Already this week, I have made no secret of the fact that, like every other punter on the planet it would be ventured, there were, say, a handful of horses in particular one was looking forward to going into battle. Some which have worked out SARATOGA and WODHOOH, for example, and more which may have to be accounted for and rounded up before the ferry heads for home!
Unfortunately though, one of the steeds I had entered into the ‘Cheltenham Long List’ didn’t even make it to Prestbury Park this week. Now read on…
1.20 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (2M/1F, 20 Runners, 4 Places)
Continuing the theme referred to above, from the moment markets were formed for the four year old showpiece of the season, the Willie Mullins-trained Narcisso Has had stood out like a beacon. To the extent that rival trainers were openly admitting they didn’t want to take on the McManus horse.
Sadly for racing, the problem of how to avoid the seemingly stardom bound French bred never arose as the animal met with a mishap which kept him out of Cheltenham for this year. Keep him on the long list for going forward. Even with him out, though, the Closutton machine still have the top two in the market. By way of SELMA DA VARY and PROAKTIF.
MAESTRO CONTI may will be the best of the British contingent, but, and the following may well come back to bite me in the ass, but, whomever the lucky folk are that are in the HOS Syndicate have some seriously versatile talented horses. From Melbourne Cup to Ebor to Cheltenham handicaps, they’ve had horses take them to some of the highest peaks in the sport. Don’t be surprised if MINELLA ACADEMY has a right cut at adding a Triumph Hurdle to that impressive list.
2.00 – County Handicap Hurdle (2M/1F, 26 Runners, 6 Places)
Going by jockey bookings, KARBAU is thought to be the best of the Mullins mob, but don’t be surprised if ABSURDE for the same connections as the one tipped in the previous race puts up a bold showing here too.
MURCIA is another Alexander-owned mare for Mullins, while the presence of SECRET SQUIRRELL for Hughie Morrison – far better known as a Flat trainer – may well be a tip in itself. Speaking of matters on the level, mind you, it’s not very often you have a Group One winner in a jumps race – let alone a handicap -, yet, if handling conditions, don’t be surprised if HELVIC DREAM is staying on late to grab a few quid.
In the end, however, it comes down to the following question – who doesn’t love a bit of ‘Ol Blue Eyes? Expect Harry Skelton to do it his way as SINNATRA starts spreading the news that he’s a cut above the rest.
2.40 – Mares Chase (2M/4F, 9 Runners, 3 Places)
Essentially, in my view at least, the solution to this conundrum of a race boils down to the following question – do the old guard have another big one in them or is it time for the new breed to seize the day?
In column A, you have DINOBLUE and PANIC ATTACK while, on the other side of the ledger, reside SPINDLEBERRY, DIVA LUNA, JULY FLOWER and ONLY BY NIGHT. Despite the head man of ROBCOUR, the sensible and very affable Brian Acheson admitting he was “on the floor” after his two horses missed out in the Stayers Hurdle, the ups and downs of racing never take long to show themselves.
Thus, even after the aforementioned knock backs, the Corkman’s emotions didn’t take long to hit the other side of that scale when the somewhat forgotten HEART WOOD rattled home to give Henry De Bromhead a third Ryanair Chase.
So it could be said with a degree of confidence that the steeds in the pink, white and black silks are running well and I’d expect ONLY BY NIGHT to keep that run going.
3.20 – Spa Novices Hurdle (3M, 22 Runners, 4 Places)
A race with another new sponsor, which to me will always be associated with the Albert Bartlett name. Not only due to the spud connection but because Ronnie (Bartlett) has had horses run well in it on several occasions.
Ironically, having said all that, the black and white chequered silks with red cap won’t be represented in this year’s incarnation, but, trainers who have won the race for the Bartletts in the past can be key figures in deciding who is crowned as the champion staying novice for 2026.
Beginning with DOCTOR STEINBERG for Willie. As with the Triumph earlier on the card if Narcisso Has was running, such has been the impression created by the animal highlighted above, there were rival trainers contemplating swerving the race.
Thankfully, one of those who admitted considering doing so, Paul Nolan, obviously decided against doing so because his THEDEVILUNO is more than worthy of a place in the field.
THE PASSING WIFE is another who is sure to be on the premises for the in form Cromwell team. If looking for one at a bit of a price, Gordon Elliott’s KAZANSKY is quietly fancied to outrun its odds, but they all may have to follow DOCTOR STEINBERG‘s orders.
4.00 – Cheltenham Gold Cup, (3M/2F, 11 Runners, 3 Places)
The biggest race in the National Hunt racing season and, from a punting perspective, one of the most open renewals thereof in years.
Much of conjecture beforehand has revolved around Harry Redknapp’s THE JUKEBOX MAN and understandably so too given the way Ben Pauling’s charge toughed it out in the King George on St Stephen’s Day. But Kempton is a completely different track to the greatest of them all and I am not entirely convinced the Redknapp horse will appreciate the hill.
GAELIC WARRIOR, meanwhile, will, I believe, attack the incline with zest. Furthermore, the unfortunate withdrawal and subsequent retirement of Galopin Des Champs will have instigated a rejig of the Closutton riding arrangements which will do the Ricci’s horse’s prospects no harm at all.
4.40 – Foxhunter’s Chase (3M/2F, 24 Runners, 4 Places)
If the object of the task was to nominate horses for a placepot, ITS ON THE LINE would be the first name on the slip every time. However, in looking for an outright winner, even my patience has eventually folded.
CON’S ROCK is an intriguing and relatively unexposed contender for a very shrewd operator in Terence O’Brien while rider Darragh Allen is one to note also.
WONDERWALL catches the eye for the very efficient duo of Rob James/Sam Curling, ditto Brian and Claire Gleeson’s acquisition of PANDA BOY but, continuing the faith in the Alex Ferguson/Hales Family angle and with the Nicholls horses running consistently all week, a small investment on GOLDEN SON each way will do for me.
5.20 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (2M/4F, 26 Runners, 5 Places)
NOTED – KEL HISTOIRE, AIR OF ENTITLEMENT, NURSE SUSAN, WENDROCK
SELECTION – JUMP ALLEN
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