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cheltenham preview nights 2013

beaker1

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beaker1

beaker1

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Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening at Exeter Racecourse.Thursday 21st February Channel 4′s Tanya Stevenson acted as compere for a star-studded panel, which included three of the top trainers in Britain – Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs and David Pipe. They were joined by Paul Binfield (Paddy Power), Andrew King (Racing Post Journalist) and Nick Schofield (Grade 1 winning Jockey). A top-class panel, who between them have won everything there is to win in National Hunt Racing, provided a fascinating insight into this year’s festival and the main protagonists. PN – Paul Nicholls DP – David Pipe PH – Phillip Hobbs AK – Andrew King PB – Paul Binfield NS – Nick Schofield TS – Tanya Stevenson Supreme Novices PN: Dodging Bullets has done nothing wrong; he ran a very good race behind Countrywide Flame last year and has to be in with a chance. He needs an end to end gallop and this race will suit him. My Tent Or Yours looks invincible on his last performance. DP: None of mine should be troubling the judge, Flying Cross may be an outsider but it would be a very big ask. PH: Cheltenian has come out of this week’s race well, and he is very decent. We will decide this week whether to go to Cheltenham or skip the Festival and have a prep race ahead of Aintree. AK: It’s very difficult to move away from My Tent Or Yours – he should win. PB: My Tent Or Yours is a long way clear of Jezki and we should see this at the festival. NS: The general feeling is that we will head for the Supreme with Melodic Rendezvous. Champagne Fever will make it a tough stamina test and we are hoping that My Tent Or Yours won’t stay up the hill. Arkle AK: Simonsig is the most likely winner. Overturn will set the pace and in so doing set the race up for Simonsig, who looks a cut above the rest. PN: Fago was going to win last time out but his jumping let him down; he is a typical French jumper. He runs on Friday and he’d have to win for us to go to Cheltenham. He has enough speed and although Simonsig and Overturn do look very impressive they have enjoyed success with a soft lead in small fields – they won’t get that at Cheltenham and I don’t think they are as nailed on as people are suggesting. PH: I’d rather go with Overturn, he is the best hurdler of the two of them. DP: His Excellency won’t run in this, he will go for the Grand Annual. I personally like Overturn for the race. AK: Looking at outsiders with a chance, it is difficult, maybe Fago if he wins tomorrow but it’s realistically between the two market leaders. PB: Arvika Ligeonniere could be the one to beat, he looks very exciting over 2 miles and at 10/1 I would rather have him than Simonsig and Overturn at shorter prices. Champion Hurdle PN: Zarkandar won the triumph and had problems here last year, he was coughing, but he is a different horse this year. He is workmanlike and never flashy, but I can’t see a lot between the top four, mine, Hurricane Fly, Grandouet and Rock On Ruby. AK: Rock On Ruby will win; it was certainly no fluke last year. He won the race on merit and will reverse the form with Zarkandar and Grandouet from earlier this season. PN: Cinders And Ashes on this year’s form is not good enough. PB: Hurricane Fly has not been beating much in Ireland and I would be happy to lay him and go with Rock On Ruby. DP: I think Hurricane Fly will regain his crown. There is not a lot dividing the top four. PN: Ruby will ride the Fly. He won the race on him before and won’t get off him, who would if he won it on him before. Khyber Kim ran a great race last weekend but won’t be too much of a danger. I can’t see where the pace will come from – maybe Countrywide Flame or Rock On Ruby as he is a bit of a stayer. It’s certainly something we will need to think about. Neptune DP: Broadway Buffalo is a decent horse but his jumping isn’t the best. He runs at Warwick on Friday and he needs to run well there. Gevrey Chambertin is going to go for the Albert Bartlett. Ak: Pont Alexandra looks very good, but the ground is changing. Taquin Du Seuil could be the one for me; his only defeat came to My Tent Or Yours. PB: Pont Alexandre is the first Irish banker of the meeting. I think he is an absolute monster and his action suggests that good ground would be perfect for him. RSA Chase DP: Dynaste’s owner is here tonight to find out where his horse is running! We have been joking about the ground but we are keeping our options open. He has the ability to win both (RSA & Jewson), if it’s good we will go for the RSA if it’s soft the Jewson will be on the cards. Our Father is very good on his day, but this tends to be first time out. Goulanes isn’t flashy but has a great attitude, we may go for this or the 4 mile race, if he went in this he would need every yard. AK: David will win with Dynaste if he runs. PN: Rocky Creek will probably go to Aintree as Cheltenham won’t really suit him. Unioniste will run in this unless the ground comes up very soft. PB: I want to lay Dynaste, as stamina is an issue. Super Duty looks interesting on good ground and at 20/1 he looks each way value. Champion Chase PH: Wishfull Thinking will most likely run in this and it would be quite nice to finish second to Sprinter Sacre. PN: Sprinter Sacre is nailed on for this – unbeatable. Sanctuaire will run in this and should finish second. AK: Sprinter Sacre was my lay of the meeting 12 months ago, but he has got to be a sure fire winner. PB: Sizing Europe is most likely to run in the Ryanair mainly because Sprinter is an aeroplane. Rest of Wednesday PN: Wonderful Charm is going for the Coral Cup. He looks a really nice horse but I’m a bit in the dark as we have been unable to run him due to the ground. Jewson Novices PH: Tony Star isn’t really good enough for this. AK: Captain Conan is favourite, but by no means is he home and hosed. Nobody knows where Dynaste will be running. PB: The Henderson yard is very bullish about Captain Conan and 9/2 looks good value. I personally like Aupcharlie over in Ireland who was beaten last time out by Tofino Bay who would have relished the ground. Ryanair PH: Its Menorah’s fourth festival and the plan will be to run him in this. DP: Zaynar will be going for the Byrne Group Plate. Grands Crus has a racecourse gallop soon and we aren’t sure where he is going yet. PH: It was going to be very close between Captain Chris and Cue Card on Saturday so he must be in with a great chance in this. PB: Cue Card will go for this and will be pretty tough to beat, but I really like First Lieutenant based on his form this year. NS: Hunt Ball won’t run in this and will be heading for a handicap. PN: Ghizao will run in this, he shouldn’t be good enough here, but he ran a good race at the weekend. World Hurdle PN: I’ve always wanted to run Celestial Halo over a trip, he ran really well behind Zarkandar on Saturday after a long layoff and at 66/1 he looks a huge price for this race. AK: Oscar Whisky is the class act in the race and there have to be question marks over Reve De Sivola if the ground dries up. DP: Reve De Sivola is very ground dependent; if it’s soft he is in with a great shout. PH: Monksland looks the best of the Irish string. PB: The Bog Warrior looked very good when beating Zaidpour; he is the one to look forward to. AK: I wouldn’t rule out Peddlers Cross. NS: The Bog Warrior is the one for me; his Irish form looks really good. PN: If the ground is good, Oscar Whisky will be very tough to beat. Rest of Thursday PN: Sam Winner looks very nice in the Pertemps. He ran really well in the qualifier and beat Peddlers Cross in the Bumper for Jumpers at Kempton the other week. JCB Triumph Hurdle PN: Far West goes for this and showed a great turn of foot at Ascot last week. It turned into a bit of a sprint, but he has done everything right so far. DP: I have no runners here. I was very impressed with Our Conor at Leopardstown and he looks the one to beat. AK: My feelings are that the Triumph is a very poor race this year. Again, it all depends on the ground, as most of this form is on soft conditions, meaning there could be a big upset if the ground comes up good. PB: Far West shortened in the market today. I do agree with David Pipe – Our Conor looked quite smart. PN: Lac Fontana runs this Saturday and if he wins that, he will run here and could be a dark horse. Albert Bartlett PN: I have nothing good enough to run here. PH: Whisper County runs here. He only has had one run with us and is actually for sale! He stays well and looks a nice chaser for next season. DP: I will have five or six in this. Although I would be surprised if one of them wins this, I have to find six jockeys first! AK: Fishers Cross has an outstanding chance here. He goes on both grounds, but I think he will be better on a sounder surface. TS: African Gold looks a nice type and is a battler. Also take note that Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy have a remarkable strike rate this season, so keep an eye on that partnership. Gold Cup PH: Captain Chris is in good form since his Ascot run and goes for the Gold Cup. I feel he will be suited by good ground and has won here before. PN: Silviniaco Conti had a good season as a novice last year. He is nothing flashy but he jumps and stays. I think the race will be between the three novices; ourselves, Sir Des Champs and Bobs Worth. It’s a good looking Gold Cup. DP: No runners here. I am going with Bobs Worth; he is the best of this lot I think. I would like The Giant Bolster at a big price, I have heard reports that they have been having problems with the gallops at home, but that is all sorted now. AK: I think it is a year for the novices really. Bobs Worth seems to have a touch of class, but 5/2 is not a price to be backing him. PB: I think it will fall the way of Sir Des Champs. Captain Chris looks a nice each way bet at 20/1. NS: Long Run is only an eight-year-old and can come back and win it. TS: I have always had a soft spot for Colm Murphy’s Quito De La Roque. If he does go for this I will be having him each way at 66/1. Charity Bets (£200 each). PN: £100 each way on Dodging Bullets. PH: £200 win on Overturn. AK: £200 win on Colour Squadron. DP: £200 win on Cue Card in the Ryanair. NS: £200 win on Cadlo in the JLT. TS: £200 win on Our Mick on the Tuesday.

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beaker1

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 got sent this one by a friend so thought i would share warwick racecourse friday 28th febuary The Panel had a Henderson-feel to it with stable jockey Andrew Tinkler (AT) and his former assistant (and now trainer in his own right) Tom Symonds (TS) alongside broadcaster and commentator Stewart Machin (SM) and Presenting was P.R. racing man Roger Hart (RH) who works very closely with a number of racecourses and jumps trainers (notably Jonjo O’Neill) and interjected here and there with snippets. WILLIAM HILL SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE AT:My Tent Or Yours won in the manner we expected him to at Newbury. AP was at pains to teach him how to jump behind a wall of horses in the build up to that race. I think they are doing right by the horse to run him in the Supreme rather than the Champion Hurdle as it was a handicap last time. River Maigue makes some each-way appeal as Cheltenham will suit him a lot better than when beaten by Far West at Ascot in a sprint. TS:I actually broke in My Tent Or Yours with Corky but that is as far as my involvement went with him. All I would say even though he looks very high class is that the yard have had lots of very high class horses beaten in the Supreme in recent years like Spinter Sacre, Binocular and Darlan so 6/4 is short enough. I could not fail to be impressed by the way Melodic Rendezvous stormed up the Exeter hill regardless of Puffin Billy’s problem and he would be my pick at the prices. SM:On ratings My Tent Or Yours is going to be hard to beat but over the years many supposedly good things have been beaten in the Supreme including the odds-on Dunguib not long ago. I’d personally shop around for better value and Melodic Rendezvous appeals. I know we can’t take his defeat of Puffin Billy at face value but he still impresses, he is not short of speed and is a Grade 1 winner. RACING POST ARKLE TROPHY AT:There is much argument in the yard who is the better horse, Sprinter Sacre or Simonsig, but I think Simonsig is better. But can you back at odds-on in the Arkle? They would never work together though or blink and you would miss it. I rode in the race Overturn won at Musselburgh and he’s so quick. Captain Conan will run in the Jewson. TS:It’s going to be a bloody good race between Simonsig and Overturn. It’s just the way Nicky talks Simonsig that tells me he is something very special as he does that about very few. He has more scope than Sprinter Sacre to tackle longer distances but whether he has the same natural jumping acumen, I don’t know. Overturn is the modern-day Sea Pigeon but Simonsig could be something exceptional. SM:I think Simonsig will win. He stays further will is an attribute found in most winners and I’d back him now at 5/6 as I can’t see him getting beaten and is likely to shorten. He travels so easily through his races that I don’t think even Overturn will get him off the bridle and Geraghty is not stupid so won’t take him on or sit him too far or give him too much rope either. STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE AT:Binocular is the forgotten horse of the race. Let me tell you he is in super nick and like his old self. It was probably a weak Champion Hurdle he won but it could be a speed race this year and he looks a picture and a day. AP only has to jump four flights in quick succession on him to know if he is back and I was schooling in behind Binocular the other day and Binocular was going so fast he put my horse on the floor. Grandouet is fine despite missing the Kingwell. TS:Paul Nicholls says Zarkandar was never right last year and he has had a wind operation since last Festival so I expect him to run much better. It’s a difficult race this year and hard to gauge the likes of Binocular and Cinders And Ashes plus Countrywide Flame has not had his end-to-end gallop this season. Zarkandar for me. SM:6/1 about Rock On Ruby who has such a good course record is too big. I was interviewing Ladbrokes’ Mike Dillon and he said should anyone be frightened of Hurricane Fly on his 1¼ lengths’ defeat of Peddlers Cross when he won the Champion Hurdle? Then again, I see Ladbrokes are shortest about him so I don’t know what to make of that. NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES’ HURDLE AT:“This is a machine” were my words to Sam Twiston-Davies after we pulled up after The New One won at Warwick when I rode the second. He was gone without Sam letting out an inch of rein and I couldn’t believe it. Sam kicked himself next time at Cheltenham when At Fishers Cross outstayed him but he will be ridden more patiently here. TS: Pont Alexandre has limited experience for a race like this and has been getting easy leads in small fields in heavy ground so far in Ireland. I like Taquin Du Seuil who is trained by a master at getting them ready for the big day. SM:The New One just got outstayed by the stouter stayer last time but I was really impressed with him atWarwickso I make him my main fancy ahead of Taquin Du Seuil. Pont Alexandre’s price has plenty to do will Mullins’ comments that he could be the best novice he has trained outside of Hurricane Fly. RH:Taquin Du Seuil has been working brilliantly for a good while and AP will ride. Jonjo is convinced that he will be even better on better ground. RSA CHASE AT:Hadrian’s Approach is a bit babyish but he is getting better and will stay up the hill so is good each-way value. I do think Dynaste will be too good however and he can defy the race stats. Boston Bob would be a worthy favourite for the NH Chase if he ran there instead which looks the race for him. TS:The strongest stayer tends to win and I have some doubts whether Dynaste is as much about stamina as some others. I love the way Hadrian’s Approach does things and he is one of Nicky’s that has gone under the radar a bit. SM:I think Boston Bob is the value. I was impressed with his win last time over too short a trip and he jumps well and stays very well. Dynaste is too short for a non-grinder, I don’t like flashy types for the RSA. SPORTINGBET.COM QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE AT:If you are attending do take the trouble to see Sprinter Sacre in the paddock, he is the real deal and I just can’t see him getting beaten especially as this is a weak 2m chasing division this season. Finian’s Rainbow is a confidence horse and has not been running well enough. I have only had only school on Sprinter Sacre and he was very good. Nico De Boinville has been the making of him. TS:Sprinter Sacre has everything and I can’t see anything getting near. Cue Card can be second if he runs here even if his mother was a slow as a hearse. SM:If Cue Card’s connections don’t take Sprinter Sacre on here then Somersby can finish second as this is the only race he will run in if he runs at the Festival according to connections and he will be ridden to attain the best possible placing. RYANAIR CHASE AT:Riverside Theatre got the ride of the season to win it last year and has been treated for ulcers since pulling up in the King George. My gut feeling is that Champion Court is dangerous if he gets into a rhythm on a course he likes. Cue Card will find this race much harder to dominate if he runs here. TS:Champion Court keeps getting beat when he meets a good one so Sizing Europe appeals from a class point of view if they run here instead of the Queen Mother and they might as he looks like he might need this trip now. SM:No strong view until we know what is running but it is worth noting that all of Cue Card’s wins have been in single-field fields. RH:Albertas Run will run here first time out. LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE AT:Oscar Whisky will need a very canny ride to win over 3m, even on better ground than in the Cleeve. Richard Johnson is sure to kick on even further out on better ground on Reve De Sivola to offset that. TS:Reve De Sivola has been unbelievable since returning to hurdles winning the Long Walk and Cleeve and the jockey is made for him. Oscar Whisky stays 3m but he is not as good as over shorter trips. I don’t think Monksland’s form is good enough and feel that Peddlers Cross has never got over his Champion Hurdle run. It’s got to be Reve De Sivola as his form is all there. SM:It will come down to how the race is run on the day. Oscar Whisky is about the same price this year with no Big Buck’s as he was last year so if you think he stays then he is probably worth a bet in a weaker race. Smad Place at 20/1 would not surprise me but I am unconvinced that Peddlers Cross is a stout enough stayer. RH:No decision has yet to be taken on whether Get Me Out Of Here runs but it is under consideration. He has been second at the last three Festivals. JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE AT: Rolling Star is a lovely horse but he may lack a fraction of experience. He won at Cheltenham like we thought he would but it wouldn’t surprise me if things happen a bit quick for him. The speed and accuracy ofFar West’s jumping atAscotwas impressive and he proved there he can sprint having shown he stays very well earlier in the season. Rolling Star will be a better horse than Far West next season but I am not sure about this. TS:I loved the way Far West did it atAscotbut Our Conor looked mighty good to me at Leopardstown that he appears to be the one to beat. SM: I would rather see the Adonis Hurdle before committing but, so far, Far West would be at the top of my list. ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE AT: Utopie Des Bordes has superb form in France and is a horse for now as she be will having foals in a couple of season’s time. The ground was heavy when she was winning at Auteuil but she rides like a good-ground horse. She may only be a pony but she has a big heart and a good cruising speed. TS:No real view. SM:African Gold makes each-way appeal at 16/1 being a strong stayer who the Twiston-Davies yard excel with and they really like him at home. He brings pretty strong handicap form to this novice race. BETFRED CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP AT:Bobs Worth looks like a Plumpton Monday horse until you school him or take him to the racecourse which is where he goes on Saturday. He races handily on a loose rein and no horse will come up the hill better or has a better course record as he is unbeaten in four runs at Cheltenham. Silviniaco Conti got a great ride to beat Long Run at Haydock and gets into a good rhythm but he will need to in this much bigger field. Nico says Long Run took two weeks longer to recover from the King George than in previous years. TS:I believe cheekpieces will be on Long Run for the first time in a race. The Gold Cup can send young horses the wrong way and he was only 6 when he won it. Bobs Worth has loads in his favour and even had the pace to beat the Champion Hurdle winner in a novice hurdle two seasons ago. However, I fancied Sir Des Champs at the start of the season and still do. I’m not convinced Silviniaco Conti is a Gold Cup winner. SM:Silviniaco Conti’s jumping impresses me. Everything has gone to plan this season and I make him the bet of the meeting. If you fancy Long Run then The Giant Bolster is too big to be three times his price though I’m not sure he’s good enough to win it.

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 got these off twitter last night James Armstrong ‏@JRFArmstrong is tweeting live from Newcastle:[ tuesday 26th feb ] Believe panel is SQ- Sean Quinn DC- Dougie Costello NH-Niall Hannitty JQ-John Quinn RJ-Rory Jiwani DO- Darren Owen compare Supreme Nov SQ & DC fancies Jezki, NH MYTOY, JQ win Jezki & Dodging Bullets ew. Will MTOY & Jezki take each other on? RJ Melodic R Arkle Simonsig- DC & SQ, Overturn- JQ & NH Oscars Well if runs RJ ew @ 66/1 Champion Hurdle RJ DC SQ & NH Rock on Ruby, JQ- if not Countrywide Flame then Rock On or Zarkandar (or the 3 in a tricast)! Neptune NH- The New One, DC- Sizing Gold ew 33/1 SQ & JQ- Pont Alexandre & Whisp gallery ew SQ Puffin Billy ew RSA Chase RJ- Hadrians App ew, JQ- in bar for this one too open, NH- Unioniste? DC- join boss in bar.. SQ-Dynaste Champion Chase- Sprinter Sacre all round. Sit back & enjoy it... Ryanair SQ- Cue Card, DC- Champion Court, NH- For Non Stop ew, JQ- Riverside Theatre ew & Cue Card. RJ- Sizing E World Hurdle SQ-Monksland poss Solwhit ew, DC his ride Trustan Times ew @ 40/1 as does NH. NH also like Peddlers JQ Oscar Whisky & Celestrial halo ew with NH thinking similarly. RJ- also likes Monksland. Triumph Hurdle DC- hedging with his two poss Kashmir & Hidden Justice undecided as to what he will ride @ mo SQ- Hidden Justice finish up hill (biased as runs syndicate) JQ- Our Conor to beat his (ground) JQ-Kasmir Peak maybe better suited to Aintree. Hidden Justice- grind it out NH-Hidden Justice & Rolling Star. RJ- Rolling Star to improve... Albert Bartlett NH- Cloudy Copper 14/1, SQ- African Gold- v keen on him. RJ- African Gold & At Fishers Cross Gold Cup RJ- The Giant Bolster ew @16/1 to win Sir Des. JQ- Sir Des & Cape Trib ew NH- Imperial Commander ew Gold Cup NH- Siviano main selection, SQ- Sir Des Champs DC- First Lieu or Imperial Commander. Other races DC- Bathwick Brave in Con Jocs race. SQ- Aye Up Charlie (nap) in Jewson, NH- Rival Destruval Rival Des in 4m. JQ- Get Me Out of Here in whichever handicap he runs in. RJ- Captain Conan in Jewson Triumph Our Conner big pick for the panel Most overhyped horse ? Barry Geraghty said Sire DES Champs is the most overhyped, swan said Cue Card, Nicky doesn't want to answer! @Imperial Racing was tweeting... Glasgow Preview Nick Luck AP McCoy Barry Geraghty Charlie Swan Nicky Henderson Lucinda Russell Arthur Moore Supreme Charlie Swan rates My Tent Or Yours as a cert and @AP_McCoy hopes he will ride Charlie and @BarryJGeraghty think Une Atout is the danger Nicky Henderson says that both River and MTOY both worked well today Arkle Ian Ferguson who trained Simonsig as a PTP runner described him as a 'wimp' as a youngster and Overturn frightens him Champ Hurdle @BarryJGeraghty says 'The Fly' looks hard to beat Nicky says there is nothing between Fly and Binocular @AP_McCoy thinks Fly is the winner but think Zarkander is a danger. Nicky says a dead heat with his two. Lucinda thinks Cinders And Ashes is a forgotten horse on good ground. Swan is backing ROR again! RSA @AP_McCoy 'if Dynaste was mine id run in the Jewson-best horse in the race!' Think BJG tipped Dynaste Nicky Henderson 'if Dynaste goes Jewson the Captain Conan may go Arkle' Ryanair Arthur Moore 'if Cue Card goes Champ Chase Sizing Europe will go Ryanair and win' Nicky Henderson think Riverside Theatre is back!!!! But thinks Cue Card is hard to beat

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENING at BANGOR-ON-DEE RACEOURSE Thursday, February 28th leading trainer Donald McCain (DM), Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide author Paul Jones (PJ), Jumping Prospects author John Morris (JM) and broadcaster and commentator Stewart Machin. Darren Owen acted as the genial host. As we covered Stewart’s comments fromWarwicklast week and the same races were analysed and he did not deviate from his views, there is no real point to simply repeat his thoughts. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’m a big fan of Melodic Rendezvous and would love to see Jeremy Scott have a Festival winner as he is a hell of a trainer. My Tent Or Yours only won a handicap last time and McCoy can make one look better than they are. I sometimes question what a strong-travelling Henderson horse will find off the bridle. He has so many high class horses with a high cruising speed but I just wonder if they battle? Am I being unfair? Melodic Rendezvous is not ground dependant and will do for me. PJ: My Tent Or Yours is already rated 10lbs above the figure Cinders And Ashes recorded when winning the Supreme last year and I can see him winning easily. However, history tells us the Supreme hasn’t been a great race for supposed good things and I would rather look at Dodging Bullets each-way, who is only 5lbs behind the favourite and has impressed at the course twice this season for a yard with two recent wins in the race. JM: My Tent Or Yours is too short. I didn’t think they went a great pace early on at Newbury so he was well positioned and I felt many of them gave up in the straight. I felt that Jezki was the real deal before My Tent Or Yours overtook him as favourite and see no reason to desert him now he is a bigger price as a result. I think a lot of Melodic Rendezvous bit will stick with Jezki who blew away a good field a Christmas. Racing Post Arkle Trophy DM:We decided before the start of the season that Overturn had to school exceptionally to go chasing and if he made one error at home he would go back to hurdling. He was very good on his chase debut at Sandown but running him over 2m4f atDoncastermeant we couldn’t see him at his best. It was only until Musselburgh that Jason could really put the gun to his head and we expected Tetlami to go with us for longer but he was out of his comfort zone at the pace Overturn was going early on. Overturn and Simonsig are like chalk and cheese. Simonsig does everything on the bridle and as far as I could see he has only had two schools in his races this season as Hinterland was not put in the Kempton race. He might be a superstar but he will never have been in a race like this before and it will be interesting to see what he finds when he has to come off the bridle, which he will do here. PJ:As much as I love Overturn I think he is a horse vulnerable when taking on the very best and Simonsig could be exceptional. Much will depend on when Maguire decides to throw in a huge leap and kick immediately after it and take advantage of freewheeling downhill like in last year’s Champion Hurdle but I don’t think Simonsig will have any problems sitting within five lengths of Overturn and I’m not sure that will be enough. I can’t have Arvika Ligeonneire on my mind at all. JM:Simonsig is 8/11 and Overturn is 11/4 so there can only be one bet. Overturn is a complete natural over a fence whereas I am not sure yet whether Simonsig is and we know he is more battle-hardened than the favourite and we don’t yet know what Simonsig finds when asked. As a punter, at those prices it can be only be Overturn. Stan James Champion Hurdle DM:Cinders And Ashes has not had the opportunity to show what he can do since he won the Supreme as the ground has been all against him. He worked very nicely here yesterday. I wouldn’t be as confident as I was when Peddlers Cross and Overturn finished second in the race but I do feel he represents good each-way value as you can put a line through Newcastle as the main aim was to get a run into him on virtually unraceable ground and the ground was then very testing at Kempton. We pinched a Grade 2 on heavy ground as a novice but Jason told me afterwards not to run him on it again. I was against Hurricane Fly the year he won and even more against him when I saw him in the paddock but I am now his biggest convert and I don’t think any of the British runners will beat him. I think both he and Peddlers Cross had an off year last season off the back of their battle in this race two years ago. PJ:I was a big Grandouet fan until he missed the Kingwell but I like everything to go smoothly ahead of a championship race so one run in 15 months has to be considered far from ideal and I’d rather the yard were talking him up rather than Binocular. Hurricane Fly is just a little short for me and I’m worried whether Zarkandar will be as effective on the Old Course as he is the New Course where he won the Triumph and International by outstaying his rivals. I don’t think you can kick Rock On Ruby out of the three on his overall form, Cheltenham profile and being much better in bigger fields so 6/1 makes each-way appeal but I am thinking of making him my main bet of the race to place only at odds-against as I can’t see three horses finishing ahead of him. JM:I’ve been so impressed with Hurricane Fly who looks back to his very best. I saw Cinders And Ashes gallop yesterday and that was the best he has looked when I have seen him this season. I have time for Zarkandar who is unbeaten this season and I think will improve again but Hurricane Fly is going to take all the beating. Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle DM:I’ve got to be honest I’ve not seen Pont Alexandre. I’ve been impressed with Taquin Du Seuil though who is improving with every run though he does have quite a high knee action. Whether he needs it deep, I don’t know. PJ:No strong view except that I will be surprised if one of the front three in the market doesn’t win. Hard not to be impressed with Pont Alexandre but his two wins for Willie Mullins have been dominating tiny fields in heavy ground so this will be a different experience. Jonjo O’Neill is adamant that despite his high knee action that Taquin Du Seuil will improve for better ground but all 13 Challow runners to run here have been beaten. Oddly enough I was more impressed with The New One’s defeat at Cheltenham when outstayed by At Fishers Cross than his easyWarwickwin and he would have won at Cheltenham with a better timed ride. His turn of foot could be the telling factor if used at the right time. JM:The Irish won’t hear of defeat for Pont Alexandre and he will be well backed and start favourite for a race in which favourites traditionally have a good record. Taquin Du Seuil is an improving sort and Jonjo’s best chance of the meeting but he will have to be very good indeed to beat Pont Alexandre. RSA Chase DM:We booked Derek O’Connor three weeks ago for Super Duty for the Kim Muir but there is a chance he could still run here if the field was to weaken like if Dynaste goes for the Jewson. Take out Dynaste who is the obvious one and after him it’s a very open race. If Super Duty was to run here, he is the type that usually runs well in the race and he deserves his place. PJ: Dynaste would be bucking a couple of serious trends if successful, the main one being the last 49 winners ran in the same calendar year. He could outclass them but we’ve seen so many obvious form horses get turned over in the RSA so, as a punter, I have to look elsewhere. I have gradually been leaning towards Boston Bob despite just two runs over fences who I didn’t think was right in the Albert Bartlett last year and did well to win over an inadequate 2m5f last time for a stable that know how to win this race. Unioniste may only be five but he has been running in the same races the stable’s other two RSA winners contested and I respect his chance too. JM: Dynaste won the Feltham easily but the record of winners in that race is not brilliant. Back In Focus would be interesting if he ran here. Boston Bob hasn’t looked a natural to me so it might be worth taking a chance of Chartreux each-way if he runs as he is the type to run into the frame. Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase DM:Sprinter Sacre is some tool. I was devastated when he beat Peddlers Cross at Kempton last season but don’t feel so bad about it now. I’d love to see a horse get him off the bridle one day. PJ:As they let Sprinter Sacre kick on when he jumps to the front I just wonder if he will already be clear heading downhill with connections’ sights firmly intent in recording a monster official figure hoping to surpass Master Minded. If Cue Card runs here, then I would fancy him to be second but even further behind than he was when second in last year’s Arkle. JM:I have no intention of taking on Sprinter Sacre so this is a race to watch, admire and then applaud him all the way back to the winner’s enclosure. If I was given a free bet I’d back Cue Card each-way. Ryanair Chase DM:No real view to be honest. I was the under-bidder forChampion Courtso I have always liked him and followed him closely. He is a solid, tough, professional horse but I am not sure he is quite good enough to win. PJ:We’re still in limbo as we are not sure yet which race the front three in the betting head for. The one thing I do know is that I don’t fancy any of those that are confirmed for the race at present like Champion Court, Menorah, Riverside Theatre and Albertas Run. If First Lieutenant runs here, which he should do as he doesn’t fully the stay the Gold Cup trip at top level, then he is my idea of the most likely winner as I think the race is made for him under a positive ride. If he heads for the Gold Cup and Sizing Europe runs here then I would fancy the former Champion Chaser. My gut feeling is Cue Card is marginally more likely to run in the Queen Mother. JM:It’s very hard until we know where the main players are going to run. I can see Roi Du Mee running a big race as feel he is an under-rated horse and the owner sponsors the race. Ladbrokes World Hurdle DM: Peddlers Cross is grand form and he is as good a work horse now as he ever has been. At Musselburgh he travelled great and jumped brilliantly but idled in front but that is what he does. I was looking over him afterwards to see what might be wrong but Jason told me to stop worrying and that he gave him the feel he wanted. I am as much in the dark as anyone about three miles but the Cleeve isn’t great form so this is a winnable race for a horse with real class like Peddlers. I would say there are only two class horses in the race, the other being Oscar Whisky. The Champion Hurdle was never on the agenda. The ground will make a big difference to how this race will be run but it’s a very open contest. PJ:I think Richard Johnson will wind it up from earlier than in the Cleeve on Reve De Sivola, especially if it is run on better ground, in a bid to expose the stamina chinks in the armour of Oscar Whisky and Peddlers Cross and I fancy him to outstay them. He is the strongest stayer in the race and just keeps on going. Get Me Out Of Here has stamina to prove but he is potential improver for a first try at 3m and has been second at the last three Festivals so lovesCheltenhamin the spring so he could be the fly in the ointment. I don’t think the Irish form is good enough. JM:I have heard that Reve De Sivola is having training problems. It would be great if Peddlers Cross came back to his best. Bog Warrior is better over hurdles than fences so I respect him and especially if it comes up soft. Wonderful Charm wouldn’t be out of this if they ran here rather than the Coral Cup. JCB Triumph Hurdle DM:The ground matters more for this race at the Festival than any other. I’m aFar Westfan. Paul Nicholls was worried about his lack of tactical speed but he quickened well atAscotlast time. Hidden Justice’s form is working out well and I think he is the each-way value. I know Amanda Perrett’s yard always though he would make a super hurdler. PJ:Our Conor should be clear favourite. I thought he was devastating when winning a Grade1 inIrelandlast time that supplied last year’s Triumph 1-2 and that even came off missing his Christmas engagement through coughing so you would think that there is more to come. I am not sure Rolling Star is the ‘now’ horse you look for in the Triumph being more of one for the future. JM:There is only one winner – Our Conor. He destroyed a good field at Leopardstown with his jockey playing with them coming out of the back straight and, when asked, he just when whoosh! Back him. Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle DM:Utopies Des Bordes beat She Ranks Me at Sandown last time and I’m not sure that form is good enough. I like three horses very much; Gevrey Chambertin, Coneygree and African Gold. They may not be brilliant horses but they are real solid who are tough and genuine which is what you need for a race like this. Coneygree was a bit disappointing last time but you should see a better horse moving back up to 3m. PJ:Utopies Des Bordes is already rated high enough to go close and receives a handy 7lbs mares’ allowance so I respect her chance as I do the tough Our Vinnie and I would prefer to take that pair at double figures over the favourites on value grounds. I hear from a colleague who interviewed Mullins two days ago that Champagne Fever could switch from the Supreme to this race and join Ballycasey in the same ownership. Though if it’s very soft, the Supreme would probably go favourite again. JM:Gevrey Chambertin’s jumping is a big plus and he will run a big race if Pipe chooses this route. Ballycasey looks the pick of the Irish. I like the way Utopie Des Bordes won at Sandown and she is dangerous getting the allowances. Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup DM:Bobs Worth is as tough as nails and Silviniaco Conti has impressed in all three wins this season but I’m a Sir Des Champs fan. We’ve been waiting a while for a crop of young horses to arrive on the scene and three have arrived all at once. PJ:I’m of the opinion The Giant Bolster will run another big race returning to the New Course at Cheltenham where he has looked so good twice before and I don’t think he was anyway near fit enough on both starts behind Silviniaco Conti this season and you can forget the King George blip. He still rates good each-way value. Gun to the head and it would be Sir Des Champs who is being brought along steadily and will appreciate a longer trip, better ground and a return toCheltenhamwhere he has twice stormed up the hill. If he is within a length at the final fence, I think he’ll win. I don’t like just one run this season for Bobs Worth and it still niggles me they wanted to bypass Cheltenhaml ast season with Silviniaco Conti who looks so good on flat tracks. JM:Bobs Worth will have been off the track for 104 days but remains a worthy favourite who is made for Cheltenhamw here he is unbeaten in four runs. I don’t think Sir Des Champs was ridden to best advantage on his first two defeats this season but his jumping was better under different tactics last time. I have a slight doubt in my mind whether Silviniaco Conti will enjoy Cheltenham having avoided the place with him. Shoulder Races Donald McCain then ran through some of his other likely runners. DM:Son of Flicka is only 2lbs higher than when he won the Coral Cup last year but we don’t know yet which race he goes for as is the case for the four horses we plan to run in the handicap hurdles as the ground will be a factor. Bourne and Hollow Tree will also run somewhere. Our Mick is an obvious one for the JLT having been third in the race last year as a novice. He would have be raised if finishing second at Cheltenham so maybe it was a blessing in disguise Jason fell off. I’ve successfully persuaded the owner not to run him again since to protect his mark. Kruzhlinin goes for the Pulteney and I think he is a big price and good each-way value.Cloudy Lane always needs two runs and the plan is to go to the Foxhunters but if we are slightly unhappy with him we will wait for Aintree. Hellorboston goes for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper but I don’t think he’s good enough. Diamond King is also in the race and he was more impressive than I expected when he won on debut. We like him but Cheltenham is not the be-all and end-all. Naps DM: Overturn (Arkle) PJ: Our Conor (Triumph) JM: Our Conor (Triumph) SM: Cottage Oak (Foxhunters)

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 Thanks for these. Always a good read albeit a big pinch of salt regularly needed. I remember last year (I think) it was suggested that a few of PL's members could do their own bit of a preview. I know there's opinions etc in the individual race threads but might be interesting to do and get everything condensed into one post? Just a thought, though.

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 Cheltenham Preview Evening – Oaksey House, Lambourn The top table comprised Nicky Henderson whose team for this year’s festival ranks amongst the best any trainer has had in recent years, his former stable jockey and Channel 4 pundit Mick Fitzgerald, Coral’s Simon Clare, last year’s Champion Hurdle winning jockey Noel Fehily and Jonathan Powell, who shares his life as a journalist with his role as vice-chairman of the IJF. The panel discussed most of the races at the festival and highlighted some of the horses that they felt most likely to feature at the business end of races at Cheltenham. JP – Jonathan Powell NH – Nicky Henderson SC – Simon Clare NF – Noel Fehily MF – Mick Fitzgerald Tuesday Supreme Novices’ JP: My Tent Or Yours was hugely impressive in winning the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury despite pulling hard for a long way. NH: My Tent Or Yours needs to prove he can get up the hill at Cheltenham, he has plenty of speed and may be suited by quicker pace as was always a little keen in Betfair. There are a few to threaten him such as Paul Nicholls’ Dodging Bullets. River Maigue’s form is solid and wasn’t suited by the sprint finish at Ascot last time but feeling that My Tent Or Yours is better of the two. (Mentioned later that he also had a lot of respect for Melodic Rendezvous who looks likely to head here) SC: My Tent Or Yours is favourite based on his Newbury success which was impressive, currently 6/4 with bookies and solid, may be worth waiting for the day as bookmakers may try to oppose it. Worth bearing in mind that following Betfair he was made second favourite for Champion Hurdle. Form of Jezki ties in with likes of Champagne Fever but My Tent Or Yours looks solid favourite. Arkle JP: Simonsig will be taking on one of my favourite horses in Overturn. NH: Promises to be one of the clashes of the week, jumping always important in these novice contests. Overturn probably needs good ground and speaking to Simon Claisse, rain is forecast and it wouldn’t take too much to change the ground back to soft. Simonsig has the pace to go with Overturn and the hill is likely to be where the contest is decided. NF: The race is a great spectacle and Simonsig looks the class act. SC: The bookies will be cheering on Overturn but I can see Simonsig winning well. Champion Hurdle NF: Rock On Ruby is in great order and has been trained for this race all year. I am hoping for a massive run from him and I don’t think there is much between the top four. Hope something else makes it, maybe Cinders And Ashes or Countrywide Flame but it won’t be me. NH: Very tactical race last year with almost two races at front and the back. There hasn’t been too much between Binocular and Hurricane Fly over the years, BInocular finished lame last year. Grandouet is very good and although Khyber Kim ran well last time, he is more likely to run in the County Hurdle SC: Hurricane Fly definitely going to go off favourite but Zarkandar has been well backed in recent weeks. It is difficult for five-year-olds in the Champion after running in the Triumph, now found his level and very tough and the one for me. JP: Paul Nicholls very bullish about chances of Zarkandar in the Champion, much better prep than last year after coughing in the yard. It is difficult to see much between the top four. Mares NH: Une Artiste has done everything right so far and capable of finishing second if Quevega is on form. Ma Filleule was lame on Saturday morning and missed her engagement at Doncaster. Would all have chance but not if proper Quevega turns up. NF: Quevega head and shoulders above the rest of these. Swing Bowler would have a decent chance based on her Betfair run although might run in something else. SC: Swing Bowler is interesting if she runs here rather than theCountyHurdle, the step up to 2m4f should suit her and ran well behind My Tent Or Yours at Newbury. Rest NF: It is difficult with horses in handicaps to work out where they are going to run NH: Quantitativeeasing set to run in JLT, 3m round Cheltenham should suit better than Kempton. He is high enough in handicap and has struggled with that this year. Rajdhani Express looks to have top weight in Pultney but with Sam Waley-Cohen taking 5lb here is nearer the bottom than the top. SC: In Pultney both Carlito Brigante and Attaglance have been well supported. In the JLT the best backed is Our Mick who is 6/1 from 10/1 and there has also been money for Fruity O’Rooney. In the Cross Country, we took a £4000 bet at 11/2 on Balthazar King this morning so a repeat of last year looks to be on the cards. JP: Arabella Boy would have a chance in the Cross Country if the ground was soft. Wednesday Neptune JP: Ruby Walsh says that Pont Alexandre reminds him of Denman and that he expects him to win this and the RSA at next year’s festival. NH: Pont Alexandre looks very good, Taquin De Seuil is useful, my horse Chatterbox is more likely to run than this time last week. He has only had three runs and thought the festival might come too soon for him but he looks good at the moment. NF: Pont Alexandre is a worthy favourite and the one they have to beat. The New One is too short and there is a question mark over his jumping. I like Chatterbox and at around 14/1 he looks a great bet. SC: The bookies will have to take Pont Alexandre on, The New One is highly rated by the Twiston-Davies’ and Taquin De Seuil is one of Jonjo’s best chances of the meeting. There are plenty of good ones behind him and it is worth taking the favourite on. RSA JP: I don’t see any holes in Dynaste, he jumps well although the stat regarding winners of the Feltham in the RSA is a concern. SC: Dynaste is one to take on, Boston Bob is a real stayer which is what is often needed here and both Hadrian’s Approach and Unioniste are nice horses as well. NH: Hadrian’s Approach has kept on improving and definitely stays, his jumping is good and would have beaten Unioniste in another stride ay Newbury. NF:dynaste was foot perfect when he last won atCheltenham and Unioniste looks the most likely to be chasing him home. Coral Cup JP: Wonderful Charm has had his wind done and is exciting Paul Nicholls at home although his price is short as a result. Very well fancied and the trainer’s money is down. SC: Wonderful Charm has been very well backed, Edeymi of Tony Martin’s is also fancied along with Alan King’s Meister Eckhart. Willie Mullins 11-year-old Fiveforthree is also worth a mention at odds of around 14/1. NF: It looks as though I might ride Pendra for Charlies Longsdon and the step up in trip should suit him. Wonderful Charm off 139 must have a big chance and is regarded as one of Nicholls’ best chances of the week. NH: I wanted to run Cash And Go in the race but he will not be as the owner also has Wonderful Charm in the race for which the vibes are good. The mare Ma Filleule could run for us and might get in off 10st 2lbs. Fred Winter NH: I will probably run both Magalyphos and Vasco Du Ronceray in this. Megalyphos was unlucky in the Finale at Chepstow but it was a good run and his wind has since been done. JP: Paul Nicholls’ Saphir Du Rheu has been kept back for this race following 11 length win last time. NF: Charlie Longsdon runs Tidal Way which I might ride. Ptit Zig has done well. Charles O’Brien’s Stockton’s Wing might have a good chance at 12/1 each way. SC: There has been money today for both Ptit ZIg and Megalyphos but this is a very competitive race as always. Champion Bumper JP: Joseph O’Brien is going to ride Shield in the bumper for his father and could be a big player. SC: There has been money for Union Dues with Clondaw Court unlikely to take part in the race. Le Vent D’Antan has also been supported on the back of a write-up in the Racing Post. NF: The bumper is always a rough run race. Oscar Rock is improving with every race and would have a chance if the ground was slow. NH: I don’t much like the bumper as a race, usually the first three turn into nice horses but I prefer to stay out of it with a young horse. John Oaksey National Hunt Chase JP: Boston Bob is the favourite for this race but is drifting on Betfair. In this four mile race you need a safe jumper and an experienced rider to get round. MF: David Pipe has some interesting entries, Goulanes is very impressive and well backed. Also Alan King’s Godsmejudge won well at Warwick and a horse that runs well there often does the same at Cheltenham. Thursday Jewson NH: You can probably excuse Captain Conan’s last run and he should be thereabouts. He has looked very good in the last couple of weeks and has plenty of pace. Aupcharlie has been talked up quite a lot and keeps coming up in these conversations. SC: Captain Conan is likely to go off favourite. Argocat has been backed in from around 33/1 into around 10/1, trained by Tom Taafe. Module has also been put up as one to go well. MF: Benefficient was very impressive in his work on Sunday and Tony Martin knows what he is doing. He is also a Grade 1 winner already but Nicky is confident with Captain Conan. NF: Module is a battler and could run well, Captain Conan has been good and Benefficient looks a big price each way at 16/1. Ryanair JP: There are plenty here who still don’t know where they are going. Riverside Theatre is at his best when fresh and I’m not sure First Lieutenant stays 3m 2 1/2f in the Gold Cup. NH: Riverside Theatre has had a problem with ulcers which has now been treated. He runs best fresh and is very well at the moment. SC: The money indicates that Cue Card is headign for this race, we’re not sure whether First Lieutenant and Sizing Europe are heading here or not. Phillip Hobbs has put Menorah up as one of his best chances of the week, each way at 10/1. China Rock is also worth a look and appears to be the each-way value in the race. NF: First Lieutenant has a good chance based on his run in the Hennessy. Menorah’s form has been better this year and looks good at 10/1. MF: Davy Russell wants First Lieutenant to run in the Ryanair, wheread Mouse Morris wants Bryan Cooper to ride him in the Gold Cup. He looks the one to beat here and don’t forget he beat Rock On Ruby in theNeptune. World Hurdle JP: Not sure what happened with Oscar Whisky last year in the World Hurdle. NH: I’m sure that Oscar Whisky wasn’t right last year and he came back into the unsaddling in a bad way. Over 2m 4f he is the best I’ve got and in the Cleeve Hurdle Barry said he would rather get there too late than get there too soon and get collared. Reve De Sivola loves soft ground and Oscar Whisky is more comfortable on better ground. Oscara Dara will also run in this rather than carry the weight in the Coral Cup. MF: I’m concerned about the proximity of Oscar Whisky to Thousand Stars in last year’s World Hurdle as there has always been very little between them. It is wide open and Smad Place would have a chance if the ground was half decent. NF: I’m in the Oscar Whisky camp but he never looked the same horse on bad ground. Bog Warrior at 9/1 or 10/1 must have a chance. Byrne Group Plate JP: Ballynagour has been backed off the boards and this is his most likely race at the festival. Although he is very short now and hasn’t been the most consistent horse in the past. SC: David Pipe has won this race in two of the last three years although Ballynagour has been raised 21lbs on the back of his win at Warwick. Hunt Ball will probably end up running here and Venetia Williams’ runners are worth keeping an eye on as she has some progressive horses running in the handicaps. NF: Tom Scudamore is very sweet on the chances of Ballynagour and thinks he is a worthy favourite. MF: Venetia Williams is taken with Shangani in this race but the vibes are very good surrounding Ballynagour. NH: Well novices don’t win this race. JP McManus’ horses must have a chance with the likes of Tap Night, Colour Squadron and Vulcanite. We will run Nadiya De La Vega but she is now fully exposed to the handicapper. Kim Muir JP: Derek O’Connor will be riding Super Duty and Donald McCain is very keen on his chances. SC: Super Duty well backed in the race and looks good, Merry King could run here or in the four miler and Cantlow has been lined up for a run at this meeting. NH: Prince Of Pirates may run with Nico De Boinville onboard, he’s a good horseman and is riding well at the moment. Prince Of Pirates is versatile and goes on any ground, he should enjoy this race. NF: Super Duty was good at Cheltenham and looks hard to beat. Merry King is a solid and JT McNamara may ride if it runs here. MF: Alfie Sherrin could pop in here, JP looks to have a good team. Pertemps JP: Sam Winner has been realy well backed for this and I really fancy him SC: Saw Winner is highly regarded but this is a very competitive event. Son Of Flicka and Close House are also both fancied by connections. NF: It is easy to forget that Sam Winner was third in the Triumph Hurdle but 3m here should br right up his street. Shutthefrontdoor was a good horse in bumpers. AP McCoy worth following here as he has the choice of a few fancied runners. MF: This has not been a race in which to follow favourites in recent years. Friday Triumph NH: This has been something of a lucky race for us down the years and Rolling Star and Vasco Du Ronceray look like they could represent us here. Rolling Star has come on since beating Irish Saint at Cheltenham and has a great temperament. The reason he hasn’t been out since then is that the owners wanted to keep the dream alive for as long as possible. MF: Our Conor looks to be the best of the Irish contingent and looked very well at Leopardstown on Sunday. I love Rolling Star and I find it interesting that he has only run once. NF: Of all of the field I fancy riding Rolling Star,Far West was impressive beating River Maigue last time.KashmirPeak has a chance but Dougie Costello seems to prefer his stablemate Hidden Justice. Albert Bartlett NH: Utopie Des Bordes has had two runs with us to date and I’m pretty sure that she stays. This is her objective at the moment but it is a good race. NF: At Fishers Cross was impressive at Cheltenham last time. I am sure that Coneygree is better than his last run suggests and a win for him would be a massive result for this place. MF: It would be brilliant if Coneygree won but he may just get run out of it. Gevrey Chambertain may one of the more interesting ones. JP: AP McCoy loves the attitude of At Fishers Cross. Taquin De Seuil looks likely to run here but AP will ride At Fishers Cross. SC: O’Faolains Bay is one worth considering at a big price. Gevrey Chambertain is interesting but it is worth keeping an eye on his entries and Ballycasey looks to have been priced on reputation rather than substance. Gold Cup SC: This is a really deep and open renewal of the Gold Cup. Captain Chris ran well in the King George and has really bounced back this year. Sunnyhillboy has also been backed at a big price as he has previous round Cheltenham and represents a bit of value at 66/1. MF: The addition of cheekpieces will help Long Run as well as his jockey Sam Waley-Cohen. Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs are both unbeaten at the Cheltenham Festival and should be respected. However there is no doubting Long Run’s resolution and I fancy him to run a big race. NF: Nicky has the two best horses in the race and with Long Run likely to bowl along in front he will be difficult to pass. Silviniaco Conti is a nice horse but would have to favour Bobs Worth and Long Run. NH: Bobs Worth worked well at Kempton and looks really well at the moment. In terms of Long Run, Mick has been a big help with Sam and the cheekpieces are likely to sharpen him up. The door is wide open for somebody to take their chance but I couldn’t split my two. JP: Ruby Walsh is very bullish about the chances of Silviniaco Conti given the speed and the accuracy with which he jumps. Grand Annual NH: We will have six runners in this and in last year’s race Bellvano got up to beat Tanks For That, who comes back for more this year. French Opera has a good chance here having been dropped 4lb on the back of a good run last time. Paul Carberry is on standby to ride Kid Cassidy who has ferocious pace. Anquetta would also be nice on good ground. JP: Kid Cassidy is an interesting contender. MF: Petit Robin would have a chance as he has run really well this year over hurdles. He is now 4lb better off over fences than hurdles and could have a squeak. NF: There are lots of useful hold up types in this race. Once again AP has a good choice of mounts. SC: This is always competitive. Tom George’s Rody has been well backed and I like that one. Alderwood won the County lasy year and would have a good chance as well. Rest MF: Salsify looks set for a big run in the Foxhunters. Mr Mole could chase the double in County Hurdle and Imperial Cup, beat Melodic Rendezvous in a novice hurdle in October. NF: Court Minstrel hated the ground in the Tolworth and could run well in the County. SC: Strong money for Mr Mole in the County Hurdle and interestingly the only horse that JP McManus has with Paul Nicholls. NH: Forgotten Voice needs good ground and could wait for Aintree or Punchestown. Wouldn’t Tricky Trickster have a chance in the Foxhunters? JP: Tricky Trickster has had its problems and there are more fancied runners at the festival for Nicholls. £100 Charity Bets to go the Injured Jockeys Fund NF: Sentry Duty in the Kim Muir JP: Pont Alexandre in the Neptune SC: £50 e/w Merry King in the John Oaksey 4 miler NH: Wonderful Charm in the Coral Cup MF: Dynaste wherever he runs

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 Huntingdon Preview Evening Panel: Richard Hoiles (RH), Phil Smith (PS), Luke Tarr (LT), Paul Kieley (PK) and John Ferguson (JF) Supreme Novices’: RH – One of the most successful races the Irish have at the Festival whilst recent years have proved expensive for favourite followers. LT – The market revolves around My Tent Or Yours – the general public will latch on to him and he will go off at around 11/10. PS – I look at the last 5 years generally and the end of season rating of the winner tends to be in the low 150s – My Tent Or Yours is already rated 162, his success in a quality handicap gives confidence to the mark whilst AP has proved a good judge when given a choice in recent years (He rides My Tent Or Yours, rather than Jezki). I would give a mention to Un Atout as well. JF – I would be a backer of My Tent Or Yours at 7/4, he was phenomenal at Newbury and I think he is a penalty kick but Dodging Bullets is solid and looks a good each way bet whilst Melodic Rendevous should run well. PK – My Tent Or Yours will encounter a lot of different things, he is a flat bred horse and doesn’t have the speed figures to back up his rating. Has he got the stamina? I’m a huge fan of Melodic Rendezvous and I’m sure he would be shorter if he was trained elsewhere. RH – Cheltenham tempos are like nothing else – everything happens just a bit faster. I think Dodging Bullets is worth keeping in mind. Arkle: LT – If you fancy a My Tent Or Yours/Simonsig double – back it now! This is a one horse race. JF – Overturn and Simonsig are both athletes. Overturn will go off quick and it will be down to the quality of the jumping as to who wins. RH – Arvika Legionneire the third best at the prices but if he leads he could have a huge role to play in the race. PK – The Irish jockeys I have spoken too not big on their chances in this one. PS – Ratings wise over the last 5 years you have to be 160+, the top 2 are! I can’t have an Irish winner of this race. I hope Overturn wins but front runners don’t have a great record in this race. PK – I think there is a little bit of the Sprinter Sacre performance last year in the price of Simonsig. Champion Hurdle: JF – Hurricane Fly has had 2 gimmes this year, I’m not saying he won’t win but…. LT – Hurricane Fly is the lay of the week and the next 3 in the market (Zarkander, Grandouet and Rock On Ruby) are cracking each way bets. PS – It’s a good Champion Hurdle but I can’t understand the price of Hurricane Fly. Zarkander is a fascinating runner but there isn’t anything wrong with Rock On Ruby either. PK – I’m worried about where the pace is going to come from but I think Rock On Ruby will win. There have been a lot of rumours about how well Binocular has been working, I can’t see him winning but JP can! RH – Rock On Ruby won on merit last year and the ground will suit him over Zarkander, who will come off the bridle at some stage even if he wins (for in running punters), but it’s Rock On Ruby for me. PK – I think Zarkander would be a banker in the World Hurdle. JF – Cotton Mill is still in the Champion but I’m siding towards the County Hurdle but I want the option left open at this stage as I may change depending on how well Pine Creek runs on Saturday (Imperial Cup) – he should run well! LT – Worth mentioning that we have seen a lot of money for Cinders And Ashes this week. Neptune: RH – Pont Aleaxandre the Irish banker? PK – He has a huge reputation but we don’t know how good he is, it could be a very strong race with The New One and Taquin Du Soeuil involved but I am concerned about a reported bug in Twiston-Davis’ yard. RH – There are lots of bullish reports about Taquin Du Soeuil but the Challow has been a bad trial. PS – The Irish novice hurdlers are quite interesting but it’s not a race I have a strong view on at this stage. In general though, I much prefer a horse at the Festival that has run in the calendar year. RH – Chatterbox of interest? JF – Puffin Billy and Chatterbox are both of interest – there seem to be question marks over a few at the top of the market so it may be worth looking elsewhere. RSA and Jewson: RH – Dynaste is drifting for the RSA and shortening for the Jewson…. PK – The fields are up in the air but I think Dynaste will win whichever race he runs in. RH – My worry with Dynaste is that he may just be an early season horse. PS – Dynaste is at 161 – Denman was on that mark after he won the RSA! RH – Would the Jewson be the soft option? PS – No – it’s not an easy route but if you don’t like Dynaste in the RSA then Rocky Creek and Super Duty could be interesting. LT – Dynaste is visually the most impressive National Hunt horse this year but he would be my banker in the Jewson but I would take him on in the RSA. RH – I’d throw Houblon Des Obouex into the mix – on soft ground he could be perfect. PK – Houblon does look a cracking each way bet – take Dynaste out and its wide open. Champion Chase: PS –I think Sprinter Sacre is better than Moscow Flyer but his rating doesn’t show it. It should just be a race to watch but for fun an exacta to match last year’s finishing position. RH – Everyone agrees it’s just about Sprinter Sacre. Ryanair: RH – Cue Card and First Lieutenant appear to both be pretty much confirmed. PK – Davy Russell is a big fan of First Lieutenant. LT – First Lieutenant and Sizing Europe are the two for me but wait until they are both confirmed. JF – I’ve heard Riverside Theatre is pleasing at home and Nicky is sure ulcers were the problem after last year and I think they are going there with confidence. LT – Riverside Theatre is no value for me. PK – Last year’s Ryanair was a tough race so I would ignore anything that ran in it. PS – Albertas Run takes my eye each way at 20s but I don’t think he’ll win. World Hurdle: PK – I’m a huge fan of Reve de Sivola but there are rumours he has had a setback. I do see Oscar Whisky as a non stayer so I’m sticking with Reve. LT – Oscar Whisky still heads the market but there has been lots of money for Wonderful Charm. RH – Quevega non runner no bet for me – you can’t lose! PS – If Grands Crus turns up he won’t be 20s so is worth a look no runner no bet. Triumph: PS – Diakali would be interesting at a decent price – I like Aga Khan bred over hurdles. JF – Ruacana has a similar profile to Countrywide Flame and deserves to take his chance, we will be putting a visor on him just to sharpen him up. PK – I was very impressed by Our Connor – I think he will be very hard to beat but he will be a bigger price on the day than he is now. LT – Far West has been highly touted but I like Rolling Star as well. Foxhunters: JF – Salsify should win this doing hand stands! Gold Cup: PS – Long Run is in many ways the most interesting runner but I don’t think he can win. The form of the Hennessy is probably the most solid but Bobs Worth hasn’t run for a long time but that may not work against him. There might be concerns about the track for Silviniaco Conti so I think Bobs Worth is the most likely winner with Cape Tribulation an each way interest. RH – Bobs Worth has had an interrupted prep. PK – You could argue Bobs Worth has the best form but the missed prep bothers me. LT – Bobs Worth is 4 from 4 at Cheltenham and I can’t entertain anything else. RH – How good is Silviniaco Conti? PK – Ruby thinks he is the real deal and he has done nothing wrong so I think he is the most likely winner and I will also give a word to Captain Chris, who will stay and could run well. Extras: JF – I’m excited about Bordoni in the Fred Winter and Purple Bay deserves his chance in the Bumper. Banker: PK – Menorah (Ryanair) JF – Rock on Ruby (Champion Hurdle) RH – Simonsig (Arkle) Long Shot: PK – Houblon des Obouex (RSA) PS – Cape Tribluation (Gold Cup) LT – Duke of Lucca (JLT) RH – Poquelin (Byrne Group)

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mowgli77

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013

Did you go to this mate? I was there.
No, Rio mentioned it needed pre booking so we didn't bother. There was one in Pudsey on Tuesday night but I went to Port Vale away instead. Was it any good and worth the cost?
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Sheerluck Holmes

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 It was OK. Niall Hannity was good value and was very keen on Cloudy Copper in the AB, Malcom Jefferson napped Attaglance and said Cape wasn't without a chance in the GC, and Graham Lee was liking Overturn. Not sure I'd go again tbh, but the pie and mash was nice. :)

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENING at KNARESBOROUGH, CRICKET CLUB, YORKSHIRE The sixth renewal of this event was put together by the M.C. for the evening James Bridson with a panel comprising Channel 4 Racing’s Jim McGrath (JM), Nick Robson (NR) lead tipster for Racing Plus, Paul Jones (PJ) author of the Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide and Michael Shinners (MS) representing Skybet, sponsors of the evening. Supreme Novices’ Hurdle JM: Timeform have My Tent Or Yours 16lbs higher than an average Supreme winner. With a clear round he should win and he should be a shorter price than than the odds say his chance is. NR: In my job I have to look to take on short prices like My Tent Or Yours but, regardless, I am keen to take him on anyway. When something looks too good to be true, it generally is. I don’t like Jezki at all and feel Un Atout is more of a long term project. Dodging Bullets will run well but I will be disappointed if he wins. I like Pique Sous at a price who travelled best in last year’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper when third and 12/1 each-way without the favourite makes appeal. PJ: Obviously no surprise if the favourite bolts up but although I would prefer to have seen Dodging Bullets have a prep run I feel he has to run well on a combination of ratings, course form and connections and still feel there is a little juice in his price. As much as I like Un Atout as an individual, I think it’s all about the future with him and I still don’t why Jekzi could only finish eighth in the Bumper last year, maybe he prefers flatter courses? I just wonder if Melodic Rendezvous has the brilliance. MS: We are now betting each-way first four places. The bookmakers are likely to want to get My Tent Or Yours on Tuesday morning so if you want to back him I would wait until then where you could get 9/4. I think he will be backed on course afterwards. Dodging Bullets looks the best each-way alternative. Arkle Trophy JM: If the ground is no worse than Good-to-Soft, I will back Overturn who is too big a price if this is a match. He jumped great at Sandown though not so good at Doncaster until the home straight. NR: I don’t fancy Arvika Ligeonneire to finish within a fence of the big two as he wants testing ground and a right handed course plus a longer trip. I’d love to see Overturn win but Simonsig does look very impressive. PJ: It’s all about tactics. As a real fast good gallop would suit Simonsig I just wonder if they might slow it up in front on Overturn at some point and try a sudden injection in speed to get the favourite at it and if he can illicit one mistake out of him over the last three fences he will be hard to peg back. I think the difference in price between the pair is too big but, gun to the head, and it would be Simonsig. MS: I think the public will come for Overturn so I don’t see Simonsig starting shorter than 8/11, maybe even 4/5. There was a run on Captain Conan with us at lunchtime today but I suspect it is was NR No bet each-way punters. I think Simonsig will win. Champion Hurdle JM: I’ve been looking to take on Hurricane Fly but have been struggling to find something to beat him. I didn’t think he was impressive when he won the Champion Hurdle like for his other wins so maybe Cheltenham is not the course to bring the best out of him. Ruby didn’t think he gave him a good ride in last year’s race. What will make the running? That will be a key factor. Rock On Ruby is probably under-rated. NR: Hurricane Fly is one to take on without a doubt, I think the Champion Hurdle two years ago bottomed him and Peddlers Cross. He is nine now and is better when the mud is flying. Zarkandar is tough and admirable but I just wonder if this sharper of the two hurdles courses is ideal. Binocular is not good enough and Grandouet has had one run in 16 months. That leaves you with Rock On Ruby who could easily be another Hardy Eustace so he is my fancy. PJ: I was a Grandouet man until he missed his prep but feel you need everything to go your way to win a championship race. I am forming a late strong opinion that it will be won by either Rock On Ruby on Zarkandar who are both battlers and love Cheltenham whereas I am not sure that applies to Hurricane Fly which may seem like an odd thing to say given he has won a Champion Hurdle. You can get 11/8 Rock On Ruby to finish in the first three which is a maximum bet for me, he should be nearer 4/9 to hit the frame. Name me three horse that will beat him. MS: Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar have been the two for money of late. If the ground comes up decent I can see Cinders And Ashes running a big race, he looked great when I saw him at a media day last week. Tuesday Shoulder Races: JM: Cantlow is interesting for the JLT and ticks a lot of boxes. Knockara Beau is well handicapped for the same race but is a frustrating horse. It’s hard to imagine Fruity O’Rooney not running well. The Druid’s Nephew has a chance in the novice handicap but I have some concerns about the form of the yard. Attaglance is potentially well handicapped for that race as is Carlito Brigante who brings good course form though he wouldn’t want it too soft. I don’t think Colour Squadron jumps well enough. NR: I was a huge fan of Our Mick’s for the JLT last year when he was third but not so much this season and he is favourite. One run this season and unseating his rider isn’t my profile. I like Tour Des Champs if he runs as like the novice angle for this race but he has plenty of experience though the bug at the Twiston-Davies yard is a concern. Tarla has the class to finish second in the Mares Hurdle if she runs. I like The Druid’s Nephew very much for the novice handicap chase, in fact he is one of the bets of the meeting. PJ: I like Our Mick who is marginally higher than last year in the ratings but was a good third as a novice and being such a big horse I expect he will have improved at least a good 7lbs physically. Horses placed in this race the previous year have a decent record. I fancy Kentford Grey Lady to give Quevega a race. The yard are quiet but she put up a career best performance in the Cleeve during that period and loves the Cheltenham hill. She appeals in the betting without Quevega market. If White Star Line runs in the novice handicap I give him a good each-way chance. I don’t usually back 9-year-old maidens but he was second in the race last year to Hunt Ball and is 3lbs lower this time and really caught the eye last time after running in races he couldn’t win. He is also interesting at a big price if he switches to the JLT. MS: The Druid’s Nephew has been consistently well backed over the last few days and his nose second to Hadrian’s Approach reads well. Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle JM: Pont Alexandre is visually very impressive. Regardless of what Jonjo says that he will improve for a better surface I would be worried about the ground for Taquin Du Seuil whose form is on bad ground and has a very high knee action. NR: I was going to back The New One until news broke of the bug in his stable. Taquin Du Seuil has the action of a deep-ground horse so I can’t have it. I always respect Mouse Morris in the novice races at Cheltenham so Rule The World interests me. When favs win this race they usually win it easily and it is not hard seeing Pont Alexandre being another. PJ: I can’t see this going out to the top three in the market. I was edging the way of The New One at the prices before the news that some of his his yard have the bug and I can see Taquin Du Seuil usurping him as second favourite. As the race gets the closer the vibes for Pont Alexandre just get stronger and stronger who I see starting closer to Evens than 2/1. I suspect I will let the race pass without a bet. MS: If you want to back Pont Alexandre then do it now, he will be very well backed. RSA Chase JM: Boston Bob has been unimpressive and I don’t think Back In Focus is quick enough. Hadrian’s Approach doesn’t jump well enough and Unioniste has to improve a good deal on his narrow defeat of him and his Cheltenham handicap win. Dynaste is the clear best horse if he runs here. NR: I think Dynaste will run in the Jewson. Ive backed Lord Windermere at a very big price as he looks just the type that often outruns its odds in the race though concede he will need to brush up his jumping. PJ: I hear Ruby Walsh will ride Unioniste as he loves him and his jumping so I see him starting favourite over Boston Bob if Dynaste does go for the Jewson. In that scenario I would have Unioniste as top of my list as the most likely winner but do feel there is value in Lyreen Legend’s price who is a tough, classy stayer that fits the RSA mould in many ways. MS: The money has been Dynaste for the Jewson over the last two days but that has not been from those connected to the Pipe yard. I think Boston Bob is over-hyped and is one I would like to take on. Queen Mother Champion Chase JM: You don’t have to have a bet. Just watch and enjoy Sprinter Sacre. NR: Hard to see an angle. I just hope Finian’s Rainbow and Sizing Europe run so we can gauge just how good Sprinter Sacre really is. PJ: It looks like Sizing Europe win run here which can make the market for Finian’s Rainbow in a without the favourite book for which he is second favourite. I am not usually forgiving when a horse has run as badly as him on both starts this season but Geraghty is adamant that was just heavy ground and he beat Sizing Europe in last year’s race and is the one of the two I feel has a better chance of maintaining that level over 2m as strongly feel the Ryanair trip is now Sizing Europe’s optimum. MS: It looks like Sizing Europe will run here and given his Festival profile he looks the obvious each-way play. Wednesday Shoulder Races JM: Pendra is potentially well handicapped in the Coral Cup. Back In Focus would be my pick for the NH Chase though Buddy Bolero’s form is working out very well. Regal Encore could be interesting in the bumper for Anthony Honeyball and J P McManus. I am told Empiracle works all over Melodic Rendezvous. No real view as yet on the Fred Winter. NR: Ericht and Bourne if they run in the Coral Cup interest me. In the NH Chase, Drawn And Drank could be overpriced, I know Enda Bolger likes him though McCoy seems to think Buddy Bolero is a good thing. I also have time for Godsmejudge back against novices. I like Blackmail most in the Bumper and took a chance on him when it was announced Geraghty had been booked last week. Megalypos is my Fred Winter horse having run well in a Grade 1 and had a wind operation since. PJ: Megalypos is also my Fred Winter horse for the same reasons as Nick and I am also on Blackmail, but after the gallop last Sunday when it was reported in was Ted Veale that worked well but the horse in question was, in fact, Blackmail, and he really did catch the eye. Sea Of Thunder is a big price in the NH Chase but is ground dependent and if its soft, I would lose some interest. Pendra and Son Of Flicka would be my two against the field in the Coral Cup. MS: Le Vent D’Antan and Blackmail have been the two for money in the bumper in the last few days. I am very keen on Saphir De Rheu in the Fred Winter who has a similar profile to Sanctuaire when he won it. I think Back In Focus will start favourite for the NH Chase but he looks slow to me, even for this race so prefer Rival D’Estruval. We have kept on the right side of Edeymi for the Festival handicap hurdles in which he is entered including the Coral Cup, he looked to be given what is known as a considerate ride last time. Jewson Novices’ Chase JM: Dynaste is different class and should win if he runs her . If he runs in the RSA then I would fancy Captain Conan. NR: Dynaste will be hard to beat if he runs here. I think Aupcharlie is a bridle horse and I think two runs at 3m when beaten each time might have bottomed him. I give Argocat some respect. PJ: If Dynaste runs here then I think he will win. He has a better chance here than in the RSA so I think they might end up taking this option. The trainer is convinced Captain Conan wasn’t right last time but he only won as Third Intention threw it away and he is clearly better over 2m on three lines of form with the runner-up. Aupcharlie may not have stayed the last twice but he may also not fancy a battle and the Cheltenham hill could catch him out in that respect. In short, Dynaste if he runs but, if he doesn’t, then Module makes most appeal as he has particularly impressed me at this trip and has Cheltenham winning form to boot. MS: Dynaste will be around a 6/4 shot if he runs and probably win. I think Captain Conan will drift. I’m not convinced about Aupcharlie at all. Ryanair Chase JM: I would want to take Cue Card on who is too exuberant (as are many Tizzard horses) for a high class race. Sizing Europe would be my pick if they favour this race over the Champion Chase. NR: I can’t have Albertas Run off the back of that gallop at Kempton, it’s a leap of faith to back Champion Court, last year’s hard race may have ruined Riverside Theatre and Cue Card could be too exuberant for a race like this. Mouse Morris wants to run First Lieutenant in the Gold Cup and I feel if he does run here 2m5f could be too short on the ground but don’t forget his China Rock. He had not got home in the last two Gold Cups and is overpriced. PJ: I think First Lieutenant is made for the race and will be my main fancy if he runs. He looks a left-handed course, spring horse who has been doing well to run so well in races like the Hennessy and Lexus as I don’t fancy to hit form until he gets better ground. Sizing Europe would be the danger if he ran here but it looks like it could be the Champion Chase for him. China Rock is the wrong price on official ratings and could easily sneak a place as I’m not convinced at all about Cue Card, Menorah and Champion Court. MS: Cue Card has to be taken on and he is definitely a lay for us on the day. We’re keen on First Lieutenant who has the best form of these this season. World Hurdle JM: I thougt Reve De Sivola got the run of the race in the Cleeve. It looks like Oscar Whisky should stay the trip and he would be my preference despite not having a great winning record at Cheltenham. NR: I don’t think Reve De Sivola will be quick enough if the ground is not soft. Smad Place was third last season in a better renewal than this so is worth a look as is Solwhit who is not far behind Hurricane Fly when they kept meeting a couple of years ago. PJ: I went to a preview in Mayfair last night and all 5 panellists said Reve De Sivola needs a bog. I really don’t get where this is coming from, he handles decent ground perfectly well and, besides, there will be cut in the ground on Thursday. There have also been rumours he has had training problems but when I spoke to one of his owners he said it was news to him and Nick Williams. I think he is the strongest stayer in the race and will outstay his rivals with Johnson winding it up from further out than in the Cleeve. Interesting to hear Alan King thinks Smad Place has just come right and, given the way the race is likely to be run, I can see a creeping ride from McCoy on Get Me Out Of Here manoeuvre him into the frame back at the Festival where he has been second in each of the last three years. MS: This is a massive ground race and Oscar Whisky and Get Me Out Of Here’s chances will improve if it is not testing. On soft ground I think Reve De Sivola will start favourite. I’m not a fan of Peddlers Cross. Thursday Shoulder Races JM: Shutthefrontdoor won a decent race at Carlisle and is interesting for the Pertemps as is another of Jonjo’s in Dursey Sound if he runs. Too many horses in the Plate and Kim Muir have multiple entries to take a clear view at this stage. NR: Close House and my cliff horse, Captain Sunshine, interest me most in the Pertemps. I think Hunt Ball has a huge chance in the Plate on his Aintree run last spring. Maganimity has a bit of class that could be important in the Kim Muir and was a good second to a Grade 2 last time and I also like Lost Glory of Jonjo’s if he runs who hasn’t run since October and Prince Of Pirates. PJ: Willie Wumpkins must have been the last Pertemps winner I backed so I’ll go for the obvious favourite Sam Winner to try and put that shameful record straight. I like Prince Of Pirates for Henderson, McManus and De Boinville in the Kim Muir and have no idea whatsoever about the Plate as yet. MS: Our Head of Trading is keen on Poquelin at a big price for the Plate. I believe Paul Nicholls backed Sam Winner for the Pertemps as soon as the prices came out. Shutthefrontdoor looks the best alternative. Triumph Hurdle JM: Our Conor is very solid and will be hard to beat. NR: I’m very keen on Our Conor. I put up Diakali ante-post before Our Conor easily beat him. Mullins feels he could reverse on better ground and not front running. Leopardstown is a stiffer track that many feel so I don’t see stamina being a problem for Our Conor. PJ: Our Conor should be clear favourite not a marginal favourite. I thought he was fantastic at Leopardstown which came off the back of him missing his Christmas engagement so there could be even more to come and he has everything I look for in a Triumph horse. Far West impressed me at Ascot having unimpressed me the time before and I rate him a bigger threat than Rolling Star as, like Our Conor, he is more of a ‘here and now’ horse whereas I feel Rolling Star could lack experience. MS: Our Conor is a half brother to a four miler so I don’t see stamina as a problem. If it comes up testing I see Far West starting favourite through. I’ll be surprised if Rolling Star is not the third choice of punters regardless of the ground. Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle JM: Utopies Des Bordes is very game and receives a 7lbs mares’ allowance. I have some doubts about Ballycasey. Broadway Buffalo is an outsider to consider if he runs. No strong views. NR: This is the hurdling equivalent of the RSA and we need a tough hardy horse, I’m not sure Ballycasey is that and could lack experience. African Gold is the horse I like but I want to see how the Twiston-Davies run earlier in the week given the bug in his yard. I think Champagne Fever is crying out for a step up to this 3m. PJ: I’ve backed Our Vinnie and Utopies Des Bordes each-way at double figure prices and am happy with that though I can’t see anything wrong with At Fishers Cross at all. Ballycasey looks like he is priced up on connections rather than anything else. MS: We are keen to keep At Fishers Cross on side after his Cheltenham win. If they run Champagne Fever here that could suggest the same owner/trainer combination would not fancy their Ballycasey as much as the market indicates. Gold Cup JM: Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghthy both think we have over-hyped Sir Des Champs in England. However, the way he powered clear on the run-in to win last year’s Jewson is hard to forget and I felt at the time that we saw the following season’s Gold Cup winner. That still remains my view. Bobs Worth is a poor price for a horse with just one this season. NR: A hard race for me to find a value bet in. Silviniaco Conti has had the perfect season but I just sense Nicholls has doubts he may fall short. I could see myself going with The Giant Bolster or Cape Tribulation as a value advise for Racing Plus. PJ: I think Sir Des Champs is the most likely winner and will improve again as he had done from race to race this season, which he will need to. Sometimes you just have to go with your eyes over the Form Book and he looked a future Gold Cup to me with the style in which he won last year’s Jewson. Returning to Cheltenham, better ground and step up in trip can bring around that improvement. I still feel The Giant Bolster can place again. MS: I think the bookmakers might try and get Bobs Worth off just one run this season unless Henderson has another first three days like last year. I like him most though, he loves Cheltenham and gets the trip. Friday Shoulder Races JM: Court Minstrel would interest me if they waited for this but I’d want to see what happens in the Imperial Cup before firming up an opinion. For the Grand Annual, Rody’s form from Warwick is brilliant and if form means anything he has a very strong chance. NR: Gevrey Chambertin for the Martin Pipe. I like Alderwood for the Grand Annual who is lower over fences than hurdles and Rody as that Warwick form is working out very well. Ifandbutwhynot and Discoteca catch my eye in the County. PJ: I like Ted Veale’s each-way chances in the County and fancy him to reverse Leopardstown form with Abbey Lane on 10lbs better terms on better ground. The Grand Annual is too open but I’ve backed Gevrey Chambertin today NR No bet at 8/1 for the Martin Pipe Hurdle as see him going off near 3/1. Salsify wins the Foxhunters again. MS: Ifandbutwhynot was my Champion Bumper horse last year where he was nowhere but I will stick with him again for the County. He won well at Musselburgh last time. If they were to book Carberry for Kid Cassidy for the Grand Annual, he would be perfect for him like he was for Bellvano for the same owner/trainer last year. Charity Bets: JM: My Tent Or Yours (Supreme) NR: Rock On Ruby (Champion Hurdle) PJ: Our Conor (Triumph) MS: Saphir De Rheu (Fred Winter)

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 preview report from birmingham Racing historian and author of the Aintree Grand National book ‘Go Down To The Beaten’ was acting as MC as he has been for many years at this Birmingham venue. The panel was made up from key people within the sport including; Racing UK presenter and President of the Midlands Racing Club Lydia Heslop, Tony Calvin from Betfair, Sam Turner from the Daily Mail, Steve Mellish from Racing UK and finally Sky’s At The Races pundit Andy Gibson – all of the above expressing their views on the four days of action at Prestbury Park. CP – Chris Pitt LH – Lydia Heslop SM – Steve Mellish TC – Tony Calvin AG – Andy Gibson ST – Sam Turner Supreme Novices AG: My Tent Or Yours reminds me of Get Me Out Of Here who won the Betfair Hurdle as hid trial the year Menorah won the Supreme. However, My Tent Or Yours won at Newbury off 14lb higher than Get Me Out Of Here and should be tough to beat in this. My only concern is that he can get worked up before his races and I would wait till he gets down to the start to back him. LH: I agree with Andy, who has just summed up My Tent Or Yours. The horse is apparently fresh at home and my worry would be the festival atmosphere. I do like Melodic Rendezvous at a bigger price, as his pedigree suggests that he should be better on good ground and looks an each-way bet. SM: My doubts over My Tent Or Yours is the undulating track at Cheltenham. If he runs to his official rating of 162, then he will win this. However, I do like Un Atout from the Willie Mullins stable. TC: If My Tent Or Yours doesn’t run to his mark then there are at least five horses you could look at in this, including Dodging Bullets who is my pick after the favourite. ST: I can’t back My Tent Or Yours at that price and I think Jezki could be involved at the finish and I would go with him. Arkle ST: This looks a fantastic duel and I think there will only be eight runners perhaps. I have backed the Mouse Morris-trained Baily Green as no runner no bet at a big price, but I think that Simonsig will win. TC: I think Simonsig win here, although I was at a preview evening a few nights ago with Donald McCain and he was really bullish about Overturn. Interestingly enough Gordon Elliott said that the Mullins trained Arvika Ligeonniere is most likely not to travel across for this. SM: Simonsig is a very clever jumper and needs a strong pace. A race to watch for me. LH: Simonsig has only run twice over fences in small fields and has never got into a battle in those races. The race might not plan out as people may think, as I don’t know if the favourite will settle. ST: Its very easy for me, Overturn will lead them and Simonsig will pick him off between the third and second last. Champion Hurdle SM: I was not convinced by Hurricane Fly when he beat Peddlers Cross two years ago and I’m not surprised that he has drifted in the betting market this week. It doesn’t look good that Simonsig gave Grandouet a fair beating in their gallop last week. TC: Hurricane Fly is very easy to back at the moment. However, I do like Rock On Ruby who didn’t get the credit he deserved last year. Zarkander has got quicker in his races this year and Grandouet might be a big drifter on the day. The lack of pace might be an issue. ST: Cinders And Ashes has had a breathing operation and should run a big race without being good enough. Punters will get a better price on Hurricane Fly this year and the race looks between himself and Rock On Ruby. AG: Zarkandar will be an interesting price in running. For me Rock On Ruby is the each way bet in this, while the connections of Binocular seem positive of his chances. LH: there is no stand out horse here. I think Hurricane Fly was given too much to do last year along with Binocular. I like Cinders And Ashes if the ground turns up good, as he beat Darlan at last years festival and is an attractive price. David Nicholson Mares Hurdle TC: I have heard a few bad vibes from the Mullins camp, which might or might not be true. 4/6 at the moment is a fair price. AG: From what Tony mentioned, I think people will always talk about stories and rumours regarding leading fancies. I don’t see anything to beat her. LH: I think one day she will get beat. Last year they crawled the whole way round and that might change this year. I think Shop DJ might run well off a strong pace. Neptune LH: The news from the Twiston-Davies yard is a concern for The New One, although better ground will suit him. Pont Alexandre looks a real good horse, only concerns would be the ground if it came up good. AG: Not a great renewal in my opinion. The New One is bound to drift on the day. I would have to back Pont Alexandre. ST: Pont Alexandre will win this and Taquin Du Seuil will follow him home. This horse looks the real deal and I liked the impression that I got from the horse and Ruby was very sweet on him. TC: On form I don’t feel that Pont Alexandre is a 13/8 chance. Taquin Du Seuil looks rock solid. SM: I think the old course will suit The New One better and he is worth taking a punt on the day when he drifts in the betting. LH: Chatterbox is a really well put together horse, although he looks like he needs a step up in trip. CP: The Mouse Morris-trained Rule The World was an each way choice for Gordon Elliott at a preview night last week, so that could be interesting. RSA TC: The Dynaste vibes are for the Jewson at present and I have been backing Unioniste. SM: One concern about Dynaste would be the stiff three miles at Cheltenham. I like Unioniste, but Hadrian’s Approach is my each way bet. ST: I am keen to take on Unioniste with Boston Bob. LH: Boston Bob’s stamina will come into play here. I am a big fan of Unioniste, but am not convinced that he is a strong stayer at this stage of his career. I thing Hadrian’s Approach is an accident waiting to happen as his jumping is a big concern, but I hope I am wrong about that. Champion Chase LH: I don’t think there is another horse that can beat Sprinter Sacre. TC: Mail de Bierve is the place lay of the meeting. I cannot believe he has got supplemented for this race. SM: Sizing Europe will come second to Sprinter Sacre if he runs here. I think Finian’s Rainbow is a worry, as I don’t believe the soft ground is the sole reason for his performing badly all season. Ryanair LH: I am not so keen on this race. First Lieutenant is the right horse for this – I don’t think he will stay the Gold Cup trip. AG: I like Champion Court. I couldn’t have Menorah based on his jumping errors and I think it will be another big run from Albertas Run. ST: First Lieutenant is tailor made for this race and I would be disappointed if he didn’t win. TC: I fancy For Non Stop at around the 20/1 mark. SM: I like First Lieutenant if he turns up, as he is a really good jumper and has strong festival form. World Hurdle CP: I find it hard to get excited by this race unfortunately. SM: Oscar Whiskey is the best horse in the race and Barry is very confident that he will stay the trip. LH: Reve De Sivola if the ground comes up soft and Oscar Whiskey if it is good ground. These are the best two in the race. TC: Oscar Whiskey is top class. I can’t have Peddlers Cross in this. Interestingly enough, Alan King has reported that Smad Place is in tremendous form, so he could be an each way bet at 16/1. ST: I think Monksland will add some spark to this race and I will stick with him. Triumph Hurdle AG: Rolling Star has a good chance and I think the form from Our Conor’s Leopardstown win might not be as good as people think. He beat the Willie Mullins horse, but I don’t think he really felt he had a strong contender for this race anyway. LH: I feel that Far West might get outpaced and Our Conor did look impressive – although I wouldn’t have a very strong opinion in the race. TC: I actually think that Far West showed plenty of speed when beating Henderson’s horse the last day and 5/1 is a fair price. ST: Our Conor looked the real deal and he is a flat-bred horse, so he should like some decent ground. SM: I agree with Sam. He looks a horse that enjoys his races and looks the most likely winner to me. Albert Bartlett SM: At Fishers Cross has a great chance, but Champagne Fever is also entered here and he could be a strong stayer with bags of stamina – we don’t know. TC: I think Ballycasey has plenty to prove and I am going to side with At Fishers Cross. LH: I hate to be singing from the same hymn sheet, but At Fishers Cross for me too. My concern for Champagne Fever is that he is a keen front runner and the step up in trip might be too steep for him at this stage. AG: At Fishers Cross is a fantastic each way bet at 5/1. Gold Cup LH: I only had two anti-post bets for Cheltenham and one of them was for Sir Des Champs, who I believe is getting better with every run. I do like Bobs Worth, however his campaign has hardly been ideal and that is a worry. AG: There are question marks over Silviniaco Conti, while I suspect Long Run will be in the first three again. SM: Long Run is really consistent and rated 172 and that should be good enough. TC: I don’t see any value in Sir Des Champs. It wouldn’t surprise me if Captain Chris runs well, but I havnt got a strong opinion in the race. Handicaps SM: I like Super Duty in the Kim Muir. ST: Aupcharlie in the RSA. LH: I like Shutthefrontdoor in the Pertemps. Charity Bets AG: Court Minstrel in the County Hurdle. LH: First Lieutenant in the Ryanair. SM: Edmund Kean in the Martin Pipe. ST: Our Conor in the Triumph Hurdle.

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Re: cheltenham preview nights 2013 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW at SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE AP McCoy (AP), Nicky Henderson (NH), Paul Nicholls (PN), Big Buck’s’ owner Andy Stewart (AS) (though he said very little) and Paddy Power (PP) were answering questions from Nick Luck. William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle AP: It’s going to soft but it was testing ground when My Tent Or Yours won at Newbury and he coped okay so hopefully he will again. He’s rated 162. I can never remember a novice that high going into this race. I don’t see any negatives. Champagne Fever will come into this a lot more now it’s soft. NH: The pace and hill are possible problems for My Tent Or Yours as they didn’t go a real gallop at Newbury and he is really speedy and has been running on flat tracks. River Maigue got beat in a sprint last time and he’s better than I’ve had him all season. I’ve just been told Puffin Billy is switching to this race now it is soft ground and I like him a lot. This is a hell of a race. PN: Dodging Bullets wants an end-to-end gallop and hasn’t had it yet. He’ll get that gallop with Champagne Fever in the field. Ruby will probably ride Champagne Fever because the ground will be soft. We worked Dodging Bullets this morning and we’re very happy with him. AS: I can’t see past My Tent Or Yours. PP: I’d be against Mt Tent Or Yours as favourites have a terrible record in the race. We’ve got Cousin Vinny, Dunguib and Cue Card beaten with our big offers in this race recently as favourite. It was also a slow pace at Newbury. Melodic Rendezvous handles soft ground well and he is the each-way value. Racing Post Arkle Trophy AP: I thought it was a two-horse race last week but now it’s going to be soft I have it down to one as Simonsig will handle it and Overturn would want it faster. Simonsig will now be very hard to beat. NH: Getting fizzed up over is 2m is a slight worry for Simonsig which is why we went 2m4f first time out so we could drop him in and go to sleep. We don’t mind soft ground but Donald has said Overturn is ground dependent and prefers it Good. That said, there is definitely no complacency in our camp. PN: This will come down to who jumps the best. AS: I fancy Overturn to win. PP: It looks a match on paper but Simonsig is just going to win, it’s soft now and it’s only going to get softer between now and the Arkle which will play into his hands. Stan James Champion Hurdle AP: It’s softer ground than I would like for Binocular. His jumping is his main asset and faster ground means he jumps faster. Me and Ruby were too far back in last year’s race. The softer ground will suit Hurricane Fly more than the other main hopes. Zarkandar is the main danger. NH: If anyone got the 40/1 that Grandouet drifted out earlier then well done them as there is nothing wrong with him. He worked well today with River Maigue and Une Artiste over9f and everything went tickite boo. His second place giving weight to Zarkandar is on paper the best piece of form in the race this season. Binocular’s run inIreland was alright as he needed it and he’s fit and well but I could do with better ground for with him. (when pressed for a third time which he preferred he reluctantly gave Binocular). PN: Ruby could never get off Hurricane Fly of course but I know it wasn’t an easy decision for him. Zarkandar has won 7 of his 9 races, has won the Triumph and is unbeaten this season and the testing ground will be ideal. He was only half-right in last year’s race. I assume the blinkers on Rock On Ruby are to sharpen up his jumping as he is a genuine horse. There is no Overturn to set the race up for him this year, he’s got it all to do I think. AS: Binocular shouldn’t be four times the price of Hurricane Fly. PP: We have a mad money back if Hurricane Fly wins offer as our special this year. It’s a great bet as whatever you fancy Hurricane Fly has to be the danger. But I think he’ll win. Ruby told me there was no question that he would ride him over Zarkandar even if he hadn’t already won a Champion Hurdle on him. The ground is also coming in his favour. RSA Chase AP: Now the ground is soft I think Dynaste will run in the Jewson as he’s got a lot of speed and this could be a slog. This will be won by an out and out stayer, maybe something like Goulanes. NH: Hadrian’s Approach made three mistakes in the straight at Newbury and was only beaten a short head by Unioniste. PN: Ruby will ride Unioniste and not Boston Bob and he is very keen on him. He is an out and out stayer that jumpsCheltenham well and has improved enormously since his last win when he also idled and the soft ground will help him too. On soft ground I think Dynaste will run in the Jewson. PP: Ruby on Unioniste has to be a massive negative for Boston Bob. I can’t believe Dynaste isn’t running, he’s a stone clear of these unlike his main rival in the Jewson. It’s bonkers. Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase It was generally accepted that Sprinter Sacre would bolt up so the panel skipped talking about him. AP: Now it’s soft I wouldn’t be surprised if Cue Card switched back to this race. I also see Sizing Europe running here now the ground is soft. NH: I know it’s incredible to think the Champion Chaser might not run at the Festival but Barry is convinced his two runs this season were down to heavy ground so Finian’s Rainbow may pass the meeting if it is very soft. AS: Tataniano will represent me here and he could pick up some prize money as it goes down a long way. PN: We’re all playing for second place and we’ll be trying our damndest with Sanctuaire to finish second. Ryanair Chase AP:Albertas Run has bloomed since that racecourse gallop (when he was unimpressive) but he needs good ground. First Lieutenant has the best form and the owner will make the decision but I’d run here as better win this than finish third or fourth in the Gold Cup. NH: This all depends on where First Lieutenant, Sizing Europe and Cue Card run. Riverside Theatre has been suffering from ulcers but they have gone now and he is in great form. He’s best fresh and has not run since the King George. If Mouse wants to run him in the Gold Cup but he ends up here (on his owner’s request) he’ll probably win as that tells me he has him very well in himself. PN: We run Ghizao who could finish third or fourth but I can’t see him as a winner. I would definitely run First Lieutenant here. I think he will run here and I think he will win. PP: Russell says First Lieutenant won’t stay the Gold Cup trip. I think he has a good chance of running here as the owner must be keen to win his own race regardless of what his trainer and jockey say. Cue Card is the lay of the meeting. He needs to dominate small fields. First Lieutenant all the way. Ladbrokes World Hurdle AP: I would give Get Me Out Of Here a good each-way chance on decent ground but he has run two deplorable races on soft this season. Reve De Sivola will like the ground which is coming more in his favour than Oscar Whisky. Solwhit will also like the ground and is classy. NH: Oscar Whisky’s optimum trip is 2m4f, there is no doubt about that. I don’t think he was right in last year’s race as he wouldn’t have won at 2m4f. I was really looking forward to last year’s race but I am not particularly looking forward to it this year. He acts on soft and can be more aggressively ridden than in the Cleeve. We’re switching Oscara Dara from the Coral Cup to this race. PN: Wonderful Charm will run here and Ruby will ride as he says Quevega won’t run. He would have had plenty of weight in the Coral Cup on soft ground so we are taking a chance here instead. I don’t know if he will stay but the owner is up for the challenge and he is doing everything right at home. He’ll run a big race but whether he will stay, I don’t know. Celestial Halo could also run well if he stays. He has run a couple of big races at the Festival before and ran well last time having been injured beforehand. AS: Celestial Halo will run and he could be worth an each-way punt at 50/1. PP: Bog Warrior could be anything on soft ground. JCB Triumph Hurdle AP: Our Conor was very impressive last time. He has won over7f so has plenty of speed. The top three in the market do look head and shoulders better than the rest. I will probably ride Stockton’s Wing. If I had to pick one I would go for Far West who impressed me at Ascot. NH: I do like Rolling Star. We’ve only run him once since he came fromFrance but it was very professional and clean. He is very willing and everything has gone right. Vasco Du Ronceray runs. Barry was a bit disappointed with him last time. I think it’s between the top three in the betting. PN: Far West is a proper horse and Ruby rides. He’s in fine form. Irish Saint waits for Aintree. Far West worked well with Zarkandar this morning and has more speed than Zarkandar, which is interesting. Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup AP: I think Sunnyhillboy will run here as Jonjo thought it would cut up. At 6/1 Long Run is the most reliable horse in the field and he will be there two out. I think he is a better horse this season than last. Bobs Worth does what Gold Cup horses do – race lazily and keep going. Sir Des Champs will struggle if it comes up soft. NH: The race has a wide open look to it this year. Long Run has got his King George back and now we want his Gold Cup back. I don’t think he should be twice the price of Bobs Worth. PN: The long and short of it is that Tidal Bay put the Irish in their place and Ruby says he would have four lengths if he had jumped the last. Sir Des Champs wants better ground and I can’t believe he wasn’t pretty fit for a Grade 1 race. I’m not bothered Silviniaco Conti has only run atCheltenham once as he ran well in a 2m hurdle for a horse that needs a trip. AS: I think The Giant Bolster is the forgotten horse. PP: Our worst result so far is Sir Des Champs and it will be worse on the day as the whole ofIreland will back him. I think Bobs Worth is rock solid with Silviniaco Conti as the danger. £500 Paddy Power Charity Bets AP: Taquin Du Seuil (Neptune – as My Tent Or Yours too short for a charity bet) NH: Rolling Star (Triumph) PN: Sam Winner (Pertemps) AS: Saphir De Rheu (Fred Winter) PP: Pont Alexandre (Neptune) NL: Module e/w (Jewson) Best Handicap Chance AP: I haven’t got any! Alderwood (when seriously pressed) NH: Ma Filleule if she squeezes into the Martin Pipe PN: Sam Winner AS: Saphir De Rheu PP: Alderwood NL: Sailors Warn if he runs in the County.

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