All roads have led to the Cheltenham Festival for some time, but with just over three weeks left between now and the four-day extravaganza, plenty of big guns were set their final examination on Friday and Saturday to ensure they were up to the championship level required.
Peddlers Cross is firmly on course for the Stan James Champion Hurdle after extending his unbeaten record to seven in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Friday.
The six-year-old faced just eight rivals as he sealed his Cheltenham Festival preparations with a bloodless 11-length verdict.
Sent off a 1/6 shot, Peddlers Cross travelled sweetly for Jason Maguire on the heels of the leaders, easing into the lead on the run to the last. While he idled on the run-in and was given a couple of reminders by Maguire, Donald McCain's charge had plenty in hand over runner-up Bygones Of Brid.
McCain was relieved to get his stable star back on the track after plans to run at Haydock last month were scuppered by the weather, while a cough ruled him out of a possible outing earlier this month.
McCain said: "He has been switched off a bit at home because he has been on the go for so long. I have not been looking forward to today, all the tests we have done have been clear but I have seen him better.
"We needed to get a run into him though. He travelled well but he looked at the stands on the run-in and I said to Jason not to be afraid to give him a couple of smacks. This race was instead of a racecourse gallop. I was not thrilled when the ground went heavy and he will have a quiet week now, but we have a month to get him ready for Cheltenham."
Maguire added: "He travelled well and jumped well and coped with the ground. He just idled on the run-in and I gave him a few reminders, it was a horse race and there was a job to do."
Peddlers Cross drifted slightly to best-price 11/2 (William Hill) for the Cheltenham test, in what is set to be a cracking renewal (our 2011 Champion Hurdle odds table can be found further down this post).
Also on Friday, at Newbury, What A Friend a potential contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, failed to impress in the Grade 2 Aon Chase and was beaten a head by stablemate Noland, three quarters a length in front of third placed Fair Along in a driving finish.
What A Friend came on and off the bridle as the jockey tried to nurse his mount to the front when closing to challenge between the last two flights. Switching inside and out, Skelton was unable to put the eight-year-old’s head in front of his stablemate ridden by AP McCoy who held on with Fair Along closing with a final rally.
What A Friend was making his second racecourse appearance of the season and is still looking to get off the mark after being beaten fourteen-and-a-half lengths by Gold Cup favourite Imperial Commander at Haydock in November.
Speaking after the race, Paul Nicholls indicated that he was considering putting blinkers on for the Gold Cup: "What A Friend's run was adequate. He'll be better on better ground and I might just put a pair of blinkers on him in the Gold Cup.
At Ascot on Saturday, Riverside Theatre boosted his Cheltenham Festival claims with a win in the Betfair Ascot Chase.
Nicky Henderson's charge had previously finished runner-up to Long Run in the King George VI Chase and gave that form a real boost as he draw clear of 14/1 chance Gauvain to score by six lengths.
Pride of Dulcote was the winner's main market rival but he took a crashing fall at the eighth fence.
Riverside Theatre is currently best-price 7/1 for the Ryanair Chase next month.
"He quickened well. He ran in the Arkle last year but that was just a bit sharp for him and this trip is ideal for him/" said rider Barry Geraghty.
Henderson said: "We had a bit of a board meeting this afternoon because I didn't think that was his ground. He's learnt a lot in the jumping department and it's a good compliment to Long Run."
Riverside Theatre is entered in the Ryanair Chase over two miles and five furlongs at Cheltenham and Geraghty added: "He stays all day and it's much slower ground than it was at Kempton. I suppose the Ryanair could be a race for him but it's really up to Nicky."
It was later confirmed that the Paul Nicholls-trained Pride Of Dulcote who had been as short as 12/1 for the Gold Cup had broken a leg in his fall and had to be put down and Nicholls was obviously upset at the loss:
He said: "I believe he broke one of his hind legs and had to be put down. It's a real sickener."
Ryanair Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Also at Ascot on Saturday, Master Of The Hall cruised to success in the Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase.
Nicky Henderson’s talented chaser made light work of his task after his rivals seemed to blunder away their chances and connections of the horse will be hoping he can continue his good form in next month’s RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The bookies cut the potential superstar’s RSA Chase odds to best-price 20/1 and delighted winning jockey Barry Geraghty explained: "He got me there easy. He was maybe a little bit disappointing (at Cheltenham on New Year's Day) but he just wasn't 100% that day."
An equally thrilled Nicky Henderson explained: "In fairness, the main opposition made a hash of one on the back straight. He was really good from there and Barry said it's not often you get to have a school round in a Grade Two. He's had good bit of educating and three miles is helping him.
"The owners won't need persuading to go for the RSA and Burton Port who won this last year nearly won it, so we'll see. I wouldn't put anybody off it."
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, it was revealed by trainer Nick Williams on Saturday that Reve De Sivola will make his third Cheltenham Festival appearance in the Festival Handicap Chase and not the RSA Chase.
A dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles, Reve De Sivola finished sixth in the 2009 JCB Triumph Hurdle and second to Peddlers Cross in last year's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle.
The six-year-old has been switched to fences this season and posted a win over Wishfull Thinking at Cheltenham in December before running third to Hell's Bay and Medermit in the Grade 2 Tigmi Travel Dipper Novices' Chase last month.
Reve De Sivola holds entries in both the RSA, for which he was as short as 16/1 and the Jewson although Williams said the horse would not be lining up in either:
"He doesn't go for the RSA, he goes for the three mile handicap chase that used to be the William Hill Trophy. I think he's a stayer more than a middle distance horse and I think three miles will suit him better. His run against Wishfull Thinking is very encouraging."
Finally from Ascot this weekend, we witnessed a tremendous finish to the Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2), a race that has traditionally been a useful trial for the Champion Hurdle.
Victory went the way of Mille Chief, and his jockey Robert Thornton was very happy with the gelding's performance, however in seeing off Celestial Halo by just a nose, it doesn't look good enough form (on paper at least) to win the big one in March.
What was more pleasing however, was the way in which he travelled. As Overturn set a strong gallop, Thornton was content to let his mount work slowly into the race and it was clear from before the turn for home that he was travelling best. He moved into second before the second-last hurdle and moved through to challenge Celestial Halo for the lead before the final obstacle. He cleared the last flight well, but soon found himself in a dog-fight with his older and more experienced rival whom he beat by just a nose.
Bookmakers were understandably not too impressed, although a bigger field at Cheltenham is likely to suit, and with cover for longer, he is not a horse to underestimate. The runner-up ran his best race of the year, although it has been shown before that he isn't good enough to win a Champion Hurdle. Second in the 2009 renewal behind Punjabi, he may well go for the contest again after this showing.
The major disappointments of the race were the well-backed Silvinaco Conti and Overturn. The former tracked the pace throughout, but jockey Tony McCoy looked unhappy with how his mount was travelling before turning in. He was quickly left behind, and whilst McCoy looked after him once defeat was inevitable, it is hard to muster up any enthusiasm for the run despite conceding weight all-round. Similarly Overturn wasn't given a hard time, but the way he dropped out suggested that more may have been up with him than merely setting too strong a tempo. He wasn't as fluent at his hurdles as he has been and has something to prove after this run.
Meanwhile, while some are attempting to enhance burgeoning reputations for Cheltenham, others are attempting to restore theirs - none more so than another Champion Hurdle contender, Dunguib, who made his seasonal reappearance at Gowran Park on Saturday in the Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle.
Only third in the Supreme Novices' last season when considered by many the banker of the Festival, the eight-year-old then finished sixth behind Hurricane Fly at Punchestown in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle and hasn't been seen since last April.
Luska Lad and Gimli's Rock provided the opposition to Dunguib and Brian O'Connell just had to push Dunguib out from his main rival after the last to reinforce his Champion Hurdle credentials.
Bookmakers were quick to react, shortening the odds of last season's top novice for the Champion Hurdle, now just 10/1 in places though available at best-price 14/1 (William Hill).
Following months of trainer Philip Fenton having to be patient with his eight-year-old, who disappointed when third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival, he was clearly thrilled with the result, saying: "He's on the way now. It was always going to be a tactical race and he warmed up gradually. Hopefully he'll come on a fair bit for it.
"He's beginning to blossom. Two things need to be said, five weeks ago he was a sick horse and this was his first run of the season. He can only come on leaps and bounds."
Champion Hurdle leading contenders best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
The one other noteable Festival trial on Saturday was the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Haydock where Albert Bartlett favourite Court In Motion was sent off at odds-on to repeat his impressive victory at Cheltenham last month.
However, he had his colours lowered as outsider and recent Irish import Back In Focus ran out an easy winner from the odds-on favourite and sent his own odds tumbling for the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival.
It was a stunning reverse for Court In Motion, who had been imperious on his previous outing. But the Emma Lavelle-trained six-year-old had no answer to the driven finish Brian Hughes executed on the Howard Johnson-trained Back In Focus.
Hughes said: “He’s a big baby. He jumps really well. We know he loves the ground and he stays every yard of the trip. He’s beat some decent ones.”
The decision to throw Back In Focus straight into a Grade 2 on his British debut and his debut over hurdles clearly indicated stable confidence in the newcomer who came over from Ireland with a big reputation following a smart victory at Kilfeacle point-to-point last month, and by the time he finished six lengths clear of Court In Motion, that reputation will have grown enormously.
Hughes added: "I had a chat with [leading point-to-point rider] Derek O'Connor and he said he's one of the nicest he has ever ridden and he's a good judge."
Bookmaker reaction was to cut Back In Focus's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle odds to best-price 8/1 (William Hill) from around 66/1.
Court In Motion, meanwhile, was pushed out to best-price 10/1 (William Hill).
There may not be many takers at that price. Even accounting for heavy ground - which he handled last time out - Court In Motion was extremely disappointing, travelling strongly but finding nothing when tackled by Back In Focus.
Albert Bartlett Novices' Chase leading contenders best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Monday, 21 February 2011
Denman has wind operation
Denman, one of jump racing’s icons, has undergone a successful wind operation in the build-up to competing at his sixth consecutive Cheltenham Festival.
The 2007 RSA Chase and 2008 Gold Cup winner was operated on soon after he finished a typically courageous third in the Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury in November, and was returned to trainer Paul Nicholls within days of the surgery, carried out by veterinary specialist Geoff Lane.
Denman, runner-up to Imperial Commander in last year’s Gold Cup, had also been operated on for his wind earlier in his career and is currently best-price 7/1 third favourite for the 2011 renewal.
Owner Paul Barber said: “When Paul suggested him having a wind op, I was happy to have it done. It’s only a little operation, tweaking his wind but Paul thinks it might improve him a few pounds.
“He’s come up the hill at Ditcheat a few times without making a noise, so we’re happy with that.”
Nicholls is preparing a large team for an assault on the Cheltenham Festival and took four of his big hopes - Denman, Big Buck's, Poquelin and Ghizao for a racecourse gallop on Sunday morning.
"They all worked over 2m, going a nice steady gallop, then quickening up in the final furlong. All four went nicely, but it was not a serious gallop. It was just a nice trip out for them" said the Ditcheat handler.
Regarding Denman's performance, Nicholls added: "He went well this morning, and luckily that put Paul Barber, watching the gallop, in a good mood."
2011 Gold Cup leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
The 2007 RSA Chase and 2008 Gold Cup winner was operated on soon after he finished a typically courageous third in the Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury in November, and was returned to trainer Paul Nicholls within days of the surgery, carried out by veterinary specialist Geoff Lane.
Denman, runner-up to Imperial Commander in last year’s Gold Cup, had also been operated on for his wind earlier in his career and is currently best-price 7/1 third favourite for the 2011 renewal.
Owner Paul Barber said: “When Paul suggested him having a wind op, I was happy to have it done. It’s only a little operation, tweaking his wind but Paul thinks it might improve him a few pounds.
“He’s come up the hill at Ditcheat a few times without making a noise, so we’re happy with that.”
Nicholls is preparing a large team for an assault on the Cheltenham Festival and took four of his big hopes - Denman, Big Buck's, Poquelin and Ghizao for a racecourse gallop on Sunday morning.
"They all worked over 2m, going a nice steady gallop, then quickening up in the final furlong. All four went nicely, but it was not a serious gallop. It was just a nice trip out for them" said the Ditcheat handler.
Regarding Denman's performance, Nicholls added: "He went well this morning, and luckily that put Paul Barber, watching the gallop, in a good mood."
2011 Gold Cup leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Cue Card confirmed for Supreme Novices'
Colin Tizzard has confirmed his stable star Cue Card is an intended runner in the Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham rather than the Champion Hurdle.
The five-year-old was a scintillating winner of last season's Champion Bumper and impressed on his first two outings over obstacles.
He lost no caste in defeat when second to Menorah in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December and unless the Champion Hurdle picture changes dramatically, he will be back against novices on his return to the Festival.
"We had a chat with the owner on Tuesday morning and we've decided he's going to go for the Supreme," said Tizzard.
"We have left him in the Champion Hurdle, but that is just in case maybe three horses go wrong. Things could change but we are fully intending to go for the Supreme as things stand.
"We thought it was sensible to leave him in the Champion Hurdle, just to cover all options. He's doing lovely and we've been stepping up his work for the last fortnight. He's got three weeks of pretty strong stuff ahead of him now."
Cue Card is now generally 9/4 favourite for the traditional curtain raiser of the Festival, although is still available at best-price 5/2 at the time of writing.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, Tom Cooper has removed Forpadydeplasterer from this years' Cheltenham Festival - but his stable star still has a chance of making the Punchestown Festival.
Forpadydeplasterer was removed from the entries for the Ryanair, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gold Cup today after his journey to Kempton for the rescheduled King George VI Chase left a mark.
The Irish-trained winner of the Arkle in 2009 and runner-up in last year's Champion Chase was pulled up behind Long Run on January 15.
"He came back from Kempton a very sick horse and I think making the two trips to Kempton, first in December and then when the race was rearranged, put paid to him," said Cooper.
"I thought last week we were looking good for Cheltenham but I'd rather not take him over again so soon. I'll keep him over here for the rest of this season and hopefully he'll be ready to run at Punchestown."
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
The five-year-old was a scintillating winner of last season's Champion Bumper and impressed on his first two outings over obstacles.
He lost no caste in defeat when second to Menorah in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December and unless the Champion Hurdle picture changes dramatically, he will be back against novices on his return to the Festival.
"We had a chat with the owner on Tuesday morning and we've decided he's going to go for the Supreme," said Tizzard.
"We have left him in the Champion Hurdle, but that is just in case maybe three horses go wrong. Things could change but we are fully intending to go for the Supreme as things stand.
"We thought it was sensible to leave him in the Champion Hurdle, just to cover all options. He's doing lovely and we've been stepping up his work for the last fortnight. He's got three weeks of pretty strong stuff ahead of him now."
Cue Card is now generally 9/4 favourite for the traditional curtain raiser of the Festival, although is still available at best-price 5/2 at the time of writing.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, Tom Cooper has removed Forpadydeplasterer from this years' Cheltenham Festival - but his stable star still has a chance of making the Punchestown Festival.
Forpadydeplasterer was removed from the entries for the Ryanair, Queen Mother Champion Chase and Gold Cup today after his journey to Kempton for the rescheduled King George VI Chase left a mark.
The Irish-trained winner of the Arkle in 2009 and runner-up in last year's Champion Chase was pulled up behind Long Run on January 15.
"He came back from Kempton a very sick horse and I think making the two trips to Kempton, first in December and then when the race was rearranged, put paid to him," said Cooper.
"I thought last week we were looking good for Cheltenham but I'd rather not take him over again so soon. I'll keep him over here for the rest of this season and hopefully he'll be ready to run at Punchestown."
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Europe to take Champion Chase option
Last year's Arkle Chase winner Sizing Europe will contest the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at this year's Cheltenham Festival after being scratched from both the Ryanair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Sizing Europe, who raced over 2m last time out, has not won in four starts since completing a five-timer in the Arkle. He now looks set for a return to what many feel is his optimum trip.
Trainer Henry de Bromhead said on Monday: "Having talked things over with his owners, Ann and Alan Potts, and considered all the options, we've decided to run Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase."
The nine-year-old is currently best-price 16/1 which looks like great value for each-way backers because, in finishing in second place in last season's Champion Chase, Forpadydeplasterer became the 12th consecutive winner of the Arkle Trophy, which went to take its chance in the Queen Mother, to finish in the first three 12 months later.
The record of last season's Arkle Trophy winner in the Champion Chase is incredible - of that dozen, five that went on to complete the double the following season (Remittance Man, Klairon Davis, Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Voy Por Ustedes). For the record, the four runners-up joining Forpadydeplasterer were Waterloo Boy, Travado, Or Royal and Well Chief with Nakir and Flagship Uberalles filling third place.
Champion Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another horse to have his Festival target confirmed is last year's Champion Hurdle runner-up Khyber Kim who will bid to go one better in this year's renewal at the Cheltenham Festival after trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies confirmed he'll go for the race.
After a disappointing run on his seasonal reappearance in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton his Festival target was unclear but yesterday Twiston-Davies said: "He's going for the Champion Hurdle. I was slightly disappointed after Kempton but he blew hard afterwards. He wasn't beaten that far, he wasn't that bad, it was just his first run of the season and we'll have him right for the Champion Hurdle."
The nine-year-old is currently best-price 25/1 for the 2011 Champion Hurdle.
Champion Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another potential 2011 Champion Hurdle contender is Dunguib who is currently best-price 20/1 (Bet365) and trainer Philip Fenton has ruled the eight-year-old out of running in the Coral Cup.
Dunguib had been a general 14/1 second favourite for the Coral Cup after Fenton announced last month that the horse would be getting an entry in the handicap. However, this plan has been shelved.
He is set to run in Gowran's Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle on Saturday, with connections hoping for a good run to book his place in the Champion Hurdle. Fenton said: "The Coral Cup is not in the picture. The owners were not too keen on it. We'll see how he performs Saturday and that will give us a fair indication of where we're going."
Meanwhile, a decent card at Navan on Sunday provided some Festival points and yielded a Grade 2 double for trainer Colm Murphy whose Voler La Vedette took advantage of a drop in class to win the Boyne Hurdle.
The talented daughter of King's Theatre had been running with credit behind Huricane Fly and Solwhit lately and found this an easier assignment while the step up to 2m 5f for the first time in her career proved absolutely no problem to her.
From early in the straight she was clearly going best of all and she readily picked off Stonemaster after the last flight for an assured success over a game Rigour Back Bob. Her trainer hasn't completely ruled out a tilt at the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham in which she was third last year and another good showing there would be entirely possible - the seven-year-old is currently best-price 6/1 (Paddy Power) for the 2011 renewal.
Murphy then picked up the 3m Ten Up Novice Chase with Quito De La Roque who was recording his second Grade 2 success of the campaign. Already firmly established as a classy staying novice chaser, he looked to face a straight forward task and was much too strong for his opponents. It will be fascinating to see how he copes with drier ground later this season and he is a most proficient soft ground performer.
Conceding weight to his four rivals, Quito De La Roque travelled smoothly and jumped soundly for jockey Davy Russell and the pair eased into the lead as The Hurl tired at the top of the home straight.
It was then the simple matter of clearing the last three fences for the seven-year-old, who never looked in trouble as he cleared them all in masterful fashion and after clearing the last, Russell allowed the Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner to coast to the line.
Quito De La Roque's performance saw him cut to best-price 10/1 for the 4m National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month, whilst he is also as short as 12/1 for the RSA Chase, although available at a standout best-price 20/1 (Paddy Power) at the time of writing.
National Hunt Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Sizing Europe, who raced over 2m last time out, has not won in four starts since completing a five-timer in the Arkle. He now looks set for a return to what many feel is his optimum trip.
Trainer Henry de Bromhead said on Monday: "Having talked things over with his owners, Ann and Alan Potts, and considered all the options, we've decided to run Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase."
The nine-year-old is currently best-price 16/1 which looks like great value for each-way backers because, in finishing in second place in last season's Champion Chase, Forpadydeplasterer became the 12th consecutive winner of the Arkle Trophy, which went to take its chance in the Queen Mother, to finish in the first three 12 months later.
The record of last season's Arkle Trophy winner in the Champion Chase is incredible - of that dozen, five that went on to complete the double the following season (Remittance Man, Klairon Davis, Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Voy Por Ustedes). For the record, the four runners-up joining Forpadydeplasterer were Waterloo Boy, Travado, Or Royal and Well Chief with Nakir and Flagship Uberalles filling third place.
Champion Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another horse to have his Festival target confirmed is last year's Champion Hurdle runner-up Khyber Kim who will bid to go one better in this year's renewal at the Cheltenham Festival after trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies confirmed he'll go for the race.
After a disappointing run on his seasonal reappearance in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton his Festival target was unclear but yesterday Twiston-Davies said: "He's going for the Champion Hurdle. I was slightly disappointed after Kempton but he blew hard afterwards. He wasn't beaten that far, he wasn't that bad, it was just his first run of the season and we'll have him right for the Champion Hurdle."
The nine-year-old is currently best-price 25/1 for the 2011 Champion Hurdle.
Champion Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another potential 2011 Champion Hurdle contender is Dunguib who is currently best-price 20/1 (Bet365) and trainer Philip Fenton has ruled the eight-year-old out of running in the Coral Cup.
Dunguib had been a general 14/1 second favourite for the Coral Cup after Fenton announced last month that the horse would be getting an entry in the handicap. However, this plan has been shelved.
He is set to run in Gowran's Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle on Saturday, with connections hoping for a good run to book his place in the Champion Hurdle. Fenton said: "The Coral Cup is not in the picture. The owners were not too keen on it. We'll see how he performs Saturday and that will give us a fair indication of where we're going."
Meanwhile, a decent card at Navan on Sunday provided some Festival points and yielded a Grade 2 double for trainer Colm Murphy whose Voler La Vedette took advantage of a drop in class to win the Boyne Hurdle.
The talented daughter of King's Theatre had been running with credit behind Huricane Fly and Solwhit lately and found this an easier assignment while the step up to 2m 5f for the first time in her career proved absolutely no problem to her.
From early in the straight she was clearly going best of all and she readily picked off Stonemaster after the last flight for an assured success over a game Rigour Back Bob. Her trainer hasn't completely ruled out a tilt at the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham in which she was third last year and another good showing there would be entirely possible - the seven-year-old is currently best-price 6/1 (Paddy Power) for the 2011 renewal.
Murphy then picked up the 3m Ten Up Novice Chase with Quito De La Roque who was recording his second Grade 2 success of the campaign. Already firmly established as a classy staying novice chaser, he looked to face a straight forward task and was much too strong for his opponents. It will be fascinating to see how he copes with drier ground later this season and he is a most proficient soft ground performer.
Conceding weight to his four rivals, Quito De La Roque travelled smoothly and jumped soundly for jockey Davy Russell and the pair eased into the lead as The Hurl tired at the top of the home straight.
It was then the simple matter of clearing the last three fences for the seven-year-old, who never looked in trouble as he cleared them all in masterful fashion and after clearing the last, Russell allowed the Gigginstown House Stud-owned runner to coast to the line.
Quito De La Roque's performance saw him cut to best-price 10/1 for the 4m National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month, whilst he is also as short as 12/1 for the RSA Chase, although available at a standout best-price 20/1 (Paddy Power) at the time of writing.
National Hunt Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Tragedy mars crucial pre-Festival meeting
What promised to be a fantastic day's racing ahead of the Cheltenham Festival next month, turned to tragedy with the mysterious death of two horses (Fenix Two and Marching Song) in the paddock at Newbury yesterday, that led to the abandonment of one of racing's biggest jumps meetings of the year.
An investigation has been launched amid fears the horses were electrocuted by underground cabling and although the first race was run, a decision to call off racing was made at the 104-year-old course.
Trainer Nicky Henderson described yesterday's events as "horrific". Henderson, who saddled his 2,000th British jumps winner at Kempton on Friday and has been training for 33 years, added: "It was one of the most traumatic five minutes I think one can ever go through. This game we are in, is all about horses and everybody loves them."
The only race that took place at Newbury was a Novices' Hurdle won by Al Ferof by 15-lengths from the newcomer Oasis Knight. Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "We didn't learn any more about him from that but I was pleased. I'll have a chat to John Hales (owner) about targets."
Hales added: "It's a dilemma as to whether we go two miles or two and a half at Cheltenham."
The six-year-old was cut to as short as 12/1 for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (although still available at best-price 20/1 at the time of writing) and is also currently best-price 25/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
While a number of trainers, including Paul Nicholls, Alan King and Philip Hobbs, urged Newbury to re-arrange the abandoned six races with the Festival fast approaching, at Warwick Finian's Rainbow notched an important win.
However it wasn't the most impressive performance from leading Arkle Chase fancy, despite the official winning distance of 11 lengths. He was keen early on and made a slight mistake at the second fence, before a more serious one at the third. He winged the next but then fiddled the next and it's that pattern which won't instil confidence into those who already hold vouchers for the Arkle.
Despite the unconvincing nature of this victory, winning rider Andrew Tinkler was more than happy with his mount's effort:
"He learnt an awful lot," he said. "It probably wasn't the tidiest round, but the objective with Cheltenham in mind was to drop him in and not be so gung-ho."
Finian's Rainbow will attempt to become the third horse in the last 12 years to complete the Kingmaker/Arkle double next month, seeking to follow in the footsteps of Flagship Uberalles (1999) and Voy Por Ustedes (2006) and most bookmakers left the Arkle favourite unchanged in ante-post markets, for which he is as short as 7/2, although the Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old is only second-favourite with Ladbrokes who currently offer a standout 5/1.
Arkle Chase leader contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, in Ireland, at least two winners on yesterday's Leopardstown card emerged as a significant challengers for Cheltenham next month.
With its four Grade One events, this meeting always marks the moment when Irish punters start to crystallise their betting strategies for Cheltenham, and sift possible bankers from mere hopefuls.
In the first race Unaccompanied comfortably took the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle on her second start over hurdles, to advance to joint-favouritism for the Triumph Hurdle with some bookies.
The way that this strapping four-year-old filly cantered into contention before the last flight, and then ran on well to the line, reeked of class. She wasn't 100% fluent at all of her hurdles but she jumped fairly well in the main. However, it is worth noting that fillies haven't fared too well in the Triumph Hurdle since Mysilv and Snow Drop in the 90's.
The daughter of Danehill Dancer is now a best-price 8/1 for the extended two-mile novice contest and impressed trainer Dermot Weld, who is more accustomed to success at the highest level on the flat: "The Punchestown race she won was weak and she had to do what she did today. I told Paul to go and see if she stayed, he kicked on before the last as planned and she ran all the way to the line. She's got to be Triumph Hurdle bound after that."
The filly was lightly raced on the flat as a three-year-old, and after winning two modest contests at Galway and Killarney the horse ran a respectable race in the Irish Cambridgeshire, before embarking on a National Hunt career. Only Grandouet, at best-price 6/1, is a shorter price for the JCB sponsored contest, and in what looks a fairly weak renewal Unaccompanied is likely to go off much shorter than his current price on the day of the race.
Triumph Hurdle leader contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Oscars Well was equally impressive in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle. This race has fallen to the subsequent Festival winners Like-A-Butterfly and Brave Inca in the last 10 years, and also to the beaten "bankers" Aran Concerto and Dunguib. Willie Mullins's Zaidpour, sent off favourite at even-money, was expected to get his season back on track after defeat at 1/4 last time out, but he was starting to struggle after the second-last flight, and had no answer when Oscars Well cruised into contention on the turn for home.
"The market never seems to fancy mine, but it didn't matter," Jessica Harrington, Oscars Well's trainer, said. "We've always fancied him, quietly. He travelled really well, jumped well the whole way, and I couldn't believe how well he was travelling when Robbie [Power] pulled him out just before the last. He just went away under hands and heels."
Oscars Well was cut to best-price 7/1 for the Neptune, while Zaidpour is now as big as 14/1 the Supreme Novices' (see odds tables above).
Harrington was completing a Grade One double after Bostons Angel beat Magnanimity and another Mullins-trained favourite, Mikael D'Haguenet, in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.
It was certainly a race of incident, with Quel Esprit taking a crashing fall three fences from home. Having been front rank throughout, he was the first of the leading trio to come under pressure and although proven over further, and certainly capable of rallying, it's fair to say that he was starting to look vulnerable.
His fall had a secondary impact on the race however, as he interrupted Mikael D'Haguenet's progress. Having been deliberate at the first few fences, he continued to jump out to his right throughout the race but to his credit he managed to drag himself back into contention turning for home. However he looked a tired horse late on and once again a poor jump at the last (when out of contention) was always on the cards, especially after losing several lengths when his stablemate fell.
Back to the horses who dominated the finish however, and it was a terrific battle. Both had been prominent throughout, but a good jump at the last fence from Bostons Angel saw him back in-front and he ran on all the way to the line. It appeared with 50 yards to run that he might get overhauled on the line by Magnanimity, but he deserved this win and looks a major player for the RSA at Cheltenham. The runner-up falls into that bracket as well, and his sturdy and sure-footed jumping is a major asset. He wouldn't be the flashiest, but he looks as solid as a rock and he boosts the claim of Jessies Dream (who he beat last time) for similar targets.
Bostons Angels is now as short as 10/1 for the RSA Chase, although available at a standout 25/1 with Victor Chandler at the time of writing, whilst Mikael D'Haguenet, a former Festival winner over hurdles, is still as short as 12/1 for the same race despite having failed to win in three starts over fences to date - although Stan James currently offer a standout 20/1.
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Mullins rescued his afternoon when Kempes took the Hennessy Gold Cup, and while he is a best-price 16/1 outsider for next month's Gold Cup, there was enough in this display to suggest that a place in the first three is not beyond him.
Ground was not expected to suit Kempes, but he travelled easily in mid-division and made smooth progress towards the leaders after jumping the third-last. He had too much speed for his rivals after the last, and should probably do better still if the going at Cheltenham is good.
"The surprises are the best ones, aren't they?" Mullins said. "I'm delighted for the owner [JP McManus] and especially for David Casey, he gave it a terrific ride. I just asked him to go out and get him jumping around and if he had any chance after that, to take it.
"David knew that if he got around he would have more speed than any of the rest, so tactically he said to me he even got there too soon. I'd imagine now that we have to go across for the Gold Cup. That will be the next plan and the better ground over there will suit him too.
Cheltenham Gold Cup leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
An investigation has been launched amid fears the horses were electrocuted by underground cabling and although the first race was run, a decision to call off racing was made at the 104-year-old course.
Trainer Nicky Henderson described yesterday's events as "horrific". Henderson, who saddled his 2,000th British jumps winner at Kempton on Friday and has been training for 33 years, added: "It was one of the most traumatic five minutes I think one can ever go through. This game we are in, is all about horses and everybody loves them."
The only race that took place at Newbury was a Novices' Hurdle won by Al Ferof by 15-lengths from the newcomer Oasis Knight. Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "We didn't learn any more about him from that but I was pleased. I'll have a chat to John Hales (owner) about targets."
Hales added: "It's a dilemma as to whether we go two miles or two and a half at Cheltenham."
The six-year-old was cut to as short as 12/1 for the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (although still available at best-price 20/1 at the time of writing) and is also currently best-price 25/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
While a number of trainers, including Paul Nicholls, Alan King and Philip Hobbs, urged Newbury to re-arrange the abandoned six races with the Festival fast approaching, at Warwick Finian's Rainbow notched an important win.
However it wasn't the most impressive performance from leading Arkle Chase fancy, despite the official winning distance of 11 lengths. He was keen early on and made a slight mistake at the second fence, before a more serious one at the third. He winged the next but then fiddled the next and it's that pattern which won't instil confidence into those who already hold vouchers for the Arkle.
Despite the unconvincing nature of this victory, winning rider Andrew Tinkler was more than happy with his mount's effort:
"He learnt an awful lot," he said. "It probably wasn't the tidiest round, but the objective with Cheltenham in mind was to drop him in and not be so gung-ho."
Finian's Rainbow will attempt to become the third horse in the last 12 years to complete the Kingmaker/Arkle double next month, seeking to follow in the footsteps of Flagship Uberalles (1999) and Voy Por Ustedes (2006) and most bookmakers left the Arkle favourite unchanged in ante-post markets, for which he is as short as 7/2, although the Nicky Henderson-trained eight-year-old is only second-favourite with Ladbrokes who currently offer a standout 5/1.
Arkle Chase leader contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, in Ireland, at least two winners on yesterday's Leopardstown card emerged as a significant challengers for Cheltenham next month.
With its four Grade One events, this meeting always marks the moment when Irish punters start to crystallise their betting strategies for Cheltenham, and sift possible bankers from mere hopefuls.
In the first race Unaccompanied comfortably took the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle on her second start over hurdles, to advance to joint-favouritism for the Triumph Hurdle with some bookies.
The way that this strapping four-year-old filly cantered into contention before the last flight, and then ran on well to the line, reeked of class. She wasn't 100% fluent at all of her hurdles but she jumped fairly well in the main. However, it is worth noting that fillies haven't fared too well in the Triumph Hurdle since Mysilv and Snow Drop in the 90's.
The daughter of Danehill Dancer is now a best-price 8/1 for the extended two-mile novice contest and impressed trainer Dermot Weld, who is more accustomed to success at the highest level on the flat: "The Punchestown race she won was weak and she had to do what she did today. I told Paul to go and see if she stayed, he kicked on before the last as planned and she ran all the way to the line. She's got to be Triumph Hurdle bound after that."
The filly was lightly raced on the flat as a three-year-old, and after winning two modest contests at Galway and Killarney the horse ran a respectable race in the Irish Cambridgeshire, before embarking on a National Hunt career. Only Grandouet, at best-price 6/1, is a shorter price for the JCB sponsored contest, and in what looks a fairly weak renewal Unaccompanied is likely to go off much shorter than his current price on the day of the race.
Triumph Hurdle leader contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Oscars Well was equally impressive in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle. This race has fallen to the subsequent Festival winners Like-A-Butterfly and Brave Inca in the last 10 years, and also to the beaten "bankers" Aran Concerto and Dunguib. Willie Mullins's Zaidpour, sent off favourite at even-money, was expected to get his season back on track after defeat at 1/4 last time out, but he was starting to struggle after the second-last flight, and had no answer when Oscars Well cruised into contention on the turn for home.
"The market never seems to fancy mine, but it didn't matter," Jessica Harrington, Oscars Well's trainer, said. "We've always fancied him, quietly. He travelled really well, jumped well the whole way, and I couldn't believe how well he was travelling when Robbie [Power] pulled him out just before the last. He just went away under hands and heels."
Oscars Well was cut to best-price 7/1 for the Neptune, while Zaidpour is now as big as 14/1 the Supreme Novices' (see odds tables above).
Harrington was completing a Grade One double after Bostons Angel beat Magnanimity and another Mullins-trained favourite, Mikael D'Haguenet, in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase.
It was certainly a race of incident, with Quel Esprit taking a crashing fall three fences from home. Having been front rank throughout, he was the first of the leading trio to come under pressure and although proven over further, and certainly capable of rallying, it's fair to say that he was starting to look vulnerable.
His fall had a secondary impact on the race however, as he interrupted Mikael D'Haguenet's progress. Having been deliberate at the first few fences, he continued to jump out to his right throughout the race but to his credit he managed to drag himself back into contention turning for home. However he looked a tired horse late on and once again a poor jump at the last (when out of contention) was always on the cards, especially after losing several lengths when his stablemate fell.
Back to the horses who dominated the finish however, and it was a terrific battle. Both had been prominent throughout, but a good jump at the last fence from Bostons Angel saw him back in-front and he ran on all the way to the line. It appeared with 50 yards to run that he might get overhauled on the line by Magnanimity, but he deserved this win and looks a major player for the RSA at Cheltenham. The runner-up falls into that bracket as well, and his sturdy and sure-footed jumping is a major asset. He wouldn't be the flashiest, but he looks as solid as a rock and he boosts the claim of Jessies Dream (who he beat last time) for similar targets.
Bostons Angels is now as short as 10/1 for the RSA Chase, although available at a standout 25/1 with Victor Chandler at the time of writing, whilst Mikael D'Haguenet, a former Festival winner over hurdles, is still as short as 12/1 for the same race despite having failed to win in three starts over fences to date - although Stan James currently offer a standout 20/1.
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Mullins rescued his afternoon when Kempes took the Hennessy Gold Cup, and while he is a best-price 16/1 outsider for next month's Gold Cup, there was enough in this display to suggest that a place in the first three is not beyond him.
Ground was not expected to suit Kempes, but he travelled easily in mid-division and made smooth progress towards the leaders after jumping the third-last. He had too much speed for his rivals after the last, and should probably do better still if the going at Cheltenham is good.
"The surprises are the best ones, aren't they?" Mullins said. "I'm delighted for the owner [JP McManus] and especially for David Casey, he gave it a terrific ride. I just asked him to go out and get him jumping around and if he had any chance after that, to take it.
"David knew that if he got around he would have more speed than any of the rest, so tactically he said to me he even got there too soon. I'd imagine now that we have to go across for the Gold Cup. That will be the next plan and the better ground over there will suit him too.
Cheltenham Gold Cup leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
A Media Luz aimed at Fred Winter Hurdle
The exciting A Media Luz went some way to restoring her reputation when she strolled home in a juvenile hurdle at Huntingdon today.
However, punters considering her as a possible JCB Triumph Hurdle winner will have to rethink their views with trainer Nicky Henderson keen to run the Kelvin Hughes-owned filly in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, for which she is as short as 5/1 favourite, although currently available at best-price 8/1.
She was also shortened for the Triumph, but Henderson said: "We'll see what the handicapper does, but I don't really want to run her in the Triumph.
"The Fred Winter has always been the plan and I'm worried she looked impressive today as I don't think it was a good race. I hope the handicapper sees that."
Henderson also trains Triumph favourite Grandouet, who beat A Media Luz at Newbury in December.
"I think the Fred Winter is her best chance," Henderson added. "Grandouet has already beaten her comfortably and I think that says it all. There was no reason to doubt what he did at Newbury."
Always held in high regard by Henderson, A Media Luz, placed at Group 3 level on the Flat in France, was beaten on her first two British starts and fell last time when in contention at Kempton.
However, ridden by Barry Geraghty, she travelled strongly on this occasion and eased to a comfortable victory from Pantxoa.
Fred Winter Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another winner at Huntingdon today was Cork All Star, who already has a Festival success on his CV, and he could return to Prestbury Park to bid for more glory after today's success in a hunter chase. The 2007 Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner is now as short as 7/1 for the Christie's Foxhunter Chase, although is available at a standout 12/1 with William Hill.
Foxhunter Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Also today, Brampour staked his JCB Triumph Hurdle claim with a convincing victory in the Bravo Company 40 Cdo Royal Marines Maiden Hurdle at Taunton.
In an incident-packed race which saw two fallers at the last hurdle, the winner made several mistakes throughout, but jockey Harry Skelton looked to have matters in hand before the drama unfurled.
"It was good for him to get his head in front and he has obviously improved from his last run," said Skelton.
"I don't know how strong the race was but he stayed on from the last and did it well.
He was running over a mile and seven (furlongs) on the Flat, so he is a horse who obviously stays well and he was just getting going after the last really."
Well thought of by trainer Paul Nicholls, Brampour was cut to 10/1 (from 16) by Ladbrokes, however other bookmakers were less impressed and the four-year-old was still available with some at best-price 16/1 at the time of writing.
Triumph Hurdle leading contenders best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
The other noteable market mover today was Wayward Prince, who was cut from 16/1 for the RSA Chase to best-price 12/1. The Ian Williams-trained seven-year-old's Cheltenham Festival credentials were boosted last weekend when he maintained his unbeaten record over fences by winning the Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby, despite hitting a flat spot in the second circuit.
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, Cheltenham Festival regular Garde Champetre confirmed his well-being ahead of next month's meeting when readily justifying favouritism in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Punchestown yesterday.
Held up in rear in testing conditions on the Bank Course, the Enda Bolger trained twelve-year-old was gradually eased into contention by regular pilot Nina Carberry, before picking up Lord Nellerie between the final two fences and being ridden out to score a shade cosily.
Frank Berry, owner JP McManus' racing manager, said: "Garde Champetre got the job done but wasn't as sharp as usual. He isn't getting younger but jumped adequately and while we'll see how he comes out of this, the Cross Country race at Cheltenham will be his next step."
Garde Champetre relinquished his Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase crown at the Festival last year having landed the prestigious prize in 2008 and 2009.
Cross Country Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Saturday's Totesport Trophy at Newbury will almost inevitably offer some more Cheltenham clues - the race has been the most significant handicap in terms of featuring Cheltenham Festival winners the following month, Spirit River being the latest when winning last year's Coral Cup at 14/1, having finished 17th at Newbury following a terrible mistake at the third-last flight when travelling strongly.
Spirit River became the 11th Festival winner to have contested the Totesport Trophy from its last 20 runnings. Keep a note of any top-four finisher on Saturday, as seven of those then made the frame or won at Cheltenham, with Make A Stand and Spirit Leader following up their Newbury successes with another at the Festival, in the Champion Hurdle and Coral Cup respectively. Of those 11 Festival winners to run in the Totesport Trophy, six won the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle, three took the Coral Cup and two went on to win the Champion Hurdle.
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
However, punters considering her as a possible JCB Triumph Hurdle winner will have to rethink their views with trainer Nicky Henderson keen to run the Kelvin Hughes-owned filly in the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, for which she is as short as 5/1 favourite, although currently available at best-price 8/1.
She was also shortened for the Triumph, but Henderson said: "We'll see what the handicapper does, but I don't really want to run her in the Triumph.
"The Fred Winter has always been the plan and I'm worried she looked impressive today as I don't think it was a good race. I hope the handicapper sees that."
Henderson also trains Triumph favourite Grandouet, who beat A Media Luz at Newbury in December.
"I think the Fred Winter is her best chance," Henderson added. "Grandouet has already beaten her comfortably and I think that says it all. There was no reason to doubt what he did at Newbury."
Always held in high regard by Henderson, A Media Luz, placed at Group 3 level on the Flat in France, was beaten on her first two British starts and fell last time when in contention at Kempton.
However, ridden by Barry Geraghty, she travelled strongly on this occasion and eased to a comfortable victory from Pantxoa.
Fred Winter Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Another winner at Huntingdon today was Cork All Star, who already has a Festival success on his CV, and he could return to Prestbury Park to bid for more glory after today's success in a hunter chase. The 2007 Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner is now as short as 7/1 for the Christie's Foxhunter Chase, although is available at a standout 12/1 with William Hill.
Foxhunter Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Also today, Brampour staked his JCB Triumph Hurdle claim with a convincing victory in the Bravo Company 40 Cdo Royal Marines Maiden Hurdle at Taunton.
In an incident-packed race which saw two fallers at the last hurdle, the winner made several mistakes throughout, but jockey Harry Skelton looked to have matters in hand before the drama unfurled.
"It was good for him to get his head in front and he has obviously improved from his last run," said Skelton.
"I don't know how strong the race was but he stayed on from the last and did it well.
He was running over a mile and seven (furlongs) on the Flat, so he is a horse who obviously stays well and he was just getting going after the last really."
Well thought of by trainer Paul Nicholls, Brampour was cut to 10/1 (from 16) by Ladbrokes, however other bookmakers were less impressed and the four-year-old was still available with some at best-price 16/1 at the time of writing.
Triumph Hurdle leading contenders best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
The other noteable market mover today was Wayward Prince, who was cut from 16/1 for the RSA Chase to best-price 12/1. The Ian Williams-trained seven-year-old's Cheltenham Festival credentials were boosted last weekend when he maintained his unbeaten record over fences by winning the Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby, despite hitting a flat spot in the second circuit.
RSA Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Meanwhile, Cheltenham Festival regular Garde Champetre confirmed his well-being ahead of next month's meeting when readily justifying favouritism in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Punchestown yesterday.
Held up in rear in testing conditions on the Bank Course, the Enda Bolger trained twelve-year-old was gradually eased into contention by regular pilot Nina Carberry, before picking up Lord Nellerie between the final two fences and being ridden out to score a shade cosily.
Frank Berry, owner JP McManus' racing manager, said: "Garde Champetre got the job done but wasn't as sharp as usual. He isn't getting younger but jumped adequately and while we'll see how he comes out of this, the Cross Country race at Cheltenham will be his next step."
Garde Champetre relinquished his Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase crown at the Festival last year having landed the prestigious prize in 2008 and 2009.
Cross Country Chase leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Saturday's Totesport Trophy at Newbury will almost inevitably offer some more Cheltenham clues - the race has been the most significant handicap in terms of featuring Cheltenham Festival winners the following month, Spirit River being the latest when winning last year's Coral Cup at 14/1, having finished 17th at Newbury following a terrible mistake at the third-last flight when travelling strongly.
Spirit River became the 11th Festival winner to have contested the Totesport Trophy from its last 20 runnings. Keep a note of any top-four finisher on Saturday, as seven of those then made the frame or won at Cheltenham, with Make A Stand and Spirit Leader following up their Newbury successes with another at the Festival, in the Champion Hurdle and Coral Cup respectively. Of those 11 Festival winners to run in the Totesport Trophy, six won the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle, three took the Coral Cup and two went on to win the Champion Hurdle.
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Hughes keen on Tidal chance
Jockey Brian Hughes is confident mercurial talent Tidal Bay can make his presence felt in next month's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The 10-year-old came from the clouds to chase home Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November and again looked likely to be tailed off at one stage in Cheltenham's Argento Chase.
However, he again consented to run on in the home straight to finish a close second behind Neptune Collonges and his big-race jockey feels the stronger pace he should get in the Gold Cup will bring out the best in him.
"Tidal is in great form and we're looking forward to Cheltenham," Hughes said.
"It's great for me to have a ride in such a big race and to have the ride on a horse with a lot of ability. Everyone calls him names but tell me another horse who can give Imperial Commander 20 lengths and catch him?
"I felt the last day had they gone a bit quicker, I'd have won. The Paul Nicholls horse (Neptune Collonges) was tired at the finish and he had it all his own way early on.
"No disrespect to Mon Mome and Carruthers, but they were third and fourth in the Gold Cup last year and Tidal Bay has more ability than the two of them put together.
"It's a Gold Cup and I'm sure they'll go a good gallop. We'll drop in behind them and hunt away and we deserve to be there. Hopefully we'll be staying on at the end."
2011 Gold Cup best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
The 10-year-old came from the clouds to chase home Imperial Commander in the Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November and again looked likely to be tailed off at one stage in Cheltenham's Argento Chase.
However, he again consented to run on in the home straight to finish a close second behind Neptune Collonges and his big-race jockey feels the stronger pace he should get in the Gold Cup will bring out the best in him.
"Tidal is in great form and we're looking forward to Cheltenham," Hughes said.
"It's great for me to have a ride in such a big race and to have the ride on a horse with a lot of ability. Everyone calls him names but tell me another horse who can give Imperial Commander 20 lengths and catch him?
"I felt the last day had they gone a bit quicker, I'd have won. The Paul Nicholls horse (Neptune Collonges) was tired at the finish and he had it all his own way early on.
"No disrespect to Mon Mome and Carruthers, but they were third and fourth in the Gold Cup last year and Tidal Bay has more ability than the two of them put together.
"It's a Gold Cup and I'm sure they'll go a good gallop. We'll drop in behind them and hunt away and we deserve to be there. Hopefully we'll be staying on at the end."
2011 Gold Cup best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Tidal Bay finished 4th in the 2009 Ryanair Chase, won by Imperial Commander
McCoy still in Big Buck's camp
Tony McCoy believes Big Buck's is still the one to beat in the World Hurdle next month, despite Grands Crus' impressive win in the Cleeve Hurdle.
The champion jockey has been lucky enough to partner Paul Nicholls' dual World Hurdle winner in both of his races this season in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh.
Andy Stewart's eight-year-old has not come off the bridle in maintaining his unbeaten record over timber in England, but plenty of judges have suggested he will face his stiffest test next next month against David Pipe's exciting youngster.
However, McCoy believes the grey's free-running style could be a disadvantage at the Festival:
"To me, if you look at the best stayers, they always race behind the bridle. Horses like (dual winner) Baracouda and (three-time winner) Inglis Drever never travelled through their races the way Grands Crus did in the Cleeve Hurdle.
"I could be wrong, but he'd have to be some horse to have enough in reserve to beat Big Buck's."
The form of Grands Crus was given a boost at Carlisle yesterday as Knockara Beau won the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle off top-weight.
Grands Crus shot towards the head of the betting for the World Hurdle with an imperious display in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and Knockara Beau came home best of the rest.
The 21lb extra that Knockara Beau was carrying yesterday was not enough to stop the eight-year-old in the Pertemps qualifier and gives supporters of Grands Crus, his ten-length conqueror in the Cleeve Hurdle, reason to be cheerful.
Knockara Beau will now head for the Pertemps Final at the Festival. His trainer George Charlton had considered reverting back to the larger obstacles with his stable star but has had a change of heart:
"He'll go for the Pertemps Final. After his last run we thought this would be the best route and he did it well with his big weight. He knows his way round Cheltenham and the chases look pretty hot so we'll go for the hurdle."
World Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Pertemps Final leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
The champion jockey has been lucky enough to partner Paul Nicholls' dual World Hurdle winner in both of his races this season in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh.
Andy Stewart's eight-year-old has not come off the bridle in maintaining his unbeaten record over timber in England, but plenty of judges have suggested he will face his stiffest test next next month against David Pipe's exciting youngster.
However, McCoy believes the grey's free-running style could be a disadvantage at the Festival:
"To me, if you look at the best stayers, they always race behind the bridle. Horses like (dual winner) Baracouda and (three-time winner) Inglis Drever never travelled through their races the way Grands Crus did in the Cleeve Hurdle.
"I could be wrong, but he'd have to be some horse to have enough in reserve to beat Big Buck's."
The form of Grands Crus was given a boost at Carlisle yesterday as Knockara Beau won the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle off top-weight.
Grands Crus shot towards the head of the betting for the World Hurdle with an imperious display in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and Knockara Beau came home best of the rest.
The 21lb extra that Knockara Beau was carrying yesterday was not enough to stop the eight-year-old in the Pertemps qualifier and gives supporters of Grands Crus, his ten-length conqueror in the Cleeve Hurdle, reason to be cheerful.
Knockara Beau will now head for the Pertemps Final at the Festival. His trainer George Charlton had considered reverting back to the larger obstacles with his stable star but has had a change of heart:
"He'll go for the Pertemps Final. After his last run we thought this would be the best route and he did it well with his big weight. He knows his way round Cheltenham and the chases look pretty hot so we'll go for the hurdle."
World Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Pertemps Final leading contender best-price odds:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Big Buck's is currently best-price evens for the 2011 World Hurdle
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Mullins reveals Festival plans for novice pair
So Young is being be aimed at the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Festival after an easy victory at Punchestown today confirmed him as a horse with a big future.
The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old, who is best-price 11/1 (Stan James) for the Neptune, is likely to be kept apart from stablemate Zaidpour, who the trainer said is set to be aimed at the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, for which he is now best-price 7/1 (Bet365).
Zaidpour is set to run in Saturday's Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and Mullins said: "We'll keep our options open and see what happens on Saturday, but my feeling is So Young will go for the Neptune and Zaidpour will go for the Supreme."
Mullins added: "So Young shows more on the track than at home. It looked like he had plenty of gears there."
Two horses than won't be heading to the Festival this year are last year's impressive Coral Cup winner, Spirit River, and Champion Bumper fancy Bold Optimist.
Spirit River fell on both his starts over fences this season before disappointing behind Grands Crus when reverting to hurdles last time out. He held an entry for the World Hurdle and was as short as 25/1 for the race.
Trainer Nicky Henderson revealed today that he won't be running at the Festival this year: "He's not going to win a World Hurdle and his two runs over fences have ended in falls. I still think he's a chaser in the making and there is no point in losing your novice status at this time of year."
Bold Optimist, disputing favouritism at 10/1 for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, will also miss the Festival.
The five-year-old's trainer Gordon Elliott said: "Unfortunately, Bold Optimist has had a slight setback and won't make the bumper at Cheltenham. He's a horse we think a lot of and we're already looking forward to him going hurdling next season."
The Patrick Gleeson-owned son of Oscar has raced only once, justifying favouritism when landing a bumper by two and a half lengths at Leopardstown in December.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-prices:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-prices:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old, who is best-price 11/1 (Stan James) for the Neptune, is likely to be kept apart from stablemate Zaidpour, who the trainer said is set to be aimed at the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, for which he is now best-price 7/1 (Bet365).
Zaidpour is set to run in Saturday's Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown and Mullins said: "We'll keep our options open and see what happens on Saturday, but my feeling is So Young will go for the Neptune and Zaidpour will go for the Supreme."
Mullins added: "So Young shows more on the track than at home. It looked like he had plenty of gears there."
Two horses than won't be heading to the Festival this year are last year's impressive Coral Cup winner, Spirit River, and Champion Bumper fancy Bold Optimist.
Spirit River fell on both his starts over fences this season before disappointing behind Grands Crus when reverting to hurdles last time out. He held an entry for the World Hurdle and was as short as 25/1 for the race.
Trainer Nicky Henderson revealed today that he won't be running at the Festival this year: "He's not going to win a World Hurdle and his two runs over fences have ended in falls. I still think he's a chaser in the making and there is no point in losing your novice status at this time of year."
Bold Optimist, disputing favouritism at 10/1 for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, will also miss the Festival.
The five-year-old's trainer Gordon Elliott said: "Unfortunately, Bold Optimist has had a slight setback and won't make the bumper at Cheltenham. He's a horse we think a lot of and we're already looking forward to him going hurdling next season."
The Patrick Gleeson-owned son of Oscar has raced only once, justifying favouritism when landing a bumper by two and a half lengths at Leopardstown in December.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-prices:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle leading contender best-prices:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Zaidpour is second favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Menorah primed for Champion Hurdle bid
Menorah was described by his trainer, Philip Hobbs, yesterday as "one of those few horses where there's no faults" as the six-year-old continued his preparation for the Champion Hurdle next month with a "brilliant" piece of work on the gallops.
Menorah, winner of the 2010 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is one of a significant number of Cheltenham Festival contenders who will line up without a previous outing in 2011, and he has done so well since winning the International Hurdle in early December that Hobbs has already accelerated his exercise programme with just under five weeks left until the Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Festival meeting.
"He worked brilliantly this morning," Hobbs said. "We've stepped up his work earlier than anticipated due to the fact that he's put on a bit of condition having had an easy time in December. That is a good fault as I'd much rather have him that way so that we can now work him hard and get him fitter and better.
"I couldn't be more happy with him and I think there's still room for improvement but this is surely one of the best Champion Hurdles we've had for some time. Menorah is one of those few horses where there's no faults. He's got the most fantastic temperament, he works well and enjoys his work on a daily basis.
"He's still a potential improver and the worst situation, which isn't too bad, is that he gets beaten in the Champion Hurdle and then we go novice chasing next year."
The six-year-old is one of the horses included in a treble in our ante-post Cheltenham Festival tips this year and is best-price 5/1 (888sport and Paddy Power) for the Champion Hurdle.
Alternatively he can be backed at 9/2 with race sponsors Stan James who are currently offering four places instead of three for each-way backers (offer ends at noon on 28th February).
When asked to single out a rival he fears most Hobbs added: "They are all potentially very good but if I had to have one not to run against in the Champion Hurdle I suppose it would be Peddler's Cross."
Champion Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Hobbs also revealed that would not be against running his classy duo Captain Chris and Wishfull Thinking against each other in the new Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival.
Captain Chris filled the runner-up spot for the third successive time when narrowly held by Medermit at Sandown on Saturday, while Wishfull Thinking impressed in a Cheltenham handicap on his latest start.
"We wouldn't mind running the two in the same race and I think the fact that they're in the same ownership actually makes it easier," said Hobbs.
"What you don't want in any race really is to finish first and second with different owners, so that the second owner is beaten by his own stable.
"I think it's going to have to be very soft to run Captain Chris in the Arkle, but Richard Johnson (jockey) probably disagrees with me as he thinks he could be equally effective in either race.
"I'm learning towards the two-and-a-half-mile race (Jewson) for Captain Chris and if the ground was good, Wishfull Thinking would go for the RSA. But if it's soft, he would run in the Jewson as well."
Hobbs has no intention of trying Captain Chris at a lesser level in order to get his head in front as he is quite happy for him to remain a novice for next season if that is how things pan out.
The trainer continued: "We decided a while ago that we're only going to run Captain Chris in these high-class novice chases. We could have gone for an ordinary novice chase somewhere rather than run in the Scilly Isles on Saturday and he would have won.
"But he only had his first race a year ago and he'd probably be the best novice chaser in the country next season if he's still a novice. If he doesn't win a race this year, he doesn't - but I hope he's got a very good chance at Cheltenham.
"He had the breathing operation early in December and he might have just lacked fitness at Newbury when he was second. He might run in the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton (February 26)."
Jewson Novices' Chase leading contender best-prices:
RSA Chase leading contender best-prices:
These tables display the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Menorah, winner of the 2010 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, is one of a significant number of Cheltenham Festival contenders who will line up without a previous outing in 2011, and he has done so well since winning the International Hurdle in early December that Hobbs has already accelerated his exercise programme with just under five weeks left until the Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Festival meeting.
"He worked brilliantly this morning," Hobbs said. "We've stepped up his work earlier than anticipated due to the fact that he's put on a bit of condition having had an easy time in December. That is a good fault as I'd much rather have him that way so that we can now work him hard and get him fitter and better.
"I couldn't be more happy with him and I think there's still room for improvement but this is surely one of the best Champion Hurdles we've had for some time. Menorah is one of those few horses where there's no faults. He's got the most fantastic temperament, he works well and enjoys his work on a daily basis.
"He's still a potential improver and the worst situation, which isn't too bad, is that he gets beaten in the Champion Hurdle and then we go novice chasing next year."
The six-year-old is one of the horses included in a treble in our ante-post Cheltenham Festival tips this year and is best-price 5/1 (888sport and Paddy Power) for the Champion Hurdle.
Alternatively he can be backed at 9/2 with race sponsors Stan James who are currently offering four places instead of three for each-way backers (offer ends at noon on 28th February).
When asked to single out a rival he fears most Hobbs added: "They are all potentially very good but if I had to have one not to run against in the Champion Hurdle I suppose it would be Peddler's Cross."
Champion Hurdle leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
Hobbs also revealed that would not be against running his classy duo Captain Chris and Wishfull Thinking against each other in the new Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival.
Captain Chris filled the runner-up spot for the third successive time when narrowly held by Medermit at Sandown on Saturday, while Wishfull Thinking impressed in a Cheltenham handicap on his latest start.
"We wouldn't mind running the two in the same race and I think the fact that they're in the same ownership actually makes it easier," said Hobbs.
"What you don't want in any race really is to finish first and second with different owners, so that the second owner is beaten by his own stable.
"I think it's going to have to be very soft to run Captain Chris in the Arkle, but Richard Johnson (jockey) probably disagrees with me as he thinks he could be equally effective in either race.
"I'm learning towards the two-and-a-half-mile race (Jewson) for Captain Chris and if the ground was good, Wishfull Thinking would go for the RSA. But if it's soft, he would run in the Jewson as well."
Hobbs has no intention of trying Captain Chris at a lesser level in order to get his head in front as he is quite happy for him to remain a novice for next season if that is how things pan out.
The trainer continued: "We decided a while ago that we're only going to run Captain Chris in these high-class novice chases. We could have gone for an ordinary novice chase somewhere rather than run in the Scilly Isles on Saturday and he would have won.
"But he only had his first race a year ago and he'd probably be the best novice chaser in the country next season if he's still a novice. If he doesn't win a race this year, he doesn't - but I hope he's got a very good chance at Cheltenham.
"He had the breathing operation early in December and he might have just lacked fitness at Newbury when he was second. He might run in the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton (February 26)."
Jewson Novices' Chase leading contender best-prices:
RSA Chase leading contender best-prices:
These tables display the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | Will Hill £25 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
For all the latest bookmakers free bets & Cheltenham Festival special offers click here.
Trainer Philip Hobbs is very pleased with the progress being made by his Champion Hurdle hope Menorah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)