BALLYMORE
HAXO – Stayed on well behind a modest 2 miler on Hurdle
debut. You’d think he’ll not lose his Maiden status here but be worth keeping
an eye on how he shapes all the same because he’s not the only very unlikely
winner in here so he’ll have his own yardsticks in behind
HEMLOCK – Another Maiden Hurdler, this one with form at the
middle trip where he didn’t look the most straightforward. Impossible to fancy
I AM MAXIMUS – Form goes up and down, MR DROGO makes the
bumper look good, JPR knocks the hurdle form in the Betfair hurdle, RAYMOND
TUSK makes him look ordinary then HILLCREST makes him look alright. The reality
is though, he’s rated 134, he might have a chance in a handicap off that mark
but I can’t begin to think he’s a stone well in and even then 148 would typically
not be enough to land this
JOURNEY WITH ME – unbeaten under rules and 1 from 1 in his
point. Form from his Maiden hurdle worked out well with MINELLA CROONER and
KILCRUIT in 2nd and 3rd respectively. His EFD Auction win
the last day wasn’t going to tell us too much, but he got the job done and this
is further which will suit more. CITY ISLAND came from that Auction race too,
we know connections landed this with BOB OLINGER 12 months ago, and really he’s
pretty solid, although not seemingly top grade based on that last effort. To
play devils advocate and use my imagination a little though, he achieved an RPR
of 142 ag Leopardstown in that Maiden hurdle win. KILCRUIT hit 141 after,
CROONER hit 139 then 142 so you could say that with usual progression he’s
probably at least high 140’s and having this race in mind from a while out, he
could be peaking with the rest of Henry’s team and I think will post an effort
in the 150’s, or is at least capable of that. Based more on faith than form
though
SCARFACE – A third Maiden hurdler here who is officially
rated 128. So much to find on that figure alone and when searching his form
it’s hard to see a reason to think he can improve much from his Ascot run last
month
SIR GERHARD – Only defeat under rules came at Punchestown
and it may be this horse is best when allowed to dictate but I don’t see that
being a problem in here. Jumping wasn’t great at the DRF so with more hurdles
to jump here you can see a reason to knock him. I do think he’s classy and has
a big enough engine that he’ll be OK over this trip, but his breeding will tell
you he’s not made for this trip. JEREMY may have sired a couple of stayers, but
the stamina for those came from the Dam side and for me, that’s where I prefer
to look. Class and connections is what’s made him as short a price as he is.
He’s got a favourites chance because of his class, but there’s no way he should
be odds on because this trip isn’t going to bring the improvement from him that
it might/should for others
STAGE STAR – Very progressive horse, and very likeable
attitude. Professional in his races and prior, looks to be responsive to his
jockey too. Need to keep on that upward curve here and it’s been talked about
how the Challow Hurdle Winners don’t go onto win this race, but he’s as much as
chance as any except for SIR GERHARD. Kept fresh for this and a big chance
given that Chepstow Maiden and bumper win suggest this course could see him to
even better effect
THREE STRIPE LIFE – 4th in the bumper last year
8.25 behind SIR G then 6 behind him over hurdles at the DRF. This trip could be
the leveller for the pair given theirs more stamina in his breeding. Not
certain this race was the first choice as ideally you’d like to have stepped up
in trip at least once prior, but he’s got a chance for sure
WHATDEAWANT – I think Willie thinks this horse will be
better over further yet this is the owners race so that’s maybe why he’s here.
Found out in a Grade 1 at Naas behind GINTO and his maiden form looks weak
enough
Summary
SIR GERHARD might be the best horse in the race and that
class could be enough to land this but there are probably better stayers than
him in here. While this race is closer to the Bartlett than the Supreme in
terms of trip, you do tend to get lots of speedy types winning this so he does
have a favourites chance. Not sure he should be as short as he is, but that
opens the door for some value in behind. THREE STRIPE LIFE, JOURNEY WITH &
STAGE STAR could all run to about the same number but I’d suggest that STAGE
STAR might just be the best of that trio, this course and trip will suit him.
He travels well and looks very straight forward so he’ll take a tentative vote
in a race I won’t be having much on in
Selection – STAGE STAR
BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ CHASE
AHOY SENOR – 66/1 winner at Aintree and I must admit I
wasn’t sold on him to begin with but he ran well before unseating in the Colin
Parker Memorial which was an intermediate chase for debut which isn’t the
easiest starting point (same for BMG). Bolted up at Newbury where he left the
impression he really is a good horse. Sent off favourite at Kempton vs BMG but
I think that was more on the ground that the track because he should be better
suited to a less sharp course, much like Cheltenham’s old. Does jump a little
to his right, but he’s a novice and I’m not overly concerned. Wo the Towton in
ready fashion and I personally think he’ll beat BMG around here. Whether that’s
enough to land this race remains to be seen, but I think he’s got a right
chance, despite slight concerns around his jumping. That’s more that fences
look like an inconvenience rather than he can’t jump them and I don’t think he
respects them which could be an issue here
BEACON EDGE – Noel Meade has always liked this horse, and
I’m with him on that. I think the easy way to take him on is to dispute his
stamina but he outstayed FURY ROAD over 2m 5f as a hurdler, he stayed well
giving FAROUK D’ALENE 7lbs the last day on heavy ground when completing for the
first time in Cheekpieces. Feel the time prior and did fall over hurdles but
history will tell us the winners of this race don’t need to be foot perfect in
their preparation. He’s posted on RPR above 160 but lots in the high 150’s. I think
he’s got a chance at a price and I’d be sure he’ll run well
BRAVEMANSGAME – No doubt this is a serious horse but I’m
still not sold on him being a gold cup horse. I’m not sure they track suits him
and he didn’t see out the Ballymore that well to my eye. Jumps great and
travels nicely but he does that until he doesn’t anymore. I think he can go out
quite quickly and while his jumping will be a major advantage he’s not jumped
these fences and we don’t know how he’ll handle a mistake. I don’t think he’ll stay
this trip and the race is fairly deep so I’m happy to take him on at the prices
CAPODANNO – Dotted up at the Punchestown festival over 2m
last season after skipping Cheltenham. Looks like a horse who can run at most
trips but this test is an unknown. That said, the way he’s talked about he
looked at one point like a potential NH Chase type although his breeding
doesn’t quite back that up, but hey, TIGER ROLL was flat bred. Unseated last
time which isn’t ideal, but as mentioned earlier hasn’t stopped previous
winners of this race
DUSART – Half Brother to SIMONSIG, winner of the Arkle so
they’re clearly very different types. No doubt he has a big engine, not so sure
he jumps well enough to remain in contention for this race. If I was Ronnie
Bartlett I’d have swapped him and STATTLER over but then what do I know
FAROUK D’ALENE – Was all over this lad for the Albert
Bartlett last season but he never came over. Lots of talk to suggest he has to
go right handed and wants deep ground but chasing this season shows otherwise.
Close second to STATTLER in a Grade 3 before beating BEACON EDGE in the Ten Up.
I do like him, I give him a chance, but I think he’s not quite up to this and
it is a deep renewal
FURY ROAD – Sent off just 4/1 in last years’ stayers hurdle
when pulling up but they’d delayed Chasing because they thought they had better
options for Novices’ last season. Not keen on the after thought process for him
but was a close third in the Albert Bartlett behind MONKFISH the season prior
and his only win over fences came at 3m in a Grade 1 at Christmas beating two
leading NH Chase hopes. Was behind BEACON EDGE over 2m 4f before that but at
this trip there’s not much to split that pair
GAILLARD DU MESNIL – 2nd to BOB OLINGER last
season and while GALOPIN DES CHAMPS has shone over fences this lad has
struggled and comes here still a Novice. Doesn’t look a natural chaser but did
stay on passed BMG in the Ballymore so if he put it all together he wouldn’t be
the biggest shock of the week but might be the type to see headgear return at
some point but for all that he is only 6 so has time on his side
L’HOMME PRESSE – Pedigree doesn’t scream out that he wants a
step up in trip but despite that lots of people fancy him in this race. I’m not
quite as sure. I’m dubious about his form despite never really ever being asked
and there’s no doubt he’s a very smart prospect. I’m just not sure he’s an RSA
winner in waiting and he’s plenty short enough for me now
STREETS OF DOYEN – Didn’t qualify for the NH Chase and
really has a lot to prove in this company
THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE – Owner wanted to run here, Trainer
wanted to run the NH Chase but they wanted to keep Adrian Heskin on board. He’s
progressed as the season has gone on but while plenty are reading into his form
to boost those in behind I’m just not impressed enough to suggest he any better
than a 150 horse. Happy to be proven wrong, and he has course experience over
these fences which the others don’t. I just don’t think he’s good enough
Summary
I’m keen to take on BRAVEMANSGAME at his price so I’m glad
GDC isn’t racing here. To be honest, I think the race is deep enough and full
of horses who do stay well that I’m going to place lay him. Relatively low risk
approach I admit but I’d say AHOY SENOR is my idea of the ‘best’ horse in the
race and he’s the one I think or more so hope wins the race. Not a confident
selection because of his jumping but it’s built into the price and I think he
should be second favourite and shorter than he is. BEACON EDGE is an
underappreciated horse so I’ll have a small bet on him and FURY, who is also a
bit of a forgotten horse after last season but on his day he’s as good as these
Selection – AHOY SENOR
Bigger prices – BEACON EDGE, FURY ROAD
CORAL CUP
THE BOSSES OSCAR – Aborted novice chasing to come here so
it’s clearly an afterthought. Second in the Pertemps off a 3lb lower mark, but
really hard to get excited about back at this trip and back over the smaller
obstacles. Looks held at the moment but loves it here
ASHDALE BOB – Fancied as a player for the Bartlett last year
but never came here instead stayed in Ireland for Fairyhouse and Punchestown
where he picked up a Grade 2 and Grade 2 second. Solid form, not been so good
since but hinted at a revival the last day I just don’t think the 3lb claim
from 152 is enough to bring him down to a winning mark
COMMANDER OF FLEET – Cracking horse who won at 40/1 under
his jockey in here albeit off an 8lb lower mark. Pulled up after and probably
better at 3m nowadays
MCFABULOUS – Two spins here confirm he lacks a bit and
doesn’t stay. Down to 150 now and cheekpieces applied, he’s got a chance but
doesn’t feel like he’s got the 5-7lbs under his belt to land this
SAINT FELICIAN – 5yo only had two spins over hurdle for
Gordon after a nice win in France which meant he’s not a novice this spring.
149 looks a hefty enough mark to defy and was beaten favourite in a Grade 3 the
last day. Possibly the graded horse in the Handicap according to many but he
was beaten in that Grade 3 which means currently he’s not quite Graded standard
even with the step up expected to bring a bit more out of him so I’m against
him at such short odds. He’ll run well though
GRAND ROI – This lad looked like he might be something
special when being sold by the Million In Mind Partnership for big money. Yet
to really show himself for the new yard despite a Grade 2 win on his second
start. 149 and Cheekpieces to me scream out he’s the one who could run a
monster race. He’s got RPR’s in the 150’s so this mark is within the range I’d
like to see and he was sent off 6/1 favourite for this 12 months ago although
he was well beaten. Redemption could await
HANG IN THERE – Raced mostly on flatter tracks although won
here in a Grade 2 novice hurdle over 2m so I’m not sure they’re avoiding the
undulations. Mark of 148 probably overestimates him in truth though so not for
me
THE SHUNTER – Winless since running for JP but he’s a better
hurdler than he is a chaser yet has a lower rating. Unseated at the DRF so a
chance this is an after thought but, I also think they fancy his chances and
have maybe thought about this for some time. Mark Walsh last rode at
Punchestown last season when a beaten 3/1 favourite but the winner that day has
won since and he has to be on the shortlist
GOWEL ROAD – Recency bias maybe is allowing him to be the
price he is because after his November win at the track he looked a proper
Coral Cup type. Not sure the 4lb rise for his second at Lingfield was helpful
or truly justified and that was back at two miles. Maybe just enough to halt
his progression here but then I do think he’s for more to come so he’s a hard
one to balance. 11lb swing with UNEXPECTED PARTY who is a bit shorter priced
than him
DALY TIGER – Mixing over both obstacles this season and last
won while hurdling at the middle trip on heavy ground. Won his Maiden on good
ground so although hes run on slow stuff since, I don’t think it’s essential
and he beat TORNADO FLYER over fences in November 2020. Won a 2m 1f handicap
Chase last January in Ireland off 147, and he’s in here off 145 with Walsh
claiming 3lbs. That makes him potentially extremely well handicapped and that
hurdle win in December had some alright horses in behind with him giving 5lbs,
including THE GOFFER who was in receipt of 2lbs but 13.5 lengths back. He’s
probably overpriced but still a bit punty
GANAPATHI – Underwhelmed in The County last year then fell
at Punchestown but was on the premises in that Grade 1 with GAILLARD DU MESNIL
the winner that day. Should have progressed despite clearly having his issues,
and 5lbs higher than this time last year. First time tongue tie and he’s
interesting
CHRISTOPHER WOOD – Bumped into one at Ascot on Stable debut
but he’s not going to get in here whereas he will. Massive price really but
another who doesn’t seem to much if any in hand
DROP THE ANCHOR – Another JP runner (see THE SHUNTER) but
was eyecatching in defeat in last years county off a 3lb higher mark and looked
to be crying out for this extra distance on his breeding. Given a quiet enough
ride at the DRF too so I think he’s going to be close here
DANS LE VENT – Won the Exchange at Haydock earlier this
season but this is too competitive to entertain another big run
UNEXPECTED PARTY – Dan Skelton has been bullish about his
chances. Good winner at Ascot but hiked up 12lbs and I’m not sure that was
justified. Unexposed of course with so few runs as a 7yo but started his
handicaps off 109 so he’ll need to have improved 3 stone to land this really.
Strong traveller though, but just think his price is a bit tight
GARRY CLERMONT – Behind UNEXPECTED PARTY at Ascot by 8.5
lengths, dropped 1lb so has a 13lb swing. Cheekpieces applied and his Maiden
hurdle was over 2m 4 1/2 f so you’d think they’ve always thought he wanted a
trip. Won a handicap over 2m 3f off a 12lb lower mark last May then raced
exclusively at Ascot since, caught the eye too on his penultimate start behind
TRITONIC where he travelled well into the race, something he’s not always done.
Clearly bumped into one the last day but I rate this lads chances from a yard
who know how to win at The Festival
CALL ME LORD – International winner here back in 2019 when
rated 160. Not been the same horse since which is why he’s down to a lowly (for
him) 142. Wouldn’t be the biggest shock as the trainer had other options in the
race who appeared to be well handicapped
FASTORSLOW – 2 hurdles and chase in France before three
hurdles in Ireland for Martin Brassil. Rated 137, Darragh O’Keeffe is a choice
booking for these connections so happy he’s still on (look at WHATDEWANT as he
was jocked off which is a negative). French Hurdle form looks ok so worth a
Market Check, but his French Chase form doesn’t look so inviting
CAMPROND – Another JP horse who ran well in The Greatwood, a
race of which the form is working out well. Will prefer this trip although
really does want good ground. Has wiggle room off the mark for sure, but priced
as such and I don’t like his ground dependency, especially with rain forecast
Wednesday and plenty of racing going through this course over day 1 and
including the Ballymore
INDIGO BREEZE – 140 for handicap debut for Gordon Elliott
and raced mostly at 2m. Wouldn’t be too bullish about his form although the
trip maybe is what he wants looking at his breeding but it’s a punt I’m not
willing to take
CHAMPAGNE GOLD – Poor in the Martin Pipe last year with
little excuse but was just over length behind DROP THE ANCHOR on his run before
that albeit a year ago. That gives him a 10lb swing, the step up in trip is
what he wants when you look at his Grade 3 effort as a Novice hurdler and where
they trip him while Chasing this season. Dropped back over hurdles at the DRF
for a confidence booster I’d say, was kindly dropped 2lbs and races here off a
5lb lower mark than when sent off 6/1 in the Martin Pipe. He’s a mega price at
around 40/1 and will be taking a few quid from me
TOP MOON – first run for Ben Haslam, dropping in the weights
so now 7lb lower than when 30 length 20th in this race in 2020.
Impossible to fancy
MAZE RUNNER – 5lbs higher than his Irish mark here and has
raced at either 2m or 3m. Middle trip is more than interesting and he did run
quite well at the DRF so worth a second look
TRONADOR – 9th in the Boodles last year off 129
and 9lbs higher now. Nothing to note over the summer hurdling but did beat DANS
LE VENT at Aintree last season who we know has improved since. Interesting
again, but maybe one for Aintree
FAIR FRONTIERES – Modest hurdling form to be honest but
making handicap debut and thrown in the deep end. Hard to think he’s up to this
though
MARS HARPER – 4.5 lengths behind CAMPROND where I thought he
ran really well off levels. Only 3lbs lower than him now so the gap is still
there although a chance he’s progressed further and the ground won’t worry this
lad so I think he’ll reverse the form. Whether that’s enough to win this though
is another question
Summary
Typical Cheltenham Handicap summary from me here with so
many that you can make cases for. Of those at shorter prices I’d prefer DROP
THE ANCHOR, THE SHUNTER & GOWEL ROAD but I’m happy to play a couple or few
at big prices here so MAZE RUNNER, CHAMPAGNE GOLD & GARRY CLERMONT will all
get a couple of quid each way for me and will go in the start of a block double
with the Grand Annual. I might even add CALL ME LORD and if there’s a bit more
rain DALY TIGER too
Selections – MAZE RUNNER, CHAMPAGNE GOLD & GARRY
CLERMONT
CHAMPION CHASE
CHACUN POUR SOI – I’ll keep it short on this lad because I
understand the concerns with Travel here and maybe the hill, but he’s for me
right up there as the top 2 mile chaser in training and he’s been here before
whereas the top two havn’t. Paul Townend looked devastated that he didn’t win
last year when trading 1.15 in running and looked the winner jumping the last.
He jump didn’t quicken which lends itself to be the hill as the issue but I’m
happy to think if he was asked a bit sooner he might have met the hill in a better
stride and been ok. I think he can go as fast as anything at the business end,
I just think on an incline he needs to be asked to raise his effort sooner so
under Patrick I’m expecting a similar race to 2017 where he went on with DOUVAN
before falling when going well. I still believe he can win this despite it
being a harder race than last year
ENERGUMENE – Just the 9 runs under rules and they didn’t
waste time in getting him over fences but he had his issues early on. Similar
to CHACUN coming into this last year really, winning form back home in Ireland
but there’s no doubt his effort at Ascot was enough to show he’s a serious
horse. I’m just on in agreement that if you stopped the race at the same
distance as this, because you’d run it differently. He’s not been to Cheltenham
yet, and while there’s no reason to question the hill, this is a Champion Chase
with lots of experienced horses in it. CHACUN going off will help this lad have
a fast pace to aim at as I don’t think it would have helped him the last day
having to take it up from the off but just shows there’s not many horses who
can go his gallop early on. I’d rather CPS than him personally but there’s not
much between them on talent, I just think ENERGUMENE doesn’t have as much
experience left handed and using CAPTAIN GUINESS as a loose yardstick, there’s
probably not a lot between the trio apart from the prices, but he’s third in
for me
ENVOI ALLEN – Still a great horse, didn’t really beat a
genuine 2 miler at Christmas when winning a Grade 1 in name but not nature. Good
enough win earlier back at Down Royal though and while it would take a leap of
faith to trust he’s back to his best, that best might still not be good enough
to land this
FUNAMBULE SIVOLA – Not sure the Game Spirit depth is anywhere
close to Champion Chase standard but mark was ruined for the Grand Annual so
might as well have a crack in here to see what they’ve got. It’s not a Champion
Chaser though I’ll tell you that now
NUBE NEGRA – Big run in the race last year, not very good in
the Tingle Creek, especially so when you considering CPS was injured. SHLOER
Chase was an OK effort but in hindsight he beat very little. Keeping him fresh
looks wise and he did topple ALTIOR last season so no forlorn hope but I just
think the big 3 are that bit better than him
POLITOLOGUE – Looking to the first 11 year old since MOSCOW
FLYER in 2005 who also regained his crown in that win. Picked up a weak enough
Champion Chase though and his days are gone now I think
SHISHKIN – The rightful favourite, the best 2 miler this
season if he lands this. I think he’s tons better than ENERGUMENE so I have no
worries he’ll beat him, I just think if CPS manages to get loose he’ll have to
work hard to pick him up but then Nico knows how to handle race tactics in here
more than anyone as he showed on ALTIOR. Jumping wasn’t great at Ascot and this
will be the biggest field he’s run in since the Supreme where he only won by a
head so congestion could be an issue
PUT THE KETTLE ON – Has to race here to defend her crown so
I respect connections but she’s been out of form and this is looking like an
impossible task for all that she love Cheltenham
Summary
I think CHACUN will go out in front, I hope Patrick kicks on
early and pinches a lead and I don’t think they’ll catch him. ENERGUMENE I
can’t have but I do respect he has a chance. SHISHKIN should win this, but
there are fine margins in this race potentially so the mid part of the race
will be massive, because CHACUN went through it well last year all the way to
the last and it’s likely that SHISHKIN is the one who will have to pass more
horses than ENERGUMENE to land this so let’s hope he’s not found wanting for
pressure
Selection – CHACUN POUR SOI
GRAND ANNUAL
SKY PIRATE – Sold prior to last season before landing this
race with the drop back to the minimum trip the key. Run alright this season
and only 4lb higher than 12 months ago but that’s enough to temper any
enthusiasm with him
ANDY DUFRESNE – Came with a big reputation and big price tag
but I remember reports in his younger days suggesting he might not be a
Cheltenham horse. Great run the last day giving 7lbs to CAPTAIN GUINESS who is
a 150’s horse in his own right so the 155 he gets in off here looks workable
and comes here fresh, although with his lack of racing as an 8yo he lacks
experience and that keeping him fresh may not have been totally by design
EDITEUR DU GITE – Gary Moore doesn’t just have social
runners at Cheltenham in the main and this lad has climbed the handicap ranks
this season. Progressive profile sometimes what you want in this race and races
from the front end which you also want. Chance the handicapper has caught up
with him, but I thought the same of last years winner so he’s got a chance
A WAVE OF THE SEA – Keeps winning at the DRF and Shane
Fitzgerald keeps the ride here but he’s off an 8lb higher mark and never really
shone at the track. Not completely ruled out but unlikely
EXIT POLL – Changed ownership beginning of this season and
seems like he prefers quicker ground than he’s going to face in here. 5lbs
higher than his Irish mark and has been well held the last thrice plus has
lengths to find with EMBITTERED now on these terms
BEFORE MIDNIGHT – Won at Aintree last spring then continued
that form at the beginning of this season. Another who may just want a quicker
surface than he might get here, but recency bias has meant this lad is probably
a fair price now and he’s another who loves to be up there
EMBITTERED – 9/2F for this race 12 months ago off a 1lb
higher mark so of automatic interest considering he fell that day, too early to
really say, but he was travelling well. Been kept busy since, including in much
better company the last thrice but he comes here with a massive chance, plain
for all to see
BUDDY RICH – Been the one plenty have wanted to back for a
long time and he’s been saved since November for this. I’m not sure he has the
bottle in a battle which will definitely happen in here and he too would love a
quicker surface. Enough negatives when you consider his price so not for me
ELIXIR DE NUTZ – I’ve liked this horse for a long time and
he was a Grade 1 winning hurdler when he took the Tolworth in 2019. Lots of
Cheltenham form that season too, was incredibly impressive the last day at
Kempton but his runs prior to that would suggest his mark maybe a little high.
I think he’s capable though, and comes here in good form. Ground should suit
and maybe he’s finally turned a corner
AMARILLO SKY – Stable mate of ELIXIR and the one the yard
seem to be pretty keen on. Won as he liked at Newbury last month which
surprised me as I thought they’d want to keep the mark down but they’re happy
that he would build on that effort so he’s another in with a chance
DANCING ON MY OWN – Price dried up a bit on this horse but
has started to come back out. He ticks lots of boxes for this race and
historically, most winners have form at a longer trip, or at least have tried
further. Key to this lad will be to get him up in the front but that same
tactic applies to most. He did of course beat BUDDY RICH back in October and
1lb better off. Happy with Darragh on board so he’s one on my shortlist
IL RIDOTO – Won at Newbury like a Graded horse but pulled up
after a very quick turnaround in the Henry Viii novices chase were only a 6/1
poke. Beaten again in January at Lingfield when there were question marks
around the yard but wasn’t beaten out of sight and I think with Harry Cobden
still in the saddle he’s got a massive chance at a price
THYME WHITE – Stablemate to IL RIDOTO and Paul keeps saying
he’s got a proper chance. Bryony keeps the ride after winning on him back in
December at Doncaster. Up 8lbs for that and been kept fresh since but I’m not
so fond of the form in that race and can race keen and jump badly. He tried to
run out at the first at Ascot when unseating Harry Cobden too so clearly has a
head on him
FRERO BANBOU – Has some big weight swings with the likes of
EDITEUR DE GITE and IL RIDOTO but has been well beaten by both. Running style
from the back means the last twice but can track the leaders depending how
quick they go. Jumps well in the main and place chance for sure but this is a
step up in class and off a career high mark
POSEIDON – Half length behind EMBITTERED off levels and has
4lb pull here. About the only form you could use to make a case for him really
but beat GRANGE WALK in October who landed a big handicap chase in Leopardstown
at Christmas and is rated 140 in his own right now so enough to say 25/1 is
enough to make you look twice
GUMBALL – Cheekpieces applied here and he’s down to a mark
of 140 which is probably, well definitely a winnable mark for him. He is a bit
of a law unto himself, but would have beaten ELDORADO ALLEN over fences here in
November 2020 so on his day he’s capable and maybe overpriced
CAPPUCIMIX – Ran well for a long way at a big price in this
last year but off a 2lb lower mark. Hard to think he can go any better this
time round
FOR PLEASURE – Bit of a tearaway horse, loves being out in
front and can go quick. Just very little form in better company to suggest that
works out for him and 138 doesn’t look the lightest of marks based on his form
in bigger fields
HASANKEY – This is a major step up in class to anything he’s
faced before and can’t have him
GLOBAL CITIZEN – Crazy to see his mark in the 130’s and
always a chance he’ll pop up soon, but he’s a flat track horse so not for me,
despite looking back more than once at the fact he’s 50/1 and probably bigger
on the day
Summary
Wide open handicap which is typical of Cheltenham, those at
the head I prefer EMBITTERED, AMARILLO SKY. In the mid section I think DANCING
ON MY OWN has a proper chance and I can see IL RIDOTO going close as too can I
see GUMBALL running a massive race. Be part of my blocks bets with the Coral
Cup
Selections – DANCING ON MY OWN, IL RIDOTO, GUMBALL
CHAMPION BUMPER
The front too of FACILE VEGA & AMERICAN MIKE do look to have little to split them other than price so MIKE gets my vote on that front. REDEMPTION DAY has a proper chance and is well thought of as is JAMES'S GATE. HOULANBATORDECHAIS is very interesting given connections had MERCURY who won well enough to warrant a run in here so could be on at a price. Outside that I've looked at the field but nothing interests me out side those already mentioned. I personally have laid FACILE VEGA so have the field running for me
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