One is always fearful of coming across as boastful because, when it comes to picking winners, a pat on the back is only six inches from a kick in the arse. That said, Thursday did turn out much better than was expected. Thanks to GREY DAWNING and TEAHUPOO and SHAKEM UP ‘ARRY and INOTHEWAYURTHINKING all obliging and BIRDIE BLITZ running a belter under Rachael Blackmore in the Mares Novice Hurdle.
And so we arrive at the final fling…
1.30 – JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (2M)
Traditionally a heat that would keep Houdini occupied trying to decipher it. MIGHT be a shade easier to solve in light of there only being 14 participants this season. Going against that theory, however, is the fact that, per usual, Willie Mullins is mob handed in the 4-yo-only showpiece. On that point, does the fact that the Henderson trained ante post favourite is now out of the equation leave it any easier to solve? I’m not so sure.
Bunting was the first Juvenile to catch this writer’s eye this season, but appears held by a stablemate whom we’ll get to in due course, but the same comment could be applied to Storm Heart. Salver looks the best of the British challenge representing a yard who know how to ready one for this.
Salvator Mundi is obviously highly regarded to be debuted on the biggest stage of all, but the one I keep arriving back at is KARGESE . Kenny Alexander’s mare ran an eye catching race behind the equally exciting Kala Conti (who had already had a run) and subsequently accounted for two aforementioned stablemates.
Danny Mullins seldom leaves Cheltenham without a winner and even if the mare doesn’t get to the jam stick first, at 11/2 there’s definitely each way value there.
2.10 – COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE (2M)
If the Triumph Hurdle was considered to be somewhat easier compared to usual, this 23 horse rolling maul is definitely every bit a bearpit. Even coming up with a shortlist here is hazardous. Magical Zoe has been there or thereabouts in all her starts this term, and with the De Bromhead horses flying and extra places available, she seems a safe bet to be in the shakeup.
The same could be said for L’eau Du Sud who’ll be aiming to give the Skelton/Hales/Mason/Ferguson combination a truly unique hat-trick. King Of Kingsfield and So Scottish will have their fans and understandably so. But for me, winning an Ebor and having a spin in the Melbourne Cup must be historic preparation for a Cheltenham Festival run, but, that the Mullins camp have kept ABSURDE at the jumping game may be tip enough in itself.
2.50 – ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICE HURDLE (2M, 7F)
Not only is Willie Mullins multiply represented here, but, the fact is you’d be at a stretch to rule any of his squadron out of contention.
Readin Tommy Wrong appears to be the pick of them, both on jockey bookings and form. The Lawlor’s Of Naas race is recognised as being the best audition for novice hurdlers here and he could hardly have been more impressive when bagging that prize.
Dancing City may have got things slightly his own way at Leopardstown, but no contest at the Dublin 4 venue is easily. Both Gidleigh Park and Captain Teague have pristine looking CV’s prior to the off, but this could be different gravy to anything either has encountered thus far.
For that reason, I’ll be having an each way flutter on LECKY WATSON. Owned by some of those blessed to be associated with the incomparable Hardy Eustace, he has been sparingly campaigned compared to some Closutton inmates.
But what we can say is that Brian Hayes’s mount certainly won’t mind the deep ground and, having finished fourth in last season’s Champion Bumper, brings invaluable course experience.
If the trip doesn’t find him out, if he’s still on the premises going down to the last he won’t be out of the money.
3.30 – BOODLES CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (3M, 2F)
Personally speaking, interest levels in what is considered to be the crown jewel of the Festival dissipated greatly once Shark Hanlon announced he was taking Hewick out. I know the line is ‘Doing what’s best for the horse’ but was the decision made too hastily?
For a small trainer, to have a horse with a genuine prospect of winning the Gold Cup – especially a poor renewal thereof – you’d hope they won’t regret passing up the opportunity.
Anyway, for this observer at least, the defection of Hewick only confirms inclinations that GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is in the box seat bar a mishap. Yes, Fastorslow had the selection’s measure at Punchestown in November, but if you take it that Leopardstown is the best trial ground we have for Prestbury Park, the defending champ turned the tables on the Brassil horse there and the latter is now going out in trip.
The Robcour pair – Gerri Colombe and Gentleman’s Game can garner place money.
4.10 – FOXHUNTERS CHASE (3M, 2F)
Some grand old warriors going to battle here. None better than Samcro. Obviously he’s not the force he was, but, that the O’Learys have kept him in training for it is significant in itself.
Billaway could most likely go round this place blindfolded while his former Closutton colleague Ramilies is a relative ‘youngster’ in this sphere and, now residing with Hunt Chsse specislist David Christie, both he and Ferns Lock will definitely know their job.
However, yet again I find myself going back to that man Derek O’Connor. His prophecy about his book of rides has been stupendously accurate so far. Thanks to Corbett’s Cross and Inodewayurthinkin, but, I would contend the pick of the bunch has yet to trot out.
IT’S ON THE LINE had been building quite the resume for himself in the colours of his trainer Emmet Mullins before the greatest Irishman of them all decked him out in new silks.
And, as sure night follows day, McManus + O’Connor = success.
4.50 – LIBERTINE MARES CHASE (2M, 4F)
The addition and expansion of a programme of races for mares, not only throughout the season but at The Festival itself has been one of the great developments in racing in recent times. A fact underlined by the stellar field lining up for the penultimate race of the sport’s biggest week.
Dinoblue has been all the rage for this race from a long way out, and understandably so. But whether I’d latch on at 6/5 I’m not sure. The other McManus representative, Limerick Lace has had a brilliant campaign in her own right, but I would have slight concerns regarding the ground.
Riviere D’atel could be the joker in the pack. A former winner at Down Royal’s November meeting, there shouldn’t be any ground(s) for concern.
However, sometimes a horse just makes a lasting impression on you. ALLEGORY DE VASEY absolutely fits that bill with yours truly. From the time Rich Ricci’s steed was observed winning a maiden hurdle in Fairyhouse, it became clear the grey was above average.
Even after more than a year off, when she returned, she went within a hare’s breath of winning this race last year, but, this season she has improved still further and can complete the job.
5.30 – MARTIN PIPE CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS H
Fág freagra