Cheltenham Festival bridesmaid Shaneshill bids for French Champion Hurdle success

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Willie Mullins is hoping for a fifth French Champion Hurdle (2:35) prize with Shaneshill, who has finished a runner-up in three visits to the Cheltenham Festival.

After landing Grade Two success in Auteuil’s Prix La Barka, a key trial, he is set to hold favouritism for the 3m1f race.

"He's been hard to train during the winter, but I think he's going to be a lot easier to train in this summer weather," the County Carlow handler said.

"He promised me an awful lot early on. He was second three times at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Now I think he's a bit stronger and maybe he can go through with the promise he showed me."

The experienced eight-year-old was beaten just over a length in the Champion Bumper, before reversing the placings with Silver Concorde to gain his only ever top level success at Punchestown.

He was well beaten by the legendary Douvan in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle the following year, still finishing one place ahead of 2017 Gold Cup winner Sizing John.

In 2016 he went closer than ever when narrowly beaten by Blaklion in the World Hurdle, he failed to finish in this year’s renewal of the Stayer’s Hurdle.

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Ptit Zig was an encouraging winner of the Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in 2015 

Paul Nicholls hopes to reclaim the prize with Ptit Zig, who hasn’t tasted victory since his surprise success in the Grade One contest a year ago.

The eight-year-old missed out on the Festival, and could only finish sixth in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.

He did finish the season with an improved effort in Sandown’s Select Hurdle, where he was beaten by L’Ami Serge, who faces him once again.

Nicky Henderson’s raider has been a revelation since almost gaining Cheltenham glory in the County Hurdle.

The seven-year-old was defeated on the line by Arctic Fire, before landing Sandown’s grade two contest. He was beaten by Shaneshill on his last start, but not even a length separated the pair.

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One Track Mind was a Grade One winner over hurdles last season

Warren Greatrex is represented by One Track Mind who won the Punchestown Stayers Hurdle last season, but has disappointed over fences.

Blue Dragon is the strongest chance for the French, the six-year-old enjoyed a comfortable Grade Two success at this track in April. 

Narrow Festival loser Wonderful Charm begins route to Cheltenham at Stratford

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Cheltenham Festival narrow loser Wonderful Charm begins his road back to Cheltenham in Stratford’s Foxhunters Champion Hunters' Chase (7:50).

Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old was just beaten in the Foxhunters by stable rival Pascha Du Polder, to give the Ditcheat handler a first winner at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival.

He then went on to give a good account of himself in the Grand National, when finishing midfield (purple colours) in the famous steeplechase.

He returns to foxhunting level at the Warwickshire track, hoping to go one better at the Festival than he did last year.

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Wonderful Charm winning the Grade Two Berkshire Novices' Chase at Newbury in 2013

“I think it’s fair to put a line through his Aintree run as things did not go his way but prior to that he had run a blinder in the Cheltenham Foxhunters when just touched off by his stablemate Pacha Du Polder,” Nicholls told the Racing Post.

“We have kept him fresh at home with this race in mind as a flat track like Stratford suits him ideally and he should give Sam a great spin. 

"His father Robert recently bought into the horse for Sam to ride in the race and in hunter chases next year.”

Nicholls also runs Rebel Rebellion who is seeking a third successive victory, after winning at Warwick and Newton Abbot.

His biggest rival comes in the form of Balnaslow, who was a narrow loser in Aintree’s Foxhunter’s Chase before striking at Punchestown next time around.

But Graham McKeever’s ten-year-old failed to beat Wonderful Charm when the pair clashed at the Festival in March.

Wonderful Charm is a 6/4 chance for tonight's race, and a 7/1 chance for next year's Foxhunters Chase at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins' potential Cheltenham Festival hope Senewalk targets maiden win at Tranmore

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Former Supreme Novice favourite Senewalk targets a maiden victory as he prepares to campaign to the Cheltenham Festival tonight.

Willie Mullins' five-year-old runs in the www.tranmore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle (8:00), hoping for his first win over hurdles.

Formerly a Cheltenham fancy, owner Rich Ricci claimed he had 'high hopes' for him, but he's disappointed in two efforts in maiden company since.

He was a winner on the flat in France, but finished sixth on his hurdle debut at Punchestown, before missing out on a place when fourth on return to the County Kildare track.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, he takes a big step down in class for this evening’s race, and he has plenty to improve from that run 17 days ago.

“Senewalk runs in the maiden hurdle over 2m5f,” Mullins told his website.

“He has been disappointing but is dropping down a lot in grade here.

“He is fit and well, but needs to show improvement if he is to get off the mark over hurdles today.”

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Willie Mullins' last Neptune victory came in 2016 with Yorkhill.

Mullins' main target for Senewalk would be the Neptune Novice Hurdle over a similar trip, if he can begin to show his full potential.

The Irish trainer is already dominating the antepost market for the Neptune with Champion Bumper 

winner Fayonagh the current favourite.

Meanwhile Mullins’ Bumper fourth Next Destination and three-time winner Getabird all look to have live chances in the Grade One contest.

Early prices are indicating Senewalk as a 20/1 shot for the Neptune, despite winless over hurdles.

Although he could re-route to the curtain raising Supreme Novice hurdle, but that would mean he steps down in trip to two miles. The bookies rate him around a 25/1 chance for Supreme success.

He is priced at around 13/8 to break his maiden this evening.

Cheltenham winning trainer Warren Greatrex confident in trio of runners at Perth

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Festival winning trainer Warren Greatrex is confident in about the chances of his trio of runners at Perth on Sunday afternoon.

The Berkshire-based trainer established himself as a leading player when he trained Cole Harden to World Hurdle glory, ahead of the popular Saphir Du Rheu.

He hasn’t enjoyed Festival success since, but is expecting his long voyage to Scotland to be worthwhile.

Magic Money takes her place in the Mackie's World Class Indulgence Handicap Chase (2:45), the nine-year-old has rapidly improved quickly.

After two quick wins, she found the step up in class no trouble when finishing second in a listed contest at Cheltenham.

Confidence is high as the experienced mare steps back into handicap company.

“She’s been something of a revelation for us in the spring,” said the Berkshire-based trainer.

“She won two nice races and then was second in a listed race at Cheltenham. She seems in good form, and she’s had a little break.

“She should be fine going up there, and the trip is probably a minimum. She won’t mind the ground, and can make plenty of use for it. She seems in good form, hopefully she can run a good race.”

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Cole Harden's World Hurdle victory remains Warren Greatrex's only Cheltenham Festival success.

In the Perth Is The Place To Be Handicap Hurdle (3:15) Attest bids for his third win on the trot for Greatrex.

He battled well to win on both starts at Stratford and Warwick, and looks good enough to overcome a 5lb rise from the handicapper.

“He’s won his last two for us,” said Greatrex, whose trained two winners so far this season.

“He really seems to be in the groove now. He’s in good form, and off a mark of 115 I still think he still looks pretty solid. I’m expecting a big run from him.”

The Caller rounds off the trio in the Heineken UK Handicap Hurdle (4:45). The six-year-old is making his seasonal bow, having finishing last season finishing a long way off when third at Wincanton.

“The ground was probably a bit too quick for him the last day,” said the Upper-Lambourn trainer.

“He ran well in his first handicap at Chepstow. The step up in trip will help, and he seems in good form. He should be up to going close on this sort of mark.”

"I'm focused on the next thousand" says Cheltenham's top trainer Gordon Elliott

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Reigning Cheltenham Festival top trainer Gordon Elliott insists he’s focused on the next landmark after celebrating his 1000^th winner earlier this week.

The Irish handler earned six Festival wins including Labaik’s shock win in the Supreme, and Apple Jade’s Mares Hurdle win to pry the crown from dominant trainer Willie Mullins.

The County Meath-based trainer has enjoyed success in Britain’s biggest racing, with Grand National success in 2007 with Silver Birch, and Gold Cup glory with Don Cossack in 2015.

“It’s been a great season for us, and it was great to reach that landmark,” said Elliott.

“The yard have been fortunate to have some really good horses, and we’ve had a lot of good results and good days out.”

“We’ve worked hard and we’re hopeful for many more winners over the years, now we’re fully focused on reaching 2000 winners!”

Elliott gained his first taste of Cheltenham Festival success when Chicago Grey won the National 

Hunt Chase in 2011.

He’s also enjoyed two Festival wins with Gigginstown’s Tiger Roll, and a treble with Cause Of Causes who landed the Cross Country three months ago.

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Rightdownthemiddle found Colin Tizzard's Sizing Codelco too good in a listed contest at Aintree.

This weekend Elliott saddles two runners to Perth. Rightdownthemiddle looks set to play a leading role in the feature race, City Of Perth Gold Cup.

The nine-year-old finished second at Aintree before falling when in a promising position at Punchestown last time out.

“He ran really well at Aintree and was a bit unlucky at Punchestown with a circuit to go,” said the Irishman.

“That form looks to be pretty good, and we’re happy with him. He seems well at home and we’re hoping he can run well.”

Meanwhile Elliott’s training ability will be put to the test as he saddles Arizona Bound.

The five-year-old has been well beaten in two starts in point-to-point contests, and has a bit to prove on his first racecourse appearance.

“He’s in good form at home but he’s been a bit disappointing in two runs in point to points,” said Elliott.

“His work has been good, and we are expecting a bit better from him.”

Champion jockey Richard Johnson will partner both of Gordon Elliott’s chances.

Evan Williams targetting Royal Ascot glory with John Constable

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Evan Williams is hoping for his first Royal Ascot success with impressive Swinton winner John Constable.

The six-year-old put a season of poor efforts behind him, as he powered clear to a 14-length success of the Haydock spectacle last time out.

With a love of quick ground and good staying ability, Williams is targeting the Ascot Stakes handicap with the three time hurdle winner.

He had one appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, where he finished midfield in the County Hurdle; he could be targeted towards one of the big handicaps in March.

John Constable was formally trained at Ballydoyle with master trainer Aidan O’Brien, he enjoyed one victory and five places in Ireland.

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John Constable before falling at the last at Aintree.

“We’re aiming to take him to the Ascot Stakes on the first day,” said the Welsh handler.

“He’s rated 88 so whether he will get in, I don’t quite know but I hope he does.

“It may be a struggle to get him in, and if he does he will really be on the cusp of the handicap.

“It’s where we really want to go, so it’d be nice to get him in and run him.

“To have a runner at Royal Ascot is very special, and he’d suit the race pretty well. I just hope he can get in!”

The last six winners of the Ascot Stakes were trained by National Hunt trainers, the likes of Simenon and Clondaw Warrior the most notable victors for Willie Mullins.

Last year Jennies Jewel took the prize for Irish trainer Jarlath Farley.

1000 winner Gordon Elliott's top five Cheltenham Festival moments

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Gordon Elliott enjoyed his 1000^th winner on Wednesday, as Moonday Sun struck at Punchestown. The Irish trainer has enjoyed success in the biggest races in jump racing including the Grand National, and Gold Cup. But what have been his landmark success in the biggest meeting of the National Hunt season.

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1) Don Cossack – Gold Cup (2016)

The pinnacle of the Festival, and the race every trainer wants to win. Don Cossack aimed for redemption after falling in the King George. He prepped by winning the Kinloch Brae easily, and was sent off the 9/4 favourite. Under the hands of Bryan Cooper he powered home to defy Djakadam and the already fallen Cue Card. There is no better prize in jumps racing than the Gold Cup.

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2) Champagne Classic – Martin Pipe (2017)

After four straight dominant years of Willie Mullins taking the top trainer’s prize, Gordon Elliott took the crown in the most fascinating of battles in recent years. Despite an early burst of winners, the County Carlow handler hit back with a Thursday four-timer. Elliott had the final say as Champagne Classic forged clear to hand him the title on countback.  

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3 Cause Of Causes – Cross Country Chase (2017)

One of the most popular Festival horses in recent years is Cause Of Cause. In 2017, he bidded for a third straight Festival win in the iconic colours of JP McManus. With amateur Jamie Codd aboard, he powered home strongest to beat stable rival Bless The Wings by a mighty five lengths. On his next start he went on to finish second in the Grand National.

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4) Chicago Grey - National Hunt Chase (2011)

Following a novice win at Cheltenham in October, Chicago Grey had established himself as an exciting novice over the longer trips. With the 4 mile contest the plan, he prepared by finishing a good fifth in a Grade One contest in Ireland. As a 5-1 favourite, he failed to disappoint his fans. Having been ridden patiently, he slowly made ground throughout the race and powered home to give Elliott his first ever Festival success.

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5) Labaik – Supreme Novice (2017)

The Festival’s biggest shock winner came in the curtain raiser, outsider Labaik came into the race finishing 100 lengths behind in a Novice hurdle and refusing to race in the two races prior. He defied odds of 50-1 to defeat Willie Mullins’ highly-thought prospect Melon. The packed stands of Cheltenham were left silent, and bookies virtually empty.