2017/18 Jumps Issue 18 - latest scores and news

Headline

Great  Field lands Navan

Report

At Navan  last Friday in the 2m grade 2 chase, Great Field  ( Tony), went to post, Made all at strong pace, clear for much, reduced advantage at last, pushed along run-in, stayed on well winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 33.2 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    March   Total

Steve                     312  .5        903.14

Cliff                          129.9        807

Martin                     1115.3       790.8

Tony                    290             732.8

Peej                    139.3             700

Cod                      102.1           536.6

Neil                      129.9          494.5

Bob                    90.4            379

 News

Colin Tizzard has not ruled out the prospect of giving Cue Card the chance to bounce back from his disappointing Cheltenham Festival defeat.

Although the Milborne Port handler would not be drawn on which race the multiple Grade One winner would contest, he hinted that running again remains an option.

Tizzard told the punter: "The horse is absolutely fine and he's not retired. All I'll say is that we said we were going to run him until the end of the season and nothing has changed."

As to an outing at either Aintree or Sandown, he added: "We've no preference, I can tell you that at the moment."

Ben Pauling has conceded Aintree will come too soon for Willoughby Court after his star novice chaser missed the Cheltenham Festival due to a setback.

The seven-year-old was successful at the Festival last year and had been one of the leading hopes for the JLT Novices' Chase after winning two of three outings over fences this term.

However, a foot problem saw him ruled out of the showpiece fixture at the end of February, and Pauling said: "He won't go to Aintree, as he has missed too much work.

Willie Mullins confirmed Footpad is likely to head for Aintree after being taken out out of the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Warren Greatrex hopes a breathing operation will help La Bague Au Roi bounce back to her best in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown on April 26.

Greatrex told the Punter "She had a wind op since her run at Cheltenham. She looked like she was going to win turning in, then she hit a wall and jumped the last very tired.

"She will go to Punchestown, all being well, and go back up to three miles for the Grade One Stayers Hurdle there.

Gary Moore hopes he can get JLT Novices' Chase third Benatar ready in time to make an appearance at Sandown on the final day of the season. Speaking to the punter Moore said Moore said: "He had a bone scan, he is fine and he has got the all clear from the vets.

"He will have a few days walking, we will see how it is and take it from there, but the good thing is the bone scan showed no fracture of the pelvis.

"He won't get back for Aintree, but hopefully we will get him back for the novice chase at Sandown on the last day of the season."

Flat Competition will start Saturday 5^th May, closing date for entries, Monday 30^th April

2017/18 Jumps Issue 17 - last day Cheltenham double for Ashers

Headlines

Mohaayed stars in County Hurdle

Le Prezien lands Grand Annual

Bite is Mitey in Gold Cup defeat

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Friday where in the 2m 1f handicap hurdle Mohaayed ( Steve), went to post, looked well, raced mid division, headway 3^rd, ridden in 5^th turning in, challenged last, soon led, ran on strongly, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 127.8 points.

In the 2m handicap chase, Le Prezien ( Steve), took his chance, looked well, held up, headway 9^th, hampered 3 out, closed on leaders approaching 2 out, switched left between last 2 , went 2^nd before last, stayed on to lead inside last 100 yards, winning by 4 ½ l. He gets 69.4 points.

In the 3m 2f grade 1 Gold Cup Mite Bite ( Bob, Martin, Peej, Steve), took his chance, pressed winner virtually all the way, ridden after 3 out, took narrow advantage 2 out, joined again last by winner, soon ridden kept on well but outstayed winner last 100 yards, 2^nd beaten 4 ½ l. He gets 12 points

I thought this was terrific Gold Cup, the 2 best horses in the race made all, were never challenged and fought out a tremendous finish. Mite Bite in the conditions ran a cracker and certainly went up in my estimation.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    March   Total

Steve                     312  .5        903.14

Cliff                          129.9        807

Martin                     1115.3       790.8

Tony                    256.8             699.6

Peej                    139.3             700

Cod                      102.1           536.6

Neil                      129.9          494.5

Bob                    90.4            397 (I think!)

 News

Alan King will look to get Yanworth back on track at Aintree next month after an under-par effort in the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Barbury Castle trainer admitted to being disappointed with Yanworth's display in finishing sixth behind Penhill and would hope to have him back to his best for the Liverpool Hurdle, which he won last year.

"I was a bit disappointed, really. He finished quite distressed as well, which isn't like him," said King.

"He knew he'd had a race, but I would be a liar if I wasn't disappointed.

Ben Pauling fears Aintree may come too quickly for Willoughby Court after his star novice chaser missed the Cheltenham Festival due to a setback.

The seven-year-old was successful at the Festival last year and had been one of the leading hopes for the JLT Novices' Chase after winning two of three outings over fences this term.

However, a foot problem saw him ruled out of the Festival at the end of February and Pauling is not certain he will be ready to bid for compensation at Aintree's Grand National meeting, which kicks off on April 12.

He told The Punter: "He's in great form. It was quite a nasty infection in his foot and we'll look at him this week and see where he goes.

"He's sound and much better, but whether or not Aintree might come a bit close is a bit of a worry as we have missed a serious chunk of time now. He's all in one piece and that's just fabulous news.

Cheltenham 2018 - how did the Editor's picks get on?

I'm always grateful to see the Editor's Cheltenham selections. He's the only one of us to stick his neck on the block after all.

So how did his early shouts get on in 2018?

The Supreme
What the Editor said: "Slate House has been disappointing of late but vibes from the Tizzard yard encouraging and at 28/1 is a good e/w bet", "the one the editor likes is Kalashnikov".

What happened: Slate House was well held when falling at the last, Kalashnikov was headed close home and lost by a neck.

The Arkle
What the Editor said: "Whilst Footpad is all the rage, I think Pettit Mouchoir can beat him on the day, and at 4/1 currently is a good bet."

What happened: Footpad romped home, Petit Mouchoir was third.

Champion Hurdle
What the Editor said: "Elgin has place claims in what looks a weak race.  A lot depends if Faugheen can back to his very best, as Buveur D’Air looks the part but hasn’t beaten much yet. At 14/ 1 with the mares allowance I like Apples Jade if she takes her chance but she seems booked for the mares race instead."

What happened: Apples Jade did swerve the race, Buveur D'Air edged out Melon to win at odds on, Elgin never got involved and finished a tired fifth on too testing ground.

Mares Hurdle
What the Editor said: "Apples Jade is the stand out if she runs", Benie Des Diux has strong claims"

What happened: Apples Jade was below par and could only manage third, Benie Des Dieux won the race at 9/2.

RSA
What the Editor said: "the one I like at 7/1 is Black Corton.

What happened: "Black Corton led for much of the race but was headed three out and was beaten into a distant fifth.

Champion Chase
What the Editor said: "Special Tiara at 14/ 1 is the standout e/w bet of the race, Min and Charbel along with Ball D’arc could run in to a place, but I only see Altior as the winner, though I don’t think he is any value at odds on."

What happened: Special Tiara was another to be unseated by the heavy ground and was pulled up.  Charbel fell, Min was a distant second to Evens fave Altior.

Ballymore
What the Editor said: "Samcro is every ones banker of the week and it is hard to see beyond", "Next Destination easily best of the rest, and he at 4/1 is a decent bet against the favourite"

What happened: Samcro delivered for favourite backers, Next Destination was nearly eight lengths back in third.

Stayers 
What the Editor said: "I really like La Bague Au Roi who just keeps improving and at around 16/1 looks a great e/w bet to me,"

What happened: La Bague Au Roi was a non-runner.

JLT
What the Editor said: "My preference is for Benatar."

What happened: "Benatar was a distant third behind Shattered Love and Terrefort"

Ryanair
What the Editor said: "Ball D’Arc would have place claims, but it is hard to see beyond Un De Sceau."

What happened: "Ball D’Arc was a non-runner, Un De Sceaux was surprisingly beaten into second.

Albert Bartlett
What the Editor said: "Chef Des Obeaux (6/1) is my pick here"

What happened: Chef Des Obeaux was weakening and out of contention when pulled up before the last.

Ultima
What the Editor said: "I am going to side with Vicente, and in his absence, Coo Star Sivola."

What happened: Vicente wouldn't have enjoyed the heavy ground and was pulled up four out. Coo Star Sivola held on under pressure to win by a neck at 5/1.

Four-miler
What the Editor said: "Gordon Elliotts Jury Duty looks the one here."

What happened: Jury Duty was no danger when unshipping JJ Codd three out.

Coral Cup
What the Editor said: "Le Breuil is a long way down the weights so may not get in this, but if he does he has a standout chance."

What happened: Le Breuil got in but was outpaced three out and came home 16th.

2017/18 Jumps Issue 16 - a few winners keep things moving

Headlines

Buveur D’Air is Champion Again

Footpad lands Arkle

Samcro stars in Ballymore

Penhill claims Stayers Hurdle

Altior claims Queen Mother Chase

Report

We start on Tuesday at Cheltenham where in the 2m Grade 1 Champion Hurdle Buveur D’Air ( Cliff , Cod, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve), Melon (Cod Peej, Tony) went to post. ,Buveur D’Air Tracked leaders, challenged after 3 out, soon leant on rival, led before 2 out, hard pressed by runner-up after, driven flat, edged right towards finish, found extra close home, winning by a neck . He gets 51.5 points.

Melon, Mid-division, closed on downhill run after 5th, not much room and checked after 3 out, challenged from next, upsides winner flat, edged right towards finish, held close home, 2^nd beaten a neck. He gets 12 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Arkle Chase Footpad ( Tony) took his chance, Chased leaders, front pair went well clear before 5th, blundered 6th, closed before 4 out, went 2nd on downhill run to 3 out, challenged going well at 3 out, led before 2 out, clear from last, stayed on strongly to increase advantage, winning  easily by 14l. He gets 78.4 points

On Wednesday in 2m 5f grade 1 Ballymore Hurdle, Samcro ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Neil), went to post. Held up in touch, tracked leaders going well 3 out, led turning in, ridden clear before last, edged right flat, stayed on well, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 26.6 points.

In the 2m Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase, Altior ( Not Cod), Min ( Cod, Peej, Tony), took their chances. Altior, Mid-division, went 4th at the 7th, niggled along before 3 out, not much room and switched right before 2 out, soon close up and challenging, led soon after last, stayed on strongly to draw clear final 130 yards, winning by 7l. He gets 51.8points.

Min, Held up towards rear, headway after 9th, hampered 4 out, going well from 3 out until led 2 out, headed soon after last, no impression on winner final 130 yards, 2^nd beaten 7l. He gets 12 points

Today in the 3m Grade 1 stayers Hurdle, Penhill (Tony), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway and widest of all approaching 2 out, led before last but pressed by runner-up, stayed on well, asserting when edged left towards finish, winning by 2l. He gets 102.6 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    March   Total

Cliff                          129.9        807

Martin                     103.3       778.8

Tony                    256.8             699.6

Peej                    127.3             688

Steve                     103.3        643.94

Cod                      102.1           536.6

Neil                      129.9          494.5

Bob                    78.4            367.7

 News

Nicky Henderson is favouring another crack at Sandown's bet365 Celebration Chase for Altior following his Queen Mother Champion Chase victory at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

At the moment, Sandown is what I would be thinking. You could go to Aintree over two and a half miles and I don't think you would have any worry over the trip.

"Of course they had a hard race yesterday and, to be fair, you get another two weeks until Sandown. It is a Grade One race now so why not go back there? It just gives us a little bit more time."

Philip Hobbs says having missed Cheltenham because of the ground the Grand National is the next target for Rock The Kasbah.

Cheltenham 2018 - Full Editor's preview

Cheltenham Preview 2018

Supreme Novice Hurdle

Punter Entries   Apples Shakira,  Next Destination,  Samcro , Sharjah,  Act Of Valour Debuchet,  Slate House,

As always a guessing game as to what runs where, Samcro would be very hard to beat if he runs here, but indications are he goes to the Ballymore instead. Apples Shakira has done nothing wrong but not beaten much, Next Destination  won at Naas last time ,  Act Of Valour has been disappointing. Sharjah, was well behind Samcro last time but had looked useful before that, Slate House has been disappointing of late but vibes from the Tizzard yard encouraging and at 28/1 is a good e/w bet and  Debuchet has to find plenty to be involved. Favourite with out Samcro is Getabird, but the one the editor likes is Kalashnikov,

Arkle Chase,

Punter Entries,  Footpad, Pettit Mouchoir, Sceau Royal,  River Wylde, Capitaine, Theo.

Footpad and Pettit Mouchoir stand out. It’s hard to give any chance to River Wylde, Capitaine or Theo, Sceau Royal has place claims at best.  Whilst Footpad is all the rage, I think Pettit Mouchoir can beat him on the day, and at 4/1 currently is a good bet.

Champion Hurdle

Punter Entries Buveur D’ Air, Faugheen,  Apples Jade,  Elgin, Min, Bapume.

Min is unlikely to run, Bapume probably won’t either, Elgin has place claims in what looks a weak race.  A lot depends if Faugheen can back to his very best, as Buveur D’Air looks the part but hasn’t beaten much yet. At 14/ 1 with the mares allowance I like Apples Jade if she takes her chance but she seems booked for the mares race instead.

Mares Hurdle

Punter Entries Apples Jade,  Lets Dance,  La Bagur Au Roi, Vroum Vroum Mag

Apples Jade is the stand out if she runs,  La Bague Au Roi would go close but I hope she runs in the stayers hurdle , Lets Dance would have a good shout if the front 2 don’t run, Vroum Vroum Mag has obvious claims if fully fit and as we know Mullins mares can win this with out a previous run.  Benie Des Diux has strong claims

RSA Chase

Punter Entries  Willoughby Court, Finians Oscar, Benatar, Mount Mews

 Benatar is due to run in the JLT, along with Finians Oscar, and I suspect Willoughby Court, and Mount Mews needs to find plenty to win this. Current favourite is Presenting Percy, but the one I like at 7/1 is Black Corton. He would have been in the editors string, but Paul Nicholls felt he was a summer horse and had basically done his job by mid October !  How ever as kept winning they kept him going and he has been a revelation.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Punter Entries Altior,  Min, Douvan, Un De Sceau, Great Field, Ball D’Arc Charbel

The much anticipated match between Altior and Douvan is less mouth watering with the doubts surrounding Douvan, if he is back any where near his best it will be  a great contest, but it is a big if. Special Tiara at 14/ 1 is the standout e/w bet of the race, Min and Charbel along with Ball D’arc could run in to a place, but I only see Altior as the winner, though I don’t think he is any value at odds on.

Ballymore Novice Hurdle.

Punter Entries, Samcro, Next Destination, Sharjah, Debuchet,

Samcro is every ones banker of the week and it is hard to see beyond on the basic form. Again though he is no value and has not been to Cheltenham before, so a few doubts hang over him. However trying to find any thing to beat him is not really viable and certainly none of the punter entries are good enough on current form with Next Destination easily best of the rest, and he at 4/1 is a decent bet against the favourite if he runs.

Stayers Hurdle

Punter Entries Apples Jade, Yanworth La Bague Au Roi, Penhill, Uknowhatimeanharry, Wholestone, The Worlds End,

This is one of the most competitive renewals for a long time, and with the likes of Sam Spinner Lil Rockefeller and The New one added to the above, it is a mouth watering prospect. Apples Jade is due to run in the mares hurdle, and I have doubts over The New One staying. I really like La Bague Au Roi who just keeps improving and at around 16/1 looks a great e/w bet to me, especially if the ground is on the soft side as her 7lb allowance is very valuable

JLT Novice Chase,

Punter Entries, Benatar, Finians Oscar, Mount Mews,

This has rather fallen apart with a few injuries ruling out the initial favourites. Benatar is currently available at 8/1 which suprises me as he looks to have a big shout, along with Terrefort, and Modus who are similar prices currently. My preference is for Benatar.

Ryanair Chase.

Punter Entries Un De Sceau, Waiting Patiently, Top Notch, Cue Card, Yorkhill, Cloudy Dream, Ball D’Arc

It looks as though Waiting Patiently will miss this and Cue Card is more likely to go for the Gold Cup, ,although if he was mine I would run here after his recent Ascot run over the same distance. Cloudy Dream rarely wins, Ball D’Arc would have place claims, but it is hard to see beyond Un De Sceau.

Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle

Punter Entries, Debuchet, White Moon, Brahama Bull

Brahama Bull would have a big shout but has not been seen since early November, so that is a question mark, Debucet has been disappointing, and White Moon disappointed at Sandown back in December. However, noises from the Tizzard camp are positive, and if back to his best has good e/w claims. Santini and Chef Des Obeaux have good claims and Chef Des Obeaux (6/1) is my pick here

Ultima Handicap Chase (Tuesday)

Punter Entry Vicente, Rock The Kasbah

Vicente is a course and distance winner and has strong claims  Whilst I would love Rock The Kasbah win, it is hard to see, as he needs every thing to his way, and I don,t see that happening here . Others to have claims are Coo Star Sivola, Cogry, Vintage Clouds. American.  I am going to side with Vicente, and in his absence, Coo Star Sivola.

National Hunt Challenge Cup ( Tuesday )

Gordon Elliotts Jury Duty looks the one here.

Coral Handicap Hurdle

Punter Entries William Henry, Topofthegame, Lets Dance, Fix Le Cap, Le Breuil

Le Breuil is a long way down the weights so may not get in this, but if he does he has a standout chance. Ben Pauling told the punter yesterday I’m leaning towards running him in the Coral Cup. He’s a horse I’ve always thought a lot of and he’s had troubles with his feet this season so hasn’t really had a clear run at the game. I was disappointed when he got beat at Aintree but he was beaten by a decent, well-handicapped horse and in hindsight it wasn’t a bad run

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    March   Total

Cliff                          00          677.1

Martin                     00         675.5

Peej                    00                560.7

Steve                     00           540.64

Tony                    00          442.8

Cod                      00           434.5

Neil                      00            364.6

Bob                    00            289.3

 Sceau Royal misses the festival through injury, joining Willoughby Court , Top Notch and Vroom Vroum  Mag on the side lines