2015 Cheltenham Stable Tours

[Lester]

NOVICE HURDLERS
Aigle De La See	PIPE	127*	French import; two wins from two starts for Nicky Henderson, scoring in Sandown Park hcap hurdle (2m 4f) on Jan 31 & taking Ffos Las nov hurdle by 10l on Feb 15
Birch Hill	PIPE	124	Fifth in 2m 4f+ nov hurdle at Cheltenham on Jan 1; sixth in Musselburgh nov hurdle (3m+) on Feb 1
Bivouac	NEP, WINT, TRI	139*	Ran 3rd G2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton Park on Saturday; fifth (beaten 14½l) to Peace And Co in G2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (2m 1f) at Cheltenham on Jan 24; narrow winner of juv hurdles at Kempton Park (Dec 27) & Sandown Park (Dec 5)
Caracci Apache	NEP, ALB	146	Unbeaten in three hurdle appearances, most recently when beating Blaklion by a head in G2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (3m+) at Doncaster on Jan 24; won over 2m 5f at Plumpton on Jan 4 & over 2m+ at Sandown Park on Dec 6
Cardinal Walter	SUP, NEP	138	Rated 91 on Flat; 7l winner on hurdling debut at Doncaster on Dec 12; runner-up (beaten 6l by Qewy) in 2m+ nov hurdle at Newbury on Feb 7
Clean Sheet	PIPE	135*	Successful over 2m 4f+ at Fakenham on Feb 13 (beat Chidswell by 3l); short-head winner of Newbury nov hurdle (2m+) on Dec 29; beaten 1¼l by Caracci Apachi at Sandown Park on Dec 6
Clondaw Banker	PIPE	122	Kempton Park bumper winner in Jan 2014; winless in four starts over hurdles; third (beaten 2½l) on latest outing in Doncaster maiden hurdle (2m 3f+) on Jan 23
Cup Final	PNF	136	Second-season novice; 10th (45l behind Faugheen) in G1 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f) at The Festival in 2014; 2l winner of Sandown Park Pertemps qualifier (2m 6f) on Dec 6
Hargam	TRI	144	Flat winner over 12f in France; second (beaten ¾l by Golden Doyen) in G2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (2m+) at Cheltenham on Nov 15; 1¼l winner of JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (2m 1f) at same course on Dec 13; scored by 6l on latest start in Listed juv hurdle (2m) at Musselburgh on Feb 1
Kilcrea Vale	NEP	No rating	Successful in Irish point-to-point in May; won by 26l on debut for Nicky Henderson in 2m 3f nov hurdle at Market Rasen on Jan 15
L'Ami Serge	SUP	153	Dual Listed runner-up over hurdles in France & yet to be beaten in three starts for Nicky Henderson; facile 6l winner of Listed intermediate hurdle (2m+) at Newbury on Nov 27; scored by 7l in G2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (2m) at Ascot on Dec 19; 14l winner of G1 32Red Tolworth Hurdle (2m+) at Sandown Park on Jan 3
Out Sam	ALB	142	Unbeaten in two starts in nov hurdles, winning by 3l at Newbury (2m 5f) on Nov 28 & by 1¾l at Ascot (2m 6f) on Jan 17
Peace And Co	TRI	155	Three from three over hurdles, including easy win at Clairfontaine (France) for former connections; took Doncaster G2 juv hurdle (2m+) by 19l on Dec 13; stayed on well to beat Karazek by 3l in G2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (2m 1f) at Cheltenham on Jan 24
Snake Eyes	O'BRIEN	128	Sixth in valuable Leopardstown hcap hurdle (2m) in Jan 2014 & 10th in same race on Jan 18; scored at fifth time of asking over hurdles with ½l victory in Sandown Park hcap hurdle (2m+) on Dec 6
Spartan Angel	PIPE	118	Won 2m Worcester maiden hurdle (2m 4f) by 6l in June; runner-up (beaten 4l) on latest start in Ascot hcap hurdle (2m 6f) on Dec 19
Sweet Deal	CORAL, PIPE	131	Twice won on good ground in June, 2014, taking Aintree maiden (2m 1f) hurdle by 2½l and posting 10l success in 2m Uttoxeter nov hurdle; 10th (beaten 29l) on latest start in Listed hcap hurdle (2m) at Musselburgh on Feb 1
Theinval	CORAL, PIPE	134	Twice runner-up in 10 starts over hurdles and fences in France; 6l winner of Kempton Park hcap hurdle (2m) on Nov 24; beaten neck by Alternatif same course in 2m 5f hcap hurdle on Dec 26
Top Notch	TRI	144	Unbeaten in five starts; eligible to run in JCB Triumph Hurdle but not a novice, having captured a pair of hurdle races in France in March & April; comfortable winner of juv hurdles at Newbury (2m+) on Dec 29 & at Ascot (2m) on Jan 17; easily won 2m Haydock juv hurdle by 9l on February 14
Vyta Du Roc	NEP, ALB	147	Beaten a neck by Parlour Games in G1 Challow Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f) at Newbury on Dec 29; successful on four previous starts including nose victory in G2 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2m 4f) at Sandown Park on Dec 5; scored by a neck in G2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (2m+) at Cheltenham on Nov 16

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[Lester]

NOVICE CHASERS
Cocktails At Dawn	CLUB	135	11th (beaten 53l by Faugheen) in G1 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f) at The Festival in 2014; yet to win in three starts over fences, most recently when well-beaten fourth in Kempton Park hcap chase (2m 4f+) on Jan 10
Golden Hoof	CLUB	137	Three-time winner over hurdles & won 2m 4f Aintree nov chase by 6l on Oct 25; placed on both subsequent starts, most recently when 13l-third in Wetherby hcap chase (2m 4f+) on Dec 26
Josses Hill	ARK, JLT	150	6l runner-up to Vautour in G1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; impressive winner of G2 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree the following month; second (beaten 9l by Ptit Zig) on chase debut in G2 nov chase (2m 3f) at Ascot on Dec 19; comfortably took Doncaster nov chase (2m+) on Jan 9; went down by ¾l to more-experienced Third Intention in Kempton Park graduation chase (2m 4f+) on Feb 6

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[Lester]

HURDLERS
Bear's Affair	CORAL, PNF	152	Won four of eight starts over hurdles; second in hcap hurdles at Wincantion (2m6f) and Aintree (2m 4f) last twice; most recent victory came in 3m hcap chase at Aintree in May
Beat That	WORLD	160	G1-winning novice at Aintree (3m+) and Punchestown (3m) in April; faded to sixth on comeback in Dornan Engineering Hurdle (2m 4f+) at Cheltenham on New Year's Day
Big Hands Harry	PNF	130	Beaten fav when sixth in Pertemps qualifier at Warwick (3m 1f) on Jan 10; won 3m nov hcap chase at Ascot on Nov 22
Blue Fashion	WORLD	152	Lightly-raced French import; two starts for Nicky Henderson, most recently when second (beaten 3¾l) to Faugheen in G2 Ascot Hurdle (2m 3+) on Nov 22; also second to More Of That in hcap hurdle (2m 4f) at Haydock Park in November, 2013
Call The Cops	CORAL, PNF	133	Dual winner over hurdles, most recently at Ludlow (2m 5f) in April; fourth (beaten 6¼l) to Brother Brian in hcap hurdle (2m 5f) at Kempton Park on Nov 3
Cool Macavity	O'BRIEN	132	Beaten 13l when eighth to Bayan in Ladbroke Hurdle (2m) at Ascot on Dec 20; won 2m hcap hurdle at Punchestown Festival in May
Dawalan	CORAL, PNF	150	Appreciated step up in trip this season, winning at Aintree (2m 4f) and Musselburgh (3m); runner-up to Sign Of A Victory in Listed hcap hurdle (2m) at Ascot on Nov 1; sent off favourite when 13th in Fred Winter Juvenile Hcap Hurdle at The Festival in 2014;
Full Shift	CORAL, PIPE	135	Not run since coming 11th (beaten 30l) in Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Hcap Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; won two of three hurdle starts before that at Kempton Park (2m 5f) and Newcastle (2m)
Hammersly Lake	CORAL	144	Runner-up in hcap hurdles at Cheltenham (2m+) and Newbury (2m 3f) first two starts this season; did not replicate that when 11th (beaten 72l) behind Tea For Two in hcap hurdle (2m 5f) at Kempton Park on Jan 10
Lough Kent	O'BRIEN	129	Well-beaten last two starts in hcap hurdles at Taunton (Feb 17) and Newbury (Dec 29); 20th in the Vincent O'Brien County Hcap Hurdle at The Festival in 2014
Lyvius	CORAL	145	Caught in the final strides when second in G2 hcap hurdle (2m 3f+) at Ascot; fifth (beaten 8¾l) to On Tour in 2m 4f hcap hurdle at Haydock Park on Nov 22; eighth in Vincent O'Brien County Hcap Hurdle at last year's Festival
Mayfair Music	OLBG, CORAL, PIPE	135	Decisive winner of Listed mares' nov hurdle at Doncaster (3m+) in March; well-beaten two starts this season, most recently when fifth (beaten 27l) behind Glens Melody in Listed event (2m 5f) at Warwick on Feb 7
Polly Peachum	OLBG	155	PU and dismounted last time out in Listed event (3m+) at Kempton Park on Nov 24; impressive winner of mares hcap hurdle (2m 6f) under top-weight at Wincanton on Nov 8; won OLBG.com Supports Mares' Jump Racing Mares' Hcap Hurdle (2m 5f+) at Cheltenham in April
River Maigue	CORAL, PIPE	140	Not run since PU in nov hcap chase at Kempton Park (2m 4f+) on Boxing Day; won once in six starts over hurdles; G2 runner-up at Cheltenham in November, 2012
Rolling Star	CORAL, O'BRIEN	145	Fifth (beaten 44l) in hcap hurdle (2m 3+) at Ascot on Feb 15 after a year off; not won since taking 4yo hurdle (2m) at Haydock Park in November, 2013; sixth in JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2013
Royal Irish Hussar	CORAL, O'BRIEN, PIPE	140	Fifth (beaten 8l) in 2m 1f hcap hurdle at Cheltenham on January 24; high-class juvenile hurdler, completing hat-trick in G2 event at Cheltenham in November, 2013; sixth to Tiger Roll in JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2014
Sign Of A Victory	CHAMP, O'BRIEN	147	Facile winner of 2m Listed hcap hurdle at Ascot on Nov 1; proved no match for Faugheen when fourth (beaten 31l) in G1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day; filled same postion behind Blue Heron in G2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Feb 14
Vaniteux	CHAMP	154	Third to Vautour in last year's Sky Bet Supreme Nov Hurdle at The Festival; runner-up in all three starts at Cheltenham this season, including (beaten 6l) to The New One in G2 StanJames.com International Hurdle (2m 1f) in December; found Rock On Ruby 2½l too strong in Dornan Engineering Hurdle (2m 4f+) on New Year's Day
Vasco Du Ronceray	CORAL, O'BRIEN, PIPE	140	Recorded first win for two years when annexing 2m hcap hurdle by 5l at Haydock Park in November; UR when weakening in Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on Feb 7; fifth (beaten 22l) behind Our Conor in JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2013
Volnay De Thaix	CORAL	158	Cruised to victory under top-weight in a hcap hurdle (2m 4f) at Huntingdon on Nov 11; fourth 11 days later in Fixed Brush Hcap Hurdle (3m) at Haydock Park; runner-up (beaten 2¼l) to Rock On Ruby in G2 Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle (2m 4f+) at Cheltenham on Dec 13
Whisper	WORLD	164	Won Coral Cup at The Festival in 2014 and followed up in G1 Liverpool Hurdle over 3m at Aintree in April; only outing this season yielded a second in a beginners' chase (2m 3f+) at Exeter on New Year's Day
CHASERS
Anquetta	JHGA	139	Has run in the last four renewals of the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, finishing sixth, fourth, ninth and 10th; last seen out when fifth (beaten 36l) in 2m 1f hcap chase at Newbury on Nov 29; latest win came in 2m 4f hcap chase at Market Rasen in May

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[Lester]

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CHASERS
Anquetta	JHGA	139	Has run in the last four renewals of the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, finishing sixth, fourth, ninth and 10th; last seen out when fifth (beaten 36l) in 2m 1f hcap chase at Newbury on Nov 29; latest win came in 2m 4f hcap chase at Market Rasen in May
Bobs Worth	GOLD	166	Three-time winner at The Festival - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2011), RSA Chase (2012) and Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (2013); sent off the 6/4 fav to retain his Gold Cup crown last year after winning G1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown (Dec 28, 2013), but could only finish fifth; eighth in sole start this term in Lexus Chase behind Road To Riches
Captain Conan	RYAN	161	Four-time G1 winner including three novice chases during 2012/2013 campaign - the Henry VIII Novices' Chase (2m) & Challengers Novices' Chase (2m 4f+) at Sandown plus Manifesto Novices' Chase (2m 4f) at Aintree; beat Sire De Grugy in G2 nov chase (2m) at Cheltenham in Nov 2012 but not seen since pulling up behind same horse in Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival in 2014
Ericht	CORAL, BROWN, WALWYN	133 (c) 135 (h)	Four starts in hcap chases at Cheltenham this season, most notably when third to Johns Spirit at The Showcase in October; sole win over fences came in 2m 4f nov chase at Musselburgh in February, 2014; dual winner over hurdles and fifth in Coral Cup at The Festival in 2013
Finian's Rainbow	QM	158	Enjoyed finest hour with 1¼l victory over Sizing Europe in 2012 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase; dual G1 winner at Aintree, taking Maghull Novices' Chase (2m) in 2011 & Melling Chase (2m 4f) in 2012; PU on latest outing in G3 Paddy Power Gold Cup (2m 4f) at Cheltenham in November 2013
French Opera	BROWN, JHGA	149	Could make seventh appearance at The Festival following five runs in Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (3rd in 2009 & 2nd in 2010) and a sixth in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2011; dual G2 winner at around 2m in 2011; sixth on latest appearance off top-weight in 2m Sandown Park hcap chase on Jan 31
Hadrian's Approach	ULTIMA	151	Third behind Lord Windermere in 2013 RSA Chase; game winner of G3 bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April, 2014; sixth on seasonal return in G3 Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase (3m 2f) at Cheltenham on Dec 12; PU in 3m+ hcap chase at Sandown Park on Jan 31
Hunt Ball	RYAN, BROWN	155	Prolific chase scorer in 2011/2012, culminating with 8l success off 12st in Cheltenham Club Novices' Handicap Chase at The Festival; twice third in G1 chases, including 2013 Ascot Chase (2m 5f+); runner-up (beaten 3¼ by Splash Of Ginge) in 2m 5f G3 handicap chase at Cheltenham on Jan 1; last of three in Kempton Park Listed chase (2m 4f+) on Jan 10
Ma Filleule	RYAN, GOLD	159	G2 winner over hurdles (2m 3f) and impressive 8l scorer in G3 Topham Chase at Aintree in April, 2014; close third to Sam Winner (beaten 1½) in Listed chase at Aintree on Dec 6; went down by 3¼l to Balder Succes in G1 Ascot Chase (2m 5f+) on Feb 14
Rajdhani Express	RYAN, BROWN	155*	Prom wknd when 7th in G3 BetBright Chase (3m) at Kempton Park on Feb 21; Successful in Cheltenham Club Novices' Handicap Chase at The Festival in 2013 & third in Ryanair Chase last year; fourth in G2 chase (2m 3f) at Ascot on Nov 22; last of six in G2 Betfred Peterborough Chase (2m 4f+) at Huntingdon on Dec 7
Shakalakaboomboom	FWKM	122	G3 hcap chase (3m 1f+) winner at Cheltenham off 140 in Dec 2011; ninth in 2012 Crabbie's Grand National; now rated 122 over fences after pulling up in two of three latest starts, including in hcap chase (3m 2f+) at Cheltenham on Jan 1
Sprinter Sacre	QM	188	One of the best 2m chasers of modern times with seven G1 wins including scintillating displays in the 2012 Racing Post Arkle Chase (beat Cue Card by 7l) and the 2013 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (beat Sizing Europe by 19l); spent a year on the sidelines with fibrillating heart; returned to action with 3l second to Dodging Bullets in G1 Clarence House Chase (2m 1f) at Ascot on Jan 17
Tanks For That	BROWN, JHGA	137	Veteran of five previous Festivals, coming home second to Bellvano in the 2012 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase; won valuable 2m hcap chase at Cheltenham in Nov 2011; PU on first start since Punchestown Festival in 2m hcap chase at Wincanton on Feb 14

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[Lester]

Nicky Henderson's Cheltenham entries with previous form at The Festival ​

​

Anquetta
2011​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	6th	David Bass	9/1
2012​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	4th	Andrew Tinkler	33/1
2013​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	9th	David Bass	20/1
2014​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	10th	Mr Sam Waley-Cohen	50/1
Bobs Worth
2011​	Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle	1st	Barry Geraghty	15/8f
2012​	RSA Chase	1st	Barry Geraghty	9/2
2013​	Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup	1st	Barry Geraghty	11/4f
2014​	Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase	5th	Barry Geraghty	6/4f
Captain Conan
2013​	JLT Novices' Chase	5th	Barry Geraghty	5/1
2014​	Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase	PU	Barry Geraghty	7/2
Cocktails At Dawn
2014​	Neptune Investment Management Nov' H	11th	Barry Geraghty	33/1
Cup Final
2014​	Neptune Investment Management Nov' H	10th	A P McCoy	16/1
Dawalan
2014​	Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle	13th	Barry Geraghty	7/2f
Ericht
2011​	Weatherbys Champion Bumper	6th	Barry Geraghty	5/1f
2013​	Coral Cup	5th	Gary Derwin	14/1
2014​	CHAPS Restaurants Barbados Novices' Handicap Chase	PU	Barry Geraghty	13/2j
Finian's Rainbow
2010​	Neptune Investment Management Nov' H	5th	Barry Geraghty	11/2
2011​	Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase	2nd	Barry Geraghty	7/2
2012​	Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase	1st	Barry Geraghty	4/1
French Opera
2009​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	3rd	Marcus Foley	10/1
2010​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	2nd	David Bass	10/1
2011​	Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase	6th	Andrew Tinkler	22/1
2012​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	F	Jeremiah McGrath	16/1
2013​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	8th	Barry Geraghty	20/1
2014​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	5th	Nico de Boinville	33/1
Full Shift
2014​	Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' H'cap H	11th	Nico de Boinville	9/2f
Hadrian's Approach
2013​	RSA Chase	3rd	Barry Geraghty	7/1
2014​	Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase	14th	Barry Geraghty	8/1

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[Lester]

Hunt Ball
2012​	Rewards4Racing Novices' H'cap Chase	1st	Nick Scholfield	13/2f
2013​	Festival Group Plate	4th	Nick Scholfield	8/1
2014​	Ryanair Chase	4th	Barry Geraghty	14/1
Josses Hill
2014​	Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle	2nd	Andrew Tinkler	14/1
Lough Kent
2014​	Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle	20th	Nico de Boinville	50/1
Lyvius
2014​	Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle	8th	Barry Geraghty	20/1
Ma Filleule
2013​	Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap H	13th	Jeremiah McGrath	9/1
2014​	Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase	2nd	Nico de Boinville	33/1
Rajdhani Express
2013​	Rewards4Racing Novices' H'cap Chase	1st	Mr Sam Waley-Cohen	16/1
2014​	Ryanair Chase	3rd	Mr Sam Waley-Cohen	18/1
River Maigue
2013​	Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle	8th	Barry Geraghty	18/1
Rolling Star
2013​	JCB Triumph Hurdle	6th	Barry Geraghty	5/2f
Royal Irish Hussar
2014​	JCB Triumph Hurdle	6th	Barry Geraghty	6/1
Shakalakaboomboom
2011​	Cheltenham Club Handicap Chase	9th	David Bass	33/1
2014​	Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase	17th	David Bass	50/1
Sprinter Sacre
2011​	Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle	3rd	A P McCoy	11/1
2012​	Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Ch	1st	Barry Geraghty	8/11f
2013​	Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase	1st	Barry Geraghty	1/4f
Tanks For That
2010​	Cheltenham Club Novices' Handicap Chase	PU	Andrew Tinkler	22/1
2011​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	18th	Barry Geraghty	11/1
2012​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	2nd	Barry Geraghty	9/1
2013​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	PU	Andrew Tinkler	33/1
2014​	Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase	9th	Barry Geraghty	12/1
Vaniteux
2014​	Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle	3rd	Barry Geraghty	11/1
Vasco Du Ronceray
2013​	JCB Triumph Hurdle	5th	Jacques Ricou	20/1
Whisper
2014​	Coral Cup	1st	Nico de Boinville	14/1

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[Lester]

Monday, February 23, 2015 - Nicky Henderson today hosted a media visit at his Seven Barrows yard just to the north of Lambourn in Berkshire.

The most successful trainer ever at The Festival, with 51 successes, talked of his hopes for the four-day Cheltenham meeting between Tuesday, March 10 and Friday, March 13.

His highest-profile runner is superb two-mile chaser, Sprinter Sacre, who is continuing a comeback in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday, March 11. Sprinter Sacre won the Grade One chase in 2013 in great style but missed out last year after recuperating from an irregular heartbeat.

The nine-year-old had his first run since December, 2013 at Ascot last month, finishing a promising second in the Grade One Sodexho Clarence House Chase to Dodging Bullets.

Henderson said: "We are as good as we have been for a very, very long time with Sprinter Sacre. He is right there - spot on. We have had our run and he has done plenty of work since and he does not need to go to a racecourse (for a gallop).

"We will probably go to Mandown (part of The Jockey Club's Lambourn gallops) on Wednesday. He worked on Saturday (Feb 21) and schooled on Friday (Feb 20). As always the better the ground, the better for him. He travelled well at Ascot - like the best horse in the race - and just got tired at the second last.

"We knew he had to have a run and it was there or nowhere. The ground was not bad and I cannot make that an excuse. They went a right good gallop and set out to test him so it could have been a kinder race for him. He seems in good shape and since Ascot has been great.

"We have been waiting for that spark which wasn't there last year - you cannot force it to happen and have to wait. He was absolutely, ridiculously unbeatable a couple of years ago - I am not saying we are totally unbeatable next month, but he is in seriously good shape. He has done everything we have asked him to do. It will be a great race (Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase). Sire De Grugy has a crown we want back. I think we have a good chance - I am not confident but pretty hopeful."

The trainer is looking forward to L'Ami Serge running in the opening Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday, March 10, Josses Hill in the next race, the Racing Post Arkle Chase and Vaniteaux in the Stan James Champion Hurdle on the same day, with Ma Filleule in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday, March 12.

Then on the last day, Friday, March 13, he is pleased with his three runners in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Peace And Co, Top Notch and Hargam, while Bobs Worth goes for a second Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup success following on from his 2013 victory.

Henderson said: "Ma Filleule came to herself in the spring of last year and she is back there - it was a good run at Ascot the other day (when second in the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase). We have reason to believe she can find a length or two on that.

"Luckily, I don't have to split my three in the JCB Triumph Hurdle. I would be hopeful with one of them and I have got three shots. They are three lovely horses, they are all entitled to go there and are good enough to go there. They compare well with the horses we have had in the past for the race.

"Bob's Worth has only had the one run in the Lexus this season but that was always the plan. He has one more bit of work to do and the plan is to go to Newbury on Sunday if the ground is not too bad. He is fresh and well. Barry (Geraghty) was pleased with him in Ireland where the ground was desperate. He wants better ground.

"In normal circumstances, I would be pretty keen on L'Ami Serge. He was very impressive in the Tolworth - he quickened well, is classy and experienced. Soft ground won't worry him.

"They will go quick in the Arkle and Barry says that will suit Josses Hill. It will be easier for the horse to jump well if they go a good gallop.

"I still think Vaniteux is a very good horse and he is very, very well. Good ground would be important to him and he has not had it this season."

 

[Old Vic]

Henderson Video here

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/...erson-speaks-ahead-of-the-cheltenham-festival

Mullins

 

[Old Vic]

Nicholls audio http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Racing UK_Paul Nicholls_Cheltenham Preview.mp3

 

[Lester]

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - Paul Nicholls, who has had a dream season so far and is going after his ninth trainers' title, is very pleased with the condition of his horses ahead of The Festival where he is the second most successful trainer ever with 34 winners.

Today, he paraded his main hopes for success over the four days at Cheltenham - Tuesday, March 10 to Friday, March 13 - and spoke enthusiastically about their chances.

Silviniaco Conti is out to make it third time lucky in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, March 13, having fallen in 2013 and finishing fourth last year.

The trainer said: "Silviniaco Conti looks fantastic in his coat and way better than he did at this time last year. He is in really good order. He was out second lot this morning and did some hard work but you would not think so for looking at him. He is in great shape and won the Betfair Chase at Haydock first time out with cheekpieces on which I put on because he was just racing a bit lazily. He then won the King George very nicely at Kempton Park. He made all the running and it was probably a career-best performance. He is finishing his races strongly this year which he didn't do last year. We found last year that he was suffering quite badly from gastric ulcers. We are on top of that now and the cheekpieces have made his jumping sharper. He had a nice racecourse gallop 10 days ago at Wincanton and we are really where we want to be with him. He is very fit and we hope for a bit better luck than last year. He ran very well at Cheltenham in the Bula over hurdles and was travelling oh so well when he fell three out in the Gold Cup two years ago and last year he jumped the last in front. On form, he has a massive chance.

"Sam Winner is my other one for the Gold Cup and he has done nothing but improve this season. He won first time out at Cheltenham and then at Aintree. I ran him in the Lexus in Ireland over Christmas and he finished third - probably a career-best. He goes well fresh, loves Cheltenham and is a real live outsider. He will love a fast gallop and better ground at Cheltenham. The Lexus form is good."

He has two also going for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase on the second day, Dodging Bullets and Mr Mole.

Nicholls remarked: "Dodging Bullets probably on form deserves to be the favourite for the Champion Chase but he is not. He has had a fantastic season - he needed his first race this season at Cheltenham and has improved since then. He won the Tingle Creek at Sandown and then the Clarence House nicely at Ascot the other day, beating Sprinter Sacre. He had plenty left in the tank. He likes soft ground and I would not want it to dry up too much for Cheltenham. He is a really staying two-miler. The Champion Chase is run on the Old Course which I think is an easy two miles so I would like to see the ground quite testing. He is in really good form - we sorted out his ulcers - and he worked great this morning.

"Mr Mole maybe deserves the title of the most improved horse in training. He has won his last four races and followed what Master Minded did. Master Minded won the Champion Chase the same season. I hope that is a good omen. Mr Mole is a hugely talented horse and mentally he is a lot more mature this year. A P (McCoy) has worked out it is better to bowl along in front rather than hold on to him. The horse is not ungenuine, just a bit of a character as he showed at the start in the Game Spirit last time out but still won very nicely. He is on a roll at the moment and he worked absolutely superbly this morning. He has a great chance in a very open Champion Chase with the two heroes coming back and the improving horses coming on through and he is one of them."

The trainer hopes to have two runners in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar, on Thursday, March 12.

Nicholls said: "Saphir Du Rheu ended up last season rated 165 over hurdles. He went chasing and unfortunately parted company with Sam (Twiston-Davies) first time, won well at Exeter and then had a fall at Kempton over Christmas. We thought, as he is still a young horse and the World Hurdle is wide open, we would try him back over hurdles. He won the Cleeve Hurdle (at Cheltenham on January 24) and stayed on really strongly up the hill which has put him in the forefront of the betting for the World Hurdle. He gallops and jumps and I think there is a lot of improvement to come. It was his first proper race for a while and I am very pleased with him at the moment.

"Sam has decided to ride him rather than Zarkandar and that was a close call. He thinks he may one day win the Cheltenham Gold Cup on him. Big Buck's would never jump a fence but Saphir Du Rheu will. Zarkandar won the JCB Triumph Hurdle four years ago and has had a great season, winning the French Champion Hurdle in the autumn very nicely and getting beaten a short-head in the Long Walk at Ascot when pulling himself up in front. We have keep him fresh for Cheltenham this year on purpose as he is so much better when fresh. He worked very well at Wincanton 10 days ago and looks great. I think he has a fantastic chance."

Nicholls also paraded Wonderful Charm (Ryanair Chase), Southfield Theatre (RSA Chase), Vibrato Valtat (Racing Post Arkle Chase), Calipto (Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle), Ptit Zig (JLT Novices' Chase), Bouvreuil (Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle), Le Mercurey (Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle) and Caid Du Berlais (Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate).

The trainer added: "This year I don't want to run horses at The Festival just for a day out so I will have a more select team and certainly less than the 36 runners I had in 2014."

About Cheltenham Racecourse

All Yours	WINTER		Half-brother to last year's Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle winner Lac Fontana; fell on hurdles debut at Ludlow on Nov 13 but impressed when taking a Taunton maiden hurdle (2m 1f) by 10 lengths in a first-time hood on Feb 5; no match for Beltor (beaten 5l) in G2 Adonis Juv Hurdle at Kempton Park on Feb 21
As De Mee	PIPE	132	AQPS winner in France; recorded second victory over hurdles in nov contest (2m 4f+) at Leicester on Jan 28; other success came in nov hcap (2m+) at Sandown Park on Dec 5
Bouvreuil	TRI, WINTER	133	Won once in seven starts over hurdles in France; third in a hcap (2m+) on British debut at Sandown Park on Jan 3 and fourth to Qewy in a nov hurdle (2m+) at Newbury on Feb 7
Great Try	PIPE	125	Impressive nine-length winner of a Southwell bumper last season; placed in first two starts over hurdles at Aintree (2m 1f) and Newbury (2m+) before scoring by 2¼l at Bangor (2m 1f) on Feb 6
Morito Du Berlais	PNF, PIPE	130	Improved for wind operation when winning nov hurdle (2m 7f+) at Exeter in Oct; doubled with a 1¼l victory in Michael Scudamore Intermediate Hcap Hurdle (2m 5f) at The Open on Nov 14; subsequently placed in hcaps at Haydock Park (Nov 22) and Newbury (Dec 29) but only fifth (beaten 6¾l) at Exeter on Feb 8
Old Guard	TRI, WINTER	137	Flat winner for Roger Charlton, who scored on hurdling debut for Nicholls in a 2m juv hurdle at Newbury on Nov 28; PU in G1 Future Champions Finale Juv Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas; runner-up (beaten 7l) to Pain Au Chocolat in juv contest at Sandown Park on Jan 31
Port Melon	PIPE	132	Second season novice who has raced exclusively at G2 and G1 level; crashed through rails when going to post for the Albert Bartlett nov Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; third in two starts at Cheltenham since, most recently behind Blaklion (beaten 14½l) in G2 Albert Bartlett nov Hurdle (3m) on Dec 13
Qualando	WINTER	131	Three runs at Auteuil for Emmanuel Clayeux; beaten a short-head on British debut in maiden hurdle (2m 1f) at Exeter on Jan 19; favourite when scoring by 1l in a 2m 3f nov hurdle at same track on Feb 20
Southfield Vic	CORAL, PIPE	135	Recorded second win of the season when annexing 2m 6f hcap hurdle by 4½l at Wincanton on Feb 14; only seventh on hcap debut at Cheltenham (3m) on New Year's Day; won nov hurdle (3m+) by 13l at Taunton on Dec 11
Vago Collonges	SUP	139*	Runner-up in G2 Aintree champion bumper in April 2013, but did not run again until this season; off the mark at third time of asking over hurdles in a nov event (2m 3f+) at Taunton on Jan 7; third (beaten 1½l) in G2 Neptune Investment Management Nov Hurdle (2m 4f+) on Jan 24; second (beaten 2¾l) behind Days Of Heaven in G2 Dovecote Nov Hurdle (2m) at Kempton Park on Feb 21

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</tbody>

 

[Lester]

NOVICE CHASERS
Ceasar Milan	CHAPS	138	Dual winner over hurdles; well-beaten sixth in a nov hcap chase (2m 6f+) at Newbury on Nov 27; made all when claiming scalp of Whisper in a 2m 3f+ beginners' chase at Exeter on New Year's Day; third (beaten 7¾l) behind Third Intention in a graduation chase (2m 4f+) at Kempton Park on Feb 6
Irish Saint	JLT	150	G2-winning hurdler who has won three of five starts over fences, most recently taking G2 Pendil Nov Chase by 10l at Kempton Park on Feb 21; runner-up (beaten 8l) in G1 Scilly Isles Nov Chase (2m 4f+) at Sandown Park on Jan 31; won Ascot 2m 5f+ graduation chase by 13l on Dec 20
Keltus	CHAPS	135	Fourth (beaten 3l) to Hawk High in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hcap Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; yet to win in three starts over fences but has been second twice, including last time behind (beaten 2l) Royal Regatta in 2m 1f limited nov handicap at Newbury on Nov 29
Ptit Zig	JLT	159	G1-winning hurdler and sixth in last year's Stan James Champion Hurdle at The Festival; unbeaten in first four starts over fences; took minor events at Exeter (2m 1f+) and Warwick (2m) in November before impressive G2 victories at Ascot (2m 3f, beat Josses Hill 9l) and Cheltenham (2m 5f, 6l); fell last time out in G1 Ascot Chase on Feb 14
Solar Impulse	HEND	149	Winner in France and was seventh in last year's Fred Winter Juvenile Hcap Hurdle at The Festival; won second start over fences in a nov hcap at Wetherby on Nov 1; second in three of four subsequent starts, including when beaten a head by Three Kingdoms in the G2 Lightning Nov Chase (2m) at Doncaster on Jan 24
Southfield Theatre	RSA	154	Beaten a nose by Fingal Bay in the Pertemps Network Final at The Festival in 2014; won first two outings over fences, including G2 Rising Stars Nov Chase (2m 4f+) by 11l at Wincanton on Nov 8; beaten 1¼ by Carraig Mor in G2 over 3m at Newbury on Nov 27; back to winning ways in a nov chase (2m 3f+) at Exeter on Feb 8
Vibrato Valtat	ARK	162	Revelation over fences this season with only defeat from five starts coming when second (beaten 1¾l) to Dunraven Storm in G2 Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Nov Chase (2m) at The Open in November; reversed form with that rival when coming out on top by 2l in G1 Henry VIII Nov Chase (2m) at Sandown Park on Dec 6; two more G2 wins, recently thrashing Top Gamble by 4½ at Warwick on Feb 7
Vivaldi Collonges	NH	139	Won Ayr hcap hurdle (3m+) by 8l in April; fourth (beaten 15l) in Listed Ultima Business Solutions Hcap Hurdle (3m 1f+) at The Open in November; last behind Kings Palace in a pair of nov chases at Cheltenham (Dec 12, 3m 1f+) and Newbury (Feb 7, 3m)
Wilton Milan	CHAPS	133*	Dual winner over hurdles; sole victory in 11 starts over fences came when scoring by 13l in a 2m 2f+ hcap chase at Newbury on Nov 28; placed in four subsequent outings and last seen out when second (beaten 15l) to Leo Luna in 2m 6f nov chase at Fontwell on Feb 22

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</tbody>

 

[Lester]

​

HURDLERS
Aux Ptits Soins	CORAL, O'BRIEN	139	French import who is yet to run for new connections; won both starts over hurdles at Auteuil (Mar 9 & Sep 11) for Emmanuel Clayeux beating some smart rivals, notably subsequent Listed victor Song And Whisper and Arbre De Vie
Calipto	CORAL, O'BRIEN	143	Rider's stirrup broke when fourth in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival last year; beaten ½l by Tiger Roll on his comeback in Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m+) at The Showcase in October; subsequently had a wind operation and was not seen again until the Betfair Hurdle (2m+) at Newbury on Feb 7; sent off favourite in first-time hood and stayed on to be fourth (beaten 13l)
Dormello Mo	O'BRIEN, PIPE	135	Won two of six starts since moving to Nicholls from France; landed a juv hcap hurdle (2m+) at Sandown Park in March and a 2m 1f hcap hurdle by 5l at Exeter in Nov; last seen out when sixth of eight (beaten 15½l) in a Listed 2m+ hcap hurdle at Sandown Park on Dec 6
Far West	PIPE	147	Runner-up to Our Conor in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival in 2013 and 21st in Coral Cup last year; has been chasing this season and scored at third attempt in 2m 1f nov hcap at Newbury on Dec 29; runner-up (beaten 2¼l) to Top Gamble in similar contest on Jan 14; last of four behind Sire De Grugy in 2m+ hcap chase at the weekend
Ibis Du Rheu	WINTER	133	Half-brother to Saphir Du Rheu; won a 2m+ conditions hurdle by 7l at Enghien for Guillaume Macaire in April; last of six behind Peace And Co (beaten 30l) in a G2 on Festival Trials Day (Jan 24) and then fourth (beaten 11½) in hcap hurdle at Taunton on Feb 17
Irving	O'BRIEN	157	Won first four starts over hurdles at around 2m last season, including a pair of G2 at Ascot and Kempton Park; ninth (beaten 11½l) in Sky Bet Supreme Nov Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; gave Nicholls his 100th G1 win when successful in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2m) at Newcastle on Nov 29; PU in G1 williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle on Dec 26 and only second (beaten 6l) to Blue Heron in G2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Feb 14
Katgary	O'BRIEN, PIPE	132	Arguably unlucky when second (beaten ¾l) to Hawk High on his British debut in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hcap Hurdle at The Festival in 2014; disappointing in three starts this season, including last tim sixth on his chase debut in a nov hcap chase (2m 4f+) at Kempton Park on Dec 26
Lac Fontana	CORAL, O'BRIEN	151	Stayed on strongly to beat Arctic Fire by ½l in the Vincent O'Brien County Hcap Hurdle at The Festival last year; doubled up in G1 Mersey Nov Hurdle (2m 4f) at Aintree's Crabbie's Grand National Festival; third (beaten 8¾l) to Faugheen in G2 Coral Ascot Hurdle (2m 3f+) on Nov 22; has not run since coming home last of four (beaten 61l) in G2 Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle at The International on Dec 13
Le Mercurey	CORAL, PIPE	144	Dual winner at Auteuil in 2013; seventh (beaten 37l) on British debut by L'Ami Serge in the Listed Gerry Feilden Hcap Hurdle at Newbury on Nov 27; stayed on to be third (beaten 6¼) in the G2 Holloway's Hcap Hurdle (2m 3f+) at Ascot on Jan 17
Pearl Swan	CORAL, PIPE	138	High-class 4yo hurdler in 2012, winning at Taunton and finishing first past the post in a G2 at Cheltenham; has only run three times since falling at the last when in contention in the JCB Triumph Hurdle in 2012; last seen out when PU in the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at The Open on Nov 16
Saphir Du Rheu	WORLD	165	One of the most improved horses in training last season; won Lanzarote (2m 5f) Hcap Hurdle by six lengths and beat subsequent G1 victor Whisper by a head in the Welsh Champion Hurdle (2m 4f); reverted back to hurdles after failing to complete in two of three starts over fences this season and stayed on gamely to beat Reve De Sivola by a head in the G2 galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle (3m) at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day (Jan 24)
SilsolZarkandar	CORAL WORLD	158 160	Rounded off last season with victories in a hcap hurdle (2m 4f) at Ayr and a nov hurdle (2m 6f) at Newton Abbot; captured valuable hcap hurdle at Newbury (2m 3f) on comeback on Nov 29; fifth at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but bounced back to win Welsh Champion Hurdle (2m 4f) by 5l at Ffos Las on Jan 31; beaten 2¾l into second by Kilcooley in G2 National Spirit Hurdle (2m 4f) at Fontwell on Feb 22.Set to make fifth appearance at The Festival; won 2011 JCB Triumph Hurdle; fifth in 2012 Stan James Champion Hurdle; fourth in same race in 2013; stepped up in trip for Ladbrokes World Hurdle last year, finishing fourth; won G1 Grand Prix D'Automn at Auteuil in Nov, beating France's best staying hurdler Gemix by five lengths; last seen out when neck runner in G1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Dec 20

<tbody>
</tbody>

 

[Lester]

CHASERS

Black Thunder
ULTIMA
155
Has fallen on to previous visits to The Festival, including in the 2014 RSA Chase; G2 winner over fences as a novice (3m Lingfield Park) in Dec 2013; 11l scorer of Sandown Park intermediate chase (2m+) on Dec 5; fifth on latest start in G2 BetBright Cup Chase (3f 1f+) at Cheltenham on Jan 24
Caid Du Berlais
RYAN, BROWN
151
Runner-up in 2013 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle & third in 2014 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle; beat Johns Spirit by a head to take G3 Paddy Power Gold Cup (2m 4f+) at Cheltenham on Nov 15; third on latest appearance in G3 Betbright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase (2m 5f) at Cheltenham on Jan 1
Cowards Close
ULTIMA, WALWYN
129
Facile victor of Taunton nov chase (2m 7f+) in April; third in G3 Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase (3m 2f) at Cheltenham on Dec 12; 2¼l winner of 3m+ Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown Park on Feb 13
Dodging Bullets
QM
171
Fourth in 2012 JCB Triumph Hurdle; ninth in 2013 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle; fourth (beaten 5l) in 2014 Racing Post Arkle Chase; Successful in G1 company on latest two starts, taking Tingle Creek Chase (2m) by 2½l at Sandown Park on Dec 6 and beating Sprinter Sacre by 3l in Ascot's Clarence House Chase (2m 1f) on Jan 17
Easter Day
ULTIMA, BROWN, WALWYN
142*
PU early on in G3 BetBright Chase (3m) at Kempton Park on Feb 21; Fell when travelling well in G3 Freebets.com Trophy Chase (2m 5f) at Cheltenham on Jan 24; dual winner over fences last season, headed by 2¼l defeat of subsequent RSA Chase scorer O'Faolains Boy in Ascot graduation chase (2m 5f+) in Dec 2013
Hinterland
QM
160
UR in Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival in 2014 (second season novice at time); game neck winner of G1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase (2m) at Sandown Park in Dec 2013 - second in same race 12 months earlier; close third to Dodging Bullets in G1 Tingle Creek Chase over same course & distance on Dec 6; PU on latest start in G2 Desert Orchid Chase (2m) at Kempton Park on Dec 27
Just A Par
WALWYN
140
Seventh in RSA Chase at The Festival in 2014; convincing winner of G2 nov chase (3m) at Newbury in Nov 2013; 9l runner-up in 3m grad chase at Exeter on Feb 8
Mon Parrain
ULTIMA
148
Dual hcap chase winner at Cheltenham, including 1l success over Our Father on latest outing in 3m 2f+ contest on Jan 1
Mr Mole
QM
165
Fell at last (beaten at time) in 2014 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase; reformed character since, winning all four subsequent starts; twice beat Brick Red by 2¼l in Exeter grad chase (2m 1f+) on Dec 18 & Sandown Park hcap chase (2m) on Jan 3; left at start but still posted 13l success in G2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Feb 7; yet to run in G1 company
Rolling Aces
ULTIMA, BROWN
154
Successful in G2 nov chase (2m 4f) at Down Royal in Nov 2013; runner-up (beaten 3¼l by Boston Bob) in G1 Melling Chase (2m 4f) at Aintree in April 2014; fourth on latest start in G3 Betbright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase (2m 5f) at Cheltenham on Jan 1
Ruben Cotter
BROWN
135
Not seen since finishing third in Newbury handicap chase (2m 6f+) in Nov 2013; 8l winner of 3m 2f nov chase at Doncaster in Feb 2013
Sam Winner
GOLD
162
Fourth in 2011 JCB Triumph Hurdle & fifth in 2014 RSA Chase; scored by 1½l off top-weight in G3 Murphy Group Handicap Chase (3m 3f+) at Cheltenham on Nov 15; made all to take 3m 1f Listed chase at Aintree on Dec 6; third behind Road To Riches & On His Own in G1 Lexus Chase (3m) at Leopardstown on Dec 28
Silviniaco Conti
GOLD
174
Five-time G1 winner including two wins in both King George VI Chase (3m) at Kempton (2013 & 2014) & Haydock Park's Betfair Chase (3m) (2012 & 2014); fell three fences out (still travelling well) in 2013 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup & headed after last when close fourth (beaten 1¾l by Lord Windermere) in same race last year
Sire Collonges
GXC
145
Last 11 starts have all been at Cheltenham, including game ½l success in Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (3m 7f) in December 2013; 3rd over same course and distance Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on Nov 14
Valco De Touzaine
BROWN
135
Gained pair of wins over fences last season, including 12l success in Wetherby nov hcap chase (2m) in Nov 2013; third in G2 nov chase (2m) at Warwick in Feb 2014; last of six on latest outing in 2m hcap chase at Ludlow on Dec 14

Wonderful Charm
RYAN


159

Nov G2 winner over fences & hurdles; eighth in 2013 Ladbrokes World Hurdle & fifth (beaten 9¼l) in 2014 JLT Novices' Chase; successful in Newton Abbot intermediate chase (2m 5f+) on October 10; second in 2m 4f G2 chase at Down Royal on Nov 1; close third in G2 Betfred Peterborough Chase (2m 4f+) at Huntingdon on Dec 7; seventh in G1 King George VI Chase (3m) at Kempton Park on Dec 26
.

 

[loveracing]

Cheltenham Countdown Audio - Trainers

Cheltenham Countdown Audio - Trainers

Alan King on his horses

Harry Fry on his Festival team

Noel Meade on his chances

Sarah Bradstock on Coneygree


Phil Smith on the handicaps

 

[loveracing]

I have never heard such an honest trainer as Noel Meade. He never suggested once are any of his horses better than the others and made it clear SC is the one to beat in the GC.

 

[Old Vic]

twister

The New One

The New One is 100 per cent. He's really good at the moment. It's a bit nerve-wracking when you've got one week and five days left but you always hope everything goes smoothly and at the moment it is. I don't think Haydock last time was too bad. It was terrible ground and he was following a horse that was jumping to the right, but when he asked him to quicken he was hating every minute and it took a bit of time but when he did pick up away he went. I think Ruby Walsh has it right. I was listening to him on one of those Cheltenham forums the other night and he said no horse could look good in that kind of ground. It wasn’t soft, it was the Somme. A bit has been made of his jumping but at Haydock he was just following a horse who was a bit wayward. He's made three significant mistakes in his career, one was at Kempton when he was beaten by My Tent Or Yours last season, but he's jumped well all his life. He drifted a bit on Betfair, I understand, but he’s fine. Everyone was ringing me, there was nothing wrong with him that I could see.

Blaklion

He’s won over three miles. It’s what it needs. The only times he’s been beaten it’s been at muddling race speeds. He’s all fine. Who’s going to ride him will have to be discussed. If Sam can’t ride, I’d like Ryan Hatch to ride but he won’t be able to claim his 5lb, so maybe not. I don’t know.

Benbens

He’s in good form and Steven Clements is going to ride him in the Kim Muir. He got a bit stuck in the mud at Haydock last time and we keep saying there must be a big race in him somewhere. He likes Cheltenham and he’s definitely a very live hope.

Little Jon

He’s in the novice handicap chase and I think he’s quite well-in. I think he’s my other good one for the meeting. He’s been quite unlucky this season, he’s had one fall when going well and he’s crashed through the wing when going well, so he’s not unfairly handicapped. He’s my tip. Nobody knows why he crashed through the wing. Was it the car on the inside? I don’t know. What makes a big horse crash through the wing rather than jump a small fence? He’s a very good jumper. He’s very scopey, very powerful. What you’d say is that is his ability to shorten has been a question, but we’ve had Andrew Nicholson in three times, riding him, getting him shortening. We’ve taken him out schooling and I think he’s all right now.

Splash Of Ginge

He’s going back the way he likes to go (left-handed). He’s been running superbly at Cheltenham. I think he’s got a huge chance in the JLT.

Ballybolley

We’ll have to see if he gets into anything. He’s been dropped a couple of pounds for his run in the Betfair Hurdle, when he was hampered, and that’s not going to help him. Usually we trainers want to see the handicapper drop our horses, but it doesn’t help at Cheltenham!

Double Ross

He’s been a bit forgotten in the Ryanair. He ran superbly at Wetherby in the Charlie Hall. He’s been under the weather a bit since, but he’s well again now. He has been a bit delicate this year, but if he’s right he’ll be there.

Sybarite

He’s improving all of the time. He does look after himself a bit. He’s had a bad heart. He’s absolutely fine now. He loves Cheltenham and he could surprise everybody in the Pertemps. He drops himself out a bit thinking that it’s going to hurt and when he discovers that it isn’t going to hurt he runs on again. He might go over fences next season but we’ll see how we get on.

Astaracad

We’re looking towards the Grand Annual. I don’t think we’ll put the visor back on as it makes him run a bit free in the early stages. At the moment, we’ll leave it off. The worry is getting him in, but the handicapper seems to think he’ll get a run. He’ll be left in both that and the longer race.

Foxbridge

Will he get in? It looks like he’s got a better chance of getting in the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap. If he doesn’t get in either, he could go to Uttoxeter for the Midlands National.

Goodbye Dancer

He’s in the Fred Winter and the Triumph. We’ve kept him fresh for this. My feeling is that he’ll go for the Fred Winter, because if he can run well in the Triumph, he should be able to win the handicap off 139.

Cogry

He’s very tough, he’ll keep galloping and we’ll have to see if he’s good enough in the four-miler. It’s quite a hot race, but Steven Clements rides and we’ll give it our best shot.

 

[Hoof]

Mullins on Video

Hurdlers

Chasers

 

[Old Vic]

I have beaten Hoof to one

 

[Old Vic]

 

[Old Vic]