Cheltenham Festival 2024: Gold Cup Day Tips

 Friday is the fourth and last day of this year’s Cheltenham Festival with bookies having a more successful day than the steamrolling Willie Mullins and the rest of Ireland did on the opening two days.

Mullins Mob-Handed In The Triumph

The late defection of warm ante post favourite Sir Gino means those from across The Irish Sea are more likely to land the opening G1 Triumph Hurdle and Bunting chanced to hit the bullseye for team Mullins in the opener.

He made eye-catching late progress when finishing fourth in The Spring Juvenile Hurdle at The Dublin Racing Festival (the first, second, third and sixth re-opposing today) and, despite jockey bookings suggestions saying otherwise, he can improve to reward each way support under Sean O’Keefe.

Another I will have to chuck a few quid on is Salvator Mundi, who was second to the beforementioned Sir Gino and snapped up by connections quickly thereafter. He has apparently set tongues wagging on the Closutton gallops and is a fascinating runner on his debut under rules on these shores.

The Skeltons love targeting the Cheltenham handicaps and after the earlier successes in the week L’Eau Du Sud has been very popular to go one better than second in last month’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.

Kinsgfield The King of The County

I was a backer of Gin Coco (2.10) in this race 12 months ago and would be loathe to desert the Harry Fry trained gelding now, racing from a pound higher mark. He had the re-opposing Favior beat when comfortably scoring at Ascot earlier in the season and, despite disappointing last time out at Doncaster, has been freshened up for a spring campaign.

The main bet in the race would be King of Kingsfield (2.10) who was second to subsequent Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Slade Steel earlier in the season and was done for speed by Ballyburn last time out at The Dublin Racing Festival. Stablemate Pied Piper keeps the weights down nicely and he looks potentially chucked in from 10’12. Jack Kennedy opts to partner over Pied Piper, Samui and Media Naranja.

A Bit of Fry and Johnny

I’ve been a long admirer of Gidleigh Park since he landed a gamble on hurdles debut and followed-up at both Newbury and Cheltenham thereafter. He was switched to the longer race having previously been ear-marked for the Gallaghers’ Novice Hurdle – and a good job too as he wasn’t beating Ballyburn! He looks a proper chaser in the making for connections and must go close for the team of Harry Fry and Johnny Burke.

Soft Ground The Key for Venetia’s

I can’t leave L’Homme Presse (3.30) go unbacked in The Cheltenham Gold Cup given just how good he jumps a fence. There are certain horses who stick with you, and he was one after scoring at the festival in The Brown Advisory 12 months ago.

He will absolutely love the conditions and shouldn’t have any issues with the three and a quarter miles trip. He was found wanting for a turn of foot last time out at Ascot but was previously emphatic in his defeat of Protketorat at Lingfield and can reward each way support under regular partner Charlie Deutsch.

Wade Into Sine Nomine

I still have no idea how Billaway won The Cheltenham Foxhunters in 2022 when coming from an absolute different parish under Patrick Mullins. The 12yo is sure to be popular, despite his fall in the corresponding race 12 months ago, however I’m going to take a chance on Sine Nomine (4.10) at a double figure price under John Dawson. The mare sauntered home last time out at Wetherby and is a tremendous jumper of a fence. She will love the forecast testing ground.

I will not be punting on the Mares’ Novice Chase but Dinoblue looks the class act for those having a bet.

The Whispers Are Right!

The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle is more affectionately known as ‘the boys race’ amongst trainers with many up-and-coming pilots getting the chance to ride on the big stage. He isn’t a big price but plainly put I think Waterford Whispers is likely a stone better animal than we saw of him when finishing second in the green and g old in the finale, and he can land the spoils for Henry de Bromhead and Mikey O’Connor.

 

Selections

1.30 Cheltenham – Bunting/Salvator Mundi

2.10 Cheltenham – King of Kingsfield/Gin Coco

2.50 Cheltenham – Gidleigh Park

3.30 Cheltenham – L’Homme Presse

4.10 Cheltenham – Sine Nomie

4.50 Cheltenham – *No Bet)

5.30 Cheltenham – Waterford Whispers

Be Lucky

Cheltenham Festival 2024 Day 3 – St Patrick’s Thursday

 After Wednesday’s disappointment both in terms of the cancellation of The Cross-Country Race and the non-runners from the Seven Barrows yard Thursday’s card looks brimming with both depth and quality. The feature Stayers’ Hurdle boasts a field of 13 declared with former winners Paisley Park, Flooring Porter and Sire du Berlais all poised to tackle of new generation of staying hurdlers. We take a look at Cheltenham Festival 2024 Day 3 – St Patrick’s Day Thursday.

 

Turner Novices’ Chase

 

The action gets underway with The Turner Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles and Grey Dawning the current market leader for brothers Harry and Dan Skelton. The 7yo should have no problem with the likely stamina-sapping conditions having won over three miles on soft ground last time out at Warwick but I’d be wary of him having the type of class in such a strong field.

 

I’m sweet on the chances of Iroko (1.30) who won The Martin Pipe at the festival 12 months ago and was successful on his sole start over fences when last seen at Warwick in November. The selection should relish the forecast soft ground and should have the extra stamina to cope with the testing demands of two and a half miles on churned up ground.

 

Spring Into Success For Jonjo And Jonjo Jr

 

Alan King’s Emitom is likely to love the conditions in The Pertemps and has excellent winning form on heavy ground, but I’m wary of his creeping handicap mark after his latest 5lb rise. Trainer Gordon Elliott boasts a tremendous record in the race and it’s interesting that stable jockey Jack Kennedy opts to partner the unexposed Cleatus Poolaw over stablemate Farouk D’Alene.

 

Both have solid claims but I’m going to take a chance on Springwell Bay (2.10) for Jonjo O’Neill and Jonjo Jr. The selection looks to have been campaigned towards this for some time after an excellent second last month at Musselburgh and looked potentially graded class when scoring at The Open Meeting here in November.

 

Envoi To Defend His Ryanair Crown

 

A field of 11 go to post for The Ryanair Chase with Envoi Allen (2.50) fancied to claim a Festival hat-trick and successfully defend his Ryanair crown under the excellent Rachael Blackmore. The 10yo looked better than ever when scoring on soft ground 12 months ago and after good runs in defeat earlier in the season at Gowran Park and Down Royal has been kept fresh for a spring campaign.

 

Stayers’ Hurdle Preview

 

Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo has been well-supported for the feature Stayers’ Hurdle all season and is likely to be very short under regular partner Jack Kennedy. The 7yo was beaten by a nostril in the contest 12 months ago. He has been kept fresh for the spring festivals after a winning reappearance in The Hatton’s Grace in December.

He’s the class horse however, it looks a competitive renewal and with stamina in abundance I think former Grand National winner Noble Yeats (3.30) could out-stay them under Harry Cobden. The 9yo got up in the dying stride to deny the old boy Paisley Park on soft ground in The Cleeve Hurdle here on Trials’ Day and he remains a fascinating contender having just his fourth career start over hurdles.

 

Fiendish Festival Plate

 

The Festival Plate is a fiendishly difficult handicap and a rare race where Willie Mullins hasn’t dominated. Amazingly, 11 different trainers have been responsible for the winner since Carrickboy sprang an upset at 50/1 in 2013, proving that it’s a race where you can find something at a price.

 

Venetia saddles Frero Banbou (4.10) who looks a big price down at the bottom of the weights. The 9yo was soundly beaten by the re-opposing Shakem Up’Arry here in similar conditions on New Year’s Day but is 10lb better off at the weights for that seven-length defeat and is handicapped to give a good account.

 

It’s interesting that Rachael Blackmore opts to partner Arctic Bresil (4.10) for trainer Henry de Bromhead over stablemates Watch House Cross and Life in the Park, and I’m surprised to see him at a double figure price. The 7yo is unexposed under rules with just six career starts but has shown glimpses of class and is a fascinating contender on just his fourth start over fences.

 

Potential Superstar For Gigginstown

 

Jockey Jack Kennedy’s face has lit up like a Christmas tree whenever asked about the chances of Brighterdaysahead (4.50) who looks the best horse in the field for The Mares’ Novice Hurdle. The well-bred mare is unbeaten in five starts and looks a potential superstar for connections.

 

More Irish Dominance In The Finale

 

I’m surprised that stablemate Where It All Began (5.30) isn’t shorter for the closing Kim Muir under the excellent Brian O’Neill. The novice is one of the most unexposed chasers in the field with just eight starts over fences but put it all together nicely to when bolting-up in The Grand National Trial on heavy ground last month at Punchestown and should remain competitive despite a 12lb hike at the weights.

 

Selections

 

Cheltenham 1.30 – Iroko

Cheltenham 2.10 – Springwell Bay

Cheltenham 2.50 – Envoi Allen

Cheltenham 3.30 – Noble Yeats

Cheltenham 4.10 – Arctic Bresil and Frero Babou

Cheltenham 4.50 – Betterdaysahead

Cheltenham 5.30 – Where It All Began

Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day Two

 Jack Milner previews Cheltenham Festival 2024 with a few fancies at huge prices in the handicaps.

 

Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle (1.30)

 

Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with The Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle but without a Liam nor a Noel anywhere in sight. To the likes of you and I, it’s The Neptune and a 2m 5f contest for arguably the best novices having their debut season over hurdles.

 

I’ve been fortunate to witness some wonderful performances in this race, with the likes of Simonsig, Faugheen, Yorkhill, Samcro, Envoi Allen et al setting tongues wagging and Ballyburn (1.30) should do likewise for the formidable partnership of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

 

The gelding had his Cheltenham race rearranged at the last minute, having been the long-time favourite for the festival curtain-raiser but shouldn’t have any problem with the step up in trip. Owned by the esteemed Ronnie Bartlett, he will no doubt have his sights set on The Cheltenham Gold Cup 2026, with the 6yo almost certainly sent over fences next season.

 

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (2.10)

 

Team Mullins have Fact To File in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase but I much prefer the chances of Stay Away Fay (2.10) who should be right at home on the likely testing ground. The selection was a winner in similar conditions when landing The Albert Bartlett at the festival here 12 months ago, but was always going to be a chaser.

 

Connections started the gelding’s chase career at Exeter when battling well to make a winning debut over fences and followed-up on Sandown’s Tingle Creek card in The Esher Novices’ Chase. He was far from disgraced running as a novice in open company on Trials’ Day in The Cotswold Chase and can maintain his excellent festival record with the assistance of first-time cheek-pieces.

 

The Coral Cup (2.50)

 

The Coral Cup will be a usual fiendish puzzle, with 25 declared and no shortage of plots. Last year’s winner Langer Dan is well-handicapped to give another strong account, having returned to the same mark he won from 12 months ago for Dan and Harry Skelton – a welcome winner too given the publicity from his recent BHA case.

 

Trainer Gordon Elliott has a good record in the race, Diamond King was always a much-loved horse of mine when scoring here in 2016 under Davy Russell, and I think Beacon Edge (2.50) can run into a place at a big price. The trainer and connections won this race with Commander of Fleet two years and this 10yo boasts a similar profile.

 

He was soundly beaten in the same race 12 months ago in a first-time tongue tie but has improved since leaving the yard of Noel Meade, winning on debut for his new yard at Thurles in October and second last time out at Navan behind Hiddenvalley on heavy ground.

 

I’m not sure he’s handicapped to win, but he was a very classy animal on his day and 33/1 looks too big with Danny Gilligan good value for his 3lb claim.

 

Jonbon for the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30)

 

Horse racing is often a sentimental sport where form and sanity go out of the window, and whilst El Fabiolo should win The Queen Mother Champion Chase I have to side with Jonbon (3.30) at his price of 7/2 for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.

 

He was unlucky to finish second last time out in the rearranged Clarence House Chase when jockey Sean Bowen was lucky to stay on after a shuddering error down the back. He has 5lb to find on official ratings with the Mullins hotpot but the combination of heavy ground and an enterprising ride could see him turn the tables on his familiar sparring partner.

 

 

Going Cross Country at the Cheltenham Festival (4.10)

 

The Cross-Country Chase isn’t something I get too involved with however, Galvin (4.10) was an excellent second here under Davy Russell 12 months ago and looks too big at 13/2 to continue Keith Donoghue’s phenomenal record in the race.

 

Donoghue has ridden 4 of the last 8 winners, including being aboard last year’s winner Delta Work and Tiger Roll’s 3 successes – he knows how to ride over the ‘cheese wedges’ as it were.

 

Madara in the Grand Annual

 

It’s very strange to see The Grand Annual run on a Wednesday afternoon – for me it would always bring the curtain down to the festival in Friday’s finale! Harry Cobden was quickly snapped up by trainer Evan Williams for antepost favourite Libberty Hunter who is up 7lb for an impressive victory here on New Year’s Day.

 

I’d be wary of backing him in a bigger field however, having beaten just four rivals on his both chase successes, and I much prefer Madara (4.50) who landed a touch when scoring at The Dublin Racing Festival.

 

Sophie Leech’s stable star made the trip worthwhile when justifying favouritism to score impressively last month at Leopardstown and has the services of James Reveley once more. A 10lb rise seems fair and, with course winning form to his name already, he looks sure to be competitive once more.

 

 

The Champion Bumper To Finish

 

Patrick Mullins has opted to partner Jasmin de Vaux in the closing bumper, which could be a tip itself with his father saddling a record niner runners in Wednesday’s finale. The 5yo looks skinny enough in a wide-open renewal, and I’d prefer to throw a couple of darts on those at bigger prices instead.

 

Gordon Elliott’s main two fancies Jalon D’oudairies (5.30) and The Yellow Clay (5.30) have G2 form and have form tied into last month’s Dublin Racing Festival. The former gets the nod from stable jockey Jack Kennedy and this £420,000 recruit from the pointing fields can go a long way to paying back his expensive price tag.

 

 

Selections

 

1.30 Cheltenham – Ballyburn

2.10 Cheltenham – Stay Away Fay

2.50 Cheltenham – Beacon Edge

3.30 Cheltenham – Jonbon

4.10 Cheltenham – Galvin

4.50 Cheltenham – Madara

5.30 Cheltenham – Jalon D’oudairies  and The Yellow Clay

Be Lucky

Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day One

 The Greatest Show on Turf

 

The Cheltenham Festival feels a little sombre this year, with the late defection of ante-post favourites Marine Nationale and Constitution Hill, for The Arkle and Champion Hurdle respectively, after lighting up the first day of the festival here 12 months ago. Nevertheless, Jack Milner takes a look at Day of The Cheltenham Festival 2024 with selections for all 7 races.

 

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.30)

 

The latter is a huge blow to the festival, having been wrapped up in cotton wool by his handler Nicky Henderson, who must go and lick his wounds back at Seven Barrows. The 7yo is a winner of both starts this term, in The G1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and The G1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

 

He was a fabulous winner of The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and Nicky Henderson bids to win the festival curtain raiser for a sixth time with Jeriku du Reponet (1.30) in the green and gold of JP McManus.

 

The dogs were long barking about this exciting recruit from the pointing fields, with him unbeaten in three starts over timber. Given the fact he’s been odds-on for all three starts under rules suggests the regard he is held in at Seven Barrows and, perhaps unconvincing in a messy race last time out at Doncaster, I expect him to be much better suited to today’s stronger pace.

 

Connections also saddle Mystical Power, the first foal of wondermare Annie Power, who is a fascinating runner for trainer Willie Mullin and jockey Mark Walsh. The 5yo wear a first-time hood in a bid to settle better and could potentially be a superstar, but is best watched at half the price of the other McManus runner.

 

Arkle Novices’ Chase (2.10)

 

The Arkle looks a potential minefield with Marine National’s late defection, and muddling formlins but I thought Found a Fifty (2.10) was a little unlucky to be collared late on by the reopposting Il Etait Temps at The Dublin Racing Festival and can hopefully reverse the form under Jack Kennedy.

 

Few, if any, ride The Old Course better than Kennedy, who had almost judged it to perfection aboard the 7yo last time out at Leopardstown. The Arkle, whilst a stiff test, is a furlong shorter than the Irish equivalent, and I’m hoping Jack can save a little more, before likely kicking on after jumping the second last.

 

Ultima Handicap Chase (2.50)

 

Long time readers of my annual Cheltenham previews will know just how much I love The Ultima Handicap Chase, which has historically been one of the most profitable races from the festival. Jonjo O’Neill boasts a tremendous record in this particular race, Holywell being a cracking winner of the race a few years ago, and I’m willing to chance Monbeg Genius (2.50) in first-time headgear.

 

The selection is 7lb higher than when third in the same race 12 months ago, which seems harsh but the form is rock solid with the winner Corach Rambler successful in The Grand National on his next start and the second Fastorslow a winner of The Punchestown Gold Cup on his next start. His recent run at Kelso should have put him spot on for this, en route to a likely tilt at next month’s Grand National at Aintree.

 

Champion Hurdle (3.30)

 

The Champion Hurdle has been badly hit by the injury to defending Champion Constitution Hill, leaving Willie Mullins’ State Man, second here 12 months ago, odds-on to go one better under Paul Townend.

 

I wouldn’t be a backer at odds-on, but he looks the class horse in the race and should win. For those looking for something in terms of value – it’s interesting that Irish Point (3.30) runs here rather than The Stayers’ Hurdle in a late switch by trainer Gordon Elliott. The soft ground means it will be a stiffer test and this stamina-laden gelding should thrive in conditions. He arrives having won his last four on the spin and I’m hoping he can extend that under the excellent Jack Kennedy.

 

Mares’ Hurdle (4.10)

 

Willie Mullins has another stranglehold of The Mares’ Hurdle bidding to end something of a drought, and surprisingly empty-handed since Benie Des Dieux scoring back in 2018. Prior to that, the trainer had won with 8 of the previous 9 renewals and has the hot favourite Lossiemouth who looks a different class to her ten rivals.

 

Nevertheless, with the ground looking to be soft on Day One it could prove testing by the afternoon and I’m expecting conditions to suit Harry Fry’s Love Envoi (4.10) who was second here 12 months ago behind the brilliant Honeysuckle. She has finished second in both starts thai term over an inadequate trip and can hopefully improve for the fitting of first-time headgear.

 

Fred Winter (4.50)

 

The Fred Winter has always been a very difficult race to weigh up, with more plots than a dodgy allotment but trainer Joseph O’Brien seems to have unlocked the key to the juvenile handicap and he’s laid out Lark In The Morning (4.50) to continue his excellent record in the race.

 

A maiden after three starts over hurdles, he was an eyecatcher when third last time out at Punchestown and could be chucked in from his opening mark of 122 now sent handicapping.

 

National Hunt Chase (5.30)

 

It’s disappointing to see just seven in The National Hunt Chase, named in the honour of the late Maureen Mullins, and brothers WIllie and Emmet both with runners in their attempt to win the race named in memory of their late mother.

 

It’s the younger brother Emmet where the pin drops, with Corbetts Cross (5.30) the class horse in the race, and unlucky when running out when fancied 12 months ago for The Albert Bartlett. He was unlucky to be brought down last time out at Fairyhouse but looks a natural over the larger obstacles and can get the job done under the excellent Derek O’Connor.

 

Selections

Cheltenham 1.30 – Jeriko du Reponet

Cheltenham 2.10 – Found a Fifty

Cheltenham 2.50 – Monbeg Genius

Cheltenham 3.30 – Irish Point

Cheltenham 4.10 – Love Envoi

Cheltenham 4.50 – Lark in the Mornin

Cheltenham 5.30 – Corbetts Cross

 

Masters 2018

This year’s renewal of The Masters is arguably the most anticipated in decades with the old guard springing into life before a mouth-watering summer of golf. All eyes are going to be on Tiger Woods bidding to win a 5^th green jacket, and a first major in over a decade.

Tiger, now 42 years old, is playing in just his 2^nd Masters tournament in 5 years, has an incredible record at Augusta with 12 Top-10 finishes in his last 18 tournaments at the first major of the golfing calendar. Woods’ odds have tumbled in price since making a sparkling return last month at the Valspar Championship finishing second behind Englishman Paul Casey, before following-up with a T5 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

US Masters 2018 prices from BetVictor

Rory McIlroy                    10/1

Justin Thomas                 10/1

Jordan Spieth                   11/1

Dustin Johnson               11/1

Justin Rose                       14/1

Tiger Woods                    14/1

Bubba Watson                 16/1

18/1 Bar

That tournament was won by Rory McIlroy, who is one green jacket away from the ‘Grand Slam’ and heads the market as BetVictor’s 10/1 joint-favourite for the first major of the season. He heads the market alongside World Number One in waiting Justin Thomas, with the Kentucky-native likewise 10/1 to win back-to-back majors after last season’s breakthrough success in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

‘JT’ has won 4 of his last 14 tournaments worldwide but looks jaded when beaten 3&2 in the semi-finals of the WGC Dell Matchplay and has a poor record in the tournament. The same can’t be said about BFF Jordan Spieth, who has already won once at Augusta and arguably should have had two more; leading entering the final round in 2014, before throwing away a five-shot lead to Danny Willett in 2016.

He should be the correct favourite and should be there or thereabouts come Sunday evening. Spieth was ranked 1^st for GIR last week at the Houston Open and, providing his putter gets hot this week, I can’t see him out of the frame.

Sergio Garcia beat Justin Rose in a play-off to continue the excellent recent record of Europeans in the tournament, and I expect both to be in the mix once again. Rose has been the model of consistency this decade and nobody has a better score at the course over the last five years.

He is perhaps skinny enough at 14/1 with BetVictor and I’m willing to chance a couple at bigger prices including Swede Alex Noren at 45/1. Noren was flawless in the Matchplay and was bitterly unlucky to lose to Kevin Kisner in sudden death the week before last. His short game should stand him in good stead and he looks another on a list of ‘major winners in waiting’ for the strong European contingent.

He will be part of the Ryder Cup team this September in France and so will Rafa Cabrera-Bello. The big-hitting Spaniard looks over-priced at 100/1, and will no doubt be buoyed by close friend Sergio Garcia’s win 12 months ago, and the previous successes of compatriots Jose Maria Olazabal and the legendary Seve Ballesteros.

He missed the cut 12 months ago but is a much-improved player in the interim, winning the Scottish Open last summer and finishing T4 in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. He ranks 9^th in GIR, whilst Brian Harman ranks second on tour and looks set to go close after a string of impressive performances last year.

The left-hander finished second to Books Koepka in the US Open at Erin Hills and has been the model of consistency thereafter, with 7 Top Ten finishes on tour already this season. He disappointed on his previous trip to Augusta but is a transformed player since 2015’s blip and looks over-priced at BetVictor’s current price of 80/1.

Selections

Jordan Spieth                   11/1

Alex Noren                       45/1

Rafa Cabrera-Bello         80/1

Brian Harman                  80/1

Without the risk of after-timing, I’ve backed Phil Mickelson and Tommy Fleetwood at 33/1 and 100/1 ante-post, but both are short enough now at 16/1 and 40s respectively. Naturally, watch them finish sixth and seventh…

Cheltenham Festival 2018; Friday Day 4

Cheltenham Festival 2018

My best bet of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival runs in the opener on Gold Cup day with Apple’s Shakira (1.30) a confident selection to maintain her unbeaten record in the Triumph Hurdle under Barry Geraghty. The well-bred filly is a full sister to Gordon Elliott’s multiple G1 winner Apple’s Jade and couldn’t have been any more impressive in her two starts for trainer Nicky Henderson. Her stamina-laden pedigree should see her thrive on the new course and she should make it 3 from 3 at Prestbury Park.

The drying ground should aid the chances of Ivanovich Gorbatov (2.10) in the County Hurdle, with last year’s beaten favourite potentially well-treated from a 3lb lower mark. His chances are aided further by the 3lb claim of conditional jockey JJ Slevin and he has obvious claims at a place that seemingly brings the best out of him.

He is one of 5 Irish raiders at the head of the first half-dozen in the weights in a race that the Irish have dominated in recent renewals. Stablemate Tigris River should appreciate better ground, whilst the Mullins trio of Bleu Et Rouge, Lagostovegas and Sandsend should all go well for the Closutton handler.

I’ve been waiting for Divin Bere to resurface since disappointed earlier in the campaign and I expect him to go well in a first-time tongue tie for trainer Paul Nicholls. The selection was narrowly beaten in the Fred Winter at last year’s festival and I expect him to thrive over the likely cavalry charge over the minimum trip.

Nicky Henderson should land the opener and is expected to complete a G1 double with challengers Santini and Chef Des Obeaux (2.50) vying for favouritism in the Albert Bartlett, with marginal preference for the latter Noel Fehily. The selection has impressed on soft ground at Kempton and Haydock, bolting-up in bottomless ground at the latter, and looks to have the desired stamina for such an attritional test.

Might Bite (3.30) can complete an emphatic treble in the Cheltenham Gold Cup under Nico de Boinville. The talented gelding isn’t shy of a quirk, as seen when holding on from stablemate Whisper in the RSA Chase at the festival 12 months ago, but is getting more and more professional with every run and looked better than ever in the King George. He warrants maximum respect and with BetVictor’s 4 places cannot be out of the first four home.

The Foxhunter is something of a guess-up, and is ultimately a race where is pays to side with the more ‘professional’ jockeys amongst the amateur ranks. Nina Carberry has won two of the last three renewals aboard On the Fringe and both he, and last year’s winner Pacha du Polder, appear vulnerable to younger legs.

The pair of Wonderful Charm (4.10) and Foxrock remain relatively unexposed for a pair of 10yos and looks over-priced at 8/1 under the excellent pair of Sam Waley-Cohen and Katie Walsh respectively. The former was arguably unlucky not to get the job 12 months ago, staying on well to finish second in the closing stages, and can go one better under the galloping dentist.

Much like Wednesday, the final three races of the meeting are horrendously difficult, and the Martin Pipe is no exception with a field of unexposed novices and Willie Mullins saddling three and Gordon Elliott saddling a further five.

I think the home faithful can gain a deserved consolation however with both Melrose Boy and Diese des Bieffes (4.50) making plenty of appeal and marginal preference for the latter under James Bowen. The selection was a beaten favourite when unlucky in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton and should remain ahead of the handicapper despite a 2lb rise at the weights.

Plenty have been campaigned around the Grand Annual and I like the pair of Vaniteux (5.30) and Theinval for Messrs Pipe and Henderson respectively. The former is well-handicapped on his Ayr success last season, whilst the latter remains the trainer’s last hope of winning the race named after his old man. Theinval ran a blinder to finish third 12 months ago and must go close from an unrevised mark.

1.30 Apple’s Shakira (Nap)

2.10 Ivanovich Gorbatov/Divin Bere

2.50 Chef des Obeaux/Santini

3.30 Might Bite (NB)

4.10 Wonderful Charm/Foxrock

4.50 Diese des Bieffes/Melrose Boy

5.30 Vaniteux/Theinval

For all the latest odds head to www.BetVictor.com

Cheltenham Festival 2018; Thursday Day 3

Cheltenham Festival 2018

The JLT Novices’ Chase is the opener on Day 3 and I, like plenty others, will have burnt fingers with Willoughby Court’s defection from the two and a half miles contest. The selection looked brilliant when making all to beat Yanworth at Newbury earlier in the campaign and ran well when the Alan King-trained gelding reversed the form at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

The absence of both novice chasers leaves Invitation Only as the 7/2 market leader however, he is perhaps priced on reputation rather than his ability over the larger obstacles and I’m willing to take a chance on Finian’s Oscar (1.30) bouncing back to his spectacular best under Robbie Power. He was last seen being pulled-up in the Cleeve Hurdle but has had a wind-op subsequently and returns to his preferred trip over two and a half miles.

The Pertemps is a notoriously tricky handicap and one dominated by the Irish in the last two years, with Davy Russell riding first Mall Dini then Presenting Percy in back-to-back successes for trainer Pat Fahy. The latter is now as short as 6/1 with BetVictor for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and I think Louis’ Vac Pouch (2.10) has similarly potential for trainer Philip Hobbs.

The selection hasn’t been sighted since bolting-up under Richard Johnson at Aintree in November. The 13lb rise doesn’t look too bad and he should make the frame at the very least for a yard that won with the well-fancied Fingal Bay back in 2014.

Paul Townend is expected to replace Ruby Walsh in the saddle aboard Un de Sceaux and rode him to victory earlier in the season in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. He currently trades around the even money mark and is a deserved favourite however, I’m keen to take a chance on my old friend Cloudy Dream (2.50) at a double figure price. The selection failed to stay three miles behind Native River in the Denman Chase at Newbury but should improve for the drop back in trip and is sure to go well under regular partner Brian Hughes.

It could be a great afternoon for the north with Sam Spinner vying for favouritism in the Stayers’ Hurdle with the apple of Jedd O’Keefe’s eye bidding to land a first festival success for him and jockey Joe Colliver. The drying ground doesn’t look to suit this out-and-out stayer and I’m instead going to throw a couple of darts on Supasundae (3.30) and L’Ami Serge with marginal preference for the former under Robbie Power.

The selection brings festival form with him having won the Coral Cup 12 months ago and bettered than when second to Yanworth in the G1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Both Apple’s Jade and Faugheen have let the form down of this season’s runs at Leopardstown but he is the top-rated in the race and warrants each way support at 7/1 with BetVictor.

Having backed Movewiththetimes (4.10) in the Novices’ Handicap Chase I feel implored to follow him in again for the Festival Plate with Barry Geraghty riding for Paul Nicholls. The selection has form tied in with exciting novice chasers Coo Star Sivola and Kalondra. It is a fiendishly tricky handicap with numerous plots and no surprise to see King's Socks punted for a yard that have won three of the last seven renewals.

Willie Mullins bids to cement his stranglehold on the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with Laurina odds-to to follow in the hooveprints of stablemates Limini and Let’s Dance. She is far from a working man’s price however, and preference lies instead with Maria’s Benefit (4.50) under regular partner Ciaran Gethings. The selection has done little wrong this term, winning her last three, including listed hurdles at Taunton and Doncaster. She is rated 3lb higher than the odds-on jolly and deserves to take her chance for the in-form yard of Stuart Edmunds.

Irish raiders Mall Dini and Squouateur have been well-backed in the opening salvos for the excellent pair of Patrick Mullins and Jamie Codd, who are amateurs in name only. Sugar Baron must go well for the in-form yard of Nicky Henderson however, preference lies instead with the pair of Actinpieces (5.30) and Tom George’s Wild West Wind (5.30) at the head of the weights.

The latter refused the final fence when legless in the Grand National Trial at Haydock and is sure to appreciate the drop back in trip under the trainer’s son Noel. He remains well-treated from an unrevised mark, whilst Actinpieces appears likewise the same with the handicapper raising her just 6lb for a comfortable success last time out at Ludlow. That win has been franked subsequently and with plenty of firms paying 5 places she warrants each-way support at 16/1.

Selections

1.30 Finian’s Oscar

2.10 Louis’ Vac Pouch

2.50 Cloudy Dream

3.30 Supasundae/L’Ami Serge

4.10 Movewiththetimes

4.50 Maria’s Benefit

5.30 Actinpieces/Wild West Wind

For all the latest odds head to www.BetVictor.com

Cheltenham Festival 2018; Wednesday Day 2

Cheltenham Festival 2018

SAMCO (1.30) looks banker material in the opener on Day 2 and can not be opposed for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy in the newly-renamed Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The selection has been lauded as the second coming by racing fans, much to the annoyance of owner Michael O’Leary, however there is good reason for such praise with three flawless victories over hurdles this term and odds-on to complete the four-timer this afternoon.

His main danger appears Next Destination, likewise a winner of all three starts this term, for a Willie Mullins yard that kicked off with a treble yesterday. He has looked sharp since being sent over timber but lacks the turn of foot demonstrated by Samcro in last month’s Deloitte success at Leopardstown, and expect the Closutton-inmate to improve further next term when sent over fences.

The Irish have the two market principles for the opener and likewise in the RSA where Presenting Percy and Monalee both bringing festival form to the table in the RSA Chase, and the latter expected to thrive on the drying ground.

Monalee (2.10) looked every inch a chaser when plying his trade over timber last term, finishing a gallant runner-up to Penhill in the 2017 Albert Bartlett and, despite one hiccup when falling over Christmas, has been foot perfect in his two chase successes for trainer Henry de Bromhead. I expect him to have too much class for last season’s Pertemps Winner Presenting Percy with Black Corton likely to come up a little short in producing a fairytale winner for racing’s new golden girl Bryony Frost.

Le Breuil was my long-time hope for the Coral Cup but the form of the Ben Pauling yard is worrying and the soft ground should suit Ruth Jefferson’s Mount Mews (2.50) who reverts back over timber after an interrupted campaign over fences. The selection was crying out for a step up in trip when well-backed for a pair of handicap hurdles at the start of the season and the handicapper has given him a chance from a revised mark of 142. As You Were is 2lb lower but, is unexposed and could likewise be overpriced at 33/1 and BetVictor paying 5 places.

Altior (3.30) is the star attraction on Ladies Day and should better the Willie Mullins pair of Min and Douvan in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Nicky Henderson’s gelding is the best horse in training on official ratings and showed outstanding resilience to make a winning return after an absence of over 300 days when beating Politologue in the Game Spirt Chase last month at Newbury. Altior, a winner at the last two festivals, is another likely to love the ground and is a confident selection to once again bring the Master of Seven Barrows into the Cheltenham winners’ enclosure.

The three races to complete the card aren’t big punting heats personally, but the ground has undeniably gone against Cause of Causes in the Cross-Country. I’ve heard plenty of whispers in the press room for The Last Samuri (4.10) who hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in a strong renewal of the Cotswold Chase here on Trials Day and he looks the class act in the race for Kim Bailey and David Bass.

Eragan de Chanay (4.50) bolted-up on heavy ground at Sandown and sneaks into the Fred Winter under a penalty, which therefore puts him plenty ahead of the handicapper. He produced a telling turn of foot in the mud, producing a good time to boot, and must go close for Gary and Jamie Moore.

The bumper looks a minefield but it appears telling that Barry Geraghty has opted to partner Rhinestone (5.30) over Nick Gifford’s Didtheyleaveuoutto in the bumper. Joseph O’Brien’s well-bred son of Montjeu wasn’t disgraced when chasing home Blackbow last month at Leopardstown and with the benefit of experience should improve from that effort.

I do have a soft spot for JP’s other runner, with Didtheyleaveuoutto leaving a favourable impression when bolting-up in a listed bumper at Ascot and looks a terrific long-term prospect for connections.

Selections

1.30 Samcro

2.10 Monalee

2.50  Mount Mews        

3.30 Altior (Nap)

4.10 The Last Samuri

4.50 Eragan de Chenay

5.30 Rhinestone/Didtheyleaveuoutto

For all the latest odds head to www.BetVictor.com

Cheltenham Festival 2018; Tuesday, Day 1

Cheltenham Festival 2018

The festival curtain-raiser can often throw-up something of a surprise winner and, with the exception of the Mullins hat-trick of Champagne Fever, Vautour and Douvan, it is a race that has historically been favourable to the layers.

Getabrd runs for those oh so familiar connections in Tuesday’s opener and I expect him to drift markedly from his current position as the 7/4 market leader with BetVictor. The gelding has impressed in both hurdles successes this term however, there is little form to back up his current price and he definitely strikes me as a style over substance’.

His price collapsed after his  success last time out in the G2 Moscow Flyer Novices’ Hurdle, with trainer Willie Mullins keen to keep him over the minimum trip. Nevertheless, connections were originally aiming over further at the start of the campaign and that, combined with his lack of form on heavy ground, makes him difficult to fancy at the prices.

BetVictor are paying four places on the race and I’m keen to back a couple at bigger prices. Kalashnikov produced a dour performance to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury but was previously put in his place by Summerville Boy (1.30) in the G1 Tolworth Hurdle and is somehow double the price at 8/1 and four places with BetVictor.

He tanked through the heavy ground at Sandown and has gone under the radar for trainer Tom George but looks the ideal type to thrive in a likely end-to-end gallop. The same can be said about Nicky Henderson’s Claimantakinforgan (1.30) who impressed in soft ground at Newbury and Ascot during the first-half of the campaign. Whilst disappointing last time out in Musselburgh, he is trainer Nicky Henderson’s sole runner in a race he historically has a good record in and reportedly thrived on the Lambourn gallops at the weekend. He looks too big at 14/1 and 4 places with BetVictor.

The Arkle gives us another warm favourite trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Ruby Walsh, and unbeaten this season over obstacles. Footpad has done nothing wrong in his three wins over the larger obstacles but left the impression that Petit Mouchoir could reverse the form when the pair next meet at Cheltenham. I expect him to get closer than his four-length defeat last month at Leopardstown, but Saint Calvados (2.10) looks a potential superstar for fledgling trainer Harry Whittington and gets the nod to complete the four-timer under Aidan Coleman.

The French import made a winning British debut at Newbury in the autumn and has improved to win his next two starts, including making all to land the Kingmaker last month at Warwick. He should relish conditions and can hopefully give Coleman a first G1 success.

Both Buveur D’Air (3.30) and Apple’s Jade (4.10) are odds-on for their respective G1 contests and I can’t find any chinks in their armours for the Champion Hurdle and Mares’ Hurdle. Both won the corresponding races at the track 12 months ago and should win with the minimum of fuss for Messrs Henderson and Elliott.

The latter has a strong hand in the National Hunt Chase and, despite Fagan missing the race at the 11^th hour, Jury Duty and Mossback ensure the handler has the two market principles under the excellent Jamie Codd and Lisa O’Neill. BetVictor are paying four places on the race and I cannot see Ms Parfois (4.50) being out of the first quartet.

Anthony Honeyball’s star mare has won three times already this season over fences and, although finding Black Corton too good at Ascot, should improve for the step up in trip under the excellent Will Biddick.

I was on Movewiththetimes in the Novices’ Handicap Chase that completes the card and it’s fascinating to see him go for Thursday’s Festival Plate with owner JP McManus instead relying on Any Second Now (5.30) for Ted and Mark Walsh.

The selection chased home both Invitation Only and Monalee, both favourites for G1 Novice Chases later on in the week,  in his first two starts over fences earlier in the campaign and looks the class act amongst the strong 20-runner field.

The Ultima is a notoriously tricky handicap but Coo Star Sivola (2.50) looks to have been laid out for the race to give jockey Lizzie Kelly a first festival success. The selection has formed tied in with excellent novices Movewiththetimes and Kalondra and relished the step up in trip when winning over three miles last month at Exeter. He looks well-treated despite a 7lb rise at the weights. 

Singlefarmpayment was a narrow second 12 months ago and should be there or thereabouts from just a 3lb higher mark.

Selections

1.30 Summerville Boy/Claimantakinforgan

2.10 Saint Calvados (Nap)

2.50 Coo Star Sivola/Singlefarmpayment

3.30 Buveur D’Air

4.10 Apple’s Jade

4.50 Ms Parfois

5.30 Any Second Now

For all the latest odds head to www.BetVictor.com

BetVictor Gold Cup winner Splash of Ginge steals the show at Cheltenham's November Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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