The BetVictor Gold Cup invariably throws-up a feel-good story and the 2017 renewal was no exception, with Splash of Ginge winning for the most vocal of connections in the feature of the November Meeting at Cheltenham. The 9yo was scoring for the first time over fences since his course and distance success on New Year’s Day 2015 and relished conditions as the heavens opener over Prestbury Park.
Nibbled at 25/1 from 33s before the off, the mudlark denied the late lunge of David Pipe’s second-season chaser Starchitect who could potentially go one better in next month’s December Gold Cup should he get a preferred sounder surface. We should take nothing from the winner however, and indeed his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has now been responsible for saddling three of the last ten winners of the £160,000 Handicap Chase.
Imperial Commander, successful in 2008, would win the Cheltenham Gold Cup just 18 months later but Splash of Ginge has another spring festival in mind with the horse’s enthusiastic owner John Nield adamant the gelding would be aimed at the Grand National at Aintree. The Liverpudlian reportedly has £1000 at 1000/1 for his horses to win the world’s most famous steeplechase and BetVictor are 50/1 that Splash of Ginge creates yet further history at Aintree in the spring.
Elsewhere, it was a magnificent three days for trainer Colin Tizzard who saddled three graded winners and Fox Norton magnificent in retaining his Shloer Chase crown. The 7yo was narrowly touched-off in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but made amends at Aintree and Punchestown thereafter winning the G1 Melling and Punchestown Champion Chases with style and grace in the spring.
He looked better than ever when bolting-up on Sunday under Robbie Power and is now the 3/1 from 4s favourite with BetVictor for The Ryanair Chase and halved in price to 5/1 from 10s to go one better in the Queen Mother. Stablemate Finians Oscar set the ball rolling for connections on Friday when giving Movewiththetimes 8lb and a betting to maintain his unbeaten record over fences. The son of Flemensfirth will have learnt plenty from a real battle up the Cheltenham hill but came out with his reputation enhanced further and was cut to the 6/1 from 7s favourite for the JLT Novices/ Chase.
BetVictor make him a 10/1 chance for The Arkle Novices’ Chase with trainer Colin Tizzard hinting that connections may drop him back to the minimum trip. A horse that definitely has The Arkle as a spring target is North Hill Harvey who was big and bold when making it 2/2 over the larger obstacles under Harry Skelton on Sunday. Last year’s Greatwood winner has taken to fences like a duck to water and is now 16/1 from 25s with BetVictor for The Arkle after impressing in both chase success at Cheltenham’s opening two meetings of the campaign.
Last year’s winner Altior saw trainer Nicky Henderson hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons before the start of the meeting but the performances of Thomas Campbell and Apple’s Shaqira saw him bounce back with two brilliant hurdles successes on Saturday. The former was introduced into The Stayers Hurdle market as a 25/1 poke after getting a brilliant ride by 7lb claimer James Bowen to follow-up his recent course success. That was the teenager’s 31st success under rules and, despite his claim being reduced from 7lb to 5lb, he looks a future superstar in the saddle.
Seven Barrows’ other winner left quite an impression on plenty of us in the press room with Apple’s Shaqira the new 5/1 from 16s favourite for the Triumph Hurdle after a winning British debut under Barry Geraghty. Connections won the corresponding race 12 months ago with subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner Defi du Seuil and this filly, a full sister to multiple Group One winner Apple’s Jade, looks to have an almighty career ahead of her.
For all the latest odds head to BetVictor.com
Be Lucky
Monday 20 November 2017
Tuesday 11 July 2017
Scottish Open/John Deere Classic July 2017
Jon Rahm dominated a strong field at the Irish Open, winning at Portstewart by 6 shots and cut to 7/1 with BetVictor to win a first major in 2017. Rahm, now ranked the 8th best golfer in the world, shot a record-breaking -24 and now heads to the Open Championship as the 14/1 from 20s third favourite for the Claret Jug.
He is the fourth favourite behind 11/1 market leaders Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson but it was interesting to see Alex Noren attract support at bigger prices, bidding to make it 9 first-time major winners on the spin. The Swede won the Scottish Open 12 months ago and is 16/1 to win back-to-back Titles at Dundonald. Compatriot Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug at Troon last summer and I expect Noren to go close at Royal Birkdale; the recent Wentworth winner is too big at 40/1 for Open Championship success next week.
Noren is too short at 16/1 this week and I much prefer the chances of Ross Fisher at more than double the price. Fisher has a terrific record playing links golf and has been the model of consistency this season; and has posted top-ten finishes in 6 of his last 8 events on tour.
He lost in a playoff at the Alfred Dunhill Championship back in 2008 and he finished second in that event again last year. He was seventh in this event two years ago boasts a terrific links pedigree that should see him hopefully reward each-way support. At bigger prices, I can see Scot Martin Laird out-perform his odds of 66/1, whilst another that thrives on conditions is Paul Dunne who played well in snatches during last week’s Irish Open.
Across the pond, there’s depleted field for the John Deere Classic where defending champion Ryan Moore should, much like Alex Noren, will go close to winning back-to-back Titles. Moore has suffered with his form this season on tour, and is therefore priced at a perhaps tempting 33/1 with BetVictor.
With injury doubts however, he must be overlooked and likewise with those above him in the market. Daniel Berger, Kyle Stanley and Kevin Kisner are all winners on the PGA Tour already this term, whilst the pair of Brian Harman and Charley Hoffman have suffered several near-misses despite being the model of consistency.
The value looks to be with those further down the market, and I like Bubba Watson at an eye-catching 50/1. Bubba has suffered with his game since returning from a strict diet that saw the two-time major winner shed 20lbs, however there was a lot to like about his recent top-ten finishes at both the Zurich Classic and the Memorial.
His scrambling should help him around the Illinois course, and that key component should put Chad Campbell in the frame after a recent upturn in fortunes. Campbell goes well at the course, firing a 62 here three years ago, and ranked number one on tour in scrambling looks over-priced at 66s.
Selections
Scottish Open
Ross Fisher 33/1 1pt ew
Martin Laird 66/1 0.5pts ew
Paul Dunne 80/1 0.5pts ew
John Deere Classic
Bubba Watson 50/1 1pt ew
Chad Campbell 66/1 0.5pts ew
For all your sporting odds check out BetVictor.com
He is the fourth favourite behind 11/1 market leaders Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson but it was interesting to see Alex Noren attract support at bigger prices, bidding to make it 9 first-time major winners on the spin. The Swede won the Scottish Open 12 months ago and is 16/1 to win back-to-back Titles at Dundonald. Compatriot Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug at Troon last summer and I expect Noren to go close at Royal Birkdale; the recent Wentworth winner is too big at 40/1 for Open Championship success next week.
Noren is too short at 16/1 this week and I much prefer the chances of Ross Fisher at more than double the price. Fisher has a terrific record playing links golf and has been the model of consistency this season; and has posted top-ten finishes in 6 of his last 8 events on tour.
He lost in a playoff at the Alfred Dunhill Championship back in 2008 and he finished second in that event again last year. He was seventh in this event two years ago boasts a terrific links pedigree that should see him hopefully reward each-way support. At bigger prices, I can see Scot Martin Laird out-perform his odds of 66/1, whilst another that thrives on conditions is Paul Dunne who played well in snatches during last week’s Irish Open.
Across the pond, there’s depleted field for the John Deere Classic where defending champion Ryan Moore should, much like Alex Noren, will go close to winning back-to-back Titles. Moore has suffered with his form this season on tour, and is therefore priced at a perhaps tempting 33/1 with BetVictor.
With injury doubts however, he must be overlooked and likewise with those above him in the market. Daniel Berger, Kyle Stanley and Kevin Kisner are all winners on the PGA Tour already this term, whilst the pair of Brian Harman and Charley Hoffman have suffered several near-misses despite being the model of consistency.
The value looks to be with those further down the market, and I like Bubba Watson at an eye-catching 50/1. Bubba has suffered with his game since returning from a strict diet that saw the two-time major winner shed 20lbs, however there was a lot to like about his recent top-ten finishes at both the Zurich Classic and the Memorial.
His scrambling should help him around the Illinois course, and that key component should put Chad Campbell in the frame after a recent upturn in fortunes. Campbell goes well at the course, firing a 62 here three years ago, and ranked number one on tour in scrambling looks over-priced at 66s.
Selections
Scottish Open
Ross Fisher 33/1 1pt ew
Martin Laird 66/1 0.5pts ew
Paul Dunne 80/1 0.5pts ew
John Deere Classic
Bubba Watson 50/1 1pt ew
Chad Campbell 66/1 0.5pts ew
For all your sporting odds check out BetVictor.com
Friday 23 June 2017
Royal Ascot 2017; Friday, Day 4
We arrive at the fourth and penultimate day of Royal Ascot with those horrible bookmakers already plenty clear after three consecutive days of a well-backed hot-pot being turned over. Churchill’s disappointment in the St James’s Palace Stakes may have been a mere blip for punters had it not been for the pair of Happy Like a Fool and Order of St George bumping into a tough and hardy animals for the natives, with Clive Cox’s Heartache scorching clear in the Queen Mary Stakes and ‘people’s horse’ Big Orange virtually making all in the Gold Cup on Thursday.
Favourite backers have thus far been left licking their wounds and it will be fascinating to see whether the Coolmore juggernaut bounces back with the pair of Winter and Caravaggio on Friday. The former is unopposable as the 1/2 favourite with BetVictor for the Coronation Stakes but start with both Fairyland and Clemmie in the opening Gp 3 Albany Stakes over 6f.
Churchill arrived at Royal Ascot a maiden 12 months ago after a promising debut, and many will back his sister to do likewise after a promising effort finishing third at the Curragh despite showing signs of greenness throughout. She should improve for that effort however, Jessica Harrington’s filly Alpha Centauri (2.30) has looked monstrous on both career starts, winning twice at Naas under Colm Donoghue, and can compete the hat-trick upped in grade.
The King Edward VII Stakes is the Ascot Derby and I hope to see the lightly-raced Crystal Ocean (3.05) improve past his Dante Stakes conqueror Permian stepped up to a mile-and-a-half for the first time. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has won this corresponding race no fewer than seven times including 12 months ago with another son of Sea The Stars (Across The Stars) and the Newmarket handler saved the colt from the rigours of Epsom to concentrate on this Group 2 prize.
The recommendation is 11/4 with BetVictor and that looks about right with money for both Aidan O’Brien’s Sir John Lavery (5/1) and Godolphin’s Best Of Days, who makes his seasonal reappearance, in recent days.
The Group 1 Commonwealth Cup looks like being one of the races of the week with three potential star British and Irish sprinters Caravaggio, Blue Point and Harry Angel (3.40) taken on by the unbeaten American colt Bound For Nowhere where was cut from 12s to 8s at BetVictor following sustained support earlier in the week.
Harry Angel was conceding 4lbs to Blue Point when the latter beat the selection over C&D back in May but the hope is that Clive Cox’s horse will reverse the form at the revised weights having clocked a very fast time when winning at Haydock last month. The selection is 7/2 at BetVictor and jockey Adam Kirby will race in the Blue of Godolphin for the first time given Sheikh Mohammed purchased the sprinter for an undisclosed sum after Haydock.
The unbeaten Caravaggio was an impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at the corresponding meeting last season and made a sensational return to the track when landing the odds at Naas on his reappearance. He is a worthy favourite but he is a shade of odds on (10/11) with BetVictor and I just favour Harry Angel each way at the odds.
Winter (4.20) has been so impressive in winning both the Newmarket and Irish Guineas’ that she is impossible to oppose in the Coronation Stakes despite the fact that she has been kept very busy so far this term. This will be her fourth start since finishing runner up on her reappearance at Leopardstown back in April but she has improved with each run and is hard to oppose. Hydrangea and Dabyah will ensure there is a true gallop and the only negative, apart from the draw in stall seven, is her prohibitive price at 4/9 with BetVictor.
The first thing to say about the Queen’s Vase is that the race will be run at a trip just shy of 1m 6f for the first time – down two furlongs on previous years. The race has been upgraded from Group 3 to Group 2 and has been reduced in trip to become a “true, quality race for developing stayers.”
Time To Study (5.00) is the 4/1 market leader at BetVictor for Mark Johnston who has trained the winner of the race on seven previous occasions and goes into the race just one shy of the record currently held by the late, great Sir Henry Cecil. Time To Study must go close with Silvestre de Sousa in the plate from a good draw.
In the finale, I hope Star Storm (5.35) can reward each way support at 16/1 with BetVictor for James Fanshawe who takes off 3lbs with talented apprentice George Wood. The selection invariably runs well at Ascot and he ran a cracker when runner up on his reappearance in a listed contest here last month. There are any number of potential dangers including Cape Cova, visored for the first time, and Sixties Groove but Star Storm gets the vote in another competitive handicap.
Selections
2.30 Alpha Centauri
3.05 Crystal Ocean
3.40 Harry Angel
4.20 Winter
5.00 Time to Study
5.35 Star Storm
For all your racing needs check out BetVictor.com
Favourite backers have thus far been left licking their wounds and it will be fascinating to see whether the Coolmore juggernaut bounces back with the pair of Winter and Caravaggio on Friday. The former is unopposable as the 1/2 favourite with BetVictor for the Coronation Stakes but start with both Fairyland and Clemmie in the opening Gp 3 Albany Stakes over 6f.
Churchill arrived at Royal Ascot a maiden 12 months ago after a promising debut, and many will back his sister to do likewise after a promising effort finishing third at the Curragh despite showing signs of greenness throughout. She should improve for that effort however, Jessica Harrington’s filly Alpha Centauri (2.30) has looked monstrous on both career starts, winning twice at Naas under Colm Donoghue, and can compete the hat-trick upped in grade.
The King Edward VII Stakes is the Ascot Derby and I hope to see the lightly-raced Crystal Ocean (3.05) improve past his Dante Stakes conqueror Permian stepped up to a mile-and-a-half for the first time. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has won this corresponding race no fewer than seven times including 12 months ago with another son of Sea The Stars (Across The Stars) and the Newmarket handler saved the colt from the rigours of Epsom to concentrate on this Group 2 prize.
The recommendation is 11/4 with BetVictor and that looks about right with money for both Aidan O’Brien’s Sir John Lavery (5/1) and Godolphin’s Best Of Days, who makes his seasonal reappearance, in recent days.
The Group 1 Commonwealth Cup looks like being one of the races of the week with three potential star British and Irish sprinters Caravaggio, Blue Point and Harry Angel (3.40) taken on by the unbeaten American colt Bound For Nowhere where was cut from 12s to 8s at BetVictor following sustained support earlier in the week.
Harry Angel was conceding 4lbs to Blue Point when the latter beat the selection over C&D back in May but the hope is that Clive Cox’s horse will reverse the form at the revised weights having clocked a very fast time when winning at Haydock last month. The selection is 7/2 at BetVictor and jockey Adam Kirby will race in the Blue of Godolphin for the first time given Sheikh Mohammed purchased the sprinter for an undisclosed sum after Haydock.
The unbeaten Caravaggio was an impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at the corresponding meeting last season and made a sensational return to the track when landing the odds at Naas on his reappearance. He is a worthy favourite but he is a shade of odds on (10/11) with BetVictor and I just favour Harry Angel each way at the odds.
Winter (4.20) has been so impressive in winning both the Newmarket and Irish Guineas’ that she is impossible to oppose in the Coronation Stakes despite the fact that she has been kept very busy so far this term. This will be her fourth start since finishing runner up on her reappearance at Leopardstown back in April but she has improved with each run and is hard to oppose. Hydrangea and Dabyah will ensure there is a true gallop and the only negative, apart from the draw in stall seven, is her prohibitive price at 4/9 with BetVictor.
The first thing to say about the Queen’s Vase is that the race will be run at a trip just shy of 1m 6f for the first time – down two furlongs on previous years. The race has been upgraded from Group 3 to Group 2 and has been reduced in trip to become a “true, quality race for developing stayers.”
Time To Study (5.00) is the 4/1 market leader at BetVictor for Mark Johnston who has trained the winner of the race on seven previous occasions and goes into the race just one shy of the record currently held by the late, great Sir Henry Cecil. Time To Study must go close with Silvestre de Sousa in the plate from a good draw.
In the finale, I hope Star Storm (5.35) can reward each way support at 16/1 with BetVictor for James Fanshawe who takes off 3lbs with talented apprentice George Wood. The selection invariably runs well at Ascot and he ran a cracker when runner up on his reappearance in a listed contest here last month. There are any number of potential dangers including Cape Cova, visored for the first time, and Sixties Groove but Star Storm gets the vote in another competitive handicap.
Selections
2.30 Alpha Centauri
3.05 Crystal Ocean
3.40 Harry Angel
4.20 Winter
5.00 Time to Study
5.35 Star Storm
For all your racing needs check out BetVictor.com
Thursday 22 June 2017
Royal Ascot 2017; Thursday; Day 3
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot begins with the Norfolk Stakes and the American juvenile McErin represents the yard of Wesley Ward who won this corresponding race back in 2013 courtesy of No Nay Never. The handler had a winner courtesy of Lady Aurelia on the opening day of the meeting you would imagine there would be plenty of support for McErin - although he was beaten last time out at Churchill Downs when last seen on dirt back in May.
The each way recommendation, however, is Santry (2.30) who represents the Malton yard of Declan Carroll and is unbeaten in two starts. The selection has not raced on fast ground but was impressive at York when giving weight and a beating to his seven rivals last time and at 6/1 with BetVictor he can keep the prize in Britain.
The Gp 3 Hampton Court Stakes has been won by the favourite in three of the last four years and BetVictor’s 4/1 market leader Mirage Dancer (3.05) ran an eye-catching race when fourth to the subsequent Derby runner up Cliffs Of Moher. A son of Frankel he is open to considerable improvement for Sir Michael Stoute and should reward each-way support with most firms paying four places.
The beautifully bred Mori (3.40) is a fascinating contender in the Ribblesdale and, after already receiving favourable market support, is a confident selection to land the Gp 2 content over a mile and a half. Newmarket gallop watchers were raving about this beautifully bred filly’s home-work and, after proving too inexperienced on debut at Newbury, shed the maiden tag at the second attempt under Ryan Moore at Ascot.
The Frankel filly, out of the multiple group one winning mare Midday, was well-backed prior to taking the Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood and this royal engagement appears to have been a well-thought out plan by trainer Sir Michael Stoute.
The Gold Cup is the highlight of the meeting for many and last year’s winner Order Of St George (4.20) is the one to beat and should give trainer Aidan O’Brien a 301st Group/Grade 1 success over both codes. The well-bred son of Galileo has been brought to the boil steadily by the Master of Ballydoyle; beaten when not fully found up on his seasonal reappearance but better than ever when bolting-up in the Gold Cup trial last month at Leopardstown.
He looks to have glimpses of former Ballydoyle star Yeats and it would be of no surprise if this hard and dour colt were to come back and win Thursday feature next year at the royal meeting.
The Britannia Stakes is a 32-runner cavalry charge and yesterday’s Hunt Cup might throw up some valuable clues as to whether there is any advantage in the draw. Hugo Palmer saddles Colibri from stall 32 who looks to have obvious claims from the right-wing however, after speaking to Coventry Stakes winning trainer Richard Spencer on Tuesday he immediately told the press room to back Keyser Soze (5.00) with most on the yard on at fancy prices earlier in the week.
The selection is up 10lb for bolting-up last time out on the all-weather but goes in the ‘could be anything’ category and connections remain bullish. He looks a fair price at 10/1 and 5 places to each way punters, with the trio of Lightning Fast (28/1), Senator (33/1) and Via Serendipity (40/1) perhaps all over-priced towards the foot of the weights.
I can’t get away from Atty Persse (5.35) in the closing 3yo handicap over a mile and a half, with the well-bred son of Frankel ear-marked as a potential derby horse by connections earlier in the spring and potentially well-treated from a mark of 93.
Trainer Roger Charlton has a fine record with runners at the royal meeting and jockey Kieran Shoemark’s 3lb claim, coupled with first-time head-gear, should see everything click into place for Atty Persse to bounce back from losing his unbeaten status last month at Haydock. I will also give a positive word for Tartini, who finished fourth in a competitive handicap on Derby Day at Epsom over a mile and a quarter, and should improve stepping up in trip.
Selections
2.30 Santry
3.05 Mirage Dancer
3.40 Mori (Nap)
4.20 Order of St George
5.00 Keyser Soze
5.35 Atty Persse
The each way recommendation, however, is Santry (2.30) who represents the Malton yard of Declan Carroll and is unbeaten in two starts. The selection has not raced on fast ground but was impressive at York when giving weight and a beating to his seven rivals last time and at 6/1 with BetVictor he can keep the prize in Britain.
The Gp 3 Hampton Court Stakes has been won by the favourite in three of the last four years and BetVictor’s 4/1 market leader Mirage Dancer (3.05) ran an eye-catching race when fourth to the subsequent Derby runner up Cliffs Of Moher. A son of Frankel he is open to considerable improvement for Sir Michael Stoute and should reward each-way support with most firms paying four places.
The beautifully bred Mori (3.40) is a fascinating contender in the Ribblesdale and, after already receiving favourable market support, is a confident selection to land the Gp 2 content over a mile and a half. Newmarket gallop watchers were raving about this beautifully bred filly’s home-work and, after proving too inexperienced on debut at Newbury, shed the maiden tag at the second attempt under Ryan Moore at Ascot.
The Frankel filly, out of the multiple group one winning mare Midday, was well-backed prior to taking the Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood and this royal engagement appears to have been a well-thought out plan by trainer Sir Michael Stoute.
The Gold Cup is the highlight of the meeting for many and last year’s winner Order Of St George (4.20) is the one to beat and should give trainer Aidan O’Brien a 301st Group/Grade 1 success over both codes. The well-bred son of Galileo has been brought to the boil steadily by the Master of Ballydoyle; beaten when not fully found up on his seasonal reappearance but better than ever when bolting-up in the Gold Cup trial last month at Leopardstown.
He looks to have glimpses of former Ballydoyle star Yeats and it would be of no surprise if this hard and dour colt were to come back and win Thursday feature next year at the royal meeting.
The Britannia Stakes is a 32-runner cavalry charge and yesterday’s Hunt Cup might throw up some valuable clues as to whether there is any advantage in the draw. Hugo Palmer saddles Colibri from stall 32 who looks to have obvious claims from the right-wing however, after speaking to Coventry Stakes winning trainer Richard Spencer on Tuesday he immediately told the press room to back Keyser Soze (5.00) with most on the yard on at fancy prices earlier in the week.
The selection is up 10lb for bolting-up last time out on the all-weather but goes in the ‘could be anything’ category and connections remain bullish. He looks a fair price at 10/1 and 5 places to each way punters, with the trio of Lightning Fast (28/1), Senator (33/1) and Via Serendipity (40/1) perhaps all over-priced towards the foot of the weights.
I can’t get away from Atty Persse (5.35) in the closing 3yo handicap over a mile and a half, with the well-bred son of Frankel ear-marked as a potential derby horse by connections earlier in the spring and potentially well-treated from a mark of 93.
Trainer Roger Charlton has a fine record with runners at the royal meeting and jockey Kieran Shoemark’s 3lb claim, coupled with first-time head-gear, should see everything click into place for Atty Persse to bounce back from losing his unbeaten status last month at Haydock. I will also give a positive word for Tartini, who finished fourth in a competitive handicap on Derby Day at Epsom over a mile and a quarter, and should improve stepping up in trip.
Selections
2.30 Santry
3.05 Mirage Dancer
3.40 Mori (Nap)
4.20 Order of St George
5.00 Keyser Soze
5.35 Atty Persse
Tuesday 20 June 2017
Royal Ascot 2017; Wednesday, Day 2
Wednesday’s feature is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes over a mile and a quarter for older horses and there isn’t a better one in training than Aidan O’Brien’s still under-appreciated globetrotter Highland Reel (4.20). The son of Galileo has won Group 1s in England, American and Hong Kong, and looked better than ever in the Coronation Cup last month at Epsom when battling bravely to see off the Godolphin pair of Hawkbill and Frontiersman.
He did everything wrong that day, arriving to the track late, sweating up and was very keen going to post. Despite this, he still bagged a 6th Group 1 and can add to that tally further dropping back in trip. The Ballydoyle charge is officially rated 3lb higher than main market rival Jack Hobbs, who has beaten him in both meetings at the Curragh and Meydan, but remains vulnerable on really quick ground in my opinion.
Prince of Wales’s Stakes prices from BetVictor
Highland Reel 9/4
Jack Hobbs 5/2
Ulysses 7/2
8/1 Bar
Andre Fabre’s filly Usherette looked a potential superstar when justifying favouritism to land the Duke of Cambridge Stakes 12 months ago, and must go close once again under Mikael Barzalona. However, she is another that will likely want a bit more juice in the ground and preference lies instead with Laugh Aloud (3.40) under regular partner James Doyle. I was at Epsom on Derby Day to see her dismantle a good field in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and, on her preferred sounder surface, is a confident selection to go in again upped in grade.
Fabre’s Le Brivido (2.30) lost his unbeaten record when finishing second in the French Guineas at Chantilly but the form of the race has worked out subsequently and he must go close dropping back in trip for the Jersey Stakes over 7f in the opener. The son of Siyouni failed to stay a mile on soft ground having previously won twice over 6f and today’s trip looks the perfect opportunity to bounce back to winning ways.
Wesley Ward has won the last two renewals of the Queen Mary with subsequent Gp 1 winning fillies Acapulco and Lady Aurelia and I expect him to complete the hat-trick with Happy Like a Place (3.05) for the Coolmore boys and Ryan Moore. The vibes surrounding the Distorted Humour have been incredibly positive and, after making a winning debut earlier in the season across the pond, should prove even better in first-time blinkers.
My shortlist for the Royal Hunt Cup was narrowed down from originally a double-figure list and such is the competitive nature of the mile handicap on the straight course that you could back at least a few, and still be unable to find the frame. Banksea got a typical Jamie Spencer ride to win the Spring Cup at Newbury and should be there or thereabouts again under a penalty. The same can be said about the pair of G K Chesterton and El Vip; who both took advantage of the race being an early-closer to win without being at the mercy of the handicapper thereafter.
Another that has likewise been let-in lightly is Fastnet Tempest (5.00), who followed-up his 7f success at Ascot by getting up late to score last time out at Chester. That success ensured a 5lb penalty to get into the race and, with further improvement likely now stepped up in trip to a mile, he can reward each-way support under Pat Cosgrave.
Favourite backers were sent home happy in the Sandringham Handicap 12 months ago, when Persuasive ensured it was a miserable day for bookmakers, bolting-up for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori. She looked chucked-in on the day and the pair are likely to go close once more with Present Tense once more. The Bated Breath filly is one of three for trainer John Gosden but the market currently favours stablemate Gymnaste under the excellent Josephine Gordon.
Ireland have won the race just once ten years but I can see that record being broken, with Bean Feasa (5.35) getting the nod under Kevin Manning. Jim Bolger’s filly was apparently working sparkling in her work last year as a juvenile, but needed time to fill into her frame and has thrived since returning in the spring. After winning a Gp 3 at Leopardstown she was far from disgraced in the Irish Guineas behind superstar filly Winter and looks the quintessential group horse in a handicap.
Selections
2.30 Le Brivido
3.05 Happy Like a Place
3.40 Laugh Aloud
4.20 Highland Reel
5.00 Fastnet Tempest
5.35 Bean Feasa
He did everything wrong that day, arriving to the track late, sweating up and was very keen going to post. Despite this, he still bagged a 6th Group 1 and can add to that tally further dropping back in trip. The Ballydoyle charge is officially rated 3lb higher than main market rival Jack Hobbs, who has beaten him in both meetings at the Curragh and Meydan, but remains vulnerable on really quick ground in my opinion.
Prince of Wales’s Stakes prices from BetVictor
Highland Reel 9/4
Jack Hobbs 5/2
Ulysses 7/2
8/1 Bar
Andre Fabre’s filly Usherette looked a potential superstar when justifying favouritism to land the Duke of Cambridge Stakes 12 months ago, and must go close once again under Mikael Barzalona. However, she is another that will likely want a bit more juice in the ground and preference lies instead with Laugh Aloud (3.40) under regular partner James Doyle. I was at Epsom on Derby Day to see her dismantle a good field in the G3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and, on her preferred sounder surface, is a confident selection to go in again upped in grade.
Fabre’s Le Brivido (2.30) lost his unbeaten record when finishing second in the French Guineas at Chantilly but the form of the race has worked out subsequently and he must go close dropping back in trip for the Jersey Stakes over 7f in the opener. The son of Siyouni failed to stay a mile on soft ground having previously won twice over 6f and today’s trip looks the perfect opportunity to bounce back to winning ways.
Wesley Ward has won the last two renewals of the Queen Mary with subsequent Gp 1 winning fillies Acapulco and Lady Aurelia and I expect him to complete the hat-trick with Happy Like a Place (3.05) for the Coolmore boys and Ryan Moore. The vibes surrounding the Distorted Humour have been incredibly positive and, after making a winning debut earlier in the season across the pond, should prove even better in first-time blinkers.
My shortlist for the Royal Hunt Cup was narrowed down from originally a double-figure list and such is the competitive nature of the mile handicap on the straight course that you could back at least a few, and still be unable to find the frame. Banksea got a typical Jamie Spencer ride to win the Spring Cup at Newbury and should be there or thereabouts again under a penalty. The same can be said about the pair of G K Chesterton and El Vip; who both took advantage of the race being an early-closer to win without being at the mercy of the handicapper thereafter.
Another that has likewise been let-in lightly is Fastnet Tempest (5.00), who followed-up his 7f success at Ascot by getting up late to score last time out at Chester. That success ensured a 5lb penalty to get into the race and, with further improvement likely now stepped up in trip to a mile, he can reward each-way support under Pat Cosgrave.
Favourite backers were sent home happy in the Sandringham Handicap 12 months ago, when Persuasive ensured it was a miserable day for bookmakers, bolting-up for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori. She looked chucked-in on the day and the pair are likely to go close once more with Present Tense once more. The Bated Breath filly is one of three for trainer John Gosden but the market currently favours stablemate Gymnaste under the excellent Josephine Gordon.
Ireland have won the race just once ten years but I can see that record being broken, with Bean Feasa (5.35) getting the nod under Kevin Manning. Jim Bolger’s filly was apparently working sparkling in her work last year as a juvenile, but needed time to fill into her frame and has thrived since returning in the spring. After winning a Gp 3 at Leopardstown she was far from disgraced in the Irish Guineas behind superstar filly Winter and looks the quintessential group horse in a handicap.
Selections
2.30 Le Brivido
3.05 Happy Like a Place
3.40 Laugh Aloud
4.20 Highland Reel
5.00 Fastnet Tempest
5.35 Bean Feasa
Monday 19 June 2017
Royal Ascot 2017; Tuesday, Day One
Royal Ascot 2017 - Tuesday; Day One
Queen Anne Stakes
Ribchester (2.30) is the odds-on favourite and is unopposable in the curtain-raiser for the boys in the blue. He looked impressive when landing the Jersey Stakes at last years meeting and has been trained brilliantly by Richard Fahey to get a mile thereafter. He had the beating of plenty of these in the Lockinge Stakes last month at Newbury and should get favourite backers off to a dream start. BetVictor off ‘Lengthen the Odds’ markets on all 30 races at the royal meeting, and I wouldn’t put people off backing Ribchester to win by a couple of lengths. The Godolphin colt it is 6/4 with BetVictor to win by a length or more and 9/4 to win by 2l+.
St James’s Palace Stakes
Similar comments apply to Churchill (4.20), who was brilliant in both Guineas successes at Newmarket and the Curragh. He looks an absolute giant of a horse but seems very straightforward and very professional. Aidan O’Brien’s son of Galileo has now won his last seven on the spin, four at the highest level, and should extend that record on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The double should put punters in front on Day One!
King’s Stand Stakes
Lady Aurelia was incredible in last year’s Queen Mary but, like most of Wesley Ward’s juveniles, they are generally streets ahead of their rivals as a 2yo but are found out thereafter. Last year’s winner Priceless is over-priced, as is Muthmir, who should both appreciate the rattling quick ground. I can’t ignore Marsha (3.40) however, who became the first filly to defy a penalty in the Palace House Stakes since Lochsong in the 70s and should be spot-on to claim a second Group 1 success.
Coventry Stakes
Aidan O’Brien’s runners always warrant respect and Murillo must be working well to get the nod from Ryan Moore in the Gp 2 contest. The pair teamed-up with Caravaggio 12 months ago and the son of War Front should go close on his preferred fast ground. Brother Bear heads the market for trainer Jessica Harrington after maintaining his unbeaten record upped in grade last month however, I’m keen to take on the market principles and will throw darts at the unbeaten trio of Nebo, Prince of the Dark and Zaman in what looks a wide open race.
Ascot Stakes
The Irish have a likewise strong hand in the Ascot Stakes with Willie Mullins responsible for the favourite Thomas Hobson, bidding to land back-to-back renewals after Clondaw Warrior’s success under Ryan Moore 12 months ago. He looks short enough at around the 7/2 mark, and I’d much prefer to back Sir Mark Prescott’s Cartwright (5.00) at 20/1 with BetVictor. The selection was progressive last season, and made a winning reappearance when scoring under regular partner Luke Morris. Despite disappointing last time out at Newmarket, he is likely to appreciate the return to a sounder surface and should hopefully warm to first-time head-gear.
Windsor Castle Stakes
I can pass on a good word for Dragons Tail for the Tom Dascombe yard, who bolted-up at Chester under Richard Kingscote. But, as mentioned previously, Wesley Ward’s 2yos are plenty forward when coming to Royal Ascot and Nootka Sound (5.35) looks plenty quick enough to go close under Frankie Dettori. The well-bred colt make a winning debut across the pond earlier in the campaign and has been well-backed ante-post in the build-up.
Selections
2.30 Ribchester
3.05 Zaman - Prince of Dark - Nebo
3.40 Marsha
4.20 Churchill
5.00 Cartwright
5.35 Nootka Sounds
Queen Anne Stakes
Ribchester (2.30) is the odds-on favourite and is unopposable in the curtain-raiser for the boys in the blue. He looked impressive when landing the Jersey Stakes at last years meeting and has been trained brilliantly by Richard Fahey to get a mile thereafter. He had the beating of plenty of these in the Lockinge Stakes last month at Newbury and should get favourite backers off to a dream start. BetVictor off ‘Lengthen the Odds’ markets on all 30 races at the royal meeting, and I wouldn’t put people off backing Ribchester to win by a couple of lengths. The Godolphin colt it is 6/4 with BetVictor to win by a length or more and 9/4 to win by 2l+.
St James’s Palace Stakes
Similar comments apply to Churchill (4.20), who was brilliant in both Guineas successes at Newmarket and the Curragh. He looks an absolute giant of a horse but seems very straightforward and very professional. Aidan O’Brien’s son of Galileo has now won his last seven on the spin, four at the highest level, and should extend that record on the opening day of Royal Ascot. The double should put punters in front on Day One!
King’s Stand Stakes
Lady Aurelia was incredible in last year’s Queen Mary but, like most of Wesley Ward’s juveniles, they are generally streets ahead of their rivals as a 2yo but are found out thereafter. Last year’s winner Priceless is over-priced, as is Muthmir, who should both appreciate the rattling quick ground. I can’t ignore Marsha (3.40) however, who became the first filly to defy a penalty in the Palace House Stakes since Lochsong in the 70s and should be spot-on to claim a second Group 1 success.
Coventry Stakes
Aidan O’Brien’s runners always warrant respect and Murillo must be working well to get the nod from Ryan Moore in the Gp 2 contest. The pair teamed-up with Caravaggio 12 months ago and the son of War Front should go close on his preferred fast ground. Brother Bear heads the market for trainer Jessica Harrington after maintaining his unbeaten record upped in grade last month however, I’m keen to take on the market principles and will throw darts at the unbeaten trio of Nebo, Prince of the Dark and Zaman in what looks a wide open race.
Ascot Stakes
The Irish have a likewise strong hand in the Ascot Stakes with Willie Mullins responsible for the favourite Thomas Hobson, bidding to land back-to-back renewals after Clondaw Warrior’s success under Ryan Moore 12 months ago. He looks short enough at around the 7/2 mark, and I’d much prefer to back Sir Mark Prescott’s Cartwright (5.00) at 20/1 with BetVictor. The selection was progressive last season, and made a winning reappearance when scoring under regular partner Luke Morris. Despite disappointing last time out at Newmarket, he is likely to appreciate the return to a sounder surface and should hopefully warm to first-time head-gear.
Windsor Castle Stakes
I can pass on a good word for Dragons Tail for the Tom Dascombe yard, who bolted-up at Chester under Richard Kingscote. But, as mentioned previously, Wesley Ward’s 2yos are plenty forward when coming to Royal Ascot and Nootka Sound (5.35) looks plenty quick enough to go close under Frankie Dettori. The well-bred colt make a winning debut across the pond earlier in the campaign and has been well-backed ante-post in the build-up.
Selections
2.30 Ribchester
3.05 Zaman - Prince of Dark - Nebo
3.40 Marsha
4.20 Churchill
5.00 Cartwright
5.35 Nootka Sounds
Thursday 16 March 2017
Cheltenham Festival 2017; Friday Day 4
The feature race of the Cheltenham Festival is today’s Gold Cup and if his stamina holds I hope to see Cue Card become the first 11-year-old since Mandarin in 1962 to win the Blue Riband of jump racing although it should be noted that What A Myth was a year older when scoring in 1969.
Cue Card came down three out when going every bit as well as the eventual winner Don Cossack in the corresponding race last year but would he have got home up the Cheltenham hill? One thing is for sure he has been a credit to connections and I wonder whether Colin Tizzard could have even dreamt that seven years on from saddling the horse to win the Bumper at the Festival back in 2010 he would be back with a leading chance in the big one.
No Don Cossack to worry about but stablemate Native River will ensure a true test of stamina. The Hennessy/Welsh National winner he has never scored in three starts at Cheltenham and blundered his way around in the 4m NH Chase before finishing a remarkable second last year. The winner Minella Rocco (3.30) re-opposes this afternoon and looks a cracking price each-way against. He will have Noel Fehily in the plate, and looks sure to go well alongside stablemate More of That.
Nicky Henderson has been telling all-and-sundry that Charli Parcs (1.30) is in a different class to Wednesday’s Fred Winter runner up Divin Bere and he looked very impressive when scoring on his British debut at Kempton over Christmas. If his subsequent fall two out behind Master Blueyes back at Kempton has not knocked his confidence he must go close under the excellent Fehily.
BetVictor are ¼ odds 5 places in the County Hurdle and it will be interesting to see if the market speaks in favour of Ivanovic Gorbatov for Joseph O’Brien – if it does, I suggest we take the hint. Dan Skelton saddled the County Hurdle winner (Superb Story) twelve months ago and I expect to see a bold show from North Hill Harvey but he is 8lbs higher than when winning the Greatwood Hurdle back in November when he had Winter Escape (2.10) well down the field.
I refuse to believe, however, that was the lightly-raced gelding’s true form and he looked a potential star when winning his first three starts on decent ground. Alan King’s runners have, at the time of writing, run well in defeat so far this Festival and Winter Escape has avoided the winter ground in recent months and should enjoy underfoot conditions.
Death Duty (2.50) is reported by many of the Irish as their banker of the meetinng and he can not be opposed for the in-form yard of Gordon Elliott. The yard have enjoyed five winners already at the festival and Death Duty, a winner of all four starts over hurdles, should maintain his yet unblemished record over timber.
Jamie Codd takes over from Nina Carberry (in foal) on the great On The Fringe (4.10) in the Foxhunters’ and he cannot be opposed in his hat-trick attempt. Taking 11/8 in a 24-runner event might not sound like value but he is likely to drift out to something near the 2/1 mark and that would be a decent price.
Tim Vaughan has acquired the services of the excellent Harry Cobden for his Dadsintrouble in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s event and he must go close given he has looked a progressive sort in winning his last two starts at Haydock albeit over slightly further on soft ground.
The vote, however, goes to No Comment (4.50) who has won his last three starts and has been taken slowly-slowly by leading connections. His ability to handle this big field must be taken on trust but he did win a 24-runner Punchestown Bumper back in April and is thoroughly unexposed over hurdles. The selection is 6/1 with BetVictor and I will be disappointed if he is out of the frame.
The Festival finale is the Grand Annual Chase and Dandridge looks a worthy favourite but I have always thought there was a big race in Rock The World and this might be the day. The selection finished third in the corresponding race in 2016 and there is little between him and likely favourite Dandridge at the revised terms. He must go close alongside fellow Irish raider Velvet Maker (5.30) with the latter marginally preferred at his current price of 14/1.
Selections
1.30 Charli Parcs
2.10 Winter Escape
2.50 Death Duty
3.30 Minella Rocco
4.10 On the Fringe
4.50 No Comment
5.30 Velvet Maker
For all your sporting odds check out BetVictor.com
Cue Card came down three out when going every bit as well as the eventual winner Don Cossack in the corresponding race last year but would he have got home up the Cheltenham hill? One thing is for sure he has been a credit to connections and I wonder whether Colin Tizzard could have even dreamt that seven years on from saddling the horse to win the Bumper at the Festival back in 2010 he would be back with a leading chance in the big one.
No Don Cossack to worry about but stablemate Native River will ensure a true test of stamina. The Hennessy/Welsh National winner he has never scored in three starts at Cheltenham and blundered his way around in the 4m NH Chase before finishing a remarkable second last year. The winner Minella Rocco (3.30) re-opposes this afternoon and looks a cracking price each-way against. He will have Noel Fehily in the plate, and looks sure to go well alongside stablemate More of That.
Nicky Henderson has been telling all-and-sundry that Charli Parcs (1.30) is in a different class to Wednesday’s Fred Winter runner up Divin Bere and he looked very impressive when scoring on his British debut at Kempton over Christmas. If his subsequent fall two out behind Master Blueyes back at Kempton has not knocked his confidence he must go close under the excellent Fehily.
BetVictor are ¼ odds 5 places in the County Hurdle and it will be interesting to see if the market speaks in favour of Ivanovic Gorbatov for Joseph O’Brien – if it does, I suggest we take the hint. Dan Skelton saddled the County Hurdle winner (Superb Story) twelve months ago and I expect to see a bold show from North Hill Harvey but he is 8lbs higher than when winning the Greatwood Hurdle back in November when he had Winter Escape (2.10) well down the field.
I refuse to believe, however, that was the lightly-raced gelding’s true form and he looked a potential star when winning his first three starts on decent ground. Alan King’s runners have, at the time of writing, run well in defeat so far this Festival and Winter Escape has avoided the winter ground in recent months and should enjoy underfoot conditions.
Death Duty (2.50) is reported by many of the Irish as their banker of the meetinng and he can not be opposed for the in-form yard of Gordon Elliott. The yard have enjoyed five winners already at the festival and Death Duty, a winner of all four starts over hurdles, should maintain his yet unblemished record over timber.
Jamie Codd takes over from Nina Carberry (in foal) on the great On The Fringe (4.10) in the Foxhunters’ and he cannot be opposed in his hat-trick attempt. Taking 11/8 in a 24-runner event might not sound like value but he is likely to drift out to something near the 2/1 mark and that would be a decent price.
Tim Vaughan has acquired the services of the excellent Harry Cobden for his Dadsintrouble in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s event and he must go close given he has looked a progressive sort in winning his last two starts at Haydock albeit over slightly further on soft ground.
The vote, however, goes to No Comment (4.50) who has won his last three starts and has been taken slowly-slowly by leading connections. His ability to handle this big field must be taken on trust but he did win a 24-runner Punchestown Bumper back in April and is thoroughly unexposed over hurdles. The selection is 6/1 with BetVictor and I will be disappointed if he is out of the frame.
The Festival finale is the Grand Annual Chase and Dandridge looks a worthy favourite but I have always thought there was a big race in Rock The World and this might be the day. The selection finished third in the corresponding race in 2016 and there is little between him and likely favourite Dandridge at the revised terms. He must go close alongside fellow Irish raider Velvet Maker (5.30) with the latter marginally preferred at his current price of 14/1.
Selections
1.30 Charli Parcs
2.10 Winter Escape
2.50 Death Duty
3.30 Minella Rocco
4.10 On the Fringe
4.50 No Comment
5.30 Velvet Maker
For all your sporting odds check out BetVictor.com
Cheltenham Festival; Thursday Day 3
Day three of the Cheltenham Festival begins with the JLT Novices Chase and it is possible that the enigmatic Yorkhill (1.30) could come home alone if his jumping stands the test. He can be very keen, however, and whilst I acknowledge that he is the most talented horse in the race he will have to jump better than he did in his last couple of starts and he is reluctantly overlooked.
Politologue and Disko are much respected but I am going to chance the Mullins’ animal, who can hopefully end Willie Mullins’ and Ruby Walsh’s as of yet blank week at the festival.
The Pertemps Final is one of the big betting races of the week and BetVictor are betting each way five places on the 24-runner handicap. The extraordinary Tobefair began life for Debra Hamer running off a mark of just 81 but a magnificent 7 wins later he will attempt to defy a 62lbs rise since his winning spree began back in June 2015.
I marginally prefer the pair of Barney Dwan and Ballymalin (2.10) with the latter making most appeal under man of the moment Noel Fehily. The selection is on both 3lb and 10lb better terms with the re-opposing pair of Rocklander and Impulsive Star, and should relish this afternoon’s forecast better ground.
Un De Sceaux (2/1 at BetVictor) is likely to be all the rage for the Ryanair Chase and he is a worthy favourite but I just favour the chances of Uxizandre (2.50), who was Sir AP McCoy’s last Festival winner, ran a cracking race coming back from a long break behind the jolly over the minimum trip last time. He should get a soft lead and must go close in his attempt to make all over two and a half miles for a second year in three.
The feature event is the Stayers’ Hurdle and Unowhatimeanharry (3.30), who won the Albert Bartlett at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago, is the 5/4 market leader for Harry Fry whose yard came so close to landing the opener yesterday courtesy of Neon Wolf. Unowhatimeanharry has won all eight starts for Harry Fry and is unopposable at the head of the market.
The ground has come right for Gordon Elliot’s Diamond King in the 24-runner 2m 4f Handicap Chase but he is a hold-up horse and will need luck in running – he is a leading contender but 5/1 is skinny enough. I marginally prefer Starchitect (4.50) at a working man’s price, who looks to have been laid out for the race and remains unexposed over fences.
Let’s Dance (4.50) is considered one of the bankers of the meeting for Willie Mullins and she is difficult to oppose with the form of her Triumph Hurdle fourth last year franked by the win of third placed Apples Jade in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day. The selection is 6/4 at BetVictor and may have most to fear from La Bague Au Roi who has been laid out for this since scoring at Newbury back in November.
The Kim Muir is another ultra-competitive 24-runner event and Squouateur must go close if his stamina holds up but he is short enough at 7/1 and Doctor Harper (5.30) can hopefully run better than he did 12 months ago when a beaten favourite under Will Biddick. Pilot Lisa O’Neill claimed a first festival success aboard Tiger Roll in Tuesday’s NH Chase and with the son of Presenting back to last year’s mark, he must go close sporting both a first-time tongue tie and cheek-pieces.
For all your racing odds check out BetVictor.com
Politologue and Disko are much respected but I am going to chance the Mullins’ animal, who can hopefully end Willie Mullins’ and Ruby Walsh’s as of yet blank week at the festival.
The Pertemps Final is one of the big betting races of the week and BetVictor are betting each way five places on the 24-runner handicap. The extraordinary Tobefair began life for Debra Hamer running off a mark of just 81 but a magnificent 7 wins later he will attempt to defy a 62lbs rise since his winning spree began back in June 2015.
I marginally prefer the pair of Barney Dwan and Ballymalin (2.10) with the latter making most appeal under man of the moment Noel Fehily. The selection is on both 3lb and 10lb better terms with the re-opposing pair of Rocklander and Impulsive Star, and should relish this afternoon’s forecast better ground.
Un De Sceaux (2/1 at BetVictor) is likely to be all the rage for the Ryanair Chase and he is a worthy favourite but I just favour the chances of Uxizandre (2.50), who was Sir AP McCoy’s last Festival winner, ran a cracking race coming back from a long break behind the jolly over the minimum trip last time. He should get a soft lead and must go close in his attempt to make all over two and a half miles for a second year in three.
The feature event is the Stayers’ Hurdle and Unowhatimeanharry (3.30), who won the Albert Bartlett at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago, is the 5/4 market leader for Harry Fry whose yard came so close to landing the opener yesterday courtesy of Neon Wolf. Unowhatimeanharry has won all eight starts for Harry Fry and is unopposable at the head of the market.
The ground has come right for Gordon Elliot’s Diamond King in the 24-runner 2m 4f Handicap Chase but he is a hold-up horse and will need luck in running – he is a leading contender but 5/1 is skinny enough. I marginally prefer Starchitect (4.50) at a working man’s price, who looks to have been laid out for the race and remains unexposed over fences.
Let’s Dance (4.50) is considered one of the bankers of the meeting for Willie Mullins and she is difficult to oppose with the form of her Triumph Hurdle fourth last year franked by the win of third placed Apples Jade in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day. The selection is 6/4 at BetVictor and may have most to fear from La Bague Au Roi who has been laid out for this since scoring at Newbury back in November.
The Kim Muir is another ultra-competitive 24-runner event and Squouateur must go close if his stamina holds up but he is short enough at 7/1 and Doctor Harper (5.30) can hopefully run better than he did 12 months ago when a beaten favourite under Will Biddick. Pilot Lisa O’Neill claimed a first festival success aboard Tiger Roll in Tuesday’s NH Chase and with the son of Presenting back to last year’s mark, he must go close sporting both a first-time tongue tie and cheek-pieces.
For all your racing odds check out BetVictor.com
Wednesday 15 March 2017
Cheltenham Festival 2017; Wednesday, Day Two
Wednesday’s highlight is undoubtedly the Queen Mother Champion Chase, which brings racing’s best 2m Chasers together in theory but the majority of those seem to be scared by the prospect of the mighty Douvan. Last year’s Arkle winner has been sublime since switched over the larger obstacles and is unopposable at his current price of 1/4 to maintain his unbeaten record chasing.
Stablemate Un De Sceaux, a beaten favourite in the corresponding contest 12 months ago, steps up in trip to tackle the Ryanair and was rumoured to take both Fox Norton and God’s Own (3.30) with him and I’m delighted to see Tom George’s charge opt for Wednesday’s engagement. The selection looks a cracking bet at 7/2 in the betting without market, improving on his fourth in the race last term, by winning at both the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals thereafter.
He took advantage of Vautour’s fall in the Melilng to bolt-up under regular partner Paddy Brennan but there was no fluke about his Punchestown success when bettering the pair of Simonsig and Vautour in the Champion Chase. He boasts a great record fresh and should finish inside the four at the very least.
Neon Wolf will be all the rage in the opening Neptune Novices’ Hurdle but I’m keen to oppose him on good, spring ground and have already backed the pair of Bacardys and Messire Des Obeaux (1.30) at double-figure prices ante-post. The latter remains a fair price at 8/1 after beating first Ballyandy at Sandown, then a strong field at Newbury for the G1 Challow Hurdle. He failed to give 8lb and a beating to a strong field in the Sidney Banks last time out at Huntingdon however, back on level terms must go well for Alan King and Daryl Jacob.
Nicky Henderson has three live chances in the RSA Chase, bidding to win the race for the first time since Bob’s Worth won en-route to scoring in the Gold Cup at the following festival. The Master of Seven Barrows has made no secret of his admiration towards Might Bite but the gelding looked buzzy when scoring last time out at Doncaster and took a crashing fall when had the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at his mercy.
Whisper should relish the step up in trip after two recent successes at Cheltenham however, Clan des Obeaux has let the form down thereafter. I’ve backed OO Seven (2.10) at 33/1 ante post and think he must go well under the excellent Aidan Coleman. He made a winning debut over the larger obstacles at the Open Meeting in November and was far from disgraced in tacky ground at Doncaster bidding to follow-up under a penalty. He was well-placed to score in handicap company over two and a half miles last time out at Huntingdon but looks an out-and-out three mile horse, and can hopefully reward each-way support at a price.
OO Seven was completing a treble for the Henderson yard that day, with Divin Bere the middle leg after bettering Alan King’s Triumph Hurdle hopeful Master Blueyes in the £20,000 4yo Hurdle and must go well under top weight in the Fred Winter. Connections expected him to need the run that day and he should make a nice chaser next term and is perhaps a little skinny at the prices.
Another King inmate that takes the eye is Dino Velvet (4.50) after his excellent second last time out at Ludlow. I was at the weights release at Cheltenham to hear his trainer delighted that Dino Velvet was left unchanged on a mark of 125 and he looks over-priced for an unexposed and progressive animal.
The Coral Cup looks a minefield and most importantly, it’s key to shop around with the high street firms offering just four places to each-way customers but five and even six places out there online. Tombstone could be absolutely chucked-in from a mark of 149 and trainer Gordon Elliott knows what it takes to win the race, with Diamond King doing the business for column readers 12 months ago, and should go close with either Tombstone, Automated or RunforDave. I’ll throw a few darts at the race with Hawk High, River Frost (2.50) and Monksland who are all likely to go close at massive prices.
I’ve little interest in the Cross-Country race and expect to see Any Currency run his usual race out in front, whilst Cantlow looks the most obvious winner. Likewise in the Champion Bumper, where Carter McKay is a deserved favourite based on his two bumper wins in Ireland. I had a good word for Warren Greatrex’s Western Ryder (5.30) when winning a Listed Bumper at Ascot earlier in the season and, after narrowly failing to defy a penalty last time out at Newbury, looks primed for another bold bid.
Selections
1.30 Messire des Obeaux
2.10 OO Seven
3.30 God’s Own
4.50 Dino Velvet
5.30 Western Ryder
Stablemate Un De Sceaux, a beaten favourite in the corresponding contest 12 months ago, steps up in trip to tackle the Ryanair and was rumoured to take both Fox Norton and God’s Own (3.30) with him and I’m delighted to see Tom George’s charge opt for Wednesday’s engagement. The selection looks a cracking bet at 7/2 in the betting without market, improving on his fourth in the race last term, by winning at both the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals thereafter.
He took advantage of Vautour’s fall in the Melilng to bolt-up under regular partner Paddy Brennan but there was no fluke about his Punchestown success when bettering the pair of Simonsig and Vautour in the Champion Chase. He boasts a great record fresh and should finish inside the four at the very least.
Neon Wolf will be all the rage in the opening Neptune Novices’ Hurdle but I’m keen to oppose him on good, spring ground and have already backed the pair of Bacardys and Messire Des Obeaux (1.30) at double-figure prices ante-post. The latter remains a fair price at 8/1 after beating first Ballyandy at Sandown, then a strong field at Newbury for the G1 Challow Hurdle. He failed to give 8lb and a beating to a strong field in the Sidney Banks last time out at Huntingdon however, back on level terms must go well for Alan King and Daryl Jacob.
Nicky Henderson has three live chances in the RSA Chase, bidding to win the race for the first time since Bob’s Worth won en-route to scoring in the Gold Cup at the following festival. The Master of Seven Barrows has made no secret of his admiration towards Might Bite but the gelding looked buzzy when scoring last time out at Doncaster and took a crashing fall when had the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at his mercy.
Whisper should relish the step up in trip after two recent successes at Cheltenham however, Clan des Obeaux has let the form down thereafter. I’ve backed OO Seven (2.10) at 33/1 ante post and think he must go well under the excellent Aidan Coleman. He made a winning debut over the larger obstacles at the Open Meeting in November and was far from disgraced in tacky ground at Doncaster bidding to follow-up under a penalty. He was well-placed to score in handicap company over two and a half miles last time out at Huntingdon but looks an out-and-out three mile horse, and can hopefully reward each-way support at a price.
OO Seven was completing a treble for the Henderson yard that day, with Divin Bere the middle leg after bettering Alan King’s Triumph Hurdle hopeful Master Blueyes in the £20,000 4yo Hurdle and must go well under top weight in the Fred Winter. Connections expected him to need the run that day and he should make a nice chaser next term and is perhaps a little skinny at the prices.
Another King inmate that takes the eye is Dino Velvet (4.50) after his excellent second last time out at Ludlow. I was at the weights release at Cheltenham to hear his trainer delighted that Dino Velvet was left unchanged on a mark of 125 and he looks over-priced for an unexposed and progressive animal.
The Coral Cup looks a minefield and most importantly, it’s key to shop around with the high street firms offering just four places to each-way customers but five and even six places out there online. Tombstone could be absolutely chucked-in from a mark of 149 and trainer Gordon Elliott knows what it takes to win the race, with Diamond King doing the business for column readers 12 months ago, and should go close with either Tombstone, Automated or RunforDave. I’ll throw a few darts at the race with Hawk High, River Frost (2.50) and Monksland who are all likely to go close at massive prices.
I’ve little interest in the Cross-Country race and expect to see Any Currency run his usual race out in front, whilst Cantlow looks the most obvious winner. Likewise in the Champion Bumper, where Carter McKay is a deserved favourite based on his two bumper wins in Ireland. I had a good word for Warren Greatrex’s Western Ryder (5.30) when winning a Listed Bumper at Ascot earlier in the season and, after narrowly failing to defy a penalty last time out at Newbury, looks primed for another bold bid.
Selections
1.30 Messire des Obeaux
2.10 OO Seven
3.30 God’s Own
4.50 Dino Velvet
5.30 Western Ryder
Sunday 12 March 2017
Cheltenham Festival 2017; Tuesday, Day One
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has been decimated by a host of absentees for various reasons with three of the leading market contenders, Moon Racer, Neon Wolf and Movewiththetimes, all missing the festival curtain-raiser for various reasons in the previous week or so. Moon Racer heads to the feature Champion Hurdle on the back of winning both starts in novice company earlier in the season, Movewiththetimes has a niggle and misses Cheltenham in favour of both Aintree or Punchestown (or both) whilst Neon Wolf is likely to be a short-priced favourite for tomorrow’s opening Neptune Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles.
That leaves the trio of Melon, Ballyandy and Bunk Off Early at the head of the market and the former as the 11/4 favourite. I’m mad keen to take on the Willie Mullins’ animal, who arrives on the back of winning a Maiden Hurdle over in Ireland at skinny odds and has long been the hype horse from the Clossuton yard this term. The fact that the yard have such a strong recent record in the race, and the fact that the gelding is likely to have Ruby Walsh on board, hints that he should be respected.
However, if he were trained by anyone else other than W P Mullins he would be a double figure price and warrants opposing as the jolly. You need a really battle-hardened animal to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle; previous winners Menorah (4), Champagne Fever (4) and Vautour all came with the necessary experience and I think last year’s Champion Bumper winner Ballyandy (1.30) has all the tools to emulate Champagne Fever and do the Bumper/Supreme double.
I was at the Twiston-Davies yard in the run up to the festival and he confessed to be staggered at how the gelding was beaten in each of his first three runs over hurdles. He looked a different proposition when dropping back to the minimum trip to land the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, when relishing returning to a strong gallop. He is likely to get conditions to suit once more and will take all the beating under regular partner Sam Twiston-Davies. I’d give a squeak to Bunk Off Early, the supposed Mullins’ second string, who tanked through the Deloitte at Leopardstown the last day over two and a quarter miles and should likewise appreciate the drop back to two miles.
Altior (2.10) is quite frankly the best horse in training and strolls to success in the Arkle. Nicky Henderson has played down comparisons to the great Sprinter Sacre however, he looks the heir apparent and a clash with Douvan must surely await next season.
I had the pleasure of chatting to Jonjo O’Neill at Huntingdon last Sunday and he was very keen on the chances of Holywell (2.50) in the Ultimate Handicap Chase. The selection has a terrific record in the race, winning the corresponding race in 2014 and second behind the well-handicapped Un Temps Pour Tout with the pair pulling miles clear of the field. The now 10yo is just a pound lower than last year’s mark and should reward each-way support under regular partner Richie McClernon. The Druids Nephew, winner of the race in 2015, and Singlefarmpayment are both likewise well-treated and will likely be thrown into my placepot!
The Champion Hurdle has been described as ‘the worst in recent times’ but that’s an unfair assessment of plenty of second season hurdlers who arrive having just had their first year in open company. The trio of Yanworth, Petit Mouchoir and Buveur D’Air were all smart novices last term, all running well without winning at the festival, and are likely to complete the 1-2-3 in the feature.
Buveur D’Air would need further rain to aid his chance but I can see the argument for Petit Mouchoir, and I’ve had a few quid on at fancier prices earlier in the season. The front-runner has improved for the move to trainer Hendy de Bromhead and is guaranteed to get a soft leader under Bryan Cooper.
Both he and The New One, beaten in the last three renewals, are likely to ensure they go at a good clip and that should set the race up for Alan King’s striking chestnut Yanworth (3.30). The selection has been beaten just twice in his career, both at the Cheltenham Festival, when fourth in the Champion Bumper two years ago and second to Yorkhill last year. He looks a transformed animal this season however, finding an inner steel that looked missing 12 months ago, and is a deserved favourite for the feature 2m Hurdle.
Willie Mullins has an incredible record in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, helped by superstar Quevega winning the race six years on the spin, and Vroum Vroum Mag making it 8 wins on the bounce for the Closutton handler when scoring impressively for favourite backers last year. She looked below-part last time out at Doncaster when scrambling home when a warm odds-on favourite and has been apparently working poorly at home.
Likewise stablemate Limini, who misses a supposed crack at the Champion in favour of this having beaten Apple’s Jade (4.10) last time out at Punchestown. The latter is 5/1 in a supposed three runner race and, after Gordon Elliott insisted she would come on for the run, looks well-priced to reverse the form.
The Irish have a strong hand in the National Hunt Chase with both A Genie In A Bottle and Edwulf well-supported on the back of leading amateurs Jamie Codd and Derek O’Connor being confirmed for leading owners Eddie O’Leary and JP McManus. There are no stand-out staying chasers this season and I’m tempted to chance David Pipe’s Champers On Ice (4.50) at a double-figure price. I was at Warwick to see him chase home Harry Fry’s American in a G2 Novice Chase, when he made eye-catching late headway to go second in the closing stages. The grey was unsuited by the drop back to two and a half miles on Trials’ Day at Cheltenham and is worth another try stepped back up in trip.
Foxtail Hill (5.30) was given to me as Nigel Twiston-Davies’ best chance in Cheltenham’s handicaps and should fill the frame in the finale. The selection won two starts back at Kempton in the most bizarre fashion, jumping markedly out to his left throughout, and did likewise when winning over course and distance last time out. That defeat of Saphir du Rheu looks the strongest on offer and he should go well, along with Venetia Williams’ Burtons Well and Malcolm Jefferson’s Double Ws.
Selections
1.30 Ballyandy and Bunk Off Early
2.10 Altior
2.50 Holywell
3.30 Yanworth and Petit Mouchoir
4.10 Apple’s Jade
4.50 Champers On Ice
5.30 Foxtail Hill
That leaves the trio of Melon, Ballyandy and Bunk Off Early at the head of the market and the former as the 11/4 favourite. I’m mad keen to take on the Willie Mullins’ animal, who arrives on the back of winning a Maiden Hurdle over in Ireland at skinny odds and has long been the hype horse from the Clossuton yard this term. The fact that the yard have such a strong recent record in the race, and the fact that the gelding is likely to have Ruby Walsh on board, hints that he should be respected.
However, if he were trained by anyone else other than W P Mullins he would be a double figure price and warrants opposing as the jolly. You need a really battle-hardened animal to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle; previous winners Menorah (4), Champagne Fever (4) and Vautour all came with the necessary experience and I think last year’s Champion Bumper winner Ballyandy (1.30) has all the tools to emulate Champagne Fever and do the Bumper/Supreme double.
I was at the Twiston-Davies yard in the run up to the festival and he confessed to be staggered at how the gelding was beaten in each of his first three runs over hurdles. He looked a different proposition when dropping back to the minimum trip to land the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, when relishing returning to a strong gallop. He is likely to get conditions to suit once more and will take all the beating under regular partner Sam Twiston-Davies. I’d give a squeak to Bunk Off Early, the supposed Mullins’ second string, who tanked through the Deloitte at Leopardstown the last day over two and a quarter miles and should likewise appreciate the drop back to two miles.
Altior (2.10) is quite frankly the best horse in training and strolls to success in the Arkle. Nicky Henderson has played down comparisons to the great Sprinter Sacre however, he looks the heir apparent and a clash with Douvan must surely await next season.
I had the pleasure of chatting to Jonjo O’Neill at Huntingdon last Sunday and he was very keen on the chances of Holywell (2.50) in the Ultimate Handicap Chase. The selection has a terrific record in the race, winning the corresponding race in 2014 and second behind the well-handicapped Un Temps Pour Tout with the pair pulling miles clear of the field. The now 10yo is just a pound lower than last year’s mark and should reward each-way support under regular partner Richie McClernon. The Druids Nephew, winner of the race in 2015, and Singlefarmpayment are both likewise well-treated and will likely be thrown into my placepot!
The Champion Hurdle has been described as ‘the worst in recent times’ but that’s an unfair assessment of plenty of second season hurdlers who arrive having just had their first year in open company. The trio of Yanworth, Petit Mouchoir and Buveur D’Air were all smart novices last term, all running well without winning at the festival, and are likely to complete the 1-2-3 in the feature.
Buveur D’Air would need further rain to aid his chance but I can see the argument for Petit Mouchoir, and I’ve had a few quid on at fancier prices earlier in the season. The front-runner has improved for the move to trainer Hendy de Bromhead and is guaranteed to get a soft leader under Bryan Cooper.
Both he and The New One, beaten in the last three renewals, are likely to ensure they go at a good clip and that should set the race up for Alan King’s striking chestnut Yanworth (3.30). The selection has been beaten just twice in his career, both at the Cheltenham Festival, when fourth in the Champion Bumper two years ago and second to Yorkhill last year. He looks a transformed animal this season however, finding an inner steel that looked missing 12 months ago, and is a deserved favourite for the feature 2m Hurdle.
Willie Mullins has an incredible record in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle, helped by superstar Quevega winning the race six years on the spin, and Vroum Vroum Mag making it 8 wins on the bounce for the Closutton handler when scoring impressively for favourite backers last year. She looked below-part last time out at Doncaster when scrambling home when a warm odds-on favourite and has been apparently working poorly at home.
Likewise stablemate Limini, who misses a supposed crack at the Champion in favour of this having beaten Apple’s Jade (4.10) last time out at Punchestown. The latter is 5/1 in a supposed three runner race and, after Gordon Elliott insisted she would come on for the run, looks well-priced to reverse the form.
The Irish have a strong hand in the National Hunt Chase with both A Genie In A Bottle and Edwulf well-supported on the back of leading amateurs Jamie Codd and Derek O’Connor being confirmed for leading owners Eddie O’Leary and JP McManus. There are no stand-out staying chasers this season and I’m tempted to chance David Pipe’s Champers On Ice (4.50) at a double-figure price. I was at Warwick to see him chase home Harry Fry’s American in a G2 Novice Chase, when he made eye-catching late headway to go second in the closing stages. The grey was unsuited by the drop back to two and a half miles on Trials’ Day at Cheltenham and is worth another try stepped back up in trip.
Foxtail Hill (5.30) was given to me as Nigel Twiston-Davies’ best chance in Cheltenham’s handicaps and should fill the frame in the finale. The selection won two starts back at Kempton in the most bizarre fashion, jumping markedly out to his left throughout, and did likewise when winning over course and distance last time out. That defeat of Saphir du Rheu looks the strongest on offer and he should go well, along with Venetia Williams’ Burtons Well and Malcolm Jefferson’s Double Ws.
Selections
1.30 Ballyandy and Bunk Off Early
2.10 Altior
2.50 Holywell
3.30 Yanworth and Petit Mouchoir
4.10 Apple’s Jade
4.50 Champers On Ice
5.30 Foxtail Hill
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