Cheltenham 2021 Grand Slam picks

Bob - Hollow Games

Cod - Paisley Park

Tony - Billaway

Cliff - Next Destination

Steve - Tritonic

Neil - Gaillard Du Mesnil

Peej - Alaphillippe

Martin - Concertista

2020/21 Jumps Issue 18 - String by string Cheltenham chances

Winning Chances are rated on a 5* basis

Bob

Acey Milan, is in the 3m 6f National Hunt Challenge Cup and 3m 2f Kim Muir chase. Disappointing so far and a faller last time out, 2*

Bob Olinger, has entries in the 2m Supreme Novice Hurdle and 2m 5f Ballymore novice hurdle. As his last 2 wins have been over 2m 4, the Ballymore is the sensible target and he is 7/2 2nd favourite for that and has 4*chance.

Ballyadam has the same entries as Bob Olinger, he has yet to race beyond 2 miles under rules, but with Appreciate It looking rock solid in the Supreme, they may come here instead. In the Supreme I give him a 3*, and 2* in the Ballymore

Easysland, in the Cross Country chase has a 5* chance, with some doubts around Tiger Roll, he beat the Tiger in this last year and could well follow up

Envoi Allen, has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Goshen, is in the Champion hurdle, and whilst he won well at Wincanton last time, that form is still way off what is required to give 7lb to either Honeysuckle or Epatante, 3 *

Latest Exhibition has entries in the 3m6f National Hunt Challenge Cup, The 3m Novice Chase, and 2m 4f Marsh novice chase. His best chance would appear to be the National hunt challenge cup, as he would avoid Monkfish in the 3m, and 2m 4f looks too sharp. In the 3m 6f, I give him 4*

Marown is in the 3m Brown Advisory novice chase, and whilst a decent sort, his price of 50/1 reflects his chance of beating Monkfish, 2 *

Robin De Carlow has not been out since October 2019, but beat Put The Kettle on then, she is in the 2m 4f mares chase, and Willie Mullins can do wonders, but I still only give her 2*

Santini, has been disappointing this season, and although on last years form in the Gold Cup he has only ½ l to find On Al Boum Photo, I can only give him a 3*

Uhtred is in the 2m 5f Ballymore novice hurdle, seen just once this season, when 4th recently over 2m at Punchestown, he has never been beyond 2m, so a 2*

Cod

Abracadabras, Champion Hurdle, has been beaten by Honeysuckle and Sharjah on last two starts, 2*

Al Boum Photo, aims for a 3rd Gold Cup, and if he jumps round should win. Native River's recent return to form could shake him up, but the rest of last seasons rivals seem to have declined 5*

Altior is probably now just a bit below his best certainly at 2m and in the ChampionChase,  with Chacun Pour Soi to beat I would give him 3*. He is also in  the 2m 5f Ryan Air, that would be more appealing perhaps now and I would give him a 4 * in that

Chacun Pour Soi, in the 2m Champion Chase  (10/11) looks a banker, very impressive this season, he is 4/6 for this and rates 5*

Chemical Energy is in the Champion Bumper, only seen once when 4th at Leopardstown in February he is a 2*

Coole Cody, is in the Coral Cup handicap hurdle, Marsh novice chase, 2m 4f handicap chase and 2m 4f Martin Pipe handicap hurdle. Difficult to know what he will run in, his win in the Paddy Power Gold Cup pushed him up the chase ratings and his two chase runs since have been moderate, so a 3* in the chases. If he ran in one of the hurdles, his style of running is quite well suited to big fields and I would make him a 4*

Cyrname is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup, he has disappointed this season and is a 1* in both

Easysland in the Cross Country chase has a 5* chance, with some doubts around Tiger Roll, he beat the Tiger in this last year and could well follow up

Frodon, Gold Cup, well it would be some story if Bryony and Frodon won this, but whilst I love them both, I can’t quite feel it. However apart from Al Boum Photo, most of the other big names have been disappointing so 4*

Goshen, is in the Champion hurdle, and whilst he won well at Wincanton last time, that form is still way off what is required to give 7lb to either Honeysuckle or Epatante, 3 *

Minella Indo, Gold Cup, has disappointed this season, and his jumping has not been great 2*

Min, Champion Chase, Ryan Air.  Generally very consistent and is high class, so his pulled up recently behind Chacun Pour Soi is a worry. I don’t really seem him running in the Champion and if he did would rate 2*, but in the Ryan Air, 4*

Mister Fisher is in the Ryan Air, and whilst a decent sort, he is way off some who will run here 2*

Monkfish, Probably a monster fish on what we have seen, he is in the 3m (10/11) and 2m 4f novice chases, he would be a 5* in either, but will presumably run in the 3m.

Quilixios, is in the 2m Boodles juvenile handicap  hurdle and the Triumph, he won well at Leopardstown recently and is unbeaten in his 4 runs to date, and rates a 3* in the Boodles as he will have a big weight, but is a 4* in the Triumph

Sir Gerhard, is in the bumper, he won well at Naas, and the form of a lot in this is hard to assess, and would be a 3*

Tiger Roll is in the Cross Country, and whist I would love to see him win it again, he was 17 l behind Easysland last year, and I can’t really see why he would turn that around 3*

Cliff

Epatante, rates a 4* in the Champion hurdle, I see the mares allowance being a huge factor, but she has Honeysuckle to overcome

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Greaneteen is in the Champion Chase and Ryan Air, he has not lived up to my expectations and I would make him a 2* in both

Honeysuckle Champion Hurdle, is my idea of the winner, she has impressed again this season and the 7lb mares allowance is a big bonus 5* Also in the mares hurdle where she is also a 5*

Imperial Aura Gold Cup and Ryan Air, I can’t see him running in the Gold Cuip but if he did 1*,  In the Ryan Air, I think he still has a bit to prove at that level and his unseating last time hasn’t helped 3*

McFabulous, is in the stayers hurdle, it is hard to see him mixing it with Paisley Park and Thyme Hill, 3*

Patroclus, in the 2m 5f Ballymore novice hurdle, has won his last 2, and whilst the form is difficult to assess, he is a 33/ 1 shot  and is a 3*

Put The Kettle On , Champion Chase, , She has little chance in the champion chase against Chacan Pour Soi, 3*, 

Real Steel, Gold Cup And Ryan Air, has been really disappointing so far this season, so it is hard to see him making an impact in either 1*

Roksana, in the Mares hurdle and stayers hurdle, her best chance is in the mares I would say, following an impressive Ascot win last time I would make her a 5* In the stayers, she again gets the mares allowance but I still make her a 4*, Dan Skelton is his best Cheltenham hope.

Rouge Vif, Champion Chase, another who has not progressed as hoped, beaten at this level and a 2*

Santini Gold Cup, on last years form he would have a big chance with just ½ l to find on Al Boum Photo, but he has been disappointing this season so just 3*

Shiskin The Arkle novice chase, has impressed this season, and has a great  chance but likely to face Energumene so a 4*

Soaring Glory, his win in the Betfair hurdle was a huge bonus for the editor, so his chance in the Supreme Novice is obvious and I would make him a 4*. Also in the County Handicap hurdle, his mark there has been ruined so 3*

Sporting John, in the 3m Browns Novice chase and 2m Marsh novice chase. The Marsh would look to sharp and 3*, Monkfish in the Browns is a big problem 3*

Vinndication, in the stayers hurdle and Gold Cup. Jumping has let him down so in the Gold Cup 2*, in the stayers 3*

Martin

Annie Mc is in the 2m 4f mares chase, she has won well on her last 2 starts, 4*

Champ, is in the Gold Cup and stayers hurdle,  made an impressive come back at Newbury recently over a trip far to short for him, and the question is the fairly quick turn round time. He is a 4* in the Gold Cup, and 3* in the stayers hurdle

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Goshen is in the Champion hurdle, and whilst he won well at Wincanton last time, that form is still way off what is required to give 7lb to either Honeysuckle or Epatante, 3 *

If The Cap Fits is in the 3m Brown novice chase and stayers hurdle. As he is aginst Monkfiash in the chase, 3* and in the hurdle 2*

Imperial Alcazar is in the 3m handicap hurdle and Stayers hurdle. He won a Pertemps qualifier last time, so one would think that race is the plan,  and he has a 4* . In the stayers 2*

Itchy Feet is in the stayers hurdle, he has been disappointing this season 1*

Lisnegar Oscar is in the stayers, won it last year so that bumps him up a bit, and showed better form on his last, but I don’t see him beating Paisley Park or Thyme Hill, 3*

Lostintranslation, Gold Cup, Losthisway would be a better name now 1*

Main Fact is in the stayers hurdle, has struggled in graded company against the market leaders here, 2*

Metier, has entries in the 2m Supreme novice hurdle, and 2m 5f Ballymore novice hurdle. He has looked a smart sort so far, but has not gone beyond 2m so in the Supreme 4*, Ballymore 3*

Roksana  in the Mares hurdle and stayers hurdle, her best chance is in the mares I would say ,following an impressive Ascot win last time I would make her a 5* In the stayers, she again gets the mares allowance but I still make her a 4*, Dan Skelton thinks she is his best Cheltenham hope

Santini, Gold Cup, on last years form he would have a big chance with just ½ l to find on Al Boum Photo, but he has been disappointing this season so just 3*

Shishkin, The Arkle novice chase, has impressed this season, and has a great  chance but likely to face Energumene so a 4*

 

Peej

Allaho is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup, he won a grade 2 chase last time over 2m 4f so the Ryan Air is the most likely target and would be a 3*, in the Gold Cup 1*

Champ is in the Gold Cup and stayers hurdle, made an impressive come back at Newbury recently over a trip far to short for him, and the question is the fairly quick turn round time. He is a 3* in the Gold Cup, and 3* in the stayers hurdle

Chantry House is in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, in a race that looks likely to cut up, with only Envoi Allen as a standout in it , 4*

Easysland in the Cross Country chase has a 5* chance, with some doubts around Tiger Roll, he beat the Tiger in this last year and could well follow up

Epatante, rates a 4* in the Champion hurdle, I see the mares allowance being a huge factor, but she has Honeysuckle to overcome

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Fakir D’oudairies, is in the Ryan Air and Champion Chase, he has been a bit disappointing this season, was well beaten by Chacan Pour Soi last time, 3* in both

Goshen is in the Champion hurdle, and whilst he won well at Wincanton last time, that form is still way off what is required to give 7lb to either Honeysuckle or Epatante, 3 *

Hoi Polloi, Ballymore unseated on his last start, a lot to find to figure here 1*

Le Patriote, is in the Arkle, and Marsh novice chases, and he needs a huge step up to feature in either, 1*.He is also in the County handicap hurdle, and would be a 3* in that

Minella Indo Gold Cup, has disappointed this season, and his jumping has not been great 2*

Monkfish, Probably a monster fish on what we have seen, he is in the 3m (10/11) and 2m 4f novice chases, he would be a 5* in either, but will presumably run in the 3m.

Shiskin The Arkle novice chase, has impressed this season, and has a great  chance but likely to face Energumene so a 4*

Neil

Al Dancer, is in the 3m 1f handicap chase, 2m 4f handicap chase and Ryan Air. He would be out of his depth in the Ryan Air so 1*, and has been disappointing in his last two runs so 2* in the handicaps

Allmankind is in the Arkle, he has been improving steadily but has Shishkin and Energumene to beat 3*

Altior is probably now just a bit below his best certainly at 2m and in the ChampionChase,  with Chacun Pour Soi to beat I would give him 3*. He is also in  the 2m 5f Ryan Air, that would be more appealing perhaps now and I would give him a 4 * in that

Asterion Forlange, again has not really progressed this season, is in the 3m Browns novice chase, 3* and 2m 4f Marsh Novice chase, 3*

Eldorado Allen, Arkle and Marsh novice chases, having been beaten by both Shiskin and Allmankind this season 2* in both. He is also in the 2m Grand Annual handicap chase and 2m 4f Plate handicap chase, and makes more appeal, 4* in the Grand Annual, 3* in the 2m 4f as he has not gone beyond 2m

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Frodon, Gold Cup, well it would be some story if Bryony and Frodon won this, but whilst I love them both, I can’t quite feel it. However apart from Al Boum Photo, most of the other big names have been disappointing so 4*

GA Law, is in the 3 novice chases, Arkle, Browns and Marsh he has modest form overall, and a 2* in all of them

Goshen is in the Champion hurdle, and whilst he won well at Wincanton last time, that form is still way off what is required to give 7lb to either Honeysuckle or Epatante, 3 *

Hell Red, is in the Boodles Juvenile handicap hurdle, and Triumph hurdle. Having won well at Chepstow , he was a bit disappointing when third at Wincanton, but fits the bill in the Boodles and 4*. In the Triumph, 3*

Lostintranslation, Gold Cup, Losthisway would be a better name now 1*

Politolouge  Champion Chase, I can’t see him following up against Chacan Pour Soi, but in a race that lacks depth 4*

Shishkin The Arkle novice chase, has impressed this season, and has a great  chance but likely to face Energumene so a 4*

Silver Streak  Champion Hurdle Got his grade 1 at Christmas, has run well in this before, but has to give Honeysuckle 7lb 3*

Southfield Stone 2m 4f handicap chase, took a heavy fall at Kempton recently, form in and out 3*

Steve

Allmankind is in the Arkle, he has been improving steadily but has Shishkin and Energumene to beat 3*

Altior is probably now just a bit below his best certainly at 2m and in the ChampionChase,  with Chacun Pour Soi to beat I would give him 3*. He is also in  the 2m 5f Ryan Air, that would be more appealing perhaps now and I would give him a 4 * in that

Champ is in the Gold Cup and stayers hurdle,  made an impressive come back at Newbury recently over a trip far to short for him, and the question is the fairly quick turn round time. He is a 4* in the Gold Cup, and 3* in the stayers hurdle

Chantry House is in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, in a race that looks likely to cut up, with only Envoi Allen as a standout in it , 4*

Cyrname is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup, he has disappointed this season and is a 1* in both

Epatante rates a 4* in the Champion hurdle, I see the mares allowance being a huge factor, but she has Honeysuckle to overcome

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Fusil Raffles is in the Marsh and Brown novice chases, and while a decent performer, those have very hot favourites 3*

Galvin, unbeaten in his last 4 starts, he is in the Marsh Novice chase and 3m 6f Nation hunt challenge cup novice chase. Hard to see him beating Monkfish in the Marsh so 3*. Not sure why he has been absent since October, but if he turns up 3*+ in the 3m 6 event

Imperial Aura, Gold Cup and Ryan Air, I can’t see him running in the Gold Cup but if he did 1*,  In the Ryan Air, I think he still has a bit to prove at that level and his unseating last time hasn’t helped 3*

Lostintranslation Gold Cup, Losthisway would be a better name now 1*

Santini Gold Cup, on last years form he would have a big chance with just ½ l to find on Al Boum Photo, but he has been disappointing this season so just 3*

Sceau Royal, Has had a great season, but has always struggled in grade 1 company. He in the Champion Hurdle 3*, and Champion Chase 4*

Shiskin The Arkle novice chase, has impressed this season, and has a great  chance but likely to face Energumene so a 4*

Tony 

Al BoumPhoto aims for a 3rd Gold Cup, and if he jumps round should win. Native Rivers recent return to form could shake him up, but the rest of last season’s rivals seem to have declined 5*

Ballyadam has the same entries as Bob Olinger, he has yet to race beyond 2 miles under rules, but with Appreciate It looking rock solid in the Supreme, they may come here instead. In the Supreme I give him a 3*, and 2* in the Ballymore

Chacun Pour Soi, in the 2m Champion Chase  (10/11) looks a banker, very impressive this season, he is 4/6 for this and rates 5*

Commander of Fleet, has been well beaten on last 2 starts, is in the Coral handicap hurdle 1*

Cyrname is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup, he has disappointed this season and is a 1* in both

Easysland in the Cross Country chase has a 5* chance, with some doubts around Tiger Roll, he beat the Tiger in this last year and could well follow up

Envoi Allen has just one entry in the 2m 4f Marsh novice chase, currently unbeaten in 11 starts he is a 5* chance

Fakir D’oudairies, is in the Ryan Air and Champion Chase, he has been a bit disappointing this season, was well beaten by Chacan Pour Soi last time, 3* in both

Honeysuckle Champion Hurdle, is my idea of the winner, she has impressed again this season and the 7lb mares allowance is a big bonus 5* Also in the mares hurdle where she is also a 5*

Minella Indo Gold Cup, has disappointed this season, and his jumping has not been great 2*

Monkfish, Probably a monster fish on what we have seen, he is in the 3m (10/11) and 2m 4f novice chases, he would be a 5* in either, but will presumably run in the 3m.

Santini, Gold Cup, on last years form he would have a big chance with just ½ l to find on Al Boum Photo, but he has been disappointing this season so just 3*

Thyme Hill, was beaten just a neck by Paisley Park at Ascot and in the stayers hurdle, will renew rivalry and could easily revers placings 5*

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                March       Total

Cliff             00                           731.4

Neil              00                           696.5

Cod              00                            618.3

Martin           00                       497

Peej              00                          448.8

Tony           00                          442.3

Steve             00                      424.8

Bob             00                          217.1        

  

So The Editor is February trainer of the month

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

Harry Fry told the punter It's all systems go and Metier is our leading light so fingers crossed," said the trainer. "I think the forecast is unsettled through the middle of next week and [clerk of the course] Simon Claisse said it was good to soft, soft and would be a combination of good to soft, good or soft in places on the opening day, while they don't let it be any quicker than good to soft for the first day.

"He had an awayday at Wincanton on Thursday morning and enjoyed himself."

Ian Ferguson, who sent out Zemsky to win the Foxhunter Chase in 2011, has been given a big chance to double his festival account next week as leading National Hunt Chase contender Galvin will run under his name and not Gordon Elliott's.

Buveur D'Air will not bid for a third victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle next week and will instead be aimed at the Aintree Hurdle. The ten-year-old returned from injury in The New One Unibet Hurdle at Haydock in January, finishing second to Navajo Pass, and was available at 22-1 with the sponsors to strike at Cheltenham. His trainer Nicky Henderson announced he will instead be aimed at the Grade 1 Betway Aintree Hurdle on April 8. He won the race in 2017, beating My Tent Or Yours by five lengths, and was second to Supasundae in 2019.

This weekend we have a few entries, 

I K Brunel is in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Ayr on Saturday, Karl Phillippe, and Patroclus are in the 2m 4f grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown, Marown is in the 2m 4f listed handicap chase. At Naas on Sunday Latest Exhibition is in the 2m 4f grade 3 novice chase, Forged In Fire is in the 2m bumper at Limerick

At Warwick I K Brunel is in the 3m 2f handicap hurdle

Four-time Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Paul Nicholls believes King George VI Chase hero Frodon is a “great each-way price” for the festival showpiece on Friday week.

Things we will Miss This Year

Each others Company

The roar of the crowd when the tapes rise for the start of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle – a genuine hairs standing up on the back of your neck moment.

Somehow managing to bump into all those people we've met at previous festivals, whose names we don't even know, despite the huge crowd, and having deep and meaningful conversations long into the night about just how good a trainer Willie Mullins is.

Being utterly oblivious to everything else that is going on in Britain and the rest of the world for the duration of the four days. Cheltenham is wonderfully all-embracing.

Breakfast Together, a pint at 10.30 am, and sorting the place pot. Cod discussing the size of his sausage

The Traditional Curry

Friday in the Nine Elms

Cod celebrating a winner, then telling us he did back 7 in the race

Neil watching a grey finish 2nd at 33/1 and only backing it to win

And Won’t Miss

Drunks who think they are funny, drunks who are aggressive, and drunks who keep bumping into you because they're barely capable of standing up.

Paying Stupid prices for beer on course.

Clambering up and down the steps, and people pushing in to our viewing spot

Paying Bob loads of money at cards

Farts in the cab on the way home

2020/21 Jumps Issue 17 - A blank week

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                February        Total

Cliff             260                           731.4

Neil              90.3                           696.5

Cod              128.3                            618.3

Martin           75.9                        497

Peej              89.8                          448.8

Tony           104.2                          442.3

Steve             149.3                       424.8

Bob             47.1                          217.1          

So The Editor is February trainer of the month

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

This week end at Newbury on Friday Hoi Polloi is entered in the 2m 4f novice hurdle, I K Brunel is in the 3m handicap hurdle, On Saturday at Doncaster Hoi Polloi is in the 2m 3f novice hurdle, at Kelso, Castle Rushen is in the 2m 2f novice hurdle, Kimberlte Candy and Two For Gold have entries in the 2m 7f listed chase, at Newbury, Glynn is in the 2m handicap hurdle, 

2020/21 Jumps Issue 16 - The winners keep flowing

Headlines

Royal is Sceau Good in Game Sprit

River Swamps Rivals at Ascot

Glory soars to Betfair Victory

Ajero lands Market Rasen Hurdle

Goshen is King at Wincanton

Patroclus lands

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 2m 3f novice hurdle, Midnight River ( Martin), took his chance, Took keen hold, close up, went second 2nd, shaken up to lead 2 out, soon ridden and hung right, edged left run-in, kept on well inside final 110yds, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 24.4 points.

At Wincanton in the grade 2 , 2m hurdle, Goshen ( Bob, Cod, Martin, Neil, Peej), went to post, Pressed leader, nudged along before 3rd, led home turn, going best and clear 2 out, soon went further clear, winning easily by 22l. He gets 23.1 points.

On Sunday at Market Rasen in the 2m handicap hurdle Ajero (Peej), went to post, Travelled strongly, close up, hit 4th, pressed leader from 5th, led after 3 out, going okay when 1 length ahead 2 out, nudged along and faced challenge when mistake last, soon pushed along, kept on well run-in winning by 2l. He gets 28.8 points.

At Newbury in the 2m grade 2 chase Sceau Royal ( Steve), took his chance, Took keen hold, in touch with leaders, smooth headway and went second 9th, made challenge before 2 out, led going easily before last, ridden out final 110yds, winning by 2l. He gets 66.6 points.

In the 2m Grade 3 handicap hurdle Soaring Glory (Cliff), took his chance, In touch with leaders, smooth headway to lead before last, ridden and hard pressed last, went clear final 110yds, winning comfortably by 3l. He gets 53.8 points.

Yesterday at Doncaster in the 2m 3f novice hurdle Patroclus (Cliff), took his chance, Jumped left on occasions, led at steady pace, not fluent 4th, pushed along and increased tempo before 3 out, joined 3 out, mistake and headed 2 out, soon ridden, led again just after last, kept on well, winning by ¾ l. He gets 24 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                February        Total

Cliff             260                           731.4

Neil              90.3                           696.5

Cod              128.3                            618.3

Martin           75.9                        497

Peej              89.8                          448.8

Tony           104.2                          442.3

Steve             149.3                       424.8

Bob             47.1                          217.1          

Apologies to Steve who points were understated last week, now adjusted

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

Willie Mullins is planning a “big bit of work” for Al Boum Photo this week as the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner continues preparations for his hat-trick bid. Mullins said: “He’s in great shape. He worked well last week and he’s a big bit of work coming up this week. He’s uncomplicated, he’s very nice to train."  Mullins also spoke to the punter about Chacun Pour Soi, Saying would be huge achievement if Chacun Pour Soi could complete his clean sweep of victories in the five championship races at Cheltenham by striking gold in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Kim Bailey reports his Ryanair Chase contender Imperial Aura to be in good order as he bids to join an elite list of dual Cheltenham Festival winners and insists his fall at Kempton Park in January is of no concern. Bailey said: “Everything is good with Imperial Aura and he remains on course for the Ryanair. He did his first piece of work since the Kempton race last week and that all went very well. He has been schooling at home and that was pleasing as well."

We have a few entries at the week end, At Kempton in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle Coole Cody is in, and he is also in the 2m 4f grade 2 novice chase .In the 3m grade 3 handicap chase, Al Dancer and Southfield Stone have entries, On Sunday at Fontwell in the  2m 3f novice handicap chase, Coole Cody is in, If The Cap Fits and Mcfabulous are in the 2m 3f grade 2 hurdle. On Sunday at Naas Forged In Fire has an entry in the 2m bumper

2020/21 Jumps Issue 15 - Winners despite the weather

Headlines

Southfield Stone lands Kempton bumper

Karl Phillipe scores at Exeter

Allmankind is Kingmaker at Warwick

Gold is Two good for rivals at Warwick

Chantry House takes Wetherby Honours

Report

We start back at Kempton last week where in the 2m jumpers bumper Southfield Stone (Neil), went to post, Led at steady pace, headed over 5f out, close up and going okay 4f out, pushed along to lead again over 1f out, ridden when 2 lengths ahead inside final furlong, kept on and always doing enough, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 24.6 points.

On Sunday at Exeter, in the 2m 2f novice hurdle Karl Phillipe ( Bob) took his chance, Made all, not fluent 1st, mistake 5th, mistake 3 out, pushed along and went clear from 2 out, winning easily  by 10l. He gets 24 points. 

At Warwick on Monday in the 2m grade 2 novice chase,  Allmankind (Neil, Steve), went to post, Made all, not fluent 1st, hit 9th, pushed along and 5 lengths ahead when blundered 2 out, ridden and kept on well run-in, winning by 17l. He gets 42.6.

In the 2m 4f handicap chase Two For Gold (Steve), took his chance, Prominent, led 2nd, ridden home turn, kept on from 2 out, just held on, all out, winning by a neck, he gets 28.6 points.

Yesterday at Wetherby in the 2m 5f novice chase, Chantry House (Peej, Steve), went to post, Tracked leader, made strong challenge 4 out, led narrowly 3 out, 3 lengths ahead last, winning  readily by3 ¼ l. He gets 11.5 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                February        Total

Neil              67.2                       673.4

Cliff             182.6                     653.6

Cod              105.2                     595.2

Martin           28.4                      449.5

Tony           104.2                       442.3

Peej              37.9                       396.9

Steve             40.1                      315.6

Bob             24                          194           

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

 

Last year's shock Stayers' Hurdle hero Lisnagar Oscar will prepare for this season's festival at Haydock on Saturday, and trainer Rebecca Curtis is convinced her Cheltenham champion retains his ability despite two defeats this term. Curtis told the punter: "He’ll be ready to do himself justice on Saturday, but he struck into himself at Newbury so missed some time, plus he's had his wind done.

"He might just take this one, but my faith hasn't been dented – definitely not. I think he's as good as last year and we've foudn an excuse for those last couple of runs in that he needed his wind doing, so we'll see."

Multiple Grade 1 winner Benie Des Dieux will not form part of Willie Mullins' enviable Cheltenham Festival squad next month, the trainer has revealed. Mullins said in a statement released on Tuesday evening: "Benie Des Dieux hasn't been pleasing me in our quest to get her to Cheltenham and regrettably we have had to make the decision to withdraw her from the festival."

This weekend is another big day, Hoi Polloi is in the 2m 3f novice hurdle at Ascot, Coole Cody and If The Cap Fits are  in the 2m 7f grade 2 novice chase, Kimberlite Candy, is in the 2m 7f listed handicap chase, Goshen, Coole Cody, are in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle, Cyrname and Lostintranslation, have entries in the 2m 5f grade 1 chase.

At Haydock, Marown is in the 2m 3f handicap chase, Lisnagar Oscar, Main Fact, Itchy Feet have entries in the 3m grade 2 hurdle, Itchy Feet and Main Fact are also in the 3m handicap hurdle. 

At Wincanton Hell Red is in the 2m novice hurdle, Coole Cody is in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle, Goshen has an entry in the 2m grade 2 hurdle,. 

On Sunday at Market Rasen Midnight River is in the 2m 4f listed novice hurdle, Gran Luna is in the 2m novice hurdle, Ajero is in the 2m handicap hurdle. 

At Newbury Hoi Polloi holds an entry in the 2m novice hurdle, Clan Des Obeaux, Lostintranslation, are in the 2m 7f grade 2 chase, Greaneteen, Champ, Sceau Royal are in the 2m grade 1 chase, Coole Cody is in the 2m 7f handicap Chase, Petrossian is in the 2m listed bumper. Soaring Glory is in the 2m grade 3 handicap hurdle.

On Saturday at Gowran Park Tiger Roll has an entry in the 2m grade 3 hurdle, Allaho, in the 2m 4f grade 2 chase. 

On Sunday at Navan Tiger Roll is in the 2m 5f grade 2 hurdle, 

2020/21 Jumps Issue 14 - Points to warm some cockles

Headlines

Honeysuckle blossoms in Champion Hurdle

Monkfish is a huge catch

Chacun Pour Soi lands Dublin chase

Quilixios looks Triump material

JohnJumps rivals Scilly at Sandown

That Finds it Easy at Chepstow

Report

We start at Chepstow on Friday where in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle, Easy As That ( Cliff), went to post, Didn't jump with fluency, took keen hold, midfield on inner, mistake 4 out, headway and chased leaders when not fluent 3 out, ridden before 2 out, led 2 out, went clear approaching last, awkward jump last, eased run-in, winning by 9l. He gets 25.4 points.

On Saturday at Sandown in the 2m 4g grade 1 Scilly Isles novice chase, Sporting John ( Cliff), took his chance, Held up in last, detached when slow jump 5th, left in fourth after 12th, headway before 3 out, shaken up and went second after 2 out, challenging when not fluent last, ridden and kept on strongly to lead run-in, won going away, winning by 3 ¾ l. He gets 105.6 points.

At Leopardstown in the 2m 1f Grade 1 Dublin Chase Chacun Pour Soi ( Cod, Tony), took his chance, Travelled strongly, tracked leaders, went second and raced wide 7th, lost second but close up after 4 out, led going easily approaching last, shaken up and quickened clear run-in, winning readily by8l. He gets 26.2 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion hurdle, Honeysuckle ( Cliff, Tony), took her chance, Travelled strongly, close up, disputed lead before 4 out, soon led narrowly, went clear going easily before 2 out, pushed along approaching last, steadied last, ridden and kept on strongly run-in, winning easily by 10l. She gets 51.6 points.

On Sunday in the 2m grade 1 Juvenile hurdle Quilixios ( Cod), took his chance, Tracked leader, lost second but close up before 3rd, went second again and going easily after 3 out, led on turn before last, soon shaken up and went clear, ridden final 110yds, kept on well, winning comfortably by 5 ½ l. He gets 52.6 points.

In the 2m 5f Grade 1 novice chase, Monkfish ( Cod, Peej, Tony), went to post, Travelled strongly, jumped well, made all, 2 lengths ahead going easily before 2 out, nudged along approaching last, eased clear run-in, winning easily by 11 l. He gets 26.4 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                February        Total

Cliff             182.6                          653.6

Neil              00                              606.2

Cod              105.2                            595.2

Martin           28.4                         449.5

Tony           104.2                          442.3

Peej              26.4                          385.4

Steve             00                         275.5

Bob             00                           170             

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

Once again we have to hope the weather allows week end racing with a big card at Newbury where Altior, Greaneteen and Sceau Royal are in the 2m grade 2, 

Champ, Clan Des Obeaux, and Lostintranslation have entries in the 2m 7f grade 2 Denman chase, in the Betfair hurdle Metier, Soaring Glory are in, and in the bumper Petrossian has an entry. 

At Warwick,  Patroclus is in the 2m 5f novice hurdle, Allmankind is in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, Two For Gold and Le Patriote are in the 2m 4f handicap chase,.

Uhtred is in the 2m listed novice hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.

2020/21 Jumps Issue 13 - Big weekend ahead in Ireland

Headlines

Shishkin shines at Doncaster

Annie Mc lands Mares Chase

Report

At Doncaster on Saturday in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, where Shiskin ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve), went to post, Tracked leaders, jumped slightly left and bumped 4th, jumped slightly left 5th, led 4 out, soon clear, winning  easily by 8 ½ l. Cliff gets 42.2 points, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve 21.1

Yesterday at Warwick in the 2m 4f mares listed chase, Annie Mc (Martin), took her chance, Tracked leaders, went second 7th, ridden before 2 out, led last, kept on well, winning gamely  by 5 ½ l .she gets 28.4 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         January    February        Total

Neil              62.5                              606.2

Cod              16.1                              490

Cliff             188.3                            471

Martin         171.8          28.4        449.5

Peej              80.1                            359

Tony           32.4                          338.1

Steve             37.4                         275.5

Bob             70.9                           170         

    

The Editor is January trainer of the month

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

A big weekend ahead, especially across the water at the Dublin Festival, where on Saturday in the 2m 1f grade 1 chase Chacun Pour Soi , Min and Fakir D’oudairies have entries. In the 2m 1f grade 1 Arkle Novice chase, Latest Exhibition has an entry, In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion hurdle, Abracadabras and Honeysuckle lock hoofs, and in the 2m grade 2 bumper Sir Gerhard , Chemical Energy have entries.

At Sandown in the 3m grade 2 chase, Bristol De Mai and Santini clash, In the 2m listed hurdle Goshen is entered, In the 2m 4f novice chase Sporting John is entered, Main Fact is in the 2m 7f handicap hurdle, and Two For Gold is in the 3m handicap chase. 

At Wetherby in the 2m 3f novice hurdle Castle Rushen has an entry, In the 3m grade 2 hurdle, Main Fact, Bristol De Mai and Itchy Feet, are in. 

On Sunday at Leopardstown Quilixios is in the 2m grade 1 juvenile hurdle, Ballyadam is in the 2m grade 1 novice hurdle, Asterion Forlange, Monkfish and Latest Exhibition are in the 2m 5f grade 1 novice chase, Minella Indo is in the 3m Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup, 

With 10 races on TV on Saturday and Sunday, plus all the football, nerves will be frayed and protective netting in front of the TV is advised.