Cheltenham 2005

[bowles10]

Surprised it has taken me this long to get this going, but we must start to focus on the greatest week of the season in March. Mods, make this a sticky if you can, last years results Tuesday 1400: Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices Hurdle (2m½f) 1. Brave Inca (BM Cash) 7-2f 2. War Of Attrition (C O'Dwyer) 33-1 3. Fleet Street (A Tinkler) 20-1 19 ran. Dist: nk, 7 1440: Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (2m) 1 Well Chief (AP McCoy) 9-1 2. Kicking King (BJ Geraghty) 7-2 3. Le Duc (J Tizzard) 25-1 16 ran. Dist: length, 7 1520: Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2m½f) 1. Hardy Eustace (C O'Dwyer) 33-1 2. Rooster Booster (R Johnson) 11-8 3. Intersky Falcon (L Cooper) 8-1 14 ran. Dist: 5,4 1600: William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase (3m½f) 1. Fork Lightning (R Thornton) 7-1 2. Shardam (C Llewellyn) 11-2 3. Royal Auclair (R Walsh) 7-1 11 ran . Dist: 2, 9 1640: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (3m½f) 1. Maximize (Mr D Edwards) 40-1 2. Merchants Friend (Mr P Cashman) 20-1 3. Ibis Rochelais (Mr T Greenall) 7-1f 4. Dominikus (Mr KJ Mercer) 20-1 22 ran. Dist: length, 9 1720: Pertemps Final - Handicap Hurdle (3m 1f) 1. Creon (TJ Murphy) 50-1 2. GVA Ireland (FJ Flood) 14-1 3. Alexanderthegreat (R Walsh) 25-1 4. His Nibs (R Johnson) 25-1 24 ran. Dist: ½, 1 Wednesday 1400 Royal & SunAlliance Novices Hurdle (2m 5f) 1. Fundamentalist (C Llewellyn) 12-1 2. Inglis Drever (G Lee) 7-4f 3. Grey Report (R Johnson) 25-1 15 ran. Dist: ½, 4 1435 Royal & SunAlliance Novices Chase (3m ½f) 1. Rule Supreme (D Casey) 25-1 2. Royal Emperor (D Elsworth) 6-1 3. Our Vic (AP McCoy) 11-8f 10 ran. Dist: 1¼, 2 1520 Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m) 1. Azertyuiop (R Walsh) 15-8 2. Flagship Uberalles (R Johnson) 14-1 3. Tiuchev (AP McCoy) 16-1 8 ran. Dist: 9, 1½ 1600 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f) 1. Monkerhostin (R Johnson) 7-1 2. Court Shareef (W Hutchinson) 200-1 3. Rhinestone Cowboy (JP Magnier) 5-1 4. Mughas (R Thornton) 11-2 27 ran. Dis: 1, 1¼ 1635 National Hunt Steeplechase Challenge Cup (4m) 1. Native Emperor (Mr R Widger) 5-1jf 2. Celestial Gold (Mr A Farrant) 33-1 3. Drombeag (Mr JT McNamara) 8-1 21 ran. Dist: 1¾, 6 1710 Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (2m 4f) 1. Tikram (TJ Murphy) 12-1 2. Iznogoud (AP McCoy) 9-2 3. Fondmort (MA Fitzgerald) 9-1 4. Kelrev (S Thomas) 16-1 17 ran. Dist: 2½, 1½ 1745 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f) 1. Total Enjoyment (J Culloty) 7-1 2. Refinement (B Geraghty) 7-1 3. Master Albert (JP Magnier) 50-1 24 ran. Dist: 2½, Thursday 1400 JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 1f) 1. Made in Japan (R Johnson) 20-1 2. Chief Yeoman (A Dobbin) 40-1 3. Top Strategy (R Walsh) 33-1 4. Cherub (L Cooper) 16-1 23 ran. Dist: 2, nk 1435 Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle (3m) 1. Iris's Gift (B Geraghty) 9-2 2. Baracouda (T Doumen) 8-11f 3. Crystal d'Ainay (R Thornton) 8-1 10 ran. Dist: 1½, 13 1515 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2f) 1. Best Mate (Jim Culloty) 8-11f 2. Sir Rembrandt (A Thornton) 33-1 3. Harbour Pilot (P Carberry) 20-1 10 ran. Dist: ½, 1¼ 1600 Christie's Foxhunter Chase (3m 2f) 1. Earthmover (Miss A Goshen) 14-1 2. Never Compromise (Mr AP Crowe) 9-2 3. County Derry (Mr N Harris) 16-1 24 ran. Dist: 4, 12 1635 Cheltenham Grand Annual Chase (2m) 1. St Pirran (R Walsh) 4-1f 2. Ground Ball (DJ Casey) 10-1 3. Reiziger (PJ Brennan) 33-1 4. No Visibility (TJ Murphy)14-1 21 ran. Dist: 2½, 7 1710 Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase (2m 5f) 1. Our Armageddon (L McGrath) 9-1 2. Iris Royal (M A Fitzgerald) 11-4 3. Impek (J Culloty) 3-1 8 ran. Dist: 2½,11 1745 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle (2m 1f) 1. Sporazene (R Walsh) 7-1jf 2. Hawadeth (Mr TJ Malone) 50-1 3. Copeland (J E Moore) 25-1 4. Balapour (C Llewellyn) 12-1 23 ran. Dist: ½, 2½

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 think we should take each race as it comes & review the chances. 1st race on Tuesday is Supreme Novices Hurdle over 2m. latest odds are: Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Bluesq) Marcel 7/1 BET Wild Passion 14/1 BET Olaso 14/1 BET Akshar 14/1 BET Arcalis 16/1 BET Refinement 16/1 BET Coat Of Honour 20/1 BET Manners 20/1 BET Roman Ark 20/1 BET Only Vintage 20/1 BET Reveillez 20/1 BET Cherub 25/1 BET Rocket Ship 25/1 BET Justified 25/1 BET

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 there is a more comphrehensive list of horses available with notable runner in Mephisto at around 20/1 (not shown above). This runs tomorrow in the 12.55 at chelt.

MEPHISTO
8 G Lee 6 11 - 5
J Howard Johnson
Winner of five races from 1m 4f to 1m 6f on the flat on ground varying from good to firm to soft. A winner at 6-1 on the flat at York over 1m 6f (soft) in August, beating Gold Ring by a short-head. Having his first run for a new stable today, previously with L M Cumani

Ebor winner will surely have a bright future over hurdles & has the speed to get round Cheltenham & finish up that hill. Any show tomorrow will reduce its odds for this race.

[jeffers]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 There's only one horse that stands out for me so far at this season's festival (well 2 actually but this is the big one), and it's Back In Front. I've already got 16s, and had a lot more on at 11/2 this week. Seems as though this is almost the forgotten horse. He won the Supreme over 2m in 2003, battering Kicking King, Thisthatandtother, Chauvinist, and many other very good horses. Then won the champion Novices hurdle at Punchestown, and ran well in numerous other Graded races in Ireland. Came back after nearly a year off the track by beating Macs Joy in a 30 runner maiden at Navan with a very impressive performance, and has since been beaten narrowly by Harchibald (Champion Hurdle fav) and then smacked Inglis Drever (won since), and Rooster Booster. Has Cheltenham form, perfect trip, will be laid out for the race, and I really don't see any negatives. Hills have 11/2 which is a massive price. :ok The only other one I really fancy for the Festival is Kingscliff, but I'll write about that later cos I can't be arsed right now. :loon

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005

1st		Ambobo (USA)	5	B J Geraghty	14-1
			11 12	A Chaille-Chaille
		Tracked leaders, led 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on well run-in Opened 16/1 £10000-£600
2nd	2½ l	Brewster (IRE)	8	D R Dennis	7-4
			11 12	Ian Williams
		Tracked leader, pushed along after 3 out, chased winner from next, stayed on same pace before last Opened 2/1, touched 9/4 £4500-£2000(x2), £2250-£1000, £4000-£2000(x2), £1000-£500(x3), £750-£400, £3500-£2000
3rd	8l	Mephisto (IRE)	6	G Lee	8-1
			11 5	J Howard Johnson
		Keen, held up in rear, steady headway approaching 2 out, went 3rd before last, one pace run-in (will improve)

A nice introduction for Mephisto as i thought. Have to be impressed putting up a reasonable show against experienced winners. Will be interesting where the trainer goes - will it be Cheltenham or Aintree? I will be looking around to see what ante post prices there are as I am sure he may now go for the 2m 4f novice at the festival.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Jeffers - i would agree with you on the Champion hur bet with Back in Front. The cheltenham form is a must & i believe that the "best form" horse does not necessarily win at Cheltenham as it is such a different track. Harchibald has been a revelation & reminds me a bit like Rhinestone when he used to come from behind to win. May just find him out at Chelt & BinFront will be there and looks a solid EW bet at the 11/2 mark. Hardy Eustace must also be considered following its win here last year & will be heavily supported to repeat following last weekend's champion in Ireland. It would be foolhardy to rule out Rooster Booster & odds of around 12/1 ante are tempting. Does find it hard to win these days in the Grade races it runs in but is always thereabouts. Put up a great show at Kempton before getting caught by Harchibald. Again, an EW price is there to be had. So far then: Back in Front 11/2 Hardy Eustace 5/1 Rooster Booster 12/1 all look decent ew bets.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 when it comes to cheltenham festival time, take a look back at this race today. i have highlighted the stragglers & not one really had a race. Will be thinking that certain handicap marks are being reduced especially with the pipe runners.

9th	5l	Whereareyounow (IRE)	8	C Llewellyn	7-1
			10 3	N Twiston-Davies
		Chased leader to 10th, gradually lost place Opened 8/1 £10000-£1200 each way, £2500-£300 each way, £7000-£1000
10th	6l	Europa	9	G Lee	15-2
			10 9	Ferdy Murphy
		Behind, reminders 7th, never going well and no chance after Opened 7/1, touched 8/1 £4000-£500, £2400-£300
11th	1¾ l	Brooklyn Breeze (IRE)	8	A Dobbin	12-1
			10 6	L Lungo
		Held up in rear, effort and just in touch on outside when blundered 3 out, not recover and eased after
12th	1¾ l	Latitude (FR)	6	R Greene	50-1
			10 0	M Pipe
		Mid-division, weakened and well behind 4 out
13th	28l	Redemption	10	A P McCoy	15-2
			11 3	N Twiston-Davies
		Not fluent, blundered 6th, always behind Opened 8/1
14th	4l	Iznogoud (FR)	9	T J Murphy	16-1
			10 13	M Pipe
		In touch, lost place 11th, soon well behind
15th	8l	Jakari (FR)	8	A Thornton	20-1
			11 0	H Daly
		Chased leaders, not fluent 8th, weakened before 4 out £5000-£250
Pulled Up		Mondial Jack (FR)	6	T Scudamore	33-1
			10 10	M Pipe
		Never going well in rear, mistake and tailed off 10th, pulled up before 4

just some pointers for the festival when it comes to finding those big priced winners. By not winning today they avoid going up in the handicap & have gained a bit of course experience at the same time. These are now in my notebook but will re-oppose when it comes to the festival in 1 or 2 races.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 STOP PRESS KAUTO STAR is out for the season after his fall at Exeter on Monday. Xrays have shown up a problem & the ante post ARKLE fav will not run again this season. Unfortunate & commisserations to the connections of the horse but this blows the race wide open again. Havent studied the race as yet & want to see the trends as invariably the fav gets knocked over in this race.

[jakeday]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Bowles, Glad you started this early, as I'm already doing my prep for Cheltenham as last year was a horror show for me personally....far too many 2nds/3rds. Couple that I quite fancy thus far. Baracouda - World Stayers - Don't really need to say too much about this currently. Crystal and Royal Rosa were very poor last weekend and think Baracouda is flying right now. Trainer doesn't believe that this one can get beat. I agree. Best Mate (Place) - 10/11 to place....you've got to be kidding. Will be having a big bet on this, because I can't find three horses to beat the champion. Fully expect him to win, but to finish out of the places....... Mildmay / WH Hcap - Khanjar D'Allier - Alan King has got this horse doing all the right things and think that it will run well at Cheltenham. Still waiting for AP prices to come up about this though, although there is something on Betfair. Thats about it right now....other horses I'm looking at are Great Travel/Non-So in the Grand Annual, Spot the Difference in the X-Country and Olaso in the Supreme Novice - assuming Jonjo gets some horses out soon.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 cheers Jakeday. Yep, can't put you off Best Mate getting a place. His record speaks for itself in all races. Lightly raced, you can also expect a fresh horse. I am a firm believer in stats for places like cheltenham & will be studying the trends once we have them available (Aykay is working on them!). Barracouda's race is interesting just as last year when a younger horse in Iris' gift came up & stole the show. Do we have that this year? Royal Rosa needs another run if you ask me & would be interesting for a place. It's all about preparation for these horses & i would expect barracouda to be a bookies bismarck on the day i.e theyll be out to get it. 5/4 now, would expect maybe it would be 7/4 ish if the opposition stays in. Keep posting.

[jakeday]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 If you get any info from the stats that you can post it would be most appreciated. Must admit I went "stat" crazy last year...took three days off work to watch the festival and picked out a selection in every race. Unfortunately things went slightly wrong and although I'd put in a MASSIVE amount of hours to get things right, I couldn't get a winner....(apart from the very first race + Azer). I finished around £700 down on the 3 days.....if i'd backed everything E/W i'd have been slightly up....it was that close! So i'm loath to do too much work this year, and will probably pick a few AP interests that I think will shorten. But if you do get any stats together, any info would be well received as the approach did work last year, as i did hit the post, bar, angle etc.....just couldn't get one in.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 i just about finished even last year with 2 winners & a 25/1 ew on the last day. I tend to make at least 2 selections in each race. So instead of having a tenner a race say, back 2 at a fiver on both. That reduces the failure rate! My worst day was tipping up hardy eustace in the coral cup & tehn he declares him in the champion & wins it at 33/1!! Inside info is not essential, but stats to back it up is. It's very likely that a horse well fancied will get turned over by a course specialist. By the way, did you notice the way Golden Alpha ran on saturday taking them along to 2 out in the chase that well chief won. Golden will run off a proper mark at Cheltenham in the 2m race & i would not be suprised if Pipe was having a look!! One to watch : Golden Alpha

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 today we saw he fav for the R&SAlliance Novices chase when OLLIE MAGERN won at Wetherby - only 3 finished.

1st		Ollie Magern	7	C Llewellyn	8-15
			11 11	N Twiston-Davies
		Made all, hit 5 out, ridden and clear 2 out, not fluent last, kept on well Opened 1/2, touched 4/7 £400-£700(x3), £800-£1500(x3), £400-£750(x3), £2500-£5000(x2), £1000-£2000(x2), £400-£800, £250-£500
2nd	4l	King Harald (IRE)	7	M Batchelor	8-1
			11 4	M Bradstock
		Tracked winner, ridden approaching 4 out, jumped left when weakening from 2 out
3rd	dist	Undeniable	7	G Carenza	28-1
			11 4	Mrs S Smith
		Tracked leaders, weakened 5 out, left poor 3rd next Opened 25/1, touched 28/1

I wasnt too impressed but the horse needed a solid jumping round & apart from a couple, he got it right on testing ground. At 5/1 fav ante post, he is short enough, but will probably be 7/2 on the day, so may be best to see how it comes out of this, see what the trainer says & then have a bet. ante post selection : OLLIE MAGERN @ 5/1

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 War of Attrition returned after lay off to land the spoils at Naas today:

1st		War Of Attrition	6	C O'Dwyer	5-4
			11 6	M Morris
		Settled moderate 3rd, left 2nd from 5th, closed on leader 3 out, disputed lead travelling well next, led approaching last, edged clear run in, not extended
2nd	4l	Healy's Pub	9	P A Carberry	6-1
			11 0	O McKiernan
		Chased leaders in 4th, moderate 3rd from 5th, ridden before 4 out, improved to challenge 2 out, 2nd and kept on under pressure from last, no chance with winner
3rd	nk	Old Flame	6	D J Casey	6-1
			11 6	C Swan
		Led and disputed, left clear from 5th, reduced advantage 3 out, ridden and joined next, headed approaching last, kept on under pressure

Bookies have reacted by cutting the horse from 14/1 to 7/1 for the Arkle although Cashmans are still offering 10's. Notebook: War of Attrition (Arkle)

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 i'll share my 1st ante post bet with you guys as one of them runs tomorrow. Kicking King @ 10/1 Gold Cup Back in front 5/1 Ch Hur Carte Diamond 25/1 triumph (runs tomorrow) Jazz d'estruval 14/1 R&SA chase Earthmover 16/1 Foxhunters Doubles & trebles permed = 20 bets this was only placed last week & i intend to place a few more before the big event, based on a number of horses i have noted.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 todays result: giving away 6lb to a potentially good hurdler, I am happy with this performance & hopefully the horse will take its chance in the Triumph Hurdle. Now down to 14/1.

1st		Carte Diamond (USA)	4	B Harding	1-3
			11 6	B Ellison
		Made all, hit 5th, shaken up after 2 out, ran on Opened 4/11, touched 2/5 £600-£1500, £400-£1000(x2), £200-£500, £363-£1000
2nd	2½ l	Credit (IRE)	4	G Lee	7-2
			11 0	J Howard Johnson
		Tracked winner, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace Opened 10/3, touched 7/2 £1750-£500

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 not beef or salmon's greatest day:

1st		Rule Supreme	9	D J Casey	11-2
			11 12	W P Mullins
		Tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd 6 out, left 2nd next, improved to lead after 3 out, ridden and joined after 2 out, regained lead last, stayed on well to draw clear run-in
2nd	14l	Beef Or Salmon	9	P Carberry	8-15
			11 12	M Hourigan
		Held up in touch, 5th from 4th, left 4th when hampered 5 out, 3rd from next, 2nd and ridden to challenge after 2 out, disputed lead into straight, headed when slight mistake last, soon

not sure what to make of it, as BorS was expected to win this. Usual story is that you have to be spot on for the big un in march & maybe this was enough? I personally still fancy Kicking King, albeit the race is further than he has taken before, his credentials so far this season have defied all critics & the KG at Kempton was a superb run (despite the last fence error). Hopefully, KK will go there fresh & i still think 10/1 for KK is better than 8/1 BorS.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 had another go today: For info: Kicking King @ 9/1 Brave Inca @ 8/1 Champion Hur War of Attrition @ 7/1 Arkle Mephisto @ 25/1 R&SA Nov Hur EW yankee

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 looking back over last years results, i notice that FOREMAN was 4th at 10/1. Then a 6 yr old, he had won the AIG Champion Hurdle trial & wasnt disgraced at cheltenham. This year, Doumen has sent him novice chasing where he finished 2nd behind Kauto Star & 2nd behind Ulaan Battar at Leopardstown. Note that these two were fronting the Arkle market last week. FOREMAN is a massive 66/1 for the Champion Hurdle with sporting odds. I struggle to see why it should be that price? On the day, i expect it to be 20/1, so i would be interested in the price as big as 66/1. The horse has not lost its way, it's just not featured in any trials over hurdles this year. Going on last years form, it would be a 12/1 chance. ante post selection: Foreman @ 66/1 Each way - in my excitement i forgot to add that Foreman is also entered in the Arkle. the forfiet stage for both races is 22nd Feb, so anyone not wanting a risk should wait until then to see what the plans are.

[billvernon]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Hello Guys Try puting a double on the old boys this year. Best Mate Barroucouda Worth it just for the interest. Henrietta is not an idiot.

[billvernon]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 I found the Ten Year Trends have worked for me regarding Cheltenham. There are some good races and prices to be had. Will be in touch with more info regarding this statement. Take care.

[Aykay1]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Good stuff Bowles :ok Welcome aboard Billver. I will take a look at the trends over the weekend

[jakeday]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Ok, started to get my AP book sorted for Cheltenham:- Arkle - Currently on Ulaan Battaar - but am laying this off for a small profit at 9.5/1 - Not sure yet who else I fancy in this, but am probably going to get on War of Attrition soon and lay him off for on the day as think he'll go off favourite. Might have a few quid on Foreman too if I can get a big price on BF. Champ Hurdle - already done this, sitting on a green of £150 on Harchibald. Market is too tight for me to play on anything else, but if i was going in again it would be Back in front. Cross-Country - My biggest plays. Green on Spot the difference for £900 and Registana for £200 - everthing else is level money. This is my big play of the festival as i think Spot will win, but wouldn't play now at 4/1. Supreme - Waiting for Jonjo to saddle some runners and will then back Olaso. Although will also look to trade Arcalis for a small profit too. Champ Chase - will take WC and MF to place. Not sure about Azertyiuop though....gut feel only on this though. RSA Chase - Will be laying Ollie magern in this. Got a small profit on Cornish rebel if it wins, but still haven't done much work on this race yet. RSA Hurdle - Ambobo / No Refuge and Royal Paradise in this, have got open positions at the moment that I need to close on the first two. Daily Telegraph - Our Vic all the way. Hope that Cel Gold runs well at the weekend, so its confirmed for GCup. KK will run in the GC too i'm sure, so our vic should be unopposable. 5/1 is a huge price if he runs and there is no KK. Mildmay - Kandjar D'allier - got a massive 14/1 on this and have laid it all off at 7/1 - stand to make £800+. Unfortunately i don't think Kandjar will run at Cheltenham as i've read somewhere that he's injured. World Stayers - Baracouda 2/1 all the way. Don't want anything else in this race. Foxhunters - my big problem. Backed Drombeag at 10/1, but jonjo hasn't had any runners since xmas. will be a big loser for me (£200) unless i can lay some of it off. GC - Best Mate - place only. other than that I haven't thought too much about it. Grand Annual. Great travel for a small profit and Oneway, who I think will run in this and run a big race - got £2 matched at 24, and want to get more at these prices. Triumph - Cerium at 20/1 currently. Not sure about this race yet though..... Thats it for now.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Harchibald rumours abound Jakeday, have you thought about laying it also ?

[jakeday]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Bowles, Haven't heard any rumours re Harchibald? I'm currenly +150 and +0 for everything else, so i've already laid off my bet. you suggesting i should oppose Harchibald?

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 there is one doing the rounds, heard it last night via a good source. Notice it slightly on the drift with BinF coming in for more support (4s in places). if i hear more, i'll post it.

[jakeday]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Cheers, would appreciate that. Not much, but if i lay off now it will give me a £30 free bet on something else, so would like to do it if poss.

[Aykay1]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 Here's some quotes from the contacts of some of the entries for the Champion Hurdle. One or two of them are are a touch out of date after todays racing though... Noel Meade, trainer of Harchibald and Power Elite “If he doesn’t run in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle he’ll go straight to Cheltenham. Obviously, I’d like to get a run into him beforehand and he seems in good shape, but if he doesn’t get suitable ground on Sunday it will leave us with no choice. “I’ve left in Power Elite just in case. He’s a hard horse to work out where to go with and we haven’t got him 100 per cent yet. He may run in the Tote Gold Trophy but he’s badly treated.” Edward O’Grady, trainer of Back In Front “The only race he might run in before Cheltenham is the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran next month [February 12] and, at this stage, it’s too early to say whether that will happen.” Paul Nolan, trainer of Accordion Etoile “He’s almost certain to run at Leopardstown on Sunday. While the ground won’t be ideal, I do think he has a good each-way chance in the Champion Hurdle, when the ground should be spot on. He seems to be improving at home and deserves to take his chance in March.” Dessie Hughes, trainer of Hardy Eustace “He was done for speed by Macs Joy and Brave Inca around that tight track at Leopardstown in the Bewleys and you’ll see a different horse around Cheltenham on better ground. Our lad is in terrific form and is a spring horse, as he proved last year.” Jessica Harrington, trainer of Macs Joy “We’ve all got to arrive there safely in March and even just to do that will be a bonus. He wasracing off around 116 last year but has improved since. He probably wants to improve even more if he’s to be a worthy contender.” Barry Cash, rider of Brave Inca “He [trainer Colm Murphy] has only one race in mind. He’s started with the Champion Hurdle and worked back. We were very happy with him at Leopardstown over Christmas and it’s the AIG next followed by Cheltenham.” Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rooster Booster “He’ll either run in the Agfa Hurdle at Sandown or wait for the Totesport Gold Trophy. If he were to win the Champion Hurdle he’d be the first 11-year-old to do it since Sea Pigeon. It’s worth him taking his chance.” Steve Gollings, trainer of Royal Shakespeare “He’s back in fast work and has been given an entry in the Champion Hurdle trial at Haydock but the ground is desperate there, which is a worry. He’d be very unlikely to go for the AIG Hurdle. If he doesn’t go on Saturday, he’ll wait for the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. We’ll have to give Saturday a weather watch.” Michael O’Brien, trainer of Essex “He’d want to win the Tote Gold Trophy if he’s going to go for the Champion Hurdle.” Terry McDermott, part-owner of Intersky Falcon “The stable hasn’t had a runner since Christmas but we have our fingers crossed that he’ll get there. I don’t know if he’ll have a run beforehand, but he’s a clean-winded horse so he could go straight there.” Paul Nicholls, trainer of Rigmarole, Cerium and Perouse “Rigmarole has had a breathing operation but is back with us and being aimed at the Kingwell Hurdle, which Perouse will also go for. Cerium is unlikely to run in the Champion.” Patrick Chamings, trainer of Self Defense “I was over the moon with his run at Sandown, he ran a blinder. He’s in good order and is definitely going for the Champion Hurdle. He’ll probably have one run beforehand.” Amanda Perrett, trainer of Big Moment “The plan is probably to run in the Tote GoldTrophy and then make a decision, but it would have to be very soft for him to run in the Champion Hurdle and he’s more likely to go for the Coral Cup.” Nicky Richards, trainer of The French Furze “He’s in the World Hurdle as well and we’re keeping our options open. He’s in good order and he might run at Haydock on Saturday.” Michael Scudamore, trainer of Astonville, Present Bleu, Solarius & Turnium “The same four horses are also in the Gold Cup. They have all come from France and they were good horses in their day but have had problems since injury-wise.” Francis Flood, trainer of Georges Girl “She’d want to be knocking on the door in the AIG on Sunday if she’s going to travel for the Champion. Otherwise, we’ll look at other options.” Michael Bowe, trainer of Solerina “The ground will be the determining factor regarding the Champion Hurdle. If the word ‘firm’ appears in the going description she’s 100 per cent certain not to run. I’d rather see it described as good to soft, in which case she’ll take her chance.”

[Aykay1]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 By the way, if you're looking for alternative selections in the Champion Hurdle, look further than the obvious as Hardy Eustace was the 6th winner from the last 11 runnings to come from outside the first 3 in the betting.

[bowles10]

Re: Cheltenham 2005 lots of cheltenham trials this weekend, i hope to post some analysis of these races later.