2 at present), I think he is value on the face of his form, even though this is first time out over hurdles. Nigel Twiston Davies took this race last year with the Neptune winner The New One.
2.40 Cheltenham Annual Members Novices Chase
Just 3 go to post in what looks an exciting race and the three that go to post have potential to win. Third Intention unfortunately hasn't won over fences yet and is becoming frustrating. Taquin Du Seiul has his first spin over fences so we don't really know how much ability is there and then there is Rebel Fitz. Some fine performances this season already, travelling superbly at the end of his races and his experience should really take the prize today.
3.15 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
A good turn out in what looks a tough race, with some old favourites and some up and coming improving sorts. Pure Faith and Trackmate have gone up the weights but they haven't done nothing wrong in their attempts to add a course victory to their prizes. Sinbad The Sailor and Monetary Fund look a tad wrong at the weights on the ability shown of late. The two I'm taking a chance with are Cross Kennon and Viking Blond. The former could well benefit from the rain soften ground and faces different sorts compared to Solwhit which he faced in the World Hurdle. As for Viking Blond, 2nd in the race last year, you can see on his form he runs well at this time of year and the visor will make sure he is switched on today.
3.50 Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices Chase
Some sorts in here who have major potential to progress and it will be hard to find the winner in this. For me, According To Trev and Twirling Magnet can go on to better things if they disappoint today. Panxtoa has been running well of late and has 3 wins from 3 over fences. His jumping towards the end was a bit lacklustre and for me that could prove crucial today. Although my selection in Sizing Symphony is a little less experienced (2 runs over fences to date), the style of his 3rd to Toner D'oudairies showed he would appreciate the step up in trip today and a course win is more beneficial that not for runners around here!
4.25 Jack Dee Here on 31st October Maiden Hurdle
For me, this should be an easy win for the Triumph Hurdle 8th, Lac Fontana. His form he has shown is brilliant and compared to some of his rivals, he is in a different league to them. Even though Paul Nicholls has admitted his string are a little behind on their work, you can see that the form the selection has, he can still win even if under-performing.
5.00 Fine & Country North Cotwsolds Amatuer Riders Handicap Chase
A great amateur riders race here in my eyes with literally all the runners having some kind of chance to run some sort of race. The two I think can challenge well at the death are Oscar Davey and Dammam. The Phillip Hobb trained Oscar Davey has the typical profile to run well in this race, showing grit and determination at the death. His second to Same Difference at Chepstow last season shows he will give it a real good go. As for Dammam, he has been an exciting sort to follow round here with form figures being 143. He might need further this season but he knows what it's all about around here and has each way chances.
5.30 Rewards4racing Rewarding Your Passion Conditionals Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
In the finale, we have the conditional jockeys race where it's bound sure to be a thick and fast run race. It isn't the strongest of races but a chance is being taken with Leviathan and Della Sun. The former being well handicapped on the face of the form he has shown in recent runs and the break would have freshened him up. As for Della Sun, he has small each way hope today on the recent ability that has been shown. Josh Wall has been riding well upon him and their partnership could prove well
Be Lucky!
Blue_Bajan