Your top Cheltenham horse

Nulty

It would be a loy more interesting if everyone stayed away from Big Bucks for the risk of baing boring, Gold Cup is fair enough if your that confident. Try not to make it another GC thread though!

Mine's Somersby for the Arkle. (*Mandatory prelude) *I've not been watching racing for very long but* Somersby's jumping in the betinternet.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase Grade 2 at Sandown is the best I've ever seen and with respect to the other runners, whether they show up or not, he's got to be incredible value at 8/1.

Fair enough Long Run has turned up and looks good, Captain Cee Bee is the one I fear the most.

I cant understand why Sizing Europe has drifted.

mdwexford

The more i think about it i reckon Punchestowns is going to maul them in the RSA, liked the look of him on his chase debut, jumped well, has course form, stays very well, highest rated hurdler to go chasing in a while.

No real negatives and sadly its looking more likely by the day Mikael D'Haguenet wont be lining up, unless Diamond Harry turns out to be a natural over fences i cant see anything that can live with him.

corny

I'll go for Reve De Sivola in the Ballymore in the hope that he learns to jump hurdles in the couple of months before Cheltenham! Kept top company as a juvenile without being disgraced and while not eye catching this year i fancy he's a big race him.

Juwwi

mdwexford wrote: »

The more i think about it i reckon Punchestowns is going to maul them in the RSA, liked the look of him on his chase debut, jumped well, has course form, stays very well, highest rated hurdler to go chasing in a while.

No real negatives and sadly its looking more likely by the day Mikael D'Haguenet wont be lining up, unless Diamond Harry turns out to be a natural over fences i cant see anything that can live with him.

Long Run looked very good at Kempton.

Diggy78

mdwexford wrote: »

The more i think about it i reckon Punchestowns is going to maul them in the RSA, liked the look of him on his chase debut, jumped well, has course form, stays very well, highest rated hurdler to go chasing in a while.

No real negatives and sadly its looking more likely by the day Mikael D'Haguenet wont be lining up, unless Diamond Harry turns out to be a natural over fences i cant see anything that can live with him.

Have backed Pandorama at big prices each way for this and pretty confident of collecting in some form or other. Long Run, Punchestowns and even Tazbar look like making into very good horses though so it wouldn't be the type of race I'd personally have a banker in. Plus, I'd be disobeying my golden rule about bankers in Novice Chases!! (This golden rule may just have been enforced for the first time).

I think my banker of the festival has just got to be Garde Champetre, about 5-2 at the moment , should be a 2-5 shot imo. Weight simply does not matter in those x country races, best horse around the course wins every time.

RichieLawlor

robbie1977 wrote: »

Long Run looked very good at Kempton.

He jumped very novicey and as capable as he is if Sam Whaley Cohen is on him at Cheltenham I'll take him on very confidently. Won't have the pace for the Arkle, the reason that is being mentioned is that NH probably knows he's not as good as punchestowns.

careca

Quel Esprit in whatever race he runs in (entered for two at the min).

Ran a good race in the bumper last year and was close enough fourth if you take the winner out (Dunquib). Considering I thought Dunquib was the best bumper winner I have seen at Chelt, the form is quite good. Avoiding Dunquib in the Supreme makes it a bit easier.

He was won handy over hurdles this season so has a bit of experience. From early this season WM has said he could be his best chance of a winner.



Are we only allowed 1 If not then Go Native for the Champion is my second.

Big Daddy Cool

Barker e/w in the champion chase, hammered padytheplasterer last year, forget his 1st race this year, i think it will be alot better on better ground and i can see it running a big race at a big price and if he does, will put it up to master minded.

Nulty

Nulty wrote: »

It would be a loy more interesting if everyone stayed away from Big Bucks for the risk of baing boring, Gold Cup is fair enough if your that confident. Try not to make it another GC thread though!

Mine's Somersby for the Arkle. (*Mandatory prelude) *I've not been watching racing for very long but* Somersby's jumping in the betinternet.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase Grade 2 at Sandown is the best I've ever seen and with respect to the other runners, whether they show up or not, he's got to be incredible value at 8/1.

Fair enough Long Run has turned up and looks good, Captain Cee Bee is the one I fear the most.

I cant understand why Sizing Europe has drifted.

Is Sizing Europe likely to go for the Champion or is he injured or whats going on?

mdwexford

Big Daddy Cool wrote: »

Barker e/w in the champion chase, hammered padytheplasterer last year, forget his 1st race this year, i think it will be alot better on better ground and i can see it running a big race at a big price and if he does, will put it up to master minded.

Whatever about running into a place lets not be delusional, he will not be putting it up to Master Minded.

Nulty wrote: »

Is Sizing Europe likely to go for the Champion or is he injured or whats going on?

He is near the top of the betting for the Arkle and has won 4 novice chases on the spin.

Nulty

mdwexford wrote: »

Nulty wrote: »

Is Sizing Europe likely to go for the Champion or is he injured or whats going on?

He is near the top of the betting for the Arkle and has won 4 novice chases on the spin.

I must have seen a particular bookmakers odds at 11/2 and then saw best price 7/1 and thought he was drifting.

Seemed like I had a panic attack by my post:)

Edit
No, it was the betfair prices. Somersby 8.4, Sizing Europe 9.2

Stewie Griffin

Yeah I like Somersby too- looks like a horse with a bright future, regardless of how the rest of this season pans out.

The Arkle is some puzzle though-it's even more open than the Champion Hurdle imo.

larsson7

Zaarito it'll be single figures once it hacks up Sunday.
Machiiiiiiiiiine

mdwexford

I think Somersby will end up like Racing Demon, reminds me a lot of him.

Zaarito is a little pony who hasnt a prayer of being in the frame in the Arkle imo.

I think the Nicholls horse has been the forgotten horse of the race, hes done nothing wrong and just hasnt ran in so long hes not in peoples thoughts, only off putting thing is his style of running, front running from start to finish in an Arkle is tough. If they can settle him in behind the leaders i think he'll go close.

Morgans

I like Somersby. The time of the Henry VII was very good when compared with Twist Magic's Tingle Creek. I think he has to go close. Jumps brilliantly, better than Racing Demon ever did. I think he would be my selection.

I dont think Tataniano has proven anything so far. Fosters Cross was going as well when falling that day in Cheltenham before falling, and is a few points shorter than he merits due to connections. He also didnt have the hurdling form of some of the others. (Sizing Europe, Captain Cee Bee, Somersby)

Zaarito is small for sure, but jumps very athletically. Didnt put a foot wrong at Leopardstown. It may be that he will be found out in Grade 1 company, but to me he looked very unlucky not to beat Captain Cee Bee first time up. (Townend not at his best that day) That form ties in with the best that is around. My worry with him is that he may turn out better over further than 2m.

Diggy78

Morgans wrote: »

I like Somersby. The time of the Henry VII was very good when compared with Twist Magic's Tingle Creek. I think he has to go close. Jumps brilliantly, better than Racing Demon ever did. I think he would be my selection.

I dont think Tataniano has proven anything so far. Fosters Cross was going as well when falling that day in Cheltenham before falling, and is a few points shorter than he merits due to connections. He also didnt have the hurdling form of some of the others. (Sizing Europe, Captain Cee Bee, Somersby)

Zaarito is small for sure, but jumps very athletically. Didnt put a foot wrong at Leopardstown. It may be that he will be found out in Grade 1 company, but to me he looked very unlucky not to beat Captain Cee Bee first time up. (Townend not at his best that day) That form ties in with the best that is around. My worry with him is that he may turn out better over further than 2m.

I like Zaarito, generally I don't ever consider this to be a problem with a horse going for the Arkle. I think with mostly younger horses I'd rather have something that needs a bit further than one that will be a 2 miler at full maturity. Ok, am talking in circles here but I like an Arkle horse to look like a 2m4f horse for the future.

Edit, dont think he'll actually win though, but I just wouldn't mind that he might need further.

Morgans

Diggy78 wrote: »

I like Zaarito, generally I don't ever consider this to be a problem with a horse going for the Arkle. I think with mostly younger horses I'd rather have something that needs a bit further than one that will be a 2 miler at full maturity. Ok, am talking in circles here but I like an Arkle horse to look like a 2m4f horse for the future.

Yeah. I know what you mean. Its a long haul in the Arkle. Kicking King, Monet's Garden both went close. I suppose another way of translating what Im trying to say is that he may lack the pure pace of some of the others over 2m. I had written him off as one to avoid over hurdles, but looked a horse in love with the game at Leopardstown. (Main rival falling two out helped)

westlife

Nulty wrote: »

It would be a loy more interesting if everyone stayed away from Big Bucks for the risk of baing boring, Gold Cup is fair enough if your that confident. Try not to make it another GC thread though!

Mine's Somersby for the Arkle. (*Mandatory prelude) *I've not been watching racing for very long but* Somersby's jumping in the betinternet.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase Grade 2 at Sandown is the best I've ever seen and with respect to the other runners, whether they show up or not, he's got to be incredible value at 8/1.

Fair enough Long Run has turned up and looks good, Captain Cee Bee is the one I fear the most.

I cant understand why Sizing Europe has drifted.

Long Run will run in, if at all, the stayers race. Great engine but will need to dramatically improve his jumping

SOLWHIT for the champion. Pace against him in his last 2 races (still won at Leop) but what is really impressive about him, and is a common trait with all the good Champion Hurdle winners of the last few years (even the rogue Harchibold) is his jumping. He is brilliant and gets away from his hurdles quicker than any horse racing today http://www.attheraces.com/VideoConsole/?va=LEO_2009_12_29_05_1400. And he stays 2 and a half miles!.... This race will show him in his true light

RichieLawlor

westlife wrote: »

Long Run will run in, if at all, the stayers race. Great engine but will need to dramatically improve his jumping

SOLWHIT for the champion. Pace against him in his last 2 races (still won at Leop) but what is really impressive about him, and is a common trait with all the good Champion Hurdle winners of the last few years (even the rogue Harchibold) is his jumping. He is brilliant and gets away from his hurdles quicker than any horse racing today http://www.attheraces.com/VideoConsole/?va=LEO_2009_12_29_05_1400. And he stays 2 and a half miles!.... This race will show him in his true light

We will see what Solwhit is made of on Sunday, Celestial Halo won't be hanging around so there will be plenty of pace. I just hope the ground is bot bottomless. I had Celestial Halo as my idea of the Cbampion winner at the seasons start but the Bula really threw me. Perhaps Kyber Kim is a monster or more likely CH isn't that good. So If Solwhiy can't beat CH then he's another to strike out imo.

westlife

RichieLawlor wrote: »

We will see what Solwhit is made of on Sunday, Celestial Halo won't be hanging around so there will be plenty of pace. I just hope the ground is bot bottomless. I had Celestial Halo as my idea of the Cbampion winner at the seasons start but the Bula really threw me. Perhaps Kyber Kim is a monster or more likely CH isn't that good. So If Solwhiy can't beat CH then he's another to strike out imo.

I was the happiest man in the world to see Celest entered for this race. Solwhit has been screaming out for a truly run 2 m race and I think celest will set it up perfectly for him.

RichieLawlor

westlife wrote: »

I was the happiest man in the world to see Celest entered for this race. Solwhit has been screaming out for a truly run 2 m race and I think celest will set it up perfectly for him.

I agree with you , but is he good enough, im looking forward to finding out

westlife

RichieLawlor wrote: »

I agree with you , but is he good enough, im looking forward to finding out

And (really putting my head on the chopping block) I think Solwhit will destroy Celest at Leopardstown (because I think that CH is a much better horse on a galloping track and Leopardstown is a little like Aintree, a speed track, wr he has run poorly) and then CH will be ridiculously over priced at his favourite track Cheltenham and then become the best each way bet of the meeting....... Im really sitting on the fence

RichieLawlor

westlife wrote: »

And (really putting my head on the chopping block) I think Solwhit will destroy Celest at Leopardstown (because I think that CH is a much better horse on a galloping track and Leopardstown is a little like Aintree, a speed track, wr he has run poorly) and then CH will be ridiculously over priced at his favourite track Cheltenham and then become the best each way bet of the meeting....... Im really sitting on the fence

I was in CH camp at the start, now I don't think he can win the champion so for Solwhit to be a realistic contender he will have to beat CH. It may not be as stiff a track as Cheltenham but the likely ground will suit CH as it should Solwhit who obv stays further. I don't either can beat the Meade horse over 2 miles on a sound surface but that's just my opinion.

Nulty

I've been "on" Solwhit since Aintree last year. He ought to win the Champion though I am weary of Khyber Kim. I like him a lot, he's very underestimated. Or rather, the form this year of his and the Champion front three last year is not reflected in the betting. The front three front last year haven't done enough this year and KK has been 100%. I think KK will beat 2 of the 3 home in March.

Somersby and Solwhit (though I'd be equally happy to see KK win it)

mohican22

Did anyone see Hidden Universe race today i thought he was v impressive,i was going to back Up Ou that from w.mullins stable for chelt bumper as i had heard previous to his first run that he was a serious horse but having watched Hidden universe race a few times on At the races website,v v impressive

mdwexford

Looked good alright, dont go backing him ante post yet from the sound of it though....

From the Racing Post website,

However, Weld was reluctant to commit the grey son of Linamix to the Festival race and hinted that the year-older Elequent Concorde, also owned by Dr Ronan Lambe, is a more likely contender for the contest.

Whyno

mohican22 wrote: »

Did anyone see Hidden Universe race today i thought he was v impressive,i was going to back Up Ou that from w.mullins stable for chelt bumper as i had heard previous to his first run that he was a serious horse but having watched Hidden universe race a few times on At the races website,v v impressive

Visually impressive alright but it was a very poor bumper. None of the mullins nor had meade any runner so i'd wait before getting involved in the antepost market for the CB.
Any horse that can win a bumper by ten lengths hard hel ougth to be pretty decent so it will be interesting to see where this lad ends up.

westlife2010

westlife wrote: »

And (really putting my head on the chopping block) I think Solwhit will destroy Celest at Leopardstown (because I think that CH is a much better horse on a galloping track and Leopardstown is a little like Aintree, a speed track, wr he has run poorly) and then CH will be ridiculously over priced at his favourite track Cheltenham and then become the best each way bet of the meeting....... Im really sitting on the fence

After today just one danger to solwhit.... Go Native (on solwhit at 8's)

sting60

Nulty wrote: »

It would be a loy more interesting if everyone stayed away from Big Bucks for the risk of baing boring, Gold Cup is fair enough if your that confident. Try not to make it another GC thread though!

Mine's Somersby for the Arkle. (*Mandatory prelude) *I've not been watching racing for very long but* Somersby's jumping in the betinternet.com Henry VIII Novices' Chase Grade 2 at Sandown is the best I've ever seen and with respect to the other runners, whether they show up or not, he's got to be incredible value at 8/1.

Fair enough Long Run has turned up and looks good, Captain Cee Bee is the one I fear the most.

I cant understand why Sizing Europe has drifted.

medermit @33/1 and bahrain storm ,don't know his intended race yet but it will be a 2 mile handicap hurdle.will be speaking to connections very shortly and will have a comprehensive message about same.

jimini0

hello ladies and gentlemen i was just wondering is anyone interested in talking about their betting for cheltenham? im a big ante post betting man and have picked three of my four horses for my yankee. so if ye want we can discuss and maybe swap tips/news on here

prettyboy81

Champion Hurdle: Go Native

Champion Chase: Twist Magic without Master Minded in the betting

World Hurdle: Can't see past Big Bucks

Gold Cup: Denman

Price on Bet365 for them 4 in an accumlator taking Master Minded into account, as they are not quoting without MM yet is 230/1.....do people see value in that bet?

Without MM will reduce the price of the bet but we'll wait & see how he performs if he makes a reappearance before Champion Chase!

mdwexford

Asking a lot to have to have an acca come up at the festival but i suppose its fine for a speculative fiver if you fancy them all.

If Master Minded bounces back to near his best in he runs in the Game Spirit then he will be 1/2 or so.

Morgans

mdwexford wrote: »

Asking a lot to have to have an acca come up at the festival but i suppose its fine for a speculative fiver if you fancy them all.

If Master Minded bounces back to near his best in he runs in the Game Spirit then he will be 1/2 or so.

However, if he gets beaten again....

prettyboy81

Agree very hard to get an acc up at the festival & most weekends too ha!

Just put the price up for added interest in the post....no more than €20 or €10 on this, will wait to c the final prep runs for MM & Denman....

Oh could be interesting if MM gets beat but if Nicholls has any doubts he'll hold him back for CC & run him fresh.....

Interesting few weeks ahead before the festival & a surprise or two will no doubt happen!

mdwexford

Morgans wrote: »

However, if he gets beaten again....

If he gets beaten again hes finished but i have faith in the master to get him back.

RichieLawlor

mdwexford wrote: »

If he gets beaten again hes finished but i have faith in the master to get him back.

He could get beaten in the Game Spirit and still go off favourite for the CC

jimini0

champion hurdle-- go native
world hurdle-- mr thriller
queen mother--twist magic
gold cup--- madison du berlais w/o denman and kauto

yankee odds 18370/1
its worth 50 cent eachway

Colonel Sanders

mdwexford wrote: »

Looked good alright, dont go backing him ante post yet from the sound of it though....

From the Racing Post website,

However, Weld was reluctant to commit the grey son of Linamix to the Festival race and hinted that the year-older Elequent Concorde, also owned by Dr Ronan Lambe, is a more likely contender for the contest.

Looked a good horse alright, word on the course was he was a machine beforehand. Hales' horse was very well backed against it so his connections obviously think a bot of him but Weld's horse destroyed him

Nick Mordin had an interesting article in last week's Weekender about punting bumper horses. Top rated by the racing post has won the bumper 4 years out of the last 5. He also extrapolated this theory to 'normal' bumpers in Ireland & the UK. FWIW its worth John Kiely's horse Araucaria (spelling??) is currently top rated and his current mark would be good enough to win most years (according to RP ratings)

jimini0

horses who done well last year cooldine mikael d haguenet at the festival but have seriously gone off the boil. i know mikael is injured or somethin but cooldine was a master last year where did it all go wrong? and what are his chances this year?

mdwexford

jimini0 wrote: »

horses who done well last year cooldine mikael d haguenet at the festival but have seriously gone off the boil. i know mikael is injured or somethin but cooldine was a master last year where did it all go wrong? and what are his chances this year?

So one horse had one bad run this season and last years festival winners have gone off the boil?

Cooldine actually wasnt majorly impressive last year until the festival, i think hes probably the one id back without the top 2 if i was backing anyone.

Morgans

Yeah, I'd be careful about making assumptions about all last years festival winners on the basis of Cooldine.

But I thought he was impressive beforehand. Started 9/4f for the Sun Alliance.

For a horse that was an out and out stayer over hurdles, it was very impressive to beat subsequent Arkle winner over 2m5f in his prep.

Id need to see him run well before backing him again. Too many Sun Alliance winners go off the boil. Maybe with Mullins's horses running a bit more consistently lately, there is hope yet for him.

mdwexford

Morgans wrote: »

Yeah, I'd be careful about making assumptions about all last years festival winners on the basis of Cooldine.

But I thought he was impressive beforehand. Started 9/4f for the Sun Alliance.

For a horse that was an out and out stayer over hurdles, it was very impressive to beat subsequent Arkle winner over 2m5f in his prep.

Id need to see him run well before backing him again. Too many Sun Alliance winners go off the boil. Maybe with Mullins's horses running a bit more consistently lately, there is hope yet for him.

I thought he looked a Cheltenham horse in the making all last season and the step up to 3miles over fences would show him in a much better light but he was that short on potential rather than what he achieved i think. I backed him at 4's, not sure if i would have at 9/4.

Mikael D'Haguenet not been seen, Quevega not been seen, Cooldine flops, his festival winners not having the best run of it at the minute.

jimini0

i didnt mean it in a bad way just meant he is just not proving it was a worthy winner but of course even the best horses have a dull patch but i hope to see cooldine prove me wrong and come back to form

Colonel Sanders

Move for Elegant Concorde in the bumper, clear jolly now. 10/1 best price

Trained by DK Weld. Some people never, ever learn

Colonel Sanders

Elegant Concorde - “A very smart horse – definitely Cheltenham material.”

Colonel Sanders

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

Move for Elegant Concorde in the bumper, clear jolly now. 10/1 best price

Trained by DK Weld. Some people never, ever learn

Cut across the board again today

Powers go 9/1 on their own

Colonel Sanders

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

Cut across the board again today

Powers go 9/1 on their own

Now 8/1 best.....

eire750

Secant star for w mullins in the triumph...would be 2/2 bar unlucky fall at xmas..won easily last week, listed winner in france- fits the trends well 12/1 good price