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Mark Bradstock's team are hoping that former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree can land the Ladbroke Trophy despite carrying top weight.
The ten-year-old proved a historic winner of the blue ribband event at the Festival, becoming the first novice to win the Gold Cup in 42 years, but things haven't been as straight forward since.
Plagued with injury, he raced only twice last season finishing second to Cue Card in the Betfair Chase before an exceptional close third at Punchestown. He was only beaten a length and a half behind race fit Gold Cup winner Sizing John.
He was pulled-up on his return in Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase, but confidence is high for the yard that won this with Carruthers in 2011.
Denman triumphed with top weight in 2007 and 2009, and the Bradstocks believe the exceptional Gold Cup winner can emulate the former Cheltenham hero.
“Coneygree seems great and I am delighted with him," said the Lambourn handler.
"He went round Newbury the other day and jumped absolutely fabulous. David Bass, who schooled him at Newbury, said he’d have paid to ride him.
“I am not quite sure what happened at Wetherby but it was very, very unlike him to jump like that. There were certainly three jockeys who said the sun was a problem and the horse struck into himself quite nastily. It was just one of those things.
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Coneygree was well in contention before blundering the final fence in the Punchestown Gold Cup
“I think the best race he has run in his life was at Punchestown last year, on ground that was probably a bit quick for him. I know he has only run about 12 times in his life but Wetherby was his only real blip and I think we can give him benefit of the doubt.
“Top-weight doesn’t really worry me. Having spoken to Richard Osgood this morning, I am glad to hear he thinks it is going to be good to soft or soft at the weekend and there will be covers down on the take-offs and landings.
"I am happy to see the race run on better ground than heavy ground with a big weight like that.
"I am sure he will run a big race on Saturday. I am quietly confident.”
Coneygree is currently fancied around 14-1 for Ladbroke Trophy glory on Saturday, with the market led by Willie Mullins' Total Recall.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Monday, 27 November 2017
Stunning Samcro shortened for Cheltenham after impressive Navan win
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Trainer Gordon Elliott has described Sunday's winner Samcro as 'special' following his comfortable victory in the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle.
The five-year-old travelled very smoothly and jumped terrifically as he dismantled a decent field in Ireland, cantering home to a hugely impressive twelve length romp.
He has been shortened into favouritism for all three novice hurdling contests at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival, with the Ballymore being his principal target.
"That was a good performance and he did it very well," said Elliott.
"Jack said he gave him a bit of light at the third-last and he just took off on him.
"It was nice to see he could do that (over two and a half miles), so we have loads of options.
"I just said to Davy Condon at the start that the one worry I had was that it was his first time on that real heavy ground. Most good horses win on every ground and he looks a real nice one. We are lucky to have him.
"He jumped the last like he jumped a fence, but after running in point-to-points you expect that.
"I don't know if we'll go for Christmas, he's obviously a horse for next year and whatever he does over hurdles will be a bonus this year.
"I thought that was a bit special what he did there, it was class."
Trainer Gordon Elliott has described Sunday's winner Samcro as 'special' following his comfortable victory in the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle.
The five-year-old travelled very smoothly and jumped terrifically as he dismantled a decent field in Ireland, cantering home to a hugely impressive twelve length romp.
He has been shortened into favouritism for all three novice hurdling contests at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival, with the Ballymore being his principal target.
"That was a good performance and he did it very well," said Elliott.
"Jack said he gave him a bit of light at the third-last and he just took off on him.
"It was nice to see he could do that (over two and a half miles), so we have loads of options.
"I just said to Davy Condon at the start that the one worry I had was that it was his first time on that real heavy ground. Most good horses win on every ground and he looks a real nice one. We are lucky to have him.
"He jumped the last like he jumped a fence, but after running in point-to-points you expect that.
"I don't know if we'll go for Christmas, he's obviously a horse for next year and whatever he does over hurdles will be a bonus this year.
"I thought that was a bit special what he did there, it was class."
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Super Samco 'perfect' ahead of first graded test
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Gordon Elliott's huge Cheltenham Festival contender Samcro is searching for his first Graded win over hurdles in Navan's Monksfield Novices Hurdle (1:05).
The five-year-old won three times in bumper company, before enjoying a comfortable 15 length success on his hurdling debut at Punchestown.
He is seeking his first graded victory, but remains one of the most exciting novice hurdlers in training this victory and is only 1-4 to take this Grade Three prize today.
"Samcro, the unbeaten son of Germany, is a horse we think the world of," Elliott told his Betfair blog.
"He made a great start to his hurdling career at Punchestown in October to cruise to a 15L victory. He would have done more in a piece of work at home and really put the race to bed effortlessly.
"This Grade 3 will be his biggest ask to date but on his form he's obviously a major player and I'm looking forward to seeing him run."
He is currently a favourite for the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Festival, with reports from the yard indicating he may be something special.
His biggest danger to losing his unbeaten record is Jessica Harrington's Jetz, who was an encouraging winner at Fairyhouse last time out.
Gordon Elliott's huge Cheltenham Festival contender Samcro is searching for his first Graded win over hurdles in Navan's Monksfield Novices Hurdle (1:05).
The five-year-old won three times in bumper company, before enjoying a comfortable 15 length success on his hurdling debut at Punchestown.
He is seeking his first graded victory, but remains one of the most exciting novice hurdlers in training this victory and is only 1-4 to take this Grade Three prize today.
"Samcro, the unbeaten son of Germany, is a horse we think the world of," Elliott told his Betfair blog.
"He made a great start to his hurdling career at Punchestown in October to cruise to a 15L victory. He would have done more in a piece of work at home and really put the race to bed effortlessly.
"This Grade 3 will be his biggest ask to date but on his form he's obviously a major player and I'm looking forward to seeing him run."
He is currently a favourite for the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Festival, with reports from the yard indicating he may be something special.
His biggest danger to losing his unbeaten record is Jessica Harrington's Jetz, who was an encouraging winner at Fairyhouse last time out.
Saturday, 25 November 2017
Colin Tizzard confident as Cue Card attempts to emulate Kauto Star to bag fourth Betfair Chase
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Colin Tizzard is expecting a 'big run' as Cue Card targets his fourth victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock this afternoon.
Only the great Kauto Star has landed this prize four times, and Tizzard's popular chaser comes into the race after falling in his last outing.
Despite a less than ideal run in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, the Dorset-based trainer is confident of a bold run.
"It's a lovely opportunity for him to win his fourth Chase," said Tizzard.
"He is very effective around there. If he was an eight-year-old, with his form from last season, he would be an odds-on favourite now.
"He was running beautifully at Wetherby and he has been in good form since, so I think he will run a big race.
"On ratings we are 10lb clear - no disrespect to them, but we have won around there three times. I think we should be vying for favouritism."
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Nigel Twiston-Davies won this contest in 2010 with Imperial Commander, and saddles Bristol De Mai
Bristol De Mai picked up the pieces after Cue Card's fall in Yorkshire last month to see off stablemate Blaklion in the three mile contest.
The former Peter Marsh winner should relish the heavy ground in Lancashire, and is two from two at this venue.
"He's had a clear run since Wetherby," Carl Llewellyn, assistant to Nigel Twiston-Davies.
"The ground's come for him. He's a good horse anyway, but on soft and heavy he's probably even better."
"Cue Card's a good horse. He's done it all before. He was a shorter price than us at Wetherby and just because he fell people have forgotten about him a little bit.
"It will be tough to beat him at his best, but our horse has done nothing wrong and is going there in great form."
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Tea For Two beat Cue Card at Aintree when the pair met in April
Outlander is the sole Irish representative in the field, and comes here off the back of an encouraging Champion Chase win at Down Royal last time out. Gordon Elliott's nine-year-old should love the conditions.
"He retains the cheekpieces that certainly looked to have helped things along last time out where he won the JNwine Champion Chase at Down Royal.
"Prior to that, he had lost himself a little but we took him hunting and did some showjumping with him to give him a change of scenery and try to sweeten him up, and it paid off.
"Hopefully it wasn't a one off, as he faces some tough competition today. He will love the ground and I'm confident if he's on form of a big run."
Betway Bowl winner Tea For Two lines up for Nick Williams. Traffic Fluide and Shantou Flyer also line up.
Colin Tizzard is expecting a 'big run' as Cue Card targets his fourth victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock this afternoon.
Only the great Kauto Star has landed this prize four times, and Tizzard's popular chaser comes into the race after falling in his last outing.
Despite a less than ideal run in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, the Dorset-based trainer is confident of a bold run.
"It's a lovely opportunity for him to win his fourth Chase," said Tizzard.
"He is very effective around there. If he was an eight-year-old, with his form from last season, he would be an odds-on favourite now.
"He was running beautifully at Wetherby and he has been in good form since, so I think he will run a big race.
"On ratings we are 10lb clear - no disrespect to them, but we have won around there three times. I think we should be vying for favouritism."
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Nigel Twiston-Davies won this contest in 2010 with Imperial Commander, and saddles Bristol De Mai
Bristol De Mai picked up the pieces after Cue Card's fall in Yorkshire last month to see off stablemate Blaklion in the three mile contest.
The former Peter Marsh winner should relish the heavy ground in Lancashire, and is two from two at this venue.
"He's had a clear run since Wetherby," Carl Llewellyn, assistant to Nigel Twiston-Davies.
"The ground's come for him. He's a good horse anyway, but on soft and heavy he's probably even better."
"Cue Card's a good horse. He's done it all before. He was a shorter price than us at Wetherby and just because he fell people have forgotten about him a little bit.
"It will be tough to beat him at his best, but our horse has done nothing wrong and is going there in great form."
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Tea For Two beat Cue Card at Aintree when the pair met in April
Outlander is the sole Irish representative in the field, and comes here off the back of an encouraging Champion Chase win at Down Royal last time out. Gordon Elliott's nine-year-old should love the conditions.
"He retains the cheekpieces that certainly looked to have helped things along last time out where he won the JNwine Champion Chase at Down Royal.
"Prior to that, he had lost himself a little but we took him hunting and did some showjumping with him to give him a change of scenery and try to sweeten him up, and it paid off.
"Hopefully it wasn't a one off, as he faces some tough competition today. He will love the ground and I'm confident if he's on form of a big run."
Betway Bowl winner Tea For Two lines up for Nick Williams. Traffic Fluide and Shantou Flyer also line up.
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Connections optimistic Faugheen can make winning Morgiana return
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Two-time Cheltenham Festival winner Faugheen makes his highly-anticipated racecourse return in the Morgiana Hurdle (2:15) at Punchestown today.
The former Supreme Novice, and Champion Hurdle hero hasn't been seen since his fifteen length romp in the Irish Champion Hurdle last January and is bidding for his eighth Grade One title this afternoon.
This period is the longest he has ever been away from the racecourse, but connections are confident he can overcome a 665 day absence in what doesn't look the strongest of renewals.
“We have been here before with Faugheen but everything seems to have gone to plan,” Rich Ricci said to Racing UK.
“We kept him in longer than the other horses before we threw him out and we threw him out for a short spell so he wouldn’t gain all that weight and be harder to get back in to shape.
“That seems to have been a good idea, he has had plenty of time and I am very excited to see him back.
“It has been almost two years, so it is a big ask and I am very hopeful he retains most of his ability.”
Ruby Walsh, who fell and broke his leg aboard Let's Dance yesterday, won't be able to partner the twelve time winner, instead Paul Townend is given the ride on the Willie Mullins superstar.
Faugheen is currently a 4-6 shot on his return, and a 6-1 chance to retain the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next March.
Vroum Vroum Mag looked to be the main danger, but was found lame this morning and subsequently pulled-out of the race.
Former Champion Hurdle winner Jezki lines up following his encouraging win at Tipperary last month, whilst Gordon Elliott sends Campeador in search of his first top level prize.
Swamp Fox completes the field.
Two-time Cheltenham Festival winner Faugheen makes his highly-anticipated racecourse return in the Morgiana Hurdle (2:15) at Punchestown today.
The former Supreme Novice, and Champion Hurdle hero hasn't been seen since his fifteen length romp in the Irish Champion Hurdle last January and is bidding for his eighth Grade One title this afternoon.
This period is the longest he has ever been away from the racecourse, but connections are confident he can overcome a 665 day absence in what doesn't look the strongest of renewals.
“We have been here before with Faugheen but everything seems to have gone to plan,” Rich Ricci said to Racing UK.
“We kept him in longer than the other horses before we threw him out and we threw him out for a short spell so he wouldn’t gain all that weight and be harder to get back in to shape.
“That seems to have been a good idea, he has had plenty of time and I am very excited to see him back.
“It has been almost two years, so it is a big ask and I am very hopeful he retains most of his ability.”
Ruby Walsh, who fell and broke his leg aboard Let's Dance yesterday, won't be able to partner the twelve time winner, instead Paul Townend is given the ride on the Willie Mullins superstar.
Faugheen is currently a 4-6 shot on his return, and a 6-1 chance to retain the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next March.
Vroum Vroum Mag looked to be the main danger, but was found lame this morning and subsequently pulled-out of the race.
Former Champion Hurdle winner Jezki lines up following his encouraging win at Tipperary last month, whilst Gordon Elliott sends Campeador in search of his first top level prize.
Swamp Fox completes the field.
November Meeting: River Wylde 'will be a top novice' ahead of Arkle trial bid
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Nicky Henderson's believes there is 'plenty going' for exciting chaser River Wylde, as he takes on just two rivals in the Racing Post Arke Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (1:50).
The six-year-old won three races from five starts as a novice hurdler last season, including a Grade Two at Kempton.
He finished third behind Irish duo Labaik and Melon in the Supreme, before a below-par fifth at Aintree.
After jumping well and travelling strong, he enjoyed an encouraging three lengths success on his chasing debut, and remains a smart novice prospect for the champion trainer.
"I thought he was very good at Uttoxeter where he jumped and quickened really well," Henderson told his Unibet blog.
"This is obviously a different test but he’s a horse who we’ve always said that chasing is his game and he’d be in the top division of our Novices this season.
"He would have learnt a lot from that first run and has come on physically too so there are plenty of things going for him.
"He likes good ground so I’m ever so slightly concerned about the rain but if handling it, I think he has a very good chance indeed in a race that has cut up."
North Hill Harvey won the Greatwood Hurdle on this card a year ago, but failed to build on that victory when unplaced on his next two starts.
Now switched to chasing, Dan Skelton's six-year-old battled hard to deny Sceau Royal by a neck on his first run over fences.
"He’s got to take on River Wylde, a good horse with good form from last year and Capitaine, who looked good in his two chases so far," Skelton told his Ladbrokes blog.
"We’ve won around the track, we won the Greatwood and have to give away three pounds.
"I think it’s a real tight race but he’s in good form."
Recent Warwick winner Ozzie The Oscar completes the quartet for Phillip Hobbs, as Paul Nicholls' Capitaine was withdrawn.
Nicky Henderson's believes there is 'plenty going' for exciting chaser River Wylde, as he takes on just two rivals in the Racing Post Arke Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (1:50).
The six-year-old won three races from five starts as a novice hurdler last season, including a Grade Two at Kempton.
He finished third behind Irish duo Labaik and Melon in the Supreme, before a below-par fifth at Aintree.
After jumping well and travelling strong, he enjoyed an encouraging three lengths success on his chasing debut, and remains a smart novice prospect for the champion trainer.
"I thought he was very good at Uttoxeter where he jumped and quickened really well," Henderson told his Unibet blog.
"This is obviously a different test but he’s a horse who we’ve always said that chasing is his game and he’d be in the top division of our Novices this season.
"He would have learnt a lot from that first run and has come on physically too so there are plenty of things going for him.
"He likes good ground so I’m ever so slightly concerned about the rain but if handling it, I think he has a very good chance indeed in a race that has cut up."
North Hill Harvey won the Greatwood Hurdle on this card a year ago, but failed to build on that victory when unplaced on his next two starts.
Now switched to chasing, Dan Skelton's six-year-old battled hard to deny Sceau Royal by a neck on his first run over fences.
"He’s got to take on River Wylde, a good horse with good form from last year and Capitaine, who looked good in his two chases so far," Skelton told his Ladbrokes blog.
"We’ve won around the track, we won the Greatwood and have to give away three pounds.
"I think it’s a real tight race but he’s in good form."
Recent Warwick winner Ozzie The Oscar completes the quartet for Phillip Hobbs, as Paul Nicholls' Capitaine was withdrawn.
November Meeting: Jenkins 'completely different' ahead of Greatwood gamble
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Nicky Henderson is hoping the well-regarded Jenkins can 'show what he's capable of', as the quirky yet exciting hurdler leads a 16 runner field in the Greatwood Hurdle (3:00).
The five-year-old has always been one of the leading prospects for the Lambourn trainer, and has boasted two wins from three over hurdles but failed to live up to the very exciting level he showed as a bumper winner, and runner-up.
Despite missing the Cheltenham Festival, he returned to winning ways when last seen at Ffos Las in April and has been the big gamble of the week with his price tumbling from 20-1 to 9-2 for the two mile handicap.
"He’s quite a highly publicised horse in the fact that he is doing everything on reputation but is yet to really do what I know he’s capable of," Henderson told his Unibet blog.
"We pulled out of Ascot a couple of weeks ago because the ground was a little too soft for him and it would have to be a bit of a worry again here but he carries a nice low weight and Bassy hasn’t been able to eat for a week so I better run him!
"I don’t know where he was last year, he just went awol and couldn’t gallop nor jump, but he seems back to himself now and is a much more confident horse and I’m hoping you’ll see a completely different person this time around.
"Let’s hope he can start to finally show us what he’s capable of."
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The New One is seeking a seventh victory at Cheltenham this afternoon
London Prize was an encouraging three length winner of the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last week, and makes a surprise return after only six days for Ian Williams. Former Festival winner Flying Tiger was third that day, and the pair race again.
The New One will carry top weight for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The multiple Graded winner was last seen winning on his return at Ffos Las, and champion jockey Richard Johnson takes the ride.
Dan Skelton is represented by Mohaayed, who was victorious at Market Rasen on his last outing.
Harry Fry's Misterton was an encouraging winner at Chepstow last time out and has been raised 7lb by the handicapper, meanwhile Brian Ellison's Nietzsche hopes to make it four from eight over hurdles.
JP McManus is triple handed in the two mile showdown. Former Festival winner Ivanovic Gorbatov joins Tigris River and Project Bluebook.
The likes of Old Guard, Chesterfield, Elgin and William H Bonney also take their chance.
Nicky Henderson is hoping the well-regarded Jenkins can 'show what he's capable of', as the quirky yet exciting hurdler leads a 16 runner field in the Greatwood Hurdle (3:00).
The five-year-old has always been one of the leading prospects for the Lambourn trainer, and has boasted two wins from three over hurdles but failed to live up to the very exciting level he showed as a bumper winner, and runner-up.
Despite missing the Cheltenham Festival, he returned to winning ways when last seen at Ffos Las in April and has been the big gamble of the week with his price tumbling from 20-1 to 9-2 for the two mile handicap.
"He’s quite a highly publicised horse in the fact that he is doing everything on reputation but is yet to really do what I know he’s capable of," Henderson told his Unibet blog.
"We pulled out of Ascot a couple of weeks ago because the ground was a little too soft for him and it would have to be a bit of a worry again here but he carries a nice low weight and Bassy hasn’t been able to eat for a week so I better run him!
"I don’t know where he was last year, he just went awol and couldn’t gallop nor jump, but he seems back to himself now and is a much more confident horse and I’m hoping you’ll see a completely different person this time around.
"Let’s hope he can start to finally show us what he’s capable of."
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The New One is seeking a seventh victory at Cheltenham this afternoon
London Prize was an encouraging three length winner of the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton last week, and makes a surprise return after only six days for Ian Williams. Former Festival winner Flying Tiger was third that day, and the pair race again.
The New One will carry top weight for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The multiple Graded winner was last seen winning on his return at Ffos Las, and champion jockey Richard Johnson takes the ride.
Dan Skelton is represented by Mohaayed, who was victorious at Market Rasen on his last outing.
Harry Fry's Misterton was an encouraging winner at Chepstow last time out and has been raised 7lb by the handicapper, meanwhile Brian Ellison's Nietzsche hopes to make it four from eight over hurdles.
JP McManus is triple handed in the two mile showdown. Former Festival winner Ivanovic Gorbatov joins Tigris River and Project Bluebook.
The likes of Old Guard, Chesterfield, Elgin and William H Bonney also take their chance.
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