Well what an eventful day that was. The utter domination of Willie Mullins, combined with the shock fall of Annie Power really left me not knowing whether Id had a good or bad day!
Douvan proved himself, Un de Sceaux jumped and travelled and Faugheen now looks to be the best hurdler around by some way, and not just over two miles either.
As for my good self, well it was a pretty decent day with the Druids Nephew boosting the coffers, Un de Sceaux, Faugheen and a few bob each way on Thomas Crapper running into second did no harm either.
If some of you are baffled by Annie Powers fall, the camera angle on Racing UK showed it quite well. Cheltenham has, throughout the season, been subject to some low sun. The shadow of the final hurdle extended quite a long way back down the straight and she tried to jump the shadow. She just ended up diving into the hurdle and taking a tumble.
Anyway, onward we go! We’ve got a big day tomorrow!
13:30 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle: This, to me, looks a very good, competitive Neptune. Nichols Canyon comes into the race having won at Leopardstown pretty impressively and Outlander looks to have a very nice turn of foot indeed. However, I’m pretty sweet on a horse of John Ferguson’s called Parlour Games. I highly doubt that Sheikh Mohammed had the Neptune in mind when sending an Oaks winner to be covered by Monsun. How and ever, he’s ended up with a very nice hurdler.
14:05 RSA Chase: Disappointing that Coneygree doesn’t run here. Don Poli is now my idea of the winner and I’d imagine he has the measure of King’s Palace. Definitely the class horse for me and I really liked the way he went about it the last day when getting the better of a horse I like by the name of Apache Stronghold.
14:40 Coral Cup: The first of the big handicap hurdles. A minefield. A dynamic handicap duo of Denis O’Regan and Tony Martin team up with an interesting horse by the name of Blackmail here on handicap debut. Ran in the Champion Bumper a few years ago and off the back of a couple of wins could be better than his mark. His each way chance is good enough for me. At a big price Goodwood Mirage could have an each way squeak.
15:20 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase: In the antepost market I had plenty of each money on Champagne Fever each way at the bigger prices when I thought the big two were goosed after injury. I still feel the Sprinter Sacre of old will never be seen again. I’ve asked, several vets their opinion on his condition too and they all concur that the likelihood of Sprinter Sacre returning to his full ability again is low. I was very taken by Sire de Grugy’s prep. He jumped a bit big but he was well within himself and it puts him in a very good light for this. He’s the one for me.
16:00 Glenfarclas Handicap Chase: I don’t really have too strong of an opinion here. Any Currency is better than this mediocre field, but I won’t be getting involved in a serious way.
16:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle: A tricky one. I’ll be having a small each way bet on The Saint James for Jonjo O’Neill. This lad has come from France and was very much minded on his UK debut at Sandown. He will no doubt improve and could be well in. AP looks elsewhere, but that doesn’t worry me too much.
17:15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper: WPM could nearly run this race on his own, he has so many in it! Look, it’s always tough to compare UK and Irish bumper form, but one I really liked the look of is Moon Racer for David Pipe, a course and distance winner.
So that’s it for Day 2 folks. Hopefully we can keep the bit of momentum going!
So. We meet again. Another year has flown by and it’s back. The most magical four day sporting event on the calendar. Of course, that’s just in my own humble opinion.
I was asked in work, not so long ago, to put into words why Cheltenham is special. I honestly struggled a bit. Ever since I was a chizzler Cheltenham has been a big deal, because…… well because it just is! I had never actually had to think why before.
But me being a troubled soul and all that, I pondered on it for a while. Needless to say I didn’t come up with a conclusive answer. Bearing in mind that I’ve never even been to the festival, how could I, of all people, talk about it with any clout?!
However, after about a few pints of porter on Saturday post ‘The Prince’ romping home in the Tetratema Cup at Gowran Park, it hit me. No, not the floor. I wasn’t that bad.
In Ireland, Cheltenham is literally spoken about with the same enamoured tone that you might hear in a fairy tale. As the great man, Barney Curley, once described it, it is the ‘Mecca’ of National Hunt racing.
It is the be all and end all.
The stories often tread the fine line between fact and folklore, but that’s what romanticises the whole event anyway. The stories of late night card games, in low lit pubs after racing, where the stakes were the highest they’ve ever been before. The stories of the fella up the road who bought a house after winning so much money at Cheltenham, only to lose said house in a card game the following year. The stories of JP McManus in the betting ring and literally cleaning out bookmakers.
I’m willing to admit that some of the greatest stories I’ve ever heard about Cheltenham have probably been absolute and utter bollocks, but they were fecking great stories.
Barring all that, there’s tip-top action on the track too.
If you’re a Turf Talk virgin, you’re very welcome along. Let me fill you in on how the whole thing works. I’m a waffler, a pontificator, a spoofer of the highest degree. If you’re not into that whole ‘buzz’ well then scroll down and the selections are in bold. But be warned, as every year I add this caveat I feel it’s as important as ever to point out that I am not in any way shape or form a professional punter. I’m just a racing fan with a penchant for talking shite and occasionally I get it right, but equally I get it wrong sometimes too. Just thought I’d point that out for anyone who’s been promised perfection from me!!
As for all you regulars, great to have you back and here’s hoping for a good week!
Let’s get cracking!!
13:30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle: Douvan looked good when beating Sizing John, a subsequent Grade 1 winner, on debut at Gowran by 12 lengths. He was good at Punchestown too. He comes with form, and a very very big reputation. However, at the price I simply have to look elsewhere. Absolutely no way am I backing a 7/4 shot who hasn’t been off the bridle yet. Maybe he’s just that good, but I can’t afford to do my brain on an unknown entity in the first, when there’s a long week ahead. L’Ami Serge has no doubt relished the move to Seven Barrows from France putting a string of 3 wins on the bounce together for NJH and BJG. A good winner of a bad Tolworth Hurdle, 4/1 is skinny enough. I like the profile of a horse of Harry Fry’s by the name of Jollyallan. A big price at 10’s.
14:05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase: This really is a mouth-watering prospect for racing Folk. The chance to see, what is in my opinion, the most exciting chaser in training. Un de Sceaux’s running style is the type that puts you on the edge of your seat. He is so aggressive at his fences, and when he wings one there is hardly a more beautiful site. He wins bar a fall, which as we saw recently is a possibility. Those downhill fences are notoriously tricky for novices, but his relentless gallop should allow him the breathing space to pop away, although I don’t think ‘pop’ is in his vocabulary. If you want to take him on, I wish you all the best, and Paddy Power’s money back all losers if Un de Sceaux wins is a no brainer if you’re out to get the fav.
14:40 Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase: Pendra has been well backed for this, but the one I like is The Druids Nephew who comes into the race after a prep over hurdles at Cheltenham back in January. This race has been the plan for a while and one can imagine his connections consider him to be well handicapped. I fancy his each way chance.
15:20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy: I am absolutely fascinated by this year’s renewal of the Champion Hurdle. For me, Faugheen is the one. Slightly boring, I know, but he just seems to have the x-factor. The nay sayers reckon he hasn’t beaten much, and has been protected. I would beg to differ and say that it has been a training masterclass by WPM. He has campaigned two horses, Hurricane Fly the other, in two different countries and kept them unbeaten this year. I can’t see him beaten.
16:00 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle: Annie Power even after being off the track for so long has 18lbs in hand on the next best on ratings. If she’s anywhere close to her best she wins. Unbackable for us mere mortals, but put Glens Melody in the forecast and you’ve a decent bet.
16:40 Toby Balding National Hunt Chase: I’m being extremely boring here again, but Albert Bartlett winner Very Wood really caught the eye when returning to winning ways at Navan last time. He should go well and is probably my bet of the day.
17:15 CHAPS Restaurants Barbados Novices’ Handicap Chase: Thomas Crapper was a game second to Don Poli over hurdles at last year’s festival and has turned into a tidy chaser. He is better than his mark and off bottom weight has a very nice chance indeed.
A good kicking from the bookies was dished out to yours truly, bar Up for Review who came in at a short price in the bumper, but he was never going to save the day yesterday. Road to Riches romping home in the Lexus rubbed salt in the wounds as I talked myself out of backing him only the night before.
Anyhow, enough of the sob stories! Apologies for the tardiness of this blog but I fell foul of an awful does of man flu yesterday and was in no shape to be looking at form!
For what it’s worth, here’s a quick fire look at today’s card!
12:20 Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase – Oliver McKiernan’s On the Shannon is the market leader and is fancied to do the business off a light weight and with Shane Crimin claiming a few more off his back.
12:55 Copper Face Jacks Maiden Hurdle – Windsor Park sets the standard here but I’ve backed Rogue Trader each way who is talented and still unexposed. 12’s could be a big price.
13:25 Ryanair Hurdle (Grade 1) – This could be the last time I ever back Hurricane Fly. But over this course and distance he’s bloody hard to beat.
14:00 Ryanair E.B.F. Novice Handicap Hurdle – Some progressive types and some not so progressive types in this. I’ve taken a chance on Lord Scoundrel who could go well for in form connections. Seems to be lazy in front, but enjoys a cut and just does enough when he gets there.
14:35 Ifg/willis E.B.F. Mares Hurdle (grade 3) – Princess Leya heads the betting after her win the last day was franked by a good win from Shantou Ed. She got 17lbs from the handicapper for that and steps up to this level. I couldn’t have her at the price. On official ratings Analifet would have a fair bit in hand over these, but a disappointing racecourse return after injury the last day leaves questions to be answered. A significant challenger is Fairytale Theatreof Dan Skelton’s. However, Carraigmoorna Rock was impressive when readily winning a listed contest at Newbury for Robert Tyner the last day and this could be well within her range.
15:05 Topaz Novice Chase (Grade 1) – A great race that could hold a Cheltenham clue or two. Interesting that Cooper and Carberry have over looked Cheltenham festival winner Very Wood. A legitimate case can be made for each, but one I like at the price is Apache Stronghold who could go well if he receives a slightly quieter ride than he did the last day.
15:35 Ryanair Flat Race – I’ve been impressed with Finian McGrath’s riding over the last couple of days and he looks valuable for his 7lb claim. Vigil will benefit greatly from that and is one for the Lucky 15.
Nina gets up on Russian Bill in the shadow of the post!
Ahoy there folks. A brace of winners in the shape of Special Tiara at Kempton and Russian Bill in the lucky last at Leopardstown today.
Apart from that, pretty bleak. It was a bit of a blood bath for punters today in general, so hopefully we can regroup and consolidate tomorrow!
Listen up!
12:15 At The Races Maiden Hurdle – Snow Falcon has the form in the book to justify 13/8 favouritism after coming second to Milsean the last day on the back of another two good runs. However, considering conditions, and the results the ground has produced, I’m going to look elsewhere. Considering the form of Dessie McDonoughs and the good run behind a classy Drumacoo the last day, Pack the Punch catches the eye at 5/1. I realise he is unproven on the ground but the other two of his got through it so well, it’s like they are being trained on a deep surface at home that this ground doesn’t seem to bother them too much. It’s a guess, but a guess I’m willing to take at the price.
12:50 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle – Kashline looks well treated returning to the smaller obstacles. Headgear for the first time and a feather weight could see him run well at a nice each way price. Triplets Joy also looks like an improver and, whilst this is a step up, he was a beaten favourite 9 days ago so must be in some sort of form for connections to fancy him.
13:20 Ballymaloe Original Country Relish Beginners Chase – On hurdles form, Un Atout should find this relatively straightforward. After spending a long time off the track since his last run, he is also entitled to improve a fair bit. Le Vent D’Antan also shaped well on chasing debut, but had his flaws too. The one I’ve gone for, for the sake of value, is Balbir Du Mathan who shaped well when coming down at the second last on his chasing debut. Connections obviously rate him and he will have hopefully learned a bit from his mistakes.
13:50 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) – An open enough betting heat at the minute. Briar Hill makes his racecourse return since falling in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival. Significant that Ruby goes for Zaidpour, but Briar Hill has buckets of class and is superb value at 4/1. If he’s fit he surely has a great chance. That is the question though!
14:20 Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle – Shabra’s Bertolini is in the form of his life at the minute and could go well here again for connections. Meanwhile Dollar and A Dream makes for an interesting handicap debutant for Tony Martin and the same people who own Beneficient. If they want to go anywhere bigger and better, handicap wise, towards the end of the season, let’s just say this could be a prime opportunity to increase their mark and just creep into the bottom of the weights for some of those races. He could also just be a yak!
14:55 Lexus Chase (Grade 1) – A humdinger. I would be all over Road to Riches on better ground, but alas, it has gone against him, me thinks. It’s Lord Windemere for me with expected improvement from a promising racecourse return last time. Could on On His Own be the each way bet of the century? 25’s with PP as I write.
15:25 Thornton’s Recycling Flat Race – They haven’t even come close to a bumper winner yet this week, but PWM and WPM team up with the 4/6 fav Up For Review in this. The vibes are good.
Noel Fehily steals a glance as Silviniaco Conti goes clear in the King George.
Not a shabby start to the week at all with a few very nice each way places in Leopardstown, Stellar Notion making all and Silviniaco Conti jumping like a buck to win the King George.
The account balance is looking well and hopefully we can make it look even better tomorrow.
Let’s crack on.
12:15 Paddy Power ‘Number 1 For Live Streaming’ 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle – Considering the rain that has fallen today, the ground will be very testing again tomorrow and when making selections it will be crucial to find a horse that will handle a cut. Business Sivola might just be another Mullins favourite to the untrained eye, but a French bred horse will definitely have the upper hand tomorrow. He ran into a place at Auteil on heavy on debut and was beat by a mudlark in Prussian Eagle at Gowran last time. That form, while it isn’t stellar, could be enough to win this considering the conditions. He’ll be short and maybe it’s a little unoriginal from me, but he’ll be carrying my money.
12:50 Paddy Power Maiden Hurdle (5YO plus) – Silver Concorde makes his debut over obstacles. This is a bit of a non event in my eyes and it doesn’t really make me want to have a bet at all. I might just leave him off and see if he looks like a horse for the Supreme Novices. No Bet.
13:20 Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase (Grade 1) – I was really taken by the way Uxizandre won the Schloer Chase at Cheltenham a few weeks back. Probably one of the best rounds of jumping put in by any horse this season, bar maybe Silviniaco Conti in the King George! He handles a cut well and 5/2 or better would definitely catch my attention. The each way bet/betting without the fav option of the race is Mallowney without a shadow of a doubt. Way over priced at 16’s in my opinion.
13:50 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) – Already a Grade 1 winner, Nichols Canyon surprised a lot of people when picking up the pieces nicely in a race that was perhaps overshadowed by the untimely passing of his stable mate, and short priced fav on the day, Allez Collombiere. However, the Wylie horse is classy enough and handled bad ground well in France during his flat career. He’s the one they have to beat, for sure.
14:20 Paddy Power Games Handicap Hurdle – I have a soft spot for Busted Tycoon. I backed her the three times she won on the bounce at the Galway festival in 2013 and I’ll tell you one thing, that mare payed for some amount of drink that week! However, I can’t be tipping all the favourites, now can I?! You’ll allow me two against the field surely! The first is Ned Buntline who showed promise once upon a time, and interestingly reverts back to the smaller obstacles for this. The other is Pivot Bridge, who’s second the last day has been franked by a few who have come put and run well since. Both each way depending on the price you get.
14:55 Paddy Power Chase – Talk about a mine field! Two again, at prices. The first is Wrong Turn of Tony Martin’s. A battle hardened handicapper, who stays all day and off a feather weight. Wont mind a test in the surface either. The other is The Westerner Boy for Mark Walsh and Colm Murphy in the colours of JP.
15:30 Paddy Power iPad App Flat Race – Another race that I’m sure will cough up plenty of winners in time. The one I like at the minute is Russian Bill for Noel and Nina. This dynamic bumper duo often go under the radar in the betting, and the same could happen tomorrow. This horse has ability, without doubt, and he could go off at a decent price too.
So thats it for day 2 folks. Hopefully we can stay on the up and up!
Don’t forget if you fancy a few bets in Kempton and Chepstow myself, Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman and the Paddy Power racing traders have put something together on the Paddy Power Blog.
The Leopardstown gets underway tomorrow with some great racing in store!
“Gooot on a luuuuuucky ooone, caaaaame in eighteeeeeen to oooooone”….well we can dream I suppose!
Howdy folks, it really has been too long. I hope this finds you in fine festive fettle. I thoroughly enjoy this time of year, not the build up really, but the big day itself. I usually avoid the hype where possible. Low key, that’s me.
With the advent of Christmas (zingggg), the National Hunt scene ramps up a few gears with all eyes not only trying to pick out winners over the next few days, but also a few Cheltenham clues along the way.
This is where I tend to start formulating my Cheltenham views, especially for the handicaps. A lot of them might not run again beforehand to protect their mark so I’ll be on the lookout for any eye-catchers – both good and bad – over the Christmas.
Anyway, I’ll be on here for the four days of Leopardstown, typing out my own incoherent ramblings and hopefully those ramblings will result in a winner or two!
*PLUG ALERT*PLUG INCOMING*: Incase you haven’t noticed I have also been putting up some tips for the bigger Channel 4 races on the Paddy Power blog. I have had mixed results on there so far, but Ruby Walsh, Matt Chapman and one of the PP racing traders are also tipping away and we generally have ground out a few winners between us each week so it might be worth having a gander from time to time. You can have a look at the PP blog for tomorrows racing at Kempton and Weatherby by clicking this link: http://blog.paddypower.com/2014/12/23/tv-tips-sheet-heres-boxing-day-racing-tips-for-right-from-the-brains-of-experts/?area=blog_homepage_topstories&button=tv-tips-sheet-heres-boxing-day-racing-tips-for-right-from-the-brains-of-experts
*PLUG PLUG PLUGGEDY PLUGGY PLUG* OK I’m done now!
So I guess after all that you want a few tips or at least an opinion, don’t you? You greedy fecker. Alright, here goes.
12:15 Bewleys Hotels Maiden Hurdle – Well at the minute you have a Willie Mullins hot pot, odds on 10/11, for JP having his first run after being bought out of France on the back of a run in Fontainebleu. This is a hot race, and at that price I simply have to look elsewhere. He may be talented, but I haven’t seen enough to warrant a punt. The next few in the market look like they could be good too. The one I’m going for is Ordinary World for Henry De Bromhead and Robbie Colgan. He put Milsean, who is highly thought of and was long odds on on the day, to the pin of his collar up in Navan last time to be beaten by only two lengths on his debut. While betting in maiden hurdles is guess work anyway, that form in the book makes mine a slightly more educated one. At the price, you’ve a good chance to be in the mix anyway and is entitled to improve from the last day. The only drawback is that all of the money so far has been for Willie’s, but the market hasn’t livened up yet I suppose.
12:50 Thornton’s Recycling Maiden Hurdle – I just watched the Champion bumper replay there. Joshua Lane has changed hands since coming third there and now runs for JP at 11/10 in this. I’ve gone for Tony Martin’s Velvet Maker, however, who has a bit of race fitness on his side after coming second to Rock the World the last day. Adrian Heskin is in the plate for Barry Connell.
13:20 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) – Kalkir is the 1/3 favourite for WPM and, for me, the betting opportunities lie in the betting without markets and the forecast. One I have a hunch about is Prussian Eagle. At the price he definitely has a place chance, but he wants the ground to be very testing, I would imagine, which he may not get. At the price, though he could be a bit of value.
13:50 Cardinal Capital Handicap Hurdle – Spacious Sky is the jolly here and you always have to be wary of a Tony Martin horse at the bottom of the weights. With Shane Shortall claiming 5 he surely has a great chance, but 3/1 in a handicap like this is a bit skinny. I’ve gone for two each way shots here, the first being Bank Bonus for Eoin Griffin. Johnny Burke claims a few and he was fancied the last day when not firing. Could have a place chance. The other I have a slight inclination for is the long shot of Gordon Elliot’s Rocky Wednesday. Currently a 25/1 shot, he won at this meeting last year off a higher mark. He’s no world beater by any stretch and his current form has been absolutely cat, but he is very capable of running a good race off a nice mark at a very big price. Could run stink, but I’m having a few speculative quid each way. Cooper rides for Sandra Hughes, bit I’d imagine Elliot is happy enough to allow Dempsey claim 5 anyway. Watch the market.
14:20 Racing Post All You Need For Irish Racing Handicap Chase – Wide open. A tricky enough one to figure out too. One that catches my eye on his handicap chase bow is Empresario who has had a couple of pipe openers on the flat at Dundalk, no less. Low in the weights and has ability over obstacles, could have an each way squeak as long as he gets 2m 1f! I won’t be getting involved in a serious way, however.
14:55 Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) – Vautour looks special. Put Clarcam in the forecast and you have a bet. I’ll be sitting back and scrutinising with a few ante post festival bets already made.
15:25 Donohue Marquees Flat Race – This could be a hot little bumper. Some of the outsiders should not be ruled out. I’ve often been told that bumpers at Leopardstown can often pan out to favour horses with a flat pedigree and a bit of class about them. Obviously the Magnier/Mullins combo catches the eye, but will be no value on racecourse debut. However, Falcon Crest was second on debut to Bordini, the current Champion Bumper joint favourite, by just shy of 3 lengths. No doubt he’ll improve. If the market speaks for Fist Figaro he should not be discounted either as DKW is a dab hand at picking up bumpers with well these well bred types, namely Silver Concorde and Forgotten Rules. I’ll be backing the latter for the sake of a price, but wouldn’t be surprised if both are in the mix.
A quick line on the King George: Silviniaco Conti is a very difficult horse to beat at Kempton. I fancy him to retain his crown. I also fancy Champagne Fever not to stay. That’s difficult for me to say as I am one of his biggest fans. I fancy him to not stay, be dropped back to two miles, run in the Queen Mother and if Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy don’t show up, have a very good chance indeed. He’s 14’s at the minute for that and I think it could be a great bet before the King George. I stand to be corrected, however, and hope he can run well!
So that’s it for day 1 folks! Fingers crossed we can pick up a few quid tomorrow and get off to a good start!
The National Hunt season is well and truly under way!
Evening one and all. I hope this finds you well. Cheltenham is upon us this weekend and it is with the advent of the Open meeting at Prestbury Park, that the jumps season can be considered well and truly under way. At last!!
It’s a great time of year, the young novices are beginning to emerge, the flat converts are beginning their hurdling careers and of course the big names are reappearing after their summer breaks.
If you’ll excuse the brevity of my introduction, I’m just going to get straight down to it.
13:15 Opus Energy Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase – An interesting renewal if you delve into the form. Last year’s winner Handy Andy is back to defend his title, but of a slightly higher mark this time. Whilst he is a course and distance winner, others are preferred. Leading Irish P2P rider Jamie Codd rides the favourite for David Pipe, but 4/1 is a bit tight for me in this competitive race. Benbens runs in the same colours as The New One and this 9 year old son of Beneficial has relatively few miles on the clock. He’s taken to chasing quite well and 13/2 appeals. Simon Clements is well able too.
13:50 Paddy Power Handicap Chase – Hmmm. A tricky race. Plenty of talk for Festive Affair and you would do well by pricking your ears and taking heed when there’s whispers on the wind for one of JP’s. I’ve looked elsewhere and decided to ignore my own advice. I quite like two in the race. The first is slightly mainstream and predictable in Astrcad who could go well for the Twiston-Davies team. The big alternative hipster inside has gone the progressive Robin’s Command. Hasn’t been out of the first two in his last 9 runs. Granted, this is a significant step up in class, but he deserves his shot at this level and gets plenty of weight from the big dogs. Both interesting each way players for me.
14:25 Steel Plate And Sections Novices’ Chase – Colour Squadron has been Novice Chasing since December 2012… how does that even make sense. He has form with some decent sorts but has never actually gotten his head in front in a contest over the larger obstacles. 9/4 is too short for me to hope that today is THE day. Dell’Arca Comes into the race well fancied but lacking a run, and more importantly a run over fences. No doubt he’s been schooled up to his gills but there’s a big step up to be made to competitive jumping, especially in a race such as this. Splash of Ginge appeals at the price. He won the Betfair hurdle at Newbury, and it takes a proper horse to win that. He disappointed in the Supreme and then ran a good second to Lac Fontana at Aintree in the Grade 1 Mersey Hurdle. He scored over fences last time and hopefully there is more to come. He gives 8 pounds to the fav as a penalty for winning a similar affair but at the price he definitely stands out and, being by Oscar, could turn out to be a decent chaser in time.
15:00 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle – This could be a festival pointer. Blaklion looks classy and only won a grade 2 contest at Chepstow three weeks ago. If he runs to form, surely he’ll be bang there, but the worry is he has to give 7 pounds to the Ruby Walsh ridden improver Champagne Present.
15:35 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – Balthazar King is the boss over this course and distance. Nap.
16:05 Michael Scudamore Intermediate Handicap Hurdle – 6/1 bar the even money JP owned favourite. Cup Final is surely well handicapped, but unbackable for me at that price. I’ve said it a number of times on here that I am a stout Cassels Rock fan and he has a chance here again. I’m going to go each way on the front running Buster Dan Dan who looks thrown in at the weights and is in a very safe pair of hands belonging to Mikey O’Connor.
Morning folks, from a reasonably bright and dry London. I’ll keep this brief as I’m a bit worse for wear and have to get the glad rags on to head to out to Ascot in an hour or so. Hope all is well with you. Luckily I wrote the majority of this last night so you can be sure that the research was done!
It has rained a lot in the south of England this week and conditions will be extremely testing at Ascot today.
Let’s fly through the card, Daddy needs new shoes!
13:45 Qipco British Champion Long Distance Cup: Having watched the majority of Newmarket yesterday, and doing my brains I might add, I am absolutely quaking in my boots to back a fav. I’m a firm Leading Light fan, and was lucky enough to be on him when he won the Gold Cup here back in June. Forgotten Rules is interesting. He beat a decent mare in Shu Lewis in his bumper debut and won well at Galway under flat rules in August. He stays well and handles a cut. However tomorrow may be too much for him. I’ve gone slightly AWOL and have backed Whiplash Willie each way. He’s by the little known stallion Phoenix Reach but he handles a cut well and definitely has a frame chance at 9’s.
14:20 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes: I’ve had a little Ante Post nibble here. Cheeky, I know. If there was ever a horse born that loves the mud ‘twas Maarek. He is as lazy as sin away from the gates and if you watch his Abbaye win in 2013 Jamie Spencer pretty much rides him from pillar to post. If he can get away, any way well at all, he surely has a chance. At a big each way price I’d give Eton Forever a frame squeak too.
14:55 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes: Not exactly a vintage group 1, but we play what we’re dealt I suppose. I won’t be getting involved in a serious way, for sure, but I do like Ralph Beckett’s Cubanita. She’s a real back end type and handles heavy ground well enough to warrant support at 6/1.
15:30 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Sponsored By Qipco: I was all over Olympic Glory before hand, and I’m very disappointed to see that he doesn’t go here. Night of Thunder and Charm Spirit are obviously the well backed first and second favourites, with Freddy Head’s horse reversing the guineas form in France last time. At 3/1 and 100/30 I’m not really that interested to be honest. In the interest of value, a horse that is misrepresented by the market is Tullius, who should really like conditions and most certainly has an each way shout at 8’s.
16:05 Qipco Champion Stakes: Cirrus des Aigles is a legend of the turf, without a shadow of a doubt. The racing romantic within me really does hope that he romps home and comes back into the winners enclosure to rapturous applause. Free Eagle at Leopardstown the last day was probably the best equine performance I’ve seen in the flesh in Ireland, in my race going lifetime. Treve’s two Arcs were the best I’ve seen anywhere. The atmosphere after the Leopardstown race was one of awe and palpable anticipation for what lay in store for this horse. I was in two minds about backing him for this as the rain fell pretty much every night here in London for the last number of days, but this morning for whatever reason I’m feeling brave. He does need to come on a bit but if you take into account that his last run was his 3 year old debut and only the 3rd run of his life, surely he has to improve. You can’t disregard the others but if he runs I’m backing the Weld horse.
16:45 Balmoral Handicap: Two against the field here both with decent draws and should have each way claims. Russian Realm for Stoute, Moore and Chevely Park and Piri Wango for Ger Lyons with the young Madden claiming a valuable 7 lbs.
Sin é, folks.
Enjoy the racing and hopefully there’s a winner in there somewhere!
Hello there stranger! It’s been a while! How are things? Have you gotten through the summer in one piece?! I haven’t spoken to you since Ascot. Shameful on my behalf really. I apologise! There has been a lot on and between the jigs and the reels I couldn’t squeeze you in! Hopefully I can make up for my absence by picking out a few badly needed winners!
This weekend we are presented with a shiny new format that has been dubbed “Irish Champions Weekend” (ICW). Irish Champion Stakes day at Leopardstown fused together with Irish St. Leger day at the Curragh to make a very marketable and high quality weekend of racing. Ten Group races, of which five are Group 1’s, €3.7 million in prize money, at arguably two of Europe’s best racecourses. The early performance indicators of how well the initiative is actually attracting interest are encouraging. Most encouraging, perhaps, at this early stage, is that of the 16 races scheduled for the weekend 13 have attracted overseas competitors and of the 203 horses entered to run this weekend 52 (25.6%) are trained in the UK. Bear in mind the ICW is competing with the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival in Doncaster this week too. So, at this early stage the signs are good and if attendances are any way acceptable I would think that HRI, Leopardstown, The Curragh and all other parties involved can give themselves a pretty well earned pat on the back. To create a new festival at this end of the season and have it work out is easier said than done, as the competition is fierce. In fairly quick succession you’ve got Arc Weekend, British Champions and Future Champions day, The Breeders Cup and some of the big international races in Hong Kong and places aren’t too far off either never mind Melbourne. To attract entries of this calibre is a testament to the people behind it and the owners and trainers who are so very keen to support it. Fair play folks.
Im really looking forward to Saturday as it could be my last days racing in Ireland for a while. Yes, I’ve decided to go straight and am moving to London in a fortnight to embark on my professional career! At this point Turf Talk is in the balance. But I’ll keep you posted on any developments, so for now don’t worry your pretty little head.
So, here we go. Your one stop shop for Irish Champions Weekend.
Its Irish Champion Stakes day at Leopardstown!
Day 1 – Leopardstown – Irish Champion Stakes Day
In my honest opinion, this is the better of the two days so if you can make your way to Leopardstown at all tomorrow I would really encourage you to do so. It’ll quare good, lad.
15:35 Ballylinch Stud E.B.F. Fillies Maiden – Not priced up yet but I’d imagine that filly of Kevin Prendergast’s will go of at the top as will the Joseph’s pick for Ballydoyle when the money comes. The one I like is Bocca Baciata for Jessie Harrington and Fran Berry. Ran well on debut over a mile and steps down to 7 for this. Decent mover and won’t mind the firm stuff hopefully. By a sire going places I think. Check the prices available, could be an each way shot if she drifts.
16:05 John Deere Juvenile Turf Stakes (Group 3) – Austrailia won this last year. Ballydoyle are odds on to repeat that feat with John F Kennedy. They say that Mrs. Magnier holds the good names back for the good horses. I’d imagine this name was in the vault for a while. I wouldn’t disagree that this is well within his capability, even though it’s only his 3rd time to a racecourse. A forecast, or indeed reverse forecast with Tombelaine may well prove to be the bet of the race. Second in a Gr 3 last time over 7, he should be in the mix here.
16:40 Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. ‘Petingo’ Handicap – We are few in numbers, but I have met several others who are also fully paid up members of the Cassels Rock fan club. 10/1 available at the minute, in off the back of a win in the flat and over jumps, this son of Rock of Gibraltar’s isn’t half bad on his day and is going the right way. He appeals for an each way nibble, the 3lb claim will do no harm either. 1m 6 may be the only worry.
17:15 KPMG Enterprise Stakes (Group 3) – This is a bloody good horse race. The well touted Free Eagle makes his reappearance since being well held by Austrailia on this card 12 months ago. I’m a fan and a shade of odds on doesn’t put me off. Brendan Bracken won’t be far but I’m all about the Moyglare horse.
17:45 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) – No doubt that Tapestry is in flying form, but back to a mile at the prices, she looks vulnerable. Rizeena really does have stand out group 1 form over this trip and was the best part of 3 lengths better than Tapestry in the Coronation at Ascot. She also has a form line with Integral which would suggest she can hold off Fiesolana. If you haven’t guessed yet, Im pretty sweet on this one.
18:15 Clipper Boomerang Mile (Group 2) – No doubt that Darwin is sharp enough having got close to Kingman at Ascot. However, I backed Mustajeeb for the Jersey Stakes and was really impressed with him. I’m hoping he’ll go well again here.
18:50 Qipco Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) – Hard to see past Austrailia. Might not even have a bet and just enjoy it. The each way market has been scuppered too, by the 7 runners. However, on quick ground Trading Leather wouldn’t surprise me at all if he ran into second place.
19:20 Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. ‘Sovereign Path’ Handicap – You’ll surely allow me two against the field here!! Since February 2014 Sretaw has progressed from 67 to a current mark of 89. This daughter of Kalanisi is at the bottom of the weights, has a decent draw, has a very able man in Wayne Lordan on board and is obviously tough as an old boot. Colour Blue is consistent too, has a decent draw and I’m a very big fan of Connor King who claims 3. Have a look at the prices and see if you can go each way or not.
So thats it for day one….I think I’m going to run and have a coffee. Talk amongst yourselves for a minute.
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The final classic of the year, The St. Leger, at the Curragh on Sunday!
Ok! I’m back, refreshed and renewed!
Day 2 – Irish St. Leger Day
There is a great 8 race card on offer at The Curragh on Sunday kicking off at 14:05. Well worth the trip if you are available.
Let’s crack on, shall we.
14:05 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Bold Lad’ Sprint Handicap – Another competitive handicap with €90k in prize money to the winner. Never any harm to have a look at a few raiders when trying to decipher these handicaps as they are often the mistakes made by the handicapper. One I’ve looked at is the aptly named Watchable for the dynamic duo; Messrs O’Meara and Tudhope. Consistent and ha fallen in for a nice draw. The other I’ve gone for is Zalty of David Marnane’s. Both each way depending on prices.
14:40 Moyglare ‘Jewels’ Blandford Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – I don’t care about how much she cost. You can do what you like with your 6 mill, I honestly don’t care. You can beat eggs, but you can’t beat a bit of race fitness. Tarfasha.
15:10 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Group 3) – You might think I’ve lost it a bit here but I’m going for a bit of a curve ball. If you put a line throughout the Ascot run when the Ballydoyle string were most definitely not at their best, Ive actually quite like the way Guerre goes about his business. He is only 3lbs off Extortionist and Stepper Point on official ratings an is surely still unexposed. I just think as horse that can only improve, he surely represents some value.
15:40 Moyglare Stud Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) – Cursory Glance leads the way on official ratings and in the 2015 1000 Guineas market. Stepping up to 7f should suit and I’d fancy her 7/4 chance at the minute anyway. The danger lies with Bolger Id say.
16:15 Goffs Vincent O’brien National Stakes (Group 1) – Not a betting race, unfortunately. Gleneagles is potentially one to bolster your accumulators and Lucky 15s.
16:50 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger (Group 1) – I thought he was going to go down in the winners enclosure after winning the Gold Cup he was having such a blow but thankfully Leading Light came out and won last time to put my mind at ante post mind at ease and show that he is still in good nick. You’d have to imagine a bit of an each way squeak lies with Brown Panther at the price.
17:20 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes – This is a nightmare. I’ve picked two each way squeaks again: Explosive Lady and Make on Madam. A nightmare.
17:50 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund ‘Northfields’ Handicap – Panama Hat is on a roll at the moment and is going for his sixth win on the bounce since June for Andy Oliver and Team Valor. Has progressed from a mark of 60 to 108 and still has more in the tank I reckon.
So thats it folks! Hopefully theres a few winners in there somewhere!! Enjoy what is set to be a great weekends racing!
A very good morning to you all from a sunbathed Shalbourne, the little village where I have been spending the last number of weeks, the likes of which you might see on a postcard. Nestled in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, there is an absolute passion for racing in this place. Whilst the racing talk may not be as concentrated as it is on The Curragh or in Newmarket, Lambourn and surrounding areas have played host, for generations, to those migrant pilgrims who have travelled to work for some of the best trainers in the world. It is an impressive place with an abundant and colourful racing history. Not too far away on the Berkhire downs , 3000 years ago, they marked the area, best for the care of horses, by creating the Uffington White Horse, on the side of the valley. Deep trenches carved into the earth, in the shape of a horse, and filled with crushed chalk. Even in the Bronze Age, they knew that this is a very special place indeed.
As I ramble, I have realised that there is the final day of Ascot to be dealt with. The final day of the meeting for 2014, another year is flying bye before our very eyes. Yesterday was definitely a day for the bookies, but not to worry, we go to war again to day hopeful of coming out on top.
As I said this time last year, my Great-Grandfather won the Cork & Orrery Stakes (now the Diamond Jubilee) in ’49 with a horse called Solonoway. The same year Solonoway won the Irish 2000 Guineas, so needless to say his photo is plastered all over our house. Our family hasn’t had anything to do with a group winner since, but we’ve been able to back a few so hopefully we can find a few winners today!
I’m going to Ascot today so I better crack on with this so I can get changed. The forecast says 24C for today, not exactly top hat and tails weather.
14:30 Chesham Stakes (Listed) – At the prices Toscanini is superb value to reverse the form with Dick Whittington. Halford trained and Foley ridden, the Shamardal colt gets my money.
15:05 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) – My handicap form has been pretty poor this week. Hamelin trained by Lady Cecil should go well and an each way nibble on Squire Osbaldeston.
15:45 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) – 2nd to a good Noble Mission at Chester on ground he wouldn’t have really enjoyed, now on ground he likes and boosted by the fact the Ryan Moore has gone away from 2013 Royal Ascot winner Hillstar, its very hard to look past Telescope.
16:25 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) – Slade Power to emulate Solonoway. The vibes are very strong about this lad.
17:00 Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) – Nightmare. A cavalry charge nightmare. They are definitely going better on the stands rail this week. With that and a touch of form in mind Baccarat and Alben Star are my two each way bets against the field.
17:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) – Willie Mullins loves an Ascot winner. Pique Sous won’t mind the ground and has the right man in the saddle. Definitely stays anyway!
So thats it for Day 5 folks! All the very best with your selections!
Turf Talk 