2014 Cheltenham Festival Preview Night Reports

[Old Vic]

Sandown Park Preview

Sandown Park https://twitter.com/Sandownpark

&

https://twitter.com/claimsfive

Nick Luck kicks panel off. For understandable reasons AP McCoy isn't here,
Paul Nicholls (PN)
Nicky Henderson (NH)
Kate miller (KM) &
AndyStewart (AS) are


Supreme

AS also likes Irving also "the best bet on Tuesday"

"I keep hearing Wicklow Brave is pleasing them very much in Ireland," says Paul Nicholls. He queries Vautour's pace for the Supreme

KM opposing Irving. Only 3/17 have started shorter than 3s and won plus flat horses horrible record. Mullins to have winner, Vautour?

NH Josses Hill right back in the picture. Fed up with finishing behind Irving, but with his 'F Team'!! Trying to give PN a troubled night!!

"I do like Vaniteux," Henderson says when pressed over which horse he favours in the Supreme

Vaniteux has improved a huge deal lately. Thinks Mullins could be too good but likes both of his pair. Just favours Vaniteux when pushed!


Arkle.

AS likes Dodging Bullets.
NH says Grandouet bounced back last 3 weeks. "very classy" and has learnt hard way. Each way chance on good
Dodging Bullets wants good ground & good pace says PN. Grandouet doesn't jump well enough. NH looks curious!!
KM opposes fav with Dodging B
NH, if he had to bet, would be on Valdez.

Champion Hurdle
PN likes The New One in the Champ Hurdle. Ptit Zig will run well but perhaps not top 4
AS likes My Tent Or Yours. "overpriced"
NH "Tent" a speed horse. Been tipping and napping Our Conor all week though
KM "stats against fly" and can't see my tent beat. McCoy told her it's the bet of the week

RSA
Sam winner, black thunder and just a par all go RSA. Black Thunder wants soft, Just A Par good, Sam Winner a "great chance"
Jacob on Sam winner, scofield black thunder, Fehily just a par. Only wants Sam Winner to run but owners demands says PN.
KM goes Smad Place.
Henderson agrees Smad Place. Ballycasey fall wouldn't worry him though.
AS strong view, Smad Place wins.
PN says Sam Winner can turn form


Champion Chase

PN sire de grugy "tough season" but class horse. hinterland 2 from 2 since wind op, Henry viii win faster than tingle creek.
"Arvika Liggionniere will end up in the car park, he jumps right-handed," says Paul Nicholls, who says his Hinterland is "in the mix"
AS sticks up Sizing Europe,
KM goes Conan with ew Hinterland


Ryanair

PN Al Ferof blatantly doesn't stay Gold Cup trip. Wants good ground on Thursday. Benefficient the horse to beat.
NH hunt ball doesn't run.
P Nicholls and N Henderson admire chance of Benefficient in the Ryanair
AS says how is Dynaste favourite. Al Ferof the class horse.
NH agrees.
KM goes Benefficient


World Hurdle.

AS fancies....Big Bucks.
"I've already been told by Rich Ricci that he's going to win the race," says Andy Stewart of the World Hurdle
PN says he needed the run on awful ground. He has bloomed, will love drying ground
Paul Nicholls "very much looking forward to the challenge of the race" with Big Buck's, who he says is looking great
Salubrious about to get his ground and is a huge price. Will stay every yard.
NH "mares allowance crucial factor"
NH says dont write of either McManus pair. Hopes Big Bucks can win, wishes him the best of luck.
KM says at the prices, Big Bucks.
KM says McCoy very sweet on At Fishers Cross.

Triumph

PN says Calipto. Paul Nicholls says Calipto impressed him working over 5f with Ptit Zig today. "He's not short of speed"
"I don't think they're a great bunch of four-year-olds," says Nicky Henderson. The Triumph is "hugely, hugely open
Kentucky Hyden if bad. Not sure either will win but it's hugely open renewal. Best horse Activial. Breaking news, he won't run says PN
Paul Nicholls spoke to owner of Activial this morning and was told horse would miss Triumph for Aintree
(For record, Activial is trained by Nicholls ex-assistant Harry Fry + owned by Jared Sullivan)
AS fancies Broughton.
NH Royal Irish Hussar runs if ground is quick.

Gold Cup

NH likes Bobs Worth in Gold Cup. In better form at home than last year. Does fear Conti but Bobs Worth just so game. Bring it on he says
"Nobody knows what would have happened last year," says Nicky Henderson of Silviniaco Conti's Gold Cup fall "We'd be very happy," says Nicky Henderson when pressed re Bobs Worth's condition. The last week has gone well, he adds
"He's a stronger horse than he was last year because he's matured," Paul Nicholls says of Silviniaco Conti Rocky Creek doesn't go but hopes national
AS says Conti better right handed. Says Bobs Worth.
NL and KM go Last Instalment if he runs, both say he'll go on good!
NH: Triolo was meant to be having prep for national here but has been working better & better & his ground is coming. Demands no watering!
Nicky Henderson says it would be "a tragedy" if Cheltenham were to water the course this week. "It cannot possibly" be good to firm by Fri
NJH: "Why should the good ground horses be penalised just because they want to slow it down? It's wrong."
Watering would be wrong before jockeys can feedback. If its good safe ground then leave it be. PN agrees but safety paramount. Both agree
Paul Nicholls dons Nicky Henderson mask: "I'm amazed nobody's asked me who rides Triolo D'Alene"
"All people who can do 11-12 in the room, please stand up. You're in line for the ride," says Nicky Henderson re Triolo D'Alene ride
Henderson says he has no idea who would ride Triolo D'Alene in the Gold Cup but expects to use one of his own jockeys. Barry Geraghty for GN

Other races





Charity Bets
KM gives panel £500 free bets:

AS goes 125ew Salubrious and 250 packs de polder

Paul Nicholls picks Wonderful Charm in the JLT as his charity bet. "I was gonna win that," squawks Henderson Asks PN if Katgarry wins the Fred Winter. PN says good horse but so was today's winner. NH not putting up Dawalan either now! PN says Dormello Mo, Katgary, Keltus are his Fred Winter possibles. And he has another, which he did not get to name

NH has crowd in raptures, goes Mullins to be Champion Trainer! Bet revised, match bet team PN and NH to out score Mullins.

NL charity bet Shutthefrontdoor in the 4miler.
KM says that is her NAP and with that the panel closes.

[Old Vic]

Charity Bets from galway

[Old Vic]

The most bizzarre bit of scheduling ever - Irish Channel TG4 showing a 2013 Cheltenham Preview now

[Old Vic]

Coral Preview


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https://twitter.com/lovethe_races tweeting from the @Coral preview evening with
@nickluck
@gcunning12
@SiClare and
Mark Winstanley.

Day 1

Winstanley: "Barry Geraghty is 4/4 on Jezki."
Meanwhile at the @CheltenhamRaces Preview Evening, vibes are that Geraghty will ride Vaniteux according to Henderson's comments.
Nick Luck 'likes' Irving, while Graham Cunningham fancies Vautour in the Supreme.
Simon Clare says there has been money for Vukovar in the Arkle. Stablemate Rock On Ruby is also set to run for Fry.
Winstanley is very sweet on Trifolium in the Arkle. 'The best way to beat Champagne Fever is to take him on at the start'.
Graham Cunningham says that Trifolium is one of 'the best bets of the week'.
Meanwhile at Cheltenham, Henderson say that Grandouet is 'talented but needs to be more than that. Could finish up this season as a maiden.'
Simon Clare says that 'Quevega is the banker of the meeting'. Panel feel that she is likely to make #Festival history.
Graham Cunningham likes Cantlow in the Festival Handicap. Winstanley and Luck both really like Shutthefrontdoor.
At Cheltenham, Henderson states that My Tent Or Yours is 'fine'. He missed one day of work, but moved really well in work on Friday.


Day 2
Coral panel pose the question can Sire De Grugy replicate his form at Ascot, at Cheltenham? If so, he's the one to beat.
Graham Cunningham likes Captain Conan, as does Mark Winstanley. No one can have Arvika. 'I'll have a match bet with him and the Ambulance.'
Cunningham says Module is likeable, but not good enough.
Sizing Europe is a Festival master, but at the age of 12, may have deteriorated.
Winstanley says that Nicholls told him Dodging Bullets is a better horse than Hinterland. Only reason he's entered is it is a poor race.
Cunningham says it is between Faugheen and Red Sherlock. Faugheen could be a star.
Nick Luck says that Tom Scudamore has arguably won more races at Cheltenham than most this year.
Graham Cunningham thinks, at a big price, Ballyalton could run well.
On to the RSA Chase, no real concerns of Ballycasey's fall at leopardstown last week. GC: 'Its not ideal, but he looks promising.'
Mark Winstanley says that Don Cossack is set to improve, but is on Many Clouds. Ground may have gone against him, though.
Graham Cunningham says that Smad Place is an intriguing runner. However, Winstanley is against him.
Winstanley says that Don Cossack has had a wind op and could improve '5/6 pounds'.
Coral Cup up next.
Simon Clare says that Dunguib, the top weight, has been well backed.
Graham Cunningham says that Bryan Cooper's likely to ride Ifandbutwhynot. A really intriguing combination. Could be one to look at.
Winstanley likes Cotton Mill. Could be very well handicapped bearing in mind he finished behind My Tent Or Yours in the 2013 Betfair Hurdle.
Graham Cunningham was massively taken by Big Shu. Ground in favour of fans' favourite Balthazar King.
Winstanley likes Paul Nicholls' Katgary in the Fred Winter. 'Nicholls really rates him'.
Meanwhile at Chelt, Henderson says he has a lot of faith in Captain Conan. 'Plenty to suggest he didn't finish his race at Sandown.'
Best bet of the day on Wednesday, 'Many Clouds' says Graham Cunningham.

Day 3

World Hurdle now. Big Buck's v Annie Power. Who do you fancy?
Nick Luck says that Paul Nicholls is incredibly bullish about Big Buck's' chances in the World Hurdle.
Graham Cunningham raises the point that Annie Power will receive 7 pounds from Big Buck's and favours the Irish superstar.
Mark Winstanley suspects that the Irish will back Annie Power into odds-on.
Winstanley: 'Big Buck's is a special horse'
Nick Luck says that Jonjo was surprised AP McCoy did not choose More Of That.
Mark Winstanley says that Willie Mullins believes Annie Power is 'the next Dawn Run'.
Now onto the Ryanair.
Winstanley says that First Lieutenant could be a great bet. Excellent Festival form, but asks whether he runs in this?!
Graham Cunningham really like Dynaste. Says the form is superb behind Cue Card. 'Right off his King George run'.
Meanwhile at Cheltenham, AP McCoy keen on Goodwood Mirage in the Fred Winter. 'Hasn't shown his form this year'.
In the JLT Novices' Chase, Djakadam is seeing money.
Graham Cunningham sceptical over Oscar Whisky. 'Not a good Festival preparation.'
Mark Winstanley says that connections really fancy Sizing Gold in the JLT Novices' Chase.
Pertemps up now.
Meanwhile at Cheltenham, Henderson says about Oscar Whisky, 'Forget Sandown. I left him way short on work.'
The whole panel likes If In Doubt in the Pertemps. A really good bet for the Festival.
In the Kim Muir, Nick Luck says Indian Castle is a bit short. The couch really likes Cause Of Causes.
Meanwhile at Cheltenham, AP McCoy, who rides Taquin Du Seuil, says 'Oscar Whisky is the one to beat' in the JLT.
Panel says vibes from Nicholls are that he has been disheartened by Al Ferof's last few runs.


Gold Cup Day..
Graham Cunningham says Bobs Worth is the likely winner, but too short. Likely to go off 9/4.
GC: 'He's been to the Festival three times and won all three. These are dangerous horses' on Bobs Worth.
Vibes in the Gold Cup are that Bobs Worth is too short. Triolo D'Alene is a good bet.
At Chelt, Henderson not sure whether Rajdhani Express or Hunt Ball are to run in Ryanair or be joint top weight in Byrne Group.
Graham Cunningham likes Silviniaco Conti and willing to get revenge for last year's miss.
Panel are arguing over strength of King George form. Al Ferof finished third and Cue Card could well have been injured. Your thoughts?
Triumph Hurdle up next.
Calipto very highly rated by Nicholls.
Cunningham says that Daryl Jacob does not have any doubts on Calipto. Feels he'll be much better at Cheltenham as well.
In the Albert Bartlett, GC suspects that Kings Palace may drift on the day.
Irish very keen on Briar Hill. Nick Luck really likes Kings Palace, one of the bets of the week.
Simon Clare says Briar Hill the best backed horse of the meeting.
Graham Cunningham likes Lac Fontana for the County Hurdle, as does Mark Winstanley.
Mr Mole highly fancied by Mark Winstanley. Has identical profile to Bellvano, who won two years ago.


Charity bets:
Nick Luck = Shutthefrontdoor,
Graham Cunningham = Trifolium and Many Clouds e/w,
and Mark Winstanley = Mr Mole & Briar Hill
That concludes the Festival preview evening. Best of luck.

[Old Vic]

Tweeting from official preview at The Centuar ...https://twitter.com/calummadell

Huge crowd at Cheltenham preview night. Lot bigger than last year

Supreme
Get the suspicion Vaniteux will be Geraghty's choice from Hendo's comments

Arkle
Henderson on Grandouet: "talented but needs to be more than that. Could finish up this season as a maiden. The Hinterland of the next year."

Champion Hurdle
Henderson "MTOY fine. Missed 1 day of work. Went swimming & was like a torpedo. Moved really well in work Friday."
AP: "Fly the one to beat"

RSA
Have to take with a pinch of salt but Mottershead spoke to McManus and he put up Carlingford Lough as his best chance for RP readers

Champion Chase
AP: "Kid Cassidy v keen going but actually quite slow. Shloer could not have suited more. SDG improved and deserving fav
Henderson has a lot of faith in Captain Conan "plenty came out to suggest he didn't finish his race at Sandown." Sounded quite bullish

Fred Winter

AP not that confident on Plinth. Goodwood Mirage one he's keen on in Fred Winter. Also his highlight in the handicap. Not shown best yet

JLT:

Henderson: "OW gets trip and ground. Forget Sandown. Left him way short on work." Him and AP see winner either him, TDS or WC
AP: "TDS should be ok on dry ground, but OW one to beat. Mottershead noted Fehily said Vukovar is v good now. Will be even better next year

Ryanair

Ryanair: Panel get impression Al Ferof just not the same since return from Nicholls.

Hendo not sure if to run Rajdhani or Hunt Ball in Ryanair (both could well go here) or be joint top weight in Byrne Group (original plan)

World Hurdle

AP: "Andy Stewart runners will make the WH a proper stamina test to get at Annie Power. Big Buck's best stayer I've ever seen."

AP: I know AFC will stay. Had physical problems but lot better now. More Of That only won over 2m4f so unknown whether he stays."



Gold Cup
AP going early for obv reasons. Likely to ride T43 in GC but ground drying a disadvantage. likes Bobs Worth.
Hendo says Triolo definitely runs GC. Working really well. Aintree ultimate aim but not just a prep otherwise would have gone for a handicap


Triumph.

Henderson: "if ground gets very good then Royal Irish Hussar would be competitive." Him and Kentucky Hyden probably both run
Running out of battery so will tweet until it runs out and anything more later on

Albert Bartlett.
Henderson: ground may see Captain Cutter run here, despite opposition according to him and AP being stronger
Real thinking that Briar Hill will be properly stuck into in the market this week. AP always rated him very highly

Henderson handicappers:
Liked Whisper in Coral but too high.
Likes Dawalan in Fred Winter but Katgary a good thing.
Good word for Ericht
Henderson also a good word for Full Shift in the Martin Pipe and he has 3 good chances in the Grand Annual

The Ladbrokes guy likes Vigil in the bumper.
Jess Lambe dark horse, in X Country Diamond Harry. Daryl Jacob rides.
Mottershead puts up Holywell and Third Intention.

Bankers:
Lambe goes Faugheen.
Mottershead Harbour Court.
Henderson: Mullins top trainer ha

[Old Vic]

Alternative Notes from the Centuar via @cheltenhamracer

Good to soft all round announced at Course preview #chelt

Supreme
AP thinks Splash of Ginge is good e/w bet in Supreme with cases made for Western Boy and Wicklow Brave by the panel
Lee Mottershead likes the look of possible mount for AP in Gilgambo. Also making case for Splash of Ginge
Very little in the way of support for Irving. Seems that others are prefered

Arkle
Henderson says no bankers but plenty of chances. Grandouet is talented and has speed and not without a chance in the Arkle
Henderson likes Valdez in Arkle and thinks Alan King has strong hand in Smad Place.
Lee Mottershead all over Rock On Ruby. Whats not to like
If Champagne Fever gets soft lead he will be hard to catch.
AP would ride Champagne Fever if given the choice
Jess also says Champagne Fever cant be given a soft lead and 3 of the 5 panel going with the Mullins runner
You can pick holes in the form but it keeps winning and the one to beat.

Champion Hurdle
He has beaten Irish challengers now its time for MTOY and TNO
MTOY needs a good gallop and not a muddling pace with Captain Cee Bee being a help now in race. Its open race with 5/6 possible champs
Henderson struggles to see Melodic Rendezvous winning with drying ground. He knows nothing come on Melodic. Good horse needed to beat Fly
Thin air was second to Our Connor last year says Jess and has chance while Lee thinks return to stiffer track will help TNO
Tactics will play big part with Ruby and Fly and when to play his cards.
Triumph is ordinary form and TNO is the winner says Lee

Neptune
Faugheen heads strong irish team in Neptune. Lieutenant Colonel may not have the class to beat fav says Jess
Red Sherlock won trial and usefull performer but Lee finds the Mullins Novices complicated and puts a word in for BallyAlton e/w
AP could ride Cup Final in Neptune if runs and liked Red Sherlocks last outing and is the one to beat.
Henderson runs Tolworth winner Royal Boy and must have a chance on Josses Hill form. Cocktails at Dawn needs to improve.
Cup Final is a maiden but we will give it a go but Red Sherlock seems to be the one to beat according to panel

RSA
Lee mentions Ballycasey fall last weekend with Carlingford Lough strong opposition. Also Smad Place is best of home chances
Smad Place has good form and solid.
Struggle to see anything else winning bar Ballycasey Smad Place and Carlingford Lough says AP
Also Ofaolains Boy and Le Bec are not without chances in the RSA says Henderson.
Jess is sweet on Morning Assembly and has a good style
No SS in Queen Mother. Kid Cassidy is not as quick as he thinks he is but Sire De Grugy deserves to be fav but anything could win says AP
Captain Conan is better than shown says Mike and is not without hope. Arvika could struggle and would like to have seen Benefficient line up
This is a very open race says Lee and be a great story if the Moore's win. Form book says no reason why Sire cant win
Henderson says it my be coincidance that Sire de Grugy has been beaten twice at Cheltenham by Captain Conan and Kid Cassidy
Captain Conan working well and is a very talented horse and bullish about its chances and very hopeful

First half completed with strong words for Smad Place, Red Sherlock, Morning Assembly by Jess and Rock on Ruby for Lee

Triumph
Back with the Triumph. Le Rocher has best form of English Challenge. Broughton is classy and will like the ground. Plinth e/w chance
AP also says Guitar Pete is a serious horse

JLT
Tarquin de Seuil should be ok on the drying ground and is a close match to Oscar Whiskey says AP. Wonderfull Charm has been doing things wel
Oscar Whiskey has never had his trip says Henderson but was not himself last year. Wonderfull Charm is the one concern of his oposition
Henderson will be suprised if the winner of JLT comes outside of Wonderfull Charm Oscar Whiskey and Taquin de Seuil
Felix Young will want it softer says Jess. ( OV Comment )
Vulkovar may be a horse for next year says Lee and is siding with Double Ross

Ryanair
Al Ferof is uneasy for the Ryanair and last 2 runs are a concern.
Menorah comes up with the goods but not with huge confidance says Lee
Benefficent has a huge chance with signs pointinv towards him on last years performance. Questions around the field and safe option say Jess
Rajdahani Express not a certain runner in the Ryanair and not sure if going to Byrne Plate at this stage says Henderson in
Dynaste is obvious choice for Ryanair but Hunt Ball will love the ground
AP is strong on First Leiutenant. If he runs he wins. Solid form and best horse in the Ryanair

World Hurdle

World Hurdle was straight forward choice for Annie Power. Fly in CH Quevega in MH and Annie in World Hurdle makes sence with allowance AP asked if Annie Power will stay. He says "she will have to" shes a good mare 10/10 but Big Bucks will improve and hard to beat Atfisherscross had problems and will be grueling test.

Henderson says you cant be disapointed by Big Bucks last time. Horse to beat Atfisherscross is coming back and like him says Henderson.

Lee would like to see Big Bucks win and gives Zarkandar chance on drying ground


Gold Cup

AP saying Bobsworth sprinted up the hill last year and with the course form which is solid finds it hard to knock him
Henderson wishs it was as easy for Bobsworth as AP made it sound. Did not go to Ireland with huge confidence but when head is down he fights
Last 3 weeks have been as good as ever. Schooled well and the ground will be perfect for Bobsworth will the hill being an advantage
Triolo D Alene will run in Gold Cup. Hes young and worked well 10 days ago. This is no prep race for the National
Lee sideing with Bobsworth. Hes not a slow horse and won when hampered last year by S/Conti. Lyreen Legend at a big price e/w
On His Own intresting runner says Jess. He stays and fights and could run into a place
Conti was a suprise faller last year and cant see anything else touching the front two in the market says Ladrokes Mike


Triumph
Back to Triumph as AP had to leave. Le Rocher has run well but concerns over ground. John Quinn may get a winner but poor race says Lee
Guitar Pete has a real chance and is a stayer which will help with the hill says Jess. Kentucky Hyden may struggle with the ground....
But Royal Irish Hussar was impresive early in the year on good ground. Its not a vintage year and John Ferguson has a chance says Henderson
Mike from Ladbrokes could see Broughton go off fav and could fight it out with Calipto

Albert Bartlett
Briar Hill has been given perfect race in Albert Bartlett says Jess.
Kings Palace jumping has been lightening says Lee and cant have BH 2/1
Captain Cutter is forced to go Albert Bartlett route due to the ground. Briar Hill and Kings Palace hard to beat says Henderson
Seems Briar Hill is short enough for the race and could be something coming out the pack says panel. Not banker material


Dark Horses from the panel.....
Henderson - Dawalan in Fred Winter
Jess - Diamond Harry in Cross Country
and Lee - Third Intention

Naps: Henderson -
Mullins top trainer
Jess - Faugeen
Mike Harbour Court in Foxhunters but missed Lees nap
With naps finalised it brings the preview to an end

On a final not. The two horses with the biggest mentions would be Smad Place and Trifolium who will love the drying conditions

Final word from @CheltenhamRaces must go to @AP_McCoy it takes a sporting great to do a preview with more important matters at hand #legend

[mayo]

Cafe En Seine Charity Bets

charity bets;

barry gearaghty - more of that and jezki- 100 e/way double
gordon elliot- on the fringe - 200 win
denis keena- 200 win briar hill
donn mclean- 100 last installment,
kevin o'ryan- 50 e/way tiger roll,
leon blanche- goes €100 Double on Briar Hill and Bobs Worth and & €100 win on Cheltenian -


I have now contributed

Barry
Fair dues to Kevin ORyan