Cheltenham Grand Slam Picks

Gerri Colombe - Martin

Il Etait Temps - Neil

Mighty Potter - Cliff

Sharjah - Cod 

2022/23 Jumps Issue 18 - Festival preview

Headline

Night shows Plenty of Life at Doncaster

Report

We start at Doncaster on Friday where in the 2m 3f mares novice hurdle Ilovethenightlife (Cliff), took her chance, Prominent, pushed along when carried left before 2 out, soon went second, challenging last, ridden to lead run-in, stayed on , winning by ¾ l . She gets 26 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          March       Total

Peej      00              873.66

Steve      00                 740.39

Neil        00              688.05

Martin     00               516.79      

Bob          00               493.25

Cod       00            362.8

Cliff        26            318.16

Congratulations to Peej who was February trainer of the month

The Punter View Cheltenham 2023

Day 1

Supreme Novice Hurdle  

The last 5 running’s have gone to Ireland, and each winner had won on its last outing.

Punter Entries - American Mike, Facile Vega, High Definition 

Facile Vega heads the market but his 5th at Leopardstown last time out beaten 20 l, leaves him with a question to answer, High Definition unseated in the race and American Mike has been very disappointing this season. Il Etait Temps comes out best on ratings for Willie Mullins and he certainly sees him as a big player and at 6/1 makes most appeal as the winner. Tahmuras, a 10/1 shot has solid claims. Unbeaten in his last 3 runs, and won a grade 1 at Sandown last time, is a solid each way bet.

Arkle Novice Chase 

Punter Entries - Jonbon

Jonbon  remains unbeaten over fences, and holds a major chance. Having won his first 2 novice chases, 

However El Fabiolo, who has won his 2 chasers by a total of 29l looks a big player and it is hard to choose between him and Jonbon. I just lean towards  Jonbon, whose win last time at Warwick was boosted by Calico’s win at the weekend

Ultima Handicap Chase

A rarity these days, the British have won the last 5 runings.

Punter Entries - Happygolucky

Happygolucky has ran well on his reappearance , finishing 4l behind L’Homme Presse (gave 13 lb ) in a 3m handicap. 2m 4f was to short for him last time at Cheltenham, and 11-7 is not unreasonable and gives him an each way chance.Corach Rambler won this last year and looks to have been laid out for this again, but is a fair bit higher in the weights and as 7/1 favourite, others appeal more.

A little each way play on Happygolucky 12/1

Champion Hurdle 

Punter Entries - Constitution Hill, State Man, Vauban, Honeysuckle, Iliketomoveit, Epatante, First Street, Pied Piper.

It is hard to oppose Constitution Hill, and in what is likely to end up a small field there is little value elsewhere, but Iliketomoveit was impressive at Wincanton, and could be one for the forecast.

Vauban is held by State Man, having finished behind him twice this season. State Man holds Honeysuckle on latest run, Epatante won a weak event last time out, and is well held by Constitution Hill.  

First Street is hard to fancy and needs to improve a few streets, and Pied Piper is well held by State man on last 2 outings.

Mares Hurdle 

Punter Entries - Honeysuckle, Maries Rock, Epatante

Whilst Honeysuckle has not quite hit the heights of previous seasons, she has not run that badly in grade 1’s and still sets the bar here. However Maries Rock is a big player, She has won her last 4 starts, last time over course and distance, beating Dashel Drasher 9gave 1 lb) 6l in a grade 2 hurdle.  Epatante will also be a player if taking her chance, but has never beaten Honeysuckle and was beaten by Maries Rock over 2m 3f at Punchestown last April. Others to Consider are Love Envoi, who has only been beaten once in 8 starts, that was a 2nd at Fairyhouse when 8l behind Brandy Love in a 2m 4f grade 1. However she has not run since January . Queens Brook at 9/1 is the one that makes each way appeal, but I would just stay with Honeysuckle to win.

National Hunt Challenge Cup Novice Chase 

Punter Entries - Galliard Du Mesnil, 

Galliard Du Mesnil has won a grade 1 and finished 3rd in another last time out, and that is stronger form than most in here. Also he has won over 3m 5f so the distance is not an issue.  He is a worthy favourite, though even money is not exactly tempting. 

Day 2

Ballymore Novice Hurdle 

The last 5 running’s have been won by the Irish, each winner had won it’s previous outing

Punter Entries - Facile Vega , Champ Kiely, American Mike

 

American Mike has been very disappointing and can be overlooked., Facile Vega is Supreme bound, so Champ Kiely is the only likely runner, and at 8/1 he looks cracking each way value. Course and distance winner and Hermes Allen gives the Bits a great chance and I will side with him to win it.

Brown Advisory Novice Chase 

Punter Entries - Sir Gerhard, Thyme Hill, Galliard du Mensil, Stage Star

Sir Gerhard has yet to run beyond 2m 5f so is unlikely to run here, Galliard du Mesnil, has only 1 win from 7 over fences, that was at Leopardstown in December, a weak grade 1 novice chase , and others make more appeal. Stage Star , all wins over 2m4f over fences. The market is headed by Gerri Colombe, who won well at Sandown last time, and Mighty Potter, who is unbeaten over fences, but both have yet to go beyond 2m 5f.  Thyme Hill is the forgotten horse, but is 2/3 over fences and his defeat was a 6 ½ l 2nd to McFabulous at Newbury where he gave 3lb. He is a serious player here and at the prices would be my choice.

Coral Handicap Hurdle 

Punter Entries - American Mike, Langer Dan,  Will Carver, Pull Again Green Sporting John

American Mike has been very disappointing this season and is hard to make a case for. Sporting John has also disappointed this season and off 11-13 is hard to fancy. Langer Dan has also been disappointing, but he comes good at this time of year and off 11-3 could well make the frame.  Will Carver is some thing of an unknown, but comes from a stable that can capitalise with this sort. He made a decent come back after a lengthy absence when finishing 3rd at Kempton recently, giving 5 and 10 lb to the first 2. He only has 10-4, which probably means he won’t get in, but would be very interesting if he gets a run. Pull Again Green, has had 2 runs over fences this season, but won his last hurdle race by 4 ½ l over 2m 5, and off just 10-10 at 25/1 is a good each way play. The one I like is Irish Hill, having won 3 on the bounce he gets in off 10-10 looks a great each way bet at 14/1..

Queen Mother Champion Chase 

Punter Entries - Energumene, Edwardstone, Greaneteen, Gentlemen De Mee

Gentlemen De Mee has a lot to find with Edwardstone on Sandown running, Energumene is not totally reliable, Greaneteen tends to better at Sandown, so I side with Edwardstone here.

Cross Country Chase 

Punter Entries - Galvin

I can’t see Galvin running in this, whilst he would be the classiest on current form, he has no experience in these races, and has yet to go beyond 3 miles, but he has been left in at the 5 day stage. Delta Work is my selection to win again here, and then take the Grand National. 

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup 

Punter Entries - Third Time Lucki

Third Time Lucki is a decent sort and showed the benefit of a wind op when winning at Sandown last time out, he is a major player, a course and distance winner and should make the frame at least, and I think 11/1 is good value. Another old favourite Elixir De Nutz should also go well at 16/1. 

Day 3

Turners novice chase 

Punter Entries - Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard, Stage Star, Datsalrightgino, McFabulous

Sir Gerhard has a victory over 2m 5f at Cheltenham last season in a hurdle, so will stay, inexperience over fences is a bit of an issue, but he is classy enough to win this with a clear round. Stage Star has winning course and distance form last time out, and with more experience, would be my choice, as he has beaten Datsalrightgino already. McFabulous is very unreliable, but very good on his day. He should make the frame if he  has a good day.

RyanAir Chase 

Punter Entries - Shiskin, Conflated, Fakir D’Oudairies, Hitman

With Allaho out, Shishkin is even money favourite for this on the back of his 16l win from  Pic D’Orhy  at Ascot recently, with Fakir D’Oudairies back in 3rd. Conflated is till something of a unknown quantity, but his Leopardstown grade 1 win has been franked by Kemboy, and if he did turn up here, would be a major player. Fakir D’Oudairies had no obviuous excuse at Ascot, but I feel he is a bit better than that and still holds solid place claims. Hitman hits a lot of fences, and has a lot to find.

Stayers Hurdle  

Punter Entries - Blazing Khal, Maries Rock, Flooring Porter, Sir Gerhard, Buzz, Hewick, Langer Dan

Blazing Khal, last years Albert Bartlett winner was not seen out until 12 February, when he won a 2m 5f grade 2 hurdle by 3l. He is favourite on the back of that , but sustained an injury, and is a doubt for this and with doubts over Flooring Porter , the race is wide open.  Maries Rock has yet to run over 3m but does get the mares allowance, Sir Gerhard was a point winner over 3miles, and is probably the classiest in here, but I doubt him tasking this option. Buzz is not running, Hewick is interesting as he won a 2m 5f grade 1 in Far Hills (USA), last time out, and at 33/1 is a great each way bet. Langer Dan looks out classed here, and I think the most sensible bet is Paisley Park each way at 14/1.

Plate Handicap Chase 

Punter Entries - Stage Star, Datsalrightgino, Hitman, Coole Cody, Two For Gold

Hitman has 12-0, and that alone probably rules him out of winning this. However he is remarkably consistent for one who does not jump brilliantly but always seems to get round and generally make the frame. Course and distance winner Stage Star is still improving, 11-7 is enough but he is classy and should go well, solid place claims. Datsalrightgino is a solid performer and off 11-0 is a player for the frame at least.  Coole Cody has disappointed this season, but off just 10-12 on decent ground, if returning to his best could run these ragged. At 20/1 he is a great each way shout. Two for Gold is classy and 11-11 shows that. He has only a 5th in a Aintree handicap this season, beaten 21 l and is hard to fancy.

Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap 

Punter Entries - Iron Bridge

not certain to take up any of his entries according to Jon Jo, but if he took this one up he would be a player. A sound jumper and stayer he would hold solid place claims at least off 11-6.

Day 4 

Triumph Hurdle  

Punter Entries - Bo Zenith, Lossiemouth, Scriptwriter

Scriptwriter jumped so poorly at Kempton last time it is hard to see him coping with the hurly burly of this. Lossiemouth , was a bit unlucky at Leopardstown when 2nd last time out. She had previously won her 2 starts impressively and was put up by Rich Ricci at the start of the season as a very exciting novice. She gets the 5lb mares allowance and will be hard to beat. Bo Zenith, also highly regarded by Gary Moore, has done nothing wrong, winning last time out at Haydock by  3 ½ l.  He is a solid alternative to the favourite, and certainly has solid place claims

County Handicap Hurdle 

Punter Entries - Pied Piper, First Street, Hacker Des Places, Jungle Jack, Soaring Glory

Hacker Des Places has the sort of profile for this, still very much on the upgrade, and his win at Cheltenham last time is another tick. 10-12 is a nice mark, and has strong each way claims.

Soaring Glory ran ok when 5th at Newbury in a handicap, giving at least a stone to the field, and would have place claims off 11-0. Pied Piper has run in grade 1’s the last twice, last time was just 6 ½ l behind State Man. That probably ruined his handicap mark, he has 11-11 and I can’t see him calling the tune here.

First Street has 2 solid placed efforts to his credit, but 11-9 looks to much for what he has achieved. 

Jungle Jack was disappointing last time , and is hard to fancy in this class and off just 10- 3 is unlikely to get in any way.

Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle 

Punter Entries - American Mike, Saint Palais

We have a significant number of disappointing horses across the Punter strings this season and these are two of them, and it is hard to see either making any impression here. Hermes Allen has been impressive in winning 3 on the bounce and is probably Paul Nicholls best chance of a winner this week, and gets the punter nod.

Gold Cup 

Punter Entries - Galopin Des Champs, A Plus Tard, Bravemansgame,  Noble Yeats,  Conflated, Hewick, Capodano, Eldorado Allen, Coole Cody

Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame head the market, and I find it hard to chose between them. 

Stamina may be the tipping point and Galopin Des champs has yet to race beyond 3 miles whilst Bravemansgame has won over 3m 1 f so I edge that way. A Plus Tard is an unknown quantity this time round, but if any where near his best, will go close. Noble Yeats has had a solid season and could sneak in to the frame. Hewick has not been seen since winning the Grand National Hurdle stakes in Far Hills, USA in October and is hard to fancy.Conflated also holds solid claims , his win over Kemboy in the Savill’s chase  having been franked by the runner up recently, and at the prices, he will be where the Editors money goes. Protektorat looks out classed by a few of these, as does Capodano

Martin Pipe handicap hurdle

Punter Entries - American Mike, Langer Dan , Hacker  Des Places, Pull Again Green, Will Carver

 

Jockey bookings will be crucial in this, but at initial time of writing are unknown.

Langer Dan and Hacker Des Places both have 11-8. I would favour Hacker as he probably is still on the upgrade but Langer Dan runs well at this time of year and should not be discounted. Will Carver as previously mentioned is fascinating in this type of race 10-9 is very attractive and if he gets in would be a big fancy. Pull again Green is interesting off 11-1, and reverts to hurdles after 2 solid placed efforts over fences. He does have  a course and distance win over hurdles, and is one who could out run his odds.

News

Blazing Khal needs to come through a key piece of work on Friday to line up at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old, a top-priced 11-4 on Monday for the Stayers’ Hurdle on March 16, has headed the market since winning the Boyne Hurdle at Navan last month, his first start in 14 months.However, he sustained a cut to the back of a fetlock during the success and was only recently able to return to full work having been on a course of antibiotics. 

Speaking on Monday, Byrnes said: "Unfortunately he got a bad cut in his Boyne Hurdle win and he was on antibiotics after. We couldn’t do much with him since and we're after stepping his work up now in the last week. We gave him a small bit of work at the Curragh this morning. It’s gone late in the day now so we'll see how he works on Friday and make a final decision.

 

Weekend Entries

Friday

Ayr 

2.00 Maimie’s Magic

Saturday 

Sandown

1.50 Crambo

2.25 Nickle Back, Soaring Glory

3.35 Skytastic

Ayr

1.35 Maimie’s Magic

2.10 Maimie’s Magic

3.20 Maimie’s Magic

Navan 

3.25 Capodano

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 17 - One winner and some Festival plans

Headlines

Kitty Lights up Newcastle

Report

On Saturday at Newcastle in the 4m 1f handicap chase, Kitty’s Light ( Cod) took his chance, Didn't jump with fluency, held up in rear, hit 18th, headway and in touch with leaders 19th, pushed along and outpaced after 5 out, ridden and rallied before 3 out, led after last, stayed on, winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 55.5 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      205.28            873.66

Steve      135.5                 740.39

Neil        129.7              688.05

Martin     74.56               516.79      

Bob          85.1               493.25

Cod       106.7            362.8

Cliff        81               292.16

News

Paul Nicholls reckons Bravemansgame is his best chance of a record-equalling fifth triumph in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup next month since he slipped a saddle on the phenomenal Kauto Star. The champion trainer told The Punter: "I didn't make the same mistake running him between Kempton and Cheltenham like I did last year as he's brilliant fresh and brilliant very fit.

"He's twice the horse he was. He looks great this year, look at him – he looks a picture. Last year he was very light behind and just didn't look right in the spring.

An eyecatching piece of work from Epatante at Kempton on Tuesday might mean Marie's Rock is re-routed to the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Nicky Henderson has suggested.

Marie's Rock won the Mares' Hurdle last year and is 3-1 to double up in the Close Brothers-backed event but Epatante, the 2020 Champion Hurdle winner, was well on top of her stablemate in a two-mile-one-furlong gallop on Kempton's all-weather track.  Henderson also told the Punter Buzz is not ready for Cheltenham.

Flooring Porter is “on target” for a Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle hat-trick bid, according to trainer Gavin Cromwell. connections are now happy with their charge, who returns to his beloved Cheltenham as the 6-1 joint-fourth favourite with the race sponsor. “We’re happy now and we’re on target to run,” said Cromwell.

“Obviously he missed a bit of work and that isn’t ideal, but we’re happy with him nonetheless. He’s in good form and hopefully now we can get him over there in one piece.

 

Weekend Entries

Friday

Doncaster 

3.45 Ilovethenightlife

Newbury

3.25 Fable, Skytastic

Saturday 

Doncaster

1.30 Third Time Lucki

3.15 Sporting John

Kelso

1.15 Castle Rushen

Navan

3.10 Maimie’s Magic

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 16 - Shishkin back on song!

Headlines

Shish Skins Rivals at Ascot 

Bo Zenith lands Haydock Hurdle

Like It moves to Quickly for rivals at Wincanton

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 2m 5f grade 1 Ascot Chase, Shishkin ( Cliff, Neil, Steve), went to post, travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, went second after 9th, joined leader after 3 out, pushed along and led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on strongly and went well clear from last, winning by 16l. Cliff gets 81 Neil Steve 53

At Haydock in the 2m juvenile hurdle Bo Zenith ( Bob), went to post, Prominent, nudged along 3 out, ridden and disputed lead last, led run-in, went clear final 110yds, winning by 3 ½ l. He gets 26.5 points.

At Wincanton in the 2m grade 2 hurdle I Like To Move It (Peej), took his chance, Prominent, led before 2 out, shaken up and went clear approaching last, kept on strongly, winning  comfortably by 17l. He gets 48.68 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      205.28            873.66

Steve      135.5                 740.39

Neil        129.7              688.05

Martin     74.56               516.79      

Bob          85.1               493.25

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        81               292.16

News

Eldorado Allen remains on course for the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup despite finishing a modest fifth to Zanza when bidding for back-to-back Denman Chase successes at Newbury. Trainer Joe Tizzard is keen to return to Prestbury Park next month for the blue riband event, although admitted Eldorado Allen, who is a general 66/1 chance, would be vying for minor honours. “There was a bit of disappointment, but as it turned out they went too quick,” said Tizzard of his latest effort under Brendan Powell. In hindsight, we should have just settled in behind the front two, but those were not the tactics going out there, so I think you can just put a line through that run.

Prominent owner Mark Adams hopes it will be ‘downhill’ all the way for Scriptwriter in Saturday’s Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton. The Milton Harris-trained four-year-old is among Britain’s top hopes for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, despite having his colours narrowly lowered by Comfort Zone in the trial at Cheltenham last month. “He’s well and we are looking forward to the Adonis and seeing how we got from there,” said Adams. “I have a lot of faith in the horse, so we have high hopes.”Adams told The Punter.

Time has been called on the glittering career of hugely-popular chaser Bristol De Mai following his run at Haydock on Saturday.Owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained grey was victorious six times at his beloved Merseyside venue, including a hat-trick of victories in the Betfair Chase between 2017 and 2020. Bristol De Mai also won the 2016 Altcar Novices’ Chase, the 2017 Peter Marsh Chase and last year’s Grand National Trial at Haydock, but finished well beaten when bidding for back-to-back wins in the latter contest at the weekend.

Connections now feel the time has come to give him an honourable retirement. His stellar career in Britain was handled by Nigel Twiston-Davies and Bristol De Mai made an instant impact by winning the 2014 edition of the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on his first start. The following season he added the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown. In all he won five Grade 1s, ran in three Gold Cups – finishing third behind Al Boum Photo and Anibale Fly in 2019 – and ran in the Grand National won by Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times.

 

Weekend Entries

Friday

Exeter

2.10 Ilovethenightlife

Warwick

3.00 Iron Bridge

Saturday 

Kempton

1.50 Scriptwriter

2.25 Datsallrightgino

3.00 Kitty’s Light

4.45 Fable

Fairyhouse

2.45 American Mike

Sunday 

Fontwell

1.30 Fable

2.30 Hacker Des Places, Knappers Hill

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 15 - Cheltenham countdown ticks louder

Headlines

Crambo Scores at Bangor

Fable is a True winner at Bangor

Jonbon lands King Maker Chase

The Carpenter chops up rivals at Exeter

Khal Blazes home at Navan

Report

We start at Warwick on Saturday where in the 2m grade 2 novice chase, Jonbon (Martin, Steve) went to post, Jumped slightly right on occasions, led, not fluent and headed 6th, shaken up after 3 out, led before 2 out, kept on well and went clear run-in, winning by 5 ½ l. He gets 21.1 points

On Friday at Bangor in the 2m 4f mares limited handicap chase Fable ( Martin), took her chance, Raced in second, disputing second from 9th, lost ground before 3 out, rallied before 2 out, kept on to lead last, ridden out run-in, winning by  ¾ l. She gets 30 points.

In the 2m novice hurdle Crambo (Martin), went to post, Prominent, hit 4th, ridden after 3 out, led after 2 out, soon edged left, went clear from last, winning readily by 4 ¼ l. He gets 23.46 points.

On Sunday at Exeter in the 2m 2f novice hurdle, The Carpenter (Neil), went to post, Prominent, clear with one other before 3 out, pushed along before 2 out, 3 lengths down 2 out, ridden approaching last, 2 lengths down last, kept on strongly run-in, led inside final 110yds, won going away by ¾ l. He gets 25.5 points.

At Navan in the 2m 5f grade 2 hurdle Blazing Khal ( Bob, Peej), took his chance, Travelled strongly, held up in rear, headway 3 out, joined leader going best before last, led when ridden and stayed on after last, won going away by 3l. He gets 26.6 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      156.6            824.98

Steve      82.5                 687.39

Neil        76.7                635.05

Martin     74.56               516.79      

Bob          58.6               466.75

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        00               211.16

News

One of the biggest names in jump racing will not be appearing at next month's Cheltenham Festival after it was revealed dual Ryanair Chase hero Allaho would miss this year's race and the rest of the season due to an abdominal bleed.

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "He worked very well on Saturday. He came back, dried off, we put him into his box and had his lunch. Then after lunch we found him to be a little bit distressed and we thought he was getting a colic, but it didn't look like a colic. It was something else."

"We brought him straight down to Fethard Equine Hospital and they found that he had got a bleed in his abdomen, which is hugely unusual. I don't think I've ever seen that in a horse before. He was comfortable over the weekend, but still critical. This morning he moved off the critical list. His bloods and everything have come down to normal levels. I got good word from the hospital this morning but, unfortunately, he won't make Cheltenham. That's him for the season.

Weekend Entries

Friday

Kelso 

3.00 Sporting John

3.30 Langer Dan,  Jungle Jack Barrichelo, 

Saturday 

Ascot

3.35 Shishkin, Fakir D’Odairies, First Flow

Wincanton

1.57 Skytastic

3.12 Knappers Hill, First Street, I Like To Move It

Haydock

1.30 Bo Zenith

2.40 Bristol De Mai, Dusart, Iron Bridge

4.25 Saint Palais

Sunday 

Newbury

1.30 Skytastic

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 14 - Cheltenham on horizon for Leopardstown winners

Headlines

Des Champs Gallops in to Win Gold Cup

Third Time Lucki lands Sandown Chase

Gentleman De Mee lands Dublin Chase

Man States his Cheltenham Case

Report

We Start at Leopardstown on Saturday where in the 3m Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs ( Cod, Neil, Peej), went to post, in touch with leaders on inner, headway on outer when left in third 2 out, shaken up and went second approaching last, made challenge when carried left last, soon led, ridden clear final 110yds, kept on well winning by 8l. He gets 51.2 points.

At Sandown in the 2m handicap chase Third Time Lucki (Bob), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway after 4 out, went second approaching last, ridden and led run-in, kept on, winning by 1l. He gets 32 points.

On Sunday at Leopardstown in the 2m 1f grade 1 Dublin Chase Gentleman De Mee (Steve), went to post, Disputed lead early, raced in second 1st, disputed lead 2nd, led and made rest after 5th, going okay after 2 out, pushed along when raced wide but going best before last, ridden and kept on strongly after last, pushed out towards finish, winning by 7l He gets 61.4 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle, State Man (Peej), took his chance, Made all, pushed along and 3 lengths ahead last, ridden out run-in, winning comfortably by 4 ¾ l. He gets 78.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          February        Total

Peej      130                 798.38

Steve      61.4                 666.29

Neil        51.2                609.55

Martin     00                442.23      

Bob          32               440.15

Cod       51.2            307.3

Cliff        00               211.16

News

Peter Molony has described the Mares' Hurdle as a "more realistic" target for Honeysuckle after revealing that the brilliant nine-year-old has been granted the prospect of a glorious Cheltenham Festival swansong before retiring to the breeding shed.

On Sunday, after Kenny Alexander's dual Champion Hurdle winner was beaten for a second time under Rachael Blackmore when bidding for a fourth Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, Alexander and trainer Henry de Bromhead ruled out the possibility of a tilt at a third successive triumph in the two-mile championship decider.

With her Leopardstown conqueror State Man and the intimidating prospect of red-hot Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill lying in wait, those closest to her weren't keen on forcing the issue with a mare who has already achieved so much.

Talking to The Punter about A Plus Tard The County Waterford handler said: “It was frustrating with A Plus Tard at Christmas, getting a little knock,  but that’s what happened and we just have to deal with that. I would love to have had another run under his belt but we didn’t and he’ll go straight to Cheltenham. Touch wood, he seems great now.

"He wasn’t right when he came back from Haydock – it was too bad to be true – then he got a knock on the day of the Savills which was really frustrating. We are able to get him ready though and I saw him this morning and he was in great form, so we will just try and get him there as good as we can.

Allaho is on course to reprise his role as Cheveley Park Stud's flagbearer at the Cheltenham Festival next month, with connections encouraged by his progress towards challenging for a third Ryanair Chase.

Willie Mullins has confirmed that Facile Vega was "quite sore" following his Dublin Racing Festival defeat at Leopardstown. "He was getting better this morning so I think he'll be alright.

Weekend Entries

Friday

Bangor 

1.50 Fable 

3.25 Crambo

Kempton

2.30 The Carpenter

Saturday 

Uttoxeter

3.20 Peejaybee

Newbury

2.25 Eldorado Allen, Hitman

3.00 Greaneteen, Jonbon

3.35 First Street, Hacker Des Places, 

4.10 McFabulous

4.43 Fire Flyer

Warwick

1.30 Stolen Silver

2.40 Jonbon

Sunday 

Exeter

2.30 Crambo, The Carpenter

3.30 Ittack Blue

Navan

2.10 American Mike

2.40 Blazing Khal

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff

2022/23 Jumps Issue 13 - Eyes on Dublin this weekend

Headlines

Star Scores on Cheltenham Stage

Des Places Hacks up at Cheltenham

Epatante blooms in  Yorkshire Rose Hurdle

Maimie’s works Her Magic again at Newcastle

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Saturday where in the 2m 4f novice handicap chase Stage Star (Peej), took his chance Jumped well, led narrowly or disputed lead, led clearly 4 out, faced challenge 2 out, went clear again run-in, pushed out winning by 3 ¾ l. He gets 27.5 points.

In  the 2m grade 1 Clarence House chase Edwardstone ( Martin, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway 2 out, disputing second last, led run-in, soon ridden, headed final strides, 2nd beaten a head. He gets 13.5 points.

In the 2m 1f handicap hurdle Hacker Des Places (Neil), went to post, Prominent, made challenge after 2 out, led before last, soon pushed along and 2 lengths ahead, hung left and ridden run-in, kept on well, winning by a neck. He gets 30 points.

At Doncaster in the 2m grade 2 hurdle Epatante (Steve), took her chance, Took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway to challenge going easily 2 out, soon led and quickened clear, went further clear run-in, winning easily by 6 ½ l. She gets 42.46 points.

On Tuesday at Newcastle in the 2m 1f mares handicap hurdle, Maimie’s Magic (Neil), took her chance, Took keen hold, held up in rear, switched right before 3 out, pushed along when headway and drifted right after 2 out, led run-in, ridden clear final 110yds, winning by 3l. She gets 40.2 points.

 

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

          January        Total

Peej      108.24            668.38

Steve      84.66                 604.89

Neil        70.2               558.35

Martin     13.5                442.23      

Bob          50.9               408.15

Cod       22.2                 256.1

Cliff        00               211.16

Congratulations to Peej who is January trainer of the month

News

Shishkin came through a workout on Tuesday which enabled Nicky Henderson to continue aiming towards the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18.

Weekend Entries

Saturday 

Leopardstown

1.20 American Mike, 

2.30 Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard

3.05 Galopin Des Champs

Sandown

1.45 Third Time Lucki

2.55 Gelino Bello

Wetherby

3.23 Sherriff Garrett

Sunday 

Leopardstown

1.40 Appreciate It, Sir Gerhard

2.10 Energumene, Gentlemen De Mee

3.10 State Man, Honeysuckle, Vauban, Pied Piper, Sir Gerhard

3.40 Facile Vega, High Definition, American Mike

Grand Slam 

Leg 1 Neil  

Leg 2 Tony

Leg 3 Tony

Leg 4  Cliff

Leg 5 Neil

Leg 6 Peej 

Leg 7 Tony

Leg 8 Steve

Leg 9 Steve

Leg 10 Steve

Leg 11  Steve

Leg 12  Cliff