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2016 Cheltenham Festival Preview Nights

Watching ATR preview at the moment...Andrew Thornton very good to listen to imo....
 
Here's our preview panel.
@HuntyCaller,
@mickfitzg,
Gary O'Brien
and Andrew Thornton. #ATRPreview.

We'll look at Cheltenham in chronological order during the next 3 hours - get your questions in for the panel #ATRPreview

Of course, it's the Supreme up first. #ATRPreview
Gary and Mick are happy to take Min on at the prices. Too many ifs but a very talented horse. #ATRPreview
Mick on Yorkhill. "he looks a stayer. Whichever race he runs in, discount him at your peril. Better ground will suit."
Gary agrees with Mick that Yorkhill would be better off in the Neptune. Lensio chimes in to make it three.
Mick. "Altior was going away from some pretty good horses at Kempton. He's a very smart horse and is not ground dependant." #ATRPreview

Andrew Thornton keen on My Tent Or Yours for the Champion Hurdle. Good record fresh. #ATRPreview
"My Tent Or Yours more relaxed when working under @BarryJGeraghty, but Cheltenham will be a different ball game."
Still on the Champion Hurdle, Gary thinks there are very few you can put a line through. #ATRPreview
Champion Hurdle verdicts: Identity Thief (Gary), MTOY (Lens), The New One (Mick and Hunty) #ATRPreview

*e the only threat to Yanworth in the Neptune. #ATRPreview
Discussing the RSA now. Who wins? #ATRPreview
RSA panel selections. Thornton thinks Seeyouatmidnight value. Gary and Mick with More Of That. Hunty likes Roi Des Francs at a price.


News: Old Guard misses Champion Hurdle date: Old Guard will miss Tuesday's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Chelt... http://bit.ly/22bKiUY*

In the Coral Cup, Gary sticking with Arbre De Vie whom he put up in his column a couple of weeks ago. #ATRPreview
On to the Cross Country. Any love for Josies Orders? #ATRPreview.

Diego Du Charmil been popular at all the preview nights. Worked very well at Wincanton says @mickfitzg.
Gary thinks the handicapper has had a good go at Campeador. Missy Tata interesting for the same trainer. #ATRPreview

We are gutted Myska won't be heading to Cheltenham

Andrew Thornton highlights Garde La Victoire in the JLT as his best bet of the week. #ATRPreview #TheFestival
Mick says Bristol De Mai as natural as a chaser you could see and the apple of his trainer's eye. #ATRPreview
Mick and Gary of the opinion that Outlander is very beatable. Mostly run on slower surface and can pick holes in wins. #ATRPreview
Gary thinks Shaneshill and Zabana could bounce back in the JLT if given the chance. #ATRPreview

On to the Ryanair Chase. Mick likes Road To Riches if he's sent there. #ATRPreview.
Gary agrees that Road To Riches the potential class act and feels Valseur Lido wants further. Smashing worth considering. Prefer softer.

On to the World Hurdle.
Mick already excited about a potential Gold Cup bid in '17 for Thistlecrack. He and Gary agree World Hurdle a watertight case. #ATRPreview
Mick doesn't think Saphir Du Rheu can reverse form with Thistlecrack or Cole Harden. Would ride APS if he was Sam TD. #ATRPreview


Andy Thornton likes Fingal Bay if he goes for the Plate. Johns Spirit may show Jonjo's are in great health after More Of That hoses up!
The panel keen on Doctor Harper in Kim Muir. Mick: "handicapper said haha. I'll give you 141. You're playing with the big boys."

Gary thinks Cause Of Causes very interesting. Hunty puts up Lost Legend as one worth considering at a massive price. #ATRPreview.

Moving on to Gold Cup day next on #ATRPreview.

Who do you like in the Triumph? Gary doesn't know why IG is so short but held in high regard. #ATRPreview
On the Line guests @AtTheRaces tomorrow for a @CheltenhamRaces phone in special include @wgreatrexracing & @chazaustin9. Pumped Yeeehaaa!
Andrew thinks Sceau Royal looks tough and uncomplicated. Mick not sure Zubayr's Adonis form particularly strong. #ATRPreview

Andrew says Barters Hill made it look like hard work last time but lost a shoe and may have been uncomfortable. #ATRPreview
Mick a Barters Hill fan. "He's pedal to the metal and wears his heart on his sleeve but can he keep fighting them off?" #ATRPreview

Andrew thinks Cue Card can confirm form with Vautour. He's better round Cheltenham. Gary thinks right decision Vautour running in Gold Cup.

John Hunt very keen on Vautour. Mick never been as impressed as when Vautour won the 2015 JLT. Concerned about the trip, mind. #ATRPreview

Andrew says the petrol gauge can empty turning for home for a doubtful stayer. On his mind re Vautour. #ATRPreview.

Djakadam fallen 2/3 visits to Cheltenham which is a big problem for Mick. #ATRPreview

Andy thinks Don Cossack may give away a length here or there as his jumping is put under pressure. Don Poli kept interested by Cheltenham.

Mick loves Don Cossack and is torn as he views Ryanair 2015 and @punchestownrace Gold Cup 2015. He stays so well. #ATRPreview
 
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Coral Preview snippits

"Tombstone is a player in the Supreme" @NickLuck #CoralPreview
Couch reckons Vroum Vroum Mag is a good thing. #CoralPreview
Couch on the Arkle: Sizing John without the favourite is a great bet. #CoralPreview
"I like Holywell but it hasn't had win since Steve McClaren." The Couch. #CoralPreview
Couch: "I backed Sizing Grantine @ 33/1. Will enjoy this ground for sure." #CoralPreview
Nick Luck is sweet on Sprinter Sacre for the Champion Chase #CoralPreview
COUCH: "Yanworth is a terrible price" Bold view! #CoralPreview
DS: If Yorkhill goes in the Neptune, Yanworth goes odds against on the day. #CoralPreview LIVE:
Couch is keen on No More Heroes for the RSA Doest like More Of That. #CoralPreview
Great to hear The Couch in the Missy Tata camp (Fred Winter) said @gelliott_racing gave him the 'nod.' Backed in from 25's. #CoralPreview
Couch: "Thistlecrack is the real deal." #CoralPreview
Couch: "Where's Jeremy Beadle?" On @NickLuck's shout of Josses Hill.


Pont Alexandre could run well in the JLT according to the Couch. "Bristol De Mai? It's just the ground." #CoralPreview
Graham Cunningham: "I like Smart Talk and not Limini." #CoralPreview

The Couch thinks that Coral's free bet for any faller offer is superb, especially because Nick Luck has backed Josses Hill #CoralPreview

The Couch has backed Jer's Girl at 50/1 for the Triumph Hurdle. #CoralPreview
"I'm with Shantou Village" in the Albert Bartlett. Graham Cunningham: "He's ready for the 3 miles."
Couch says the winner of the Albert Bartlett is Gangster. #CoralPreview

Only one entry for Nicky Henderson for the Grand Annual #CoralPreview Charlie Morlock said on Tuesday he thinks it's unlikely he wins

GOLD CUP: Couch: "Don Cossack doesn't like Cheltenham. Don Poli is my shout." #CoralPreview
GOLD CUP: Graham Cunningham: "Ruby will be able to settle Vautour. He's a superb horse." #CoralPreview
GOLD CUP: Nick Luck: "Cue Card has a great shout. He's an in-form staying horse." #CoralPreview
GOLD CUP: Couch: "Smad Place isn't good enough." #CoralPreview
PRICE BOOST! Cue Card now 6/1 (from 5/1) for the Gold Cup! #CoralPreview

Couch: Un De Sceaux wins again. Don Poli wins the Gold Cup. #CoralPreview
Nick Luck's two best horses of Cheltenham: Josses Hill in the Ryanair No More Heroes. #CoralPreview
That's all folks! Thanks for tuning into the #CoralPreview Hope you all enjoyed it!
 
Live & kicking for the #CoralPreview @gcunning12 stressing it could be Good ground come Tuesday

Couch isn't a fan of Annie Power. Opts instead for Sempre Medici at a huge price. Stresses it beat Identity Thief who's 9/2. #CoralPreview

Onto the Supreme now and Couch says Min won a schooling hurdle at Thurles. Outrageous it isn't in the form book. #CoralPreview
Min is fairly headstrong and the panel are discussing if his keenness will be an issue around Cheltenham. Same was said for Douvan though?
Couch thinks people are getting carried away with a piece of work on the AW where Altior beat Buveur D'Air. Thinks the latter is a great EW.

David Stevens says Vroum Vroum Mag will be priced largely on what's gone before. If Min, Douvan and Annie Power win she could be very short.

Panel sweet on Sizing John without Douvan. @gcunning12 says he quite likes @HenrydeBromhead team this week. He should be fav without Douvan.
Panel discussing Jonjo's form ahead of Cheltenham. Couch: "I can't find his last winner." Would it be a worry for you? #CoralPreview
Annie Power Champion Hurdle enhancement 11/4 with @Coral £50 max. All customers. #CoralPreview

Champion Chase next on the agenda. #CoralPreview
Couch: "I think the favourite wins but I've had a little bit on Sizing Granite at 33's. Needs the ground to dry out but it probably will."
Graham Cunningham: "Sprinter Sacre, Sire De Grugy & Special Tiara are much the same horse." Nick Luck fights back: "I don't agree with that"
Cunningham said last year Mullins brought over a horse that wasn't even entered for the Festival such is the amount he brings. #CoralPreview
Graham goes on to discuss King's form. Doesn't think it's an issue. Always the plan to have a very quiet ten days. Yanworth is the business.
Couch: "I think people will look at the Alan King form. It would worry me." Cunningham: "This is one of the bankers I don't want to oppose."
David Stevens: "Was that last performance simply to good to be true? Hopefully we'll find out when Yorkhill takes him on." #CoralPreview

Panel admit RSA between No More Heroes and More Of That. Elliott's charge preferred. Concern over absence/ trainer form of More Of That.
Just imagine having a life where next week means absolutely nothing to you, next week is just a typical, standard, boring week in March

Great to hear The Couch in the Missy Tata camp (Fred Winter) said @gelliott_racing gave him the 'nod.' Backed in from 25's. #CoralPreview

.@gcunning12 on Thistlecrack: "If the bookmakers are going well they'll take him on. But even if they're going badly I think they will."

.@nickluck "Will Vautour run in the Ryanair? I keep half expecting to hear the news he will." Couch thinks he might be right. #CoralPreview
Couch: JLT is a nightmare race to work out. If Pont Alexandre wins I'll jump of the roof. #CoralPreview

The panel firmly against hot-pot Limini. @gcunning12 "Some people might think 4/5 is buying money, once she clouts a couple it might not be"

The Couch on @v_pendleton: "Marvellous for racing, she's shown just how hard it is. Hope she gets round & hope she does well." #CoralPreview
David Stevens says the positivity has grown surrounding @v_pendleton "She's now just even money to complete the course." #CoralPreview

McManus particularly keen on Squouateur in the Martin Pipe apparently. Been hammered across the board. Now best price 6/1. #CoralPreview

The Couch reports he heard Ivanovic Gorbatov had a foot problem when it got beat. #CoralPreview

Here we go. The cream of the crop. Time for Gold Cup

The Couch: "Quality-wise it isn't the best. It's wide open. We could have four in a row crossing the line like before." #CoralPreview
Couch: "I've backed Don Poli. He's the only one who'll improve for the trip." @gcunning12: "I don't think he'll get outpaced." #CoralPreview
David Stevens: "Are we writing Cue Card off too easily?" @nickluck gives him a big shout. @gcunning12 & The Couch against him. #CoralPreview
Agree with the panel regarding Smad Place. Don't think he's quite good enough. The Couch: "He's massively ground dependant." #CoralPreview

Here's the panels Lucky 15
David Stevens On The Fringe
Graham Cunningham Shantou Village
The Couch Vroum Vroum Mag
Lucky Ivanovic Gorbatov
 
Betbright Preview Night now on youtube

 
Preview starting on racinguk now.
 
Great work on this thread gents. Thanks :encouragement:

Here is one I picked up elsewhere


Cheltenham Preview Night
Auchinleck Bowling Club - Thursday 10th March 2016

Panel

BH - Brian Hughes
NH - Niall Hannity
DO - Darren Owen
JW - Julie Williams
GG - George Goldie (Jim Goldies son & assistant)

Champion Hurdle

NH - Doesn't like Annie Power at the price ; leaning towards My Tent or Yours
BH - MTOY is fit enough & will side with him
DO - Can't have The New One ; Hagram could run into a place ; it's a race that doesn't float his boat !
GG - Likes Old Guard
JW - Taking on Annie Power ; Likes Hagram & The New One

Supreme Novices

NH - Good race ; Likes Yorkhill (one of 2 AP bets for the Festival) ; Likes both of Nickys but prefers Buveur Dair to Altior
BH - Questions whether Min will handle the occasion at Cheltenham ; Altior to win ; Supersundae e/w
DO - Likes Yorkhill, rock solid form ; Supersundae e/w
GG - Buveur Dair
JW - Laying Min ; Likes Altior, Charbel & Long Dog (possibly will run in the Neptune)

Arkle

DO - Douvan worthy favourite, if he jumps he wins ; if,ground drys out Game Changer e/w
BH - Douvan has to fall not to win ; Game Changer & Sizing John e/w
NH - Douvan is on a different planet ; Game Changer e/w
GG - Douvan
JW - Looking at taking on Douvan

Champion Chase

NH - Good race ; Favourite (Un De Sceaux) a fair price ; Can't have Sprinter Sacre ; Can't have Dodging Bullets, very poor at Newbury last time ; Just Cameron overpriced at 100/1
DO - Worthy favourite ; Gods Own e/w ; agreed with Niall Just Cameron too big a price
BH - Favourite wins bar falling ; Sire de Grugy needs more than blinkers !
GG - Thought Un De Sceaux got it too easy at Ascot last night ; Special Tiara front running could force his hand & he could make errors
JW - Taking on UDS ; Likes Sire de Grugy, Felix Yonger & Special Tiara

Neptune

DO - Yanworth has been super over hurdles this season ; If he runs in this Double O Seven e/w
NH - Yanworth best English Novice this year ; A Toi Phil & Double O Seven e/w
BH - Yanworth very impressive ; A Toi Phil & Double O Seven e/w
GG - Yanworth
JW - Doesn't want to take on the favourite

RSA

BH - Rides Seeyouatmidnight, would like some more rain for him, bouncing at home ; More of That worthy favourite ; Saw No More Heroes working sickenly well on the gallops the other day
DO - Likes More of That, unbeaten at Cheltenham
NH - Likes More of That but slight worry he's not run since December ; Blacklion has no chance ; Seeyouatmidnight place claims
GG - Likes Seeyouatmidnight ; More of that didn't go particularly well the other day on the gallops
JW - Taking on More of That ; Likes Vita de Rock e/w)

World Hurdle

NH - Thistlecrack sets the standard, ticks all the boxes ; Likes Alpha Des Obeaux & Aux Ptits Soins e/w
BH - Speaking to Scu that dat, very sweet on Thistlecrack ; Likes Kilcooley e/w, hardy horse
DO - Thistlecrack to win ; Whisper e/w value ; Aux Ptits Soins e/w
GG - Likes Cole Harden especially on better ground
JW - Likes Alpha Des Obeaux & Kilcooley e/w, it's a huge price

Ryanair Chase

NH - Road to Riches worthy favourite ; respects Al Ferof ; Smashing e/w but not with much confidence
DO - Smashing going left handed a concern ; Likes Village Vic who has good Cheltenham form
BH - Oscar Rock, esp on better ground could run into a place
GG - Likes Al Ferof ; Can't have Road to Riches at that price
JW - Buffet more appealing than this race !

Gold Cup

NH - Race of the week, absolute cracker & a selection would very much be ground dependent ; Don Cossack a better horse in the spring & on better ground ; would love to see Cue Card win but trio doubts ; Djakadam & Poli Poli both need it soft ; If good ground & he stays would go with Vautour
DO - Cue Card has had a great season & has a great Festival record ; Don Poli not a sexy horse but will grind out results ; Vautour the best horse in the race but will he stay
BH - Likes Don Poli, this is a gruelling race & he is an out & out stayer
GG - Vautour I'd it's good ground & thinks he goes better left handed
JW - Likes Djakadam & Don Cossack ; Jockey selections will be important & note worthy

Triumph Hurdle

NH - Wide open race, favourite (Ivanovich Gorbatov) too short ; doesn't have a strong opinion on the race but if he was forced Connetable e/w
BH - Sam Twisten Davies said Zubayr might not run in this ; Likes Sceau Royal
DO - Apples Jade e/w
GG - Sceau Royal, Alan King very sweet on him
JW - Likes Fixe Le Kap e/w

Albert Bartlet

NH - Backed Shantou Village, can't see him beaten
BH - Likes Shantou Village, course form important in this race
DO - Likes Shantou Village, Uknowhatimeanharry could run into a place ; heard a whisper from the Irish for Gangster
GG - Likes Barters Hill
JW - Not keen to take in the favourite ; American & Champers on Ince e/w

Handicaps Etc

BH - County Hurdle - Hawk High e/w, working well at home
NH - Doctor Harper wherever he runs ; Noble Endeavour wherever he runs ; Fred Winter Diego Du Charmil trained for the race & Jaleo e/w ; Johns Spirit wherever he runs, good Chektenham Form
DO - NH Chase Minella Rocco ; Coral Cup Diamond King & Abre de Vie ; Fred Winter Missy Tata e/w ; Bumper Avenir D'une Vie ; JLT Zabanna e/w ; Grand Annual Next Sensation
GG - Has Sir Chauvelin entered in the Fred Winter & would give it an e/w chance if it gets in ; Novices Handicap Chase Ballyalton, will run well on better ground
JW - Big shout from JP McManus for On the Fringe in the Foxhunters

Charity Bets

BH - Seeyouatmidnight
NH - Shantou Village
DO - Minella Rocco
GG - Vautour
 
D Russell, A Coleman, T Bellamy and Paul Jones on tonights panel.

Everyone on panel expects S Claisse to water the new course, ground drying all the time and without water could be too quick come Friday.

AC - P Pavilion in Supreme showing more at home last 3 weeks than he has since Chelt in Oct, could easily place at a price.

DR - VV Mag absolute certainty, cannot get beat

DR - Doing Fine had wind op and wears tongue tie, massively overpriced.

TB - Ballykan at 40s overpriced

PJ - Racing Pulse has form from a Chepstow race that has worked out well and should run well at big price

DR - negative about Un De Sceax, ground will be too quick and others won't give him easy lead

TB - Adamir has big reputation and talent to match, could be big player

AC - was told by STD that Aux Ptit Soins is showing serious form at home and will run very well despite absence

Text from Dickie Johnson says he thinks Fingal Bay is on a great mark for Plate, he expects to go out from the front and his class could easily be too much,wears cheekpieces and tongue tie, 4th in Hennesy by far best form in this race and will be good enough to win

DR - if ground comes good for Thur don't ignore Ballycasey, class act on decent ground

DR - Gangster beat Vatour 6l in a racecourse gallop at Punchestown, is a major player in potato race

DR - Rock the World laid out for Grand Annual but AC points out that Next Sensation is only 1lb higher than last years win and has been raced deliberately on bad ground/wrong trips all Winter, he's also had wind op

DR - Blue Hell in County has been kept off track to protect mark and needs decent ground, expects him to go close

PJ - says Paint the Clouds shoukd half his current price on good ground
 
Thats hope a preview report should be Istabraq. Just the important bits. :encouragement:
 
Ground has sone juice, good to soft but won't run quick.

Geraghty gave Measureof my dreams and, guitane du burlais both e/w
 
Ground has sone juice, good to soft but won't run quick.

Geraghty gave Measureof my dreams and, guitane du burlais both e/w

I thought Daryl went a bit soon on GDB. Measure of my dreams ran well - I think DOC would have won on either of first two in 4 miler. Minella Rocco was kidded along.

I dont think it was a bad day for preview report pundits.

Altior was more tipped than Min, no opposition to Douvan, Un Temps per tout was mainly missed but that might have partly been because they thought Doctor Harper was the one. Annie was probably a 50:50 split. VVM was unopposed. Minella Rocco widely tipped ( with the other placed horses) and Ballyalton missed for Tues and tipped for the Martin Pipe !

so what will today bring ?
 
Thanks to everybody for all their input over the last few weeks. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
 
Thanks Wainwright and to all who helped out.