Ughhhhhh, that was rough. Vautour winning and Valseur Lido placing steadied the ship to an extent, helped by Bloody Mary running into a place, but those aside it was tough out there. I just about came out with a few bob, but it feels very much like a losing day inside.
However, we’ve still got one day of battle left and if I’m going down, I’m going to go down swinging!
Here’s day 4…
13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle : A real head scratcher this. With 11/2 available about Ivanovic Gorbatov, I’ll forgive and forget his absolute stinker last time out, especially given his breeding. He was madness at 3s but with the drift here catches my eye again and I’ll take my chance.
14:10 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle: Blue Hell’s win back in November now represents some very strong handicap form indeed and has been put away with a target like this in mind. 146 looks very workable.
14:50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: I’ll be taking on the favourite, Barter’s Hill, here and take a chance on the unbeaten Long Dog. Whilst not bred for a trip like this I think he’ll have no bother at all and saw out 2m5f quite well recently. He’s been on the go a while but 9/1 is big.
15:30 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase: The big one. I could go on and make a case for all of these, but alas there’s a pint of stout waiting for me in Rathmines and I’m under a bit of pressure to get to it! The Dons can duel away amongst themselves because I’m going for Cue Card in this year’s Gold Cup. Has done absolutely nothing wrong, looks a new horse this year and will 100% get up that hill.
16:10 St. James’s Place Foxhunter Chase: Very sad that Prince de Beauchene won’t be here to represent The Paupers, but that’s racing. On The Fringe looks a massive price at 3’s and will come on a pile for the Leopardstown pipe opener. He’s the best horse in the race, but It Came To Pass is the danger.
16:50 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: I’ll take two here against the field. Qualando, a festival winner form last year still looks well handicapped and has a great chance in this. I’d also give an each way squeak to Westend Star for Gordon Elliot and Luke Dempsey.
17:30 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual: Rock The World has looked decent over the larger obstacles and 146 looks manageable. Not to mention he’s a course and distance winner. An honourable mention for Bright New Dawn who has an each way sqeuak at a price.
And that’s day 4 a wrap, as well as Cheltenham 2016!
Hopefully we’ll pull a few out of the fire!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 
Thanks Tom,
Youre a legend! – you might consider putting a few up for Fairyhouse.
Happy Easter.
Dan
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