It was as grim a Stephen’s Day as I remember weather-wise, but a small E/W saver on Ice Cold Soul and a Douvan-Sizing John forecast helped brighten up a rather bleak day, although the other selections were found wanting in a serious way.

Disappointing to see attendance was down over 6% on last year, but the weather cannot be helped. Hopefully a dry(ish) day tomorrow might bring the punters to the track. I’ll spare the waffle. It’s been a long day.

Here’s day two in a nutshell…my nutshell.

12:10 Paddy Power ‘Download Our New IPhone App’ 3yo Maiden Hurdle – The market speaks for the progressive profile and top connections of Let’s Dance. However, at odds on it’s easy for me to look elsewhere. Ivanovich Gorbatov looks very interesting. Good enough to a win a flat handicap off 97 and top weight by a snug two lengths at this track and his display in the stalls that day would suggest some of that trademark Montjeu tenacity has been passed on. Hopefully he’ll handle the heavy stuff.

12:40 Paddy Power Maiden Hurdle – This bunch of maiden hurdlers look fairly exposed on the whole. With that in mind, it would look a reasonably straightforward task for the talented Silver Concorde, Cheltenham Festival winner and, of course, winner of the November Handicap a few short weeks ago.

13:15 Paddy Power ‘So Quick, So Easy’ IPhone App Chase – An oddly named race, but one that will be watched with keen eyes. Un De Sceaux looks to prolong his winning way and is likely to do so. Exuberant jumping combined with a relentless gallop has left rivals devastated in the past and there looks to be no reason why that should be the case here. The bet for me is a forecast: Un De Sceaux-Sizing Granite.

13:45 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle – A field absolutely stacked with potential. I could give plenty an honorable mention, but I’m sure most of you aren’t interested in that lark. I’m pretty sweet on Tombstone here. Looks to be steadily progressing, should handle the ground and Ice Cold Soul has since franked his Fairyhouse win.

14:20 Paddy Power ‘One Account Multiple Ways to Bet’ Handicap Hurdle – Plenty of interesting participants here. The one that grabs my eye, however, is Sizing Tennessee who has changed yards since last seen 742 days ago. This Henry de Bromhead recruit can go very well fresh and makes his handicap hurdling debut.

14:55 Paddy Power Chase – You’ll allow me two against the field here. I was very taken by the way Sumos Novios got the job done at Punchestown last time. Whilst the Tyestes was touted as a target for the son of Flemensfirth, this test could be right up his street. The other of interest is Ucello Conti who makes his first run for Gordon Elliot having been dispatched to Navan for a run in a Handicap Chase by his previous trainer, G Cherel, from France. An intriguing profile, and possibly difficult to keep sound, but could be well handicapped.

15:30 Paddy Power Games Flat Race – Hard to take on Tarare here but there’s no value in backing him. I may well keep my powder dry although a small each way bet on the big priced Indian Court may well be the way I go. Still undecided.

So that’s it for for Day 2 folks. Here’s hoping!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. The very best festive wishes to you and yours.

Needless to say the wine has been swilled, turkey scoffed and, as has become tradition over the past few years for me, I’m now tapping away at the laptop with gusto whilst the red wine induced chaos continues around me.

How and ever, one must carry on!

It is great to be writing to you once again. The professional lifestyle is not exactly conducive to any sort of extra-curricuar of carry on. Especially when there’s pints to be drank and craic to be had nearly every other night of the week it seems. Maybe I need to sort out my priorities….maybe not.

Four great days of racing lie in wait and I, for one, cannot wait. The rain is an issue, however. It has spilled in Dublin pretty much all day. As I peer out the window here in D6 (not my normal Christmas haunt I hasten to add) the rain has eased, but the ground is holding idle water on the surface. The water table is high. ‘Bottomless’ is the word that will be on many riders lips as they come in from the first tomorrow, I suspect. With that in mind, selecting horses may be tricky….never mind selecting winners.

Anyway, it’s Christmas, so I’ll forgo any further waffle. I’ve got a G&T waiting for me. Tanqueray, in case you were wondering.

12:15 Clayton Hotel Leopardstown Maiden Hurdle: Tricky. Plenty of unraced entries here, and I suspect there may well be a few non-runners. Not just here, but throughout the card. Ball D’Arc is interesting for me. Dempsey claims 3 off the back, acted well on the heavy at Navan and that French pedigree would signal his ability to continue to get through that bad ground. His previous visits to the track will stand to him when those around him could be quite green when they encounter ground that is very different to any all-weather/wood-chip gallop they might have encountered in their eduction. Of the unproven types, Usurp could be interesting, but to be honest I’ll be staying out of trouble here!

12:45 Thornton’s Recycling Maiden Hurdle: On this ground and at that price I’ll be taking on Vigil. Don’t Touch It showed promise when handling the soft sod at Gowran. 7/2 available at present could prove skinny enough but I’ll take a chance. Volavien looks the danger, to my untrained eye.

13:20 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle: Jer’s Girl has been the springer over the past few days. This has been a market I’ve been keeping a close eye on over the last few days. I’d give Rashaan a serious shout in this and I’ll have fingers, toes, arms, legs and eyes crossed for the Treacy family. Here’s hoping he’ll get the job done and keep the fairytale alive. Fairytales aside, he is a classy individual and should be in the mix, despite the fact he has to give weight away to the rest.

13:50 Cardinal Capital Handicap: Given the nature of this race you’ll allow me two against the field, surely! The one that sticks out to me ticks a number of boxes. Thrice raced maiden. First time in a handicap. Mark Walsh for Tony Martin with a JP horse in it. Spacious Sky. Mmmmmm. Worth a tenner a 5’s…. Each way players could do worse than have a look at the top weight Ice Cold Soul.

14:20 Download The Free Racing Post Mobile App Handicap: Trappy. Normally I’d run a mile from a Kings Theatre in this type of ground but I’m All You Need could be the one to cure your hangover. Can handle the bog and still looks well handicapped.

14:55 Racing Post Novice Chase: Despite any ground worries Douvan should still get this done. I’m not going to spout on here. The experts can tell you all how good he is. The bet for me is a reverse forecast. Douvan & Sizing John. Up and down the line.

15:25 Donohoe Marquees Flat Race: You’d want to be a brave man or woman to back a 4/6 fav in that muck. Thirsty Work could quench your thirst and pay for a pint after racing,  however. Katie claims 5 and he runs for a yard in form. I may have a each way play on a horse called Bobo Mac as well. I have a hair brained theory that horses with experience, regardless of ability, will often outdo their classier ‘first-time-out’ counterparts on the heavy stuff. He could be a yak but 20’s is tempting.

Open Eagle in the first at Kempton has been well touted by the shrewdies. word a pound or two. I probably wont have a bet in the King George at this stage….how boring…

Anywho, that G&T is getting flat. Goodnight and God bless.

Slán tamaillín,

T

After the rip roaring success that was Irish Champions Weekend 2014, stakeholders must have been scratching their heads as to how they might kick on in 12 months time! Lots of blood sweat and tears from too many people to mention in the intervening period had, and to a certain extent, still has 2015 teed up to hit the heights.

Up until Thursday evening the Leopardstown card was burgeoning with potential and the Irish Champions Stakes was on course to be arguably the best race run in the world this year. However, in typical fashion, the weather Gods had a different plan. Rain was forecast and duly arrived at Leopardstown around 3pm yesterday. They’ve had 27mm of rain overnight with the outside track now Yielding, Good in places. The inside track is now Yielding, Soft in places. A big enough kick in the stones for fans but even more so for the organisers as it puts the clash of the titans in doubt. Non-runners could take the gloss off the day.

How and ever, Irish Racing as a collective must now put on a brave face and a big smile as we welcome plenty of infrequent racegoers, foreign connections and a bigger television audience than usual over the next few days. The show must go on.

If you’re at nothing today, I couldn’t recommend highly enough that you grab a few mates, get the glad rags on and head up to Leopardstown. It will be an action packed day with a great crowd. The weather forecast is fine so don’t be worrying about that fake tan. First race 3:30pm and there’s racing tomorrow at The Curragh tomorrow too if you’re down that neck of the woods! Worth mentioning that students go free so there is no excuse! Head over to the Irish Champions Weekend website for more details.

Righto, I’ll run through the card. One quick pointer that there will be a few non runners however they are not through yet so each way terms may change. Keep your wits about you!

15:30 BALLYLINCH STUD E.B.F. FILLIES MAIDEN – The well touted Coolmore returns to the track after an eye catching 3rd on debut. She’s 4/6 to get the job done here dropping back to 7F. I’ve missed the boat and at that price I have to take her on. At 15/2 Orangey Red is as good as any to go with. Decent debut on quicker ground than she’ll meet today over an extended 7f at Limerick. At the price I’ll side with Moyglare’s Lawman filly in the hope that she’ll improve. Reverse forecast could be the play.

16:05 WILLIS CHAMPIONS JUVENILE STAKES (GROUP 3) – Sanus Per Aquam was favourite for the Guineas only a few weeks ago before the bubble was burst in the Tyrios Stakes by Deauville. The Ballydoyle connections should have a fair idea of 2yo pecking order now and looking at the price of Johannes Vermeer and Shogun, the money has yet to arrive. I’ll be siding with the fav at 2’s quite happily.

16:40 IRISH STALLION FARMS E.B.F. ‘PETINGO’ HANDICAP – There are few sights that warm the cockles of my heart more than a Tony Martin horse at the bottom of the handicap. Pyromaniac is a decent flat performer and had a spin over hurdles at Galway recently but didn’t quite fire. 10/1 e/w.

17:15 KPMG ENTERPRISE STAKES (GROUP 3) – I’ve got a bad dose of Lemming Syndrome when it comes to Answered and I think I feel it coming on again. Whilst Fascinating Rock sets the standard getting close to Al Kazeem in the Tatts Gold Cup, Answered is no slouch and back up to 1m 4f just gets the nod from me.

17:45 QIPCO IRISH CHAMPION STAKES (GROUP 1) – If they all show up this will be the best race I’ve ever seen in the flesh. It’s worth heading to Leopardstown for this alone. There are some cracking articles out there on the narrative behind this race and I would urge you to do a quick Google and read up. I’ve backed Free Eagle but the ground may have gone against him. I might back Cirrus des Aigles at the track if I get a price but will be enjoying the spectacle regardless….I know….what a loser.

18:20 COOLMORE FASTNET ROCK MATRON STAKES (GROUP 1) – A clash at the top of the betting here. I’m all over Amazing Maria to get the job done for the maestro David O’Meara. He has found the key to unlock this filly and at 3/1 gets my money to complete her four timer. Legatissimo will be tough to beat but has had a tough old campaign.

18:50 CLIPPER LOGISTICS BOOMERANG STAKES (GROUP 2) – Cougar Mountain could be a dark horse here. He was completely out of his depth at York but this is more to his liking and on ratings he should be bang there. Back to a mile he catches the eye. Wasn’t too far away from the classy Solow at Ascot. Could be the one. Could be.

19:20 IRISH STALLION FARMS E.B.F. ‘SOVEREIGN PATH’ HANDICAP – I’ve been looking at a lot of the English handicap form for my Paddy Power Blog stuff each week and I think Witherensea has been banging on the door for a big one the last few runs. Nice weight and a nice each way price, could be in the shake up and carries my cash.

So that’s it folks. Apologies for the brevity, I’ve got to run.

See you at the track.

Slán tamaillín,

T

Well Balios saved the blank on what was otherwise a tough day at the office, unless of course you are Ryan Moore. Riding like a man possessed!

I have very little time this evening so I’m going to fly through this!

14:30 Chesham Stakes (Listed): Ballydoyle is obviously to be feared on name alone, but I’ve gone for Tonkinese who shaped well behind Air Force Blue on debut and improved to score well on his second start for Mick Halford.

15:05 Wolferton Handicap (Listed): Mahsoob is on the up and up but the price is madness. One for an each way bet against the field is Collaboration who is improving all the time and might not be too far away here.

15:40 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2): At the prices I’ll be siding with Postponed. I really liked his run behind Al Kazeem.

16:20 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1): If the rumours are true, Due Diligence is a very quick horse. It was worth noting that two of the firms that have Coolmore connections, no prizes for guessing, were shotest price about this fella antepost.

17:00 Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap): Huntsmans Close could improve from debut and with a stands side draw could be worth an each way bet.

17:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes: Nap of the day is Wicklow Brave. Tricky at the start under NH rules but this is his type of race for the taking.

Bearing in mind there is overnight rain forecast these selections could change if I have time so keep an eye on this or indeed on twitter.

That’s it folks.

Have a good weekend.

Slán tamaillín,

Tom

Curvy, 8/1 into 9/2 was a very nice touch. Bartel got no luck and Scottish could only muster 2nd place in what was an admirable run. Forgotten Rules was game but ultimately disappointing. Doubtful if we’ll see him on that kind of ground again, but he surely has plenty of big races ahead of him.

I’ll drive on, it’s been a long day.

14:30 Albany Stakes (Group 3): Wesley Ward brings another interesting type to the table in the shape of Laxfield Road. She absolutely bolted up at Keeneland back in the spring and no doubt the old California sunshine will have her more forward than her European 2yo counterparts. Frankie on board as opposed to Rosario is a relief. Poor old Joel scuppered Ruby Notions chance out of the gate with his American style ‘balls-to-the-wall’ from the gate ride.

15:05 King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) Strvagante flogged to the Qataris…good craic. I’ll be with Balios here who after only two starts has been crying out for a step up in trip. He gets it here, and with a shade of improvement could be the value play of the race in my eyes.

15:40 Commonwealth Cup (Group 1): The addition of this race to the Royal Ascot schedule has divided opinion, but I for one think it is great to see the 3 year old sprinters given something to aim at instead of having to be forgotten about until they are strong enough to be competitive with the older sprinters. Hotenanny looked an absolute monster in the Windsor Castle here last year. I have never quite bought the Limato hype….it could be to my detriment once again as he has almost answered every question asked.

16:20 Coronation Stakes (Group 1): I really like the way Lucida showed herself in the Guineas, even though it was in defeat. A game and honest filly who sees out a mile well. If it comes down to a battle, she’ll fight for you and she should improve from that seasonal debut at Newmarket.

17:00 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap): Pfffffffff…..hard not to be clichéd about a handicap like this….so it’d fair to say plenty of these have chances. One against the field is Igider who looks like he may have more in the locker after a good win at Donny last time out. Graham Lee can ride too.

17:35 Queen’s Vase (Listed): Second in the Racing Post trophy, Aloft makes his 3yo bow in this and at 7/4 I’ll be looking elsewhere. One against him for an each way bet is Great Glen who was still learning in as listed contest at Goodwood last time and should improve again. He’ll relish the trip too.

So there you have it folks. Day 4 in a nutshell.

Slán tamaillín,

T

Well, it turned out to be a very nice day indeed for yours truly. Whilst Ivawood didn’t quite fire, Acapulco, Free Eagle, Osaila and a second placed Temptress helped me get over it fairly quickly. If only Euro Charlene had loaded!!

They are watering at Ascot this evening as the ground went firm in places this afternoon. My heart of hearts would question that decision but my ante post portfolio breaths a sigh of relief for Forgotten Rules in the big one.

Let’s get down to it.

14:30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2): King of Rooks is beginning to look like a bit of a certainty after Buratino looked mighty fine in the Coventry. Even money is an ok price and I’ll have to get involved. Frankie “Ascot is my place” Dettori looks set to have a fair chance to make it 51 Royal Ascot winning rides with this son of Acclamation.

15:05 Tercentenary Stakes (Group 3): Jessie Harrington’s Big Bad Bob filly put in a fair performance in the Irish Guineas. The extra 2 furlongs here should help, as will her weight allowance and 7/1 is too tempting to pass up. Bocca Baciata for me.

15:40 Ribblesdale Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2): Connections of Pleascach have plenty to shout about after classic victory in the Irish Guineas last time. However, the step up to 1m 4f for this particular filly may be just a touch too far into the unknown at her price. The one I like here is David Wachman’s Curvy. She was a good winner when beating the boys over 1m 2f the last day and I just think she could have a better shout than her price might suggest. Granted, she has to improve, but I’ll side with her in the hope that she might.

16:20 Gold Cup (Group 1): They water the course this evening and I’m sure every single DKW and Moyglare connection will be hoping that it can hold the moisture until about 16:30 just in case they go off late. Forgotten Rules as a mere 5 year old has the potential to develop into one of those stayers that grabs the publics imagination. We are talking about a horse that could win the Champion Stayers race on Champions Day on his second start under flat rules and the third start of his life. His Navan return was admirable and he will no doubt improve. If this lad can get the job done there will not be a dry eye in the house, and no doubt Robbie McNamara will be at the front of everybody’s minds win lose or draw.

17:05 Britannia Stakes (Handicap): Two against the field here for each way bets. I’ll be hoping Bartel can overcome inexperience and handle the large field. He could be a bit more than a handicapper. Make It Up with young Edward Greatrex’s 7lb claim helping the cause, could out run his price for an each way bet.

17:35 King George V Stakes (Handicap): Scottish has the look of a 3 year old going places for Andrew Balding. After a good win at Newbury the last day, that form was franked by the second placed Keble who came out and absolutely dotted up at Goodwood next time. Scottish on Handicap debut here could be ahead of our dear friends at the BHA.

So thats it for Day 3 folks.

Solid foundations laid for the week. Heres hoping we can build on them.

Slán tamaillín,

T

Solow got the day off to a rosy enough start, but Air Force Blue and Sole Power failed to oblige. An ante post bet on Gleneagles has the p/l looking healthy overall, but on the day itself I would consider it a pretty lacklustre punting performance.

‘Twas a great day to be racing today, but heat, heavy tailcoats and top hats don’t mix well. I’ll be keeping this relatively brief.

14:30 Jersey Stakes (Group 3): Hannon and Hughes have the clear 7/4 favourite here in the shape of Guineas third, Ivawood. Next best is Bossy Guest at 9/1….yes 9/1. Thats a pretty baffling cavern in the market considering they didn’t finish too far apart from each other at Newmarket, but favourite wins it for me, but I might have to pass at that price. Might. Class horse. Well, at least in my book.

15:05 Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2): Hoping this market livens up a bit. Plenty of the big name tipsters going for Easton Angel here, so maybe, just maybe Acapulco will drift a smudge. Very good noises being made about this filly from all quarters.

15:40 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2): I have to take on Integral at even money. Euro Charlene gets 5 lbs from the favourite and is only 3 lbs behind on ratings. A Grade 1 winner at Arlington and a decent showing behind Solow at Meydan last time, Marco Botti’s filly could represent a nice bit of value. Frankie takes the ride.

16:20 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1): I’m a fully paid up member of the Free Eagle fan club, and whilst it may seem unorthodox to side with him on his seasonal debut, bar the Grey Gatsby it’s not a great race if you call a spade a spade. Ryan Moore’s defection adds doubt to the second favourites chances so it’s all aboard the Free Eagle express! One time Arc fancy Ectot is interesting but it could be a bit quick for him.

17:00 Royal Hunt Cup (Handicap): I was very taken by the winning seasonal bow of Roger Charltons filly Temptress. She’ll have improved no doubt and seems to relish the quicker surface. With a bit of luck she’ll be in with a squeak. If you’ll allow me a second each way shout, Munaaser could be worth a second glance.

17:35 Sandringham Handicap (Listed): I’d rake or leave this now from a punting perspective. Osaila could be classy enough to overcome top weight at a decent price, but I’ll be keeping it small and each way.

So that’s it for Day 2 folks.

Before I finish, I’d like to extend my sympathies to the families and friends of the group of Irish students in Berkeley, California. An awful tragedy.

Slán tamaillín,

T

Friends!

It’s been too long. I feel like I open with that line way too often, but this time it really has! The flat is well and truly in full swing and not a single post from yours truly…shameful carry on really! I could blame a number of factors, but the blame only really falls on myself, when you boil it down! (See that. I’ve kind of set that self loathing undertone. I live in London now maaaan. I’m edgy and sh*t).

I had this argument with somebody over a few pints recently, actually. If you are into horse racing, because it is such a relatively “off piste” sporting interest from the mainstream, does that then make the racing fan a hipster of sorts? I, clutching at the straws of a sniff of coolness, of course argued that it did and despite my incredibly uncool appearance and demeanour I was, in fact, a veritable hipster, minus facial hair style and an iota of fashion sense. I was then absolutely crushed by the rebuttal that horse racing is, arguably, still an agricultural interest to an extent and that I was nothing more than an uncultured bogger trying to re-invent myself in a new country…… I went home and had a good cry after that. Tough stuff to hear. They do say the truth hurts. Especially after a few pints.

Well, it’s good to be back talking to you anyway! We’ve got a massive week of fantastic racing ahead at the Royal meeting and I, for one, cannot wait! I’ll be here all week so hopefully we can string a few winners together and pay for a few drinks next weekend!

Anyhow, without further ado, lets have a look at the card!

14:30 Queen Anne Stakes: A very good renewal, in my own honest opinion. It’s a question of whether you are going to side with the foreigners or the locals. Well the French horse and the Sha Tin expert definitely set the bar pretty high. In my heart of hearts I would be of the opinion that Able Friend would be more than likely to suffer from a touch of the ‘Silvianaco Contis’! In other words, an unknown entity on a stiffer straight track and may well calve, not to mention the fact that he’s racing on the other side of the world for the first time in his life. Solow for me is the bet of the week at 6/4 and is playing a protagonists role in my ante post portfolio. Needless to say if he gets rolled I’ll be a fairly sick puppy.

15:05 Coventry Stakes: Harking back to day one of this years Cheltenham festival, day one of Royal Ascot could well prove to be panic stations for the bookmakers if the favourite backers get their way again. Round two has been the recipient of plenty of rare praise from his trainer. Its fair to say the quotes from Jim Bolger about this son of Teofilo have been absolutely glowing. However, of the favourites on this card, this is the one to take on. Not my type of bet. Air Force Blue at the price could prove to have an air of value about him. His maiden has worked out pretty well and at the price I’ll be siding with connections who have an exceptional record in the race.

15:40 King’s Stand Stakes: Regular readers of this blog will know where my loyalties lie over a quick 5 furlongs at Ascot. Personally, I feel that Sole Power is the best 5 furlong sprinter in the world on good ground or faster. His run in Meydan was very very good. Don’t mind that Curragh run, at all. With a bit of luck in running he could produce a pretty admirable King’s Stand treble.

16:20 St James’s Palace Stakes: I’ve burnt myself pretty badly trying to pick holes in Guineas winners in the past. Kingman rings bell. Yeah, I can be a fool. But I’m firmly in the Gleneagles camp this time. The Curragh run was perhaps his most admirable. Pure class got him there. He is just too good to oppose here.

17:00 Ascot Stakes: An open enough affair. The one that stands out to me is Charlie Fellowes charge Lycidas. Staying on all the time over two miles when at winning at York the last day. The third horse that time came out and won on reappearance franking the form and I just think this 6 year old could be a shade better than a mark of 93, even though he’s improved a lot in his last couple of runs. Hopefully he’s not at the end of his tether yet!

17:35 Windsor Castle Stakes: 27 two year olds go toe to toe over 5 furlongs and in reality anything is possible. I remember seeing Hootenanny in the pre parade ring last year looking like a Belgian Blue in comparison to the other juveniles. I’ll probably keep the powder dry until I get a look at them but let’s just say the Californian sunshine does wonders for a thoroughbred…. With that in mind, Wesley Wards Ruby Notion has to get some serious consideration. Class can overcome size, but if this filly is looking anyway chunky I’ll be backing her.

So that’s it folks.

Here’s to a successful opening day.

Slán tamaillín,

T

What a performance from Vautour. A very very impressive demolition job in the opener adds another string to Willie Mullins’ bow for next year’s staying chases. He really was awesome.

That aside it was a day for the bookies, most certainly.

As I mentioned, I hope you kept it tight! A few each way bob back on Grand Vision doesn’t give me much to talk about, so without further ado, I’ll drive on!

13:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle: Nicky Henderson hit the target for the first time this year on Day 3. Whilst it’s taken him a while to get off the mark he’s got a strong record in this race, winning it 5 times. I’m hoping the pick of his lot, Peace and Co can go well. I was very taken after Doncaster, as were most people, and I think he should hold off the rest.

14:05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle: Obviously, Richard Newland’s Ebony Express is hunting for the bonus after winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown last weekend and is most likely very well handicapped. However, the one I like here is Cheltenian. A winner of the Champion Bumper a few years ago, and by all accounts a new horse after a wind op. Carries plenty of weight, but I still fancy his each way chance at around 14/1.

14:40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle: Taking on Willie Mullins horses at the head of the market hasn’t paid off this week, but I’m nothing if not consistent, so I’ve overlooked Black Hercules here. The one for me is No More Heroes for Gordon Elliot and Gigginstown. I’d be willing to forgim him his last run.

15:20 Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase: A real open Gold Cup. Opinions are divided which bodes well for bookies, if they can shake off some of their antepost liabilities on Silviniaco Conti. Personally, I feel the Nicholls horse has improved a fair share this year but a flat track looks the key to him. Maybe I sound like an old parrot regurgitating the views of the crabs in the press but I do genuinely feel he’s a flat track horse. It’ll be a great race, gan dabht, with the contenders in this category looking to be very well grouped on ability. I could go on forever talking about each one, but I’ll cut to the chase. The one I like is Road to Riches. This lad was a good winner of the Lexus and has answered pretty much every question asked of him since Galway bar a slight blip over an inadequate trip at Gowran. He’s a big price and should go very close indeed.

16:00 St. James’s Place Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup: Having a share in Prince de Beauchene has been a nice excuse to keep a very close eye on the Hunter Chase sphere this season. I honestly think that the best Hunter Chase run in the world, yes the world, this year was the Raymond Smith Memorial at Leopardstown on Hennessy day. Our fella won by ¾ of a length from On the Fringe, who coincidentally was backed like defeat was out of the question suggesting he was 100% on the day and wont improve too much. The eye catching run was Salsify. Mad fresh, he jumped and travelled well out of his comfort zone pulling his way to the front as they passed the stands first time. He ran extremely well and was upsides jumping the second last. He blew up at the last and was cosied into 4^th with only one backhander administered by Coleman Sweeny as our lad went on. I really think he will improve no end for that after some 18 months off the track. I don’t buy the Paint the Clouds hype just yet. If I may, I’ll quote myself from 2013 on Salsify; “…the Irish Hunter Chasers are in a class of their own and this lad is the valedictorian. Owned by the Mother, trained by the Father, ridden by the Son there will be scenes of jubilation if he can come home in front.”

16:40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle: Tricky. I’ll be backing two against the field. Michael Cowley takes the ride on a horse for Jonjo by the name of Forthefunofit, who is talented, and won well enough at Huntingdon the last day. I’d have a little each way nibble on him and on McKinley who is very well handicapped in my eyes.

17:15 A.P. McCoy Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Well, it’ll be the last time you’ll see AP McCoy in the saddle at a Cheltenham Festival. The name of the race has been changed as a tip of the cap to the perpetual Champion Jockey. He rides Ned Buntline, who is the market leader at the moment. I might just back it in cash and keep the bet slip for posterity. But there’s no such thing as a fairy tale is there??!! Mount Colah could go well at a big each way prize, but all eyes will be on the champ.

So that’s it for the 2015 Cheltenham festival, folks.

Hopefully we can come out on top!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Not too shabby at all. A nice little each way bet on The Saint James, Don Poli romping home in the RSA and Moon Racer getting the job done in the bumper leaves me in pretty good shape at the half way stage of the festival.

What a day for Paul Nicholls! That form from the big Saturday races throughout the season has shone through in the festival and a three timer for Ditcheat has pleased the big man, I’m sure!

I’ll get stuck in to tomorrow, but before I do, I mention every year that it is notoriously difficult to make money on the 3^rd day of the Festival. So if you’re up I’d suggest maybe keeping it tight tomorrow so you can play with bookies money on Friday, as opposed to delving into your own precious hard earned cash! It’s a much nicer feeling to have your worst case scenario breaking even for the festival, than down.

Right so!

13:30 JLT Novices’ Chase: Vautour looks class. Is class. By all means back him. But for some reason I just can’t overlook Noel Meade’s Apache Stronghold. I was very taken by his win of the Flogas at Leopardstown last time. He was very Novicey and was looking all over the place on the run in before he realised what he was supposed to be doing and galloped away to the line. He should improve again. Look, PP are going money back if your horse finishes 2^nd or 3^rd in the JLT so take advantage of that as an insurance. I wouldn’t put you off backing the fav either but this is just a hunch that I’m going to follow, and it could well be off a cliff!

14:05 Pertemps Network Final: Edeymi is very very well handicapped. I’d back him now before he shortens tomorrow. 8/1 at the moment.

14:40 Ryanair Chase: Don Cossack has been tipped up as a banker by many, but the one I’ve taken a shine to here is Balder Succes. Looks to have improved for the step back up to two and half miles and shouldn’t be far away here.

15:20 World Hurdle: A pretty poor renewal of the World Hurdle, if we’re being honest. Saphir du Rheu was originally sent over the larger obstacles this season, but didn’t take to it kindly. A high class hurdler on his day, I’d fancy him for this. A course and distance winner. He’ll improve from that Cleeve hurdle win too.

16:00 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate: It would seem that a big handicap at the festival has been the target for Attaglance for some time. He shoulders a very manageable racing weight in this and has a nice each way chance.

16:40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase: Grand Vision was third behind Brindisi Breeze in the 2012 Albert Bartlett and on his day can go well. He’s been in good form of late and with a valuable 3lb claim off his back the Tizzard’s could have a lively each way chance with this fella.

So that’s it for Day 3 folks. Box clever.

Slán tamaillín,

T