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jonthehammer 2:18 Thu Jan 29
Cheltenham Preview Nights

Seen as there is and will be a lot of info thought I would set up an alternative thread to save blocking up the other one.

I will populate this as when I find the info for as many preview nights as I can...........less than 6 weeks to go........Woooooooooooosh!!

Thursday 19th February

Host: Balbriggan Cancer Support
Where: Bracken Court Hotel, Gelderd Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS12 6LQ
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Tony Martin, Andrew Lynch, John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, Kevin O’Ryan, Gary O’Brien
Extras: £5 free bet
Cost: £20
How to Book: Visit http://balbriggan.info/balbriggan-cancer-support-group-spring-fund-raising-events-launch/

Friday 20th February

Host: Warwick Racecourse
Where: Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick, CV34 6HN
Time: TBC
Panel: TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Phone 01926 405560

Wednesday 25th February

Host: Bangor Racecourse
Where: Bangor Racecourse, Overton Rd, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL13 0DA
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Phone 01978 780323

Friday 27th February

Host: TBC
Where: The Shakespeare Inn, Chapel St, Welford-on-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8PY
Time: 8.00pm
Panel: Richard Johnson, Carl Llewellyn, Richard Philips, Andrew Tinkler, Gordy Clarkson
Extras: Supper
Cost: £20
How to Book: TBC

Monday 2nd March

Host: Towcester Racecourse
Where: Towcester Racecourse, London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Nick Scholfield, Jamie Lynch, Oli Bell, Ben Linfoot, Niall Hannity, David Ord
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Phone 01327 353414

Host: Jumping Prospects
Where: The Old Railway Club, Melling Road, Aintree Liverpool, L9 0LQ
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: Charlie Longsdon, Ben Pauling, John Parrott, Andy Holding, John
Morris, Darren Owen.
Extras: £5 free bet, raffle & donation to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, top class prizes including raceourse badges & Hospitality & Betting vouchers.
Cost: £10
How to Book: Visit http://jumpingprospects.co.uk/ or phone 0151 520 0080

Host: Down Syndrome Ireland
Where: Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Nass, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Time: TBC
Panel: Bryan Cooper, Mark Walsh, Andrew McNamara, Noel O’Brien, William McCreety, Kevin O’Ryan
Extras: TBC
Cost: 15 Euros
How to Book: Email kevin.mcdonald@lombard.ie

Tuesday 3rd March

Host: Jump2It Events
Where: Jedburgh Town Hall, Scottish Borders
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Ed Watson, Ryan Mania, Michael Shinners, Brian Harding, John Budden
Extras: Live link with Paul Nicholls & David Pipe Stables, Raffle in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund
Cost: £15 – Includes £5 free bet
How to Book: Email jump2itevents@gmail.com, Phone 0759 1212 972

Host: London Racing Club
Where: Holiday Inn, 97 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4DN
Time: TBC
Panel: Lydia Hislop, Phil Smith, Paul Jones, Lee Mottershead
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Email martiny60@aol.com, Twitter Kate Austin

Host: Exeter Racecourse
Where: Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XS
Time: After Racing
Panel: Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Philip Hobbs, Nick Schofield, Luke Harvey
Extras: One course hot meal
Cost: £18 in advance, £20 on the door
How to Book: Phone 01392 832599

Host: Newcastle Racecourse
Where: Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HP
Time: TBC
Panel: TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: TBC

Host: Wetherby Racecourse
Where: Wetherby Racecourse, York Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ
Time: 6.30pm
Panel: Jim McGrath, Niall Hannity, Sean Quinn, Trevor Harris, Darren Owen
Extras: Pie and peas
Cost: £10
How to Book: Phone 01937 582035

Host: Ballinrobe Racecourse
Where: Ballinrobe Racecourse, Keel Bridge, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Time: TBC
Panel: TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: TBC

Wednesday 4th March

Host: Skybet
Where: Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AD
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Rich Ricci, Jason Maguire, Mark Howard, Donn McClean, Ed Chamberlin, Alex Hammond, Niall Hannity, Michael Shinners, Dave Ord
Extras: Pie and peas, £5 free bet
Cost: £10
How to Book: Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sky-bet-cheltenham-festival-preview-evening-2015-tickets-15351011288

Host: Cheltenham Festival Info
Where: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, Holborn, London, WC2B 5BZ
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: Lydia Hislop, Tony Calvin, Tanya Stevenson, Liam Dye, 1 TBC, Rishi Persad
Extras: Drinks on arrival, £10 free bet
Cost: £20
How to Book: Visit http://www.cheltenhamfestivalinfo.com/en/

Host: The Dog & Gun
Where: Dog & Gun Bar Restaurant, Boreham Road, Little Waltham, Essex, CM3 3NF
Time: TBC
Panel: Dan Skelton, Oli Bell, Graham Cunningham, Luke Tarr
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Email info@dgbr.co.uk

Host: Tynedale CC
Where: Tynedale Cricket Club, Priors Flat, Eilansgate, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3EW
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Andy Richmond, Craig Forsyth, John Blance, Peter Buchanan, Gordon Brown
Extras: Supper
Cost: £10
How to Book: Phone 01434602381 or 07516 674833

Thursday 5th March

Host: Midlands Racing Club
Where: Old Oscott Working Men’s Club, 1196 Aldridge Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 8PE
Time: 7.15pm
Panel: Steve Mellish, Sam Turner, Lydia Hislop, Jon Ivan-Duke, Chris Pitt
Extras: TBC
Cost: £10
How to Book: Phone 07742 195968

Host: Star Sports
Where: The Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, Southampton, Hampshire S030 3XH
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: Tom Segal, Ben Pauling, John Morris, Bill Esdaile
Extras: TBC
Cost: £12.50
How to Book: Visit http://www.cheltenham2015.info/

Host: Wincanton Racecourse
Where: Wincanton Racecourse, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8BJ
Time: Before racing
Panel: Paul Nicholls, others TBC
Extras: Three course lunch
Cost: £52
How to Book: Phone 01963 435840

Host: Transplant Sport UK
Where: Middleton Cheney Sports & Social Club, Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire
Time: 7.45pm
Panel: Charlie Longsdon, Lawney Hill, Kate Miller, Neil Philips, Richard Hoiles
Extras: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Phone 07900 692154

Friday 6th March

Host: Star Sports
Where: Almada Suite at Hamilton Council Buildings, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA
Time: 7.15pm
Panel: Mark Howard, Ian Taylor, Ian Robinson, Trevor Harris, Leading Trainer TBA, Gordon Brown
Extras: Live link to David Pipe and two jockeys, £50 free bet
Cost: £12 in advance, £15 on the door
How to Book: TBC

Host: jpfestival.com
Where: Copa of Cheltenham, 66 Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HA
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: Steve Jones, Rory Delargy, Cathryn Fry, James Walsh, Luke Tarr, Jonathan Polinger
Extras: Includes drink on arrival
Cost: £15
How to Book: Visit http://bookwhen.com/jpfestival

Host: The Sydney Arms
Where: The Sydney Arms, 70 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NJ
Time: 6.45pm
Panel: Tom Segal, John McCririck, Mick Fitzgerald, Barry Geraghty, Emma Spencer
Extras: TBC
Cost: Free
How to Book: Visit http://www.sydneyarmschelsea.com/news.html

Host: TBC
Where: Holgate Working Men’s Club, 6 New La, York, YO24 4NT
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Nick Robson, Malcolm Jefferson, Harry Drew, Chris Myers, Michael Shinners, Wayne Wigley.
Extras: 2 free pints & pea supper
Cost: £10
How to Book: Phone 07802 352022

Host: Taunton Racecourse
Where: Taunton Racecourse, Orchard Portman, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 7BL
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Alice Plunkett, Philip Hobbs, Paul Nicholls, David Pip, Martin Chapman
Extras: Live link to David Pipe and two jockeys, £50 free bet
Cost: £12 in advance, £15 on the door
How to Book: TBC

Saturday 7th March

Host: Toals Bookmakers
Where: Minerstown Tavern, 68 Minerstown Road, Downpatrick, BT30 8LS
Time: 4.00pm
Panel: Steven Crawford, Colin McBratney, Brian Hamilton, Jim Monaghan, Mark McQuoid, Sean ‘Sadie’ McLaughlin, Richard Pugh
Extras: Food available prior to Preview, Licenced Bar, Free Cheltenham Guide to each person, £50 free bet, Raffle to include 2 badges Annual Membership of Taunton; 4 badges for Cheltenham Evening Meeting in April
Cost: £10 in advance, £12 on the door
How to Book: Visit http://www.tickets.tauntonracecourse.co.uk/meeting.php?m=86

Host: Sandown Racecourse
Where: Sandown Racecourse, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ
Time: After racing
Panel: Nick Luck & TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: Reduced Raceday ticket, £2 extra.
How to Book: Visit http://sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on/william-hill-imperial-cup-day

Sunday 8th March

Host: Cheltenham Racecourse
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH
Time: 7.00pm
Panel: TBC
Extras: TBC
Cost: £6 in advance, £10 on the door, free to annual members
How to Book: Visit http://www.cheltenham.co.uk/

Host: Sean Graham Bookmakers
Where: The Lygon Arms, High St, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6HB
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Trainer & Jockey TBC, Richard Hoiles, Ken Pitterson, Ronan Graham, Stewart Machin
Extras: TBC
Cost: £25
How to Book: Email kath@countrywidepromotions.co.uk

Monday 9th March

Host: Lets Live Racing
Where: Cheltenham Football Club, Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 5NA
Time: 7.30pm
Panel: Richard Johnson, Davy Russell, Nigel Kane, 2x TBC, Mark Ball
Extras: TBC
Cost: £15 pre-paid ticket only
How to Book: Phone 07702 895428

Host: Plumpton Racecourse
Where: Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AL
Time: Before racing
Panel: TBC
Extras: Free racing admission
Cost: TBC
How to Book: Phone 01273 890383

Davenport 8:22 Sun Mar 8
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Preview night @Quinlansbar Blackpool, Cork

NOEL HAYES IS A CUNT

Rayner 3:39 Fri Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Email them over please Jon

lincshammer 4:52 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Cheers for posting these Jon. Like others have said I've got my own ideas but been good for a cross reference and been a good read!

jonthehammer 2:53 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Lads

if anyone wants these in word format please let me know and i will email today or tomorrow.

Cheers,

Jon

jonthehammer 2:01 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

And still they come haha (This is one of the better ones)

CHELTENHAM PREVIEW EVENING at TOWCESTER RACECOURSE

Back after a two-year break and sponsored by Sky Bet, the panel comprised of jockey, Nick Schofield (NS), who is connected to Paul Nicholls’ stable and gave an insight to his contenders, Timeform’s Chief Correspondent, Jamie Lynch (JL), Racing UK presenter and pundit Oli Bell (OB) and Niall Hannity (NH), sportinglife.com’s value betting columnist Ben Linfoot (BL) and Michael Shinners (MS) was on hand for the latest market news. David Ord acted as MC and did a fine job to rattle through and keep order finishing at 10.00pm given there were five panellists and a 20 minute break at half-way.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

NS: L’Ami Serge’s Tolworth win on soft ground hard on the bridle was impressive on ground he is not at his best on having quickened up to win really well at Ascot. Douvan is more of a talking horse yet to do it at Grade 1 level unlike L’Ami Serge.
JL: Willie Mullins has been saying some frightening things about Douvan. However, this means that you can back L’Ami Serge at a price you wouldn’t normally be able to do so. The speed horses often don’t win the Supreme and Douvan is speed whereas L’Ami is a grinder.
OB: L’Ami Serge is the play as there is not much between him and Douvan on official figures but he is a much bigger price and Henderson was confident about at his media day last week.
NH: Douvan looks even better coming into the Festival than Vautour and Faugheen did last year. I think L’Ami Serge will be better switching to this left-handed course. Qewy wants softer ground and Jollyallan doesn’t jump well enough. Douvan looks the real deal and I’m a massive fan of his for this race.
BL: Douvan is way too short and worth taking on. He has won twice on soft ground on right-handed tracks in Ireland so this is a different test. Vautour and Champagne Fever were proven Grade 1 winners when they won the Supreme for the same conditions. Vautour isn’t and he is a shorter price than them. Shaneshill was too keen when beaten by No More Heroes and dropping back to 2m he is interesting. I also like Qewy and his form was franked at the weekend by Cardinal Walter. Shaneshill at 12/1 is my idea of the best bet.
MS: There was money for Qewy and Seedling today but generally it’s all about Douvan but there is no rush to back him as I’ll be stunned if you don’t see 9/4 or 5/2 on the day.

Arkle Trophy

NS: From Walsh’s point of view of Un De Sceaux, Cheltenham is different track to Leopardstown where there is only one downhill fence so his jumping will have to be 110%. Cheltenham can catch a horse like him out as he will going so fast. Peck at one downhill fence and his game could be over.
JL: You can’t back a horse at 4/7 in the Arkle. Court Minstrel is a horse to have caught my eye. He was a shorter price than Vibrato Valtat when they ran against each other earlier in the season and I will have a swing at him at a biggish price.
OB: A hard race to punt in. Vibrato Valtat is the obvious one to finish second given the way the race will pan out and on general ability. Josses Hill hasn’t taken to chasing and they just keep coming up with excuses with him.
NH: I wouldn’t have a bet. Un De Sceaux will be a fair hair-raising ride though and Vibrato Valtat can get a lovely toe into the race. The forecast from Wednesday onwards is spring-like weather and that will suit Sgt Reckless who looks the best of those at double figure prices.
BL: You don’t need many reasons to take on a horse at 4/7 in the Arkle and Un De Sceaux has fallen and never run at Cheltenham before. I do think that Josses Hill will put in an improved effort jumping at championship pace though.
MS: Tony Martin stated he might send Ted Veale here and nick some prize money when I was on a panel with him last week.

Champion Hurdle

NS: I can’t see much pace in the race and can see Ruby popping along on Faugheen and keeping it simple and having the race run to suit committing from two out. He has a very good cruising speed but can quicken off it.
JL: What has Faugheen beaten? The answer is everything. He has just gobbled them all up. His time splits suggests that he will have the race sewn up between the last two flights. This might be the last chance you get to back Faugheen at odds-against in his career. I think he is outstanding. Jezki would probably be beating The New One if he was running in the same races he has been winning in Britain.
OB: I think Faugheen is a monster. It’s the ‘in’ thing at the moment to question his form but his season is all gearing towards Cheltenham. Was last year’s Champion Hurdle brilliant? I don’t think Jezki has looked brilliant this year and Faugheen looks a level above all of them. I can’t have The New One.
NH: I am really against The New One even ignoring his Haydock run and especially if it gets tactical. Jezki can still be a bit keen but he will be thereabouts and appeals each way. Faugheen could have the race run to suit. Hurricane Fly’s brain is at Leopardstown rather than Cheltenham.
BL: I can’t think of a tactical situation in which Faugheen will be vulnerable. Of all the Mullins hotpots, he is the one I am most interested in backing.
MS: Jezki has been popular each-way and will be on the day

Day 1 Shoulder Races

NS: In the novice handicap chase I ride Caesar Milan who beat Whisper at Exeter on New Year’s Day. He is unexposed and very much improved and jumps well and reminds me a bit of Hunt Ball who won the race a few years ago. I schooled him last week and he went well.
OS: I would side with Glens Melody at the prices to beat Annie Power in the Mares Hurdle who has not had the ideal preparation. On good ground Buywise will be a better jumper and he can go well if he runs in the 3m handicap chase. He has other entries, maybe the Plate is where he will run, but he will be interesting wherever he goes.
NH: Ned Stark has been well found in the Ultima but I can see why.
BL: Grand Vision is a cliff horse of mine and I’ll back him. He is in handicap chase and four miler. I also like Thomas Crapper who saves his best for Cheltenham and is better over 2m4f and has been running over 2m and he appeals in the novice handicap chase.
MS: Cause Of Causes has been well backed today for the NH Chase following news Jamie Codd will probably ride.


Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle

NS: There is a massive doubt over Nichols Canyon’s jumping. Parlour Games can be the one, though whether a bigger field will suit him I don’t know.
JL: This race is ripe for a bet right now. Nichols Canyon was a mudder on the Flat and has only run in testing conditions over hurdles so the ground is the question mark with him. Parlour Games might be a bully beating small fields. Windsor Park doesn’t jump well enough and Outlander wasn’t fancied when he won last time. Ordo Ab Chao’s price is all wrong. His last win is strong form and 16/1 is too big.
OB: Ordo Ab Chao is too big a price and showed a tough attitude to beat a good field at Cheltenham. I am amazed he is 16/1. I do think Windsor Park will improve for the step up in trip but I won’t be surprised if he reverses form with Outlander and Nichols Canyon from his last two runs.
NH: An end-to-end gallop will suit Outlander and they changed the way they rode him last time.
BL: There was no fluke about Ordo Ab Chao last time and he’s a bet at 16/1. Outlander is the best of those at the top of the market.
MS: The money horse is definitely Outlander. Barry Connell made Martello Tower his best chance of the meeting in the Albert Bartlett on a panel in Ireland last week and he beat Martello Tower last time out in a Grade 2 quote easily.

RSA Chase

NS: Experience counts in the RSA and two runs over fences isn’t ideal for Don Poli. Kings Palace likes being up front in small fields and he will be more vulnerable here. It’s a massive negative he has not run in bigger field. Coneygree at 11/2 is the best bet of the Festival if he runs here. I rode Virak at Kempton and thought there was no way he could keep up that gallop. If you can back Coneygree NRNB then do so.
JL: The longer it goes on then the more likely Coneygree will run here. We could be talking about Don Poli being Gold Cup favourite next season so if you do fancy him, and you should, this is the horse why other horses are being moved around for. He stays and jumps and is ideal for the RSA.
OB: I don’t think Kings Palace is a horse I want to beat at the prices bearing in mind what happened at the Festival last year after beating small fields and he has been beating small fields again. I think Coneygree will run in the Gold Cup so best back Don Poli now.
NH: This looks a strong race and I am a massive Kings Palace fan. I am not sure he needs to bully small fields. Don Poli is the other one I really like.
BL: Don Poli lacks chasing experience with two starts over fences but a strong pace can suit him if Coneygree and Kings Palace run. I have backed Valseur Lido but I think he will run in the JLT.
MS: Don Poli is sure to go off shorter than 7/2 and especially if Coneygree doesn’t run. If Mullins mops up on Day 1 then even more so.


Queen Mother Champion Chase

NS: The bleed incurred by Sprinter Sacre wouldn’t worry me at all. All horses have a little bleed at some point. He will so much happier when he gets better ground. I was at Ditcheat this morning and Dodging Bullets looks tremendously well. Paul fancies him and Mr Mole to run very well. Paul had Dodging Bullets trained to the minute at Ascot, he was 110%, but Sprinter Sacre was about 80% so he can turn around that form. He will be cantering two out.
JL: Sprinter Sacre splits opinion. The more I think about it, the more I think he is a good bet. He is the best horse since Arkle on Timeform ratings but after his troubles some will think he is hard to back. It was race against time to run at Ascot and everyone there felt he looked a bit light as he tried to get fit in time. Now he has put the conditioning and muscle on he only needs to improve around 7lb to win. It’s a black and white view but that’s what I am arguing.
OB: Physically Sprinter Sacre had improved to my eye when I saw him last week compared to when I saw him at Ascot but what would concern me is he didn’t go through with his challenge and he bled. I couldn’t back a bleeder for any race at under 3/1. Sire De Grugy’s Chepstow’s win should have taken something out him being so close to the Festival. Dodging bullets isn’t the same horse in the spring so I come down to, and I never thought I would say this, Mr Mole. He could be the jumps edition of Noble Mission who was a quirky horse who then turned it around on the Flat.
NH: I like Sprinter Sacre at 3/1. If he is back to 80% of where he was then he can win. If he can improve like Sire De Grugy did between his first and second run then he will win.
BL: Henderson hasn’t convinced me that Sprinter Sacre is back to his best. Champagne Fever seems to have been forgotten but I am with Mr Mole. I thought he was unbelievable at Newbury and 10/1 is a decent bet about this reformed character
MS: Sprinter Sacre is a public horse and by far our worst result and I will be amazed if he doesn’t go off favourite.



Day 2 Shoulder Races

NS: I think Paul Nicholls will run three in the Fred Winter and Noel Fehily will probably be on All Yours and I think they like his chances. Aux Ptit Soins has only run three times and has been given a mark of 139 for the Coral Cup. The horses he has worked against at Wincanton suggest he is much better than that rating. They are hoping he could be a Grade 1 race. Moon Racer has been put away for the Bumper since winning in October and he stands out for me of all the British horses I’ve seen.
JL: I like Mick Jazz for the Fred Winter who looks tailor made for the race and a lot of people at Timeform have backed him and backed him heavily. Killutagh Vic only has a mark of 135 in the Coral Cup and his form is better than that, he is of interest NRNB.
NH: Starcitecht in first-time blinkers would be interesting in the Fred Winter.
OB: Two British horses to catch my eye in the Bumper are See the World and Wait For Me. Go and watch See The World win if you haven’t seen it and you will see why. Wait For Me won a traditionally good bumper well on his debut and Hobbs has won this race recently.
BL: Volnay De Thaix appeals in the Coral Cup on his second to Rock on Ruby and I think he could develop into a Grade 1 horse.

Ryanair Chase

NS: I spoke with Joe Tizzard recently and he says Cue Card is in really good order. He will appreciate the better ground and drop back in trip. I schooled Wonderful Charm last week and I think he has had a little tinker with his wind since he ran in the King George.
JL: Cue Card has the back form but his price of 11/2 assumes he is nearly back to his best but he has that to prove. Don Cossack is a boring a favourite who has been beating small fields and fell in the RSA last year so I am left with Ma Filleule.
OB: Ma Filleule thrives in the spring and I think the Ascot Chase in which she was second to Balder Succes is strong form. I wouldn’t rule out Cue Card who goes well at Cheltenham in March and will appreciate being dropped back in trip. He has a horse to write off at your peril.
NH: A lot of Don Cossack’s form is right-handed so 7/2 doesn’t excite me. I like John’s Spirit at the prices.
BL: Don Cossack is a bad favourite at 7/2 given his small field, soft ground, right-hand course profile. Johns Spirit is better on the other course at Cheltenham. Hidden Cyclone each-way is the value having finished second in this race last year.
MS: Certainly the momentum horse has been Ma Filleule.

World Hurdle

NS: I won on Saphir Du Rheu over fences and he would have the speed for 2½m and is a class animal. I was impressed with him beating Reve De Sivola on soft ground and he will be better on better ground. I personally don’t think Zarkander is an out-and-out stayer. Rock On Ruby is very much ground dependent over this trip and he can run a big race if it’s good ground
JL: This is a second division World Hurdle so I prefer to look quite deep. Whisper won at the meeting last year in the Coral Cup achieving a rating that would have finished third or fourth in the World Hurdle. He is fresh are an abandoned chasing career. It hasn’t worked out for Briar Hill this season but it looked like he was coming back last time and he is the other horse I would consider at a nice price.
OB: I don’t have that strong a view. I haven’t worked out whether Zarkander is a monkey or not. He has probably had enough chances. Cole Harden has reasonable form for a 25/1 chance.
NH: Rock On Ruby is the one at the prices and drying ground will really suit. All his half-sisters stay well and he has the class of course. Celestial Halo was second in a Champion Hurdle and almost won this. Rock On Ruby has won a Champion Hurdle.
BL: The Irish look a couple of notches below what is required. Un Temps Pour Tout will come on for his Cleeve Hurdle a ton, he stays and 12/1 is a bet.
MS: It might be 11/2 the field and I imagine Saphir Du Rheu will just about go off favourite.

Thursday Shoulder Races:

NS: I have schooled Ptit Zig since his fall and he has shown no ill effects. He will have learned from that and done him some good. The 2m4f of the JLT is made for him. Vautour jumped adequate at Leopardstown last time out but if he is good as Ruby says he should win.
JL: Regal Encore took off over 3m last time in the finish suggesting he is a Pertemps type. I also like Brother Brian for the same race.
OB: Brother Brian is one of my strongest handicap fancies and he runs in the Pertemps. He was doing his best work late on behind Rock On Ruby last time and his breeding says he will improve for this step up in trip. That run says he is better than his handicap mark of 144.
NH: Regal Encore for the Pertemps.
BL: Monetaire has been saved for the Festival since he won at Newbury in November. If it’s good ground he will go for the Plate according to Pipe rather than the Grand Annual. I also like Un Ace for the Plate if he runs here rather than the Grand Annual

Triumph Hurdle

NS: The New Course is a much more galloping track and that might be against Peace And Co who might not finish off his race properly if he pulls too hard so for that reason I will go with Hargam who is tough, uncomplicated, jumps well and stays well.
JL: Peace And Co is out on his own. People keep telling me he is a terrible price but he is that far ahead on Timeform ratings on his Doncaster win that he would have won every Triumph bar Our Conor’s in the last 15 years. The Irish challenge is threadbare and I don’t think they will get into the first four.
OB: Pulled a cart and still bolted up at Doncaster. He was being taught to settle last time and one concern is if they try that again and he pulls. As long as relaxes he is a certainty. Beltor is talented but in terms of natural talent you will struggle to see a better horse at this stage of their career
NH: 7/4 is too short about Peace And Co. I really like Hargam at 7/1 each way. Lightly raced, he was impressive last time and proven on the track.
BL: I don’t think Beltor has the stamina for a Triumph or the Irish are up to it. My main worry about Peace And Co is whether the occasion will get to him. At the prices Hargam appeals most.
MS: I would guess some bookmakers will pay four places this year. Pain Au Chocolat is a slow burner but very talented and he looks a fair each way bet.

Gold Cup

NS: Silviniaco Conti had stomach ulcers last year but he has been finishing his races off better now that has been sorted. He has no excuses now so, for me, this is his Gold Cup. If he doesn’t win it this year he never will. Bobs Worth was favourite last year and has had only one run since when Barry was easy on him. He improved loads for his first run last season when he won the Lexus and is too big a price.
JL: The cheekpieces have been crucial to Silviniaco Conti. What sort of price is he backable? At 4/1 I would happily weigh in at. The best novice last year was Holywell and he has had one target all year and he is the best of the rest.
OB: Silviniaco Conti has been unfairly uncrabbed for last year. It was a freak race. I can forgive him wandering around last year. Cheekpieces help him keep straight this time and h is one of the best bets of the Festival. It would great if Many Clouds won and he showed himself to be versatile winning at Cheltenham off a slow pace. Coneygree is a save.
NH: The forecast is a worry for Many Clouds. If Bobs Worth or Lord Windermere win the Gold Cup again I’ll eat my feet. My one ante-post bet is Djakadam. There is a question mark about the trip and he is tight enough now at 10/1. I can make a case that Boston Bob is overpriced for a horse who gets it together in the spring.
BL: Road To Riches at 33/1 is my one shining light in my ante-post portfolio for me. I think the track will play to his strengths. Silviniaco Conti is the best horse in race but is he the best horse at Cheltenham over 3m2½f? I’m worried about the ground for Many Clouds. Sam Winner was onmy beaten 2l in Lexus and won at the course earlier in the season and he has the tools to run a huge race being a strong stayer, especially if headgear is applied.
MS: I’ll be amazed of Carlingford Lough is not backed for McCoy. The other money horse can be Djakadam on the Walsh factor.

Friday Shoulder Races:

NS: I rode Jolly’s Cracked It in the Betfair Hurdle who was stone last and didn’t jump well but he flew in the home straight. If he can jump he can go well in the Martin Pipe and he has had a lot of help since then. Harry Fry is very sweet on Thomas Brown in the Albert Bartlett.
JL: I like Ordo Ab Chao for the Neptune so I also like Value At Risk for the Albert Bartlett who did well to finish half a length behind him last time. He would need to settle better though. Make A Track is block entered at the Festival and interesting wherever he turns up moving from the retired Charlie Swan to Gordon Elliott.
OB: Arzal is an interesting one for the Imperial Cup and County Hurdle. Jolly’s Cracked It would be interesting in the Martin Pipe but he is also in the Coral Cup. Fry told me there isn’t much between him and Jollyallan who is fancied for the Supreme. In the Foxhunters’ I like Current Event who has won his last seven races and this has been the plan for a while.
NH: I like Martello Tower for the Albert Bartlett. Moving back up to 3m will really suit him and he is overpriced.
BL: I have backed Hawk High for the County Hurdle at 25/1. He likes good ground and he only got beat by Glingerburn last time giving him weight who has been impressive in victory since.
MS: The Game Changer has been the steamer in the County and I wouldn’t be surprised if Bryan Cooper rode him. He has gone from Charlie Swan to Gordon Elliott and not run for three months.


Charity Bets

NS: Hargam (Triumph Hurdle)
JL: Value At Risk (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle)
OB: Brother Brian e/w (Pertemps Final)
NH: Djakadam (Gold Cup)
BL: Un Temps Pour Tout (World Hurdle)

jonthehammer 1:53 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Leeds Skybet Night

The Skybet Night with Donn McClean, Rich Ricci, Ed Chamberlain and Denis O'Regan (replacing Jason Maguire).

Ed Chamberlain thinks McCoy wins the last race of whole festival on Ned Buntline. His NAP of the week is Ma Filleule
Denis O Reagan replaces Jason Maguire on the panel

Supreme

Rich Ricci: On Douvan.. "Willie hasn't been this positive since Pont Alexandre got stuffed by The New One"
Donn Mclean: "Douvan is short and he hasn't achieved as much as Vautour. He isn't even a Grade One winner yet"
DM: "L’Ami Serge form is certainly stronger. Alvisio Ville also interesting. Ran too freely over 2m 2f last time and 16-1 good price"
Mark Howard: "Only British threat is L’Ami Serge. The rest aren't good enough."
Ricci: "Shocked Alvisio Ville running in this race. Should be in the Neptune."
DOR: I think Alvisio is a solid chance, he will stay. Douvan looks like an aeroplane but 7-4 is very short. I'd rather be on the former.
DOR: I think AV is running in the right race. He will stay. Why should they take on Nichols Canyon again when he beat them easily last time?

BREAKING: This year's Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase will be renamed in honour of Tony McCoy

Champion Hurdle:

RR "I knew he was a Champion Hurdler after the Punchestown Festival. Would be a dream come true to win a Championship race"
Donn Mclean: "Hurricane Fly's form is as good as anyone's and 8-1 is a cracking price. Genuinely think he could win it."
O Regan: "Such a brilliant race. Think TNO had his chance last year. Really fancy Jezki and Arctic Fire overpriced"
O Regan and Ricci in agreement Jezki the main danger to Faugheen.

Mares

RR: Annie Power more than likely for Mares Hurdle.



Festival Handicap Chase

O Regan on Ned Stark: Been great for us all season. Little inexperienced so in a handicap here he will really have to be on form.
O Regan: Gallant Oscar would have a good EW chance and if Pendra can jump better he is a danger too

NH Chase

Ricci: Patrick has one last chance to convince Gigginstown to let him have Don Poli in the 4 Miler tonight.

Novices Handicap

Mark Howard likes Stellar Notion in the last on Day One. Well handicapped he says.

Onto Wednesday now.


Champion Chase:

Ricci: "We have to take our chance with CF. Race is wide open and we will take our chance."
RR: We go there with a great chance. I've never been close to winning this and CF definitely goes there with one. Doesnt have to make all.
Panel don't rate chances of Sprinter Sacre at all it seems. "They don't come back" being repeated a lot.
Niall Hannity: Underwhelmed with the race. Mr Mole is a hound! Johns Spirit a good bet at 33-1 NRNB
O Regan: I fancy SS to come back. Fit at Ascot and can win this. Sire de Grugy- hope them shoes help him jump better!
O Regan: Gary Moore usually very quiet but he's been very noisy about SDG. Dont fancy DB, Mr Mole won accidentally last time I think!

Neptune

Don Mclean: Neptune: Pace showed by Nichols Canyon great last time but I prefer Outlander.
DM: "Outlander's optimum trip right now. Has class and a great turn of foot."
Ricci on Neptune: "Terrific betting race for the bookies. Fancy Tell us More if runs and Outlander."
O Regan: "Heard Ryan Hatch say his NAP at a preview night last week was Parlour Games."
Says however that he likes chances of Outlander.

RSA Chase:

Ricci thinks English will win this race. Likes Coneygree and thinks Don Poli should run in 4 miler instead.
McLean: Think Kings Palace is vulnerable. If Coneygree runs here he has a chance but I think connections will go for Gold Cup instead

Cross Country

Ricci: Dogora went well on the gallops today and i fancy him EW at a price in the X country

Bumper

Ricci on the bumper: So hard to say who our best is. Pylonthepressure will go well but Bordini has best form.
Ricci on AQDT: "Has great form in France and don't envy the choice the jockeys have to make in that race!"

Onto the World Hurdle

Niall Hannity likes Rock on Ruby, thinks he stays and likes Cheltenham. Mark Howard thinks Reve de Sivola is overpriced Ricci likes Saphir du Rheu. Briar Hill was going well last time. If it is soft Zaidpour has a great place chance.
Ricci: However if not it is SDR and an EW bet on Lieutenant Colonel for me Don Mclean: Irish challenge isn't bad. Monksland a forgotten horse. Lieutenant Colonel is the improver, put on great size.
Mclean: Dessie Hughes thought he'd make a good horse after another season behind him. Had more in hand than it looked when he beat Jetson O Regan: Saphir du Rheu strong because STD picked him straight away. Lieutenant Colonel good but might want soft and looks inexperienced O Regan: Monksland good EW chance. Don’t think he will win but represents value Mark Howard: Un Temps Pour Tout has to go well. Needed run in Cleeve Hurdle. Could turn it round with Saphir du Rheu.

Ryanair

Ricci: Cannot figure Ballycasey out, so frustrating but will take our chance.
Don: Hidden Cyclone- bit worried about him in the last 200 yards. Race looks perfect for Don Cossack. Fulfilling his promise now Mark Howard: Ma Filleule huge chance. Proven Chelt form and wasn't fully tuned up last run. Balder Succes better in smaller fields.
Niall Hannity not a Don Cossack fan. Thinks he needs to be going round the track the other way round!
O Regan and Hannity think Eduard is a massive EW price. Latter has again backed Johns Spirit EW NRNB
Ricci: The scenes if Hidden Cyclone won would be amazing. Shark in the Winners Enclosure would be mental.

JLT

Vautour our best chance on Thurs and Fri- Ricci
Ricci- People were worried about his head carriage after he worked at the weekend. It was just windy. Will be disappointed if doesn’t win.
Mclean: Vautour is correct fav but Valseur Lido should be closer in the market.

Pertemps:

Mark Howard likes Edeymi, O Regan has ridden him and isn't so keen. Doesn't think he is a Chelt style horse.
O Regan was impressed with Call the Cops at Doncaster but picks Regal Encore. Thinks he is one of JP's best chances. Honeyball in form too

Friday... Triumph Hurdle.

Ricci: Kalkir missed work over Xmas. Beaten fair and square in December.
Ricci: Kalkir wasn't 100% against PP but ran well. Will improve and still a great EW bet.
Ricci: Dicosimo is interesting too and had a chance. If I was backing any other I would back Hargam. JP's best chance of week.
Mclean: Petite Parisienne battled well and seemed smart last time. Fillies do well in this and she gets 7lb allowance
Mclean: Spring Hurdle form is very good for this race.
O Regan: Pain au Chocolat is a star. Alan King adores him, apple of his eye.
O Regan: Think Hargam looks good but PAC worth an EW in race. Alan King has good record in this.

Gold Cup next

Ricci: "Djakadam is the George Clooney of horses."
Ricci: Djakadam jumps great. My only niggle is if he stays or not.
Ricci: Conti is the one to beat
Hannity: Lord Windermere has no chance. Culloty had one winner since the GC last year!
Mclean also a Djakadam fan. Conti never won at Cheltenham, last year was his chance. Had a higher rating last year after KG than this year.
O Regan: Djakadam seems to travel like a good horse. Was going too well at Chelt last year. He's likeable but blew up in Hennessy.
O Regan shared a plane to Kelso with McCoy. Heard him say to Jonjo he fancied Holywell a lot in the GC.

Others

Ricci will run Blood Cotil in Grand Annual. "Good weight, will like the big field. My best Friday chance."
Ricci: Cannot see Black Hercules getting beat in the Albert Bartlett.
Mark Howard. "The Game Changer interesting in County Hurdle."
O Regan: Fancy Ted Veale in Grand Annual.
Hannity likes Martello Tower for the Albert Bartlett.
To my untrained eye, the horses Ricci fancied most this evening were (in no particular order): Faugheen, Annie, Vautour, Blood Cotil He also fancied Djakadam a lot for the Gold Cup.
Douvan... may just have been me but thought he sounded hopeful rather than confident. Certainly not as bullish at Willie was last week.

jonthehammer 1:00 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Burnsy/Soldo

I am the same, got my own thoughts plus some good snippets from the previews.

Definately would help the ones who dont really know a lot about Chelters. They are a good read tho, wouldnt mind a beer with Davy Russell, sounds a right case

jonthehammer 12:59 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Second bit to that last one

World Hurdle

Ruby just gave me a semi, he tips Zarkander over Saphir Du Rheu but watch out for Rock on Ruby
Cooper reckons Rock on Ruby to win
Davy thinks the Colonel is better than Cooper thinks #davyisabollock
At 12% battery so going to go airplane mode until I hear the charity bets, I'll tweet if something outstanding is said

Gold Cup coming up

Bryan fears Carlingford Rock the most on Road to Riches. Waiting for Davy to go mad about LM chances.
Davy does so in surprisingly timid style.
8% battery. Hurry up with the charity bets!!
Ah s@@@ Ruby reckons Silvianaco Conti is the one to beat
Paul Kealy tips up RTR to skip past Conti up the hill. Ruby says Conti is the likely winner immediately.



Charity Bets

Bryan goes €125 e/w Very Wood #charity
Ruby goes €125 e/w Vautour, Black Hercules & No More Heroes treble
I missed Davy Russell's lucky 15 bet due to being pissed and needing a piss . Pretty sure it was Ruby's treble plus Windsor Park @rossmoyno7
Once again, we all need to realise that @rossmoyno7 is a hero for live tweets and I believe he'll be @CafeEnSeine tomorrow.
Battery about to die hope my alarm wakes me up for work tomorrow. Only six more sleeps lads
The huge slice of information to take from tonight's preview is that AP should and will win the last race of the festival this year (1/2)
It makes sense AND if you're quick enough, it could make your week. Good luck and good night

Douvan, Wait For Me, Road to Riches & Ned Buntline €2 win lucky 15 returns €7,918 with @paddypower

Northern Sold 11:38 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Yeah it is what I have done Burnsy... I had 75% of what I knew I fancied WRITTEN IN BLOOD... got one or two pointers off here but just more an interesting read I have found them... if you go with a blank canvas and discect ALL of these preview nights you head will implode... Scanners style...

Mr. Burns 10:43 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

I think you end up getting bogged down reading all this stuff. End up more confused than ever. Better to go with your gut feel.

Thanks for posting though.

Northern Sold 10:11 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

I gather Davy Russell does not rate the Triumph then?? Ag Ag Ag!!!

jonthehammer 9:41 Thu Mar 5
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Little one from Dublin

Davy Russell is ace.

Lucan, Dublin

Triumph

Ruby Walsh tipping up Top Notch in the Triumph Hurdle - Davy Russell says he'd rather mow the lawn than watch this year's Triumph! Cooper says Petite Parisienne guaranteed to stay up the hill. Paddy Power envisions a plunge on Hargam #CatchAPMcCoy
Ruby says Dicosimo is defo a chaser for next year and Top Notch is probably most fluent jumper in the field
Davy Russell says Triumph is a disgusting race and Ruby tears him a new one for winning it last year
Davy and Ruby engage in banter, Cooper tries to get a dig in to Davy and gets destroyed #banter

Arkle

Back either Un de Sceaux or Vibrato Valtat in the Arkle according to Ruby. One of them will win. #CheltMental

JLT

Ptit Zig is the best novice chaser in GB so says Paul Kealy, Racing Post. Has great chance in
Novices

Bryan reckons if Vautour shows up in the form of his Supreme Novices win last year, he'll take all the beating

AB

Cooper reckons No More Heroes will be hard to beat. One he's looking forward to over 3 miles.
Ruby reckons Shaneshill NMH one-two in the AB
Paddy Power reckons Martello Tower will save him in the AB

RSA

Davy admits Don Poli made him look stupid
Davy says nowadays he's a super stayer but Coneygree is very good #nohelp
Ruby says Don Poli would win the 4 miler easier than the RSA. Cooper agrees but obviously neither have a say in it

Champion Chase

Davy reckons new plastic shoes on Sire De Grugy wins the Champion Chase
Bryan goes for Champagne Fever. Says he is quick enough over two miles
Ruby reckons Dodging Bullets should be fav. Looks a nightmare of a race for punting.

Ryanair

Cooper has no worries about left handed track and trip is made for Don Cossack in the Ryanair
Johns Spirit not to run in the Ryanair #hearditherefirst
Ruby lets it slip that Boston Bob MAY run in the Ryanair and he has every chance if that happens. Currently 25/1

Bumper

Ruby says he'd like to ride General Principle in the bumper but young Paddy Mullins gets the first vote

Champion Hurdle

Ruby beating around the bush about Faugheen. "He's all potential, he could be anything, he could be nothing"
Ruby talking up Hurricane Fly now. Mother of #### Ruby!! Who's better!!?
Davy reckons Jezki is the one to beat and The New One has loads to prove #fairpoint

jonthehammer 9:27 Wed Mar 4
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Newcastle

@NewcastleRaces #CheltPreview Graham Wylie confirms Shaneshill for Supreme (pulled muscles earlier in season) & Nicholls Canyon for Neptune

ChampionHurdle

General consensus is Faugheen. J Blance goes Jezki for a place (spring horse). Gordy Clarkson likes Vaniteaux EW
Mick Fitz think Faugheen will win 5l. No-one keen on The New One & his jumping right. Graham Wylie EW Arctic Fire

Mares

Annie Power if she turns up. Others worth EW Rory likes Polly Peachum EW Mick likes Glens Melody IF AP doesn't turn up
Gordy Clarkson likes The Governess a good EW bet at big price for @fergalobrien07 but AP to win.

Centenary Novice Chase

3 panellists really fancy Thomas Crapper

Neptune

All generally keen on Graham's Nichols Canyon but Mick not sure about his jumping. Fancies Windsor Park (if not AB)




RSA

IF Coneygree doesn't go to Gold Cup an outstanding chance (Mick Fitz) Gareth Topham likes Don Poli...need a good stayer
John Blance keen on Coneygree also. Rated 166 (Denman 161 when won). Mad not to run in it

Coral Cup

Lac Fontana EW for John Blance. Don't forget Getmeoutofhere...for a place
Rory Jiwani says watch out for Goodwood Mirage (whatever race he runs in)

QM Champion Chase

Mick Fitz thinks Champagne Fever a standout out EW. Says Sire De Grugy thrives on his racing...peaking?
Joh Blance agrees with Mick good EW bet in Champagne Fever. Graham Wylie in same camp as like Lord Transcend!
Gareth Topham goes with Sire De Grugy. Sprinter too many niggling doubts.

Cross Country

John Blance likes Chicago Grey off a lowish weight. Mick likes Quantativeeasing if dries up (no watering possible)

Fred Winter

John Blance Starcitecht 18/1 EW & Gordon Elliot's Hostile Fire 10/1 fancied by a couple

Bumper

Moon Racer fancied by Gordy C. Supasundae mentioned. Graham says Bellshill is in great form & hopeful. Positive vibes
Mick fancies Pylonthepressure also from Mullins yard.

JLT

John Blance says Ptit Zig value bet. Mick concerns about him coming back after fall last time out. Big fan of Valseur Lido
Gareth likes Apache Stronghold strong Irish form & Ptit Zig (if ok after fall). Graham can't see passed Vautour
Rory Apache Stronghold fan & mentions Cooper really likes Valseur Lido. Gods Own as possibly good EW @ 25/1 but left handed?

Pertemps

Many horses laid out...not a favs race. Edeymi for John Blance. Gordy fancies Syabrite of NT-D EW at a big price 20's

jonthehammer 9:10 Wed Mar 4
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Wetherby

@WetherbyRaces for Festival Preview tonight at 715 with all-star cast of @Niallhannity @McGracing @SeanQuinnracing

And we're off 2015 @StarSports_Bet Cheltenham Preview Evening. Full house

Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

No surprise that panel all behind Douvan and L'Ami Serge. Value possibly in Qewy

Arkle

Panel very excited for this race and Un De Sceaux. Sgt Reckless EW for Niall. No questions from the floor! Nuff said.

Champion Hurdle

Faugheen a certainty say Niall and Jim. Sean fancies Kitten Rock at a price to place.
Audience member thinks Faugheen is going to 'get stuffed', and is demanding an EW from Niall & Jim. Jim telling Francome story instead!

Neptune

Jim fancies Nichols Canyon and happy with 9/2 @StarSports_Bet Ordo Ab Chao & Beast of Burden at bigger prices.

RSA

Uncertainty over runners, but Sean would like to see small yard winner with Coneygree and if he runs 9/2 now with @StarSports_Bet.
Panel Question to audience... If Coneygree was yours, where would you run him, RSA Chase or Gold Cup?



Queen Mother Chase

Sire De Grugy for Jim even in his new shoes!
Queen Mother - Niall would like to see Sprinter Sacre win but will have a bigger price bet with Johns Spirit at 33/1 with @StarSports_Bet
Queen Mother - Sean on Champagne Fever and Jim says sound advice from Niall re Johns Spirit.
JLT - Not a lot to say about this one! Vautour for Jim, Niall doesn't like the race and Sean on Apache Stronghold.

Ryanair

Sean if pressed would be on Ma Filleule. Niall thinks Don Cossack too short at 3/1 and would be on Johns Spirit 8/1 if he runs.
Ryanair - Balder Success 6/1 with @StarSports_Bet would be Jim's pick.

World Hurdle

Niall sweet on Rock on Ruby, he thinks he will stay, question mark over who will ride him, but class @StarSports_Bet 8/1
World Hurdle - Jim agrees Rock on Ruby will stay, but fancies a punt on Jetson.
World Hurdle - Sean fancies Lieutenant Colonel if ground softens. @StarSports_Bet say eye-catching money for Un Temps Pour Tout
World Hurdle - Annie Power will not run say panel

Albert Bartlett

All the panel are sweet on the chances of Martello tower at a big price for the Albert Bartlett #@WetherbyRaces

happygilmore 12:21 Wed Mar 4
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

and another

Jumping Prospects Preview Night at Aintree

Panel - Charlie Longsdon (CL)
Ben Pauling (BP)
John Parrott (JP)
John Morris (JM)
Andy Holding (AH)

John Morris & Andy Holding said much the same as they did at Bangor so will concentrate on the other three.

Supreme : All three went for L'Ami Serge. BP can't have Jollyalan

Arkle : All three agreed it was UDS's to lose

Champion Hurdle : CL - Faugheen beatable. Won't be in first 2. TNO to beat Jezki
BP - Jezki. Thinks TNO will be caught flat footed coming down hill & will be staying on too late.
JP - Likes TNO as his best form is at Cheltenham

Neptune : CL - Parlour Games best of the English, likes Winsor Park ew
BP - Parlour Games. Ferguson is finally training his horses like NH horses not like flat horses
JP - Also went with Parlour Games

RSA : CL - Didn't have a view
BP - Strong on Kings Palace. Thinks Conygree should go for Gold Cup as he would have more chance of winning that than RSA!
JP - Kings Palace

QM : CL- Hidden Cyclone ew if he runs here
BP - Sprinter Sacre. Vibes from Henderson yard are good
JP - Champagne Fever ew

World : CL - Whisper ew
BP - Saphir de Rieu. Henderson yard thinks Blue Fashion is better than Whisper
JP - Whisper ew

Ryanair : CL - Cue Card (so that's one loser)
BP - Balder Succes
JP - Balder Secces

Triumph : CL - Said AP told him Hargam will beat Peace & Co
BP - Hargam to outstay Peace & Co
JP - Hargam and Top Notch ew

Gold Cup : CL - Holywell
JP - Holywell
BP - Bob's Worth ew on good ground. Conygree if he goes.

CL & BP were asked about their horses. CL says best chances are Pendra in the handicap on the first day and Killala Quay in the novice handicap also on the first day.
BP said Smart Freddy will go well at a big price in the handicap on the first day. Also said he expects Ravens Tower to go well in the Imperial Cup.

happygilmore 12:20 Wed Mar 4
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Just spotted this while chillin. dont think posted already

Galway Preview Night - Main Panel was Patrick Mullins, Davy Russell, Paul Kealy (Racing Post) and Eddie O'Leary (Gigginstown).
All attended free of charge so hats off to them as most get a fee of 1k to 3k in other preview nights.

Supreme Novices Hurdle

Patrick Mullins: Douvan is exceptional, ground will be no issue, very hopeful. He said Shaneshill should also take his chance in this.
Davy Russell: Shaneshill and Bentelimar both too big a price, go each-way. Criticised Paul Kealy's selection of Jollyallan, says he can't jump and that's a shocking bet. He also said L'Ami Serge is a 2nd season novice and that they have a shocking record in this.
Paul Kealy: Douvan too short, Jollyallan great each-way bet, Patrick Mullins also questioned his selection, Jollyallan.
Eddie O'Leary: Douvan is tall and weak so might not be suited to this test. Alvisio Ville a great e/w bet, Patrick Mullins agreed with him.


Neptune Hurdle
Paul Kealy: Nichols Canyon will win (sounded very assured).
Davy Russell: Windsor Park a question mark for race, could go Albert Bartlett. He said it will be a travesty if the Irish don't win all novice hurdle races at Cheltenham and he will pack in racing if they don't.
Patrick Mullins: Nichols Canyon could take a lot of beating, rated 111 on flat which was higher than Hurricane Fly.
Eddie O'Leary: Nichols Canyon should win, he also said to watch Weld's horses this year who will be super fresh.


Albert Bartlett
Eddie O'Leary: No More Heroes scoped badly last time out, not as confident as they were about this horse.
Paul Kealy: No More Heroes will take the world of beating.
Patrick Mullins: Boost to Black Hercules if Douvan wins. Martello Tower has a great e/w chance, value. He feels Blaklion lacks class. Of all the novices, interestingly he said Black Hercules has the best chance!
Davy Russell: Martello Tower good e/w chance but No More Heroes should win, will love 3 miles.


Triumph Hurdle

Eddie O'Leary: Petite Parisienne has a decent chance.
Paul Kealy: Beltor is a massive price.
Patrick Mullins: No interest in this race.
Davy Russell: Thinks this is a great chance to do something with his wife to keep her happy, won't even watch it.


Arkle

Patrick Mullins: Un De Sceaux Leopardstown run phenomenal. Only worry is front runners' record in the race, but huge chance.
Davy Russell: Un De Sceaux, wait until he gets down to the start to back him because it's a long way and he is a very excitable horse.
Paul Kealy: Watching brief.
Eddie O'Leary: Un De Sceaux is an aeroplane, Clarcam has no chance.


JLT

Davy Russell: The Tullow Tank huge price, e/w chance.
Patrick Mullins: Afraid of Apache Stronghold, can't have Ptit Zig after his fall lto, Vautour working really well, will win!
Paul Kealy: Ptit Zig huge chance, best form in the race.
Eddie O'Leary: No strong opinion.


RSA Chase

Eddie O'Leary: All of a sudden got very quiet when asked about Don Poli, never commented.
Davy Russell: Between Don Poli & Coneygree if they run in it, but Don Poli will win.
Patrick Mullins: Valseur Lido could be a Gold Cup horse, wherever he turns up have a bet on him. David Pipe thinks Kings Palace is his bet of the week.
Paul Kealy: Don Poli huge chance. Southfield Theatre e/w.


4-Mile National Hunt Chase

Davy Russell: Wounded Warrior
Patrick Mullins: Perfect Gentleman off a good mark, big price if he shows up.
Eddie O'Leary: Thunder and Roses good chance, stays all day.
Paul Kealy: Doing Fine e/w chance, Russell laughed.


Champion Chase

Davy Russell: Sprinter Sacre has had 8 wind operations, has huge wind problems. Dodging Bullets has never won in spring. Champagne Fever has a chance but Sire De Grugy will win.
Patrick Mullins: Champagne Fever should run in this, he has been a little frustrating but he has a huge chance. He thinks Sire De Grugy will find it tough, Sacre the biggest danger.
Paul Kealy: Champagne Fever will win.
Eddie O'Leary: Champagne Fever fan, should be very hard to catch.


Ryanair Chase

Patrick Mullins: Don Cossack the one to beat. Boston Bob might run in this.
Paul Kealy: Don Cossack good chance, but Ma Filleule is his bet.. Russell and Mullins laughed.
Eddie O'Leary: Don Cossack for him.
Davy Russell: Don Cossack will win, but watch out for whatever race Johns Spirit shows up in, might go in Queen Mother but could nick a place at huge price.


Champion Hurdle

Breeder: Can't see him being beat, he re-mortgaged the house and put the whole lot on him @ 4/1. (Faugheen)
Davy Russell: Faugheen has not been tested, mistakes here will be punished. Jezki should be spot on, horse to beat.
Patrick Mullins: Faugheen has potential, but would love to see Hurricane Fly win. Unlikely due to age but in unbelievable form at home. If it turns soft, he has a chance. Faugheen error prone but never costs him ground. The faster he goes, the better he jumps. Special horse, riding him is like having the accelerator pushed to the max on a Ferrari.
Paul Kealy: Worried about The New One, think he is not in good form. Arctic Fire great e/w bet. Patrick questioned his bet, said Arctic Fire is out of his depth.
Eddie O'Leary: Faugheen.


World Hurdle

Eddie O'Leary: Dedigout has a shout if it's soft.
Paul Kealy: Poor race, Zarkandar tentative bet.
Patrick Mullins: Briar Hill small e/w, Lieutenant Colonel has a big chance.
Davy Russell: Lieutenant Colonel hard to beat, Saphir Du Rheu the danger.


Champion Bumper

Patrick Mullins: Very impressed with Bordini. Cousin David thinks Pylonthepressure is the best of the Mullins lot here. Afraid of Moon Racer.
Eddie O'Leary: Likes Stone Hard a lot. Afraid of Moon Racer.
Davy Russell: Bordini
Paul Kealy: No comment.


Gold Cup

Paul Kealy: Silviniaco Conti best horse in the race by a long way. Many Clouds if it is soft.
Eddie O'Leary: Road To Riches e/w chance. Carlingford Lough huge chance.
Patrick Mullins: Djakadam fan, big chance.. On His Own e/w squeak.
Davy Russell: Road To Riches horse to beat. Wouldn't swap his ride on Lord Windermere for anything else in the race, but trainer hasn't had a winner yet this year.


Charity Bets €100 on each

Hector - Don Poli
Eddie - Roi Des Francs
Paul - No More Heroes
Patrick - Djakadam
Davy - Jezki


Other Bits of Information

O'Leary told me in person that Tiger Roll will not be running at Cheltenham this year, the horse has gone backwards.
Patrick Mullins told everyone to back York Hill on Saturday, should give us a few quid for Cheltenham he said.
O'Leary said Roi Des Francs is the Gigginstown banker of the week in the Martin Pipe.
Patrick was asked for his top 4 in order of best chance on Day 1: He said 1) Annie Power, 2) Un De Sceaux, 3) Douvan, 4) Faugheen.

jonthehammer 3:49 Tue Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

And another......

Dunraven Arms' Report via Jonathan Mullin (RP) and Limerick Leader.

Fuller Reports in each paper.

Panel
T Segal,
P Hobbs,
N Luck,
Andrew McNamara,
Katie Walsh

Also in Dunraven is Warren Greatrex, bookie Willie Power + Simon Claisse will take a phonecall from MC Nick Luck to provide a ground update

Simon Claisse: predominantly gd-sft, bits of soft on Old Course and cross country. Wintery showers this week but dry at end of the week decision about any possible watering will be made mid-week.

Sam Twiston Davies now on the line
Sire Collonges the horse of Paul Nicholls' that he's looking forward to riding most alongside Ptit Zig

Supreme

Philip Hobbs (PH): Jollyallan the best of the British in the Supreme.
Tom Segal (TS): Segal likes him and Qewy but says L'Ami Serge very impressive. Douvan too short
Katie Walsh (KW): Douvan a cert.
Willie Power (WP): Douvan will drift.
Andrew McNamara (AM): Douvan.
Warren Greatrex (WG): Seedling

Neptune

KW: Outlander
TS: Windsor Park
PH: Parlour Games
AM: Outlander

Triumph:

KW: faith in Kalkir but Beltor looks good.
TS: Top Notch and Petite Parisienne in the morning
AM: Dicosimo
WG: Top Notch
PH: Hargam

P Hobbs: will wait until late to make call on Golden Doyen, Triumph or Fred Winter
Kate Walsh thinks Kalkir best of Irish but says this going to Britain

Arkle

On to Un De Sceaux.
TS: he'll win 10l,
WG: looks real deal,
KW: incredible to watch, question marks re jumping but if stands up he wins Smashing an EW chance.
Hobbs likes Dunraven Storm EW

JLT

Katie Walsh doesn't like the way Vautour carries his head lately and Andrew Mc agrees.
Katie likes Apache Stronghold.
Valseur Lido for Segal
PH & WG like Ptit zig

RSA

Panel have RSA as one of races of the festival,
Segal and Greatrex think Kings Palace and Coneygree could set it up for Don Poli.
AM: Coneygree.
PH: kings palace.
KW: Don Poli
TS: race of festival, don poli the star in waiting.
WG: Don Poli

NH Chase

Vroom Vroom Mag for the 4 miler asks Andy of Katie?
She smiles and says no...But her eyes say yes intriguing.

Ryanair

Andrew Mc: We're leaning toward Ryanair. ( Hidden Cyclone) fears Don Cossack
Champion Chase looked weaker earlier in season but only one beat us in Ryanair last year
Segal happy that his ante post selection Ballynagour is the one in the Ryanair.
KW: John's Spirit, can't have DC.
PH: Wishful Thinking EW

Champion Chase

Andy Mac says hidden cyclone more likely for Ryanair than CC. Jumping not quite up to that kind of test.

JP McManus interviewed by Nick Luck who likes Mr Mole: "he might carry your money," says JP, "but he won't carry mine".

WG: Sprinter Sacre. SDG or DB won't win.
PH: SDG.
TS: can't have SS, likes Champagne Fever
KW: Champagne Fever
AM: Champagne Fever

Champion Hurdle

Katie Walsh says Faugheen very talent but "ridiculously short".
Willie Power says if either Douvan or UDS beat bookies will take on Faugheen
KW: Faugheen an average 'leper' but will win.
TS: Faugheen.
WG and PH are Faugheen fans. AM makes the full set

JP McManus doesn't like TNO. Tough to beat Faugheen. modestly optimistic in his usual fashion. ah sure, you know.

World Hurdle

Warren Greatrex: Cole Harden had wind op, goes well, rock solid ew. Katie Walsh agrees.
TS: Saphir De Rheu one of the bets of week
PH: Saphir de Rheu.
AM: Reve de Sivola.
KW: Whisper and ROR EW.

Gold Cup

PH/AM: Silviniaco Conti a better horse this year. Will win.
WP not keen on Djakadam, neither are Andy & Katie
KW: likes Carlingford Lough, it'll be sick bag Conti @FinalFurlongPod after the last fence.
Segal echoes that
JP McManus keen on Carlingford Lough and Hargam ( Triumph) on good ground.

Other Bets

Warren Greatrex reports Foxhunters favourite Paint The Clouds in super form - "I think he might be better than a hunter chaser"
Final word from Dunraven: P Hobbs rates his bumper horse Wait For Me very highly.

jonthehammer 10:47 Tue Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Europa

Tonight's panel: David Casey (DC), Gordon Elliott (GE), Richard Hoiles (RH), Mark Winstanley (MW), Gary O'Brien (GOB) Brian Graham (BG)

Crowd is building very nicely! #SGPreview
And we are underway!

Supreme Novices, naturally, to kick off the evening...
MW: I think Douvan's an aeroplane to be honest. Sizing John's won a group one, the form's worked out brilliantly.
MW: Biggest certainty since
jihadi john turned up at a pass the parcel competition - And the couch has started!
BG: More against than for Douvan. Doesn't have form in the book like Vautour did. We're 2/1
BG: Why didn't Douvan go Deloittie Hurdle like Vautour and Champagne?
BG: Jollyallan for me at 10/1. Better value than the fav.
DC: Worked brilliantly at home, huge engine. Monster of a horse, but WIllie runs 4. They are all the best novices at the yard.
DC: I like Shaneshill though, riding work a lot and he's turning the corner, work improving. 12/1 for me is super each way value.
DC: Thought Alysio Ville couldn't get beat the last day. No explanations for his defeat to Nichols Canyon. Working well at home though
DC: Don't ride a lot of work on Douvan. He does everything so easy though and has huge potential.
RH: L'Ami Serge impressive but smallish fields. Didn't win much in France. Jollyallan travels well but has a dodgy head carriage.
GE: David is shrewd judge, think Willie will win it. Alysio Ville is a massive each way chance.
That rounds up the Supreme. Very interesting comments from David Casey regarding Shaneshill.

Arkle next!
BG: If things goes his way he'll go off in front and they won't see. Still as a bookmaker he's too short
BG: Something at a price - Vibrato Valtat. Should be 4 from 4. Whether he's good enough to get near UDS who knows. God's Own at a price
DC: He's very free and does all his work at home by himself. Hard to know how good he is. Looks like just has to stand up to win
DC: I'd love to be riding in the race and drop something in for second.
GE: To be honest it was a massive performance from UDS against my Clarcam. Clarcam gonna be dropped in and ridden for second.
GE: UDS could fall and get back up and still win
RH: Point about Cheltenham the tempo unrelenting. Given he's such a short price. With those question marks, wouldn't be keen on taking price
RH: SGT Reckless fast ground performer. Hold up horse. Creep around try for second. Without favourite betting each way
MW: All have the same plan. Backed the ambulance to come second.
MW: Empty your bank account. Horse has learned from its mistake. Got one wrong last time and corrected himself. Shows he's learning. NAP

Champion Hurdle next. The big one!
DC: Ruby will ride Faugheen. On the form book. Fly has better form obviously. Faugheen exceptional at home. TNO unlucky last year.
DC: If Faugheen jumps right he'll end up losing a tonne of ground. Think he'll make the running in a small field. Dictate from the front.
DC: Faugheen will be hard to beat. I'd ride Faugheen. Arctic Fire is working well. Hold up horse and will be dropped in. Worst horses placed
DC: Jezki improved last year, but this year he hasn't improved with his runs. Soft ground Fly comes into it
RH: Faugheen has to win. Really promising talent. Hasn't beat much but dynamics of the race really suit
RH: Jezki still the main danger. Spring ground would suit. But Faugheen deep impression and has what it takes whatever way the race is run
GE: Faugheen improving horse. Wasn't impressed with TNO the last day. Faugheen and Arctic Fire at an each way price
MW: Faugheen is special. Knock what it's beat. But it's a monster. These don't come along too often. He'll win by 5-6 lengths
MW: Crashed through them all at Cheltenham last year, but improved at Punch. Again he's learning
BG: Faugheen hasn't taken obvious Champion Hurdle route, that most winners have in last 20. Beat handicapper at Kempton.
BG: Jezki primed for one day. Ground comes up any way good, it will really suit. At 5/4 about a horse taking it on trust
Hands up poll in audience: Who fancies Hurricane Fly - Few hands go up to cries of "Eeji*s"!
So great banter there on the Champion Hurdle. Brian adamant you can't take the price on Faugheen with the reigning champ Jezki at 11/2

Neptune coming up
DC: Would prefer to see Shaneshill in this race. Nichols done nothing wrong. He does stay very well. Outlander impressive last day
DC: Outstayed the last day. This trip suits well. Killutagh Vic at a big price. He'd be for me. Windsor Park has a chance but Weld poor rec
MW: Mission impossible this race. Parlour games won Challow. Poor record for winners. Kilcrea Vale nice horse for Hendo but injured
MW: Honestly find this impossible. Will listen to David.
GE: Nichols Canyon is the highest rated flat horse over hurdles. Obviously classy. Would love to see Shaneshill going for this.
RH: Worst action i've ever seen Nichols. If ground dries, underlations would be hard and will be opposing him.
RH: Would like to see Qewy run, but likely won't. Basically i'm a big negative for the fav Nichols Canyon
BG: Probably have big field. Nichols Canyon not much value. Parlour Games course winner. Ran in Galway Hurdle, experience stand in good sted
So a tough race to get a hold of for the panel. Most interesting to hear Killutagh Vic tipped at a price by David Casey.

Onto the RSA
MW: Don Poli should run here. Backed him after he won at Gowran. Loved his attitude. Apache Stronghold franked the form
MW: He does everything. Jumps perfectly. Rock solid. Coneygree trained by a nutcase. Probably turn up in the GC. Kings Palace will run bad
GE: Kings Palace good last year then bombed at Cheltenham. Don't think he's quite good enough to win. Place maybe.
GE: Coneygree if he was mine he'd be going RSA. That's madness. Don Poli best staying chaser around by a mile. 25/1 to win RSA then Gold Cup
RH: Kings Palace bosses small fields, not good experience last year at Cheltenham. Southfield Theatre honest horse has chance of making frame
RH: But I'm a big Don Poli fan!
DC: I like Coneygree. Strong form in the book. Stays and jumps. Destroyed a strong field at Newbury. Would be bit concerned on the ground...
BG: Don't think its as cut and dry as everyone thinks. Kings Palace 3/3 from fences, same as Coneygree with his form outside novice
BG: Young Master for Mulholland is 4/4 improving all the time, won nicely at Ascot. Don Poli is priced right but race has strength in depth

Champion Chase - one of the races of the Festival coming up
RH: Is Sprinter as good as he was, highly unlikely. More likely to be retired than win. I like SDG, very honest, but drying ground a questio
RH: Dodging Bullets never thought he'd get up the hill at the Festival. Interested in Champagne Fever. What's the deal David?
RH: Festival record makes him interesting. Race with question marks however
GE: SDG beat nothing the other day. Dodging is a flat bred. Hidden Cyclone goes Ryanair. Thought he had a chance Champ Chase.
MW: Confusing race. Doubts over everything. Can't believe Champagne got beat last year. Sprinter Sacre burst a blood vessel that's awful
MW: Couldn't back it to get up the hill after its problem. Dodging Bullets wins round right handed tracks
MW: One race that confuses me, not clever enough to sort it out. If Mr Mole wins it I'll be doing a Basil Fawlty. Can't have it
DC: Wouldn't ride Sprinter. No chance. Bleeding too much. Barry talking shite. If he was riding that chair he'd say it'd have a chance
DC: Dodging Bullets looks reformed, can't see him coming up hill. Champagne bit of an afterthought. Has got course form though.
DC: Hidden Cyclone has a chance if he turns up. One at a big price for a place, Simply Ned. Bits of form that'd give him a chance
BG: I went down the list and found one at the bottom. Special Tiara bit of a reformed character. Jumped rivals into submission at Kempton
That's it then folks. Interval time.

We're back underway with the bumper
DC: Pileonthepressure impressive the first day. Beat a good one first time out from the Roche yard. Visually most impressive. Up in the air
DC: Vigil beat a horse of Willie's and won a schooling bumper few weeks ago. Maybe Willie doesn't know his best horse
GE: Disappointed by Space Cadet when beat by POTP. The winner was impressive though. Bordini for me will be shorter on day.
GE: General Principle - bought him out of Crawfords. Thought he wasn't fit enough first day. But won nicely.
RH: Supasundae now with third trainer in as many runs. Now with De Bromhead. Wait For Me won nicely on debut. Would they be good enough?
MW: Patrick probs ride Bordini. Will shorten. Willie won it 8 times. Gordon runs two, will be the value with his record this year.
RG: Quiet betting heat. So many question marks. Win once then put away. One horse interested is See The World. Ran all over the place
GE: See The World absolutely no chance
RG: Moon Racer strongest of the English. Up For Review beat by one of Gordon's and then at the weekend. But would be interesting
So a wide open heat the Bumper as usual. Onto the Ryanair Chase.
GE: Don Cossack in great form. Great prep. Finishing his races stronger. Couldn't be happier at home
GE: 4/1 is short. I got excited when I first had him. Hopefully if he wins it'll be dream come true.
Gordon loves this horse it seems and is keen....
GE: Really looking forward to it. If he could win it'd be brilliant. Ride him forward, but would like to have a lead on him. Gallop to line
GE: Taquin Du Seuil has good form round Cheltenham. Horse I'd be most afraid of. After that I can't really tell ya
RG: Horse deserves to be at head of market. One thing when he fell last year he was travelling sweetly. Can't have Cue Card bang outa form
RG: John's Spirit a bit of value likes it at Cheltenham. Don Cossack could go off short if Irish are cleaning up early in the week
RH: Johns Spirit of interest. Traveled well enough for long enough in King George. Good record at Chelt. Drying ground a plus
MW: Ma Filleule second last year to Holywell. Comes to herself in spring. Gets allowance. 2 runner race. Cue Card is gone. Back is done
MW: Ma Filleule lightly raced horse. Jumps brilliantly. Blatant two runner race
DC: I like the mare. She comes well in herself in Spring. She won at Aintree ran well the last day. Has to go some to beat Don Cossack tho..
World Hurdle up next
MW: Saphir Du Rheu has come on bundles. He rally battled at Cheltenham past Reve De Sivola. At the prices it's a big each way bet
MW: Can't have Zarkandar. Well beat last year. Why did Fehily get off Rock On? Henderson making word about Whisper.
RH: Saphir Du Rheu is short enough. RDS pushed him close. Take a chance on Whisper. Drying ground in his favour. Hendo plots him out
GE: Dedigout it the ground turns up soft at a big price each way
RG: Jetson and Lieutenant Colonel best Irish hopes. realistically they have no chance. Whisper has won round the track.
RG: One of the races we'll take a view on in the morning. I don't know how strong the Irish form is at the minute. Saphir Du Rheu gun to hed
DC: Rock On Ruby, I think he'll stay. Heard Harry Fry has monkey each way on him at 9/1.
Triumph Hurdle up next.
RG: A lot of impressive performances. Peace and Co probs his right price now. This will be the lay of the meeting for us cos of strength
RG: Hargam impressed me. Beltor don't know what to make of him. Quickened up the last day but what did he beat?
RG: Petite Parisienne was good the last day but the third horse isn't too clever for the form
RG: Value wise i'd go Top Notch. But this will be our lay of the meeting Peace And Co
DC: Wonder whether Willie's are good enough. Hargam beat Starcitecht as easy as Peace and Co did. Beltor would be fav if with Hendo/Nicholls
MW: Robert Stephens doesn't know where Cheltenham is. Top Notch, though worried he doesn't go.
MW: Kalkir could be a bet at the prices, wasn't right at Xmas missed work. So Kalkir and Top Notch after he jumped well the last day
RH: Can't have a strong view at all. Gwencilly Berbad, might be a horse that is underestimated. Beltor should be kept for Aintree.
Up next according to the Couch is the Potato Race! Albert Bartlett to you and me
GE: Tell Us More going well. Scoped bad the last day. Rode work at Lep and he's in good form. If he won the last day he'd be 4/1 fav.
GE: Step up in trip right up his alley. Ground isn't a worry either. 8/1 is a right kinda price. Top each way bet. Everything's well.
DC: Black Hercules in good enough order. Huge engine, bit of course form after the Bumper. Deffos has his chance. Open and strong race
DC: Value At Risk a decent horse. Good bumper horse with Fenton. Stayed on the last time at Chelt. No standout candidates. Maybe VAR ew
MW: Fenton had more drugs than Amy Winehouse. Interesting Willie never won this. I do like Vyta Du Roc, but may run in the Neptune
MW: Martello Tower is another one for me in the race, but have backed Vyta Du Roc NRNB.
RH: Not convinced Value At Risk is a Cheltenham horse. Like Martello Tower. Hendo seems convinced Vyta has a lot of speed. But should gohere
RG: Didn't like Black Hercules when he won. Hasn't beat much. Value At Risk was beat fair and square last time. McKinley if he was to go
RG: Flat track form shocking. Underlating track is fantastic. David thinks he goes Hcap route. Under the radar at a big price if he goes
DC: Ground too sticky last time on McKinley. Bit quirky at home. Doesn't always put his best foot forward. Willie thinks he's well hcapped
DC: Probs too far down the hcap though so will have to run in a novice race.
Gold Cup then up next!
DC: No balls the stewards. I shoulda got it last year. Shit happens we move on. You have to stretch the truth a little in the stewards...
DC: At the moment I ride Home Farm. Big outsider in the race. Could improve and you never know. Wide open contest. Silviniaco best form
DC: Not sure I'd be confident backing him. Many Clouds improving, Road To Riches. Carlingford Lough my choice, better prep this year
DC: Don't belive the ulcer problem story from Nicholls. Thought LW had no chance last year. Hard to work the race out. LW trained for this
GE: Think it's a load of bollix saying he's been trained for one day. Love to see Carlingford win it and AP. Open race
RH: Culloty hardly had a winner since LW. Conti been good this year. But best form on flat tracks. Will he get up hill?
RH: Smad Place doesn't have ability to win but may be ridden for a place. Generally against front of the market
MW: Not a great prep for Holywell. Is it good enough? Carlingford makes a lot of mistakes. But does battle. 4 or 5 in a line jumping at end
MW: One thing about last year, class from Wylie saying he didn't wanna win it in the Stewards room. Djakadam different class of form
MW: Travelling like a dream last year till it fell in JLT. Won Thyestes under top weight. Better form than the rest of them.
MW: Sam Winner overpriced. Conti flat track bully. Could lead at the last and won't get up the hill. KG form is bad.
DC: Djakadam worked well at Lep on Sat.
RG: Carlingford maybe the value is gone. How AP got him up the last day unreal. Irish Hen a funny race this year. What way will form hold?
RG: Form from last year's race is not good enough this year. Road To Riches done nothing wrong. Was the Thyestes that strong? 5 finished
RG: I come back to Smad Place gonna be big price and get a run for money. Likewise Sam Winner. Not much to make up from his Lexus run.
Run through the Hcaps now!
DC: Annie Power in the mares in any sort of good form she'll win.
RH: Buddy Bolero holds lots of entries, now with Tony Martin. Good Festival form. On a good mark. Maybe 3 mile chase on day one
RH: Thomas Cr@pper under a good mark in the novice hcap
GE: Cause of Causes I think he'll run well in the 4 miler. He stays so the trip is not a worry
GE: Chicago Grey had wind operation and in the X Country. Hostile Fire, more the ground dries the better for him in Fred Winter.
GE: Tagliatelle in the Coral Cup will go for us. Won a charity race the last day
RH: Alderwood has a few entries, but he's a chance off a reasonable mark and is a JP horse.
DC: Un Atout might be one for Willie.
DC: Vautour should win the JLT. Very good horse.Blip at Xmas, but came back and has been impressive. Nap of the week
MW: Brother Brian nap of the meeting in the Pertemps. Previously won at Cheltenham in April. Beat Call The Cops who has won well since
RH: Ataglance in the Festival plate
MW: Ned Buntline hopefully give AP a good ending for Grand Annual. Should go off shorter
RH: Eastlake another for JP in the Grand Annual. Workable mark
RG: Le Mercurey well backed in the Martin Pipe. Strong vibes from stable. Look out for the value over the next days
RG: Big offers for tomorrow - Douvan 5/2 for the Supreme and Un De Sceaux at EVS! Singles only for £50
Naps time!!!
RH: Buddy Bolero and Ataglance.
GE: Monetaire in Grand Annual or Plate
MW: Brother Brian in the Pertemps
DC: Vautour JLT
RG: The Druids Nephew - first day handicap chase 3 mile
That concludes the evening. Fantastic night we'll round it all up shortly!

jonthehammer 10:31 Tue Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Aintree

We're at The Old Railway Club, Melling Road, Aintree, to bring you snippets from the Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening

A cracking panel comprising;
Charlie Longsdon,
Ben Pauling, J
John Parrott OBE,
Andy Holding &
John Morris with
Darren Owen presenting

Whopping crowd at the Cheltenham Preview in Liverpool, must be knocking on for 200 salivating punters

Supreme

Ben Pauling on the Supreme "Can't have Jollyallan - doesn't know which leg is in which parish!!" "L’Ami Serge working exceptionally well".
Charlie Longsdon keen on L’Ami Serge too. Spoke in glowing terms of the horse, as does JP. Andy Holding likes Qewy at a price

Arkle

Ben Pauling on Josses Hill "He's everything you look for in a horse. On the other hand, he jumps a fence like he's terrified of it"
Charlie Longsdon - "Un De Sceaux's race to lose, if he jumps, he wins" Not a fan of Josses either or many Winged Love's over fences
Andy Holding likes Vibrato Voltat as a sneaky each way, comparing his Sandown last circuit time favourably to Dodging Bullets the same day

Champion Hurdle

John Parrott OBE - "Jezki bombproof for a place; if The New One is on their tails turning in, he'll win".
Andy Holding comparing Faugheen to the great Istabraq in terms of the way he moves and his potential.
Charlie Longsdon "Faugheen is beatable, I'd be with The New One and Jezki 2nd.
Ben Pauling "I like Jezki, think The New One will be flat-footed coming down the hill again". Very strong on the reigning champ'.
Ben Pauling - "Eddie O'Grady is going mad over Kitten Rock, complete dark horse of the race"

Day 2 upcoming

Neptune

Charlie Longsdon (Neptune) "Parlour Games best of the English". Spoke well of John Ferguson as a NH trainer. Expects a good festival.
Andy Holding rates Parlour Games as best of the English too. Challow Hurdle form rock solid, tho' that race has brutal stats in this.
Beast Of Burden receiving universal acclaim from the panel as one for the future. John Parrott OBE likes Parlour Games too
Ben Pauling - "Parlour Games for me too, John Ferguson desperate to get Barry Geraghty on it". A full house!!

RSA

Ben Pauling on RSA "Think Don Poli will end up in the 4-miler, strong fancy for Kings Palace"..
Ben Pauling - "I'd take Coneygree to the Gold Cup as I think it would be easier to win that than beat Kings Palace"
Andy Holding "Don Poli is an absolute beast, time at Gowran Park v that of Ballycasey stunning" Loads of circuit figures, all good
John Parrott OBE on the RSA - "Kings Palace for me, they've sorted out his wind this year, can't see him out of the frame"

Champion Chase

Expecting fireworks on the Champion Chase
Ben Pauling - "I was very lucky to be at Nicky's when Sprinter was at his absolute best, if he's within 10lbs of his best, he wins"..
..."I really think he'll win again. A very sympathetic ride at Ascot"
Charlie Longsdon "I like Hidden Cyclone, lovely horse by Stowaway. Big question mark over Sprinter ever coming back"
John Morris - "The old Sprinter turbo perhaps isn't there anymore, I quietly fancy Hidden Cyclone, really good each way value"
John Parrott OBE - "If you think Sprinter is back, you couldn't resist the current price. I fancy them to gun Fever from the front"
Andy Holding "Champion Chase an absolute belter, too many Sprinter ifs and buts for me (supported today tho') Hidden Cyclone a value bet"
Andy Holding - "Hidden Cyclone top of my two mile figures, time in the Punchestown race a scorcher"

Ryanair and World Hurdle next..

John Morris "Don Cossack my NAP of the meeting. The most improved horse in Ireland"
Ben Pauling "Age is catching up with Cue Card, Don Cossack very solid but I'd take Balder Succes each way"
Andy Holding "Really keen on Don Cossack, excellent times this year. Hidden Cyclone the danger here if he turns up".
John Parrott OBE "Ma Filleule tries for her life, really like her attitude, though prefer Balder Succes - can't be out of the frame"
Interesting snippet from Ben Pauling - "Waley-Cohen's trying to qualify Rajdhani Express for the National by finishing placed in a 3m chase"

World Hurdle

Andy Holding on the WH - "My two against the field; Monksland, Meade's horses in great nick & Jetson, no fluke about his Punchy G1 victory"
Charlie Longsdon - "Rock On Ruby an unknown at 3m, buzzy horse, ageing, prefer an each way tilt at Whisper"
JP likes Whisper too, noting a 2/2 Cheltenham record.
Ben Pauling keen on Saphir De Rheu, a nice horse and prefers him of the PFN pair. John Morris thinks Cole Harden could sneak each way dough.
Asked about Blue Fashion - Ben Pauling "Nicky really likes him, he wouldn't be going on about BF if he thought Whisper was going to win"
Question "What about Seeyouatmidnight" JP "Where"!!
Gold Cup before the Triumph..

Gold Cup

John Parrott OBE - "Silviniaco Conti has won 14 races, 13 on flat tracks. I'd want Holywell on my side every day of the week"
Andy Holding "I reckon AP would rather be on Holywell than Carlingford Lough, I have Conti the fastest on my figures but I'd take Holywell"
Charlie Longsdon also thinks Holywell the most likely to beat Conti but flags up huge prices; Bobs Worth, On His Own and TGB"
Ben Pauling "Bobs Worth (sighs) needs everything to fall into place". Makes a compelling case for Coneygree. Really, really likes him.
Ben Pauling "Nico (De Boinville) has huge faith in him. Think he's going here and I've backed him" Darren Owen "How many people are going to back Coneygree for the Gold Cup on the back of Ben Pauling's comments"? *oodles of hands rise*
Great tributes from Ben Pauling and Charlie Longsdon to the incomparable @AP_McCoy "There will be no one like him". Simple.

Triumph

Andy Holding on the Triumph - "Petite Parisienne top on my speed figures, jumps well stays on powerfully, market underestimates her"
Andy Holding "Also backed Hargam, only little but really like his attitude, worried about Peace and Co's buzzy nature"
Ben Pauling thinks Peace and Co will be the best horse in time, a gorgeous animal, potential Champion Hurdler, tho' prefers Beltor & Hargam.
Charlie Longsdon a huge Peace and Co fan though AP McCoy told him Hargam would turn it over. Likes Karezak for the frame.
John Parrott OBE "Best performance of the season P&C at Donny". Another concerned by his buzzy nature.
Ben Pauling - "Peace and Co will have some form of aid without a shadow of a doubt"
Longsdon's and Ben Pauling's runners upcoming..

Coral Cup

JP talks up Le Mercurey for the Coral Cup, leniently handicapped and has caught his eye.
Fred Winter

Andy on the Fred Winter "Very keen on Hostile Fire, runs in the same colours as Flaxen Flare, improve markedly for this better ground"


Pertemps

Andy Holding on the Pertemps "Brother Brian, though Mydor a danger if he gets in" but *drumroll*

Martin Pipe

Andy H "Roi Des Frances the best handicapped horse of the entire week in the Martin Pipe"

Bits & Bobs

Charlie Longsdon - 3 to note - Glens Melody in the Mares, Hostile Fire in the FW, Aux Petits Soirs, Coral Cup, off 139 "a machine"
Charlie on his own "Pendra had a wind-op, may wear cheek pieces, hope AP rides, my best chance of the week". "Killala Quay an EW bet".
Charlie likes his own Java Rose in the Charity Race.
Ben Pauling "Not soft enough for Cadeaux George, sweet on Smart Freddie's each way chance"
Ben Pauling also flags up Golden Doyen as a solid Fred Winter prop' for Phillip Hobbs
"Ravens Tower had a wind-op after a couple of weak finishes in the Greatwood and Wetherby. If it's worked, has an Imperial Cup squeak" - BP

Charity bets upcoming, 5 x £50

Fair play to John Parrott, a brilliant panellist, and just found out he's drawn Steve Davis on the World Seniors tomorrow
They ended up having a ton each, as follows..
John Parrott £50 each way Holywell, Andy Holding £100 Roi Des Frances, Charlie Longsdon £50 Glens Melody, £25 each way Hidden Cyclone..
Ben Pauling £50 Coneygree, £25 each way Smart Freddie, John Morris £50

jonthehammer 9:12 Tue Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

London

Kicking off with a video montage of some of Rich Ricci's best horses. Could be a while...
Matt adjusting the light so Rich doesn't have to wear the sunglasses!
Sam: 'if you don't have a winner at Cheltenham, it's almost like your season hasn't been great'
Sam: 'The whole Big Buck's thing made me the jockey I am. I know how to deal with defeat'
Matt asks about 'mollycoddling' horses to get them right for Cheltenham. RR admits this year more than ever has been Cheltenham-geared.
How much do you control Willie and how much does he control you?' RR says he is active in planning and will argue, but Willie makes call.
He recognises the need to let Willie do what he's paid to do. Rare that RR and Willie would fall out.

Starting with novice hurdles. All aboard the Douvan train...

RR on Douvan: Willie's bullish. He's got a huge future, hopefully as a chaser. He's been on the go a while. We have a lot of confidence.
He goes with a good chance. RR reckons the Supreme is a weaker race than the Neptune this year.
Douvan difficult to get off the bridle at home but RR points out the last time we heard these things was Pont Alexandre, who Sam beat!
Sam says Nicholls doesn't look like having a novice hurdler. Has been trying to sweeten John Ferguson to get the Qewy ride!
All in agreement that Douvan will be a bigger price on the day.

Onto the Neptune.

Rich and Sam have nowt in it. Rich reckons Tell Us More runs in it. Nichols Canyon wouldn't be his choice.

Albert Bartlett.

RR would reroute his horse (Arbre) to avoid Black Hercules! Reckons he'll be very hard to beat.
Sam happy with how Blaklion will handle the big occasion but 'whether he's up to that class remains to be seen'. Seems content though.
Sam says Blaklion is 'awfully ordinary' at home but comes alive at the races. Getting better and better with racing.

Triumph Hurdle.

RR: Kalkir frustrating. Missed work before Christmas race. Another niggle before Spring Juvenile, ran a good race.
Hard to split Kalkir and Dicosimo. Not sure who Ruby will ride.
Ricci says given work at home, Kalkir would appear the better. Dicosimo thin back end, but good turn of foot. Both big chances.

Arkle.

Sam declares his Cheltenham ride on Vibrato Valtat 'one of the most awful rides you'll see'.
Agreement that Vibrato Valtat gets the perfect scenario with UDS bowling along in front. But how much rope to give him?
If Vautour was not in the same yard as UDS, does he run in the Arkle?' RR: I don't think so. Ruby thinks he's a Gold Cup horse.
A shudder around the room (including in this seat) as Ricci mentions Champagne Fever getting nutted in last year's Arkle.

National Hunt Steeplechase

Question from Will on here about Vroum Vroum Mag in the four miler. 'If you run in that race, that's it for the season. She's only five'
Big one! RR doesn't think Vroum Vroum Mag runs at festival. Heading to Limerick just after. Could be a champion chase horse someday.

RSA

Sam very sweet on Southfield Theatre in RSA on better ground.
RR fairly confident Don Poli runs in the RSA and that Patrick Mullins will ride Perfect Gentleman in the four miler.

JLT.

Sam says you couldn't get Ptit Zig to make a mistake at home. Once out of Novice Company, paid for mistake but HAS learned from it.
Sam respects Vautour and says you have to forgive one mistake.
RR on Vautour: 'our horses all being geared towards festival. A lot of confidence. Anyone who saw him on Saturday would be impressed.'

Mares

RR says it's 'highly highly highly likely Annie Power runs in the Mares hurdle' In answer to @mwilliams10282's question.
Matt asks for a show of hands of who wanted Annie in the Champion last year. Everyone raises hands. Nobody raises for World Hurdle.

Handicaps.

RR says Arbre De Vie has great chance in Coral Cup. Dogora may run in the Cross Country!
RR best handicap bets are Arbre and maybe Max Dynamite. Matt is aghast at Max Dynamite tip.
Audience member asks for dark horse outside of panel involvement. Sam tips Thomas Crapper.
Ricci reckons Tony Martin always dangerous in big handicaps.

Of Ricci's four Day One hotpots, who's he least confident of? Faugheen.
Ricci asked about Vautour v Douvan. Vautour has the form in the book.
Audience member asks if Annie will 'have her day in the sun' (taking on lads) Ricci says likely target after Cheltenham is Aintree Hurdle.
After this he hopes she will take on the boys at Punchestown.
A break for half time. I'm going to the jacks. Want me to live tweet that too, do ya?
I treat myself to a beer for the second half, as Sam Twiston Davies plays Angry Birds waiting for the restart.

Bumper.

Ricci describes Au Quart De Tour as an enigma. Willie wants to run all 8 of his stables, RR has 5. Ricci only wants to run 3 of his
Bordini his best bet but Au Quart De Tour 'could be anything'. Sam has no ride in it and says he'll take one of Rich Ricci's!

Champion Chase

We're going chasing. Ricci reckons Champagne Fever goes in Champion Chase despite Ryanair being the 'obvious race' for him.
Will Champagne Fever be held up or front running? RR reckons Special Tiara will give CF a tow into the race. Doesn't have to front run.
Chapman describes Champagne Fever's Cheltenham record and asks Sam what Dodging Bullets has done at Cheltenham.
Sam quite confident and diplomatic and says Frankie Dettori couldn't believe his eyes when he visited Dodging Bullets last week.
Sam says Geraghty is quite poker faced in the weighing room about Sprinter Sacre, but Jamie Moore sweet on Sire De Grugy.
Rich Ricci reckons all the good vibes about Sprinter Sacre are to 'scare us all off'.
Sam says he couldn't believe how settled Sprinter Sacre was after so long off. Should have been keener.

Ryanair. Ballycasey? RR says he scoped badly after Ascot. Probably runs and hopes he runs a good race. Describes him 'very frustrating'.
Sam says Wonderful Charm goes in Ryanair and is in good form but seems more hopeful than confident.

Champion Hurdle

Right, time for the Champion Hurdle! Faugheen v The New One! Ricci v Sam!
If Ruby ditches one of your runners, do you then think you've no chance?' RR would be disappointed, but understands Ruby delaying decision
Ooh! Ricci says 'Faugheen is working very well' and has a glint in his eye.
RR: 'it's Ruby's decision, not mine. He's not my retained jockey.' Says IF Ruby doesn't ride Faugheen, Paul Townend would.
Oof! Rich Ricci: 'No disrespect to the rivals, but I think Faugheen will win no matter who rides'
Sam on The New One: devastated after last year, and hopes they didn't leave it behind then. Loves the horse and wouldn't swap him.
Ricci: We shouldn't diss Hurricane Fly. Look at his record. But the stats are against him. It's a great Champion Hurdle.
Would Faugheen have met Hurricane Fly by now if he was trained by Noel Meade?' Rich Ricci gives an emphatic, one word answer: yes.
Ricci says he IS a little bit worried that Faugheen hasn't had a run in 2015. But managing between trainer/owner is 'give and take'.
Rich is happy to 'take' every so often if that's what it takes for the success they've achieved together.
Both Sam and Ricci grimace at Faugheen's price of 5/4.
Sam says Jezki is the one who would major benefit from a pacemaker. He can't predict how the race will be run.
Ricci says Faugheen can make the running if needs be.

World Hurdle.

Nicholls told Sam that he'd get loads of improvement from Saphir that helped make his mind up.
Ricci says he doesn't think Pont Alexandre will make Cheltenham then jokes that Zaidpour wins the World Hurdle easily.
Ricci reckons Annie would have a great chance if not only on seasonal reappearance, will be too keen for the World Hurdle.
Ricci says Faugheen's Neptune win was extraordinary. The way he kicked hurdles out of the ground and still won easily.
Ricci says himself and the Mullins crew sat around and really debated who of Vautour and Faugheen would stay hurdling!
Ricci asked who he would like to own, of those he doesn't. He says Un De Sceaux and Silviniaco Conti.
The panel are asked who would be their ONE banker. Ricci says confidently Annie Power. The rest agree. I'm off to get me wheelbarrow lads.

Gold Cup.

Sam says Sam Winner 'may lack the class of Silvi' but seems very happy nonetheless. Staying power.
Would it be a massive shock if Conti finished behind Sam Winner? Sam: no. He's got loads of good form.
Djakadam. Ricci absolutely loves him. He says he's been 'unusually unabashed' in his admiration for him.
Ricci thought Djakadam was fat for his Thyestes win. Thinks he's got a great chance. Really quite bullish on this one.
On Silviniaco Conti, Ricci points out how only one horse has won the Gold Cup on a third attempt, but he's still the one to beat.
Overheard Rich Ricci and Sam chatting. Caught Ricci saying 'I like your Dad'!
Onto audience questions. Sam says if The New One wasn't in it, and given the choice, he'd ride Faugheen.

Paddy asks Sam if he wins the Champion Hurdle, will he go out celebrating? 'You can't'
One audience members asks Rich Ricci to give Matt Chapman the number of his tailor!
Panel asked if they can have just ONE winner at Cheltenham, who? (Want, not think) Ricci says Djakadam. Sam says The New One.
RR and Sam maintain eye contact, holding hands. They embrace. Ricci declares he's finally found a retained jockey. Just joking.
Ricci says he chose National Hunt over flat because NH is about winning, flat is about money.
A man just fell off his chair and took at least 15 seconds to rise again. But rise he did.
Ricci asked about his most disappointing horse. Mikael D'Haguenet, he says. Did I spell that right?

Charity bets for Injured Jockeys Fund!
Sam: Annie Power
Rich Ricci: Djakadam (!)
Matt: Douvan
Paddy: Douvan

A final round of applause. Brilliant panel. Chapman asking right questions. Ricci brilliantly candid. Sam just impossibly nice.
Charlie Austin's come along and nominates Shaneshill as his charity bet

jonthehammer 10:55 Mon Mar 2
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights

Cheers burnsy

I have another couple to post later. Just need to tidy them up. Try erase any spelling mistakes.

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