Cheltenham Festival Preview Nights 2016

[BillyHills]

Anyone know of any Preview nights or are indeed going to one please fell free to comment here;

I'll update the list as we go along;

 

March 5th: Canary Warf (Racing UK) Free Entry

March 7th: Haydock Park (Northern Racing Club) £10 Ticket

March 8th: Newcastle Racecourse £10 Ticket (Food)

March 9th: Sway Bar, London (CFI) £20 Ticket

March 9th: Leeds Town Hall (Skybet) £10 Tickets

March 9th: Kings Head, Cirencester £15 Ticket

March 10th: Sedgefield Racecourse £9 Ticket

March 14th: The Hollow Bottom (Twiston-Davies) £20 Inc Food.

[Aidymac]

I will be going to the Galway Preview Night, they tipped plenty of nice winners there last year including Martello Tower and Windsor Park. Will post up what I hear.

[Tedthewolf]

The annual Sean Graham  preview night is Mon 7th Mar  at the Europa Hotel.

Guest inc Gordon Elliot, Mark Winstanely. Paddy Brennan. Richard Hoiles. David Casey & Gary o'brien

[beaker1]

Thursday, 25th February 2016, Keadeen Hotel

Venue: Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Panel: Oli Bell (MC), Ruby Walsh, AP McCoy & Rob Catterson (Paddy Power).

 

Friday, 26th February 2016, Exeter Racecourse

Venue: Denman Suite, Exeter racecourse

Price: £10 (can be linked to racecourse Premier admission for £22.40 – Devon National day)

Start time: 6.30 for 7pm

Panel: Paul Nicholls, Phillip Hobbs, David Pipe, Nick Schofield.

 

Tuesday 1st March 2016 – Tattersalls

Venue: Tattersalls

Price: £30 including light supper

Start time: TBC

Host: William Haggas

Panel: Oli Bell, Steve Mellish, Anthony Bromley, John Ferguson

Book: [email protected]

 

Thursday, 3rd March 2016 – London

Venue: Walkabout, Temple, London

Price: £5, includes £10 free bet

Start time: 7pm sharp (doors open at 5pm)

Host: Matt Chapman

Panel: Rich Ricci, Sam Twiston-Davies, Paul Kealy, Noel Hayes, Joe Chambers

 

Friday, 4th March 2016, Kildare House Hotel

Venue: Kildare House Hotel

Panel: MC Kevin O’Ryan and Gary O’Brien from Attheraces, Sandra Hughes (Trainer), Jonathan Burke (Jockey), Joseph O’Brien (Jockey) and Pat Brennan (Tote Ireland).

Price: €10

Book: 045491830 (Tote Ireland) or 045520002 (Kildare House Hotel)

 

Monday 7th March 2016 – Weatherbys

Venue: Weatherbys Conference Centre, Wellignborough, Northants NN8 4BX

Price: £12.50pp includes supper and drinks

Start time: 7.30pm

Panel: Lydia Hislop, David Minton, John Ivan-Duke, Lucy Wadham, Matt Tombs, Will Kenndy, Ian Williams, Colin Brown

Book: bettrendsshop.co.uk (only eight tickets remaining)

 

Tuesday 8th March 2016 – Manchester

Venue: St Kents Irish Social Club, Manchester

Price: £10 including Irish Stew and raffle

Start time: 7pm

Host: David Yates

Panel: Jamie Lynch, Martin Dixon, David Barber and 2 TBC

Book: [email protected]

 

Tuesday 8th March 2016 – Wetherby Racecourse

Venue: Bramham Hall, Wetherby Racecourse, York Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ

Price: £12 inc sausage and mash supper and Star Sports Cheltenham booklet

Start time: 6.30pm

Panel: Jim McGrath, Trevor Harris, Niall Hannity, Darren Owen, Sean Quinn

Book: wetherbyracing.co.uk

 

Tuesday 8th March 2016 – Newcastle Racecourse

Venue: Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5HP

Price: £10 (£5 for Newcastle annual Members) inc sausage and mash supper

Start time: 6.30pm

Host: TBC

Panel: TBC

Book: newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

 

Wednesday 9th March 2016, Middleton Cheney

Venue: Middleton Cheney Sports Club, Astrop Road, Middleton Cheney, nr Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 2PG

Price: £10pp

Start time: 7pm for a 7.45 start

Host:

Panel: Richard Hoiles, Charlie Longsdon, Lawney Hill, Andrew Mount, Jen Prest (William Hill)

Book: 07900 692154 or [email protected]

 

Wednesday 9th March 2016 – Kings Head Hotel, Cirencester

Venue: Kings Head Hotel, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR

Price: £15

Start time: 7pm

Host: Tom Clarkson

Panel: Nico De Boinville, Luke Tarr, Christian Williams, Tom Symonds

Book: 01285 700900

 

Wednesday 9th March 2016, Sway Bar, Central London

Venue: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BZ

Price: £20 (plus £2.29 booking fee). Option to buy raffle tickets to be pre-purchased.

Start time: 7pm

Host: Rishi Persad

Panel: Tony Calvin, Lydia Hislop, Geoff Banks and surprise guest.

 

Wednesday 9th March 2016 – Leeds Town Hall

Venue: Leeds Town Hall, City Centre Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AD

Price: £10 inc pie and peas and £5 free bet with Sky Bet

Start time: 7.30

Host: Ed Chamberlain

Panel: Alex Hammond, Donn McClean, Dave Ord, Niall Hannity, Mark Howard, Denis O’Regan, Warren Greatrex

Book: For a table of 10 on the evening, email: [email protected]

 

Thursday 10th March 2016 – Sydney Arms, London

Venue: Sydney Arms, 70 Sydney Street, London SW3 6NJ

Price: £15 for table seat, £10 standing

Start time: 6.45pm

Host: Emma Spencer

Panel: Tom Segal, Nicky Henderson, Barry Geraghty, Oliver Sherwood, John McCririck

Book: Call 07574 442333

 

Thursday 10th March 2016 – Doncaster Racecourse

Venue: Doncaster Racecourse

Price: £10pp including pie and peas

Start time: 7.30pm

Sponsored by: Sky Bet

Host: Michael Shinners

Panel: Dave Ord (Sportling Life), Tom O’Ryan (Racing UK), Martin Dixon (Racing UK and Timeform) and Andrew Thornton

Book: doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

 

Thursday 10th March 2016 – Kensington Forum

Venue: Holiday Inn, Kensignton Forum, near Gloucester Road tube station

Price: £8 members, £15 non-members

Start time: 7pm

Sponsored by: Star Sports

Panel: Lydia Hislop, Phil Smith, Lee Mottershead

Book: call Kate Austin on 07711 260973

 

Thursday 10th March 2016 – West Berkshire Racing Club

Venue: Long Room, Berkshire Stand, Newbury Racecourse.

Price: Members £3, Non-members £5

Start time: 8pm

Panel: Lee McKenzie (Chair), David Bass, Brendan Powell Jr, Oliver Wardle (Alan King’s assistant), David Williams (Ladbrokes)

Book: westberksracingclub.org.uk

 

Friday 11th March 2016 – East Garson

Venue: East Garson Village Hall

Price: £10 (includes one drink)

Start Time: Bar opens 7pm, starts 7.30pm

Host: Ed James

Panel: John Francome, Oliver Sherwood, Noel Fehily, Colin Brown, Stan Moore, Pat Murphy and Jamie Snowden

Book: via Sporting Agenda or Ed James directly [email protected] or 01488 649770

 

Friday 11th March 2016 – Almalda Suite, Hamilton

Venue: Hamilton Council Buildings

Price: £13 (in advance) £15 (on the day)

Start time: 6.30pm for 7.15pm

Host: Gordon Brown

Panel:Mark Howard, Fergal O’Brien, Ian Robinson, Trevor Harris. On the phone: Gordon Elliott, Paddy Brennan, Sam Twiston-Davies

Book: [email protected] or 07877 618120

 

Sunday 13th March 2016 – The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire 

Venue: The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire

In aid of a local charity and the Injured Jockeys Fund

Start time: 7pm

Panel: Phil Smith, Sam Twiston-Davies, Dan Skelton, Richard Phillips and bookmaker Andy Smith

Price:  £12

Book via www.thefleeceinn.co.uk

 

Monday 14th March 2016 – Hollow Bottom, Guilting Power

Venue: The Hollow Bottom Pub, Guilting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5UX

Price: £20 (share platter included)

Start time: 7pm

Host: Alex Steedman

Panel: Sam Twiston-Davies, Ryan Hatch, Gary Wiltshire, Carl Llewellyn

[beaker1]

A friend of mine sent me this report that he attended

I attended an enjoyable Cheltenham night in Sir Rowlands a great racing pub in Thomastown Co. Tipperary. The Panel was Kevin Blake ATR, Nina Carberry, Danny Mullins and Hayley O' Connor of Ladbrokes:

Supreme Novice: They all liked Min and Hayley said he was a huge loser in their books. Nina made a good case for Supasundae each way as dd Kevin Blake.
Arkle: They all like Douvan again but Kevin Blake advised Sizing John each way.

Champion Hurdle: Faugheen all the way but Kevin Blake felt Identity Thief each way would be more lucrative each way than the Fav.

Mares Hurdle: They all went for Annie Power but Hayley felt AP should be odds against having been off for a year. She taught Vroom Vroom Mag might be value at 5's if Anything happened AP and she ran in the Stayers though they all felt AP would run and come home 10 lengths clear.

Neptune: Yanworth again was the general concensus with Long Dog given each way by Kevin Blake.

Sun Alliance Chase: Nina was very sweet on More Of That and felt No More Heroes might be vulnerable, See You At Midnight also got a mention.

Champion Chase: Again Un De Sceaux. Danny felt Felix Younger would be better on good ground and Kevin Blake made a good case for Sizing Granite at huge odds each way.

Champion Bumper: Nina was vert sweet on Augusta Kate who would be receiving seven pounds and Hayley said to watch out for a Jessica Harrington horse called New To This Town who was virtaully ignored as its two wins were on hoc deep ground.

Ryanair: Nina felt Noel Meade's hands were tied here as Road To Riches might be going here though Meade had his heart set on the Gold Cup. There was a concencus that Vroom Vroom Mag might run and win here.

World Hurdle: Again Thistlecrack was a popular choice but Alpha De Obeaux was given by Kevin Blake as good each way value.

Albert Bartlett: Nina taught Barters Hill was one of the bets of the meeting but Shantou Village was given by Kevin and Hayley as a live chance.

Triumph Hurdle: Ivanovich Gorbatov it was suggested wanted better ground but Kevin Blake went for Fixe Le Kap.

Gold Cup: Kevin Blake said Don Poli was the bet of the Meeting. he said the horse lights up when he gets there and would out stay the field up the hill. It was felt Vautour and Cue Card wouldn't stay and that Don Cossack might prefer flatter tracks. Valseur Lido was given by Blake as good each way value. Nina felt Road to Riches would be better on good ground. Djakadam got a negative after falling at the course twice.

Foxhunters: Nina was sweet on On The Fringe. She felt he needed the run in Leopardstown badly and go tired in the ground.

All in all enjoyable fun and Kevin Blake would be an addition to any panel in Ireland or England. Nina felt Carlingford Lough might be a good bet for Aintree when I asked her at the interval.

[beaker1]

another preview that a friend let me share

Panel included David Mullins, Johnny Burke, Ollie Murphy (head lad at Elliott's)

Supreme: 
DM: Was riding him earlier in year, is the real deal, keen at Punchestown last time, better ground and better race to suit.

JB: Huge outside chance in Supasundae, getting the hang of jumping. Min class apart.

OM: Like tombstone a lot on him at big prices, unlucky at Christmas, heard Min best since the fly, but thought he got worked up at Punchestown last time could beat himself. Altior straight forward, main threat.

Arkle:
JB: Can't beat Douvan, broke SJ heart at Christas, can't confirm SJ will go to Arkle but can't really step up to JLT trip for first time at festival. SJ could be closer on better ground couldn't go with Douvan on heavy last time.
DM: Thinks SJ could put it up to Douvan on better ground, said anyone backing Tell Us More take fallers insurance.
OM: Game Changer needs good ground has entry in grand annual but probably goes Arkle as it'll cut up.

Champion:
DM: NC to make it, hard to know where AP fits in, would pick NC as doesn't know where AP fits in race.
JB: AP the one to beat, ruby to use stamina take off in front. If he could pick one would be on IT, had a break and better ground and fresheness will bring improvement. Said anyone backing AP watch out if its sunny in case of shadows.
OM: Like IT, AP too keen, likes NC too but no strong opinion as no entry.

Mares:
DM: If AP goes champion VVM wins, can't see it beat. Ballychorus big one at a price with ew claims.

4m:
DM: RDF takes a lot of beating, jumps, stays, PA lacks a gear but might be race for him, could bring best out.
OM: NE jumps well and stays well but quirky but wouldnt put you off. Lined up for race all season, will like decent ground.
JB: Minnello Rock = Certainty, given "kind" ride to say the least last day and runs as a winner without a penalty.

3m hcap ch:
PP rep: Said Jonjo must have something for it if MR doesnt run as didn't go up in handicap after 2nd the weekend.
JB: Shanahans Turn runs, big chance if back to form.

Neptune:
DM: LD should be jfav with YW. Still gives Danny stick for being beat in a maiden on it. Beat BER who is shorter he wont go there. Busiest horse all summer forgotten about now. 95% sure he runs.
JB: at a price ATP, vigil form boost the weekend. YW visually impressive happy to take on.
OM: YW banker on day 2. doubtful general principal runs but out weekend and should win.

CC:
DM: UDS vulnerable if someone (ST) gets to first before him, will sulk. Would love to be on ST.
JB: UDS wins if stands. ST & UDS to take off break SS heart. Hes on SG and will ride to pick up pieces. Runs well fresh, better ground a plus.
OM: No entries, big negative DB, Nichols aint been champ for running horses unfit. SS doesnt give same vibe.

RSA:
OM: NMH straight forward, stays, not flash. MOT a negative as didnt run when engaged twice. Wouldnt swap NMH. By presenting so better ground a plus.
DM: Can't have MOT. Between NMH & RDF. NMH = Don Poli 2.0.
JB: 2 horse race between NMH MOT, will give him a race.

Bumper:
DM: Castello Sforza nice horse being backed, BG prob be on.
JB: Good vibes about Battleford. Keep eye on Aspen.
OM: No real good bumper horses at GE's. Gigginstown dont like race so.
*managed to catch DM at bar, asked about Augusta Kate, said theyre thinking of switching from Sandown to Cheltenham, pick of Willie's. Mare's allowance, so PM can't do weight ruby will ride. One he would be on if had a choice.

JLT: 
DM: Rode SH this morning over whatever was wrong at Donnie last ime.
JB: Trip wont bother SJ cant guarantee he will run.
OM: Big Zabanna fan, thinks hed be half price if trained by WM/GE.

Ryanair
JB: Smashing def goes, loves heavy, handles good.

WH:
All: Thistlecrack class apart
OM: POS good ew on bad ground.
DM: LC 2 time G1 winner, come on massively for run, and trip and better ground and pace, thats 4 things that'll improve him.

Mares Nv:
All like Limini.
JB: Jespers Dream the value.
DM: Cant see past Limini, improve for better ground, jumps ok.

Triumph:
Average bunch all said would forgive AG.
DM: said danny rode sensible last day, likes AJ. Doesnt know if FP best of willies just got best ride.
JB: Keep beating one and other.

AB:
DM: Gangster more impressive beating a horse than Bellshill, confident he'll stay.
JB: Cornered him and said he can't see past BH, has it all and cant get passed, sets standard. Between SV n BH.
OM: SV come on for better ground.

GC:
OM: Everything went wrong in KG for DC, still in shout 2 out. Thinks hed have won. big DA fan, if DP misses one beat race over. Cant have Vautour.
JB: If DC was ridden like V in KG wouldnt have been like Kauto Star's win. Like DA & DP. VL got into deceiving position last time went too hard in front.
DM: Likes DC. Said last race was confidence boost. Excited to ride VL.

Others:
OM: Keep an eye on Jet Stream Jack off 134. Diamond King, Diamond King, Diamond King. Russell to ride. Desoto County bad ride last time off Kennedy. Our Father, goes well fresh, Kim muir, codd to ride. Campeador (FW) face lit up, didn't want to say anything as JP horse, heard from MC after he got in trouble for time cause of causes few years back, JP wasnt happy. The less he said the more confident you felt. Squouateor also mentioned not sure what race.
JB: Sizing Codelco in GA. Aupcharlie in FH (Codd to ride).
DM: Feather Player (I think) beat Diamond king last time good shout in county.

[BillyHills]

The Sky Bet-backed event at Towcester, which kicks off at 7.30pm on Monday March 7, also features Racing UK pundit Niall Hannity and Grade One-winning rider Nick Scholfied, as well as Timeform expert Jamie Lynch and Sky Bet's Michael Shinners.

Included in the ticket price of £12 is a £5 free bet with Sky Bet, a free copy of the Racing Post's Chleltenham Festival guide book, and a warming supper of hot pork roll and parmentier potatoes.

What more could you ask for? 

 

The Ord/Linfoot pairing will also be in preview evening action at Doncaster Racecourse on March 10.

They will be joined by Shinners, as well as Timeform's Martin Dixon, Tom O'Ryan from Racing UK and the Racing Post, plus experienced jockey Andrew Thornton.

For just £10 per person, there will be pie and pies served from 8.45pm, with doors open at 6.30pm and the event running from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

[beaker1]

Exeter Cheltenham Preview Evening – Friday, 26th February

Richard Hoiles (RH) (host), Harry Derham (HD), Philip Hobbs (PH), David Pipe (DP), Nick Schofield (NS) & Luke Tarr (LT) (Star Sports)

HD – Our [Paul Nicholls stable] main hopes are with are 4yos in the Triumph and Fred Winter. Last week we had 9 winners and the horses are looking well.

PH – We have very few horses for the Grade 1 conditions event which makes life very difficult.

DP – We don’t have many favourites, if any, but hopefully we can get some nice priced winners.

Day 1 Supreme

NS – [On Min] There’s no better jockey to help him settle than Ruby and he will probably ride him similar to Douvan. I think there is plenty of hype around Min though and we are hoping Nico can bring his ‘A’ game on day 1 with Altior and Vaniteux.

DP – The Supreme is the only race Moon Racer is entered in and I saw him loose school this morning and everything is going well and I’m still hopeful of getting there. It’s a mountain to climb but we are still in with a shout; much will depend on his schooling and not getting him fit, I’m not worried about that. If we can get him there in his best form then he could be the one to give Min a race

HD – I know Johnny Burke and he really likes Supasundae and he’s 14/1. I’d be keen to take Min on as he could easily get lit up.

RH – I’m also against Min as he’s too short for what he has done

Arkle

PH – [Garde La Victoire] He’s in the Arkle and the JLT and we will leave the decision until the last minute so we can wait and see what runs in what race. I think I’d rather take on Bristol De Mai than Douvan because we’ve beaten him. However, I think we are looking like placing so it will be a case off which race are we most likely to place in. If it came up soft we would definitely go for the Arkle.

DP – I think 2/5 about Douvan is value – he’s been to the Festival and done it before.

HD – I can’t see past Douvan

RH – I also think Douvan will run and the likely small field will allow him to be able to dictate.

Champion Hurdle [On where Annie Power should run]

NS – I’d run Annie Power in the Mares’ as she would be a good thing. She’s not an out-an-out Champion Hurdle horse in my eyes.

DP – They’ll go for the Champion Hurdle and that’s what I would do too.

PH – If she was a gelding I’d definitely go to the Champion but it depends what breeding interest they have.

HD – I remember her winning at Punchestown over 2m and Willie Mullins said afterwards that she’s not a 2m horse and wants further. She’s not had the ideal Champion Hurdle prep and she’s not a bomb proof jumper. All she’d have to do is canter around in the Mares’ race.

LT – I think Rich Ricci has wanted to run her in her in the Champion Hurdle the last two years. I think she is the biggest certainty to run in the Champion but whether she will or not is a different question.

[On the race]

HD – Nichols Canyon for me – he’s won six Grade 1 and I think 2m is his trip. He’s a very, very good horse and he’d be the one I’d want to ride. Old Guard is a lively outsider but that’s it; he’s not good enough to win it.

PH – I think Annie Power will win but I think 7/1 is each-way value on The New One if he’s back to his best. His performance at Haydock was much better than it looked and he jumped much straighter.

DP – I’d go for Annie Power.

NS – Old Guard has done nothing but improve and has a good each-way chance. You’ll see a much better horse than what we saw at Kempton.

OLBG Mares’ Hurdle

HD – [on Tara Point] It’s only a 50-50 chance she’ll make it. She’s extremely talented but everything would need to go right with her. She’s big and strong but very fragile and is difficult to train.

Ultima Handicap Chase

PH – Champagne West will run at Kempton on Saturday and the result will determine where he runs at the Festival. Sausalito Sunrise might run in the Ultima Handicap Chase but would be top weight. Our main hope in the race would be Kruzhlinin and going left-handed will suit much better and he could be the one to provide the Rooney’s with their first Cheltenham Festival winner.

DP – Un Temps Pour Tout will run over 3m but I’m not sure which race [also in the World Hurdle]. He hasn’t reached the same heights over fences as he did over hurdles and has a chance off 145 and I want to run him here but the owners might want to run in the World Hurlde.

HD – I think Southfield Theatre will run in this race. He’s been a bit disappointing this season but he has a good record at the Festival finishing second twice and he’s been trained for this race.

Other races

HD – [Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase] Bouvreuil is a horse we like a lot and the 2m4f trip will suit him.

LT – [National Hunt Chase] There’s been a lot of money for Native River.

Day 2

Neptune LT – It’s a race without any strength and depth and could cut up – 5 of the first 10 in the betting are unlikely to run and Yanworth is a long way clear.

DP – When Yanworth won at Cheltenham he cruised past Champers On Ice and Shantou Village, who are both good horses, and he will be very hard to beat.

HD – Alan King has trained some very good horses and he said he could be the best he’s trained and that’s good enough to me.

RSA

LT – No More Heroes is the clear favourite and there’s been solid support all winter. If Willie Mullins wasn’t around then Gordon Elliott would be champion trainer in Ireland and all he wants to do is talk about this horse. Blaklion is solid and is a nice each-way price and Seeyouatmidnight is also very good value and he would be about 5/1 if he was trained by someone else.

NS – Brian Hughes says better ground will suit Seeyouatmidnight so he’d be my pick

DP – I know Gordon [Elliott] likes No More Heroes a lot and he’s the one to beat but I’d go with Seeyouatmidnight; he’s solid and would be much shorter if he was trained by someone else.

PH – Blaklion perhaps but it’s an open race.

HD – Seeyouatmidnight has a good profile for this race.

Champion Chase

HD – [Dodging Bullets] I was bitterly disappointed with his run at Newbury and although the ground was soft, if you were going to win the Champion Chase you’d have to beat Top Gamble and we have a mountain to climb.

PH – Sprinter Sacre is nothing like the horse he was and Un De Sceaux looks a good thing. If you were looking for an each-way bet then Sire De Grugy.

DP – It’s great to see Sprinter Sacre running in the race and although he’s not back to his best, he is still very good. Un De Sceaux Is still the one to beat though.

NS – I can see Un De Sceaux leaving the others in his trail. Anyone who takes him on will ruin their own race.

Coral Cup

HD – Politologue is a really nice horse but on a mark of 140 doesn’t look well-handicapped and whether he’s man enough to win the Coral Cup I would have my doubts. I wouldn’t think he’s better than last year’s winner [Aux Ptits Soins] either. Baoulet Delaroque may have done his winning for this season having won three on the spin.

PH – We run Rock The Kasbah and he’s won two in a row so has gone up in the weights but the trip will suit and has a good each-way chance. He prefers soft ground.

DP – [Starchitect will hopefully come on for finishing 2nd in the Betfair and what also was encouraging was he made a bad mistake, but is more likely to run in the County and he should be competitive.

[Kings Palace] he runs in a Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow and has to finish in the first six to qualify. He stopped quickly in the Paddy Power and has had a wind op. He hasn’t been schooling well and he doesn’t like soft ground which is why he hasn’t run. He’ll improve for the run and is rated 5lb lower over hurdles and he could run well if he’s back to his best. I have a lot of belief in this horse but it does require a leap of faith because he has disappointed me a few times now.

X-Country

PH – Balthazar King is in good nick and we want good ground in March. His work at home as been as good as ever but he’s now got a dent on his side so whether that will affect his lung capacity I don’t know. It hasn’t stopped him at home and we’ve done plenty with him. Duke Of Lucca won’t run this season.

HD – Sire Collonges is in good form and has been trained for the race but I doubt he’ll be good enough but will run his race.

Fred Winter

HD – Diego du Charmil is a horse we like and his handicap mark is ‘fine’. Frodon will probably run in the Triumph.

Weatherbys Champion Bumper

PH – We have Westend Story in this and he’s unbeaten in bumpers but has beaten moderate opposition very easily.

DP – Ballyandy is favourite and has good form but Sue Gardner’s Coeur Blimey beat him at Ascot and is a bigger price.

LT – High Bridge could be one at 25/1 – 28/1. John Ferguson trained New Year’s Eve to finish 2nd in the race and he could be a lively outsider if he runs.

Thursday JLT

LT – One horse which has been well-backed is Three Musketeers (14/1 from 25/1) and definitely goes for this race. I can see Bristol De Mai finding one horse to good and it’s a good race for bookmakers. I’m going to side with Outlander as I think he’s a natural over fences.

PH – I’m favouring this race for Garde La Victoire but we will wait and see what runs.

HD – As De Mee runs in this but he was well stuffed by Bristol De Mai and I can’t see him winning.

DP – Bristol De Mai will take a lot of beating for me. He want soft ground and with the race being on the Thursday, if it hasn’t rained by then they will have watered so the ground will be dead and he’ll get his ground.

NS – Not sure what Bristol De Mai has beaten and I like Mr Hobbs’s horse Garde La Victoire; I think he’ll stay and is a solid jumper – I can see him beating Bristol De Mai.

Ryanair

HD – We run Vibrato Valtat and he’s an extremely likeable horse. I think the 2m4f trip will suit and he’s in really good order. The race could cut up but he could find one or two too good. I’d fancy Al Ferof if it was first time out but I can’t see him winning the race.

DP – Dynaste ran well at Ascot last time out and whilst he’s not getting any younger I’m hopeful there are a few more good days in him yet. He’s better left-handed and the better ground and wind op make him a lively outsider at big odds; he’s in great form at home and is a pleasure to have in the yard.

NS – [Al Ferof] I don’t think he’s improved for Dan [Skelton] and it would have to be a bad Ryanair if he won.

World Hurdle

LT – Thistlecrack keeps improving and looked imperious at Cheltenham last time out and although I always get this horse wrong, I do fancy him for this race. Think Thistlecrack and Alpha Des Obeaux are well clear. Saphir Du Rheu and Aux Ptits Soins are viable each-way options and whichever one Sam rides will shorten up considerably.

HD – Nick Schofield is one of the best judges and he loves Aux Ptits Soins but he likes Saphir Du Rheu for this race. APS has had lots of problems and faces an impossible task on the face of it but he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever sat on.

RH – I think the current 16/1 on offer for Saphir Du Rheu is good value – he will certainly trade shorter nearer the time.

NS – I don’t think even Paul knows which one has the best chance. They are both good enough but they have more to prove than Thistlecrack, who is very solid.

DP – Thistlecrack is the one they all have to beat but Ditcheat are quietly confident.

Other races

DP – La Vaticane is entered everywhere and is a very nice horse. We might try some sort of headgear but she is down the weights and may not get in.

RH – John’s Spirit in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. They’ve done very well to get his handicap mark down and he’s back to a workable mark. He’s been running on softer ground than ideal and I’d be very surprised if he was still 20/1 if he lined up on good ground on the day.

NS – Art Mauresque could join John’s Spirit in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate; on better ground he should be bang there.

Kim Muir

RH – Our Father has been well-backed today for Gordon Elliott

DP – Gordon [Elliott] said Our Father is going very well and first time out is the time to catch him. Katkeau could run and the step up in trip will suit; we ran him over 2m3f last time to help brush his jumping up. Standing Ovation could sneak in and these would be my two in the race.

LT – The money coming for Our Father speaks volumes; there has been significant money for him.

Pertemps PH – [If In Doubt] He’s a much better horse over hurdles and in my opinion he needs 3m plus and he will hopefully have a good chance.

Triumph

HD – [Connetable] We weren’t surprised when he won at Sandown and I like him; he’s very tough and very hard and he would be my pick for the Triumph. Of all our 4yos however I like Clan Des Obeaux; I love him but he might not be hard enough, but I expect him to be the best of these in the future.

LT – Ivanovich Gorbatov has to be the worse priced runner at the Festival and I don’t understand how he is this short – I look forward to laying him on the day.

Albert Bartlett

LT – If I could have any horse in training in the UK it would be Barters Hill; he keeps on winning and the horses he beats keep coming out and winning too. I think he’s the nuts and I don’t think there’s a lot behind him – I love the horse and I want to back him and I want him to win.

DP – Champers On Ice represents each-way value and the step up to3m will suit, however we have been beaten by Shantou Village already.

Gold Cup

LT – It’s a brilliant, brilliant race. If I had to pick one it would be Cue Card because he has the speed and class. I’d also say Don Poli; he’s a big boat but he stays forever.

DP – I think Don Cossack is very good but he’s not a Gold Cup winner to me. I’ve always like Djakadam so it’s him or Cue Card for me.

PH – I don’t think Cue Card will win because I still don’t think he’s a thorough stayer, which Don Cossack is and he’s my selection. Smad Place each-way as well.

HD – I’m going to say something controversial here but I’m not sure Bryan Cooper gets on with Don Cossack – I’m not criticising Bryan Cooper because he’s a brilliant jockey but the horses record without him his better. I think whatever Ruby rides will win and I think he’ll ride Vautour.

County Hurdle

HD – I like Some Plan; he’s talented and he’s travelled well to two out the last twice and not jumped. Good ground is key and if they go flat out it will suit him and I love it when Paul trains one for a race.

PH – We have Wait For Me and after three runs over hurdles he is rated 131 and there could be lot of improvement to come for him, but he needs to jump and settle better. The could be lots more improvement to come on better ground too. The quicker they go might help as they’ve been going slow in his races to date.

Best Bets of the meeting

LT – Altior and Barters Hill

HD – Aux Ptit Soins and Qualando (Martin Pipe)

PH – Balthazar King [if it’s good ground]

RH – John’s Spirit

DP – Doctor Harper [whichever race he runs in]

NS – Connetable (e/w)

[Tedthewolf]

On Sat Feb 13 14:03:22, Tedthewolf said:

On Sat Feb 13 14:03:22, Tedthewolf said:

The annual Sean Graham  preview night is Mon 7th Mar  at the Europa Hotel.

Guest inc Gordon Elliot, Mark Winstanely. Paddy Brennan. Richard Hoiles. David Casey & Gary o'brien

The annual Sean Graham  preview night is Mon 7th Mar  at the Europa Hotel.

Guest inc Gordon Elliot, Mark Winstanely. Paddy Brennan. Richard Hoiles. David Casey & Gary o'brien

This is on tonight live updates on twitter as it happens for anyone interested.

https://twitter.com/spgbetting?lang=en-gb

 

 

[beaker1]

Venue: Haydock Park

Date 7th March

Panel: BH – Brian Hughes (Jockey), MJ – Marten Julian (Dark Horses), AG – Andy Gibson (Proform), TH – Trevor Harris (Starsports)

Supreme
BH – Min too short – hot headed. Altior best English horse.
MJ – thinks Min got a physical problem that bothers him – blood vessel issues ? Buveur D’air the star bet.
AG – Min price down to hype – weakest of Mullins favs. Altior really good on times – rock solid. Supersundae e/w.
TH – Thinks Min will be around 3/1 on the day. Thinks Yorkhill will run here.

Arkle
BH – Couldn’t back Arzal if he found the money ! Douvan will win.
MJ – Arzal will lead, will be shorter in running than current price for in running players.
AG – Douvan wins if jumps round. Sizing John without Douvan.
TH – Douvan unopposable

Champion Hurdle
BH – MTOY will be more settled with Barry Geraghty but thinks The New One has good chance.
MJ – Layer of Annie Power, Top Notch too big – value of the race at 20s.
AG – Annie you have to oppose. Will suit hold up horses – The New One more substance to his profile – decent e/w bet.
TH – Got to lay Annie, no recent form over 2 miles. Hargam more weight than MTOY in the gallops. Camping Ground if soft.

Mares Hurdle
BH – VVM should win. Aurora Destouval had wind op since last run – worth a chance e/w
MJ – Likes Bitofapuzzle & Governess
AG – Won’t bet in race but would be interested in Aurora Destrouval without VVM
TH – Bitofapuzzle if pressed.

Other Races
BH – Roi de Francs in 4 miler – Minella Rocco too many mistakes.
MJ – Ultima – Carole’s Destrier had wind op. Want to be on Doctor Harper wherever it runs. Javert in novice handicap.
AG – Ultima – Southfield Theatre if it runs. Vyta du Roc NRNB if it runs.
TH – Large bet on Doctor Harper NRNB.

Neptune
BH – Yanworths race to lose but told Au Toi Phil working as well as any other Mullins horse.
MJ – Yanworth flicks hurdles, slow time, possibly peaked too soon. Predict it will be good to soft for start of festival.
AG – Yanworth one of the strongest favs but won’t be backing it. Not a great jumper. Backed Shantou Village NRNB at 14/1.
TH – Poor race but thinks Yanworth will probably win but will take it on.

RSA
BH – More of That best horse in the race but not worried about Seeyouatmidnight last time on sticky ground – needs lot of work and the softer the better – a street fighter tries like hell at 12/1 massive e/w value but would rather be on the new track as stiffer.
MJ – Decent renewal More of That always likes and would back it – had a wind op too.
AG – More of That will win no value now but been backing it all year & Vyta du Roc NRNB as saver
TH – No value in No More Heros but things it will win.

Champion Chase
BH – Rides Somersby but thinks UDS wins bar a fall. Gods Own best right handed.
MJ – Felix Yonger not good enough to win but will out run odds.
AG – UDS if it jumps round but could be put off by Special Tiara so backed Felix Yonger without UDS.
TH – Happy to lay UDS no big money for it though.

Bumper
BH – Been beaten by High Bridge and that could be a possible on good ground.
MJ – Ballyandy token choice.
AG – won’t bet in race but watch it for next year.
TH – Bacardys only horse they’ve laid to any money.

JLT
BH – No strong feeling maybe Shaneshill if it runs.
MJ – Not a good contest – not bet in the race.
AG – Heard Black Hercules goes here. Bristol fav by default and concerned on fast ground. Interested in Garde le Victoire if good ground.
TH – Not a grade 1 race. Bristol the right favourite.

Ryanair
BH – Oscar Rock interesting on good ground if runs in this.
MJ – No views
AG – Backed Village Vic NRNB and thinks fine on decent ground. Small interest on Smashing in case soft ground.
TH – Road to Riches as nothing else in it.

World Hurdle
BH – Heard whisper Cole Hardens wind worse than ever ! Whisper & Kilcooley both e/w.
MJ – Whisper each way – will out run odds.
AG – Backed Thistlecrack all year at bigger odds also had Whisper e/w without fav.
TH – Thistlecrack laid at all rates down – couldn’t back now at the price though.

Triumph Hurdle
BH – would ride Gorbatov if he could ride any.
MJ – Gorbatov had a stone bruise before last ran will be different proposition on good ground. Conetable would be the choice – best bet of the meeting !
AG – Gorbatov a false fav – would be double figure price with different connections. Sceau Royal most likely to run his race – strong placepot player.
TH – Zubayr the worst price of any horse at the meeting. Sceau Royal should be the fav.

Albert Bartlett
BH – Has ridden against Barters Hill loads and races lazily and keeps finding so stick with it.
MJ – Gangster working well but Shantou Village if good ground.
AG – Barters Hill will be bigger in running. Shantou Village won’t run if soft.
TH – Barters Hill will drift on day. Blue et Rouge will run here !

Gold Cup
BH – Would love to see Cue Card win but a gruelling race so would back Don Poli and Smad Place.
MJ – Couldn’t have anything with stamina doubt so against Vautour. Don Cossack tough battler who can win ugly.
AG – 4 of top 5 in the market ground dependent. Vautour can’t have on soft. Djackadam only interesting on soft. Cossack needs good ground. Poli on good to soft or softer is the must bet.
TH – Between the Dons & Smad Place a big price e/w. 

[Tedthewolf]

On 7 March 2016 15:17:38, Tedthewolf said:

This is on tonight live updates on twitter as it happens for anyone interested.

https://twitter.com/spgbetting?lang=en-gb

 

Quote

 

[waynecoyne]

betfair previews are on youtube