International Meeting Day Two: Saturday 11th December - Sceau to Put Up Royal Performance in International

Day 2 of the International Meeting promises to be another belter. With two Grade 2 events, the Racing Post Gold Cup and a key trial for the Triumph Hurdle on the card we have plenty to get our teeth stuck into on Saturday.

12.05 (Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Class 2) – MESSAGE PERSONNEL

After finishing third on his hurdling debut in a similar contest albeit at Grade 2 level last month, Yorksea has the best provable form and is the rightful favourite on the book for Gary Moore.

More interesting however is Message Personnel. His French form is hard to quantify and he carries a 7lb penalty, but his odds are juicy and there is plenty to like when you dig a little deeper.

Dan Skelton’s new recruit beat Selma at Dieppe in July, a horse whose subsequent form gives Message Personnel the look of a runner that could just be at a higher level despite the penalty.

As we know so little about these juveniles it’s better to go with potential along with form rather than only the latter so he gets the nod, Interne De Sivola also making the shortlist.

12.40 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – MY DROGO

The major competition hasn’t turned up for this extended 2½-mile novice chase and so it’s very hard to see beyond My Drogo here.

For those who may not remember; My Drogo was involved in a match race with Gin On Lime at the November meeting and while ultimately the result was a good one for this column, Dan Skelton’s six-year-old was a very unlucky loser!

Both horses appeared to have fallen that day, only for Rachael Blackmore to somehow remain on board her mount and claim victory.

My Drogo is better than that and better than the two rivals he faces here so as long as he stays upright this time, he should land a first victory of his fledgling chase career.

1.15 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – FRERO BANBOU

This race has been named in honour of Simon Claisse, the long-time Cheltenham clerk of the course and a competitive wee bunch of eight horses has been assembled.

On our own private ratings, its very tight between Torpillo, if fit enough after 641 days off the track, Cheddleton who was too free last time and is capable of better, and likely market leader Editeur Du Gite who is the most solid of that bunch.

The one with the potential to offer more though is Frero Banbou. Venetia Williams’ gelding is three from 8 so far and doesn’t seem to have been properly collared by the handicapper.

Having run twice this season already but just eight times over fences in all, even natural improvement would make him potentially the best treated horse in the line-up at the weights and he’s a nice price too.

1.50 (Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – FARINET 

The newly renamed Racing Post Gold Cup is a brilliantly competitive 2½-mile handicap chase, one in which the form of last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup is likely to come to the fore.

Winner Midnight Shadow, third-placed Lalor, fourth Dostal Phil and sixth Zanza are all back for more while the runner-up that day, Protektorat, has since demolished a Grade 2 field at Aintree by 25 lengths.

They are all in with chances on the book, naturally, but coming out of novice company now is Farinet of the Venetia Williams yard and he is taken to improve past them off a handy weight.

A very good winner at Sandown in March on his second start in this country, Farinet is capable of very much more and could prove to be great value in the feature event.

2.25 (Bristol Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – BARONY LEGENDS

Blazing Khal managed to see off Gelino Bello over 2 miles, 5 furlongs at the November meeting here and the two reoppose.

Blazing Khal now has a 5lb penalty, but given that he never showed much speed we can assume he’ll appreciate this step up to three miles and so may still be just a step ahead of his old rival who challenges him at the top of this market.

The one to take against them is the unexposed Barony Legends for the Olly Murphy yard. 41 days ago, he was a very, very easy winner at Lingfield over 2m3f and while his ability to stay the trip isn’t proven there is no end of improvement in him and he could be the best value in the race to small stakes.

3.00 (International Hurdle – Grade 2) – SCEAU ROYAL

Make no mistake; Alan King’s star Sceau Royal had a real chance at Newcastle last time in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth, the key trial for the Champion Hurdle back here in March.

While the ground officially was good to soft there, conditions at race time were horrible and Sceau Royal did well just to battle on and claim a close third place behind Not So Sleepy and Epatante.

He’s better than that and he can prove it here with a performance that should make him one of the frontrunners for the big one in March.

Ballyadam will have his supporters, but frankly his form over hurdles doesn’t match up to what is required here. Song For Someone is the likely favourite but, while there is talent there, he isn’t at Sceau Royal’s level in our opinion with a better bet for the forecast at these weights arguably being Guard Your Dreams.

3.35 (Mares’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – TRAPISTA

Paul Webber’s mare Indefatigable is a real favourite around here and hopefully she’ll put up another big performance, but the young pretender Trapista looks like improving to just the right level and may take the lucky last.

Jonjo O’Neill’s horse, trained for JP McManus, made a very successful British debut at Huntingdon back in late October and has been given plenty of time to come to herself and is now ready to go once more.

Indefatigable is indeed next best, ahead of Martello Sky.

International Meeting Day 1: Friday 10th December 2021 - Rocco ‘n’ Roll in Friday Feature Race

There are even bigger and better things to come on Saturday, but Friday sees the first day of the International Meeting hosted at Cheltenham Racecourse and we have a tip for all seven races on the card.

12.05 (Novices’ Hurdle – Class 3) – JPR ONE

Even over two miles and a furlong this hurdle race may take some getting for some of these novices, but despite the need for a little stamina there’s no shortage of class on show either for the grade.

The likely favourite is Hartur D’Oudairies. While he is unbeaten after a bumper win in France and a successful hurdling debut at Warwick in which he was described as “impressive”, he looks far from unfillable to us.

Much of his reputation in the market comes from him carrying the JP McManus colours and being trained by Dan Skelton, but we’ve had his favourites beaten here before at odds and we’re looking to repeat the trick with Jpr One.

Also a winner on his hurdle debut for Colin Tizzard, Jpr One reached a higher level than Hartur D’Oudairies in our opinion and has the capacity to kick on now. Washington and Datsalrightgino can fight it out for places.

12.40 (Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase – Class 3) – CORACH RAMBLER

In what looks like a competitive race for a seven-runner affair, Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell may well be able to make her trip with two horses pay, Corach Rambler being her most likely winner.

The seven-year-old ran well on his chase debut to finish third at 14/1 at Perth in September, and improved upon that when winning very well at Aintree in October.

Off the track since then, he can prove he is on an upward curve, one that would make him well handicapped off his rating of 134. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Derek Fox’s mount is well backed considering he was punted into 5/2 at Aintree before scoring by six lengths.

Eva’s Oskar is next on the list after his win at Chepstow and fine second at Ascot, with Coeur Serein and Undersupervision also considered. Barbados Buck’s probably has to improve plenty at the weights.

1.15 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – QUINTA DO MAR

Quite easy to put numbers against in terms of handicapping here were The Grey Falco, Broomfield Burg, Royaume Uni, Punxsutawney Phil, Castel Gandolfo and Lively Citizen who were all very close on our ratings.

When things are that close, at least on paper, it’s best to look for something potentially very well handicapped and therefore we are taking a chance on Ben Pauling’s Quinta Do Mar.

The six-year-old is on a hat-trick now and won very easily by 31 lengths last time. We’re banking on taking that form at face value and there being more to come and if there is, then there is little doubt that the bay is best at these weights. He just has to handle Cheltenham.

1.50 (Mares’ Handicap Chase – Class 3) – ROSE OF ARCADIA

While it doesn’t work every time, many jumps horses show a factually better performance over fences if taking to them than they do over hurdles. With that in mind, we go for a punt on Cheveley Park’s Rose Of Arcadia here for the Colin Tizzard yard on her chase debut.

She finished her five-run hurdling career on a mark of 119, but it appears that overall, her team thinks that does not truly speak for her ability.

Timeless Beauty represents Fergal O’Brien and can go well, with Jubilympics and Fontaine Collonges also on the shortlist.

2.25 (Betfair Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – ROCCO

Our Grade 3 feature race over 3¼ miles looks like a cracking race, but still an eminently winnable one.

Enrilo may be favourite. He is only 7 and comes from the Paul Nicholls yard so he is an obvious candidate, one that fell last time but showed some solid form before that.

Hurricane Harvey is interesting as are Fagan and Commodore, but we bank on Rocco doing the business for Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies for the first time at Graded level.

Suddenly kicking on and improving after twelve chases, Rocco was a convincing winner last time out at Wincanton in the Badger Beer where he beat Potterman and the aforementioned Hurricane Harvey and there looks sure to be further improvement to come.

He hasn’t been tried over fences around here, but he was a good third at Cheltenham at Grade 2 level over hurdles some time ago and looks primed for the run of his life.

3.00 (Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase – Class 2) – PLAN OF ATTACK

With Tiger Roll and Easysland not on the scene, these cross-country races are wide open and there may be a form turnaround this time.

At the November meeting we successfully went for Back On The Lash to do the business and while another big run is on the cards, the horse back in fourth that day has more to give and a handy 3lb weight pull.

That horse is Henry De Bromhead’s Plan Of Attack. Fourth in the 2020 Kim Muir and a faller when going well in it this year, Plan Of Attack took fourth place and was staying on nicely in the last cross-country race here and it’s easy to see him going a few places better now.

3.35 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – SPORTING JOHN

There will need to be improvement from The Wrekin and Botox Has, who have place chances, but the two to concentrate on in the finale have already battled it out around here at the November meeting and may do again.

Runner-up last month was Fergal O’Brien’s Onagatheringstorm who will surely put in another solid performance, but he was no match for Sporting John that day who perhaps has more to come over hurdles and remains the sensible betting choice.

Sporting John was tried over fences but staying hurdles look like his game and he can land this before moving up in grade.

November Meeting Day Three: Sunday 14th November 2021 - Champion Chaser Back for More

It’s been a brilliant November meeting already, but isn’t over yet! The Champion Chaser and former Arkle heroine, Put The Kettle On, returns to the scene of her most famous successes while the Greatwood Hurdle gives us an early look at some potential Champion Hurdlers for four months’ time.

1.10 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – DOES HE KNOW

Despite the makeup of the Old Course at Cheltenham, this race should be all about stamina as this inexperienced field of chasers tackles three miles while their trainers perhaps dream of future Gold Cup glory.

Oscar Elite comes back from a big break and stayed well enough over hurdles, winning over three miles on heavy ground, while Threeunderthrufive has had chasing experience already and has won over this distance on good ground.

The one that just looks a class above them perhaps is Kim Bailey’s Does He Know. 2-2 over fences, the six-year-old is a course and distance winner now and can still get much better yet.

Ground conditions are fine for him, he jumps these fences well and his handicap mark of 147 does not look anything like beyond him.

1.45 (Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – EMPIRE DE MAULDE

We see champion jockey-elect Brian Hughes at Cheltenham all too seldom, especially with winning chances, but he has a good one in the second race here and in top company too.

This is a good stayers’ race over nearly 3½ miles, one that is perfect for Hughes’ mount Empire De Maulde, trained in Scotland by James Ewart.

First or second in eight of his 13 chases to date, Empire De Maulde has won at Aintree and Kelso over longer trips, yet showed decent speed to run second at Kelso over 2m1f in September and that experience can stand him in good stead here.

He’ll have enough tactical speed to stay in a good position in this race, has the proven stamina to see it out and on the evidence of his latest win should still be a good few pounds ahead of the handicapper.

Yala Enki is not getting any younger and yet is the main danger in terms of the betting, and while he’ll have to be watched for the top Cheltenham pairing of Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost, he may just be outgunned this time.

2.20 (Cheltenham Chase – Grade 2) – PUT THE KETTLE ON

There are just the four runners for this Grade 2 contest, but what a quartet it is. We’re in for a real treat here indeed.

The outsider of the bunch is Rouge Vif, rated 159 and a Grade 2 winner in the past, Politologue (167) is a former Champion Chase winner, while Put The Kettle On (159) and Nube Negra (165) were first and second in the Champion Chase last season.

The quality is all there, and at the weights it may play to stick with the mare Put The Kettle On. Henry De Bromhead’s seven-year-old loves it here, winning the Arkle a year before her big victory here in March.

There may not be much between her and Nube Negra all things considered, but it would be no surprise to see them finish in a familiar order, while even at ten there is life left in Politologue yet who cannot be discounted.

2.55 (Greatwood Handicap Hurdle – Grade 3) – NO ORDINARY JOE

A cracking race; competitive, high-class and full of speed. Whether or not we see a potential Champion Hurdle winner, we will see a brilliant betting event in its own right and it’s JP McManus who may hold the key once again in this division.

Having had the likes of Epatante and Buveur D’Air in recent times, both Champion Hurdle winners, he knows a good one so it would be interesting to hear his thoughts on No Ordinary Joe.

No Ordinary Joe is trained by Nicky Henderson, as were the aforementioned pair of champions, and while he is coming from a lower base, he could yet be something very good in this sphere.

After a decent fourth on his hurdling bow, he’s won two egg and spoon races very easily in preparation for what’s to come this season and that has perhaps looked after his handicap mark somewhat, a mark that appears not to represent his true ability which presents us with a betting opportunity.

He gets the call here, though challengers should be many including Tritonic, Cormier and JP’s other runner Camprond among others. West Cork is also worth watching after nearly two years off the track.

3.30 (Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – I LIKE TO MOVE IT

Unfortunately, we have another four-runner event here and that’s a great shame. Given the level of this race (Grade 2) and the fact that, as the name suggests, it is a recognised trial for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in March, we could have expected plenty more runners.

That said, this is a winter game so the good ground may have accounted for a few potential candidates, while at £28,000 to the winner we can’t call the event particularly rich either which is something that needs to be addressed.

What we’d like to see in that case is an authoritative winner, one that can throw their hat into the ring for March and the most likely horse to do it is I Like To Move It for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

His two hurdle successes so far have been achieved without much fuss and he accounted for Tritonic last time who was a strong fancy for the Triumph Hurdle last year and is in with a shout on this card in the Greatwood Hurdle. Olly Murphy’s Washington is next on the list.

4.00 (Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – TIMEFORATUNE

We finish with another bumper race, and another good one at that with this event more than likely to live up to its Listed status.

Aucunrisque is a strong contender, as is Flying Sara on what we know so far, while having had only one run there could be lots to come from Nicky Martin’s Leading Choice and that one should be watched in the betting throughout Sunday.

The boring but safe choice however is Timeforatune. The likely market leader, Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old is two from two now and has so far reached a level just above that of those in opposition here.

 

November Meeting Day Two: Saturday 13th November 2021 - Hobbs Star to Grab Paddy Power Glory

Day two of the November meeting is a cracker. The highlight of Saturday afternoon is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, while some exciting young chasers and juvenile hurdlers are also in action as their trainers have an eye on the Festival in March.

12.30 (Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle – Grade 2) – MAGISTRATO

Known as the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle, this race is a natural step for these three-year-olds en route to the Triumph Hurdle in March.

Naturally with these types there isn’t a great deal of form to go on, but the form we have seen points very much to Magistrato being the best of this particular bunch.

He won ever so easily at Chepstow on his British debut for Paul Nicholls and he reached a similar level when winning in France. He handled good racing ground last time so shouldn’t be finding things too quick here either.

At a nice price his main rival may be Caramelised of the Alan King yard. He’d be shorter in the betting had it not been for his loss last time out, which doesn’t take anything away from his overall ability.

1.05 (Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase – Class 3) – STRICTLYADANCER

While Mindsmadeup and Another Venture also appear to have chances, it looks tight to us between Strictlyadancer, Minella Encore and Opposites Attract for the win with the first named just preferred.

Christian Williams’ seven-year-old gelding won very nicely over this course and distance last month, doing so in the style of a horse who could go on to achieve plenty more than the 5lb rise he’s been handed in the ratings.

He is a solid player here, as is Minella Encore who also won last time out for Dr Richard Newland while Opposites Attract has been off the track since April but has a generally progressive profile.

1.40 (November Novices’ Chase – Grade 2) – THIRD TIME LUCKI

A small but select field for this high-quality novices’ chase, one in which the favourite genuinely stands out. That favourite is Third Time Lucki, a winner on his chase debut for Dan Skelton.

The six-year-old was a good hurdler too, he ran sixth in the County Hurdle back in March, but the bigger obstacles look as though they suit his style perfectly.

Sent off favourite around here last month, he dispatched his four rivals with the minimum of fuss under Harry Skelton, ultimately winning by 8½ lengths but that margin could have been much wider.

Mick Pastor has been kept busy by Paul Nicholls and could prove to be the main danger if remaining in good form, while Captain Tom Cat beat Mick Pastor last time but at these weights will need to improve a wee bit now.

2.15 (Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase – Grade 3) – ZANZA

Another good renewal of this usually enthralling 2½-mile handicap chase.

Fascinating candidates include the 1-2-3 from last year, Coole Cody, Spiritofthegames and Al Dancer, along with one-time Arkle hope Lalor who now tops the market having been moved to Paul Nicholls’ yard.

There’s been some strong money for Protektorat this week for the Skelton team, which is no surprise, while Brian Ellison’s Nietzsche and Philip Hobbs’ Dostal Phil are also not out of this.

It’s Hobbs’ other hope that gets the nod however – Zanza. After a good start to chasing, he had bad luck in running three times in a row. He did run on nicely for third in the Haldon Gold Cup last time out however so he’s fit, in form and capable of much more than his handicap mark.

2.50 (Handicap Hurdle – Listed Race) – PROSCHEMA

Sporting John is very interesting here going back over hurdles, while Dragon Bones and Ballymillsy are no forlorn hopes.

Right from his Flat racing days however, it’s always been felt that there is some real talent in Proschema and he can land this on just his second try over three miles.

He was second to Indefatigable, fine form indeed, and that was in Grade 2 company. Paul Webber is now looking at Grade 1 races for his mare, and it’s easy to envisage the Skelton team doing the same with this chap in good time making this a good opportunity at Listed level.

3.25 (Intermediate Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – UNEXPECTED PARTY

This is a competitive looking handicap hurdle over 2 miles, 5 furlongs and it’s one in which it could prove to be fruitful to side with Dan and Harry Skelton once again.

Their Unexpected Party, challenging Mackelduff for favouritism going into the weekend, won very easily over this trip up at Wetherby and looks the type to really move on and up from here.

In his short career so far he has already shown a liking for good and good to soft ground, so there should be no worries about underfoot conditions, while even having moved from 109 to 120 in the handicap means little given the form he’s shown – he’s better than that.

Benson could yet prove to be the one to give him most to do. A Listed handicap hurdle winner last winter, his form is solid but was achieved on heavier ground. Gowel Road was the other horse taken into consideration.

3.55 (Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race – Listed Race) – BONTTAY

We’re backing Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan once again in the last, as their Bonttay looks the most likely winner of the mares’ bumper.

The four-year-old got her career underway with a win at Market Rasen in the summer, before scoring again around here last month at a huge 22/1.

She clearly has plenty of ability and no doubt a lot of improvement to come from where she is now, so gets the nod to land the closer.

In behind we liked the look of both Leading Theatre and Where’s Maud Gone who can both go well also.

November Meeting Day One: Friday 12th November 2021 - Nicholls to Land First Ballymore

We kick off three days of terrific action at the November Meeting on Friday, as the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle highlights a good-quality card.

Bigger races are still to come over the weekend, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Greatwood Hurdle, but for now we have a selection in all six of Friday’s races.

1.10 (Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – NEON MOON

We kick off with what looks like an incredibly tight, competitive handicap hurdle for the conditional jockeys. 20 runners go to post for this event over 2m5f, but a few of them do stand out against the field.

Captain Blackpearl may yet improve for Dr Richard Newland having had a breathing operation, while there is little to choose between Art Approval (Fergal O’Brien), Skatman (Paul Nicholls) and An Tailliur (Jonjo O’Neill). Looking arguably the best value however is Neon Moon for the David Pipe team.

Only a five-year-old and with plenty of improvement to come, he opened up at more than double the price of market leader Skatman but has all the right attributes to be able to land this race.

Having had a win op of his own, Neon Moon improved greatly on his second hurdle start back in March and his handicap mark now looks lenient.

1.45 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – KAP AUTEUIL

It’ll be all about speed if the rain stays away for this two-mile handicap chase around the Old Course.

Paul Nicholls has another favourite here in Magic Saint, but one could argue that he has an ever so slightly regressive profile and so while he can still put in a big run, backing him off topweight is not advised.

Sam Thomas’ Stolen Silver perhaps has a better shout having beaten two rivals very easily four weeks ago. He and Aintree’s Red Rum Handicap Chase winner Editeur Du Gite have sold chances, but they may both be vulnerable against Kap Auteuil, now on a five-timer.

Toby Lawes’ runner has been winning, mostly easily, and going up in the handicap appropriately but there’s a strong suspicion that he’s not done yet and his speed between the fences could make the difference here. Hatcher is also worth considering.

2.20 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – GIN ON LIME

A deeply disappoint field of two will take part in this race. After only three were initially declared, Fancy Foundations has come out to leave chase debutant My Drogo to face the mare Gin On Lime only.

That said, it’s disappointing in quantity only with both of these young chasers likely to go on and reach a very good level this season.

Gin On Lime is favoured as the outsider of the pair, purely on the grounds of value. So often in such races the long odds-on favourite cannot perform to expectation, usually because of a lack of pace.

If My Drogo happens to front-run things may be different, but as he’s used to stalking it may well be that Gin On Lime can do her own thing up front and could just kick away from a slow pace. At least, that’s the thinking.

2.55 (Cross Country Handicap Chase – Class 2) – BACK ON THE LASH

Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead may well win the dual for us in the previous race, but we’re going against their likely market leader around the cross-country course.

Balko Des Flos is indeed a top challenger, as is Talkischeap despite some recent pull-ups, but the one we like best of all is the latter’s stable companion Back On The Lash, a horse the name of which will resonate with many a post-lockdown visitor to the track.

Back On The Lash has time on his side as a seven-year-old and seems to really want a trip. If that turns out to be true, then over this three-and-a-quarter miles he can reach new heights now under jockey Sean Bowen.

He’s not badly priced either and so is given the nod, although others including Alpha Des Obeaux, Freewheelin Dylan and Plan Of Attack can also have a major say in the contest.

3.30 (Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 2) – GELINO BELLO

Other than My Drogo, two horses in this Grade 2 contest will already be in some notebooks with the upcoming Cheltenham Festival in mind and so we watch with great interest to see how Gelino Bello and Off Your Rocco get on around here.

The latter has to carry a 5lb penalty for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell, but comes into this race in great form after wins at Listowel and Limerick.

Gelino Bello, representing Paul Nicholls who has not managed to win a race known as the Hyde Novices’ Hurdle since its inception in 1996, can get the job done though and is favoured.

He was mightily impressive at Aintree last month on his first outing over hurdles, and while there isn’t much yet to back up the form of the race, it seems to be more than reliable and he put that race to bed with the minimum of fuss.

Blazing Khal and Current Mood are probably best of the rest, but they’ll have to suddenly improve plenty to mix it with the big two you’d feel.

4.00 (Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – CITY DERBY

At around 7/1 the field on the first show this race has looked very tricky to solve, but there are variables to take into consideration that may just give us a heads-up.

As we’ve mentioned plenty of times before, Fergal O’Brien does very well here and the O’Brien-McPherson Racing team are beginning to scale new heights.

It could be prevalent then that they have a solid third-favourite here in the shape of Samba Dancer. A winner of all three of his most recent runs, he comes into the race in sparkling form and has impressive numbers to back him up in terms of speed etc.

Ahead of him in the pecking order however appears to be City Derby, the choice of Paddy Brennan, who might just prove to be a step ahead of the handicapper.

Showcase Meeting Day Two: Saturday 23rd April 2021 - Before Midnight to Get Home Just in Time

Some early markers could be put down on day two of The Showcase for next year’s Cheltenham Festival, several of today’s runners seemingly possessing plenty of improvement for the season ahead.

Once again, we have a selection in all seven races on the card beginning with the extended two-mile opening affair.

1.45 (Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – SAMARRIVE

Not many National Hunt yards will prepare their runners for a seasonal opener after a long break as well as that of Paul Nicholls’, his Samarrive looking capable of landing this race under Lorcan Williams.

The four-year-old has plenty of learning to do, but on this genuine surface he shouldn’t struggle too much even under 11st11lbs, while his wins at Angers in France and at Kempton in April showed that he has tons of talent.

He landed the odds comfortably by 13 lengths last time and there is no telling where his ceiling is. Fergal O’Brien’s Samba Dancer is a solid second choice, while Ingleby Hollow for Rebecca Menzies and Gordon Elliott’s overpriced Uncle Henry may also go well.

2.20 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – COOL MIX

Cool Mix is a tentative choice in this 3m1f handicap chase for Iain Jardine, though all being well the lightly-weighted nine-year-old can make the 520-mile roundtrip worthwhile for the yard.

Connor O’Farrell takes the ride as usual on the grey, the pair last season having won at Wetherby over 2m3½f before being placed in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle over three miles and running fifth in the Scottish Grand National. He’s an improving stayer overall and looks too big a price at double-figure odds.

There is plenty of opposition however. Jersey Bean (Oliver Sherwood), Just Your Type (Charlie Longsdon), Domaine De L’Isle (Sean Curran), Shoal Bay (Colin Tizzard) and potential market leaders Storm Control (Kerry Lee) and Cloth Cap (Jonjo O’Neill) all have chances, so stakes should be kept to a minimum.

2.55 (Class 2 Hurdle) – STEPNEY CAUSEWAY

Unfortunately, this extended two-mile hurdle has cut up badly with just four left in at the final declaration stage. The small field however accentuates the need for a turn of foot, something that drew us to Stepney Causeway earlier in the week and he is backed to score for Dan and Harry Skelton.

Most of the money in the ring should go the way of Adonis winner and Triumph Hurdle fifth Tritonic, perhaps amazingly handing us a backable price on the selection.

Despite the favourite’s Festival appearance, it could be said that Stepney Causeway has more experience now having had five hurdle starts to Tritonic’s three. They are both four-year-olds however, meaning our boy potentially has as much improvement in him as his rival.

He’s already reached a similar level to the market leader too, but gets a more than handy weight pull of 8lbs. I Like To Move It is the other serious contender but needs to take a step forward.

3.30 (Handicap Chase – Class 2) – BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Sky Pirate has been the one for money this week in this two-mile race, Jonjo O’Neill’s runner having landed the Grand Annual at the Festival back in March.

He may not be at his absolute sharpest on his seasonal bow however, something that off topweight he’ll need to be and so there is arguably value elsewhere.

Chiefly that value comes in the form of Sam Thomas’ Before Midnight. The eight-year-old gelding has shown a real liking for good ground, has the pace needed for the Old Course, and up to his season closer in April had shown a pattern in seven chase starts of almost constant improvement.

Leapaway is next on our list, ahead of the aforementioned Sky Pirate and the JP McManus runner Belargus.

4.05 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 2) – PANIC ATTACK

This three-mile event is an important qualifier for the Pertemps Series, the 15-runner field being indicative of that.

Plenty are in with chances then but balancing up general form, fitness, speed between the hurdles, the potential for further improvement and value at the prices, most of our boxes were ticked by David Pipe’s Panic Attack.

After winning at Uttoxeter and Newbury, Panic Attack finished last season off with a fine second at Aintree and at five years old she surely has plenty more to offer up after her break. That effort was her first after a breathing operation and more is expected this year.

Tullybeg and Born Patriot are two Irish-trained horses bound to attract cash in the ring, while Nicky Henderson’s Haul Away comes into the race on a hat-trick and naturally cannot be ignored.

4.40 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – DOES HE KNOW

There are just the five runners for the three-mile novice chase, Kim Bailey’s Does He Know not being the biggest price in the world but looking the most solid of the quintet.

After an eight-race hurdling career that featured three wins and two seconds, Does He Know began chasing in fine style earlier this month with a simple five-and-a-half-length win at Chepstow over a trip just short of three miles.

He beat an odds-on shot of Paul Nicholls’ that day, a horse who’d finished hurdling with a record of four wins from 5 runs.

He didn’t have to get into top gear that day to score either, so with that in mind and seeing the sort of speed figures he clocked in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival it would seem there is a pretty big step forward to come. Roi De Dubai was next on the list.

5.15 (Open National Hunt Flat Race – Class 2) – OCEAN OF MERCY

Watch the betting throughout Saturday as there is always more knowledge held by trainers than punters in early-season bumpers, but on what we know so far Ocean Of Mercy looks the most solid option here.

Trained in County Kilkenny by Paul Hennessy, Ocean Of Mercy was only just held on his bumper debut at Navan in September at odds of 40/1. Shuil Donn may be another strong contender.

Showcase Meeting Day One: Friday 22nd April 2021 - The Showcase Welcomes In New Cheltenham Season

Cheltenham is back! The Showcase meeting kicks our season off on Friday and Saturday, both days promising a ton of fantastic jumping action and we have a selection here for every race on day one.

1.55 (Novices’ Hurdle – Class 2) – OFF YOUR ROCCO

The first race of the new season may well go to the returning, controversial Gordon Elliott courtesy of his Off Your Rocco.

His recent form in winning twice in a row puts him in poll position here, and that’s without the prospect of much improvement to come although he may yet take another step forward in these dryer conditions.

Early tissue prices don’t have him up at huge odds it must be said, but they do list him as second favourite only behind Philip Hobbs and JP McManus’s Camprond so we may yet get a backable price to aim at in the opening race. Jack Kennedy takes the ride.

Camprond, the mount of Aidan Coleman, is indeed our second choice with the likes of Mars Harper (Elliott) and All Clenched Up (Fergal O’Brien) appearing as though they have work to do.

2.30 (Novices’ Chase – Class 2) – FIDELIO VALLIS

After Harry Skelton’s championship-winning season in the saddle last time it’s perhaps no surprise that he and trainer brother Dan have the favourite in the shape of Third Time Lucki. They may be vulnerable, however.

Paul Nicholls is odds-on to become champion trainer this season, and his Fidelio Vallis has an outstanding chance of adding to his already growing tally.

Despite staying further and proving himself up for a fight, the six-year-old has clocked some consistently good speed figures which will help around the Old Course over this two-mile trip.

Although he’s young and has more to come, he also boasts experience having had six goes over fences, winning four times already and he could be decent value to score here ahead of Any News for Neil Mulholland.

3.05 (Novices’ Hurdle – Class 2) – SIRUH DU LAC

After being predicted in some quarters to head the betting, we were very surprised to see early prices of 7/1 offered up on Wednesday for David Pipe’s Siruh Du Lac who gets the vote.

He hasn’t run since last year’s November meeting, but he’s ready to go now and we shouldn’t forget that he was sent off at just 12/1 for the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Now back over hurdles for the first time since 2017, he can make his experience count at a time when winning this would be simply thought of as good prep for the rest of the season and at the odds, we can afford to take a small chance.

Almazhar Garde is also too big a price, while closer to the head of the market Dragon Bones looks the most solid for each-way and Placepot punters.

3.40 (Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase – Class 3) – DANNY KIRWAN

On his return to the track after a 207-day hiatus and a breathing operation, there is plenty to like about the chances of Danny Kirwan.

Another for the Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden combo, Danny Kirwan reached a career high when winning nicely at Wincanton back in March and he’s often gone well after a break in the past.

Annual Invictus is a young horse with better to come, while Back On The Lash and likely favourite Faivoir, again for the Skeltons, all look closely matched at these handicap weights.

4.15 (Handicap Hurdle – Class 3) – ART APPROVAL

We found this to be a terribly close and competitive affair when assessing the event, a 2½-mile handicap hurdle, and the betting has also reflected this. It’s awfully close on our book between Art Approval and Sometimes Always, the former just getting the vote.

Sometimes Always was on a roll around this time last year for Ian Williams and now he’s had a break there may be more to come, however Art Approval is very much getting better all the time and is trained by a handler we cannot ignore at this meeting.

Local trainer Fergal O’Brien knows exactly how to get winners here, particularly at this meeting, and there’s no doubt his five-year-old will have been prepped to perfection.

Captain Morgs, Guard Your Dreams and Found On all made the shortlist too.

4.50 (Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase – Class 3) – MARQUIS OF CARABAS

If we’re right (and lucky), Fergal O’Brien may be on for a quickfire double towards the end of the card.

His Marquis Of Carabas is a bit of a labour of love having been off the track exactly two-and-a-half years, but we know for sure this has been plotted by the yard and the now eleven-year-old should come out flying.

He was rated 127 and getting better when last seen on course, but begins the new chapter of his chasing life off just 119 in the handicap and has the assistance of top amateur Derek O’Connor in the saddle.

Bermeo is solid over this sort of trip (3m1f), although the younger Debden Bank, on a four-timer now, may well improve past him.

5.25 (Maiden Hurdle – Class 3) – JOHN LOCKE

As always in bumpers and maiden hurdles our advice is to check the betting in the final ten minutes before the race, as any stable-led plots will become apparent then.

On what we know so far however, John Locke may be the one to side with in the lucky last. In narrowing the field down to three preferred runners, it was Dan and Harry Skelton’s horse who showed up best.

Also on the list was Top Bandit for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell, though in finishing third on his hurdling debut at 6/4 he may well have just disappointed a few people at Limerick and will need to improve now.

He doesn’t set a daunting standard for newcomer Cardano to aim at, a horse who reached a high of 100 on the Flat as recently as May and who remained in good form in that sphere right up to September.

John Locke however was fourth to both Tritonic and Monmiral (Grade 1) earlier in the year and should be too good here.