The Coral Cup Hurdle Tips (2:50pm)

[StevieDay1983]

Run over an extended two-and-a-half miles on the old course, this even usually turns into a cavalry charge on the run to the finish line. There are ten hurdles to be jumped and there will likely be a maximum field of twenty-six runners going to post. Dame De Compagnie (2020) was the first favourite to win this race since Xenophon in 2003 so that shows just how hard it is to confidently predict the winner. French bred horses are becoming more popular for this race due to them being more forward in the earlier part of their careers.

Eight out of the last ten winners have been priced at 12/1 or bigger and ten of the last thirteen winners had also run at Cheltenham previously. In recent years, horses racing off a mark in the 150’s have been getting placed more and more, however to win you generally need a mark of at least 138. There has never been a successful defence of the prize by any previous winner. In recent years Nicky Henderson has saddled three of the last seven winners and no horse older than nine has won this race since Chance Coffey in 1995. The last four winners of this race have all worn headgear of some sort so look out for that and two of the last three winners have been mares.

Brandy Love

Made her seasonal reappearance at Punchestown a couple of weeks ago and looked as though she was going to have a say in the closing stages before her weight took its toll when third to Queens Brook. She will of course come on for that run and is entitled to run a big race. With a lack of experience around this track though likely to count against her she cannot be recommended despite a drop in grade as she is likely to carry another big weight.

Camprond

Won a couple of hurdle races around here in 2021 but paid the price following a big win at the Punchestown Festival last season. He has been edging down the ratings ever since and it is worth remembering that he finished fourth behind Commander Of Fleet last year. His form this year has been rather discouraging but has that been the plan all along? The runs over two miles of late are too short for him and he will appreciate the return to this extended two-and-a-half miles. Looks to be in with a shout for Philip Hobbs.

HMS Seahorse

Finished a good fourth in the Boodles here last season when beaten three-and-a-half lengths by Brazil. Since then he has been sparingly campaigned but won a decent handicap at Navan back in January over a similar sort of trip. He comes here with an impressive profile and Paul Nolan targets his horses purposefully at winnable races. He will bid to become the youngest winner of the race since Aux Ptits Soins back in 2015 and he has to be seriously considered.

Haut En Coleurs

Has been slow to come to the boil this year and always just seems to find at least one too good. His jumping has not always been the sharpest and he has raced at two previous festivals and has never looked like winning at any stage. He has been chasing for the last two seasons so given his lack of hurdling experience, he is readily passed over.

Run For Oscar

A really useful dual purpose performer who won good staying handicaps on the flat last year including the Cesarewitch at Newmarket back in October. He was last seen finishing third to Saint Sam in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown back in December, but the form of that race is not really working out. He is another that lacks any previous experience of this track and that has to be a major concern despite his clear talent.

Three Card Brag

Hard not to be impressed with his twelve length win over Spanish Harlem last time out but he is still relatively inexperienced. He has never been to Cheltenham before and that gained experience has proved so vital here in the past. Not entirely sure that he will run here as he is also in the Albert Bartlett and the Martin Pipe where he would likely hold stronger credentials. He clearly has a touch of class and if he does pop up in this he is likely to run very well without winning.

Fil D’Or

Got back to winning ways last time out at Gowran Park. The Gordon Elliott trained five-year-old ran a solid race here last season when chasing home Vauban in the Triumph Hurdle. That form is realtively strong but he has already endured a long season. This will be his sixth race of the campaign but he clearly thrives on his racing. There could well be something more fresh lurking in this race but he has to have each way claims here.

Ballyadam

Has spent a lot of time in the wilderness and hinted at a return to form when last seen chasing home Gaelic Warrior in a good handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival. Whether he has the stamina to see out this extra distance is open to debate, but he is dropping down the ratings at the right time. He was far from disgraced in the County Hurdle here last year when fifth in a big field to State Man and he holds another entry in that race this year again. Hard to recommend here on the basis that there is no evidence he will stay the trip.

Good Risk At All

A step up to three miles was not what the doctor ordered for this fella at Haydock last time out. The last two times he has competed in handicaps in and around this trip, he has won them decisively. Although not seen since November, he has an ability to go well fresh and Sam Thomas is proving particularly good at placing his horses. Good Risk At All won a bumper here in 2020 and nay experience is an asset at this track. A lively each way contender on that basis.

Red Risk

Has been in great form recently and picked up a decent prize ar Newbury back in November. Since then he chased home West Balboa in the Lanzarote at Kempton back in January and has been kept fresh for this. The biggest fear is that most of his form has come on flatter tracks and whether he can get up this steep uphill climb at the end is open to interpretation. Paul Nicholls has won this race before though so ought to know what it takes.

Beacon Edge

Very well handicapped based on the best of his form and has reverted to hurdling this season with this likely to be his main aim. A solid third in the Boyne Hurdle last time he beat off some tough opposition. He has been over for two previous festivals and his best run came when fourth to Flooring Porter in the Stayers Hurdle a couple of seasons ago. He seems to travel with fluency and is trying the route capitalised on by Commander Of Fleet and Supasundae in recent years by taking in the Boyne hurdle and winning this race. Hard to ignore and strong each way claims.

Summary

The undoubted value in the race looks to be Beacon Edge who warmed up for this with a solid effort in the Boyne Hurdle last time out. Horses that have used that race as a stepping stone prior to coming here to win include Commander Of Fleet and Supasundae. Noel Meade has enjoyed the odd festival winner in recent seasons and I can see this nine-year-old travelling sweet as a nut throughout. He looks to be coming into the race in good form and looks solid each way material. There are dangers aplenty though and the younger and less exposed HMS Seahorse could be the one that causes him most problems.

Punters Lounge Tip: Beacon Edge @ 20/1 E/W NRNB at bet365 – Click Here To Bet

 

by Karl Hedley @Tumbleweed King

[The Brigadier]

Run over an extended two-and-a-half miles on the old course, this even usually turns into a cavalry charge on the run to the finish line. There are ten hurdles to be jumped and there will likely be a maximum field of twenty-six runners going to post. Dame De Compagnie (2020) was the first favourite to win this race since Xenophon in 2003 so that shows just how hard it is to confidently predict the winner. French bred horses are becoming more popular for this race due to them being more forward in the earlier part of their careers.

Eight out of the last ten winners have been priced at 12/1 or bigger and ten of the last thirteen winners had also run at Cheltenham previously. In recent years, horses racing off a mark in the 150’s have been getting placed more and more, however to win you generally need a mark of at least 138. There has never been a successful defence of the prize by any previous winner. In recent years Nicky Henderson has saddled three of the last seven winners and no horse older than nine has won this race since Chance Coffey in 1995. The last four winners of this race have all worn headgear of some sort so look out for that and two of the last three winners have been mares.

FIL DOR

One of five Gordon Elliott trained runners in the field. Makes his handicap debut having beaten the old yardstick Sharjah who’s on the decline last time out at Gowran Park in a grade 3 hurdle. New trip and has stamina to prove under 5lb conditional jockey Ben Harvey.

SPORTING JOHN

One of three JP McManus owned runners. Been chasing this season and reverts to timber off a handicap mark 4lb lower than his last winning mark. Well weighted for one at such a big price.

RUN FOR OSCAR

Landed a gamble on the flat for shrewd trainer Charles Byrnes in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last October. Shown promise since in two hurdle races and with the trainer’s son Philip in the saddle should be thereabouts over a trip that may suit.

SCARAMANGA

First run over hurdles for Willie Mullins having joined last Summer from Paul Nicholls. Beaten in two handicaps on the flat though for Mullins and with Jack Foley claiming 3lb on board has a few questions to answer now. Probably wouldn’t want ground too soft.

RED RISK

Followed up a 20/1 win at Newbury on his re-appearance at Newbury last November with a decent second only beaten in a bobbing finish in the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton over this trip. 5lb higher now and Harry Cobden takes over from a 7lb claimer. Capable of running well for master trainer Paul Nicholls.

BEACON EDGE

Gigginstown Stud’s sole runner in the race. Bounced back to form last time when 3rd to stayers hurdle hope Blazing Khal in a grade 2 at Navan over today’s trip beaten 6 1/2L and is well handicapped on his back form. Useful conditional Michael O’Sullivan who claims 3lb is an eye catching booking.

CALL ME LORD

Getting a bit long in the tooth now at the age of ten but is running consistently well and has a chance of making the top six here for Daryl Jacob in the double green silks of his retained owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. Pulled up in this last year.

ICARE ALLEN

The second of the JP McManus runners and ridden by his retained Irish jockey Mark Walsh. Didn’t like the fast ground lat time at Newbury in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and is trying a new trip here. If he stays could make his presence felt on ground that will suit better than last time. Ran 4th in last years Triumph Hurdle.

GRAND ROI

Only 12/1 when pulled up in last year’s renewal and has shown very little since including in three novice chases. Some promise last time but hard to fancy Gordon Elliott’s seven year old gelding much here who will be ridden by 7lb conditional jockey Corey McGiven.

CAPTAIN CONBY

Placed in two Irish handicap hurdles this season and this trip looks ideal. Trained by E Sheehy this second season hurdler has solid each way claims under the experienced jockey Keith Donoghue. Went down by 1 3/4L to the re-opposing San Salvador last time at Punchestown and is now 4lb better off. Can run well.

GOOD RISK TO ALL

Was balloted out of race last year when ante post favourite. Sam Thomas’s chestnut is lightly raced and impressed when an easy winner in heavy ground on his re-appearance at Carlisle in October. Pulled too hard when not seeing out the trip over 3M at Haydock when well supported the following month and not seen since. Wet conditions suit and with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle has a big chance.

HMS SEAHORSE

Bounced back to form following a gelding operation when winning a valuable handicap hurdle at Navan in January. 11lb higher now but lightly raced and conditions will be ideal. Trained by Paul Nolan in Ireland and will be ridden by Sean O’Keefe. Each way claims.

WATCH HOUSE CROSS

Made all to bounce back to winning form by a short head at Naas last November and wasn’t disgraced in 5th at Leopardstown over Christmas. Rachael Blackmore takes the ride for Henry De Bromhead.

LANGER DAN

Was laid out for the Martin Pipe at the Festival last year but was brought down early. Proved he was well handicapped when going on to win at Aintree off of a handicap 4lb lower than todays. Been brought along quietly this season in three races and Dan Skelton’s gelding could be thereabouts.

BOLD ENDEAVOUR

Joined Nicky Henderson from Laura Morgan last year and has won two handicap chases since before flopping in the grade 2 Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot. Back over hurdles here in first time cheek pieces off of a mark 4lb lower than his current one over fences. A lively outsider with Nico De Boinville riding.

THE VERY MAN

Last won over hurdles 10 months ago at Navan although has struck since on the flat in a Thurles maiden. Modest effort when last seen in Leopardstown handicap hurdle. Trainer Jessie Harrington is fighting her own battle with cancer and it would great to see her horse put a smile on her face though recent form says it’s unlikely.

BENSON

Chasing a £100k bonus for winning a valuable handicap hurdle at Kelso 11 days ago. That was over two miles but should have no problem with this longer trip. Been very consistent since joining Sandy Thomson and with the under rated Ryan Mania in the saddle can run well each way.

CAMPROUND

Was laid out for this race last year but the ground went against him turning soft and it could be the same scenario this season. His best form is on good ground and off of a 2lb lower mark than last year when 4th ( beaten 10 1/2L) may struggle for the recently formed training combo of Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. Aidan Coleman rides for owner JP McManus.

SAN SALVADOR

Beat the re-opposing Captain Conby a length and three quarters at Punchestown on New Years Eve and although 4lb worse off here Joseph O’Brien’s chestnut looks capable of running well each way. 3lb conditional Richard Deegan takes the ride and is good value for that claim.

TAX FOR MAX

One of two Simon Munir and Isaac Souede owned horse here. Has been well beaten twice at this track and stepping up in trip is not certain to suit Willie Mullins’ six year old who will be ridden by Danny Mullins.

AN EPIC SONG

Has come back from a long absence of 338 days and shown little in two 2M handicaps. Was a good winner over further than that at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve 2021 on very soft ground and has been the subject of plenty of support over the past 48 hours. An interesting runner who may have been laid out for this by his shrewd handler Martin Brassil.

SA FUREUR

Makes his handicap debut having won two 2m 4 1/2F novice hurdles, the latter at Thurles in grade 3 company last month. Davy Russell takes the ride for Gordon Elliott and has to be respected as the most lightly raced horse in the line up.

RIANN

Another Gordon Elliott runner. This one will be ridden by Jordan Gainford. Beat San Salvador 2 3/4L at Cork in November and is 3lb worse off here. Things didn’t pan out next time but bounced back to form since in a novice hurdle.

NELLS SON

Smart novice hurdler last season. Was going ok when falling three from home in valuable handicap hurdle at Kelso, his first since wind surgery, 11 days ago and Nicky Richards’ eight year old looks capable of out running his odds under Danny McMenamin.

OFF YOUR ROCCO

Dual winning novice hurdler last season. Soundly beaten at big prices in two valuable handicap hurdles so far this season and this Gordon Elliott trained seven year old has questions to answer now.

ELVIS MAIL

Northern raider who’s been chasing on his last four starts. 4lb lower over hurdles but hard to fancy Nick Alexander’s 9 year old.

IRISH HILL (Reserve)

On a real roll winning his last three starts for Paul Nicholls, his latest in a valuable handicap at Ascot. First reserve today but has a definite chance if getting into the race.

HARBOUR LAKE (Reserve)

Second reserve who flopped last time and if lucky enough to get a run Alan King’s runner has it to do.

Summary:-

A real minefield of a race with many in with chances. My shortlist comprises of Sa Fureur who’s making his handicap debut for Gordon Elliott, Good Risk To All who looks handicapped to run well for Sam Thomas and Paul Nicholls’ Irish Hill although he’s first reserve here so isn’t guaranteed a run. I’ll take Sam Thomas’s Good Risk To All to take first prize

1 Good Risk To All

2 Sa Fureur

3 Irish Hill

[MCLARKE]

Key stats

Age 7 to 9, 7 from 113, profit 58 points at SP. Remainder 2 from 116, loss 91 points

Weight 11st 2lbs to 11st 10lbs, 6 from 70, profit 76 points

Not in top 7 in betting forecast, 5 from 137, profit 15 points

This leaves

BENSON 11/1

BOLD ENDEAVOUR 25/1

RED RISK 40/1

All 7 places with BET365