jonthehammer
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These are my own personal notes from Haydock last night. Apologies if they are similar to those above.
Haydock Preview Night – Monday 7th March, 2016
Panel
MC – Paul Clarkson (PC)
Jockey - Brian Hughes (BH)
Dark Horses Annuals Author - Marten Julian (MJ)
Professional Gambler - Andy Gibson (AG)
Star Sports Bookmaker – Trevor Harris (TH)
Notes: - Now 40 mins between races. Foxhunters race now off level weights not a handicap. New race the Mares Novices Hurdle replaces the Charity race. Star Sports best price on Min (2/1) and Un de Sceaux (4/5).
Day 1 – Supreme Novices
BH – Min is plenty short enough, bit hot headed. Value EW in Supasundae. Altior best of the English horses, won at track.
AG – Feels Min is one of the weaker Mullin’s favourites, lot to prove at that price. Form is on Heavy ground, could prove to be weak form. Altior will like a fast pace and his times compare with Faugheen on final circuit from last year’s race. Backed this each way for months and is rock solid. Would advise to back to win without Min. EW shout for Supasundae.
MJ – Doesn’t like head carriage of Min, looks susceptible to bursting blood vessels, has heard this has happened at home. Also likes Altior and Supasundae EW but goes for Buveur Dair.
TH – Feels Min will be 3/1 on the day. Unsure on Altior didn’t say why. Move today on Yorkhill. Buveur Dair travels well and will probably back this.
Arkle
AG – Douvan should win if error free, got form in the book and wouldn’t oppose. Feels Sizing John EW or to win without Douvan is the call.
MG – Will be backing Arzal at 33/1 which will give you a run for your money. Will lead. L’Ami Serge had problems at last year’s festival and wouldn’t be surprised if he ran well.
TH – Douvan is a steering job. Could run in the Champion Hurdle after and win that as well (cue laughter). Also a fan of Sizing John without the favourite. The Game Changer could run on for third.
BH – Wouldn’t back Arzal if he found some money on the floor (cue laughter again). Douvan rock solid, far too superior to this lot.
UBS Festival Chase
BH – No opinion.
AG – Keep an eye on Southfield Theatre if he goes in this.
MJ – Likes Carole’s Destrier, could run well. Back Dr Harper wherever he runs, could go in this. Best of the Pipe handicappers.
TH – Took a rather large bet on Dr Harper also earlier.
Champion Hurdle
MJ – Assume Annie Power is supplemented. Can be a bit clumsy over the hurdles so would lay her. Backed Nichols Canyon EW a while back. Doesn’t like Identity Thief not sure why though. My Tent or Yours pulls hard but will come home. Vale of race is Top Notch and is overpriced. Hargam of little interest, not quite good enough.
TH – If Vroum Vroum Mag is injured then TH feels Annie Power will go back to the Mares. Even with mares allowance TH feels that AP is a lay as no recent form over 2 miles. Can’t have The New One, didn’t say why. Been told that Hargam has been working well at home and is an EW price. If ground is soft then Camping Ground is a live outsider.
BH – If he had a choice would pick The New One. Would love to ride or even own him. Not having Identity Thief. Feels My Tent of Yours is interesting in a different pair of hands. Also Camping Ground EW chance if ground comes up soft.
AG – Also opposing Annie Power. Could wear headgear to stop her getting too buzzy. Feels there will be a lot of pace and it will suit hold up horses. Can’t have My Tent or Yours, too buzzy also. Form of The New One is the best, never been out of the first two and has more substances to his profile. Feels Hargam will be held up and can run well. Also EW shout for Old Guard.
PC – Mullins has said that Annie Power is a quick as anything in his yard.
Mares Hurdle
TH – Not a fan of the race, if Vroum Vroum Mag runs to rating of 140 she will win. Bitofapuzzle could run well at an EW price.
BH – Worried about Bitofapuzzle being pulled up on last run. Value is Aurore D’Estruval EW but form of the yard is a worry.
AG – Also likes Aurore D’Estruval. Would back without VVM.
MJ – In love with Bitofapuzzle and he will say. Felt she would go the Gold Cup route but hasn’t lived up to expectations. Keep an eye on The Govaness, clever trainer.
National Hunt Steeplechase (4 miler)
BH – Roi Des Francs has looked good and will stay, gone well here before. Minella Rocco was a good hurdler but unsure over the bigger obstacles.
AG – Minella Rocco will probably stay but wouldn’t trust jumping. Has backed Vyta Du Roc since NRNB. Probably won’t run here but is a no brainer as if he does the 20/a looks good, would be 10s on day.
MJ – Derek O’Connor will ride Minella Rocco which is a plus.
TH – If he had to pick one it would be Noble Endeavour but little confidence.
CHAPS Novices Handicap
MJ – Javert, nice profile.
TH – Aloomomo been well backed but no interest in race.
BH & AG – No opinion.
Day 2 - Neptune
BH – Yanworth been a very impressive novice and his race to lose. Told by a Mullins insider that A Toi Phil is flying at home and his work has been as good as all the others and could be value.
AG – A Toi Phil a lot to find with Yanworth who is one of strongest bets of week. Slight worry over a sluggish start and has rattled the first couple of fences a few times. Do that here and he could lose a handy position. Has backed Shantou Village NRNB but probably won’t run here unless rain is forecast for end of week. Again a no brainer to back Shantou Village EW NRNB in this race.
MJ – Not a fan of Yanworth, does flick hurdles as AG suggested. Also took a long look at the 3rd last LTO (a bit green still). Also time was slow and thinks he could have peaked too soon which also worries the trainer apparently. Opposing with O O Seven EW at a big price. Could be a bit of rain forecast Tues/Weds.
TH – Poor race but likes Yanworth. If it comes up soft then Itsafreebee is far too big EW. Long Dog not beaten much. Worried about Alan King horses being out of form now.
RSA Chase
AG – No More Heroes was 7/4 but now drifted, still a bit short. Needs to find 20 lbs with More of That from Hurdles rating. Backed More of That for a while now. Also backed Vyta Du Roc for this as well, uncomplicated and stays well. Good chance, very reliable.
MJ – Decent renewal, loves More of That and the way he sticks his neck out. Felt Seeyouatmidnight dossed a bit LTO. Do not overlook Blaklion at EW price. Also feels Jonjo O’Neill will have a good Cheltenham.
TH – No More Heroes is a terrible price but should win (big and strong). Would wait for a sensible price. Underwhelmed by Seeyouatmidnight.
BH – Rides Seeyouatmidnight, would like some rain. Don’t worry about last run, the horse is lazy and needed the run. Seeyouratmdnight needs his work and loves being given a hard time, will handle soft. He is a street fighter and has stamina in abundance and BH feels he is massive EW value. Only negative is the sharper track.
More of That has best form. No More Heroes impressive LTO. Would worry about Blacklion being pulled up.
Coral Cup
MJ – Diamond King should run ok but likes Rock the Kasbah. Watch where Great Field runs, jumps like a stag.
TH – Backed Kilcrea Vale EW, travels well.
BH & AG – No Opinion.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
MJ – Felix Yonger reminds him of Deep Sensation last year, same profile and will outrun his price. Felix Yonger to track Special Tiara and run well.
TH – Un De Sceaux best price with his firm (4/5) but would like to take on. Would back Dodging Bullets place only. Special Tiara poor form at Cheltenham. God’s Own very good EW price.
BH – Will ride Somersby for Mick Channon, 8th visit to festival. Stronger race than last year but thinks UDS will win. Thinks God’s Own better on right handed track. Can’t have Dodging Bullets after being beaten by Top Gamble. Not having Sire De Grugy either.
AG – Price discrepancy between SS and SDG. Average renewal. UDS will win if stays upright. Special Tiara is an interesting pace angle in the race. Has backed Felix Yonger without UDS at 7s and 8s. Also backed God’s Own without UDS, will like the ground.
Cross Country
BH – Be wary of backing Balthazar King after a rib break, hard for a horse to come back after such an injury.
AG – Will back Any Currency if he drifts a bit.
TH – Price discrepancy between Josie’s Orders and Quantitativeeeasing
MJ – No interest.
Fred Winter
BH – Good EW price for Our Thomas if he goes in this.
AG – Diego Du Charmil is a good bet but the price has gone
MJ – Tentative selection Duke Street
TH – Nicholls man phoned handicapper to get a mark for Diego Du Charmil and was give 132 based on French form. Nicholls delighted feels he is well in, handicapper said you will have a lot of fun off that mark. Strange thing for handicapper to say.
Champion Bumper
TH – No real opinion, New to this Town been sold recently. His firm taken big bet on Bacardys.
BH – Augusta Kate out of a good mare. High Bridge could go well at a price, nice form. Shrewd trainer in John Ferguson.
AG – No interest.
MJ – Augusta Kate has shown nothing at home apparently. Ballyandy great pedigree.
Day 3 – JLT Novices Chase
BH – Bristol De Mai done nothing wrong but in much lesser company. Would like rain and very soft ground. Outlander could be a decent rival. One at a price is Shaneshill.
AG – Black Hercules should run in this as it isn’t the best and would have a good chance. Bristol De Mai is favourite by default but still a handy price at 9/2. If ground is Good to Soft of faster I would be concerned.
Outlander is reliable EW on soft ground. Interesting one is Garde La Victoire, jumps low, needs goodish ground.
TJ – Bristol De Mai solid favourite, jumped well LTO at Sandown. Agrees with AG on Garde La Victoire.
TH – Still value in Bristol De Mai, jumped even better at Leicester than Sandown. Outlander form maybe isn’t as good. Would also like Black Hercules to run here and make running.
Pertemps Final
TH – Leave at Dawn under Barry Geraghty would have decent chance.
BH – Good word for Our Kaempfer, race wasn’t run to suit LTO and was brought down when still going well. Stays and Jumps well.
AG – Doubts over Our Kaempfer, didn’t say why,
MJ – Likes If In Doubt but again mentions Jonjo O’Neil horses (Join the Clan and Box Office) and to watch them in market. Missed Approach kept off track by Greatrex, could have a chance.
Ryanair Chase
AG – Al Ferof not a good winning record (1 in 9), the win was a weak event and this could end up favourite if the top of the market goes elsewhere. Noel Meade thinks Road to Riches will run here. Had a big bet on Village Vic but will trade on day as he front runs. Ground should be fine.
Also a small interest EW on Smashing. Warming to Vibrato Valtat as has strong form lines over 2 mils. Can’t have Josses Hill, poor jumper.
BH – Oscar Rock (50/1) would be of interest here if he goes but also entered for longer race. Wants it good.
MJ – No opinion.
TH – Vautour would win here if they took this route. In fact Trevor said he would win on Vautour in this race. Thinks Road to Riches will run here and win. Smashing and Village Vic for EW money. VV has improved immensely over the past 12 months.
World Hurdle
MJ – Thistlecrack 4lbs clear of Whisper and Kilcooley. Whisper can outrun odds if he finds that 4lbs. Kilcooley at a price if he has overcome a setback.
TH – Thistlecrack a bit short but stable in great form, can it carry on? Alpha Des Obeaux fell LTO at an important stage of race so is an unknown. The plan for Cole Harden all year is this race, can win again.
BH – Can’t have Cole Harden, too many excuses this season. Heard a whisper he is worse than ever.
Whisper is lively outsider as is Kilcooley but both have a bit to find.
AG – Cole Harden can turn form on head and do what he did last year. Has backed CH and Thistlecrack all year, will trade CH off in running as he will lead. Thistlecrack has form in back over past 4 runs.
Also backed Whisper EW at 10s without the favourite. Henderson is bullish on Whisper.
Question about Aux Ptits Sons – goes well fresh. Also question on Zabana but AG hasn’t done his homework on all the handicaps as yet.
Brown Advisory
TH – Everyone seems to be on John’s Spirt. Small shout for Stilletto.
AG – John’s Spirit best form is on old track while this is on the new track. Would back him here in Paddy Power meeting.
MJ – Likes John’s Spirit and mentions Dr Harper again if he runs here.
BH – No opinion.
Trull House Mares Novices
TH – Questions why this race is included this year. Can’t see Smart Talk out the frame.
BH – Likes Smart Talk, good stayer and a decent chance. Improving all time and track ok.
AG – Also asks why race is put in, next year they are adding 2 cartoon races from Portman Park to make the day even longer (audience laughs). Smart Talk the value running off 149, if was 150 could have run in Supreme.
MJ – No opinion.
Fulke Kim Muir Challenge Cup
TH – Our Father goes well fresh. Value in Cause of Causes.
MJ – Our Father plotted up for this. Money floating about for Cause of Causes. Eye catching finish by Lost Legend LTO, another of Jonjo’s. Now down to a good mark of 140.
BH & AG – No opinion.
Day 4 Triumph Hurdle
MJ – Apparently Ivanovich Gorbatov had a stone bruise before last race, not sure if this is common knowledge. Will be better for ground. Zabayr was very expensive purchase, likes way he finished LTO but not way he started.
Biggest bet of meeting in this race, Connetable. Beat decent horses and best form.
PC pops up and says a tip for us all is Apples Jade, should run in this race.
TH – Open race and good value in there. Zubayr is worst price of whole meeting, the form is worth nothing. Sceau Royal is the best natural hurdler in the race and should be favourite. Connetable is a decent EW. Sam Twiston Davies will ride Clan Des Obeaux.
BH – Forgive IG for last run, if he could pick one it would be this. Also likes the Nicholls horse Zubayr.
AG – IG, better ground will help but this would be a double figure price if was a different trainer. Zubayr has a chance.
Sceau Royal as must for placepot as will finish in first 3, has good experience. Also Clan Des Obeaux is the other for the placepot.
Not a lot between Nicholls horses but a lot to like about Connetable. Race is wide open.
VOB County Hurdle
MJ – Second best bet of meeting is Kayf Blanco (50/1 with Bet 365). Back NRNB as may not get in but put him in your tracker. Should be higher rated. 4th at Sandown was good form behind some very good horses. MJ very bullish about this horse.
Some Plan has also been plotted up for this.
TH – Agreed that Some Plan has been plotted up for this. The other Nicholls horse All Yours may go to Aintree and should be backed there. Gave small shout for Starchitect.
BH – Will ride Hawk High, will be schooling him in 2 days. Loves the course, ground and will thrive on the pace of the race and will outrun odds of 40/1.
AG – Apparently Nicholls gave his NAP the other day as All Yours which goes against what TH said. Big bet here for AG with A Hare Breath at 16s. Also likes Desoto County but he may not get in.
Albert Bartlett
BH – Rode against Barter’s Hill on Ballydine LTO. Thought he would go past but no way, BH finds more and more and very tough to pass. BH does ride lazily and needs pushing but wouldn’t worry about that.
AG – Can’t knock BH with 7 wins on bounce. Tenacious horse. Even worth backing in running when he is being pushed along. If it rains Shantou Village may go in the shorter race. Ballydine not good enough. If the ground is bottomless then Unowwhatimeanharry will go well.
MJ – Barters Hill toughest bumper horse he has seen. Just keeps finding more. Apparently Mullins reports that Gangster been working well at home. Rich Ricci thinks Thomas Hobson is overpriced. Shantou Village and Jonniesofa EW value.
TH – Barters Hill gets job done and will trade bigger in running. May be 7/2 on day so would wait. If Bleu Et Rouge runs here could be interesting.
AG – Had a bet on Champers on Ice EW. Will go back in again if soft ground.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
AG – Feels 4 of the 5 are ground dependant and that Don Poli can go on any ground and has backed him since NRNB. Good course form, will like the pace and been here and done it albeit in different races. Vautour was very keen LTO which will take up energy here but if he does stay has claims. Smad Place is value EW but will lay ante post bet off in running as he will lead, big opportunity to trade. Djakadam would be the call on more testing ground more than the others. Don Cossack prefers better ground and may wear cheekpieces to help him travel better.
MJ – Potential winner must be a stayer and can jump. If they can’t then don’t back them, this isn’t a speed contest. Rumour is Vautour isn’t working well at home at all although the yard hope he comes good late. Cue Card is a wonderful horse but well beaten on last effort over 3 miles. Worried about the fall by Djakadam LTO. Don Poli is lazy and dull but keeps finding more. Don Cossack is in a safe pair of hands. Apparently Many Clouds runs at Kelso on the rearranged Sunday meeting.
TH – Decent renewal and the betting has been busy Ante Post. This is the people’s race. Vautour is the class horse but feel he won’t get home. Aintree should be the place to run him.
Anagram of Don Poli is I Plod on which says it all. Smad Place overpriced and will be in first 3. Bryan Cooper will probably Don Poli.
BH – Would love to see Cue Card win, it will be a gruelling race. Horses who have tried this race before struggle to come back and win it (barring Kauto, Denman etc.) If he could choose he would pick Don Poli all day long, right profile and always races behind the bridle and within himself. Will stay all day. Smad Place a good EW shout.
Foxhunters Chase
PC – Pacha Du Polder goes with Victoria Pendleton in the plate.
TH – Says put the kettle on during this.
AG & MG like Paint the Clouds.
BH – No opinion.
Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle
MJ – Watch out for Eshtiaal if he gets in. Ran a prep race on flat at Dundalk on Friday and won.
Others – No opinion.
Then someone remembers they have a massive word from a reliable source for Qualando in this.
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual
MJ – Next Sensation has once again been plotted for this and should be backed. Also EW on Eastlake.
TH – No Opinion
BH – Would like Surf and Turf if he gets in but probably go to Aintree.
AG – Next Sensation has had breathing Op and on same mark as last year when he won. Will drift on day. Obvious choice and everyone knows this is his target.
NAPS & Best E/W
BH
NAP - Douvan – Told to pick something longer so he says UDS.
Best EW – Hawk High
MJ
NAP - Connetable
Best EW - Kayf Blanco (NRNB) should he get in at 50s.
TH
NAP - No More Heroes
Best EW – Hargam in Champion Hurdle
AG
NAP – Vyta De Roc in whichever race he goes in.
Best EW – A Hare Breath in County Hurdle (NRNB)
Haydock Preview Night – Monday 7th March, 2016
Panel
MC – Paul Clarkson (PC)
Jockey - Brian Hughes (BH)
Dark Horses Annuals Author - Marten Julian (MJ)
Professional Gambler - Andy Gibson (AG)
Star Sports Bookmaker – Trevor Harris (TH)
Notes: - Now 40 mins between races. Foxhunters race now off level weights not a handicap. New race the Mares Novices Hurdle replaces the Charity race. Star Sports best price on Min (2/1) and Un de Sceaux (4/5).
Day 1 – Supreme Novices
BH – Min is plenty short enough, bit hot headed. Value EW in Supasundae. Altior best of the English horses, won at track.
AG – Feels Min is one of the weaker Mullin’s favourites, lot to prove at that price. Form is on Heavy ground, could prove to be weak form. Altior will like a fast pace and his times compare with Faugheen on final circuit from last year’s race. Backed this each way for months and is rock solid. Would advise to back to win without Min. EW shout for Supasundae.
MJ – Doesn’t like head carriage of Min, looks susceptible to bursting blood vessels, has heard this has happened at home. Also likes Altior and Supasundae EW but goes for Buveur Dair.
TH – Feels Min will be 3/1 on the day. Unsure on Altior didn’t say why. Move today on Yorkhill. Buveur Dair travels well and will probably back this.
Arkle
AG – Douvan should win if error free, got form in the book and wouldn’t oppose. Feels Sizing John EW or to win without Douvan is the call.
MG – Will be backing Arzal at 33/1 which will give you a run for your money. Will lead. L’Ami Serge had problems at last year’s festival and wouldn’t be surprised if he ran well.
TH – Douvan is a steering job. Could run in the Champion Hurdle after and win that as well (cue laughter). Also a fan of Sizing John without the favourite. The Game Changer could run on for third.
BH – Wouldn’t back Arzal if he found some money on the floor (cue laughter again). Douvan rock solid, far too superior to this lot.
UBS Festival Chase
BH – No opinion.
AG – Keep an eye on Southfield Theatre if he goes in this.
MJ – Likes Carole’s Destrier, could run well. Back Dr Harper wherever he runs, could go in this. Best of the Pipe handicappers.
TH – Took a rather large bet on Dr Harper also earlier.
Champion Hurdle
MJ – Assume Annie Power is supplemented. Can be a bit clumsy over the hurdles so would lay her. Backed Nichols Canyon EW a while back. Doesn’t like Identity Thief not sure why though. My Tent or Yours pulls hard but will come home. Vale of race is Top Notch and is overpriced. Hargam of little interest, not quite good enough.
TH – If Vroum Vroum Mag is injured then TH feels Annie Power will go back to the Mares. Even with mares allowance TH feels that AP is a lay as no recent form over 2 miles. Can’t have The New One, didn’t say why. Been told that Hargam has been working well at home and is an EW price. If ground is soft then Camping Ground is a live outsider.
BH – If he had a choice would pick The New One. Would love to ride or even own him. Not having Identity Thief. Feels My Tent of Yours is interesting in a different pair of hands. Also Camping Ground EW chance if ground comes up soft.
AG – Also opposing Annie Power. Could wear headgear to stop her getting too buzzy. Feels there will be a lot of pace and it will suit hold up horses. Can’t have My Tent or Yours, too buzzy also. Form of The New One is the best, never been out of the first two and has more substances to his profile. Feels Hargam will be held up and can run well. Also EW shout for Old Guard.
PC – Mullins has said that Annie Power is a quick as anything in his yard.
Mares Hurdle
TH – Not a fan of the race, if Vroum Vroum Mag runs to rating of 140 she will win. Bitofapuzzle could run well at an EW price.
BH – Worried about Bitofapuzzle being pulled up on last run. Value is Aurore D’Estruval EW but form of the yard is a worry.
AG – Also likes Aurore D’Estruval. Would back without VVM.
MJ – In love with Bitofapuzzle and he will say. Felt she would go the Gold Cup route but hasn’t lived up to expectations. Keep an eye on The Govaness, clever trainer.
National Hunt Steeplechase (4 miler)
BH – Roi Des Francs has looked good and will stay, gone well here before. Minella Rocco was a good hurdler but unsure over the bigger obstacles.
AG – Minella Rocco will probably stay but wouldn’t trust jumping. Has backed Vyta Du Roc since NRNB. Probably won’t run here but is a no brainer as if he does the 20/a looks good, would be 10s on day.
MJ – Derek O’Connor will ride Minella Rocco which is a plus.
TH – If he had to pick one it would be Noble Endeavour but little confidence.
CHAPS Novices Handicap
MJ – Javert, nice profile.
TH – Aloomomo been well backed but no interest in race.
BH & AG – No opinion.
Day 2 - Neptune
BH – Yanworth been a very impressive novice and his race to lose. Told by a Mullins insider that A Toi Phil is flying at home and his work has been as good as all the others and could be value.
AG – A Toi Phil a lot to find with Yanworth who is one of strongest bets of week. Slight worry over a sluggish start and has rattled the first couple of fences a few times. Do that here and he could lose a handy position. Has backed Shantou Village NRNB but probably won’t run here unless rain is forecast for end of week. Again a no brainer to back Shantou Village EW NRNB in this race.
MJ – Not a fan of Yanworth, does flick hurdles as AG suggested. Also took a long look at the 3rd last LTO (a bit green still). Also time was slow and thinks he could have peaked too soon which also worries the trainer apparently. Opposing with O O Seven EW at a big price. Could be a bit of rain forecast Tues/Weds.
TH – Poor race but likes Yanworth. If it comes up soft then Itsafreebee is far too big EW. Long Dog not beaten much. Worried about Alan King horses being out of form now.
RSA Chase
AG – No More Heroes was 7/4 but now drifted, still a bit short. Needs to find 20 lbs with More of That from Hurdles rating. Backed More of That for a while now. Also backed Vyta Du Roc for this as well, uncomplicated and stays well. Good chance, very reliable.
MJ – Decent renewal, loves More of That and the way he sticks his neck out. Felt Seeyouatmidnight dossed a bit LTO. Do not overlook Blaklion at EW price. Also feels Jonjo O’Neill will have a good Cheltenham.
TH – No More Heroes is a terrible price but should win (big and strong). Would wait for a sensible price. Underwhelmed by Seeyouatmidnight.
BH – Rides Seeyouatmidnight, would like some rain. Don’t worry about last run, the horse is lazy and needed the run. Seeyouratmdnight needs his work and loves being given a hard time, will handle soft. He is a street fighter and has stamina in abundance and BH feels he is massive EW value. Only negative is the sharper track.
More of That has best form. No More Heroes impressive LTO. Would worry about Blacklion being pulled up.
Coral Cup
MJ – Diamond King should run ok but likes Rock the Kasbah. Watch where Great Field runs, jumps like a stag.
TH – Backed Kilcrea Vale EW, travels well.
BH & AG – No Opinion.
Queen Mother Champion Chase
MJ – Felix Yonger reminds him of Deep Sensation last year, same profile and will outrun his price. Felix Yonger to track Special Tiara and run well.
TH – Un De Sceaux best price with his firm (4/5) but would like to take on. Would back Dodging Bullets place only. Special Tiara poor form at Cheltenham. God’s Own very good EW price.
BH – Will ride Somersby for Mick Channon, 8th visit to festival. Stronger race than last year but thinks UDS will win. Thinks God’s Own better on right handed track. Can’t have Dodging Bullets after being beaten by Top Gamble. Not having Sire De Grugy either.
AG – Price discrepancy between SS and SDG. Average renewal. UDS will win if stays upright. Special Tiara is an interesting pace angle in the race. Has backed Felix Yonger without UDS at 7s and 8s. Also backed God’s Own without UDS, will like the ground.
Cross Country
BH – Be wary of backing Balthazar King after a rib break, hard for a horse to come back after such an injury.
AG – Will back Any Currency if he drifts a bit.
TH – Price discrepancy between Josie’s Orders and Quantitativeeeasing
MJ – No interest.
Fred Winter
BH – Good EW price for Our Thomas if he goes in this.
AG – Diego Du Charmil is a good bet but the price has gone
MJ – Tentative selection Duke Street
TH – Nicholls man phoned handicapper to get a mark for Diego Du Charmil and was give 132 based on French form. Nicholls delighted feels he is well in, handicapper said you will have a lot of fun off that mark. Strange thing for handicapper to say.
Champion Bumper
TH – No real opinion, New to this Town been sold recently. His firm taken big bet on Bacardys.
BH – Augusta Kate out of a good mare. High Bridge could go well at a price, nice form. Shrewd trainer in John Ferguson.
AG – No interest.
MJ – Augusta Kate has shown nothing at home apparently. Ballyandy great pedigree.
Day 3 – JLT Novices Chase
BH – Bristol De Mai done nothing wrong but in much lesser company. Would like rain and very soft ground. Outlander could be a decent rival. One at a price is Shaneshill.
AG – Black Hercules should run in this as it isn’t the best and would have a good chance. Bristol De Mai is favourite by default but still a handy price at 9/2. If ground is Good to Soft of faster I would be concerned.
Outlander is reliable EW on soft ground. Interesting one is Garde La Victoire, jumps low, needs goodish ground.
TJ – Bristol De Mai solid favourite, jumped well LTO at Sandown. Agrees with AG on Garde La Victoire.
TH – Still value in Bristol De Mai, jumped even better at Leicester than Sandown. Outlander form maybe isn’t as good. Would also like Black Hercules to run here and make running.
Pertemps Final
TH – Leave at Dawn under Barry Geraghty would have decent chance.
BH – Good word for Our Kaempfer, race wasn’t run to suit LTO and was brought down when still going well. Stays and Jumps well.
AG – Doubts over Our Kaempfer, didn’t say why,
MJ – Likes If In Doubt but again mentions Jonjo O’Neil horses (Join the Clan and Box Office) and to watch them in market. Missed Approach kept off track by Greatrex, could have a chance.
Ryanair Chase
AG – Al Ferof not a good winning record (1 in 9), the win was a weak event and this could end up favourite if the top of the market goes elsewhere. Noel Meade thinks Road to Riches will run here. Had a big bet on Village Vic but will trade on day as he front runs. Ground should be fine.
Also a small interest EW on Smashing. Warming to Vibrato Valtat as has strong form lines over 2 mils. Can’t have Josses Hill, poor jumper.
BH – Oscar Rock (50/1) would be of interest here if he goes but also entered for longer race. Wants it good.
MJ – No opinion.
TH – Vautour would win here if they took this route. In fact Trevor said he would win on Vautour in this race. Thinks Road to Riches will run here and win. Smashing and Village Vic for EW money. VV has improved immensely over the past 12 months.
World Hurdle
MJ – Thistlecrack 4lbs clear of Whisper and Kilcooley. Whisper can outrun odds if he finds that 4lbs. Kilcooley at a price if he has overcome a setback.
TH – Thistlecrack a bit short but stable in great form, can it carry on? Alpha Des Obeaux fell LTO at an important stage of race so is an unknown. The plan for Cole Harden all year is this race, can win again.
BH – Can’t have Cole Harden, too many excuses this season. Heard a whisper he is worse than ever.
Whisper is lively outsider as is Kilcooley but both have a bit to find.
AG – Cole Harden can turn form on head and do what he did last year. Has backed CH and Thistlecrack all year, will trade CH off in running as he will lead. Thistlecrack has form in back over past 4 runs.
Also backed Whisper EW at 10s without the favourite. Henderson is bullish on Whisper.
Question about Aux Ptits Sons – goes well fresh. Also question on Zabana but AG hasn’t done his homework on all the handicaps as yet.
Brown Advisory
TH – Everyone seems to be on John’s Spirt. Small shout for Stilletto.
AG – John’s Spirit best form is on old track while this is on the new track. Would back him here in Paddy Power meeting.
MJ – Likes John’s Spirit and mentions Dr Harper again if he runs here.
BH – No opinion.
Trull House Mares Novices
TH – Questions why this race is included this year. Can’t see Smart Talk out the frame.
BH – Likes Smart Talk, good stayer and a decent chance. Improving all time and track ok.
AG – Also asks why race is put in, next year they are adding 2 cartoon races from Portman Park to make the day even longer (audience laughs). Smart Talk the value running off 149, if was 150 could have run in Supreme.
MJ – No opinion.
Fulke Kim Muir Challenge Cup
TH – Our Father goes well fresh. Value in Cause of Causes.
MJ – Our Father plotted up for this. Money floating about for Cause of Causes. Eye catching finish by Lost Legend LTO, another of Jonjo’s. Now down to a good mark of 140.
BH & AG – No opinion.
Day 4 Triumph Hurdle
MJ – Apparently Ivanovich Gorbatov had a stone bruise before last race, not sure if this is common knowledge. Will be better for ground. Zabayr was very expensive purchase, likes way he finished LTO but not way he started.
Biggest bet of meeting in this race, Connetable. Beat decent horses and best form.
PC pops up and says a tip for us all is Apples Jade, should run in this race.
TH – Open race and good value in there. Zubayr is worst price of whole meeting, the form is worth nothing. Sceau Royal is the best natural hurdler in the race and should be favourite. Connetable is a decent EW. Sam Twiston Davies will ride Clan Des Obeaux.
BH – Forgive IG for last run, if he could pick one it would be this. Also likes the Nicholls horse Zubayr.
AG – IG, better ground will help but this would be a double figure price if was a different trainer. Zubayr has a chance.
Sceau Royal as must for placepot as will finish in first 3, has good experience. Also Clan Des Obeaux is the other for the placepot.
Not a lot between Nicholls horses but a lot to like about Connetable. Race is wide open.
VOB County Hurdle
MJ – Second best bet of meeting is Kayf Blanco (50/1 with Bet 365). Back NRNB as may not get in but put him in your tracker. Should be higher rated. 4th at Sandown was good form behind some very good horses. MJ very bullish about this horse.
Some Plan has also been plotted up for this.
TH – Agreed that Some Plan has been plotted up for this. The other Nicholls horse All Yours may go to Aintree and should be backed there. Gave small shout for Starchitect.
BH – Will ride Hawk High, will be schooling him in 2 days. Loves the course, ground and will thrive on the pace of the race and will outrun odds of 40/1.
AG – Apparently Nicholls gave his NAP the other day as All Yours which goes against what TH said. Big bet here for AG with A Hare Breath at 16s. Also likes Desoto County but he may not get in.
Albert Bartlett
BH – Rode against Barter’s Hill on Ballydine LTO. Thought he would go past but no way, BH finds more and more and very tough to pass. BH does ride lazily and needs pushing but wouldn’t worry about that.
AG – Can’t knock BH with 7 wins on bounce. Tenacious horse. Even worth backing in running when he is being pushed along. If it rains Shantou Village may go in the shorter race. Ballydine not good enough. If the ground is bottomless then Unowwhatimeanharry will go well.
MJ – Barters Hill toughest bumper horse he has seen. Just keeps finding more. Apparently Mullins reports that Gangster been working well at home. Rich Ricci thinks Thomas Hobson is overpriced. Shantou Village and Jonniesofa EW value.
TH – Barters Hill gets job done and will trade bigger in running. May be 7/2 on day so would wait. If Bleu Et Rouge runs here could be interesting.
AG – Had a bet on Champers on Ice EW. Will go back in again if soft ground.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
AG – Feels 4 of the 5 are ground dependant and that Don Poli can go on any ground and has backed him since NRNB. Good course form, will like the pace and been here and done it albeit in different races. Vautour was very keen LTO which will take up energy here but if he does stay has claims. Smad Place is value EW but will lay ante post bet off in running as he will lead, big opportunity to trade. Djakadam would be the call on more testing ground more than the others. Don Cossack prefers better ground and may wear cheekpieces to help him travel better.
MJ – Potential winner must be a stayer and can jump. If they can’t then don’t back them, this isn’t a speed contest. Rumour is Vautour isn’t working well at home at all although the yard hope he comes good late. Cue Card is a wonderful horse but well beaten on last effort over 3 miles. Worried about the fall by Djakadam LTO. Don Poli is lazy and dull but keeps finding more. Don Cossack is in a safe pair of hands. Apparently Many Clouds runs at Kelso on the rearranged Sunday meeting.
TH – Decent renewal and the betting has been busy Ante Post. This is the people’s race. Vautour is the class horse but feel he won’t get home. Aintree should be the place to run him.
Anagram of Don Poli is I Plod on which says it all. Smad Place overpriced and will be in first 3. Bryan Cooper will probably Don Poli.
BH – Would love to see Cue Card win, it will be a gruelling race. Horses who have tried this race before struggle to come back and win it (barring Kauto, Denman etc.) If he could choose he would pick Don Poli all day long, right profile and always races behind the bridle and within himself. Will stay all day. Smad Place a good EW shout.
Foxhunters Chase
PC – Pacha Du Polder goes with Victoria Pendleton in the plate.
TH – Says put the kettle on during this.
AG & MG like Paint the Clouds.
BH – No opinion.
Martin Pipe Conditionals Hurdle
MJ – Watch out for Eshtiaal if he gets in. Ran a prep race on flat at Dundalk on Friday and won.
Others – No opinion.
Then someone remembers they have a massive word from a reliable source for Qualando in this.
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual
MJ – Next Sensation has once again been plotted for this and should be backed. Also EW on Eastlake.
TH – No Opinion
BH – Would like Surf and Turf if he gets in but probably go to Aintree.
AG – Next Sensation has had breathing Op and on same mark as last year when he won. Will drift on day. Obvious choice and everyone knows this is his target.
NAPS & Best E/W
BH
NAP - Douvan – Told to pick something longer so he says UDS.
Best EW – Hawk High
MJ
NAP - Connetable
Best EW - Kayf Blanco (NRNB) should he get in at 50s.
TH
NAP - No More Heroes
Best EW – Hargam in Champion Hurdle
AG
NAP – Vyta De Roc in whichever race he goes in.
Best EW – A Hare Breath in County Hurdle (NRNB)
