Cheltenham Handicap Shortlists

[archie]

Don't forget that this is a new handicapper this year. Phil Smith was starting to get cute in his old age with instances of horses being left on their Irish mark so that they were less likely to scrape in at the bottom. That said, Shanning was upped 4lb from her Irish mark when entered in the Greatwood recently.

[Quevega]

Don't forget that this is a new handicapper this year. Phil Smith was starting to get cute in his old age with instances of horses being left on their Irish mark so that they were less likely to scrape in at the bottom. That said, Shanning was upped 4lb from her Irish mark when entered in the Greatwood recently.

I was surprised last year how many smith left alone, aside from the pertemps he seemed to leave quite a few chasers especially.
Sire du berlais looks absolute no brainer for pertemps.

[doctorwu]

Not forgetting we have the Punchestown qualifier to come yet. 3 of the last 4 winners have come from that race.

[cwright23]

I wonder if glenloe May fall into this category? The form of his nose defeat to DW now looks fantastic, would he be able to stay under the radar enough to get a decent mark.. and if so what trip is actually his optimum? Did the 3m of the pertemps stretch him up the hill. He is entered over 2m 4f on Saturday be interesting to see if he takes up that engagement.. add in JP seems to already have novice chasers of graded ability already shown.. he could be one to back for the RSA & NHC with a view of cashing out if beaten

[Quevega]

Not forgetting we have the Punchestown qualifier to come yet. 3 of the last 4 winners have come from that race.

Yep on entries day for that one, will be looking out for any Kelly runners and Elliott novices especially. And rathvinden. Issue then will be asking a bookie for a price before the race.

[Quevega]

I wonder if glenloe May fall into this category? The form of his nose defeat to DW now looks fantastic, would he be able to stay under the radar enough to get a decent mark.. and if so what trip is actually his optimum? Did the 3m of the pertemps stretch him up the hill. He is entered over 2m 4f on Saturday be interesting to see if he takes up that engagement.. add in JP seems to already have novice chasers of graded ability already shown.. he could be one to back for the RSA & NHC with a view of cashing out if beaten

he's got to qualify first, or be entered in one

[cwright23]

A good quality 2m 4f novice chas is probably the best race to start him in off your looking for a mark? Is that his optimum trip or does he need even 4m to be at his best? If he wins then you’ll know he’s more than likely graded class but if he’s beat that might of been the plan all along

[JackieMoon33]

Talkischeap - Ultima Handicap (3m)
Highly tried on debut and similarly on his upcoming second start which is also over an inadequate trip. Jumped well on debut and they could be getting him beaten in better company to preserve his mark for a while. Alan King has tended to aim one at the Ultima every season and this could be the one this year. Novices also have a good record in the race and 3 miles should be perfect.

This was the first post in the thread and Talkischeap has a mark of 145 and available at 25/1 with Bet365 (only 14/1 with Sky). La Bague Au Roi And Lostintranslation winning means he was beaten by good horses early in the season.

[The Beast]

Reviewed race couple of times now and Aso jumped beautiful of top weight , great weapon to have around cheltenham , fast and low over fences , definately one for the shortlist comes March.If you watch him after jumping the last he had his ears pricked whole way to the line , sure fire sign he had more to give.

[Hurricane fly]

Aso will probably end up in the mid 160s, I’d think he’s going Ryanair rather than a handicap

[Saxon Warrior]

This was the first post in the thread and Talkischeap has a mark of 145 and available at 25/1 with Bet365 (only 14/1 with Sky). La Bague Au Roi And Lostintranslation winning means he was beaten by good horses early in the season.

I can see Talkischeap going up in the Handicap off the back of his collateral form over Christmas/New Year, by 3-4lbs. This would take him out of the Close Brothers 145 maximum, and into the Ultima reckoning, as his connections think 3miles May suit the horse.

[JackieMoon33]

I can see Talkischeap going up in the Handicap off the back of his collateral form over Christmas/New Year, by 3-4lbs. This would take him out of the Close Brothers 145 maximum, and into the Ultima reckoning, as his connections think 3miles May suit the horse.

I’d only want him in the Ultima as he’d get run off his feet in the Close Brothers.

[Saxon Warrior]

Aso will probably end up in the mid 160s, I’d think he’s going Ryanair rather than a handicap

Agreed Hurricane, ASO won’t run in a a Handicap again, and he would try again in the Ryanair, after his 3rd place two years ago.

[Old Vic]

Do you need three runs to get a novice handicap mark ?

Interest sparked by this

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/44/plumpton/2019-01-06/718228

[Scooby91]

Do you need three runs to get a novice handicap mark ?

Interest sparked by this

https://www.racingpost.com/racecards...9-01-06/718228

To run at Cheltenham you do.

Outside of that ie monbeg notorious/ Presenting percy last year. You can run in handicaps when your alotted a mark.