Aintree Grand Slam Picks

Steve - Sir Gino

Cliff - Annamix

Peej - Heltenham

Bob - Shanagh Bob

Neil - Panda Boy

Cod - Romeo Magico

2023/24 Jumps Issue 21 - Cod off the bottom

Headlines

Rivals sent West By Mirazur

Rivals Out Foxed At Exeter

Report

On Sunday at Fairyhouse in the 2m grade 2 hurdle Mirazur West ( Steve), went to post, Led, soon clear, reduced lead before 3 out, went clear again approaching last, ridden out and kept on well run-in winning by 4 ½ l. He gets 46.2 points.

At Exeter in the 2m 2f Selling hurdle Foxey ( Cod), went to post, Raced in second, mistake 2nd, led going best home turn, mistake 3 out, mistake 2 out, ridden out run-in, winning by 4l. He gets 24.76 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        March   Total

Peej    365.01          1045.31

Steve   145.92         808.35

Bob   95.1               606.49

Cliff    92.34           600.21

Cod   139.17             565.77

Neil    167.43               545.34

Martin    104.6            541.99

Congratulations to Peej who is March trainer of the month

News

Nicky Henderson has revealed his star hurdler Constitution Hill has been in veterinary hospital since Wednesday night in order to monitor suspected colic. The six-time champion trainer said the seven-time Grade 1 winner was "not completely out of the woods" but expressed hope he would be able to return to Seven Barrows in the coming days. It means Constitution Hill, the highest-rated hurdler in training, is now an extremely unlikely runner at Punchestown.

Iroko will step up to three miles at Aintree with confidence back in the Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained stable star after a promising return from injury at the Cheltenham Festival. JP McManus's six-year-old finished a well-beaten fifth in the Turners' Novices Chase a fortnight ago, but his connections were happy enough with his effort off a 128-day break. He had been ruled out for the season with a foot injury shortly after making an impressive chase debut at Warwick in November, but it healed quickly enough for him to feature at the spring festivals.

Aintree Grand Slam

Entries by close of Play Wednesday 10 April.  To count for points your selection must win at 2/1 or more

Important Dates

The jump season finishes Saturday 27 April.

Flat Competition starts  Saturday 4th May.

The Editor will be away for the Flat start, so Peej will be doing the admin so please watch for his e mails on when he wants your strings in

A reminder of the Flat scoring

All races in the UK and Ireland, Group and listed races in France, Group races in rest of Europe and Turkey, Non Handicap Group 1 Grade1 Races in America and Canada

Group 1 25 points,

Group 2 20

Group 3 15

Listed          12 ( Races run off set weight Bands)    

Handicaps   10 (Races run off a weight range , ie 0-90, and including handicaps with the word listed in the title)

            All other races     10

2nd place in Bonus races 12 points + tote return

Weekend Entries

 

Saturday 

Stratford

2.48 Foxey

Kelso

4.10 Dysart Enos

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

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

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

2023/24 Jumps Issue 20 - Waiting for a winner

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        March   Total

Peej    365.01          1045.31

Steve   99.72         762.15         

Bob   95.1               606.49

Cliff    92.34           600.21

Neil    167.43               545.34

Martin    104.6            541.99

Cod   114.41             541.01

News

Connections of Kitty's Light are nervously waiting to find out if enough rivals drop out of a slimmed-down Randox Grand National in order for him to line up at Aintree and bid for an emotional success.

The picture will become clearer on Tuesday when the potential field for the £1 million contest on April 13 is trimmed at the latest acceptance stage, with any new scratchings joining Hewick and Threeunderthrufive, whose connections have indicated will be missing the race.

Emmet Mullins is hoping for drying ground to boost Noble Yeats's chance of emulating Red Rum in the Randox Grand National after securing the services of championship-chasing jockey Harry Cobden.

The nine-year-old won the Aintree marathon in 2022 under owner Robert Waley-Cohen's son Sam, who was having his final ride before retirement, and was partnered by Sean Bowen when fourth last year. He will try to become the first previous winner to regain the crown since Red Rum in 1977

Aintree Grand Slam

Entries by close of Play Wednesday 10 April.  To count for points your selection must win at 2/1 or more

Important Dates

The jump season finishes Saturday 27 April.

Flat Competition starts  Saturday 4th May.

The Editor will be away for the Flat start, so Peej will be doing the admin so please watch for his e mails on when he wants your strings in

A reminder of the Flat scoring

All races in the UK and Ireland, Group and listed races in France, Group races in rest of Europe and Turkey, Non Handicap Group 1 Grade1 Races in America and Canada

Group 1 25 points,

Group 2 20

Group 3 15

Listed          12 ( Races run off set weight Bands)    

Handicaps   10 (Races run off a weight range , ie 0-90, and including handicaps with the word listed in the title)

All other races     10

2nd place in Bonus races 12 points + tote return

Weekend Entries

 

Saturday

Haydock 

1.30 Ilovethe nightlife

Sunday 

Plumpton

5.25 Ilovethenightlife

Fairyhouse

2.35 Brighterdaysahead, Dysart Enos

3.45 Mirazur West

4.55 Gaelic Warrior, Mister Policeman

Grand Slam 

Leg1 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

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg 15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

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

2023/24 - Jumps Issue 19 - Five-way fight to avoid the Spoon

Headlines

Dawn Breaks rivals at Cheltenham

Protektorat  takes off in Ryan Air

Tea time in stayers hurdle

Pin Galops to Golden Glory

Policeman In Charge at Thurles

Report

At Cheltenham on Thursday in the 2m 4f grade 1 Turners novice chase, Grey Dawning ( Steve), went to post, In touch with leaders, going easily when challenging before 3 out, jumped slightly left and led 2 out, edged left approaching last, ridden run-in, soon idled, kept on towards finish, winning by 2l. He gets 57 points.

In the 2m 4f grade 1 Ryan Air Chase  Protektorat ( Peej), went to post, Travelled strongly, in touch with leaders, headway and challenging 2 out, disputed lead approaching last, led run-in, soon ridden, kept on well inside final 110yds, won going away  by 4l. He gets 95.2 points.

In the 3m grade 1 stayers hurdle Teahupoo (Peej), took his chance, Raced wide, in touch with leaders, not fluent 7th, pressed leaders on outer when mistake 2 out, went second then switched left before last, soon led and edged right, ridden and kept on well run-in, winning by 3 ¾ l. He gets 54.5 points.

On Friday in the 3m 2f grade 1 Gold Cup Galopin Des Champs (Cod , Neil, Peej), Gerri Colombe (Bob, Cliff, Martin, Neil), took their chances. Galopin Des Champs, Prominent, disputing second going easily 3 out, pushed along to lead 2 out, 3 lengths ahead last, ridden run-in, kept on well, winning by 3 ½ l. He gets 51.91 points. Gerri Colombe, In touch with leaders, jumped left 1st, headway and prominent 5th, pushed along 4 out, bit short of room home turn, pressed winner and ridden 2 out, 3 lengths down last, no impression run-in 2nd 3 ½ l. He gets 14.1 points.

On Saturday at Thurles Mister Policeman ( Martin Steve), went to post in the 2m 2f grade 3 chase, Raced in second, led narrowly after 4 out, going best approaching last, pushed out and kept on well towards finish, winning comfortably by 1 ½ l. He gets 16.1 points. 

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        March   Total

Peej    365.01          1045.31

Steve   99.72         762.15         

Bob   95.1               606.49

Cliff    92.34           600.21

Neil    167.43               545.34

Martin    104.6            541.99

Cod   114.41             541.01

Apologies to Neil who should have got double points for Irish Point, now amended.

Cheltenham Grand Slam

Peej    365.01

Neil 167.43

Bob   95.1

Cliff   92.34

Martin 88.5

Cod 86.91

Steve 83.62

So Peej takes the 20 points.

News

The weights for next month's Randox Grand National are set for a sharp rise as Shark Hanlon has all but ruled top-weight Hewick out of the world's most famous jumps race and will instead aim the King George winner at the Aintree Bowl. Hewick missed last week's Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup because of soft ground, although he did watch the action unfold from his stable in Fenniscourt in a social media clip that has attracted well over five million views. 

Important Dates

The jump season finishes Saturday 27 April.

Flat Competition starts  Saturday 4th May.

The Editor will be away for the Flat start, so Peej will be doing the admin so please watch for his e mails on when he wants your strings in

Weekend Entries

Can’t find any!

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

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg   15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

Leg 17 Peej

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

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

2023/24 Jumps Issue 18 - Plenty of Cheltenham winners

Headlines

Cody Hunts Down Rivals at Leicester

Classico Chianti wins the Ultiima

Lossiemouth lands Mares Hurdle 

Man leaves Rivals in a State

Warrior beats off Rivals in Arkle

Bally Burns off Rivals in Gallagher hurdle

Fact Files Points away in Brown Chase

Dan’s The Man in Coral Cup

Party is Unexpected Winner

Report

We start at Leicester on Friday where in the 2m 4f handicap chase William Cody (Cod), took his chance, In touch with leaders on outer, left in lead 3 out, faced challenge 2 out, went clear approaching last, went further clear run-in, winning easily by 28l. He gets 27.5 points.

On Tuesday at Cheltenham in the 2m grade 1 Arkle Novice chase Gaelic Warrior ( Bob), took his chance, Travelled strongly, prominent, switched right and pressed leaders going easily 2 out, led approaching last, pushed along and went clear run-in, winning  impressively by 8 ½ l. He gets 81 points

In the 3m 1f Premier handicap chase Chianti Classico ( Peej), went to post, Travelled strongly, prominent early, in touch with leaders from 3rd, hit 6th, went second 15th, led before 3 out, soon faced challenge, pushed along and 2 lengths ahead when pecked on landing last, went clear inside final 110yds, winning by 4 ½ l. He gets 34 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Champion Hurdle, State Man (Peej, Martin), Irish Point( Neil), took their chances. 

State Man, Prominent on inner, not fluent 3 out, switched right and pressed leaders going easily home turn, led approaching last, ridden and kept on run-in winning by 1 ¼ l. Peej gets 76.4 points, Martin 51.4

Irish Point, Prominent, pressed leader going easily after 3 out, led narrowly home turn, soon faced challenge, headed approaching last, kept on run-in, 2nd 1 ¼ l. He gets 13.4 points.

In the 2m 4f grade 1 mares hurdle Lossiemouth ( Neil, Steve), took her chance, Travelled strongly, in rear, headway before 3 out, prominent 2 out, smooth headway and led approaching last, ridden final 110yds, winning  readily by 3l. Neil gets 51.62 points Steve 26.62

On Wednesday in the 2m 5f Grade 1 Gallagher novice hurdle Ballyburn ( Peej) went to post, Took keen hold, raced in second, led after 2 out, shaken up and 6 lengths ahead last, winning  easily by 13l. He gets 53 points.

In the 3m grade 1 Brown Advisory novice chase, Fact to File ( Cliff), took his chance, Jumped right on occasions, took keen hold, towards rear, in touch with leaders 10th, headway 3 out, soon pressed leaders going easily, led 2 out, good jump last, ridden briefly and went clear run-in, winning  readily by 3 ¾ l. He gets 78.24 points.

In the 2m 5f Premier handicap hurdle Langer Dan ( Cod), went to post, Travelled strongly, midfield, headway 2 out, led narrowly before last, ridden clear final 110yds, winning  readily by 3 ½ l. He gets 35 points.

In the 2m premier handicap chase Unexpected Party (Martin, Neil), went to post, Prominent on outer, went second 6th, briefly disputed lead 4 out, led 3 out, faced challenges before 2 out, edged right run-in, ridden out winning by 2 ¼ l. He gets 23 points.

John Torpey Memorial Trophy

        March   Total

Peej    163.4             823.7

Steve   26.62         689.05         

Bob   81                 592.39

Cliff    78.24           586.11

Martin    74.4            511.79

Cod   62.5                489.1

Neil    88.02               465.93

Apologies to Bob who should have got 12 points for Fast or Slow in the Irish Gold Cup, now amended

Cheltenham Grand Slam

Peej    163.4

Neil 88.02

Bob   81

Cliff   78.24

Martin 74.4

Cod 35 

Steve 26.62

News

After the Mares Hurdle, Willie Mullins told the Punter, "I'll chat to Rich, but I imagine she'll (Lossiemouth) be trained for the Champion Hurdle next season," "I'm hoping she'll go to Punchestown next but we'll see."

A late setback has ruled Dysart Enos out of the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival. O’Brien said: “It’s a huge blow, she’s got an overreach unfortunately.

“It’s not serious, it’s just horrendous timing. If it had happened earlier we might have been able to do something about it, but that’s where we are. We’ll get her right before we make any plans.”

Weekend Entries

Friday 

Cheltenham

2.50 Captain Teague

3.30 Galopin Des Champs, Fast Or Slow, Gerri Colombe,  L’Homme Presse, Hewick, Bravemansgame, Gentlemansgame, 

Saturday  

Uttoxeter

1.15 Masaccio

2.25 Masaccio

3.00 Iron Bridge

4.45 Captain Bellamy

Kempton

2.45 Le Patron

Thurles

2.30 Mister Policeman

Sunday  

Down Royal 

2.52Maimie’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

Leg 13  Neil

Leg 14 Cliff

Leg 15 Bob

Leg 16 Bob

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, , Worcester

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

2023/24 Jumps - Cheltenham Grand Slam picks

Peej - Liari

Bob - Embassy Gardens

Cliff - Fact To File

Steve - Sir Gino

Neil - Il Etait Temps

Cod - Quilixious

2023/24 Jumps - Ed's Cheltenham Chances (Alphabetical)

Ballyburn has entries the Supreme and Baring Bingham novice hurdles and is a 5 * in both.

Bill Baxter is in the Plate and Fulke Walwyn handicap chases, he has been disappointing but will be off a dropping handicap mark 2*

Botox Has is in the stayers hurdle, he struggles at grade 1 level 2 *

Bravemansgame is in the Gold Cup, he has had some hard races this season, and is yet to win, and whilst Paul Nicholls is confident, I think a place is the best he can do 3*

Brighterdaysahead  is in the Supreme, Mares Hurdle, Baring Bingham and Mares novice hurdle. She has rather gone under the radar with the attention on Ballyburn and recently Tullyhill. She gets 7lb in the open novice events, and will have a first class chance 5* in the mare’s events against Lossiemouth 4*

Captain Teague is in the Baring Bingham and Albert Bartlett novice hurdles, he has been kept for Cheltenham and should run a big race in either 4*

Chianti Classico, is due to go in the Ultima nd holds a decent chance, 4*

Dr Eggman is in the Baring Bingham and Albert Bartlett novice hurdles, he has run well in 2nd on his last 2 runs and has place claims again 3*

Dysart Eynos Still unbeaten and in the Supreme and Mare’s novice hurdle, she should go well in which ever turns up in 4*

Edwardstone is in the Champion Chase and Ryan Air. Whilst he didn’t beat a great deal last time his 40 l romp had Alan King purring after. 7/1 for the Champion Chase is a good bet 5*\

El Fabiolo, is in the Champion Chase and Ryan Air, he is likely to go Champion Chase, but is not the bset jumper and at odds on is a swerve for me 4*

Famous Bridge is in the Ultima and Fulke Walwyn chases, he has disappointed recently 3*

Fastorslow is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup. He would 5* in the Ryan Air 4* in the Gold Cup

Favour and  Fortune, is in the Supreme and County hurdle. He is useful and off10-10 in the County hurdle would be a 4* Alan King reports him in excellent form,In the Supreme 3*

Gaelic Warrior, unsated last time but is high class and holds entries the 3 novice chases. 4*

Galopin Des Champs is the Gold Cup Favourite, this is a deep Gold Cup and he is probably justified as market leader but is no shoe in 4*

Gentlemansgame is in the Gold Cup, he won the Charlie hall in November but has not been out since . He is reported in good form but the absence is a worry 3*

Gerri Colombe, is going to the Gold Cup fresher than a few, I like his chance 4*

Giovinco, is in the Ultima, Brown Adviosry novice and Turners novice chase. His jumping has not filled me with confidence 3*

Grey Dawning is in the Turners and Brown’s Advisory Novice Chase, has looked progressive and is a live 5*in the Turners which looks his ideal distance

Hewick is in the Gold Cup, he won the King George last time out and whilst he may have been a bit fortunate, would not have been far away. He fell last year but a clear round could take him close 4*

Irish Point, is in the Champion and Stayers Hurdle, Unbeaten this season, he holds a serious chance in both 4*

Iroko is in the Turners novice chase, he is potentially very smart and won easily on his chasing debut in November. His absence since is the concern so 3* but could run a big race

Iron Bridge , is in the Ultima off 10-9 and holds a decent chance 4*

Jeriko Du Reponet is in the Supreme and whilst still unbeaten will probably find one or two better 4*

Jonbon is in the Champion Chase, his last 2 runs have not been great 3*

Kitty’s Light is sin the Ultima off 11-1, this will be a sharpner for the National if he goes 3*

L’Homme Presse, another live Gold Cup contender, he has perhaps been rather over looked, but I expect him to make the frame 4*

Langer Dan is in the County and Martin Pipe hurdles. He has shown nothing so far this season and to see him as 2nd favourite in the County, even though he runs well at Cheltenham is a surprise 3*

Le Patron is in the Turners novice chase, Gary Moore was not keen on going here but other targets have been washed out, he was disappointing last time but had looked decent previously 3*

Letsbeclearaboutit is in the Plate handicap chase, has been consistent without winning, as a result is probably in the handicappers grip 3*but could well make the frame

Lookaway is in the Supreme and Baring Bingham, he has rather lost his way lately 2 *

Lossiemouth is in the Champion and Mares Hurdle. She would get 7lb from State Man in thee Champion and could go close, 4* in the Mares she is 5*

Love Envoi, is in the Champion and mares hurdle and will find some to good in both 3*

Luccia, is in the Champion and County Hurdles, She won an Ascot Handicap last time and off 11-3 in the County is an ew play 4* In the Champion 2*

Marie’s Rock, is in the Mares Hurdle, she is tough and will go well but hard to see her beating Lossiemouth 4*

Noble Yeats is in the stayers hurdle, he won at Cheltenham in January, has class and stamina 4*

Nemean Lion, goes for the Champion hurdle on the back of his grade 2 win at Wincanton, he is improving and could well make the frame at a big price 3*

Protektorat is in the Ryan Air and Gold Cup, he always runs his race but struggles to win at grade 1 level 2*

Shishkin is in the Gold Cup, he may have won the King George if he hadn’t tripped up, but 3m 2 worries me and I think he would have been better in the Ryan Air 3*

Sire Du Berlais, is in the stayers hurdle, won it last year but only 1 disappointing outing this season, 2*

Stage Star is in the Ryan Air, he had looked progressive but was pulled up at Cheltenham in January so has only completed once this season, 3*

State Man ,Champion Hurdle now long odds on and hard to see him being beaten 5*

Stay Away Fay, is in the Brown Advisory novice chase and has solid claims 4*

Teauphoo is favourite for the stayers hurdle, has only been seen once this season winning over 2m 4f at Fairyhouse, he doesn’t strike me as favourite 3*

Trelawne, is in the Ultima, Fulke Walwyn and Browns nvice chase, He has run ok this season but I expected better, solid place claims 3*

Under Control is in the Champion, Mares and County hurdle. She shaped ok at Doncaster last time and in the County off 11-3 is a 4* In the Mares 3* and Champion 2 *

Unexpected Party is in the Grand Annual, Turner’s Novice and Plate Handicap chase and it will be just that if he wins after a disappointing Season, 2*

Youwearitwell, is in the mares hurdle, she has not really fired this season 3*