1.20: JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE
By the normal standards of the Triumph Hurdle, a relatively modest 18 runners trying to dig out the win. What’s not in the least bit surprising is that Mr Mullins is mob handed within the dozen and a half. If using jockey bookings as the yardstick by which the strength of the Mullins troupe is gauged, that brings the verdict down in favour of Lady Vega Allen but, though she is the shortest priced of the Closutton crew, that that happens to be about 12/1 tells its own story.
It will have to be admitted that very little is known about the current favourite, Lulamba but, if backing anything trained by Nicky Henderson or owned by the Donnellys I’d be diving behind the couch. On the other hand, next best in the betting, East India Dock from the burgeoning James Owen yard is one I have been keeping an eye on throughout the season but I just wonder has that one had too busy a campaign already.
Thus, rather than proceed with further unnecessary procrastination, I will simply say it’s a case of back to Danestown because at 5/1 currently, HELLO NEIGHBOUR is definitely overpriced.
2.00: WILLIAM HILL COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE
As with the previous contest, my favourite of the Cheltenham handicaps is rather sparsely populated compared to other seasons but at least some of the betting firms appear to be still paying on the first five. Anyway, current market leader Kargese’s claims are obvious having gone down by a whisker over course and distance in the Triumph last year and also running with distinction at Aintree. The drying ground has to be worrisome though.
Last year’s Fred Winter winner Lark In The Mornin is a curious case. Went up a stone from initially allotted mark on foot of that win but has done little to justify it since. In fairness however, it is worth noting that Sean Mulryan’s animal was similarly lightly campaigned prior to last season’s win. Drying ground will certainly tick another box.
McLaurey has done little wrong since starting out for Emmett Mullins, but, that the McManus steed is noticably drifting in the betting wouldn’t load a punter with confidence.
The Skeltons have farmed this race in recent seasons, so their Valgrand warrants the utmost respect, as does Hansard for Gary and Josh Moore, who are absolutely no strangers to having one ready for here.
Granted, with WPM having so many irons in the fire, the trick becomes trying to land on the right one. To that end, I’ve narrowed it down to two of the Closutton squad. Ironically, both in the same ownership, Ethical Diamond and ABSURDE.
Undoubtedly one of the most versatile horses in training, as can be seen from ‘Check-Ins’ as diverse as Punchestown, Leopardstown, York and Flemington (Melbourne Cup). So, as with Caldwell Potter on Thursday, the mere fact that connections have elected continue on the hurdling journey suggests that they believe there’s a good pot to be got.
2.40: LIBERTHINE MARES CHASE
With the exception of the Gordon Elliott-trained Shecouldbeanything, this contest essentially boils down to Mullins v. Cromwell or perhaps each trainer against themselves as well as the other man. Because there’s not a whole pile between Dinoblue and Allegory De Vassey or indeed separating the Cromwell couple Limerick Lace and BRIDE’S HILL.
How to arrive at a point of separation? Well, the first factor which springs to mind is the fact that neither of the Mullins pair seem to have much love for Prestbury Park.
In contrast, both of the Danestown duo have won in the biggest of fields, but, if one required a means of splitting the two, maybe consider that – of the two McManus runners – retained rider Mark Walsh went with the Mullins option and even taking that into the evaluation, Gavin’s stable jockey, Keith Donoghue plumped for BRIDE’S HILL over the green and gold second string.
If it’s good enough for Keith, it’ll do for me too.
3.20: SPA NOVICE HURDLE
The fact that at 9/2 Henry De Bromhead’s The Big Westerner is favourite for the annual stamina test surely indicates that for one thing none of the big hitters have an outstanding bullet to fire at the audition for the Stayers Hurdle of 2026.
Which in turn means this year’s heat is wide open. Aside from the aforementioned market leader, others French raider Jet Blue is a fascinating contender and potential banana skin for all comers. David Cotin knows the tine of day having brought over a JP McManus owned galloper previously and won.
Besides that, those of us of certain vintage can recall when Francois Doumen brought over both The Fellow and Baracouda and wreaked havoc.
Rachael Blackmore is a highly interesting booking for Argento Boy but – sticking to what has always been my betting strategy – following trainers and riders in form rather than horses, for me, it’ll be a few quid each way on the Lucinda Russell trained DERRYHASSEN PADDY at about 8/1.
4.00: CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
A cursory glance at the betting suggests every horse in the race is on the drift. Most notably the hat-trick chasing GALLOPIN DES CHAMPS for reasons which can only be put down to the drying ground.
On the other hand, those very same circumstances should be right up the street of King George VI winner Banbridge. I will admit to having an ante post crack at the Joseph O’Brien stable star, but, in all honesty, whether Ronnie Bartlett’s steed will stay the trip is very much open to question.
4.40: ST JAMES’S PALACE FOXHUNTERS CHASE
Angel’s Dawn has certainly been one of the most consistent Hunters on the Irish circuit in the recent past, putting trainer Sam Curling on the map. Furthermore,the mare and jockey Pat King have a very decent track record, literally, which is always a plus.
The claims of It’s On The Line are probably fairly obvious, not least that having that particular rider on board is the equivalent of having at least a stone in hand to all comers. However, the ironic thing is that – even with the great Derek O’Connor on board, whether his equine companion has what it takes where it really matters, when it really matters, is highly questionable.
For that reason, one is inclined to throw the net a bit wider. And when you’re in need of a winner with the Festival headed for injury time where would you look? SHEARER of course! As a person, he mightn’t be my cup of tea, but, when it came to producing on the big occasion, there was no doubting Alan in homage to whom the horse is named.
However, glittering and all as his career undoubtedly was, you do wonder the heights he might have hit if he was with a proper, successful club. It’s a bit like that with his equine form too. for you suspect the Paul Nicholls trained gelding was once capable of performing at a considerably higher level than hunter chasing.
Which in itself leads you to believe that if there’s any bit of that back class still there, he should be well capable of hitting the crossbar here if not the net.
5.20: MARTIN PIPE CONDITIONAL RIDERS HANDICAP HURDLE
Even hailing from the yard of WP Mullins and with an A-List Conditional like Aidan Kelly doing the steering, I’m not sure I’d be rushing in to back Kopeck De Mee at as short as 9/4. Of course, there’s every possibility, nay chance, Closutton could make such a stance look very ridiculous indeed. Indeed, that could also apply to any of their representatives with Gordon Elliott having an equally impressive record in the race, WODHOOH will do for me
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