COUNTDOWN TO CHELTENHAM 2024!

RivetingRoger · 16-11-2023 12:20pm #1

120 Days

2 hours

11 minutes

32 seconds

To Mirazur West romping home in the Supreme Novice Hurdle, thus beginning the greatest week of the year!!!

realdanbreen · 04-03-2024 12:15pm

One week to go, any sign of life out there?

jamieon · 04-03-2024 1:56pm

Constitution Hill now a Non Runner

Panrich · 04-03-2024 8:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121848428#Comment_121848428

It was always likely. If he just came up with the issue last week, then he might have had a chance. But the fact that he missed the Unibet because of a 'poor scope' a month ago, means that something was probably lingering for some time.

The Mig · 05-03-2024 2:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121848008#Comment_121848008

Our private group is going well. There’s a meet up next week for the Tuesday racing. PM me if you want to get in. Goes for others too!

realdanbreen · 06-03-2024 12:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121852738#Comment_121852738

So is there no longer any Cheltenham open discussion on boards, just private groups?

Buddy97mm · 06-03-2024 12:49pm

With Constitution Hill out, looks very straightforward for Statesman now in a very non-competitive renewal, the only danger I could see would be Lossiemouth were she to go that route, but don't see that happening.

Marine Nationale also being out means Arkle looks very open, and likely not a great race.

Ballyburn looks odds-on to win if goes in Supreme, and with Statesman and Lossiemouth looking nailed on in Champion and Mares Hurdle, the first day not looking great overall.

FLOOPER · 06-03-2024 1:21pm

See PP have those two Lossiemouth and State Man along with GDC in treble up from 3/1 to 5/1.

Decent bet?

Buddy97mm · 06-03-2024 2:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121856471#Comment_121856471

With Stateman at about 1/3, Lossiemouth 1/2 and GDC around 5/4, combined odds for treble is about 3.5/1, so on the face of it 5/1 seems decent value.

Hard to see any of them being beaten to be fair. Had thought GDC looked a shadow of himself early in season, but seems to have re-found his mojo, very impressive LTO.

realdanbreen · 06-03-2024 5:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121856471#Comment_121856471

Still a little skinny I think GDC is the weak link.

realdanbreen · 06-03-2024 5:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121857759#Comment_121857759

+ Stateman is no certainty.

Panrich · 06-03-2024 5:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121857784#Comment_121857784

I think Stateman will destroy this lot. It’s the worst field he’s faced this season. Past festival winner as well. Everything in his favour.

realdanbreen · 06-03-2024 5:52pm

BTW are there any interviews out there, YouTube or whatever, where jockeys/trainers give an insight into the whole logistics of getting a bunch of horses to Cheltenham. Wliies yard alone must involve huge planning and organising.

The Mig · 07-03-2024 7:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121857802#Comment_121857802

We discuss all that in our private group

realdanbreen · 07-03-2024 9:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121859585#Comment_121859585

Thanks but I really just want to watch something rather than having a discussion about it.

realdanbreen · 07-03-2024 10:39am

I have watched a few Cheltenham preview nights and there are two analysts that I admire, Johnny Dinneen and Donn McLean. There are also several that have IMO little to offer, Katie Walsh or anyone connected to the WM yard for starters.

Justin10 · 07-03-2024 12:27pm

Waste of time listening to anyone from WM.

Johnny Dinner would have his ear to the ground, and probably gets ahead of the hype, such as Sir Gino, Ballyburn, fact to file etc.

Really like Gavin Lynch, I don't mind if lads don't find winners left right and centre, once they're not talking nonsense

realdanbreen · 07-03-2024 12:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121860434#Comment_121860434

I saw Paul Townend on one recently, I know he's the quiet type but ffs all he did was smile and clear his throat every few minutes.

Panrich · 07-03-2024 3:44pm

These Cheltenham previews are a cod at this stage. You're never going to hear a word for one that has a chance. Like Davy Russell said one year in the parade ring after a winner for Gigginstown, 'I really fancied this lad. I had an awful job keeping my mouth shut at the preview nights'.

realdanbreen · 07-03-2024 5:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121857802#Comment_121857802

It would be interesting to see how the whole thing operates. EG do big yards like WM or Elliott who would be sending 50 or more horses over send them all over in one go or do they stagger it.