2013 World Hurdle

[Sefton]

2 Oscars ...but who are the other 6 Spirit River ? Sentry Duty ? Petit Robin?

Barry G's Blog

It nearly all went wrong on my second winner, too, OSCARA DARA

I’d gone looking for a good one at the third-last hurdle flight I didn’t ever look like getting it and he just missed it a little bit.

For that reason I wasn’t of a mind to go sending him into the last and I’d say he just took his eye off it, looked up in the stands both on the approach to the hurdle and on landing.

That lost him concentration and in turn a lot of momentum when he landed and in fairness to the horse, he did extremely well to get it back and win.

I did think that we were beaten the way he came to a near stop but he’s pretty decent over hurdles and might not have the same scope over fences.

I’m not sure how good the race was but he’s got ability and he appreciated the step up to two miles five and I see no reason why he wouldn’t get further.

If he got three miles it would open up another avenue for him.

[Sprinter]

Entries released at 12 ?

[Old Vic]

A new record of 61 entries has been received for the Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle, with record prize money of £275,000, on day three of The Festival, St Patrick’s Thursday, March 14. The previous highest number of entries was 56, while the maximum number of runners is 24.

Big Buck’s, who set a new record by winning the past four renewals, is not among the entries due to injury but his trainer Paul Nicholls has six in the 2013 three-mile hurdling championship headed by Grade One winning chasers Tidal Bay (6/1 with the sponsor) and Kauto Stone (20/1) plus unexposed French import Wonderful Charm (25/1).

Oscar Whisky (7/1) has been in imperious form this season, winning the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle and the Grade Two Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham by an aggregate of 28 lengths. The eight-year-old heads seven entries for trainer Nicky Henderson and could clash with impressive Grade One Long Walk Hurdle victor Reve De Sivola (8/1), trained by Nick Williams, in the Grade Two Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day, Saturday, January 26.

Other notable British-trained entries include Peddlers Cross (10/1) David Pipe’s pair Grands Crus (12/1) and Dynaste (20/1) who have been running in chases, as well as exciting novice hurdler Coneygree (16/1), trained by Mark Bradstock.

The 17 Irish-trained entries are headed by 10 from champion trainer Willie Mullins, whose possible representatives include four-time OLBG Mares’ Hurdle heroine Quevega (the 5/1 favourite with Ladbrokes) and Grade One winners Zaidpour (14/1) and Thousand Stars (14/1). Monksland (8/1), trained by Noel Meade, relished the step up to three miles when a comfortable winner of the Grade Two Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, beating Zaidpour by two and a half lengths. The pair had previously met in the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle over two and a half miles, with Zaidpour coming out on top by the same margin.

Monksland, who has not been out of the first three in seven starts under Rules, is now being prepared for a trip to Cheltenham.
Meade said on Tuesday:

“All is well with him at the moment and the plan is to run Monksland in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. I am just giving him an easy time - a bit of break - and then we will start building him up for Cheltenham. “We were hopeful he would get the three miles at Leopardstown because he was staying on well in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle but maybe the way the race was run suited us. The leader went off at a hell of a gallop and perhaps the favourite followed him sooner than he should have, but Paul (Carberry) was very good on Monksland. “With Big Buck’s out of it, the World Hurdle has opened up. Monskland obviously stays well but he isn’t
a slow horse and has the speed to win over two miles. “The plan is not to run him before Cheltenham and we are hoping there could be a bit more improvement to come from him. We have been purposely easy on him, as he is a very clear winded horse and
doesn’t take a lot of work to get fit. We are hoping by keeping him fresh that we will be able to prolong his longevity.”

Another notable Irish entry is Dermot Weld’s 2010 Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite Of Passage (not quoted by Ladbrokes), who defied a 510-day absence to win Grade Three QIPCO Long Distance Cup, also on the Flat, at Ascot in October. He has won on two of his three starts over hurdles and came third to Peddlers Cross in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at The Festival in 2010.

Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes said: “The absence of the heroic Big Buck's means this year’s race is the most open it has been for years. We’re extremely pleased to see the depth and quality of the entries which suggests this will be a highly-competitive and intriguing renewal of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.”

[Old Vic]

This year’s Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle, one of the highlights of day three of The Festival, St Patrick’s Thursday, March 15, has attracted a record entry of 61.

The latest four renewals of the three-mile contest have been dominated by Big Buck’s but the absence of the Paul Nicholls-trained record-breaking star this year with a tendon injury ensures that there will be a new name on the roll of honour. Nicholls is esponsible for six contenders including 12-year-old Tidal Bay, who recorded a third Grade One success over fences with a thrilling victory in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December. Tidal Bay, who could bid to become the oldest ever winner of the race, captured the Grade Two Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January, 2010, and runs in the Andrea and Graham Wylie silks that were carried to Ladbrokes World Hurdle victory on three occasions by Inglis Drever. Nicholls may also be represented by last season’s William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle fifth Prospect Wells, the 2009 Stan James Champion Hurdle runner-up Celestial Halo, dual Grade One-winning chaser Kauto Stone, easy Chepstow Grade Two scorer Wonderful Charm and classy Flat recruit Aaim To Prosper.

Nicky Henderson has seven contenders headed by last season’s fifth Oscar Whisky, who has posted a pair of emphatic Grade Two wins this season, most recently when beating the Tom George-trained Crack Away Jack in the Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on December 15. A strong challenge from the master of Seven Barrows also features Riverside Theatre, who captured
the Grade One Ryanair Chase at The Festival in 2012, recent Lanzarote Hurdle scorer Oscara Dara and Grade Two winner General Miller. Talented chaser Roberto Goldback, Minella Class and Bear’s Affair complete the Henderson-trained septet.

Willie Mullins is responsible for 10 of the 17 Irish-trained entries. Quevega has captured the four latest renewals of the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at The Festival and also posted a hat-trick of Grade One wins in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown. The superstar mare’s owners have also engaged last year’s fourth Thousand Stars, who annexed a third Grade One in June with victory in the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil. The long-absent Fiveforthree won the Neptune Investement Management Novices’ Hurdle in 2008, while Zaidpour defeated the Noel Meade-trained Monksland in the Grade One Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. Back In Focus, a Grade One winner over fences this term, Make Your Mark, Marasonnien, Midnight Game, Prince Du Beauchene and So Young could also represent Mullins.

Bog Warrior landed the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase last season but the Tony Martin-trained nine-year-old has been impressive over the smaller obstacles on his two latest starts, most recently when easily dispatching of the Charles Byrnes-trained Solwhit at Punchestown on December 31. Dermot Weld has entered Rite Of Passage, who finished third at The Festival in both the Weatherbys
Champion Bumper in 2009 and the Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle 12 months later. The nine-year-old has subsequently proven himself to be an exceptional stayer on the Flat with victories in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2010 and the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at the same course in October after a long absence. The Irish challenge is completed by the Robbie Hennessy-trained Mossley, second to Bobs Worth in the 2011 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle when in the care of Nicky Henderson, Won In The Dark, representing Sabrina Harty and Whatuthink, from the stable of Oliver McKiernan.

David Pipe has given entries to the 2009 runner-up Grands Crus and Dynaste, who was eighth behind Big Buck’s last year. Both horses have subsequently gone on to Grade One glory over fences, with scintillating victories in the past two renewals of the Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton.

Peddlers Cross, winner of the Neptune Investment Novices’ Hurdle in 2010 and runner-up in the Stan James Champion Hurdle in 2011, also proved himself to be a talented chaser last term but looks set to return to the smaller obstacle after disappointing in the Jewson Novices’ Chase at The Festival last year. His trainer Donald McCain could also run Hollow Tree and Any Given Day.

The Nick Williams-trained Reve De Sivola was second to Big Buck’s at Newbury on December 1 and subsequently posted an impressive victory over Smad Place, one of four entries from Alan King, and the Tim Easterby-trained Trustan Times in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 22. Other contenders include Get Me Out Of Here, who has been second on all three of his starts at The Festival for Jonjo O’Neill, plus exciting novices Coneygree, who is trained by Mark Bradstock, and the John
Ferguson-trained Whispering Gallery, who beat Bergo (Gary Moore) in a Group Three Flat contest at Meydan, Dubai, last year.

[Old Vic]

Entries..

2 AAIM TO PROSPER (IRE) 9 CGA Racing Partnership 2 Paul Nicholls
3P2-100 AMERICAN SPIN 9 G Collacott & R Gadd Luke Dace
240/14-0 ANY GIVEN DAY (IRE) 8 Tim Leslie Donald McCain
111-P33 ATTAGLANCE 7 H Young, G Eifert, R Snyder Malcolm Jefferson
42/241-3 AVOCA PROMISE (IRE) 8 Bailey-Carvill Equine Charles Egerton
10/-2111 BACK IN FOCUS (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE
4U21-16 BEAR'S AFFAIR (IRE) 7 G B Barlow Nicky Henderson
F2/5215/- BENSALEM (IRE) 10 Alan Marsh & John Duggan Alan King
11/1114//- BERGO (GER) 10 Gary Moore Gary Moore
F13-F11 BOG WARRIOR (IRE) 9 Gigginstown House Stud Tony Martin IRE
411-051 CAPE TRIBULATION 9 David Abell Malcolm Jefferson
131120- CELESTIAL HALO (IRE) 9 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
3122-24 CHAMPION COURT (IRE) 8 Martin Boothright Martin Keighley
524536- CLOUDY SPIRIT 8 Norma Harris Reg Hollinshead
10-111 CONEYGREE 6 The Max Partnership Mark Bradstock
50P2-22 CRACK AWAY JACK 9 GDM Partnership Tom George
20-0026 CROSS KENNON (IRE) 9 P And Mrs G A Clarke Jennie Candlish
2511-20 DUKE OF LUCCA (IRE) 8 Lesley Field Philip Hobbs
420-111 DYNASTE (FR) 7 A J White David Pipe
345-341 FAIR ALONG (GER) 11 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
/12/1/10/- FIVEFORTHREE (IRE) 11 Olde Crowbars Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
2U14/0/2- GENERAL MILLER 8 Henry Ponsonby Nicky Henderson
221-14P GET ME OUT OF HERE (IRE) 9 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
3-51P36 GOLDEN CHIEFTAIN (IRE) 8 Brocade Racing Colin Tizzard
1114-P3 GRANDS CRUS (FR) 8 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds III David Pipe
130-240 HOLLOW TREE 5 Brannon Dick Holden Donald McCain
20F0-1P KAUTO STONE (FR) 7 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls
1122-13 KENTFORD GREY LADY 7 Ian Bare Emma Lavelle
41-5564 LOVCEN (GER) 8 The Barbury Apes Alan King
1130- MAKE YOUR MARK (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE
2121-22 MARASONNIEN (FR) 7 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
064-112 MIDNIGHT GAME 6 Gigginstown House Stud Willie Mullins IRE
UPP-1F3 MINELLA CLASS (IRE) 8 Deal George Kelvin-Hughes Nicolson Nicky Henderson
113-121 MONKSLAND (IRE) 6 Patricia Hunt Noel Meade IRE
2PP-015 MOSSLEY (IRE) 7 Bill Hennessy Robbie Hennessy IRE
1(1)51-11 OSCAR WHISKY (IRE) 8 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Nicky Henderson
2/141-21 OSCARA DARA (IRE) 8 BG Racing Partnership Nicky Henderson
20/1120- PEDDLERS CROSS (IRE) 8 Tim Leslie Donald McCain
351/51-1 PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 10 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE
453-204 PROSPECT WELLS (FR) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Paul Nicholls
11/1/111- QUEVEGA (FR) 9 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
01F11P RED NOT BLUE (IRE) 10 The Plum Merchants Simon Earle
4053-21 REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) 8 Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership Nick Williams
13/4113//- RITE OF PASSAGE 9 Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE
21/11P-6 RIVERSIDE THEATRE 9 Jimmy Nesbitt Partnership Nicky Henderson
000-1U3 ROBERTO GOLDBACK (IRE) 11 Simon Munir Nicky Henderson
12632- SADLER'S RISK (IRE) 5 Roger Brookhouse Philip Hobbs
123U-32 SMAD PLACE (FR) 6 Mrs Peter Andrews Alan King
306/1//1-0 SNAP TIE (IRE) 11 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs
1110-43 SO YOUNG (FR) 7 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins IRE
264-16P SOLIX (FR) 7 Paul Vogt Ian Williams
2/1222/-2 SOLWHIT (FR) 9 Top Of The Hill Syndicate Charles Byrnes IRE
23-1143 THOUSAND STARS (FR) 9 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE
541-121 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 12 Andrea & Graham Wylie Paul Nicholls
236-113 TRUSTAN TIMES (IRE) 7 Mrs M E Armitage & Peter Armitage Tim Easterby
345P-22 WALKON (FR) 8 McNeill Family Alan King
005134 WHATUTHINK (IRE) 11 Redgap Partnership Oliver McKiernan IRE
1 WHISPERING GALLERY 7 Bloomfields John Ferguson
3B-1020 WON IN THE DARK (IRE) 9 Gerard Crehan Sabrina Harty IRE
42512-1 WONDERFUL CHARM (FR) 5 Robin Geffen Paul Nicholls
02-2512 ZAIDPOUR (FR) 7 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE
61 entries

17 Irish-trained
Latest prices from Ladbrokes: 5/1 Quevega; 6/1 Tidal Bay; 7/1 Oscar Whisky; 8/1 Monksland, Reve de Sivola; 10/1 Peddlers Cross; 12/1 Get Me Out of Here, Grands Crus; 14/1 Bog Warrior, Thousand Stars, Zaidpour; 16/1 Coneygree, Oscara Dara; 20/1 Cape Tribulation, Dynaste, Kauto Stone, Riverside Theatre, Smad Place; 25/1 Wonderful Charm; 33/1 Attaglance, Back In Focus, Bear's Affair, Crack Away Jack, Fiveforthree, Kentford Grey Lady, Solwhit, So Young, Trustan Times; 40/1 Bensalem, Champion Court, Fair Along, Make Your Mark, Prince de Beauchen; 50/1 Aaim To Prosper, Any Given Day, Bergo, Celestial Halo, Lovcen, Marasonnien, Midnight Game, Prospect Wells, Sadler's Risk, Snap Tie, Walkon, Whispering Gallery; 66/1 Cross Kennon, Duke of Lucca, General Miller, Roberto Goldback, 100/1 American Spin, Hollow Tree, Minella Class, Solix, Whatuthink; 150/1 Avoca Promise, Cloudy Spirit, Golden Chieftain, Mossley, Red Not Blue, Won In The Dark (Rite Of Passage is not quoted) Each Way 1/4 1-2-3

[johnno]

Sporting life Horse by Horse and my comments

Aaim To Prosper
It seems a little unfair to knock a dual Cesarewitch winner but he's like an ageing rugby league player switching to union, with a whole new set of skills to learn. Did okay on his hurdling bow at Newbury over an inadequate trip but this is surely aaiming too high.

Agreed

American Spin
Ran a huge race in a handicap hurdle at Aintree before winning at Haydock but that's about as good as it gets. No idea how good the American spin doctors are but even Malcolm Tucker would have his work cut out building a case for this fellow.

Never heard of him

Any Given Day
Finished seventh 12 months ago at 66/1 - need I say more?

Oscar W was 5th ..ew ?

Attaglance
A glance is all you really need to dismiss the claims of Malcolm Jefferson's on this season's efforts over fences but he was progressive over timber at the end of last season. Worth a second look if he can prove his wellbeing.

dont know the horse

Avoca Promise
Definitely has ability and is probably capable of proving better than his current handicap mark but a World Hurdle success for this eight-year-old would prove a bigger surprise than when his trainer admirably completed the London Marathon.

?

Back In Focus
Mud, mud, glorious mud - that's what this fellow needs to have any chance of picking up this prize. The drainage at Cheltenham is against him but if there's any season in which he will stand a chance of success in Gloucestershire it must be this one. Let it rain.

Chasing surely?

Bear's Affair
Dotted up in an Aintree handicap before coming unstuck in the Lanzarote or rather stuck as the conditions at Kempton appeared to be his undoing. Better than the bare form, should stay three miles and is on the upgrade.

handicapper

Bensalem
Oh Bensalem, Bensalem, you broke my heart and my Festival both when falling in 2010 and when winning in 2011. Are there some horses you can never get right? The last World Hurdle winner aged older than nine was Crimson Embers in 1986 and that's all that will be left of my betting slip if Alan King's fragile but talented charge is crowned in March.


Need to see him again

Bergo
Not as popular as Overturn but he should be. A winner on the Flat, over hurdles and fences, he's taken his connections to Plumpton and Meydan and why should the journey stop there? No chance of winning though.


Bog Warrior
Tony Martin runners in Britain used to be feared by bookmakers and adored by punters but just five winners in as many years from over 100 attempts has turned that on its head. This chap is good though, very good. Will he stay? Will he act on quicker ground? What else do the Gigginstown House Stud have in this division? If only I knew the answers.

Cant write him off

Cape Tribulation
Time to pay tribute Malcolm Jefferson again who saddled this son of Hernando and Attaglance to win at both Cheltenham and Aintree last season. What a feat. He'll have to surpass that to return to the winner's enclosure with this one though.

National ?

Celestial Halo
One of life's water carriers who just keeps on plugging away at the coalface. Did you know he'd never run over three miles? Seems extraordinary as you'd think he'd be tailormade for it. Likely to give his all but his best days are behind him and he'll need divine intervention to win this prize.

i wouldnt be that dismissive. Big Bucks colours to win

Champion Court
Talented chaser whose jumping is a joy to behold. Connections appear convinced that he'll stay three miles and seem determined to keep running him over the trip until proved right. Surely they'll relent and run him in the Ryanair.

Cloudy Spirit
A valiant sixth in the David Nicholson last March when the form book tells me she was just five and a half lengths behind Quevega... surely that flatters her?

Coneygree
One defeat in five starts and an exciting novice who is a full-brother to the popular Carruthers and is said to have more scope. He has room for plenty of progress with time on his side but a second look at the races he's won so far suggest we shouldn't get carried away just yet.

Crack Away Jack
Badly lost his way after injury but he's back on the right road and has run some stormers for his current connections, travelling well, looking every inch the class act... before finding less than expected. At least expectations shouldn't be an issue in March.

Cross Kennon
Wonderful to see him back to form after a spell in the doldrums when making the unexposed Goulanes pull out all the stops at Cheltenham in November. Let that memory keep you warm in March as he struggles to better last year's seventh.

Duke Of Lucca
Five of his six wins have been achieved in single figure fields, surely the Queen Mother Champion Chase would have been a better bet?

Dynaste
How angry would you be if David Pipe's grey won the World Hurdle after you'd snapped up all the tasty prices about the RSA Chase favourite? It's always good to have a Plan B just in case and this exciting grey has a point to prove in this race having failed to run up to form last season.

Chasing

Fair Along
Describing this terrier-like competitor as a journeyman seems a little harsh with the negative connotations of that word but it's meant as a compliment. Seems to have been around for ever and has been placed in an Arkle and a Champion Chase - don't expect him to add a World Hurdle to that list.


Agreed


Fiveforthree
Both he and Venalmar looked hugely exciting prospects when finishing first and second in the then Ballymore Properties at the 2008 Festival but both have struggled with injuries. What might have been?



General Miller
Good enough to beat Menorah in April 2010 but has raced just three times since. Not for you? No, nor me.

[johnno]

Get Me Out Of Here
If there is a Sporting God out there (which there isn't) then surely he has to win. Second beaten a head in the Supreme, by a nose in the County and three and a half lengths in the Coral Cup. Maybe best backed to finish second again.

Ew Chance

Golden Chieftain
Ran below (my) expectations in a three mile handicap chase at Kempton last Saturday so has his work cut out to get a positive review. Has a mountain to climb on the form book too.

Grands Crus
His run in the King George VI (his first after a breathing op) divided opinion and I'm sitting firmly on the fence; the view is better from up there. Connections must be tempted to go down this route but the bookmakers are unlikely to take any chances with him given his popularity.


I think they might run him...


Hollow Tree
Has long looked as though a step up to three miles would suit and didn't shape too badly in a Pertemps qualifier at Warwick on Saturday but would be more at home in the final of that race than the World Hurdle.

Kauto Stone
His form tailed off after a promising start last season and, after winning at Down Royal, he pulled up in the King George VI. Deja vu anyone? Yet to race over hurdles in this country and some doubts remain about his stamina despite that success in Northern Ireland.

Nicholls respected

Kentford Grey Lady
Second to Quevega in the David Nicholson 12 months ago and has run at least as well in both starts this season. If Quevega's connections reckon it's better to win a Cheltenham Festival race every season than risk losing all in the World, is it also better to finish second?



Lovcen
Pitched into the deep end for his first chase start and then flopped when turned out shortly afterwards. Tough to bounce back from that and produce a career-best effort, which is what would be required.

Make Your Mark
Answered one of my earlier questions in that he's also owned by Gigginstown House Stud. Otherwise poses more questions than answers having not been sighted since being beaten out of sight behind Simonsig in the Neptune. Should relish the step up to three miles as and when he returns to action.

Marasonnien
Won a heavy ground Grade One over three miles as a novice and looked in need of a step back up in trip when improving on his chase debut last time. His entry has the look of a safety net in case chasing doesn't work out.

Midnight Game
Disappointed in the spring festivals but his form is pretty solid otherwise although it's almost all at around the minimum. Open minded about his ability to stay another mile and he piques my interest.

Minella Class
Started last season brightly before losing his way and this season looks to be going down the same path. Needs more than a GPS to help him get back on track.

Monksland
Not without a prayer having appreciated the step up in trip to lower the colours of dubious stayer Zaidpour at Leopardstown. Should have more to offer, particularly back on a better surface, and ran well at last year's Festival. Short-listed.

Mossley
Sold out of Nicky Henderson's yard after a disappointing end to last season. Made a good start for his new team when winning on the second attempt but flopped last time. I was going to dismiss him but he did beat all bar Bob's Worth in the Albert Bartlett of 2011; he couldn't, could he?

Oscar Whisky
Does he stay or doesn't he? For those who thought last year's World Hurdle was conclusive proof, Nicky Henderson has given them food for thought by suggesting that wasn't his true form. He should stay but he travels almost too well unlike Baracouda, Inglis Drever and the sorely missed Big Buck's - if only he'd learn to drop the bit and make his jockey work. Weather permitting, the Cleeve Hurdle will tell us whether he's the one to beat.

Oscara Dara
Improved massively for the step-up to two and a half miles in the Lanzarote on his handicap bow. Lightly raced and open to further improvement but I didn't back him last weekend and I won't be backing him in March. Bah humbug.

Peddlers Cross
How the mighty have fallen. The world was his oyster when he made the brilliant Hurricane Fly pull out all the stops in the Champion Hurdle but the wheels came off last season. Can the Dapper Don get him back with a spanking new set of tyres? His long absence suggests he's struggling.

Prince De Beauchene
Earmarked for the Grand National so wherever he's lining up in March, he's likely to be having a prep race for Aintree.

Prospect Wells
Paul Nicholls talked him up before the Long Walk Hurdle and it would be unfair to judge his prospects of developing into a top-stayer on that outing alone. Has yet to impress with his hurdling though and just doesn't capture the imagination.

Quevega
Connections have suggested that they'll be attempting to win a fifth David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle in two months time. If there was a referendum she'd be lining up in the World Hurdle and this entry has left the door ajar. It's time to start an online petition and try and kick it open - come on Willie, do it in the name of sport.

Red Not Blue
From Red To Blue is a song on Billy Bragg's fifth album William Bloke. Has as much chance of winning as there is of the legendary songsmith opening the next Conservative Party Conference.

Reve De Sivola
Relished the testing ground at Ascot to win the Long Walk Hurdle but handles quicker ground too and acts at Cheltenham. Take his chase form out of the equation and there's an awful lot to like - must be towards the top of the list.

Rite Of Passage
Last seen winning on British Champions' Day at Ascot having already lifted the Group One Gold Cup at the Berkshire venue. Will connections risk sending him back over hurdles? Let's hope they do as this nine-year-old would be a fascinating player if conditions were to dry out over the coming weeks.

Riverside Theatre
Recorded an unbelievable victory in a thrilling renewal of the Ryanair last March and a repeat victory is surely at the top of the agenda after his flop in the King George. Hasn't run over hurdles since 2009.

Roberto Goldback
Made a stunning start for his new connections at Ascot in November but the handicapper took a dim view of that success and brought an end to their fun with a punitive 12lb rise. No chance of winning but was bought as a Saturday horse and will continue to fulfil that role admirably.

Sadler's Risk
Well fancied for the Triumph Hurdle last season, but seemingly no excuses in his sixth and also comfortably held behind Grumeti at Aintree subsequently. Not seen so far this season, but could return in Newbury's Betfair Hurdle and also entered in the Champion Hurdle. Interesting, but a huge amount to prove.

Smad Place
Not beaten far when third in this race 12 months ago and has neither Big Buck's nor Voler la Vedette to worry about this time. However he looked a bit flat when easily held by Reve De Sivola last time out and seems not to be performing at his best this season. Might better ground help?

Snap Tie
Popular old chap forced out of the last two Festivals at the eleventh hour but came back from an absence of two and a half years to win at the Punchestown Festival in April. Didn't run well on his only start this season and completely untried at anything like this trip. I can't see it myself.

So Young
Lacking miles on the clock but comfortably held all starts at the highest level, including in this race 12 months ago. No match for Zaidpour and Monksland already this season and hard to immediately see why he should reverse the placings.

Solix
Fair novice chaser for Nicky Henderson last season who scored first time out over hurdles in France for new connections but well beaten twice since. New stable may be in better form by the time Cheltenham comes around, but even so he can't be fancied.

Solwhit
Returned from nearly two years off when a fair second to Bog Warrior last month. That was a long way short of his best form and he has never even tried three miles before, but his old form was undoubtedly classy and it's not impossible that he could figure here if connections are brave enough to try moving up in trip.

Thousand Stars
No match for Hurricane Fly (yet again - the poor horse must be sick of the sight of his stable-companion) over Christmas at Leopardstown but rallied quite takingly to dispute second having jumped the last adrift in fourth. Yet to race over further than two and a half miles (like so many of these) but keeps shaping as if this trip might not be a problem.

Tidal Bay
Enigmatic veteran who has found a new lease of life under Paul Nicholls, running a fine race in the Hennessy before taking the Lexus Chase over Christmas. Needs holding onto and delivering as late as possible but not far off the best of these on his day. Well-held seventh in this back in 2010 but certainly a better horse now and a big player should his trainer choose this rather than the Gold Cup.

Trustan Times
Rapid improver during the first half of the season but no match for Reve de Sivola nor Smad Place when stepped up in grade last time no obvious reason to expect him to get much closer here.

Walkon
Grade One-winning hurdler whose last start over timber came in the 2011 Coral Cup, when held in seventh behind Carlito Brigante. Returned to action in good heart this season and a shade unfortunate to bump into well-treated rivals in a pair of Cheltenham handicap chases, but regardless doesn't look up to this standard and yet to prove he stays. Like the football side whose name springs to mind at the sound of his, may fall short of beating the very best.

Whatuthink
Likeable veteran who enjoys making the running, and did so effectively when winning in Grade Two company at Navan last November. Ran another cracker from the front when fourth behind Monksland last time but this trip stretches him and nothing in the form book says he's good enough. I think not.

[johnno]

Won In The Dark
Dual Grade One winner but close to five years have passed since the most recent of those and time waits for neither man nor beast - just ask my barber. Would be a player on his fine third to Big Buck's at Aintree in 2011 but hasn't reproduced that level of form since and has done all his winning over shorter.

Wonderful Charm
One of just three five-year-olds among the entries and won the Persian War on his first start for Paul Nicholls. That performance bodes well for his future which will lie over this sort of distance, but this is an altogether different task to that which he faced at Chepstow and it's probably one he'll skip.

Zaidpour
Gained a first Grade One win in the Hatton's Grace but was beaten fair and square by Monksland when stepped up to this trip on his next start. Potential for further improvement remains but so does a doubt about his stamina despite a previous victory over three miles, one which came in a slowly-run affair. Good ground may well help on that front but Mr Mullins has better options. Hint.

[Sefton]

Timeform preview

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Timeform's National Hunt team wisely took the decision to remove the squiggle from Tidal Bay after his Lexus win, just as the campaign was threatening to reach 'free Deirdrie' proportions, and the reformed bad-boy of jump racing would be a fascinating contender if connections opt to revert to hurdles. However, at the time of writing, the Gold Cup remains a viable alternative and ante-post betting is tricky enough without selecting a horse that appears no more than 50-50 to be targeted at the race. Similar sentiments apply to Quevega, who Willie Mullins has stated will attempt to claim a fifth Mares' Hurdle crown on the opening day of the Festival. Clearly plans change and it wouldn't be the greatest shock were Quevega's connections to take the bold move and go for the World Hurdle, but it is hard to entertain backing her as an ante-post investment as things stand.

The Cleeve Hurdle, which takes place on Cheltenham Trials Day over the same C&D as the main event in March, looks set to provide some much needed clues. Oscar Whisky, who patently looked as if he didn't stay the trip in the World Hurdle, will reportedly be given another chance to prove his staying credentials. Initially, this top-class and consistent performer appealed as a back-to-lay proposition as I felt he could perhaps win a poorly-contested trial, beating inferior rivals, without fully needing to stay. However, the Cleeve looks as if it could be a hot race this year with Reve de Sivola a likely runner, not to mention Tidal Bay and Smad Place as possible contenders, and the ante-post dream on Oscar Whisky could be short-lived should he tire up the hill again and be rerouted to the Champion.

Reve de Sivola is the solid horse towards the head of the market, having delivered on his promising novice hurdling campaign three seasons ago with a devastating victory in the Long Walk Hurdle, beating last year's World Hurdle third, Smad Place, by 14 lengths. However, the fancy prices on Nick Williams' horse have evaporated in the past fortnight and he no longer looks to be tremendous value, particularly if you take the view that he was flattered in the Long Walk, benefitting from a well-judged and aggressive ride.*

Conversely, Smad Place wasn't seen to maximum effect at Ascot, travelling well in the rear and briefly looking dangerous before finding himself unable to sustain the effort. That run signalled a step in the right direction, though, considering his tame reappearance only seven weeks earlier, and, while many horses fail to appreciate the severe test of the World Hurdle, Smad Place's stamina looks assured having seen out the trip thoroughly last year. Neither Big Buck's or Voler la Vedette stand in his way this year and it isn't difficult to make a case for Alan King's charge at a generous price of 21.0 in what looks to be a weaker renewal.

Adding further intrigue to this year's race is a strong Irish challenge, headed by Noel Meade's Monksland. Third in the Neptune behind Simonsig, Monksland seemed to relish the step up to three miles at Leopardstown, finding plenty for pressure to overhaul Zaidpour and reverse the Hatton's Grace form. He displayed a good attitude on that occasion and certainly deserves consideration, though whether he is entitled to be four times as short as Zaidpour is highly debateable.*

Always well regarded by Willie Mullins, Zaidpour burst onto the scene three seasons ago with an impressive victory at Punchestown and, though he has come up short in some top events, he is a high-class, versatile horse that shouldn't be underestimated. One point worth mentioning is the perceived notion that he is more effective going right-handed, and statistically, yes, there are more 1s next to his name racing clockwise. However, when the only times you race left-handed are in Graded affairs at premier venues such as Cheltenham and Leopardstown your strike-rate is going to suffer, and on Timeform ratings Zaidpour's Tara Hurdle win at Navan last season ranks just 2 lb below his best ever performance. He may offer a spot of value at 36.0, but those odds looks so generous they might inidcate he is not a certain starter.

To summarise, Ruby Walsh could once again hold the key to the World Hurdle should Tidal Bay or Quevega turn up, and either of them would more than likely start as favourite to give him his fifth successive win in the race. However, both horses could potentially run elsewhere, throwing the ante-post market wide open and making it of interest to punters, and the play at this stage could be to side with a likely starter at a big price. Smad Place has proven himself to be effective over C&D and a repeat of last year's effort would see him right in the firing line. He hasn't been able to replicate that effort so far this term, but his latest run was encouraging and he is overpriced at 21.0.*

Recommendation:

Back Smad Place @ 21.0 in the World Hurdle

[mayo]

This race should sort a few of the Irish one out ..

(2:20) 16C John Mulhern Galmoy H'dle (Grade 2)
€26,000.00 ( 3m - 5yo+ )[MAX 20]
NHFrm
2512- 1 Zaidpour (FR)(158) (WPMullins) - . .... 11,10
1581- 2 Bishopsfurze(138) (WPMullins) - . ..... 11,06
3f11- 3 Bog Warrior(156) (AJMartin) - . ......... 11,06
011-6 4 Come To The Party(131) (EDoyle) - . 11,06
1943- 5 So Young (FR)(153) (WPMullins) - . .. 11,06
b0u6- 6 Chicago Grey(140) (GElliott) - . ......... 11,03
366-4 7 Fully Funded (USA)(135) (NMeade) .............. 11,03
p2p4- 8 Ipsos Du Berlais (FR)(138) (NMeade) - . ................ 11,03
p767- 9 Letter Of Credit(120) (JJMangan) - . . 11,03
5-11- 10 Prince De Beauchene (FR) WPMullins) - . ............. 11,03
2136- 11 Shakervilz (FR)(141) (WPMullins) - . . 11,03
250-1 12 Si C'Etait Vrai (FR)(137) (DTHughes) .. 11,03
p21f- 13 Un Beau Matin(136) (GElliott) - . ........ 10,13
314-7 14 Dante Anna(101) (RO'Connor) - . ....... 10,10

[mayo]

Winningpost site blog


Cheltenham Ante Post – World*Hurdle
Posted on January 14, 2013
World Hurdle – Reve De Sivola 2pts EW @ 8/1 (generally)

Having looked through the entries for the season’s premier staying hurdle it’s hard to ignore the chances of Reve De Sivola. He made his return to action in December after 350 days off the track in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle (soft) where he stayed on strongly to take 2nd behind the mighty Big Buck’s, before taking advantage of the champion’s absence 3 weeks later in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot (heavy). He tracked the early pace setter before taking up the running and pouring it on from the front, jumping superbly throughout, then powering clear up the home straight to win by 14 lengths from the well backed favourite Smad Place. Despite these recent efforts coming on testing ground he has also won twice on good (a Grade 1 Novice Hurdle at Punchestown over 2m4 and a Grade 2 Novice Chase over 2m5 at Cheltenham). His form in hurdles over 2m4 and beyond reads 1212121, all of these being Grade 1s or Grade 2s and the only 3 horses to beat him are Tell Massini (unbeaten at the time), Peddlers Cross in the Neptune at Cheltenham (unbeaten at the time, subsequent winner of the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth and runner-up in the Champion Hurdle) and of course the greatest staying hurdler of all time Big Buck’s. Reve De Sivola is clearly a top class hurdler (and has solid enough chase form at a high level), he’s proven he’s a strong stayer at the trip, he’s won and placed at Cheltenham previously, handles any going conditions, is tactically versatile and his jumping this year appears better than ever.

There are also question marks over most of his potential opponents:-

Quevega – would be a worthy favourite if aimed at this race but it’s been confirmed she’ll go for the Mares’ race on day 1 and we think it’s highly unlikely she’ll run twice in 3 days given she normally only races twice a year
Oscar Whisky – top class horse but he appeared not to stay the trip in this race last year despite seemingly cruising rounding the home turn. His trainer Nicky Henderson, however, feels differently and thinks he wasn’t right in that race and wants to try again over 3 miles in the Cleeve Hurdle over c/d at the end of the month. If he wins then he’s a serious contender but will be no value and if he’s beaten he won’t run in this
Tidal Bay – entitled to plenty of respect if he lines up but he may run instead in the Gold Cup, particularly if the ground is soft. If not it’s not he may run in this but given that he seems to be better on testing ground*he is certainly opposable at 8/1 from an ante post perspective
Monksland – the one who we think poses the biggest threat to the selection at the present time as he’s recently won a Grade 2 over 3 miles in Ireland (soft) and was placed in the Neptune here over 2m5 last season on good ground behind the impressive Simonsig. Possibly at his best on a softer surface, he*is open to further progress but hasn’t achieved as much to date as Reve De Sivola yet he’s the same price
Peddlers Cross – top class hurdler in his prime, winner of the 2m5 Neptune here (nearly 2 lengths in front of Reve De Sivola) as well a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree and unbeaten over hurdles until 2nd to Hurricane Fly in the 2011 Champion Hurdle. Things didn’t go to plan over fences last season and he reverts to hurdles now with something to prove. He’s untried at 3 miles (should stay on pedigree) but has reportedly been slow to come to hand this season and, combined with last season’s injury problems and loss of form, he has plenty to prove in terms of wellbeing at his current price of 10/1
Grands Crus – former runner-up in this and winner of the Cleeve Hurdle but more likely to run in the Gold Cup

All in all there are enough doubts over the majority of his opponents to suggest that, should Reve De Sivola run to his true ability, he has a fantastic chance and it’s hard to see him outside the top 3. Even though the 12/1 has gone we still think 8/1 represents decent value.

[mayo]

Bog Warrior

Russell told At The Races: "He did what we thought he'd do. He was a bit in-and-out with his jumping over fences but he's a much easier horse to ride now.

"He retains all his ability and he's just a high-class horse really. He has such a huge stride it is pointless trying to control that and it's very hard to know how fast you are going when you are in front, and when he meets a hurdle right he jumps very well.

"Obviously the World Hurdle is an option, the others are the Ryanair and the Gold Cup. He does jump very well but at that sort of level his jumping might suffer in the hustle and bustle.

"With Big Buck's out everyone is tempted by the World Hurdle and there's no doubt he's good enough. Cheltenham good ground is very safe and that is probably the place to try it."

Martin added: "He's a very good horse. It was his first time at three miles but I was confident enough he would get it. He gets any trip and has a bit of class.

"I wanted to get today out of the way and things are in the balance as regards Cheltenham. The lads (Gigginstown) have so many horses so we'll see how things pan out.

"He jumped his hurdles a bit big the last day but came down today and he's there as a hurdler or a chaser when we want him.

"I shouldn't have run him after he fell at Naas last year and he wasn't fully ready when he fell up the north (Down Royal) but it's easy to be wise after the event.

"The World Hurdle could maybe be a bit too good for him but the ground is also all important and I wouldn't like to see him run on ground too fast."

[mayo]

Cracking write up from @richyshea


A horse by horse dissect of their chances.

Oscar Whisky – Now this guy divides opinion!! He stays 3miles, but does he stay it well enough to win a world hurdle. I think so, many others do too but just as many don’t. Ignoring last years world hurdle run, may be unwise but anyhow, in the cleeve he just didn’t have the stamina in the finish to go past Reve de Sivola. He won’t be racing for as long in the world (Cleeve took 6m32s, 2012 World took 5m44s), due to the better ground the race will take much less time to run, as a consequence it won’t be as stamina sapping. Many argue that since it’s a championship race it’ll be run at harder/faster pace and as such if he couldn’t win a slowly run Cleeve he won’t win a harder World but I’m not so sure. Knockara Beau made the pace in the Cleeve, he may not run in the world. Monksland will be held up, Tidal Bay and Solwhit too. Bog warrior may be prominent but won’t be forcing it early. The World hurdle may not be as strongly run as people magine and if Barry rides Oscar prominently, trusts he’ll get home and kicks before the last he’ll have too much pace for Reve de Sivola.

Quevega – will win the mares race on Tuesday. I doubt she’ll run twice as Punchestown G1 is valuable but it will be tempting because the mares race will take so little out of her. I have had a few euro at fancy prices on betfair which I’m happy to lose as if she turns up she’ll be 4/1 max probably closer to 2/1.

Reve de Sivola – Reve is at the top of this antepost market on the back of two runs on heavy ground both taking over 6 and 1/2 minutes, thats not a similar test to the world hurdle. I suggest he may not be quick enough. No doubt on heavy ground he is a bloody good 3m hurdler but this is an altogether different test. Aside from the fact I’d expect Oscar to finish ahead of him, the overall form of the Cleeve doesn’t scream world hurdle winner. Kentford grey lady and Knockara Beau weren’t beaten very far. The Long Walk was a shocking grade 1 where only one horse handled conditions and he got the run of the race.

Solwhit – the choice of Tom Segal in the racingpost last week, a classy hurdler stepping up to an unknown trip. Really strong travelling sort I’m not convinced he’ll last home but if he does there won’t be many in front of him. He has stayed 2m4f over hurdles and 2m on the flat to a decent level so he’ll at least get to the bottom of the hill travelling well. Back to lay prospect. If he stays is he good enough? Well he beat So Young & Watuthnk everybit as far as Monksland did this year. No other horse in the field (bar maybe Oscar W & Quevega) would’ve been as competitive as Solwhit over 2m against the like of The Fly and Voler.

Tidal Bay – may go Gold cup route yet but most likely come here as Nicholls has S Conti and Ruby will probably be available here. He would need plenty of cut to stay up with the pace, it’s extended trips he is excelling at these days not the bare 3m. Watch the Lexus again, he was so tapped for toe about 3out he won’t know which way the like of Solwhit and Oscar Wh are gone.

Bog Warrior – As his name suggests definitely wants plenty of cut. Very risky antepost bet. Connections do sponsor the Ryanair and are all about winning the G1 chases not hurdles so he could step up for that yet. The form of the Galmoy beating Zaidpour is as good as Monksland. If there was some rain during the festival this lad will have to go off 6 or 7/1 but I wouldn’t be too pushed about taking 10s currently.

Getmeoutofhere – not a certain stayer / runner. All his best form is over 2m or 2m4. Also is 9 and career high mark is 155 so imagine there will be a few better than him but his festival record is fantastic. Would happily back him for a coral cup off top weight.

Peddlers *Cross– Last time he was on track he was very poor, feeling his best is behind him, awful lot to prove. Last year his jumping wasn’t that bad it was his ability to run a good race that let him down. Couldn’t back him without seeing more.

Monksland*– One of the definite runners (doubts over Oscar Wh, Tidal B, Quevega, Bog War), stays 3m, has pace to win over 2m, in good form and will cope with soft but better on good ground. Hard to see him unplaced to be honest. 6/1 is plenty short though, wouldnt be rushing to take it (I’m on at silly prices so easy for me to say that). Is he good enough to win, not sure. If he wasn’t badly hampered last year he’d still have been well beat by Simonsig. He made up no ground on Felix Yonger last year after the last. He is young and lightly raced so open to some improvement from his last two runs and Meade will have him fresh and 100% on the day so will go close.

Grands Crus – Ryanair most likely, maybe even Gold Cup, either way only looks a shadow of himself this season.

Dynaste – unless he falls at the first in RSA the day before won’t be running in this.

Thousand Stars – looked an obvious non stayer last year (did get a little lit up and struggled to settle) but has got 3m in France before so debatable what they do with him. Is every bit as good as Oscar Wh in Aintree the last two years and he is 5/1 fav currently. Without Big Bucks it may not be as much of a test of stamina this year (Touched on this point with Oscar Wh also), Ruby took it up early last year, pace was strong from 4f to 1f where TStars got burnt off. Has come up short in plenty of grade1 races so hard to see him come up trumps at this stage of his career. On the day could be a silly price but risky now. Either himself of Zaidpour will run in the champion I suspect to ensure the pace is solid and nothing gets an easy one up front like last year.

Zaidpour – I thought this guy was a big price before the Galmoy. Beat Monksland easy enough in HGrace then wasn’t far behind him last time when arguably race fell into Carberrys hands as Ruby chased the run away leader first, did all the donkey work. However saying all that he seemed to have no answer for Bog Warrior in the Galmoy so no chance in the World hurdle.

Smad Place – I like him (at the prices). Was 3rd last year behind Voler & Bucks, neither re-oppose. Beat TStars and Oscar Wh (had excuses apparently) home that day. That was as a very lightly raced 5yo. 5yo’s don’t have a good world hurdle record, that trip at championship pace is too much for them at that age. His handicap form from last year suggests he is a minimum 155 horse, lots of room for improvement as he achieved that mark early in his career. Was sick / stink first time this year. Second run he was second to Reve. As he is a hold up horse race didn’t pan out right but ground was also atrocious. Currently 20/1 and almost certain to run. If there is an ante-post bet its him. Can’t beat festival form, 3rd in championship race as a 5yo and neither of the two re-oppose, its obvious. Horse obviously wasn’t at his best this season so hopefully King gets him right.

I’m very eager to take on Reve, Peddlers and Tidal, many other good judges are against Oscar Whisky. Value is gone on Monksland for what he has actually proven. A positive bulletin from King would be reassuring but 20/1 is value in my opinion, Smad Place!

[Yeehaa]

Quevega remains among the 33 possibles for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 14.

A fifth victory in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle remains her priority but trainer Willie Mullins can also call on Back In Focus, Fiveforthree, leading Grand National contender Prince De Beauchene, So Young and Zaidpour.

Reve De Sivola and Oscar Whisky fought out the finish to the Cleeve Hurdle, traditionally a good trial for this event, and both are towards the head of the market.

Noel Meade's Monksland is well fancied after his win over three miles at Christmas while Tony Martin's Bog Warrior has proved a revelation since being switched back to hurdles.

In the absence of Big Buck's, Paul Nicholls can choose from Aaim To Prosper, Celestial Halo, Prospect Wells, Tidal Bay and Wonderful Charm.

Grands Crus and Peddlers Cross are looking to reach their former heights with Solwhit, Trustan Times and the novice Whispering Gallery still engaged.

Dynaste, Rite Of Passage, Thousand Stars and Walkon are among the 28 taken out.

[Lester]

Actually story for that old rogue Tidal Bay. It is a shame Nicholls didn't get him years ago.