Greetings one and all, from a sun bathed Kilkenny city, on this beautiful spring evening. To the regulars : “Whats the craic?”, to the infrequent visitors : “This is kind of like a booty call isn’t it?” and to the newbies : “Welcome to Turf Talk!”.
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since the week of weeks that we had last year. If we can do half of what we did last year I will be a very very happy bunny.
It has arrived. The Cheltenham roller coaster is back to take us on another one of it’s notorious rides. It can go up, it can down, it can go round, it can even derail, but hopefully we can make the most of the spin and make a bean or two along the way.
I’m sure the high stool pontificators in the pubs up and down the country have made their feelings very clear as they drool into your ear over their umpteenth pint and there are endless numbers of professional opinion givers out there in the media, so thanks for taking my opinion into consideration too! I stress it’s only my opinion and not fact. Unfortunately, I can’t tell the future, although some may say that I can!
Hopefully we can find a few winners over the week and have a bit of craic along the way!
There is some fascinating racing on the cards, so even if you are a once-a-year punter or a genuine know it all, you will be enthralled by the action at Prestbury Park over the next four days!
Tomorrow is an absolute HUMDINGER of a day, with some top class equine tussles taking place as horses, jockeys, trainers and owners all vie for their place in the history books. And all of this is on show for your punting pleasure. Mmmmmmm, pleasure.
Lets cut the bull, I’m going in…
Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 13:30 – A middling renewal compared to last years race. I thought Irving looked very sharp at the beginning of the season when winning at Taunton. However, favourites rarely do themselves justice in the supreme so I’ve looked elsewhere. I feel it would be foolish of me not to mention that Paddy Power are offering money back if you’re horse is 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Even if you have an each way bet your horse is placed, you get your place winnings and your losing win stake back (up to €50). Crazy. I’ve gone for two each way shots here. Gilgamboa, trained by Enda Bolger, really impressed when winning the Boylesports Hurdle at Leopardstown. I wasn’t the only one impressed as the handicapper gave him 12lbs for that win. He also won over 2 and a half at Punchestown, which is something I love to see. You probably need to stay a little further than the trip to win the Supreme and this lad does it well. I also have had a nibble at Nicky Henderson’s Vaniteux. Impressive when winning over an extended 2m 3f at Doncaster. He hasn’t really beaten much, but I suspect is improving sharply and has a right each way shout.
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase 14:05 – As most of you know, course form at Cheltenham is an excellent pointer for finding winners at the festival. I tipped him for the Champion Bumper, I tipped him for the Supreme, Champagne Fever has won me more money than any horse ever in my entire life. I love the sire. All his stock seem to have a high cruising speed as this lad has. He hasn’t got the form in the book over the bigger obstacles, I know, but he won one of the best Supreme Novice’s of the modern era. He ran well, when thumping the second last at Leopardstown last time. It may be my heart getting the better of my head, but if he travels well he should have the measure of these tomorrow. Rock on Ruby is his main danger in my opinion. Grandouet is overpriced for an each way place at 10’s.
Baylis & Harding Affordable Luxury Handicap Chase 14:40 – A competitive handicap. I’ve gone for two each way shots again. Alfie Sherrin won the JLT Handicap chase at the festival in ’12 and has shown he is pretty sharp around Cheltenham more than once. Hopefully he can handle his weight. Wrong Turn has an each way shout too. Ultra progressive, and still ahead of the handicapper I would imagine. A solid chance.
Champion Hurdle 15:20 –
My Tent or Yours – needs a flat track.
The New One – shite bag.
Jezki – fiddles his hurdles when the pressure is on.
Our Conor – potentially excellent. Still young. Won what has turned out to be a below average Triumph – hasn’t won since. Main threat.
Hurricane Fly – The champ. 3/1 is insulting. Bravest horse in the race by some way which counts for a lot in the Champion.
If Our Conor improves a stone, like Hughes thinks he will, he should win by a mile. If not the Fly will remain the Champion Hurdler.
OLBG Mares’ Hurdle 16:00 – Quevega will pull off an amazing achievement when she wins her 6th consecutive mares hurdle. Sirene D’Anay is a nice each way price to chase home the Mullins horse.
Terry Biddlecombe National Hunt Chase 16:40 – Nina takes the ride on Shutthefrontdoor who has a nice bit of form in the book and goes well on the track. 7/2 is a little skinny though. Each way play on Living Next Door. Tony Marin has booked top Irish point to point jock Jamie Codd. Interesting that they think he’ll get 4m. He’s lost his way a little but he can find a bit of form he should be there, thereabouts swinging for home.
Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase 17:15 – Art Of Logistics gets the nod here, each way. Credible effort in a grade 1 at Christmas and well able over the big obstacles. First time visor should sharpen him up a touch. Each way chance also lies with Attaglance. A good 4th behind an impeccable John’s Spirit at the track in the Paddy Power Gold Cup earlier this season is what leads me to believe this lad has potential for a big run.
So that’s it for Day 1. Hopefully there are a few winners in there somewhere!
The very best of luck with your selections!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 