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2014 Cheltenham Festival Preview Night Reports

Salthill tonight

anyone got anything from @louisfitzgerald hotel apart from a pic
:rolleyes:
BhwCf_WIAAAji3m.jpg
 
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Stan James are NRNB from 9 this morning

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Piece in Irish Times :) with some good quotes

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rac...-s-guide-to-guiding-bluffers-1.1709932?page=3

“You’ve got Ruby Walsh up against Tom Scu. That’s a choice between Cheryl Cole and Old King Cole.” Mark Winstanley on the Albert Barlett duel between Briar Hill (Walsh) and Kings Palace (Scudamore)

“These horses had a choice in life. They could run in this race or they could become Tesco burgers.” Davy Russell on the Triumph Hurdle

“If Tony Martin had Last Instalment, he wouldn’t have been going for the Gold Cup - he’d have been running off 10st in the Grand Annual.” Patrick Mullins ribs the Meath trainer about his liking for a handicap coup

“Yeah, but he’d have f**king won!” Martin doesn’t miss a beat in reply

“They dressed him up in more headgear than Hannibal Lecter.” The Couch dismisses The Giant Bolster’s Gold Cup chances.

“I spent an hour looking at this race and I came up with Broughton but I can’t for the life of me remember why.” Andrew McNamara’s red-hot tip for the Triumph

“If Sire De Grugy was a young lad, you’d have the shit bet out of him, he’s that lazy.” Russell on the Champion Chase favourite

“Iriving’s been winning around flat tracks in Germany. Mind you, they’re all flat tracks over there, ain’t they? Bomber Harris took care of that.” The Couch on the favourite for the Supreme
 
Coral also NRNB from today

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Sean Grahams night in Belfast also this evening

BhzrR2AIMAA-wvr.jpg


Danny Mullins
Gordon Elliott
Richard Hoiles
Brian Graham
 
The Barney Curley night in Galway is being streamed from

http://www.dafa.co.uk/?page_id=744

<iframe src="http://static.viewer.dacast.com/b/13966/c/26792" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

The event is raising funds for Direct Aid For Africa (DAFA) which is Barney Curley's Charity

You can make a donation to DAFA on the link below

http://www.dafa.co.uk/?page_id=9

also https://twitter.com/JohnMulhollands tweeting

Segal against Ballycasey...Many Clouds good outsider #CheltFest

Tom Segal says Rock on Ruby has no chance..Doesn't fancy Nicholls pair either #cheltfest
 
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Tweeting from the @festivalracing evening in Bristol is https://twitter.com/lewis_b_brown and https://twitter.com/jpnorris

Currently at @festivalracing Cheltenham Preview evening.

Panel

PFNicholls
Tom Scudamore
Charlie Morelock
Andrew Smith

Willie Mullins on phone

Willie Mullins suggests annie power going to the World Hurdle largely due to the fact that that way Ruby could ride her. Nichols suggests...
Annie power is taken to Aintree instead!
Willie Mullins charity bets. Hurricane fly (win) Smashing (each way) Sure Reef (each way)

Supreme
Nichols hopes to see Irving as a leading fancy for the Champion Hurdle next year.

Arkle

Hinterland likely to run in champion chase

Champion Hurdle
Paul Nichols hopeful of a big run from Ptit Zig and has been surprised by how good its worked. He suggest melodic rendezvous not pacey enough
Melodic rendezvous stable team suggest they do not want it bottomless and will destroy Ptit Zig and the 4 pounds is neither here nor there
Tom Scudamore puts up the New One
Andy Smith suggest Our Conor should be fav for the Champion hurdle

Festival Handicap Chase
Hadrians Approach has been put up with the larger fields being a problem. "Has a chance but no more than that"

Neptune
Tom Scudamore on Red Sherlock.describes him "Top class" although "ground is an unknown"
If Lac Fontana is to run at Cheltenham it will be in the County Hurdle. Nichols suggests he will not have a runner in the race
Andy Smith Rathvinden strongly fancied for the Neptune and will not be 14/1 on the day.

RSA
Owners don't want to run Just A Par in 4miler so heads to the RSA or Aintree. Black Thunder Nicholls' only possible for 4miler.
Sam Winner has an each way chance in the RSA. : PN
Smad Place the buzzer from Tom Scu


Champion Chase
CM: All the tests very negative regarding Sprinter Sacre, a horse "going through the motions" rather than training with zest
Ignore Captain Conan at your peril. CM
Tom Scudamore put up Wishful Thinking for the Queen Mother at 33/1. Andy Smith can smell a result in this race too!
Sire cologne stays forever and jumps well PN.

Whispers of a McManus horse to win the cross country.

Coral Cup

Paul Nicholls very keen on Far West for the Coral Cup. Irish Saint will NOT run in the race
Tom Scudamore doesn't think Un Temps Pour Tout is as good as Red Sherlock. Hopes therefore he goes to the Coral Cup but no decision yet.
Henderson yard looking to claim weight on Whisper in the Coral Cup despite no trouble carrying weight at home. Big run expected. CM

Fred Winter


Dawalan is apparently an exceptional workhorse. Some indication of why he's so short for the Fred Winter then.

Daryl Jacobs says whatever is run in the Fred Winter he wants to be on Katgary who is being run for the first time in the UK.

JLT

CM: Oscar Whiskey.. Not lived up to expectations but coming into himself now. Cheltenham form. Not suited by heavy. Worked well at kempton

Sizing Gold tipped up! Doubt aired by tom scu regarding oscar whiskey. Says he prefers wonderful charm which Andy Smith agrees with

The panel see Wonderful Charm as a 3/1 chance

Ryanair

Al Ferof doesn't stay the 3 miles. Dynaste and Al Ferof have similar breeding and ability. The market correct. #ryanairchase : Paul Nichols

Beneficent sets the standard in the Ryanair say Tom Scudamore

Hendersons yard suggest Riverside Theatre is to be the only runner they have in the Ryanair
14/1 module looks big. : Andy smith

World Hurdle

Big bucks.. Will run well again and still can contest at highest level. Ran as well as expected first time out despite defeat. PN

Paul Nichols hints towards seeing At Fishers Cross as a big danger although he is very happy with Big Bucks leading up to Cheltenham

Celestial Halo, "not getting any younger". Zarkandar "thrilled with the work" PN puts up Salubrious at a big price! Get on now..

Big Bucks a truly great horse. Having said that disappointed with last run and the horse we KNEW would have won last time out. Tom Scu

TS Zarkander over priced.

Andy Smith could not be anymore adamant that Big Bucks is nothing but a lay at 2/1 and is on Annie Power and Zarkandar. In his opinion More of That misses Cheltenham and goes to aintree

Handicaps etc

There's no panic to go to Sandown over the Kim Muir

Ballynagour has been primed for the Byrne Group Plate. Tom scu
Bury parade definitely doesn't run (in plate?)
Henderson is likely to run Cash And Go, Lyvius & Lough Kent in the County. Lough Kent works v well & they rate it highly despite Ascot flop Snake eyes "might" go to county h'cap hurdle CM
Virak may as well start now and he will not win the Martin Pipe due to handicap mark. PN
Mr mole needs a fast run race and is 5lb lower over fences than hurdles. Good record for novices and hold up horses strong chances PN
GA Next Sensation had an outstanding chance and is still well in. Tom scu
@jpnorris 16m Volnay De Thaix might well run in the Conditional Jockeys' race. Certainly one I'll be keen on if he does go, Irving & Splash Of Ginge form.


Charity bets

Tom Scudamore Win kings palace Each way wishful thinking
Paul Nichols Win silviano conti Each way Caid du berlais
An interesting one from John Powell Win champagne fever Each way Astra Del acore
Charlie morelock Win. Oscar Whiskey Each way Trilo dilene
 
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Looks like a good night in Europa Belfast at https://twitter.com/SPGBETTING

Panel

Grand National winning duo
trainer Gordon Elliot and
jockey Robbie Power...
RUK commentator Richard @RichardHoiles.
Larger than life pundit Mark "The Couch" Winstanley.
And of course Brian & Ronan Graham...
MC of the evening is the fantastic @AtTheRaces main man Gary O'Brien

Fat Jockey Cheltenham Festival Previews

Supreme

Couch: Gonna take the fav on. Running round flat tracks, can't have him. Vautour nicked the race last time can't have that.
Couch: Vaniteux ew
Robbie Power RP: Vautour soft lead but won well, don't know what to make of race. Western Boy ew. Not much to find with Vautour. Don't like Irving.
Brian Graham BG: Vautour impressive, won at Leopardstown the hard way. Beat Tullow Tank, who was G1 winner
BG: If Ruby decides Vautour is the best of the Mullins, that says it all
Gordon Elliott GE: Irving form isn't good enough, Wicklow Brave for me
Richard Holies RH: Don't think Irving will win. Lacks a bit of class. Vaniteux is interesting. Sea Lord, if ground drys Ferguson horses need respect

Arkle Chase

Will the panel take on Champagne Fever?
RH: Rock On Ruby - only thing in his favour his festival record. Think he has issues. It's gonna come back to Ireland - Champagne Fever...
RH: If he gets in a rhythm he'll be hard to beat. Apart from that I I would like to see Rock On Ruby but it is Champagne for me
GE: I agree with Richard. Champagne just has to jump. Been to Chelt a few times and won. Trifolium could chase him home
RP: Fan of Trifolium. Only thing going for Champagne is his record round Chelt. Won easy race first time out. Doesn't jump well enough.
RP: Horses with best rating over hurdles do well in this. Grandouet got better as year went on. Grandouet & Trifolium selections
Couch: Champagne only time he got taken on in front he got beat. English have no chance of winning this More chance of ENG winning World Cup
Couch: Trifolium electric last time, can't believe he this price. Byrnes one of best trainers in Ireland. EW bet of Festival
BG: Poor Irish record in the race. One negative against Trifolium prone to throwing a stinker in. Hinterland if goes has great chance...
BG: Excellent form as a 4yo, improving all the time, extra experience massive help. Already beat Grandouet. 10/1 great ew price
Some good views there on the Arkle.

The Champion Hurdle.

Can Hurricane Fly win yet or again?

RP: Best race of the Festival. Great tactical battle, Jezki great cruising speed, only way he can if he makes all. If not only Fly or MyTent
RP: Jezki gradually picks up but if no pace it'll be all gone as they'll take a few lengths out of him. Love to see Fly win it.
RP: My Tent biggest danger to Fly with tactical way of race
Couch: Fly still had speed to beat Our conor after mistake at last in Leopardstown. Much better chance for our conor next year
Couch: New One doesn't jump well enough, makes mistakes. Tactical way of race is wonderful. My Tent improving has everything in favour.
Couch: Who do you want on board coming down the hill? Sam Twiston or AP or Ruby. Not rocket science is it
RH: Reason Chamagne beat My Tent was the extreme gallop. Slightly worried about last 50 yards but think he's deffos the one to beat
RH: Fly won last year through stamina not speed. Robbie jumps in says Ruby wasn't panicking when he was pushing along on Fly last year.
RH: Tough for Our Conor to win as 5yo. My Tent will beat New One, and Our Conor third. Sorry to Fly fans!
GE: Big fan of Fly. Going to be trappy race. Could come down to jumping. Going to be fast over the last few sticks even if no pace early
GE: Interesting to see if they wear the earplugs as if it might liven him up
BG: Great race. Leaning towards Fly, on figures still rated 175, would suggest he's still got it even at 10.
BG: Our Conor a stone to find, he came to win race last day against Fly, but Fly came back at him again and won
Some great opinions then there on the Champion Hurdle. Should be one of the best in recent memory. Crowd well involved there!

Neptune Novices Hurdle

BG: Once again the Mullins factor. Have to respect the stable. If Walsh rides Faugheen have to respect that
RH: Don't like when Mullins horses win by dial a distance. Does that prepare them properly? Bit like Briar Hill battled. Faugeen too short
RH: Ballyalton at a price interests me. Maybe not good enough but is a nice horse at the price.
Couch: Some of these won't run. Deputy Dan can't win. Red Sherlock can't have him. Faugheen could be Even money shot. Form is top notch.
RP: Weakest of 3 novice hurdles. Faugheen jumping a bit dodgy. Geraghty is keen on Royal Boy he's told him.
GE: Faugheen going against him, jumping a bit sketchy. Hard to know what's going to run in the race. Royal Boy again for Gordon
So an interesting difference of opinions on the chances of Faugheen there.

RSA Chase
GE: Don Cossack going to take on Ballycasey again. Went for a mile and half yday at Lep, was a good workout. Ballycasey fell yday
GE: Big field in this race, they will go a good gallop, Irish horses all beating each other. Step up to 3 miles and good gallop suit Don Cos
GE: Harder the go the better, we'll drop in and hopefully he'll be good enough
RH: If you get in a rhythm in front that's half the battle in RSA. Corrin Wood fantastic jumper. Annacotty massively improved.
BG: Negative def Ballycasey falling in schooling. Cracking race. Plenty in with chances. In the Moriarty jumped the last together...
BG: Those 3 should be there again. Like Richard I like Corrin Wood.
RP: Not too worried about the fall of Ballycasey. Wasn't a huge. Went to last fence and popped it fine. Morning Assembly ticks a lot boxes
RP: Can't have Carlingford to win RSA after winning a Galway Plate.
Couch: Can't have Carlingford. Morning Assembly will go well pretty solid. Smad Place won't get round.
Couch: Think Ballycasey great lay. Many Clouds at a price. Ran well last time when wasn't fit.


Champion Chase

Such a shame no Sprinter Sacre. Like he has all season will Sire De Grugy take advantage of the absence?

Couch: Can't have Sire at the price. Doesn't like Cheltenham. Big drifter on the day. Worst Champion Chase for a while
Couch: Captain Conan only one in the race for me, can't be out of the 1st 3. Arvika Ligeonnaire needs another "0" on his price.
RP: Can't have Sire at price. Baily Green if the ground drys up. each way steal. Mouse Morris is a genius
BG: This market has been dead for last 2 months. Sire De Grugy has great chance. Stones better than these.
BG: Bigger price he gets even better. One of these horses public always back so don't see it drifting personally.
GE: Sire De Grugy will win it, Arvika second, but can't have the prie on Sire.
RH: Softer ground key for me for Sire De Grugy. Very much in the Captain Conan camp. Didn't get up hill last year but confident this year
RP: Go get a cup of tea for this race, if we thought this would be the lineup at start of season you'd be mad

Champion Bumper


Ronan Graham RG subs in for Brian Graham...
RG: Shaneshill hasn't run since last year yet is still favourite. Nothing come out after Xmas and being too impressive. Keen on Shaneshill
RG: Best visual performance has been Weld's Vigil. Backed when he won and duly went in. Weld's record at Chelt v poor though
RG: This will come back to Ireland surely. Killultagh Vic has the value after his win last time over Golantilla.
Couch: Take on Black Hercules. El Namoose for Ferguson about the best of English lot. Can't back Weld horse at Chelt. Killultagh Vic for me
RP: Impressed with Shaneshill. Plenty of toe. Weld talking about Galway in parade ring of Cheltenham few years ago!
GE: Time for a Pint won't run. Black Hercules good the last day. Improved stones for it. Will go up the hill a dream
RH: Not a clue, it will come back to Ireland surely, been disappointing times for Bumpers in the UK. Modus interesting with flat background


World Hurdle
Can Big Bucks return with a win? Annie Power will she stay 3 miles?

RH: Big Bucks. Surely has to be ridden that way as when he got beat in the Cleeve. Surely more prepared than if he won without a battle?
RH: Question if being 11yo and having the absence if he still good enough. Can certainly win and shouldn't be underestimated
RH: Annie Power should have went for the Mares and then went to Aintree. She's strong at end of races. Plenty of reasons to take her on tho
GE: Annie Power isn't in the right race. Would be certainty for Mares. Big Bucks has had it for me. Mouse raves about Rule The World
RG: No money coming for Annie Power. Think she's a machine. Can't see Big Bucks getting within 10 lengths of her!
RG: Big Bucks don't think it has any chance. Rule The World mapped out for the race, 2nd in Neptune. Mouse has him back on form
RG: At Fishers Cross can't jump and won't win if you can't jump in World Hurdle. Rule the World smashing price each way
RP: At Fishers Cross form horrendous this year. AP said reason he gone for At Fishers is he's guaranteed to stay
RP: Annie Power will arrive at the last on the Bridle and will win. LUMP ON he says smiling. Big Bucks is 11, she will stay no problem
RP: When she won novice hurdle, she beat Defy logic, patrick mullins said she could be the next Dawn Run.
Couch: Big Bucks jumped to the front last time but just got beat. Massive difference between Sam and Ruby.
Couch: Can't have At Fishers Cross, every single hurdle he hit last time. Annie Power very good but love Big Bucks can't take him on
 
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...Belfast continued

Ryanair

Couch: First Lieutenant good form hopefully will win
RP: Again First Lieutenant bit of a nearly horse but fancy him
RG: Money for Dynaste. Can't have First Lieutenant doesn't win races. Dynaste will take a lot of beating. Wouldn't have a bet in the race
GE: Like to see First Lieutenant win it for Mouse.
RH: Module made up ground late last time, think he will stay and could run above his price
So just a quick look at Ryanair with number of contenders engaged in more than one race.

Triumph Hurdle.

GE: Tiger Roll think he can turn form around with Guitar Pete. English look good this year. Ours will be first of the Irish.
RH: Really like Calipto. Nicholls said he had best bunch of french imports for a while. Liked that he ran against the older horses
RH: Le Rocher might be a soft ground horse. But big fan of Calipto
RG: Calipto could see money coming for it. Le Rocher is a soft ground horse. Like Fry's Activial. Fry has trained a champ hdl winner
RG: Cheltenham could bring out the best of him. Irish horses are an ordinary bunch, Guitar Pete could finish in places
RG: Activial could be one of the bets of the meeting. Calipto will shorten could be 7/2 price
RP: Irish aren't a wonderful bunch. Plinth who I know a bit about open to improvement. Triumph will suit only couple hurdles turning in
Couch: Worried about form of N.Williams yard for Le Rocher. Wasn't a good race Activial won at Kempton. Broughton is a great shout
GE jumps in the middle of Couch. Says Broughton has NO CHANCE...

Albert Bartlett


Couch: Briar Hill won well in the Bumper, powered up the hill. Captain Cutter was impressive last time, heard he's improved too
Couch: Happy to take on Kings Palace, happy to take on anything with Tom Scu on at Cheltenham
RP: Irish banker of the week Briar Hill. Terrible work horse at home, but prize money won on the racecourse. Will stay every yard
RG: Briar Hill workmanlike last few times. Not for me at the price. Kings Palace Pipe banker of the week maybe. Still 4/1 for Briar Hill
RH: Wouldn't go for anything at front. Kings Palace very good over hurdles. Shame there's not more jumping at end of race
RH: Like fact Briar Hill has had a couple of fights. Briar Hill for Richard, Jockeyship will be key here
Ok onto the big race of the final day. The Cheltenham Gold Cup!
RH: Not a vintage bunch. No 2nd season novice in the shake up. Bobs Worth better chance of retaining it as we've not seen him out much
RH: Silvi Conti is a 3 mile flat track horse. Cue Card stopped in the King George. Rocky Creek stayed on well last day and at a price
RH: Most interesting outsider of the field. Can really see there being a shock here. Gold Cup leaves a big mark on horses. Rocky Creek

Gold Cup

GE: Not sure if Last Installment will see the trip out. In-running he might be short but not sure he will get home
GE: Massive Bobs Worth fan but this year there could be a shock
RG: Bobs Worth dead against it for a long time. No value whatsoever at the price. Doesn't look like same horse that won last year
RG: Big question marks against. We'll be top price about Bobs Worth on the day
RP: Takes a great horse to win two gold cups. Last Installment performance last time out best 3 mile chasing performance of season
RP: Will stay every yard and will take plenty of beating. Davy Russel said one horse annoyed about losing gtown job for is Last Installment
RP: Big Price and will run Triolo D'alene and is an each way shout.
Couch: Triolo will have a chance. Won't be better jumper in the field that Rocky Creek. Was only half fit last time when beat.
Couch: Captain chris more chance of turning up at Swindon than the winners enclosure
Couch: Backed one at 100/1 - Teaforthree.

Other Races

RH: Grand Vision - Pertemps, Sailors Warn - County Hurdle, Get Me Out Of Here - Coral Cup, Claret Cloak - Grand Annual, Ohio Gold- novice hc
Couch: Grand Annual Mr Mole could go well AP decent record in the race. When JP smashes into it be 6/1 fav on the day.
Couch: Foxrock be very hard to beat in the 4 miler
RP: Sirene D'Ainay got a stinker of a ride last year. Bit more brains on top of her could go better. Foxrock in the 4 miler again
RG: If JP Mcmanus' money isn't on your money won't count. 7/1 tomorrow in shops Our Conor all day.
GE: Bayan nice preparation for Coral Cup. Kept him for the race. Lookin forward to Cause of Causes. Not sure what race, but will have chance
GE: Swing Bowler for Pipes, used to ride for Pipes, could go well at a price in County Hurdle
 
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Many thanks to @roryjiwani from www.stanjames.com for forwarding these two reports

It's a pleasure and a privilege to be invited onto preview panels ahead of the greatest four days of the year. Obviously, as a bookies rep, my main input is on horses we've taken money on but it's great to hear a range of views and agree and disagree with people who know far more about racing than I do. At the end of the day, Cheltenham Previews are a bit of fun and I wouldn't take them too seriously. And I certainly wouldn't expect any trainer or jockey to give away their handicap good thing of the meeting.

Anyway, I've had two previews so far and I'll pick out the bits and pieces I noted down and remembered from both evenings. My recollection of the first is a little hazy as my pint glass was seldom empty. And I thought I'd taken far more notes for the second than I actually did.

Tuesday 24th February - Saunton Sands Hotel in support of Children's Hospice South West (chsw.org.uk)

Panel: MC David Mitchell (DM - Daily Mirror), Tom Malone (TM - bloodstock agent), Conor O'Farrell (COF - jockey for David Pipe), Nigel Hawke (NH - trainer of Anay Turge among others).

TM started the ball rolling by expressing his admiration for the barmaid. The rest of the panel threatened to leave when he started to go through his 'entries' at Cheltenham.

Then we quickly dealt with horses outside the big Grade 1 and Championship races.

TM very keen on Next Sensation in the Grand Annual. Bought for an owner who likes a punt. Reckons the handicapper hasn't caught up with him yet.

TM also keen on Indian Castle in the Kim Muir. Trainer has good record with this sort of horse and a winning chance.

COF fancies Broadway Buffalo in the Pertemps Final and Swing Bowler in the County Hurdle who he thinks ran a cracker on her reappearance.

NH thinks his Anay Turge has an excellent chance in the Grand Annual. He also thinks Samingarry can go well in the Kim Muir.

Supreme

Panel pretty much in agreement about Irving's chances. TM bought Irving and earlier that day he bought his brother.

RJ liked Wilde Blue Yonder at a price. TM disagreed saying he wasn't anywhere near good enough. COF liked The Liquidator.

RJ revealed Irving biggest loser in the book due to some decent bets placed at 12/1.

Arkle

Champagne Fever and Rock On Ruby were the two contenders attracting most interest due to their excellent Cheltenham records. Champagne Fever got the vote. Rock On Ruby the only loser in the StanJames.com book but RJ likes his chances as he was far superior to the opposition over hurdles. Fair bit of doubt from panel (RJ excepted) over Rock On Ruby's jumping.

StanJames Champion Hurdle

All agreed this was the race of the Festival. The prevailing opinion was that Annie Power would go for the World Hurdle.

RJ went for My Tent Or Yours. TM said there was no way he would get up the hill because he doesn't settle well enough. RJ said he settles better this season. TM asked, "Have you been watching the same races?" TM also expressed doubt over form of Nicky Henderson's horses.

COF concurred with TM and both went for Hurricane Fly. NH went for The New One.

Neptune

COF thinks Un Temps Pour Tout is top class but says, knowing the Pipes, he'll probably make use of his mark of 148 and go for the Coral Cup.

If memory serves, the panel was split between Faugheen and Red Sherlock. NH thinks Royal Boy must be respected simply due to being trained by Nicky Henderson.

RSA Chase

DM very keen on O'Faolains Boy after his win at Ascot.

Champion Chase

All in agreement about it being a far from vintage renewal. Sire De Grugy a weak favourite.

World Hurdle

RJ said Big Buck's was StanJames.com's biggest loser of the week by far and they'll be laying him on the day too. Plenty of support for Annie Power.

Triumph Hurdle

DM said Nick Williams' assistant extremely bullish about Le Rocher's chances. COF and TM questioned that assessment for reasons I cannot go into here!

RJ said StanJames.com had ducked Calipto and he was a winner in the book. Good even spread of money. He likes Rutherglen but TM thought he was sure to go for the Fred Winter.

Nigel Hawke used to have Tiger Roll. He says he's a lovely horse who would have a great chance in the Fred Winter. But he fears connections will go for the Triumph. Not experienced enough to cope with the hurly-burly of that race.

Albert Bartlett

DM, COF and TM very keen on King's Palace. RJ liked Briar Hill and Blakemount each-way after rave reviews from Sue Smith and Ryan Mania. TM said Mosspark was a lovely horse and could go well if he runs.

Gold Cup

DM went for Silviniaco Conti with Bobs Worth trying to do what only six horses have done previously in retaining the Gold Cup. Bobs Worth popular with rest of panel.

Best bets:

COF - Irving (Supreme) and King's Palace (Albert Bartlett)
TM - King's Palace (AB)
RJ - Blakemount each-way (AB) and Sizing Gold each-way (whichever race he turns up)
NH - Anay Turge (Grand Annual)

At the end of the night, the panel had to decide on a £100 free bet with StanJames.com for CHSW. The consensus vote was for King's Palace and, after a little persuasion, RJ let them have 4/1.

Stan James are now NRNB from this morning. One of our favoured bookies since giving us 2/1 on Sprinter Sacre for the Arkle !

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A second report from Rory Jiwani of Stan James.

The Crown Inn, Pishill to raise funds for Racing Welfare and Stonor Cricket Club (that's with a strong 'sh' if you were wondering):

Panel: MC Paul Kelso (Sky News), Lawney Hill (LH - trainer and wife of PTP trainer Alan Hill), Noel Williams (NW - trainer and former Alan King assistant), Andrew Thornton (AT - Gold Cup-winning jockey), Richard Hoiles (RH - broadcaster, commentator, etc), Rory Jiwani (RJ).

Started with a general chat about Cheltenham and racing and got onto wind issues with horses. LH gave a detailed and interesting explanation about wind issues and the type of operations they can have and why big horses in particular can suffer.

Supreme

Irving very popular on the panel and the choice of AT, LH and NW. NW says Wilde Blue Yonder would have an each-way chance which RJ agreed with. NW said he was a good jumper despite him falling twice and that he would be OK with a lead coming to the last. AT disagreed and said the horse needed blinkers. NW said, "Who's to say he won't have blinkers?" RJ liked Irving but pointed out that no favourite had won the Supreme since Brave Inca in 2004.

Arkle

AT and NW both liked Champagne Fever and Valdez. RJ was the only Rock On Ruby fan initially although NW admitted he might have changed his mind by the end of the chat. RH tipped up Claret Cloak each-way with the caveat that he needs quick ground. Audience member asked about Balder Succes and RH explained that the owners work in hospitality at Cheltenham and had their day ruined when he fell in the Triumph. That's why he misses the Festival. Panel agreed that he'd have a chance in a weak Arkle. Rock On Ruby ground-dependent but AT (?) said they'll have one chance to give it a good go on soft ground and the Arkle could be it.

StanJames Champion Hurdle

AT and LH went for Hurricane Fly. RH was quite strongly of the opinion that last year's novices were better than the old guard and went for My Tent Or Yours along with NW and RJ. Lengthy discussion about Annie Power with RH stating she should go for the Mares' Hurdle and then go to Aintree but owner wants to aim big. From breeding perspective, missing Cheltenham also an option.

Neptune

AT keen on Faugheen, NM and LH very keen on Red Sherlock. At the prices, RJ preferred Red Sherlock. RH picked out Ballyalton each-way. Impressed with his win over Oscar Rock at Newcastle although the latter's had issues. Chaser in the making.

RSA

NW very keen on Smad Place. Loves Cheltenham having been placed twice in World Hurdles. AT liked Sam Winner based on his run behind Smad Place giving him three pounds at Newbury last time out. RH keen on Corrin Wood but RJ questioned whether he needed soft ground. RH said he would have preferred to see him in four-miler. Also likes Annacotty whichever race he turns up in. RJ liked Carlingford Lough as a battle-hardened horse and the sort to win this race.

Champion Chase

LH really likes Sire De Grugy and hopes he can win for the Moores. NW (I think) picked out Baily Green with RJ saying he looked Ryanair-bound but that Mouse Morris has a knack of getting his horses right for Cheltenham and that they'd all outrun their odds. AT thinks Hinterland has a great chance.

JLT

NW and LH went for Oscar Whisky with RJ saying Nicky Henderson was keen to emphasise that he was finally running over his right trip at Cheltenham. AT liked Taquin De Seuil.

Ryanair

AT thought Module had a good chance based on his excellent run in the Haldon Gold Cup which proved to be very strong form. RH (I think) concurred. RH said Medermit could be interesting at a price.

World Hurdle

Probably the most interesting race as far as diversity of opinions was concerned. LH said Big Buck's clearly needed the run last time as he had white snot coming out of his nose. She and NW thought he had shown enough to think he would win again. RJ disagreed and said that if Big Buck's had been anywhere near his best, he should have won. AT concurred with RJ and RH, the casting vote, sat on the fence. AT thought Rule The World was very interesting and that Salubrious was a big price.

Triumph

RJ thought Rutherglen was very interesting but was concerned that he would go for the Fred Winter. NW also very keen on Rutherglen and thought he was too exposed for the FW so had to go Triumph.

Albert Bartlett

Between Kings Palace and Briar Hill with the vote going to the former if memory serves.

Gold Cup

AT thought Last Instalment might struggle going down the hill and liked Rocky Creek at a price. The Giant Bolster also mooted as one to get in the places. General consensus that Bobs Worth would be very hard to beat. RH said we thought we were going to get the answer as to whether Silviniaco Conti would stay but he fell before we found out. Says it was a case of Cue Card stopping in the King George rather than Silviniaco Conti staying. Still a question mark.

RH gave out a few horses to watch in the handicaps including Claret Cloak (Grand Annual), Grand Vision (Pertemps) and Son Of Flicka (Coral Cup). I won't reveal them all here as they should be part of a premium service and probably worth the admission fee alone. You'll just have to turn up next year!

LH talked a bit about the Foxhunters and said if Mossey Joe turned up he'd win but that there was a big doubt over him making it due to the problems he has had during his career. She thought her husband's Harbour Court had a live chance despite being brought down at the first at Kelso. He's had two seconds in the Foxhunters and maybe he could go one better.

Apologies for omissions (of which there are plenty) and inaccuracies. Both nights were great fun with some interesting views being aired. I have three more next week: Newcastle Racecourse on Tuesday March 4th, the @cheltofestival Preview at the Radisson Bloomsbury, London on Wednesday March 5th and, last but not least, the London Racing Club preview at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury on Friday March 7th.

I sincerely hope someone's taking notes but, if not, I'll try and get down some of the views down again
 
Bakers Corners Pub tonight


Cheltenham preview
Tuesday 4th March 7.30pm

@BakersCornerPub Deansgrange with
@BarryJGeraghty
@Jessica_Racing
@donnmcclean

Hope to locate a tweeting reporter later !
 
3 March 2014

VENUE: THE OLD RAILWAY CLUB, MELLING ROAD, AINTREE, LIVERPOOL, L9 0LQ

JOHN PARROTT, CHARLIE LONGSDON, BEN PAULING, ANDY HOLDING plus JOHN MORRIS hosting the evening.

VENUE: THE OLD RAILWAY CLUB, MELLING ROAD, AINTREE, LIVERPOOL, L9 0LQ

Panel

JOHN PARROTT,
CHARLIE LONGSDON,
BEN PAULING, Ex Henderson
ANDY HOLDING William Hill
plus JOHN MORRIS hosting the evening.

SUPREME NOVICE

CL ,VAUTOUR, respects ruby choice and impressed with lto

BP, SPLASH OF GINGE,e/w ,will go from the front and will tough nut to crack after winning betfair,

JP, IRVING, best of the brits and nicholls is sweet on him, thinks VAUTOR is a danger but got easy lead lto.

AH, VAUTOUR, if ruby go,s from the front again then the irish will start with a winner!

ARKLE,

CL, CHAMPAGNE FEVER, cd form important so has to be a strong choice in a weakish arkle

BP, CHAMPAGNE FEVER, sames as Charlie if clear round will win

JP,TRIFOLIUM, loved his performance lto and trainer wouldn't come unless confident.

AH, TRIFOLIUM, also liked his jumping and if in the same form will be tough to crack.

CHAMPION HURDLE,


CL, NEW ONE, really likes the horse respects the fly but thinks the no will win

BP, NEW ONE, Cheltenham is his track will have too much for them thinks mtoy is the danger.

JP, NEW ONE, same as Charlie, race of the meeting wants the fly to win but thinks the new one will have to much.

AH, MTOY, liked his win lto @Kempton can't see why the no will reverse form, mtoy has shown he's no bridle horse.

NEPTUNE NOVICE,

CL, FAUGHEEN, all he's seen and been told ,is that the mullins team are very sweet on him looks a lovely sort who will take some beating .

BP, RED SHERLOCK, very impressive lto beating another mullins inmate and has been told that TOM SCU has said hes his best ride of the meeting.

JP, RED SHERLOCK, cd form and only does enough one of his bets of the meeting.

AH, RED SHERLOCK, like john loved his cd form was told mullins was sweet on his that day and pipes beat it easy, also one of his best bets.

RSA

CL, SMAD PLACE, alan kings runners coming to form at the right time jumps for fun won well lto and will stay well.

BP SMAD PLACE, spoke to choc,and yard think hes there best chance

JP, SMAD PLACE, vibes are all positive and his stamina will put him in the frame,

AH, MORNING ASSEMBLY, loves this fella has had a big bet on him got mugged lto by McCoy,will be staying on when others have cried enough.

QUEEN MOTHER

all the panel though sire de grugy was a lay, as his form at Cheltenham was suspect,

AH, HINTERLAND, his figures are by far the best in this race and nicholls making all the right noises

GOLD CUP

CL, BOBS WORTH, loves the course stays forever gutsy and will have too much for them

BP, BOBS WORTH, spoke to Henderson this morning the horse is bouncing and they think hes in the form of his life

JP, BOBS WORTH , says he was @the lexus and he was fantastic and is just to good for them..did respect fentons horse.

AH, BOBS WORTH, on all known form and figures he wins

WORLD HURDLE

CL, ANNIE POWER, loves her thinks she will stay and getting 7lb wins

BP, AT FISHERS CROSS, has been told the horse went back to jps for a mot and is now back to form, ap not a fool.

JP, BIG BUCKS, thinks his class will see him home was not fit lto nicholls left something to work on..won't be a dry eye in the house when he wins

AH, RULE THE WORLD, the forgotten horse of the race mouse is a shrewd and hes a cracker e/w bet

TRIUMPH

all the panel thought CALIPTO, is a good thing ..maybe guitar pete could follow him home

ALBERT BARTLETT

CL, BRIAR HILL, takes the eye, he only does what is needed and all the whispers he is being told say this is the mullins good thing

BP, CAPTAIN CUTTER, done a sparking bit of work and the Henderson team are confident

Bumper

CHARLIE LONGSDON, says his runner OUR KAEMPER, is over priced hes come on a stone at home and he thinks hes in with a shout.. the others were all saying the irish will win it!

in the handicaps

BEN PAULING said his RAVENS TOWER will run in the FRED WINTER and he gives everthing and wouldn't put anyone off a e/w bet. JOHN PARROTT said to watch out for the pipes with a claimer on ..

CHARITY BETS


CHARLIE...BRIAR HILL

BEN, RED SHERLOCK

JOHN, BOBS WORTH

ANDY, CALIPTO

JOHN MORRIS..said his best bet was FAUGHEEN.

JP, KING PALACE, jumps impeccably, won on the bridle and is his banker

AH, KINGS PALACE, his fingers put him in the top 2 here and the pipe yard are very confident.
 
Hi guys,

My own favourite Preview Night takes place tomorrow night - Wednesday 6th March at 7:30pm.

It's the Betfair one with Paul Nicholls, Donald McCain, Matt Chapman and the legend that is The Couch.

Video from this night http://www.fatjockey.com/forum/show...ltenham-Festival-Preview-Night-Reports/page12

Our panel of five this evening: @PFNicholls @donaldmccain @MCYeeehaaa Gary O'Brien and The Couch. Send your questions using #betfairpreview

Gary O'Brien think Vautour might be vulnerable to something with a turn of foot. Valseur Lido "a sleeper" for W. Mullins. #betfairpreview
The Couch fancies Vaniteux for the Supreme. #betfairpreview
Supreme fancies: @donaldmccain Wicklow Brave, @PFNicholls: Irving, The Couch: Anything but Irving, Gary O'Brien: Gilgamboa. #betfairpreview

The Couch likes Trifolium for the Arkle. He thinks Dodging Bullets is better on flat tracks and can't win an Arkle. #betfairpreview
Paul Nicholls says Dodging Bullets has improved since Newbury and has grown up mentally this season #betfairpreview

The Couch doesn't think Hurricane Fly will win the Champion Hurdle. He fancies My Tent Or Yours. #betfairpreview
Gary O'Brien thinks Jezki could be a dark horse for the Champion Hurdle and could outrun his odds. #betfairpreview
.@donaldmccain says Hurricane Fly is a "proper Champion" and is the one they all have to beat.
Gary O'Brien thinks Cheltenham suits Jezki better than My Tent Or Yours. He's 2.2 to place on the Exchange. #betfairpreview
Fancies for the Champion Hurdle: @PFNicholls, Gary O'Brien & @donaldmccain: Hurricane Fly, The Couch: My Tent Or Yours #betfairpreview

The Couch has backed Briar Hill for the Neptune.
Fancies for the Neptune: @donaldmccain : Un Temps Pour Tout, Gary O'Brien: Royal Boy, @PFNicholls: Red Sherlock, The Couch: Rathvinden/BH.

Gary O'Brien thinks Carlingford Lough could have the edge over Morning Assembly in the RSA.
The Couch has backed Oliver Sherwood's Many Clouds for the RSA. @PFNicholls is definitely running Sam Winner in this race.
Corrin Wood is very straightforward and keeps surprising @donaldmccain. Stays and gallops.
A decision over Just A Par's race at the Festival is on hold until @PFNicholls has a better idea on the ground.
RSA Fancies: The Couch: Many Clouds, @PFNicholls: Sam Winner, Gary O'Brien: Carlingford Lough, @donaldmccain: Corrin Wood.

The Couch claims Sire De Grugy is worth taking on in the Champion Chase. He likes Captain Conan and Kid Cassidy.
Gary O'Brien has had a good word for Bailey Green and thinks he can run into a place in the Champion Chase.


Paul is "very happy" with Wonderful Charm and he definitely runs in the JLT.
Gary O'Brien thinks Willie Mullins Djackadam is one to watch out for in the future and would be of definite interest should he run.
The Couch has backed Sizing Gold for the JLT. Gary O'Brien agrees he has a very good chance.
JLT fancies: @donaldmccain Taquin De Seuil, @PFNicholls Wonderful Charm, The Couch Sizing Gold & Gary O'Brien Djackadam.

Paul thinks that the Ryanair is the perfect race for Al Ferof. @BetfairBarry reports that Benefficient has been well supported today.
John Hales in the audience this evening says the King George and Denman Chase proved Al Ferof wouldn't stay the Gold Cup trip in soft ground

.@PFNicholls says Big Bucks needed the run last time out and will improve for it. He thinks he'll run a massive race in the World Hurdle.
.@PFNicholls says Zarkander may make the running in the World Hurdle and three miles could be the making of him.
The Couch thinks At Fishers Cross should be a 16/1 shot.
World Hurdles fancies: @donaldmccain, Gary O'Brien - Annie Power. @PFNicholls backs Big Bucks to land a 5th World Hurdle. #betfairpreview

The Couch likes Calipto and Broughton in the Triumph Hurdle. @donaldmccain goes for John Quinn's Rutherglen.

Gary O'Brien says Briar Hill did well to win a Grade 2 last time out. Strongly fancied to win the Albert Bartlett. #betfairpreview
The whole panel agree with Gary that Briar Hill will win the Albert Bartlett.

Gary O'Brien thinks Bobs Worth will win the Gold Cup again. Last Instalment the fly in the ointment.
The Couch is taking on the front two in the Gold Cup. He's backed Rocky Creek and Teaforthree.


Handicaps
.@PFNicholls says his dark horse for the handicaps is Katgary in the Fred Winter. Also thinks Lac Fontana stands has a good chance.
Overturn has just started light work again having returned from injury. Possible he'll run on the flat this summer. #betfairpreview
.@donaldmccain says Clondaw Kaempfer is working well and is hoping for a big run in the Coral Cup.
The Couch strongly fancies Mr Mole for the Grand Annual. Says a strong pace will suit and could be well handicapped.
 
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Thanks to https://twitter.com/JRFArmstrong for this report from Newcastle this evening


Chelt Preview Night st

Panel
@scotracing_gb
@Darren_Owen
@Niallhannity &
@SeanQuinnracing


Supreme

SQ & DO like Vautour
NH fancies Wilde Blue Yonder ew @ 25/1

Arkle:
DO Champ Fever
SQ Trifolium
NH Rock On Ruby

Champion Hurdle-
NH & SQ both Our Conor
DO Hurricane Fly still one to beat.

Neptune
DO Deputy Dan
NH Red Sherlock
RJ Rathvinden biggest recent mover in market
SQ likes Royal Boy & Lieut Col ew

Champion Chase
RJ Sizing Europe SQ
Sire De Grugy if caught in Guinness village
NH & DO poss Hinterland ew

RSA:
DO Morning Assembly
DO, SQ & RJ all like Carlingford Lough
h NH Many Clouds

JLT
RJ & SQ v keen on Sizing Gold
NH & DO if soft Taquin De Seuil or DO Wonderful Charm.

Ryan Air
NH & DO Dynaste
SQ sweet on AlFerof
RJ Benefficient or AlFerof

World Hurdle

SQ Annie Power
NH love to see Big Bucks but Annie Power.
DO Annie Power

Albert Bartlett
DO keen on Briar Hill NH thinks 2 horse race between top 2 in betting Kings Pace or Briar Hill.
SQ Briar Hill fan

Gold Cup
RJ Bobs Worth & The Giant Bolster ew
NH Between top 2.
DO also keen on Bobs Worth, Trio D'Al a place.
SQ Bobs a banker

Teaforthree ew

Other snippets-
AP McCoy booked to ride Cockney Sparrow on Mares!
NH & DO v keen on Indian Castle in Kim Muir.
SQ Zamosky in Fred Win

Preview Naps:
RJ & SQ Bobs Worth
NH Kings Palace
DO Indian Castle (Kim Muir) Ends
 
London Preview with @cheltofestival tweeting

Panel

Bh9zGpzIAAAgpiM.jpg



Supreme


Tinkler and @LydiaHislop fancy Vaniteux and tinks think @BarryJGeraghty will ride him #cfipreview
@Dannskelton & @tony_calvin strongly like Irving #horseracing

Arkle
Arkle now... @roryjiwani best hurdler should win so Rock on ruby #horseracing
@LydiaHislop likes Trifolium but says many do.
Tinks thinks Grandouet is a big price but champagne fever did a great piece of work


Champion Hurdle

Tinks think MTOY Has most raw class compared to previous 7 barrows CH horses. More than Binocular, has a monster chance #horseracing

@tony_calvin thinks worst betting race but if had to pick he thinks Our Conor ran a great race despite the drift #horseracing


Neptune
In the Neptune @LydiaHislop think Red Sherlock will run well, stag of a horse
Tinks likes Royal boy and think pending Vaniteux performance the price could shrink #horseracing
@Dannskelton loves Red Sherlock at 5/1 and Faugheen will get smashed. Believes they will fight it out #horseracing
@Dannskelton disagrees with @LydiaHislop and think Royal Boy Hosses Hill form 'crap' #horseracing
@tony_calvin best bet of the meeting is Un Temps Pour Tout and thinks 14/1 is a monster bet #horseracing


RSA
@LydiaHislop thinks Le Bec is a big price at 16/1 bit likes Smad Place for @CheltenhamRaces form.
@Dannskelton thinks Smad Place is the best horse but can't hit one early. Many Clouds is a stronger runner than price #horseracing
On pure price @tony_calvin thinks Sam Winner at 14s is real value against Smad Place, word for Many Clouds #Horseracing


Queen Mother

@roryjiwani dislikes Sire @CheltenhamRaces but loves Benneficient but doesn't think he'll run
Queen Mother looks a very poor renewal, @LydiaHislop grasping Special Tiara as a long shot
Tinks thinks Kid Cassidy for a place and admits Sizing Europe might turn back the clock #horseracing

Mares
@LydiaHislop thinks swing bowlers runs a big race and Covkney Sparriw won't stay #horseracing
@Dannskelton is happy Quevega will trounce the field #horseracing

g
Ryanair
@tony_calvin likes Dynaste for the Ryanair and isn't fussed for the price #horseracing
The panel can't see past the top three in the betting, if Benneficient runs he's got a serious chance #horseracing

World Hurdle

Paul thinks Annie Power is buzzy, Celestial will go out strong and Buck will sit behind in world hurdle #horseracing
@tony_calvin says @PFNicholls very very bullish on the bucks and thinks AP won't stay
@Dannskelton agrees and say Big Bucks will@be at absolute 100%, can't. Get him better
@Dannskelton asks @roryjiwani what price Annie Power against Voler La Vedette, 1/4 3/1 so sees AP massive danger #horseracing
@LydiaHislop says she's buzzy and will she stay? @PFNicholls has enough to draw it out. Doesn't think BB will win #horsesandbayonets




Triumph
The panel are very positive on Activial in the Triumph, @tony_calvin NRNB Big shout for Le Rocher
@LydiaHislop very sweet on Gitane de Berlais #Horseracing

Albert Bartlett
@LydiaHislop very strong on Kings Palace with slight concerns about going off to quickly in the Albert Bartlett
@Dannskelton thinks its between the front two, thinks Kings Palace looks very solid.
@tony_calvin likes horse that show nothing at home so Briar Hill but like Dan fancies nothing each way

Handicaps

- tap night, next sensation and present view for @tony_calvin
@Dannskelton likes pendra and Vieux de les rouges in handicaps #horseracing
Timks likes daralan in the Fred winter and loves Ericht #horseracing
@LydiaHislop likes Indian Castle in Kim Muir and she loves Sure Reef in coral@or county for @WillieMullinsNH serious mark #horseracing
@roryjiwani agrees Indian castle is @donaldmccain best bet of the week #Horseracing
@LydiaHislop thinks Djakadem is a serious horse and future gold cup winner wow, take notice


Gold Cup


Panel strong on Bob but @LydiaHislop wants Silviniaco at the prices. Captain Chris and Trio to run very well

@Dannskelton heart says Silv and head say Bob, see who's in form

@tony_calvin thinks Trio is the each way bet #horseracing
 
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@ourconor tweeting from the Paddy Power Night https://twitter.com/OurConor

Panel
includes
Ruby Walsh,
Davy Russell
Barry Geraghty ,
Pricewise,
Gordon Eliott and
Mr @paddypower himself
+ a live phone in with Willie Mullins....


First up the supreme. Davy rides western boy thinks good ground will help
Ruby says Vautour a stayer , Wicklow brave the faster at home and you pick him over Vautour at home . Thinks Vautour will stay better ….
Gordon Elliot likes Wicklow brave.
Pricewise thinks Irving won’t stay too much pace
Pricewise thinks gilgiambo the pick in the race
Pricewise thinks Barry two horses haven’t a hope. Barry thinks which ever one he rides ride will win….

Onto the Arkle and JlT
Ruby says fever in really good form and working well.Willie very happy with him. thinks rock and Ruby the big danger, between the two
Ruby not worried about Wicklow brave jumping
Paddy power tells special has doubled interest in supreme novice. Ruby described it as bookmaking suicide. Paddy fancies Vautour
Davy sides with champagne fever or rocky ruby. Says trilfolim jumping very slick. Big chance …!
Davy reckons nothing there to lead.
Mullin tells us Harry fry told him he happy to take a lead off ruby on fever
Ruby shoots back ‘Good’
Barry thinks champagne fever the danger. Doesn’t fancy rock on ruby. Between top two in market
Pricewise on trifolim but doesn’t think he will pick up champagne fever…..
Paddy goes rocky on ruby .

Gordon tells us Don Cossack won’t go JlT and he’s a fan of champagne fever
Barry tells us oscar whiskey is in great form. Barry thinks wonderful charm and fleix younger and have big chances. Doesn’t like the rest Says oscar whiskey one the best Nicky Henderson chances of the week
Ruby says drying ground shouuld help Felix younger , form rock solid. Depends on the ground what he rides in the race…
Pricewise likes oscar whiskey puts up wonderful charm
Davy likes fleix younger . Reckons sizing gold has chance at a big prize. Paddy power backs him up and thinks sizing gold huge price

RSA
Tom doesn’t like smad place. Reckons irish will dominate. Fancies Carlingford lough and morning assembly and many clouds at a price
Davy gets to ride morning assembly.Thinks he’s the wrong price over Carlingford lough says he schooled well and hopes he have a good chance
Ruby says morning assembly solid horse , always had a soft spot for Ballycasey. Ruby says if anything happens Bally he be up on
Morning assembly over Davy. Davy not impressed. First dig between the two of the evening
Inexperience of Ballycasey not a worry for ruby. Most natural jumper in the yard of the novices this year
Barry says Ballycasey the one to beat ….
Don Cossack definitely travels for the RSA according to Gordon Elliot
Elliot Reckons morning assembly doesn’t jump well enough , Ballycasey the most likely winner
Paddy power likes Carlingford lough , big price ….

Onto the champion chase and Ryanair
Paddy power thinks sire de Grugy the lay of the festival …
First offer 3/1 Sire de Grugy , details to follow ….
Barry thinks captain Conan has huge chance , tells us he’s never been in better form
Beneficent for Davy
Gordon says rumour has it beneficent goes champion chase. Get on now ….
Ruby reckons captain conan no chance and sire de Grugy will win . Sombersby the each way bet
Sizing Europe for Tom in the champion chase . Dynaste for him in the Ryanair on haydock run the best form

l Ferof not good for Ruby Walsh. All point to first lieutenant the bet for him
Gordon says hidden cyclone has no chance. First Lieutenant on good ground the bet for him
Barry fancies first lieutenant and hidden cyclone each way good value for him

Champion Hurdle up

Ruby shakes head watching replay of Annie power nearly falling at the last at Doncaster
Hurricane still the one to best according to both Davy and Ruby
Though says if it’s a true run race our Conor wins . Ruby buts in and says hurricane fly stays the best and says Davy is waffling
Pricewise thinks it’s between hurricane fly and my tent and yours. Gives our Conor no chance :(
Barry on Jezki , thinks fly the one to beat but questions the fly form at chelt
Elloit idea of a winner is the fly …
Paddy power goes for the fly.

Albert Barlett and Neptune up now
Ruby says hard to get off Faugheen. Never been extended. Schooled Rathviden and in good form same for Faugheen
Says Faugheen in good form and been off colour last week
Barry rides royal boy and thinks he has a great chance in a very open chance. Thinks Red Sherlock is very slow and Rathviden will have
more pace in good ground and will benefit from the experience he gave him at chelentham. Ruby could be on the wrong horse
Davy says he has no ride and not much interest. Thinks Faugheen jumping a worrying. Rathviden for him
Gordon thinks it’s a very open race and lieutenant cornel
Paddy power will take on Faugheen and tips Rathviden and says will be bigger price on the day
Pricewise thinks red Sherlock too slow and Rathviden the each way play

Pricewise thinks kings palace very slick jumper but thinks briar hill and good speed and thinks briar will win and captain cutter the value
Barry thinks briar hill will win …
Gordon impressed with briar hill and thinks king palace will set it up for briar hill . Will play straight into ruby hands
Ruby digs Russell again about losing his jobs . Davy’s says he might get the boat , aer lingus flights too expensive hahaha
Davy goes for briar hill

Onto the triumph hurdle ,
Pricewise big fan of rubber bell
Gordon says tiger roll has come on well from the last day but thinks the English might be better
Ruby disappointed with Ivan grozy. Confirms git and du berlais at a big price


World hurdle !

Ruby tells us Annie power is bred to stay and her best form at 2.5 and world hurdle easier race
And thinks she will give big bucks all he wants of it
Davy says if Annie power doesn’t stay , rule the world in with a big shoot
Paddy power out to get big bucks !
Paddy power fancies rule the world great each way bet
Pricewise thinks if Annie power stays she wins ! Best horse in training according to him . Hates big bucks for this race
Pricewise likes more of that , certain to stay the trip. Can’t believe ap won’t ride him
Barry reckons Paul Nicholls will be out too see if Annie power stays. Can’t have big bucks
Big fan of more of that ….
Annie power for Gordon Elliot

Sure reef not sure to run in the coral cup according to ruby . Elliot fancies him if he does
Paddy tells Barney coup took 950,000 off them personally
Pricewise puts up dunigub as his best handicap bet !
Davy puts up tap night as best handicapper


gold cup

Barry’s says Bobs worth training well
Davy tells last instalment must get rain on the day to win the gold cup
Ruby says he was very impressed with bobs worth last year and would love to ride him
Thinks on his own has a great chance to place without rain very moderate gold cup
Paddy taking on bobs worth likes last instalment


Charity bets up now
Paddy power Vautour
Elliot on the fringe
Barry each way more of that
Ruby bishops furze
Davy on the fringe , briar hill in a double
Pricewise double fever and briar hill
 
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Thanks to @davebesag ‏ for this alternative Newcastle Report

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Compere Gordon Brown (broadcaster)
Darren Owen (horse racing commentator)
Niall Hannity (former jockey and current broadcaster)
Sean Quinn (broadcaster and son of trainer John Quinn)
Rory Jiwani (Head of PR for Stan James)
Lucinda Russell was a non-runner as she was busy buying a horse!

Supreme Novices Hurdle

Rory Jiwani Irving Popular since the Dovecote Hurdle. Excellent form but favourites have a bad record in the race Vaniteux Money has come for Wilde Blue Yonder Fancies EW despite falling last two races The Liquidator Poor LTO

Sean Quinn Vantour His best selection due to the Deloitte form.Irving Second best selection. Gilgamboa Some shrewd judges fancy it Wicklow Brave Impressive but novicey

Niall Hannity Vautour Expects will become the favourite Irving Not convinced with his jumping Splash of Ginge Shouldn't be good enough Wilde Blue Yonder Value at 25/1 The Liquidator May not run

Darren Owen Vautour Will stay on and is his selection Wicklow Brave Can improve and no back number. Good jumper Irving Can make mistakes Western Boy Only 3/4l off Vautour

Arkle

Niall Hannity Champagne Fever Many people's idea as the banker of the meeting
Hannity/Quinn Trifolium Many people fancy him
Rock on Ruby Backed it ante-post
Dodging Bullets Doesn't fancy it as it is a flat bred
Valdez Doesn't fancy it
Hinterland Probable NR
Darren Owen Champagne Fever Loves the horse. It was travelling well when it made a serious mistake at Leopardstown
Dodging Bullets Doesn't fancy it
Grandouet Doesn't fancy it
Valdez Doesn't fancy it
Rock on Ruby Possible chance
Trifolium Channel 4 Jim McGrath strongly fancies it
Sean Quinn Trifolium His selection
Champagne Fever Too short a price
Ted Veale Doesn't fancy it
Dodging Bullets Doesn't fancy it
Valdez Doesn't fancy it
Rock on Ruby Doesn't fancy it as a 9yo
Rory Jiwani Rock on Ruby Fancies it
Champagne Fever Says Mullins unhappy and too short
Trifolium Didn't beat much at Leopardstown
Valdez Doesn't fancy it
Dodging Bullets Liked him more LTO but not enough
Claret Cloak Richard Hoiles fancies him if the ground is quick

Champion Hurdle
Rory Jiwani My Tent Or Yours Would have been the selection but for today's injury scare
Un De Sceaux Is he running? Possible front runner (since the event Captain Cee Bee has been supplemented presumably for this task)
Melodic Rendezvous Needs it soft
Our Conor Great Triumph Hurdle winner
Hurricane Fly Was beaten in this race two years ago
Sean Quinn My Tent Or Yours Henderson has a swimming pool for his horses which will help the horse's injury scare. Was originally the selection along with Our Conor
Our Conor Prepped for the race and improving
Hurricane Fly Better at Leopardstown
Gordon Brown My Tent Or Yours Henderson says that all his serious work had been completed before the injury scare
Niall Hannity Hurricane Fly Better at Leopardstown and will need career best performance. Helped if no pace. Mullins very confident
The New One Best horse in the UK and a Cheltenham horse
My Tent Or Yours Not a fan as he's more of a Kempton horse
Our Conor Triumph Hurdle form has worked out strongly. 5yo stat less a problem as very good TH winner.
Jezki Unbeaten when ridden by Barry Geraghty. Could front run (unlikely now CCB running)
Darren Owen Hurricane Fly Donald McCain thinks Peddlers Cross was a very good horse beaten by a better one in HF. Still the one they've got to beat
Our Conor Future champion. Possibly given a weak ride in the Irish Champion Hurdle
The New One Should have won at Kempton but his jumping is a concern

Neptune Hurdle


Darren Owen Faughen Lots of fans
Red Sherlock Lots of fans
Deputy Dan Value
Un Temps Pour Tout Value if runs.
Niall Hannity Red Sherlock Main selection
Faughen Second selection. Mullins name makes him too short and worry about his jumping
Royal Boy Looks the best of the Hendersons
Captain Cutter Doesn't fancy it
Ballyalton Value
Sure Reef Value
Rory Jiwani Rathvinden Market move for it today
Cup Final High price @ 66/1
Red Sherlock Has to have a chance over Rathviden
Faughen Hype horse and not good enough jumper
Lieutenant Colonel Dessie confident and has EW chance
Sean Quinn Faughen Like him but too short a price and jumping is a worry
Royal Boy Value
Lieutenant Colonel Chances depending on how well horses who have ran against him go in the Supreme Novices Hurdle. Value
Red Sherlock Jumps right and doesn't fancy it

RSA

Niall Hannity Ballycasey Fell on a recent schooling prep at Leopardstown
Many Clouds Value
Darren Owen Ballycasey Yet to run at 3m but should stay
Many Clouds Smashing prospect
Smad Place High rated hurdler
Morning Assembly Like him and is one of his two selections
Carlingford Lough Is a player and is one of his two selections
Corrin Wood Jumps right
Le Bec Like him and he could be a player but has off long-term
Sean Quinn Ballycasey Prep fall not ideal
Carlingford Lough May have challenged winner when UR but may not improve enough (still his selection)
Morning Assembly Interesting
Rory Jiwani Sam Winner Nicholls keen on him
Many Clouds Like him but he may not stay
Carlingford Lough His selection
Corrin Wood Needs it soft
Morning Assembly Not ran since Xmas which is a bad stat.

Champion Chase

Rory Jiwani Sire De Grugy Best 2m horse this year but Sprinter Sacre would have lapped this field, it's a dreadful race and Cue Card would have also won this. SDG is not a Cheltenham horse
Arvika Ligeonniere Doesn't go left-handed
Benefficient Chances if running
Alderwood May not run
Captain Conan Not shown good enough form
Sizing Europe His selection but poor LTO
Sean Quinn Sire De Grugy People trying to pick holes in his form. Better horse this year than last year
Niall Hannity Ordinary, open race
Sizing Europe Didn't stay LTO. I'll be honest and say I thought it was an odd comment from him. He's had one poor race since that race at 3m.
Sire De Grugy Niall mentioned a Newbury handicap. I think he was saying it was more a Newbury horse. Deserves to be favourite.
Arvika Ligeonniere Better right-handed but getting better at going left-handed
Captain Conan Doesn't fancy it
Kid Cassidy Mad horse (was once electrocuted!)
Alderwood Backed him but he's a probable NR
Hinterland Is his selection
Darren Owen Sire De Grugy Not enough evidence to say he's not a Cheltenham horse
Hinterland Likes him and he was faster than SDG at Sandown
Special Tiara Had a mention at a previous preview meeting
(The only question I asked all evening related to SDG missing last year's Festival for no obvious reason. The panel did agree that was something to note and that if SS was running SDG might not have been)

JLT

Hannity/Quinn Sean Quinn Sizing Gold Sweet on him. Looked a non-stayer LTO. Trainer has tipped it as a future hope for last two years
Rory Jiwani Sizing Gold Been gambled on. Loves him and is probably his favourite horse in training
Felix Younger Is vulnerable.
Oscar Whisky Class horse in the race and EW value. Henderson says he's finally running over the correct trip
Wonderful Charm Should reverse form with Oscar Whisky
Double Ross Decent
Niall Hannity Sizing Gold Only two runs over fences
Taquin Du Seuil Needs it soft but good form
Oscar Whisky Too old
Vukovar Good but currently around the right price
Darren Owen Taquin Du Seuil One of his two selections. Needs it soft but has good acceleration. Channel 4 Jim McGrath strongly fancies it
Wonderful Charm Will reverse form with Oscar Whisky if ground dries out. One of his two selections
Sizing Gold Respects it but inexperienced
Vukovar Respects it but inexperienced

Ryanair Chase

Niall Hannity Al Ferof Doesn't fancy it
Dynaste Deserves to be favourite and is his selection
Gordon Brown Dynaste His selection
Darren Owen Dynaste One of his best bets of the week. He's now better than Benefficient
Sean Quinn Al Ferof Likes him. Cheltenham horse on good ground. Ideal trip
Rory Jiwani Dynaste/Benefficient Doesn't see Dynaste should reverse form with Benefficient. Latter is underated
Al Ferof Good horse and this is his distance
 
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Newcastle continued

World Hurdle

Rory Jiwani Annie Power Still being backed. May not stay and is too short
Big Buck's Happy to take him on. Curtis' horses off form (AFC) and Knockara Beau only rated 145 in Cleeve Hurdle
At Fishers Cross Likes him
More Of That Likes him but McCoy isn't certainly he'll stay
Sean Quinn Annie Power Need speed as a World Hurdle horse. Bred to stay and on the up
Big Buck's Probably on the way down and too old
Rule The World Probably a player
At Fishers Cross If you're are against Big Buck's then you should be against AFC. Jumping an issue for AFC.
Niall Hannity Annie Power 10 wins from 10 races. Would have been against in the Champion Hurdle. Will take a hell of a lot of beating. Gets 7lb, rated 165 and would fancy her against Big Buck's at level weights. Pedigree says she will stay.
At Fishers Cross Rebecca Curtis horses back on track. Jumping an issue
More Of That Been a fan of him all year
Celestial Halo Likes Cheltenham but struggled LTO
Reve De Sivola Better horse at Asscot
Darren Owen Big Buck's Mentioned a horse hanging under pressure LTO. I assume it was BB. Said he is probably not good enough now
At Fishers Cross Been told it will improve.
More Of That McCoy loves the horse. Was once thought of as an Ascot Gold Cup horse. Breeding says it will stay
Gordon Brown At Fishers Cross Selection

Triumph Hurdle

Sean Quinn Rutherglen Trained by his dad. Has done nothing wrong. Wanted to enter him in the Fred Winter but got too high a handicap mark (135) so now runs here
Pearl Castle Trained by his dad. Has done nothing wrong. Better than Rutherglen but needs fast ground and may skip this race and head for Aintree
Guitar Pete Danger to their two horses
Calipto Danger to their two horses
Rory Jiwani Calipto Nicholls is worried about him not having any runs on the flat
Guitar Pete Was well beaten earlier but has improved
Rutherglen Like him
Royal Irish Hussar Needs quick ground
Gitane Du Berlais Gets a fillies allowance and in decent form
Tiger Roll His former trainer felt he is more a Fred Winter horse than a Triumph Hurdle horse
Niall Hannity Calipto Will improve next year
Le Rocher Soft ground when it won
Royal Irish Hussar Rubbish. I think this was the horse he said he'd eat his feet if it won!
Tiger Roll Has chances and other judges also think this
Darren Owen Le Rocher Top-rated horse in the race
Calipto Rated 3lb better than Le Rocher in France
Gitane Du Berlais Good win LTO
Pearl Castle Loved his win at Doncaster and is his second best selection
Broughton Likes him and is his best selection

Albert Bartlett Hurdle

Darren Owen Briar Hill Coming down on his side in the race
Kings Palace Has been very impressive (and on good ground)
Urban Hymn Biggish price but perhaps more a horse for the future
Blakemount Biggish price but perhaps more a horse for the future
Niall Hannity Kings Palace His best choice. Looked really special although it hasn't ran since Christmas
Briar Hill His second choice
Captain Cutter Doesn't fancy it
Urban Hymn Possible place
Blakemount Possible place
Sean Quinn Briar Hill Fan of the horse. Connections say he would win any of the SNH, Ballymore or this race
Urban Hymn Jefferson likes him but thinks he's more of a chaser. River Don Hurdle may have taken a lot out of him
Rory Jiwani Captain Cutter Dosen't like it as it lacks guts.
Blakemount Likes him. EW choice
Mosspark Tom Malone has put him up as a horse with a chance
Briar Hill/Kings Palace Briar Hill has the better chance of the two

Gold Cup

Rory Jiwani Bob's Worth Only six horses have retained the Gold Cup. Same field pretty much as last year. Back to form and loves a battle
Silviniaco Conti Ran keenly in last year's race. Cue Card stopped to nothing in the King George rather than Silviniaco Conti proving his stamina
Last Instalment May struggle going downhill in the race
Captain Chris No real chance as struggles going left-handed despite Arkle win
The Giant Bolster EW chance
Gordon Brown The last 63 Nicholls chasers have been beaten at the Festival. No chase winner since Kauto Star in the 2009 Gold Cup
Niall Hannity Captain Chris Will be in Hereford after three fences!
Bob's Worth 10 wins from 14 races. Loves Cheltenham and a strong gallop
Silviniaco Conti Likes him. King George form has worked out well and Nicholls has a good record
Last Instalment Ground is a worry if it dries. Being tested for steroids this week (which he passed)
The Giant Bolster Grand horse but not a bet
Harry Topper Will be lapped
Triolo D´Alene Place chance
Cloudy Too Decent price at 66/1 to 100/1
Boston Bob Probably will run in the World Hurdle
On His Own May be supplemented for the race
Darren Owen Bob's Worth Gets the jobs done, perfect Cheltenham and Festival record. Is his selection.
Silviniaco Conti Now looks like a stayer
Triolo D´Alene On the up and may get a place
Sean Quinn Bob's Worth Banker material. Great record at Cheltenham. Back to form
Irish staying chasers Currently not as good as GB staying chasers
Teaforthree Will shorten up on the day because of McCoy riding the horse. Has chances at a price


Handicaps


Baylis and Harding Chase Darren Owen Shutthefrontdoor One of two selections
Baylis and Harding Chase Darren Owen Theatre Guide One of two selections
Bumper Darren Owen Golantilla Been given him as a tip
Coral Cup Darren Owen Un Temps Pour Tout Mentioned it and I assume it must have been for the Coral Cup
Coral Cup Rory Jiwani Conor O'Farrell ride @ 10/1
County Hurdle Darren Owen Art Of Payroll Selection
County Hurdle Rory Jiwani Swing Bowler Conor O'Farrell has mentioned it
County Hurdle/Imperial Cup Rory Jiwani Regal Encore Interested in the County Hurdle/Imperial Cup double
County Hurdle/Imperial Cup Rory Jiwani Vibrato Valtat Interested in the County Hurdle/Imperial Cup double
Foxhunters Darren Owen Oscar Delta Selection. Unlucky last year
Fred Winter Hurdle Darren Owen Spaceship Selection
Fred Winter Hurdle Rory Jiwani Carry On Sydney Fancies it
Fred Winter Hurdle Rory Jiwani Dawalan Keen on it
Fred Winter Hurdle Rory Jiwani Forced Family Fun Impressive LTO
Fred Winter Hurdle Sean Quinn Forced Family Fun Trained by his dad. Better left-handed and a live outsider. May be balloted out.
Fred Winter Hurdle Sean Quinn Zamoyski If Forced Family Fun misses out on the race then he fancies Zamoyski
Grand Annual Rory Jiwani Mr Mole Been backed for the race
Kim Muir Fulke Walwyn Darren Owen Indian Castle Selection. Also the week's nap for his trainer Donald McCain
Kim Muir Fulke Walwyn Sean Quinn Indian Castle Selection
Mares Hurdle Darren Owen Quevega Mullins happy with her
Mares Hurdle Sean Quinn Cockney Sparrow Trained by his dad. Improving but may not stay. McCoy has been given the ride today. Will be tough to beat Quevega.
Martin Pipe Hurdle Niall Hannity Never Enough Time Selection
Pertemps Hurdle Rory Jiwani Broadway Buffalo Mentioned the horse
Rewards for Racing Chase Darren Owen Manyriverstocross Selection
Rewards for Racing Chase Niall Hannity Manyriverstocross Selection
Rewards for Racing Chase Rory Jiwani Attaglance Been backed for the race
Rewards for Racing Chase Rory Jiwani Pendra Trainer has been protecting its handicap mark
Darren Owen The Romford Pele Selection whichever race it runs in
Niall Hannity Said that weather forecast was changing and that Cheltenham may even water on Friday
Sean Quinn Mentioned Chieftain's Choice as a selection for Monday's bumper at Stratford


Naps

Albert Bartlett Hurdle Niall Hannity Kings Palace Nap of the meeting
Kim Muir Fulke Walwyn Darren Owen Indian Castle Nap of the meeting
Gold Cup Sean Quinn Bob's Worth Nap of the meeting (1)
JLT Sean Quinn Sizing Gold Nap of the meeting (2)
Kim Muir Fulke Walwyn Rory Jiwani Indian Castle Nap of the meeting (1)
Gold Cup Rory Jiwani Bob's Worth Nap of the meeting (2)
 
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