• HELP US - Become a Patron - Fat Jockey is a horse racing community focused on all the big races in the UK and Ireland. We don't charge users but if you have found the site useful then any support towards the running costs is appreciated ... a small donation each month would be a huge contribution. Become a Patron!

2016 Cheltenham Festival Preview Nights

KSS :encouragement:


<
 
Last edited:
no but a friend let me copy and share his from the Goat preview night:


Panel included David Mullins, Johnny Burke, Ollie Murphy (head lad at Elliott's)


Supreme:
DM: Was riding him earlier in year, is the real deal, keen at Punchestown last time, better ground and better race to suit.


JB: Huge outside chance in Supasundae, getting the hang of jumping. Min class apart.


OM: Like tombstone a lot on him at big prices, unlucky at Christmas, heard Min best since the fly, but thought he got worked up at Punchestown last time could beat himself. Altior straight forward, main threat.


Arkle:
JB: Can't beat Douvan, broke SJ heart at Christas, can't confirm SJ will go to Arkle but can't really step up to JLT trip for first time at festival. SJ could be closer on better ground couldn't go with Douvan on heavy last time.
DM: Thinks SJ could put it up to Douvan on better ground, said anyone backing Tell Us More take fallers insurance.
OM: Game Changer needs good ground has entry in grand annual but probably goes Arkle as it'll cut up.


Champion:
DM: NC to make it, hard to know where AP fits in, would pick NC as doesn't know where AP fits in race.
JB: AP the one to beat, ruby to use stamina take off in front. If he could pick one would be on IT, had a break and better ground and fresheness will bring improvement. Said anyone backing AP watch out if its sunny in case of shadows.
OM: Like IT, AP too keen, likes NC too but no strong opinion as no entry.


Mares:
DM: If AP goes champion VVM wins, can't see it beat. Ballychorus big one at a price with ew claims.


4m:
DM: RDF takes a lot of beating, jumps, stays, PA lacks a gear but might be race for him, could bring best out.
OM: NE jumps well and stays well but quirky but wouldnt put you off. Lined up for race all season, will like decent ground.
JB: Minnello Rock = Certainty, given "kind" ride to say the least last day and runs as a winner without a penalty.


3m hcap ch:
PP rep: Said Jonjo must have something for it if MR doesnt run as didn't go up in handicap after 2nd the weekend.
JB: Shanahans Turn runs, big chance if back to form.


Neptune:
DM: LD should be jfav with YW. Still gives Danny stick for being beat in a maiden on it. Beat BER who is shorter he wont go there. Busiest horse all summer forgotten about now. 95% sure he runs.
JB: at a price ATP, vigil form boost the weekend. YW visually impressive happy to take on.
OM: YW banker on day 2. doubtful general principal runs but out weekend and should win.


CC:
DM: UDS vulnerable if someone (ST) gets to first before him, will sulk. Would love to be on ST.
JB: UDS wins if stands. ST & UDS to take off break SS heart. Hes on SG and will ride to pick up pieces. Runs well fresh, better ground a plus.
OM: No entries, big negative DB, Nichols aint been champ for running horses unfit. SS doesnt give same vibe.


RSA:
OM: NMH straight forward, stays, not flash. MOT a negative as didnt run when engaged twice. Wouldnt swap NMH. By presenting so better ground a plus.
DM: Can't have MOT. Between NMH & RDF. NMH = Don Poli 2.0.
JB: 2 horse race between NMH MOT, will give him a race.


Bumper:
DM: Castello Sforza nice horse being backed, BG prob be on.
JB: Good vibes about Battleford. Keep eye on Aspen.
OM: No real good bumper horses at GE's. Gigginstown dont like race so.
*managed to catch DM at bar, asked about Augusta Kate, said theyre thinking of switching from Sandown to Cheltenham, pick of Willie's. Mare's allowance, so PM can't do weight ruby will ride. One he would be on if had a choice.


JLT:
DM: Rode SH this morning over whatever was wrong at Donnie last ime.
JB: Trip wont bother SJ cant guarantee he will run.
OM: Big Zabanna fan, thinks hed be half price if trained by WM/GE.


Ryanair
JB: Smashing def goes, loves heavy, handles good.


WH:
All: Thistlecrack class apart
OM: POS good ew on bad ground.
DM: LC 2 time G1 winner, come on massively for run, and trip and better ground and pace, thats 4 things that'll improve him.


Mares Nv:
All like Limini.
JB: Jespers Dream the value.
DM: Cant see past Limini, improve for better ground, jumps ok.


Triumph:
Average bunch all said would forgive AG.
DM: said danny rode sensible last day, likes AJ. Doesnt know if FP best of willies just got best ride.
JB: Keep beating one and other.


AB:
DM: Gangster more impressive beating a horse than Bellshill, confident he'll stay.
JB: Cornered him and said he can't see past BH, has it all and cant get passed, sets standard. Between SV n BH.
OM: SV come on for better ground.


GC:
OM: Everything went wrong in KG for DC, still in shout 2 out. Thinks hed have won. big DA fan, if DP misses one beat race over. Cant have Vautour.
JB: If DC was ridden like V in KG wouldnt have been like Kauto Star's win. Like DA & DP. VL got into deceiving position last time went too hard in front.
DM: Likes DC. Said last race was confidence boost. Excited to ride VL.


Others:

OM: Keep an eye on Jet Stream Jack off 134. Diamond King, Diamond King, Diamond King. Russell to ride. Desoto County bad ride last time off Kennedy. Our Father, goes well fresh, Kim muir, codd to ride. Campeador (FW) face lit up, didn't want to say anything as JP horse, heard from MC after he got in trouble for time cause of causes few years back, JP wasnt happy. The less he said the more confident you felt. Squouateor also mentioned not sure what race.
JB: Sizing Codelco in GA. Aupcharlie in FH (Codd to ride).
DM: Feather Player (I think) beat Diamond king last time good shout in county.
 
KSS/Bitchy :encouragement:

Long Dog - Augusta Kate - Gangster - Our Father Yankee added.
 
Thanks Bitchy.

Interesting reading.
 
Your welcome guys....the Cheltenham betfair forum seem to have said about the previews you do on here, so I saw no reason not to nick this from elsewhere:devilish:
 
I noticed these appearing on Betfair too.

Am I OK to copy from other sites onto here?
 
Hi FM, I think I snaffled this from Talking Horses, which was obviously taken from elsewhere, I think you have to accept that info is going to be shared amongst different sites that are basically all trying to provide a similar service
 
Star Of A Gunner said:
Hi FM, I think I snaffled this from Talking Horses, which was obviously taken from elsewhere, I think you have to accept that info is going to be shared amongst different sites that are basically all trying to provide a similar service
Click to expand...

I think thats about it. If anyone takes.stuff from here a link back is appreciated so if coming from elsewhere we should probably be doing the same.
 
Hi SOAG, and totally agree. I'll try and add them on here as and when I see them.
 
another version of the Limerick one.

Russell well worth reading re Vautour and his Gold Cup ride ( or lack of)......


The Limerick Racing Club hosted an entertaining Cheltenham Preview Night at the Strand Hotel in Limerick City, in aid of the Irish Injured Jockeys’ Fund. An attentive audience of racing fans gathered to hear the views of some major figures of the Irish racing scene, with plenty of Cheltenham clues on offer; just three weeks away from the Festival.

Former rider, jockeys’ agent and At The Races presenter Kevin O’Ryan performed the master of ceremonies role exceptionally well, providing a great blend of humour and knowledge to the evening’s proceedings.

The panel of experts consisted of Gold Cup winning jockey Davy Russell, the most successful point-to-point rider of all time Derek O’Connor, Barry O’Connell’s retained rider Adrian Heskin, top female amateur Kate Harrington, cross country chase king Enda Bolger and Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Robbie McNamara.

Here are the views of the panel on the showpiece events of this year’s Cheltenham Festival:

Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle:


Davy Russell:
Davy says he’s been impressed by the favourite Min but is concerned by his “wild” jumping and winning, what so far have looked to be soft races “travelling plenty keen enough”. He mentions that he’s spoken to Noel Fehily who reckons the Buveir D’Air is a very talented individual. Davy has a soft spot for the Gigginstown runner Tombstone who will improve for better ground and a strongly run race. He views him as great value in the race at 10/1. He says that it’s up in the air at the moment whether he’ll ride Vigil or Silver Concorde – the decision will be ground dependent. Silver Concorde will need to improve vastly to win, in Davy’s eyes.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian thinks Min takes on his hurdles too much and sees Supasundae as a value alternative who will love faster ground.

Kate Harrington:
Kate has previously ridden Altoir and she thinks his experience and development through the season will allow him to put it up to Min in the Supreme.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek says he would love the opportunity to ride Min in the race – he’s been very impressed so far. He initially says he’d be interested in Moon Racer, but a few members of the panel tell him that they’ve heard if he goes to Cheltenham at all, he will run in the Champion Bumper. Derek can’t see Yorkhill running in the Supreme with Min already representing Willie Mullins and thinks he will run elsewhere.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie is very bullish on the chances of Min and makes him his banker of the meeting saying that bad luck is the only thing that can beat him. Speaking about Silver Concorde who Robbie won the Champion Bumper on, he’s certain that he needs better ground to be seen at his best. He says that he isn’t the most reliable horse, lacks a little bit of toughness and may throw in the towel if he is under pressure too early. He isn’t bowled over by Vigil either.

Enda Bolger:
Enda sees Min as the winner and says that Cheltenham has no problem sorting out free-going horses.



ARTICLE 2 - Davy Russell returns victorious after Lord Windermere's win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (pic - Dave Boylan)
Davy Russell returns victorious after Lord Windermere’s win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (pic – Dave Boylan)

Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy:


Davy Russell:
Davy thinks Douvan will win, reckoning he is unbeatable bar a fall. In fact, he thinks that he will win barring they tie the ambulance onto his tail! When asked for a horse to finish second to Douvan, Davy is sceptical about predicting the placed horses as he believes whoever “rides to be second” will be placed and those who try to take on Douvan will tire and finish at the tail end of the field.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian initially suggests The Game Changer can run well before members of the panel tell him that the horse goes for a handicap at the meeting instead. He reckons that Sizing John will be steering away from Douvan and may instead go for the JLT Novices’ Chase and holds no strong opinion on the race.

Kate Harrington:
Kate can’t see Vaniteux getting the better of Douvan but thinks he can finish second to him.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek is very sweet on Douvan and thinks an accident is the only thing that will stop him. He sees Sizing John as the horse who can finish second.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie isn’t interested in backing Douvan at odds-on and advises the audience to have “whatever you want” on Min in the Supreme before watching the Arkle drinking champagne!

Enda Bolger:
Enda is blown away by Douvan saying that he’s the best horse he’s seen for quite a while. He mentions that he’s previously spoke to Willie’s mother Maureen and she also thought that Douvan is the best horse she has seen in Closutton for a long time.



Stan James Champion Hurdle:


Davy Russell:
Davy doesn’t see Annie Power winning the Champion Hurdle and says that he likes horses that are improving at the Festival and usually goes for more unexposed types. He says that Identity Thief will improve for better ground and sides with him. He reckons his freshness from bypassing the Irish Champion Hurdle will benefit him hugely and that gives him the edge over Nichols Canyon at Cheltenham. He cites Henry de Bromhead as an excellent trainer for preparing a horse for one day alone. He thinks Annie Power’s preparation is far from ideal, and says if The New One is the benchmark for the British runners, Identity Thief will beat them.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian disagrees with Davy and thinks it would be madness not to supplement Annie Power for the Champion Hurdle and thinks she’ll take all the beating. He finds it hard to believe that My Tent Or Yours will be back to his best on the day and sees Identity Thief’s jumping as an issue.

Kate Harrington:
Kate thinks that if My Tent Or Yours comes back to his form of two years ago, he can be a major player, telling the audience that Nicky Henderson has said that My Tent Or Yours has been ‘absolutely flying’ up the Lambourn Hill. She can see Nichols Canyon putting up an improved performance on better ground.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek reckons that if Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci supplement Annie Power, she will win. He thinks it’s very difficult for Nicky Henderson to get My Tent Or Yours back to the form of two years ago in the Champion Hurdle, which he’ll need to be at to win this year’s renewal. He likes The New One and thinks his course form will be a big help to him and can run well. He admits he’s a fan of Nigel Twiston Davies’ horses at the Festival. He sides with the consistent The New One knowing that he wants better ground being a King’s Theatre gelding.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie says that if Vautour ran in this race, he would win even though it’s highly unlikely he will. Kevin O’Ryan tells him that there’s no chance whatsoever of that happening but Robbie argues that Annie Power wouldn’t be able to beat Vautour over two miles. Robbie is unsure if Identity Thief is good enough to win a Champion Hurdle but will probably side with him. He thinks Annie Power’s jumping over two miles at Cheltenham could possibly see her take a tumble. Robbie can’t stand Peace And Co and has a huge dislike of the horse saying that he has a terrible attitude and is like a long dog with little legs.

Enda Bolger:
Enda sees My Tent Or Yours as the dark horse of the race. He thinks that Nicky Henderson is a terrific trainer for preparing a horse for a race without having a run; however, his freshness on the day could catch him out. He also notes that Annie Power’s seven pound weight allowance could be vital and that there are very few geldings that could beat her giving her half a stone.
 
Neptune

Davy Russell:
Davy has been hugely impressed by Yanworth, but still thinks there is more improvement to come from Yorkhill; with better ground helping his claims. He says that he could be anything and compares the point-to-point path taken with him as something similar to that of Faugheen. He’s not a fan of Bellshill. He says that Ruby Walsh got a ‘freebee’ on Long Dog in the Future Champions Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown but is still an underrated horse in this race.

Kate Harrington:
Kate thinks that Long Dog is good value in the race but she still respects Yorkhill and Yanworth. She says that her mother Jessica won’t have any runner in the race and Our Duke will probably wait for better ground and go to Fairyhouse.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek thinks that Yorkhill is hugely talented. He won on him in a point-to-point in December 2014 and was very impressed, telling the audience that he spoke to Patrick Mullins prior to the Cheltenham Festival last year and Patrick nominated him as the most exciting bumper horse in the yard that didn’t go to the Champion Bumper. As a result of bypassing the Festival last year, Derek thinks that he is a far better horse this year. When questioned on Yorkhill almost pulling himself up when getting to the front at Sandown, Derek isn’t overly concerned and says that he doesn’t think that there is any talented horse by Presenting (sire of Yorkhill) that doesn’t have a quirk – it could be the quirk that makes them so good. When asked about Yanworth, Derek notes that Alan King’s horses have been in flying form for quite a while and is unsure whether he can maintain that form until March. He’s not certain that Yanworth will still be at his prime come the Festival.

Enda Bolger:
Enda tells the audience that there has been talk that Yanworth could possibly be supplemented for the Champion Hurdle, showing how good they think he is. He says punters should look no further than him in this race.



RSA Chase:


Davy Russell:
Davy says that the rain before last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle really played against No More Heroes and his chances were hindered. On drier ground, Davy thinks he is a serious player for this race and sees it as a match between No More Heroes and More Of That. The ground on the day would sway his thoughts of who would win the race: On dry ground, he would give the edge to No More Heroes, but on anything softer than that, he fancies More Of That.



Adrian Heskin:
Adrian thinks that No More Heroes was unlucky in last year’s Albert Bartlett in which rode the winner, Martello Tower. He agrees with Davy and says that No More Heroes and More Of That are clear of the rest and both are live contenders for the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kate Harrington:
Kate is confident and tells the audience that More Of That will take all the beating in the RSA Chase.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek likes the chances of Blaklion – to which Davy responds saying he has no chance whatsoever. Derek fights his corner and sees Blaklion’s course form and consistency as key attributes for winning the RSA Chase. He says his consistency of running around the 150 mark will allow him to run a big race – far better than his price of 10/1 suggests. He says that when the runners face up to the second last fence, Blaklion will still be there and will give his backers a good run for their money. He isn’t completely sold on No More Heroes for the race saying that he hasn’t been properly tested and has had a timid preparation against inferior horses. He thinks he’s a good horse but possibly isn’t hardy enough to win at Cheltenham this year. Derek favours battle hardened sorts at the Cheltenham Festival in general.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie thinks that More Of That’s performance at Cheltenham was one of the best he’s ever seen by a novice. He respects No More Heroes but is very fond of the Jonjo O’Neill runner.

Enda Bolger:
Enda admits that he has a soft spot for More Of That after having him in his care as a four year-old. Enda thinks that Jonjo’s preparation with the horse has been perfect and thinks More Of That’s relaxed nature will see him come out on top.



Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase:


Davy Russell:
Davy admits that he was sceptical about Un De Sceaux at Leopardstown and thought that he was going to burn out before falling in the Dial A Bet Chase, but liked what he saw at Ascot. He says that if Sprinter Sacre was at his best he would beat Un De Sceaux, but injuries and wind-ops have left him below the level he was before. He says that Felix Yonger is terrific value in the race and can stay on and pick up the pieces. He reckons that by the time the Champion Chase comes around, the British riders will be sick of Ruby Walsh getting his own way from the front and he expects them to put the pressure on him and ensure that he doesn’t get a freebee. He sees horses tiring from the lead and Felix Yonger staying on from the back to give them trouble at 14/1.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian can’t oppose Un De Sceaux and thinks that Sprinter Sacre will take second place.

Kate Harrington:
Kate says that the Seven Barrows team is happy with Sprinter Sacre, but Nicky thinks that Un De Sceaux is the real deal.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek isn’t worried at all by Un De Sceaux’s jumping and expects a workmanlike performance resulting in victory. He makes him his banker of the meeting. He says that there isn’t the same spark in Sprinter Sacre these days and Special Tiara is much better on a flat track. He wasn’t impressed by Sire De Grugy’s Queen Mother and says that he doesn’t jump or travel like a Champion Chaser.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie thinks Un De Sceaux is a very classy horse and is probably a good price at 8/11 for the race. He’s not concerned about his jumping at all saying that most of the rest of the field are held together with sticky tape!

Enda Bolger:
Enda doesn’t think that the rest of the field will know which way Un De Sceaux has gone and he will win the Champion Chase.



ARTICLE 2 - Derek O'Connor carrying the tricolour after winning on Chicago Grey at the Cheltenham Festival (pic - Dave Boylan)
Derek O’Connor carrying the tricolour after winning on Chicago Grey at the Cheltenham Festival (pic – Dave Boylan)



Ryanair Chase:


Davy Russell:
Kevin O’Ryan opens the discussion stating that this is a difficult race to assess as we’re unsure what will run. This suggestion is shot down by Davy Russell as he says “we know exactly who’s going to run”! Davy tells the audience that Road To Riches will run in the Ryanair, as will Vautour – Kevin quickly tells him that Vautour is Gold Cup bound, to which Davy replies that he won’t stay the Gold Cup trip. He says that if Djakadam is 100% fit, he will run in the Gold Cup and Vautour will revert back to the Ryanair – and win. He advises people to have anything they want on Vautour with ‘non-runner no-bet’ rules and to “fill the wheelbarrow”. On the topic of Josses Hill and his jumping, Davy wishes rider Nico De Boinville “the best of luck” with Josses’ jumping.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek likes Road To Riches and thinks that he would find out Vautour at the end of the race.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie agrees with Davy (to the surprise of Kevin) and says that if Vautour runs in the Ryanair, he will win. He says that last year, he was the only horse he thought could win the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, World Hurdle or Gold Cup. Robbie is supremely confident and says that he’d even throw his trousers on the table and back him for the Ryanair with ‘non-runner no-bet’ rules.





Ryanair World Hurdle:


Davy Russell:
Davy has been impressed by Thistlecrack and rode against him in this year’s Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. He noted that down at the start, Thistlecrack got in “a bit of a tizzy” for a few moments and stalled for a couple of strides – something Davy says he can’t afford to do at Cheltenham. Davy thinks it will be a big ask for Aux Ptit Soins to win after such a layoff and says that Prince Of Scars will need the going to be heavy or worse to win – even soft wouldn’t be enough. He is asked about Alpha Des Obeaux and thinks he has a lot to find to win the World Hurdle. He doesn’t know whether the prospect of better ground will improve him enough to land the spoils and he’d be surprised if he won.

Derek O’Connor:
Cole Harden is of interest to Derek and he believes that conditions similar to last year will allow him to produce a better performance than we’ve seen this year.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie says that Alpha Des Obeaux is a solid grade two hurdler and doesn’t think that he’s seen to best affect over three miles. He believes Thistlecrack is streets ahead of everything else. He says Vroum Vroum Mag has never been tested and that Cole Harden looks to be the value bet of the race at 8/1 with drier ground bringing out huge improvement in him, telling the audience that he shouldn’t be out of the first three.



JCB Triumph Hurdle:


Davy Russell:
Davy says that the horses that run in the Triumph Hurdle are disgusting horses and the form of the race is worthless. He tells the audience that the only reason the Triumph Hurdle takes place is to please the Curragh people; giving them something to watch over the Festival period. Kevin is quick to remind him that one of those Curragh trainers provided him with a winner at Cheltenham last year in the shape of Windsor Park! Davy advises the crowd to forget about the race and says that he doesn’t want to ride anything in it (again, his agent Kevin is quick to say that he’ll be trying to book him a ride in the race and to be quiet).

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie makes a strong argument for the Willie Mullins trained Let’s Dance, pointing out how well she stayed on at Leopardstown and her willingness to keep going in testing conditions after the last. He thinks that Ruby Walsh didn’t enjoy his finest hour in the saddle aboard the filly at Leopardstown – a very rare moment of criticism for Ireland’s champion jockey. Robbie can’t get his head around why she is such a big price for the Triumph and says she won’t be 14/1 on the day when punters see the Ruby Walsh/Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci combination.

Enda Bolger:
Enda has no strong opinion on the race but says that he hated Ivanovich Gorbatov’s attitude at Leopardstown last time out.
 
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle:


Davy Russell:
Davy says he’d be surprised if Gangster won the Albert Bartlett but also would be disappointed if Barters Hill made mistakes and was still able to win. He advised people to see how the Yanworth form works out in the Neptune on Wednesday for Shantou Village.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian likes the chances of Shantou Village and said that after Ruby got off the horse at Cheltenham last time out behind Yanworth, he felt he would have given the winner a run for his money on better ground. Adrian doesn’t hold any great confidence in the Irish runners.

Kate Harrington:
Kate can’t see anything but a Barters Hill victory in the Albert Bartlett.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek sees the Albert Bartlett as a race for future staying chasers, which generally emerge from Irish point-to-points. He thinks the stiffer track will suit Ballydine who ran very well behind Barters Hill last time out. He sees Ballydine as a tougher horse than the rest. Another horse which Derek fancies is Jonniesofa at a huge price as a runner that keeps improving and holds solid form. He thinks he’s a very well-made horse and tremendous value for the race, which brings enormous laughter from Davy Russell who tells Derek he’s got no chance and that he’d rather be sitting on the sofa than riding Jonniesofa in the race!

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie thinks good ground will bring out more improvement in Shantou Village and that he is an out-and-out stayer.

Enda Bolger:
Enda voices concern for the Irish horses in general saying the form of the entire season might not be a true representation of the horses due to the testing ground. He’s slightly worried that the Irish runners have had a lot of racing on heavy ground which they could pay a penalty for at the Festival. His selection is Shantou Village.



ARTICLE 2 - Kevin O'Ryan (right) at the races
Kevin O’Ryan (right) at Roscommon Racecourse (pic – Dave Boylan)

Timico Gold Cup:


Derek O’Connor:
Derek retains huge faith in Don Cossack saying that if he returns to the form of his Aintree run last season, he will win the Gold Cup. He thinks that (if he runs) Road To Riches could set up the race for Don Poli by going hard early on and allowing Poli to come home strong. He thinks Davy will ride Don Cossack in the race and throws down the gauntlet to him saying that Davy will win the Gold Cup.

Davy Russell:
Davy starts by saying that he has had no contact from anyone in the Gigginstown operation about a ride in the race. He finds it hard to see Bryan Cooper getting off Don Cossack and thinks that the O’Leary’s will put him up on something like Valseur Lido “to keep me happy”. Davy is keen to say that he would love to ride anything in the race and if they called and asked him to even ride First Lieutenant, he would ride him. He doesn’t know how good Don Poli is, saying that he thought he wasn’t anything special after getting beat on him in a Navan maiden hurdle. He thinks that Don Cossack will get the trip and when asked about possible headgear, says that the horse may travel too strong if anything is applied. He sees Don Cossack running his best races when racing a little lazily and didn’t think he was beaten in the King George when falling; adding that he was impressed by the horse’s character to return at Clonmel soon after. Overall, he is dubious about headgear for Don Cossack and feels it could “over do it”. Davy is worried about how closely matched the Irish horses are, saying they are either all very good or will be beat. He thinks the form of Smad Place is excellent and that he’s horse who could run a big race. He sees this as a very exciting contest, but points that out that Lord Windermere’s Gold Cup was probably the greatest ever renewal of the race!

Kate Harrington:
Kate sees Cue Card as the toughest horse in the line-up and is good value to scoop the million pound bonus. She then asks Kevin what he will advise Bryan Cooper to ride in the race as his agent.

Kevin O’Ryan:
Kevin says that Bryan knows exactly what he wants to ride and that he won’t influence Bryan’s decision at all. Kevin wasn’t impressed by Don Cossack in the King George and doesn’t think he can win the Gold Cup. He adds that if he had to have a bet, he thinks Bryan will ride Don Cossack.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie says that he has recently spoken to Bryan and that Cooper doesn’t have a clue whether he’ll choose Don Cossack or Don Poli. He says that if it wasn’t the Gold Cup and if it was just two horses in a field, he’d choose Don Poli, but in the pressure situation of the Blue Riband he’ll probably go for the safer option and ride Don Cossack. Robbie thinks Djakadam will win the Gold Cup and says that after speaking to Ruby about the horse, Walsh’s eyes lit up. He thinks there’s natural improvement in the horse from last year to this year and sees a more mature individual.

Enda Bolger:
Enda agrees with Robbie and favours Djakadam in the Gold Cup feeling he is tailor-made for the contest. He thinks his campaign has been fine (even with the fall) and knows that Ruby is very sweet on him for the race. Enda doesn’t like Don Cossack or Don Poli; the former too sharp and the latter lacking sharpness.



Best bets and the panel’s runners:

Davy Russell:
Davy says that he schooled Zabana last week and he is Cheltenham bound for either the JLT Novices’ Chase or RSA Chase. He was disappointed with his performance at Leopardstown last time out when his jumping wasn’t good enough. Davy says he has to improve but the promise of better ground will certainly help his chances. The nap of the meeting for Davy is Limini in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle for which he tells the audience she is nailed on and to take the odds of even money.

Adrian Heskin:
Adrian says that Martello Tower’s work has been pleasing them recently and he could sneak into a place in the World Hurdle. He’s looking forward to Blue Hell in the County Hurdle, with Adrian obviously delighted with how to form is working out of his most recent victory. He tells the audience that Bishopslough will run in the Novices’ Handicap Chase on Tuesday saying that he jumps very well and the extra half mile will bring about further improvement. His nap of the meeting is Yanworth in the Neptune.

Kate Harrington:
Kate is very bullish about the chances of Rock The World who has been “working out of his skin”. The Arkle, Novices’ Handicap Chase and JLT all remain options for him and Jessica will wait to see how the races cut up before deciding on the target. Kate feels he has been forgotten about as the public haven’t seen him since October – he is overlooked and a massive price for the Festival. Oscar Sam goes for the Pertemps Final and has strong claims. Lake Champlain and Newberry New are due to run in the Fred Winter. The Harrington camp are hoping that Annie Power diverts to the Champion Hurdle and Vroum Vroum Mag to the World Hurdle as they plan on running Rock On The Moor and Keppols Queen in the Mares’ Hurdle. Kate also mentioned that New To This Town is an intended runner in the Champion Bumper and that she would obviously love to ride him, but she hasn’t been in conversation with the owners. She nominates Oscar Sam and Rock The World as the best chances of a winner for the Harrington team at the Festival, suggesting an each-way double.

Derek O’Connor:
Derek says that there is a possibility of him riding Southfield Royale in the National Hunt Chase, but also mentions that Minella Rocco could be of interest to punters in the same race. He tells the audience that he spoke to Tom George on the phone last week and he suggested that he hold tough on accepting a ride for the Kim Muir Handicap as he feels that he has a couple of horses with favourable marks for the race. Derek doesn’t think he’ll have any mount in the Foxhunters. He adds that Patrick Mullins nominated Battleford as a very promising horse before Fairyhouse last year and he is worth following in the Champion Bumper. Un De Sceaux in the Champion Chase is Derek’s nap of the meeting.

Enda Bolger:
Enda reports Josie’s Orders to be in good form leading up to the Cross Country Chase but admits he has to up his game to win at the Festival. He also tells the audience that he has heard through the grapevine that Foxrock will be contesting the race and if he takes to the obstacles “he could be in a different league”. However, Davy and Kevin think Foxrock has no chance. Adrian Heskin has never thought of the horse as an ideal candidate for the race but he has been schooling very well over the obstacles and could take a bit of pegging back. He also mentions that he is a horse who worries when travelling and they will be sending him to the U.K. very early this year to combat that. Enda may also run Quantitativeeasing, Cantlow and Love Rory in the Cross Country. On The Fringe is on course for the Foxhunters but he was disappointed with the run at Leopardstown last time out. He says that they have been taking their time with him, but he was disappointed by how quickly he faded after the second last before being nursed home by Jamie Codd. He didn’t expect him to win but thought he would be second or third and on the day and was a little bit further behind than ideal. Enda also acknowledges that his horses perhaps weren’t running as well at the time when he ran. On The Fringe wants good ground and will have a couple of racecourse gallops before the festival. Enda describes Gilgamboa as a horse who has “gone a bit clever” and will have an entry in the Ryanair Chase, but favouring a tilt at the Aintree Grand National.

Robbie McNamara:
Robbie is ultra-confident about the chances of Min in the Supreme, but selects Black Hercules in the National Hunt Chase as his nap of the meeting, mentioning that Patrick Mullins will be keen to ride him as he previously owned him.
 
DR sits on the panel for the evening I go to.
He starts off by being very politically correct and by the end of the night his deep detesting of O'leary and Giggs is obvious, but he is always extremely entertaining and I wonder how much of that is for the show....
 
Couple of questions, does anyone know of any previews that will be streamed on the Internet in the coming weeks? Always a good watch even if just for entertainment reasons!!
And is "the couch" mark winstanly appearing on any panels this year? Very strong opinions, no fence sitting if he fancies one he lets you know!!
 
Morning and welcome CW. I haven't heard of any but most of the big betting firms stream previews at some point. As you say, The Couch is good entertainment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom