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jonthehammer 4:15 Mon Feb 27
Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Sorry for lateness of this, been so busy of late but will try and get up as many as i can with only 2 weeks to go.

I will also put them into a word document to send out via email should anyone want a copy.



IRELAND
Tuesday 21st February 8pm, Sallynoggin Inn, Dun Laoghaire.
Hugh Cahill MC, Davy Russell, Donn McClean, Andrew Macnamara, Shark Hanlon plus Paddy Power representative All proceeds to Blackrock Hospice
Tuesday 28th February 7.30pm, Larry Tompkins Sporting Pub-7 Lavvits Quay Cork City.
MC Joe Seward 93.1Life FM – Panel- Nina Carberry-Tony Mullins and Enda Bolger
Bookmakers representative will attend All proceeds to Crumlin Childrens Hospital . Entry: E10 (includes free E5 matched bet
Wednesday March 1, Kettles Country House, Rathbeale Road, Swords, Doors open: 7pm, Starts: 8pm
Panel: Davy Russell, Jack Kennedy, Mark Winstanley, Andrew McNamara, Brian Flanagan (Irish Daily Star), Rob Catterson (Paddy Power); Denis Kirwan (MC), Entry: E10 (includes free E5 matched bet and free pint), In aid of: Pieta House
Friday 3rd March 8pm, Peader Browns Pub, Clanbrassil st lwr.
ALL PROCEEDS IN AID OF THE IRISH INJURED JOCKEYS FUND, TICKETS ARE €10 AND WILL INCLUDE A FREE €5 PP BET, PANEL TO BE ANNOUNCED
March 3rd @ 7.30pm, The Rathcormac Inn, Rathcormac, Co.Cork
MC – Patrick Mulcahy CRY104fm, Panel – Paul Townend, Jonathan Burke, Ciarian Fennessy & Trainer Joseph O’Brien
Entry ticket cost €10, Raffle & Auction also on the night. All proceeds go to Irish Injured Jockeys Fund & The Friends Of Denis Barry
Sunday 5th March - Co. Meath
Venue: Trim Castle Hotel, Castle Street, Co Meath
Price: €20
Start time: 7pm
Sponsored by: Paddy Power
In aid of: The Down Syndrome Centre
Host: Matt Chapman
Panel: Gordon Elliott, Gary O'Brien, Robbie Power, Davy Russell
Book: call (00 353) 46 9483000
Monday 6th March, Westgrove Hotel, Clane, Co. Kildare
Richard Pugh (MC) Panel: Mark Walsh, Jonathan Burke, Tom Malone, Eddie Harty
Tickets: €15, inc €5 free bet from Paddy Power - In aid of Kildare Down Syndrome Speech and Language services

Tuesday 7 March - Newry
Venue: Canal Court Hotel, Newry
Price: £15. Book tickets via Darren 07526 336735 or 3furlongsout@gmail.com
Start time: 7.30pm
Sponsored by:
In aid of: Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust
Host: Stephen Power (@racingblogger)
Panel: Peter Casey, Sean Flanagan, Danny Mullins, Colin McBratney
Wednesday 8th March - Dungarvan
Venue: Quealy's Bar, 82 O'Connell Street, Dungarvan
Price: €10
Start time: 7.30
Sponsored by: Paddy Power
In aid of: Dungarven Farmers PTP and Water Waterford Hospice Support Group
Host: Stephen Cass
Panel: Joseph O'Brien, Brian Gleeson, Johnny Ward, Frank Hickey
Book: Quealy's Bar. (00353) 58 24555
Friday 10th March in association with Paddy Power, 8pm, Swans Pub, Curraha GAA Cheltenham Preview Night
Tickets €15 which includes finger food and €5 free bet. MC – Pat Healy Panelists: Robbie Power, Barry Connell, Brian Flanagan, Gavin Coyle (Paddy Power) and Keith Donoghue.
Friday 10 March - Co Cork
Venue: Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal
Price: €10
Start time: 8pm
Sponsored by: Paddy Power
Panel: Denis O'Regan, Tommy Lyons








UK
Saturday 18th Feb 2017 - Ascot Racecourse
Taking Place after racing on Ascot Chase Day
Panel includes Paul Nicholls & Ed Chamberlin
Tickets Available here - https://www.ascot.co.uk/plan-your-betfair-ascot-chase-raceday
Thursday 23rd Feb 2017 - Huntingdon Racecourse
Taking Place after racing - £20 Entry to racing or £10 for just the preview night
Panel includes Matt Chapman and Richard Hoiles
Thursday 2nd March 2017 - Chepstow Racecourse
£25 Entry - includes supper and all proceeds go to charity
Panel includes Richard Johnson, Paul Nicholls & Jeremy Kyle
Tickets Available here - http://www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/event/2017-cheltenham-festival-preview-in-aid-of-velindre-cancer-hospital-racing-welfare/
Thursday 2nd March 2017 - Betbright - Walkabout Temple
Doors Open at 5pm - 7pm Start
Panel includes Rich Ricci, Colin Tizzard, Paul Kealy and Nick Luck is the MC
Thursday 2nd March 2017 - Stone Trough Inn, Kirkham Abbey, North Yorkshire
7pm Start - £7 Entry (Pie, peas and a bottle of Horsetown included)
All proceeds to charity
Thursday 2nd March - Cirencester - (Thoroughbred Club Members only)
Venue: Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester
Sponsored by: Lycetts
Host:
Panel: Sam Hoskins, Adam Ward, Melissa Jones, Tom Symonds, Nick Scholfield.

Friday 3rd March 2017 - Star Sports - Hereford Racecourse
£25 Entry (if booked before 1st Feb, £30 after) - includes beef stew and a ticket for the 11th March Race Day
Panel includes Richard Johnson, Paul Nicholls & Cornelius Lysaght
Tickets Available here - https://www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk/events/star-sports-cheltenham-festival-preview-evening-03-march-2017
Friday 3 March - Malton
Venue: Jack Berry House, Malton
Price: donation to IJF
In aid of: Injured Jockeys Fund
Host: Natalie Kerry
Panel: Andrew Thornton, Henry Brook, Brian Hughes, Andrew Humphrey
Booking: No need to book, turn up on the day.

Monday 6 March - Haydock Park with Northern Racing Club
Venue: Haydock Park Racecourse
Price: £10
Start time: 7.30
Sponsored by: Starsport
In aid of: Injured Jockeys Fund
Host: Jonathan Doidge
Panel: Brian Hughes, Micky Hammond, Andy Gibson and Kyle Drummond
Booking: postal requests to Northern Racing Club at 53 Dalebrook Rd, Sale, M33 3LB. If you wish to make an electronic payment for your tickets please email info@northernracingclub.com or text 07858 034694. Deals available for mulitple tickets and Northern Racing CLub membership, see website for details: http://the-nrc.weebly.com/cheltenham-preview-night.html

Tuesday 7 March - Newcastle
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse
Price: £10 (includes food)
Start time:
Sponsored by:
In aid of:
Host: Darren Owen
Panel: Graham Wylie, Gordon Clarkson, Brian Hughes, Niall Hannity
Book: http://www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fixture/cheltenham-preview-night/
Tuesday 7 March - Kent
Venue: Spitfire Ground St Lawrence, Old Dover Rd, Canterbury CT1 3NZ
Price: £20
Start time: 7pm
Sponsored by: Corals
In aid of: Kent Cricket Development Trust
Host:
Panel: Simon Calre, Calude Duval, Paul Jones, Toby Lawes

Tuesday 7th March 2017 - Spirtfire Ground, St Lawrence, Kent

7pm Start - £20 Entry (Tickets Only) 50% of proceeds will go to Kent Cricket Development Trust
Panel includes Simon Clare, Claude Duval, Paul Jones & Toby Lawes - http://www.kentcommunitycricket.co.uk/development-trust/cheltenham-preview
Tuesday 7 March - Exeter
Venue: Exeter Racecourse
Price: £13
Start time: after racing
Sponsored by: Star Sports
In aid of:
Host: Gareth Topham
Panel: David Pipe, Luke Harbvey, Philip Hobbs, Nick Schofield, Harry Derham,
Tuesday 7th March – The Wood Norton Hotel and Restaurant, Nr Evesham
Venue: The Wood Norton Hotel and Restaurant, nr Evesham, WR11 4YB
Price: £35 (includes two course evening meal with tea/coffee) Book: call 01285 700900
Start time: 6.15pm for 7pm dinner
Sponsored by: Gwillams Farm Shop, Worcester
In aid of: St Richards Hospice
Host: TBC
Panel: Paddy Brennan, Harry Skelton, Dr Richard Newland
Website: www.strichards.org.uk/cheltenham-preview

Wednesday 8th March - Bath
Venue: Royal Crescent restaurant, Bath Racecourse
Price: £20
Start time: 7pm
Sponsored by: Corals
In aid of: Velindre Cancer Hospital and Racing Welfare
Host: Simon Clare
Panel: Richard Phillips, Paul Nicholls and Joe Tizzard
01225 424609
Wednesday 8th March - Middleton Cheney
Venue: Middleton Cheney Socila Club, Astrop Road, Middleton Cheney, Nr Banbury, OX17 2PG
Price: £10
Start time: 7pm
Sponsored by: William Hill
In aid of: Transplant Sport UK
Host:
Panel: Richard Hoiles, Jon Ivan Duke, Charlie Longsdon, Tom Messenger, Paul Jones
Book: Andrew Hook - 07900 692154 or juniorhook21@aol.com

Wednesday 8th March - London
Venue: City Sport Pub and Grill, 5 Minories, London EC3N 1BJ (Aldgate Tube)
Price: £25
Start time: by 7pm for a 7.30pm start
In aid of: Injured Jockeys Fund, Child i's and Ellenor (formerly Ellenor Lions Hospice)
Host:
Panel: Tony Calvin, Lian Dye, Rory Delargy
Website: The CFI Team info@cheltenhamfestivalinfo.com
Thursday 9th March - Doncaster Racecourse
Venue: Doncaster Racecourse
Price: £10 plus pie and peas, and £10 bet with Skybet
Start time:
Sponsored by: Skybet
In aid of:
Host: Ed Chamberlin
Panel: Ben Pauling, Mark Howard, Dave Ord, Michael Shinners
http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/event/sky-bet-cheltenham-festival-preview-evening)
Thursday 9th March 2017 - Sedgefield Racecourse
6.00pm Start - £9 entry (including Pie, chips and peas)
Gareth Topham, Brian Ellison, Danny Cook and Henry Brooke on the panel (http://www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/event/thursday-9th-march-2017/)
Thursday 9th March - London
Venue: Holiday Inn, Kensington SW7 4DN (2mins from Gloucester Road tube)
Price: £8 members, £15 non-members (includes free Cheltenham Guide)
Start time: 7.15pm
Sponsored by: Star Sports
Host: Lee Mottershead
Panel: Martin Chapman (Star Sports), Lydia Hislop (RUK), Phil Smith (BHA Head of Handicapping)
www.londonracingclub.org

Friday 10 March - East Garston
Venue: East Garston Village Hall
Price: £10
Start time: 7pm for 7.30
Sponsored by:
In aid of: The Injured Jockeys Fund
Host:
Panel: Oliver Sherwood, John Francome, Noel Fehily, Colin Brown, Stan Moore, Pat Murphy and Jamie Snowden
Book: edjames@sportingagenda.co.uk

Friday 10 March - Taunton Racecourse

Venue: Taunton Racecourse
Price: £10. £12.50 on the door
Start time: Doors open 6pm, begins at 7pm.
Sponsored by: Star Sports
Host: Jim Old
Panel: Philip Hobbs, Paul Nicholls, David Pipe
Book: tauntonracecourse.co.uk
Friday 10 March - London
Venue: Smith & Wollensky, The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6HT
Price: £1,460 for a table of 10
Start time: 12.30 with champagne reception, lunch and Preview at 3pm, drinks at 4pm.
Sponsored by: Star Sports
In aid of: Maggies Cancer Centre
Panel: Mick Fitzgerald, Gina Bryce, Luke Tarr and Bill Esdaile
Book: Lilian Fantinatti 020 7321 6007 lilian@smithandwollensky.co.uk
Friday 10 March - Hamilton
Venue: Almada Suite, Hamilton
Price: £13 in advance, £15 on the door
Start time: Doors open 6.30, Start 7.15, ends 11.30pm
Sponsored by: Starsports
In aid of:
Host: Gordon Brown
Panel: Mark Howard, James Griffen, Ian Taylor, Ian Robinson, Trevor Harris
Book: 07877 618120 paul@imperial-horseracing.com
Friday 10 March - Kings Head, Cirencester
Venue: Kings Head, Cirencester
Price: £15 (include drinks and canapes.).
Start time: 7pm
Sponsored by: Strutt & Parker
In aid of: Injured Jockets Fund
Host: Tom Clarkson
Panel: Nico de Boinville, Luke Tarr (Starsports), Sam Thomas, Charlie Longsdon, Ben Hastie (Cheltenham ground staff)
Book: call 01285 700900

Saturday 11th March - Bishops Cleeve
Venue: Bishops Cleeve Football Club, GL52 3PD
Price: £5
Sponsored by:
In aid of: Winston's Wish
Host: Aly Vance
Panel: Fergal O'Brien, Paddy Prennan, Melissa Jones, Mat Nicholls (Kim Bailey's assistant)
Book: @marcblackford
Sunday 12 March - Cheltenham Racecourse
Venue: Cheltenham Racecourse
Price: £6pp
Start time: 7pm - 10pm
Sponsored by: OLBG.com
In aid of: Injured Jockeys Fund
Host: Richard Hoiles
Panel: Sir Anthony McCoy, Joe Tizzard, Tom Malone, Sam Boswell
Book: http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on/festival-preview-1
Or participate vialivestream fromhttps://cheltenham.olbg.com/
Sunday 12th March, Newbury
Venue: The Bel and the Dragon, 19 Swan Street, Kingsclere, RG20 5PP
Price: £20 (inc Roast Chicken dinner)
Start time:
Sponsored:
In aid of: Lewis Moody Foundation
Host: Len Attrill
Panel: Nico de Boinville, Andrew Balding, Kieran O'Sullivan, Chris Bonner
Book: Tyron Mills tyronmills@hotmail.com
Sunday 12th March 2017 - Bell & The Dragon Kingsclere, RG20 5PP
Doors Open at 6.30pm - Andrew Balding, Nico De Boinville, Kieran O'Sullivan and Chris Bonner on the panel
Contact Tyron Mills 07595944524/tyronmills@hotmail.com

jonthehammer 4:13 Sat Mar 11
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

if anyone wants these on PDF drop me your email.

I will do my best to send over the weekend but def before Tuesday

jonthehammer 1:17 Fri Mar 10
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

More useful stuff

Handicappers to follow at Cheltenham 2017

Posted on February 16, 2017February 16, 2017 by evertoncal

Just over 3 weeks until the start of the Cheltenham Festival and you can smell the anticipation in the air among National Hunt fans. I haven’t done many Cheltenham clue blogs this season and I’m likely just to do one more blog post in the next couple of weeks with my thoughts on all races, but for now, we are going to have a go at pinpointing a few horses to follow in the Cheltenham handicaps for this season. We did one last season and it turned out fairly well with a couple of places and a winner. I hope you enjoy the read anyway and if we can have some success then that will be great, as we all know, it is hard to get a winner in those big field handicaps at the festival. Let’s have a go anyway:
Hargam – Dropped 6lb since his dismal run in the Betfair hurdle on Saturday, he is currently rated 140 and I’m banking on this fella turning the tables round on his performances in his last 3 runs at the Festival. Bear in mind that Hargam was 3rd in a Triumph hurdle 2 seasons ago, and considering those 5 year olds always struggle in their second season over hurdles where they have to contend with over inflated marks and running in open company, he still ran well with a 3rd place in the International hurdle and Christmas hurdle and finished his season with a 10th place in the Champion Hurdle. Never up to the class of those Grade 1’s, he finally got his head in front this season at Kempton in a listed hurdle on his favoured good ground beating a couple of decent horses in Court Minstrel and Mister Miyagi. Dropped 2lb’s for that win, he has had to contend with top weight in 2 mile handicap hurdles that were the competitive Greatwood, Ladbroke and Betfair handicap hurdles. Considering his light frame and small demeanour, it was always going to be hard for him to contend with well handicapped horses off top weight. Dropped to 140, he has a serious chance of going well in the either the County Hurdle or possibly a step up in trip to the Coral Cup, although he really doesn’t strike me as a horse who is crying out for a step up in trip, the way he finishes off his races but with these flat horses, they probably do want a step up in trip in time and is bred to probably go further despite being flat bred. Don’t give up on this lad, who has bundles of ability but race conditions have prevented him from showing that in the past 2 seasons. Priced at 33/1 for both races with NRNB firms, worth a couple of quid.
Poker Play – Poker Play carries a very notable piece of form where he was only 1 length behind a very well regarded horse in Charli Parcs, who looks an exceptional animal based on his win at Kempton and his trainer Nicky Henderson’s words. That was in November 2016 and has since moved to David Pipe for 250k following his win 19 days later in France over hurdles. He was last seen making his debut at Kempton in the middle of January where he started at 1/3f to win a juvenile hurdle. He took a strong hold that day which didn’t help his chances at all and found zero off the bridle when asked on the run in. Now it’s notable to me that his keenness prevented any chance of him winning that day at the winner had his own way out in front (Fidux has since gone on to compete in a listed event finishing 4th) and a possible tilt at the Fred Winter may be on the cards for Poker Play where the fast pace and big field will help him settle, especially with that freshness from his Kempton outing taking a little bit of an edge out of him. Rated 133, which could look very tasty come the day and despite being entered in the Triumph and the Neptune, I’d be surprised to see the Pipe team not take advantage of that mark of 133 in the Fred Winter. 20/1 with Skybet who are NRNB looks fair and is one to take advantage of right now as you get your money back if he doesn’t run. It’s also worth noting that if Charli Parcs runs in the Supreme, and runs well, you’d look to get involved with this fella on the Wednesday.
Mall Dini – Quite an obvious one for a handicap, it’s hardly a big secret that he is expected to go well in whatever race he goes for considering his win in the Pertemps last season. Things haven’t gone to plan for him over fences yet, having failed to get his head in front in any of his novice chases so far, although he has finished in the first 3 in all of them. Given a mark of 143 in England, according to the newspaper the Irish Field, I’d say there is a big chance of him going for the Ultima Handicap Chase on the first day given that his trainer will not want anyone riding him except for Davy Russell, given his partnership with Mall Dini over hurdles. An ex point to point gelding, he has looked assured and comfortable over fences this season and I’d expect a big performance from him at the Festival on better ground in the Ultima, given all his form this season has been on soft or heavy ground. Currently 12/1 NRNB or 16/1 with William Hill free bet concession.
Southfield Royale – I originally requested odds for the Ultima Handicap Chase after his dismal run in the Skybet Chase at Doncaster a couple of weeks ago and was given 50/1 by William Hill at a NRNB/Free Bet concession, which I found very favourable and tempted me to have a small flutter on him. 4th in the National Hunt Chase at last year’s festival, which has turned out to be a race that has several form boosts since, he looks well weighted to have a good chance of winning a good handicap in the near future. Rated 147 on his appearance in the Skybet, he finished 12th of 14 that day and has been dropped 6lbs since. That should ensure he gets into the Ultima off a low weight (139 got a run last year) and possibly the Kim Muir as well although they would need to find a decent amateur for that one. Better going left handed and out of Presenting, you would expect him to improve for better ground, he found the 4 miles out of his reach last season and the step down to 3 miles with a good pace will help. Neil Mulholland has mentioned that he will be ridden more prominently in his next outing and I’m struggling to see an alternative race he could run in before Cheltenham and he looks a little big at 33/1 with William Hill for the Ultima (Free bet if he doesn’t run and best price 16/1 NRNB) or best price 16/1 for the Kim Muir NRNB. If he doesn’t go close at Cheltenham, wouldn’t give up on him as he had a setback early season which has given him a bad preparation for the Festival, and may improve for the run again.
Mister Miyagi – 6th in the Supreme Novices last season, Mister Miyagi brings a strong piece of form already to the table in the Coral Cup, which has been identified by his trainer already last weekend in his Coral blog. That Supreme has included graded winners and competitive handicap winners already this season and while he hasn’t got his head in front this season yet, he hasn’t enjoyed his conditions to date. Good ground is essential to this Zagreb bred gelding and while he has had those conditions in 2 of his races, he hasn’t enjoyed the fast pace as they’ve been depleted fields of just 4 and 5 runners. His last win came at the April meeting at Cheltenham where he won comfortably against a very easy field that day that included some solid horses and enjoyed the step up in trip to 2m4 on good Spring ground. Entered in the Champion Hurdle, he is likely to bypass that unless it turns up a very small field and run in the Coral Cup where he should enjoy his favoured conditions and runs off a rating of 149, dropped 2lbs since his last outing in horrible conditions in the International Hurdle in December. The Coral Cup has often favoured horses with a little bit of class and Diamond King won off a rating of 149 last season, and the race should suit Mister Miyagi who is a good traveller, has a fair turn of foot and is trained by a solid trainer who had a very decent festival last season and can get one there on the day. He is currently 25/1 NRNB with 3 firms and I’d suggest an investment right now.
Wotzizname – Big things were expected of this fella over fences this season over fences, but that hasn’t exactly worked out where he was only seen once at Aintree in November in a farce of a race (Fences on the run in taken out due to low sun). Not seen since, he ran in a Pertemps Qualifier at Musselburgh finishing 4th (Wasn’t run over fences as want to keep novice status for next season). That was a cracking run as he was heavily supported before the race into 7/2f and travelled well before match fitness creeping up on him. Given a rating of 141, he will definitely get into the Pertemps final in March and looks like he will enjoy the stamina test of this race on the stiff Old Course on the Thursday and looks well weighted to run a big race. An out and out stayer, it’s worth considering that Harry Fry mentioned he was a horse to follow this season and said ‘A horse we can all dream about’, so clearly rates this lad highly and while he may be more of a chaser, he has shown enough ability to run a race in the Pertemps and his form has some solid base to it when reading through from his p2p days and his novice hurdle win at Exeter. 25/1 NRNB with Bet365 is an interesting price, no doubt.
Two Taffs – Probably not a horse you’d be thinking of going well at Cheltenham based on his form this season but Two Taffs looks like a horse who is capable of running a big race in the Close Brothers Novice Handicap Chase this season. Rated 137, he looks guaranteed a run at Cheltenham if Skelton decides to send him for this race and they have the added bonus of having the master jockey Davy Russell on board, with his current association with Dai Walter horses. I recently took the 25/1 with William Hill for this fella before his last run in the Kingmaker at Warwick he finished a distant but not overly exerted 3rd that day. He hasn’t been lost in the betting however recently and is best priced 16/1 NRNB with those firms offering that, and that would be a tempting bet given you get your money back. Beaten in all 3 of his novice chases this season, he is a little complicated in that he needs to be delivered late and small fields with little or no pace not helping this Flemensfirth gelding, however he is assured to get a good pace and with the race being run on the Tuesday, it’s likely to be a little dead. A horse with plenty of ability, he finished a length behind Brain Power over hurdles and won a decent handicap at the Scottish Grand National meeting over 2m5 against some decent sorts and started favourite in the EBF final at Sandown last year, so a horse who has definite ability to be better than his rating of 137. His 2 lengths 2nd behind Poker School in a decent novice handicap chase at Kempton in December and the fact that those 2 miles at Warwick in bad ground will probably sharpen up his jumping, he could easily run a big race in March in a compressed handicap and the fact that he could have Russell on is a major positive too.
Romain De Senam – Paul Nicholls aimed Bouvreuil at the Close Brothers Novice Handicap Chase last season and came within a whisker of winning it before the classy Ballyalton chinned him by 1/2L on the run in. He could potentially have another smart one for the same race with the Fred Winter 2nd Romain De Senam this season, who has had 4 runs to date over fences this season where he has looked comfortable enough winning a walkover at Leicester at 1/20f while finishing 2nd to Top Notch and finishing a close 3rd at Newbury. Just like Two Taffs, he is another one who needs to be delivered late, as shown by his short head 2nd to Diego Du Charmil in the Fred Winter last year, and hasn’t had that this season. Entered in a 2 mile handicap chase at Doncaster 4 days after that novice chase win at Leicester last month, I get the feeling that was a plan by Paul Nicholls to sharpen up the jumping of this Saint Des Saints gelding for a tilt at this race, quite similar to last year when he sent Romain to Sandown in a 2 mile handicap hurdle to sharpen him up to good effect. It’s worth noting that Nicholls wrote in his stable tour early season that Romain was crying out for a step up in trip and has only been aimed at 2 mile chases this season. Unexposed at the trip and enjoys good ground, he isn’t entered in any novice chases and I expect him to run in this race and go in with a decent chance of filling the frame. Unfortunately he’s been cut by William Hill who went 20/1 today, and is best priced 16/1 NRNB with 365 and Paddy’s.
Its’afreebee – Was hoping for good things over fences for this Danroad gelding. 3rd in the Neptune behind Yorkhill and Yanworth last season after meeting traffic in running reads really well and he started his novice chasing campaign at a canter at Fakenham at odds of 3/10. Since then it’s been an indifferent season for him, winning at Wetherby beating Cole Harden whilst finishing well beaten on his other 3 chases including a woeful novice chase, despite carrying 2 penalties, at Southwell. I don’t want to give up on this gelding considering his hurdles form was very strong winning a Grade 2 and is currently rated 139 which gives him a couple of options in the Close Brothers, BA Plate, Ultima or even a possible step up to the Kim Muir given he is an ex p2p competitor. Able to handle any type of ground, his 3rd in the Neptune gives him right to improve off his current mark and is a horse who is capable of running a big race when ignored. Certainly one to keep in mind despite recent form, although his trainer has had a poor January in general with many runners not running their race and Its’afreebee has the experience over fences to run a big race in whatever he goes for at the Festival. Currently 16/1 best priced NRNB with 365 for the Close Brothers.
Bouvreuil – Fancied in both his races this season in the big middle distance handicaps at Cheltenham, Bouvreuil shaped the making a big challenge to win both the old Paddy Power Gold Cup and the December Gold Cup before being outstayed on the soft ground. It is envisaged he will get his conditions in March for a tilt at the Brown Advisory Plate off a mark of 145 on better ground and looks well handicapped to do just that. As discussed earlier, he was a good 2nd to Ballyalton in the Close Brothers at last years festival and looks the ideal progressive type to win a big handicap at Cheltenham. Looking at possible JP McManus owned horses for this race, they are a little thin on the ground (Not sure what is in Ireland mind) and that would be ideal as Nicholls would be able to secure the services of retained jockey and Cheltenham specialist Barry Geraghty. Aged only 6, he is sure to improve at some point in the handicap system and this looks ideal. Not seen since December may be a slight concern, but I can find no piece of news to say he has suffered an injury and Nicholls will have no problem getting this lad fit from a break and with good Spring ground, he looks ripe to run a big race off a decent rating.
Diamond King – Diamond King is a horse I love and was my money was involved with him last year in the Coral Cup. He absolutely oozed class in that race and won comfortably under a masterclass ride from the master Davy Russell off a rating of 149. Rated around the same this year (Entered at Cheltenham in January to see what rating he was given and was rated 150). Although he could go for the JLT in March, I do think he could excel in a fast paced handicap like he did last year at the festival and the Brown Advisory Plate would be right up his street as the option. He looked a natural in his first outing over fences at Punchestown in the early season and despite being well beaten in his next 2 outings in graded races in Ireland, he doesn’t really look the type to enjoy those small field graded chases and would relish the bigger fields with cover on better ground like the Plate would offer. One must give caution though as given his rating for what he has done over fences, he has been given no chances by the handicapper who seems to despise Gordon Elliott rated horses and his comfortable Coral Cup win off 149 hasn’t helped him. Taking that into consideration, he could end up being one of the top rated horses in the handicap in this race and you’d have to wonder whether connections would let him take his chance when he could possibly be ridden for place money in the JLT in a field that could cut up, so it would probably be wise to wait for the day before backing Diamond King, however saying that he is potentially a horse who will acquit himself well in high level handicap chases this season despite having only 3 runs over fences.
Rock the World & Mr Fiftyone – 2 Jessica Harrington horses catch my eye for the Grand Annual and Harrington has confirmed that both will take their chance in the big 2 mile handicap on the last day at the festival and look capable of running their race in both. In this cut throat race, you need horses who have experience of jumping at this pace and both have big field experience including Rock the World who was 3rd in this race last year. As we know, those 2 mile handicap chases, you can run them 10 times and get 10 different winners and it’s a race worth keeping horses who have shown ability to jump at speed throughout their career. Rock the World brings Grand Annual form to the table and is only 1lb higher than last season and with Dandridge carrying more weight than this season, he could turn the tables on him this time and horses who have ran in this race before have a good chance of running well again and this suits Rock the World who loves good ground and has even more experience than last season as he was technically still a novice last term, he is priced 20/1 NRNB which looks fair. Onto Mr Fiftyone, rated 144 on his last outing and been saved for the Grand Annual, going in fresh just like ROW, he came a good 4th on his first attempt at Prestbury Park in the race where Fox Norton hosed up and he should appreciate the good ground and looks progressive enough and is 20/1 NRNB with Paddy’s. Both are ones to keep onside and it may be worth taking 20’s about Rock the World right now before his price tumbles given his 3rd in this race last year.
Consul De Thaix – Rated 140, he could be an absolute shoe in for the County Hurdle if he runs. 2 very big performances behind Champion Hurdle contender Brain Power, he could possibly go the Supreme or Neptune but connections might be mad not to exploit his rating of 140 in the County Hurdle especially as those second season novices tend to struggle with the improving first season novices in those Cheltenham races. Expected to run in the Betfair hurdle last weekend, he unfortunately had some inflammation that required medication and had to miss his intended target. I’m hopeful that he will compete in the County Hurdle off his rating of 140 and could absolutely hose up in that race given his form and the fact he is progressive. Given his rate of improvement among others from that Triumph won by Ivanovich Gorbatov, you have to wonder why so many are improving and that Montjeu gelding is regressing although the fact that the juvenile division probably wasn’t that strong when they were put up into open company. Saying that, you’d still have to have Ivanovich Gorbatov in mind for any handicap he goes for although I’m sure he won’t be given much margin for error from the handicap with his English rating. 2 horses to keep in mind and I’d have to say Consul De Thaix given his solid running in both the Sandown and Ascot handicaps behind Brain Power would give him a great chance in the County, if that he’s intended target and he might be worth a go at 16/1 with William Hill, despite the risk, with their NRNB/Free bet concession. After all, this is Cheltenham!
Hopefully we can pinpoint some horses here who can go close in various handicaps and get a free bits of profit. Make sure you back what you fancy with the NRNB concession to ensure you get a run or money back. Good luck and see you in 4 weeks!

jonthehammer 5:34 Thu Mar 9
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Belfast

Some comments from last night's preview in Europa Hotel Belfast

Participants;
David Casey – Ex jockey works for Willie Mullins
Noel Fehily – Top jockey
Mark Winstanley – Tipster
Graham Hoiles – ITV commentator
Gordon Elliot – Top Irish trainer
Neil Mulholland – Trainer
Gary O’Brien – ATR Pundit

Supreme
David Casey. Melon Not good value. Bunk off early improve good ground e/way
Noel. Scudamore very keen on moon racer. Neon Wolf nearly defo Neptune
Mark. Elgin e/way has big bet on Neon Wolf NRNB
Gordon. No big opinion. Move with the times
Graham. River Wylde on ratings
Neil. Ballyandy

Arkle
Across the board Altior unbeatable.
Value in Betting without e/way. Mark and Graham Royal caviar. But DC very negative.
Richard A hares breath. DC Charbel/Forest Bihan

Champion Hurdle
Noel keen on Buveur Dair but slow ground would improve chance. Neil also keen but likes Moon racer e/way with a run
Richard keen on Limini. Noel sees it as his danger more than any other
David Casey very negative on Limini not certain runner and thinks VVM would have a better chance. Would probably pick Yanworth. My tent or yours could set it up for him
Gordon. No strong opinion. Probably Yanworth
Couch Brain power wins is heading to Las Vegas needs good ground. Very negative on Yanworth.
Whole panel hate Petit Mouchoir. Won’t get up the hill and will go too quick

Neptune
Whole panel make Neon wolf the horse to beat. All very impressed and make him the horse to beat.
Also mostly not keen on Finian’s Oscar feel he hasn’t achieved a lot
David says Bacardys had interrupted preparation for the Deloitte. They were very impressed with how he ran in the circumstances. He will enjoy extra distance and solid e way chance. Gordon agrees
E/way. Richard tips Thomas Campbell. Gordon Brelade e/way Gary Monalee e/way.

RSA
Might bite. Everyone happy to take on. Very negative. Few in the panel make the case for Mouse’s up-turn in form and chelt factor and make Alpha des Obeaux the best from in the race.
Richard tips American but noel corrects and says it would need to improve a lot
Whisper tipped e way by Noel David Graham and Neil
Split on Acapella bourgeois form. David says jockeys fell asleep. But others make case for the time.
Consensus is it is a very open race and pays to take on the fav.

Queen mum
Across the board sweet on Douvan. Again highlight backing e/way without the favourite
Few put up Special tiara and noel says it defo needs good ground. Richard - Gods own
UDS doesn’t line up.

Champion Bumper
Wide open. No strong opinions.
David says no value about Carter Mckay and ruby will ride next destination which would have a chance
Gordon said he had the 4th horse in the Carter Mckay race and he is a donkey
Word that cause Toujours is Skelton’s best chance of a winner
Word for someday from Harrington yard from David/Gordon/Gary
Noel will ride Quick Grabam and gives it a chance going back left handed

Ryanair
Un de Sceaux very keen from the panel especially if there is juice, Telling that Gordon even tipped it and David says he has no doubts on trip now he is a settled horse.
Gordon wanted to go Gold cup for Empire of dirt and not keen on chances in this race.
Noel rides Vaniteaux and gives it an e way chance on Arkle form. Feels good at mo
Uxizandre best English chance could need good ground. Trained for this race.
Graham and Gary say Sub lieutenants jumping could give him a chance in race that suits

Stayers
Uknowhatimeanharry. Bombproof all round. Nobody negative. Not much else given a chance and David says they are playing for places. Ballyoptic e/way. Neil says they have had a wind op. Clondaw might improve with good ground,

Triumph
Defi de Seuil. Majority positive. Some question his jumping and Chepstow form. Might need soft.
Question marks surrounding Irish form. All beating each other and potentially not strong.
Gordon Mega fortune would be better on soft ground.
Meri Devie better run. Carrying too much condition last day

Albert Bartlett.
Death Duty. Gordon thinks the world of the horse. I thought similar to how he talked about don Cossack. As if he didn’t want to jinx it. Others keen too
David very keen on Augusta Kate. Feels it would have beat DD. Needs soft ground but very sweet on chances and is in great form, Feels Penhill could put in a big run too but needs good ground
Noel and Richard and Neil put up west approach. Though were asked for an English horse. Richard particularly keen on west approach and talks about the form behind Uknowhatimeanharry and the ground it made up from the second last.

Gold cup
All negative about Native river and Cue card for mixture of age class ground pace etc.
David says Djakadam is in cracking form. Gordon says it’s a good thing others keen too.
Gordon flat on all his runners.
Few mentions for more of that e/way.

Best bets for panel
Richard Hoiles. Holywell Ultima 5lbs lower and fest form. Winter escape, county hurdle Keeping mark? Diamond king, Brown advisory Good ground? Itsafreebee Novice handicap. Profile. Taquin de Seuil in coral cup with a run.

Neil Mulholland Impulsive star in Pertemps has e/way chance. Solid. Southfield Royale very good chance in Kim Muir didn’t stay 4 m last year and James king knows him well. Druids nephew well handicapped same mark and in good form

The Couch. Southfield Royale Kim Muir. Roman den Senaim. Consul de Thaix coral cup especially if brain power runs well. Divine bear Fred winter. Northfield Harvey on the supreme form. Rock the world grand annual. Gary says Robbie power backs that up.

Noel Fehily. Druids nephew in Ultima and divine bear in Fred winter.

David Casey. Yorkhill will win! Airlie/let’s dance both good shouts in mares novice. VVM with run in the mares and Tin soldier in martin pipe.

Gordon Elliott. Noble endeavour e/way chance Apples jade e/way chance. Tiger roll on good ground and only if Jamie Codd rides. Cause of causes great chance in cross country if good ground. Tombstone has chance in coral cup if Gigginstown let him run. Jury duty has too much weight. Diamond king has had a wind op and has a great chance on good ground. Squoauteur in Kim Muir only if Jamie Codd rides. Mick jazz e/way in the county. STORYTELLER will win the martin pipe! His 3 for the week were cause of causes the storyteller and death duty.

Gary. Forge meadow in the mares novice, Presenting Percy and noble endeavour.

jonthehammer 5:26 Thu Mar 9
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Kirkham Abbey, Yorkshire

I attended the Yorkshire Racing Club preview night tonight, panel were Andrew Thornton(Jockey), Andy Holding (Oddschecker), Andy Gibson(Pro Gambler) & Matt Taylor ex timeform.
Also a few comments thrown in from Bryan Hughes and David Pipe who had attended previous preview nights with members of the panel.


Supreme-
AT- Ballyandy rock solid, likes form of last race the two that pulled clear looked top class, also gives River Wylde an e/w chance
MT- Move with the times if it goes but would fancy it in the Coral Cup if it goes there, also likes Bunk off Early and Neon wolf in whatever race it turns up in
AG- Bunk off Early, thinks it should be Mullins number 1
AH- Ballyandy(NAP), form is rock solid so would also give move with the times a shout

Arkle-
AG- Charbel w/o Altior, royal caviar third
MT- Happy to watch the race
AT- Thinks Cloudy Dream is a great bet w/o Altior and reckons David Bass will go off like the clappers on Charbel and think the winning post is at the bottom of the hill!

Ultima-
AG- Singlefarmpayment although could go for Kim Muir. Also likes Ballylongford at a big price
AT- Druids Nephew
AH- Druids Nephew, had a positive write up from Neil Mulholland

Champion Hurdle-
Whole panel think Yanworth an appalling jumper and too slow, and the Kingwell form is atrocious

MT- not interested in any at the top of the market, thinks MTOY will love the ground, loves the course and will be there swinging three out. Also likes Sceau Royal at a price
AT- Likes Buveur Dair, think last yeas supreme form is the best out there, also thinks MTOY will run a huge race
AG- Another MTOY fan!
AH- Thinks Buveur Dair is a great bet, supreme form rock solid, also thinks PM overpriced and is an e/w play
Bit of info from Bryan Hughes, thinks Cyrus Darius could run into a place

Mares Hurdle-

Entire Panel go for VVM although Andrew Thornton also likes Dusty Legend e/w

4 Miler
AG - Champers on Ice
AH- Edwulf, Also Southfield Royale positive note from Neil Mulholland although believe this will go for the Kim Muir?



Novice Handicap Chase – Close Brothers
Note from Bryan Hughes, Double WW's has a MASSIVE MASSIVE chance!

AG- Foxtail Hill
AT - Double W's
AH- Foxtail Hill
MT- Value at Risk

Day 2

Neptune-

Whole panel are with Neon Wolf, AT NAP. AT & MT give an honourable mention to Messire des Obeaux e/w. Note from Ben Pauling think Willoughby court will run a great race and is massively overpriced.

RSA
AT- Might bite is the lay of the meeting, DJ left his brain in the weighing room before last run!
likes Acapella Bourgois. Would back Whisper if less than 10 runners. Also likes Royal Vacation e/w
MT- Whisper, Alpha Des Obeaux
AG- Royal Vacation
AH- Alpha Des Obeaux BUT advises backing Might Bite for next year’s King George!

Coral Cup-
AG- Peregrine Run
Note from Bryan Hughes for Hawk High

Queen Mother
AG & AT go Special Tiara w/o Douvan, AM & MT go Gods Own w/o Douvan

Cross Country-
AT- Cantlow massive price off levels, no-one else cares about the race

Fred Winter-
MT- Dream Catching, Nietzsche
AT- Divin Bere
AH- Dinaria des Obeaux, really likes this horse could even go in triumph

Note from Bryan Hughes for Project Blue Book

No-one wanted to talk about the bumper!

Thursday

JLT
AH- Disko, Politilogue e/w, Yorkhill should be in champ hurdle!
AG Politilogue e/w
MT- Yorkhill, thinks faster they go better he will jump!
AT- Yorkhill, not concerned about his jumping, thinks Politilogue is a dog of a horse, no chance!

Pertemps-
AG- For Good Measure (NAP)
AH- Jury Duty

Ryanair-
AT- Uxizandre
MT- Empire of Dirt (NAP)
AG- Uxizandre/Empire of Dirt forecast
AH- Empire of Dirt

Stayers-
All like the jolly, looking for an e/w play
AG- Cole Harden e/w especially if good ground, Ballyoptic without the jolly if it comes up soft
AH- Cole Harden
MT- Ballyoptic
AT- Favourite is bomb proof, Shaneshill for the forecast

Brown Advisory-
AG- Baron Alco
AH- Sizing Codelco

Kim Muir-
Southfield Royale as previously mentioned

Friday-

Triumph-
AH- Cant have the fav, extremely slow on speed ratings, likes mega fortune and master blue eyes
AG- Mega Fortune
MT- DDS
AT- Thinks DDS will absolutely trounce this lot

County-
AG- Winter Escape
AH- North Hill Harvey
AT- Peace & co, had a wind op

Albert Bartlett-
AG- Thinks Wholestone/West Approach are solid e/w bets. Also mentions Ami Desbois if it comes up soft
AH- West Approach. Worlds End e/w
MT- West Approach
AT- Worlds End

Gold Cup
MT/AT/AG all go for Native River/Djakadam the 1/2
AH- Bristol de Mai if it reproduces the Peter Marsh run could be a huge price. Also advises our duke for next year’s gold cup!

Foxhunters-
AT- Ask the weatherman

Martin Pipe-
Word from another preview that 1 bookmaker had taken a huge ew bet on sleep easy

Grand Annual-
AH- Starcitecht absolutely laid out for this

jonthehammer 11:00 Thu Mar 9
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Panel
JL- Jamie Lynch (Timeform & C4)
DB - Dan Barber (Timeform & ATR pundit)
MD - Martin Dixon (Timeform & RUK pundit)
BN - Billy Nash (Irish Editor)
DC - David Cleary (RUK pundit)

Supreme
DB - Ballyandy excelled in large fields - can't see it out of the first 3. Backed Ballyandy & Bunk of Early
MD - Pipe wants Moon Racer here - owner keen on Champion. If turns up he has best form, easy to knock but if turns up very talented. Not strong on the race would do Cilos Emery e/w
BN- Melon exceptionally well thought of - head & shoulders above Willies others. Would put up Bunk of early e/w if has to
DC - Melon style over substance - Ballyandy & Movewiththetimes have best form - prefers Movewiththetimes.

Arkle
DB - Altior wins bar a fall. (All agree) Flying Angel as a place bet.

Champion Hurdle
JL - ratings Yanworth 179, Buveur Dair 178p, The New One 177, Petit Mouchoir 175 - thinks Cheltenham will suit Yanworth better.
DB - Horrible weak race. My Tent Or Yours at 33s was 2nd in 2 better renewals.
MD - Also on My Tent Or Yours e/w. Last years 2nd to Annie is best piece of form in last 12 months. Buveur Dair best of principles.
BN - Petit Mouchoir not improved since novice days. Puts up Wicklow Brave e/w
DC - Yanworth not convincing. Impressed with Brain Power, strong handicap form.

Other Races
JL -
DB - Henri Parry Morgan in the Ultimate off 142. NAP of the day is A Genie in a Bottle - could be 9/4 on the day.
MD - Interested in Druids Nephew in Ultimate. Backed Rock Gone in novice chase & Two Taffs.
BN - A Genie in a Bottle with J Codd in 4 miler. Squoauteur in the novice chase.
DC - Likes Henri Parry Morgan too.

Neptune
DB - Finian’s Oscar is the British Melon - too short on what he's done.
MD - Neon Wolf better time & sectionals than The New One on same day at Haydock. Back it wherever it runs.
BN - Bacardys a tough horse, fancies him to beat Neon Wolf.
DC - Neon Wolf has everything you'd look for.

RSA
DB - American put up best jumping display this year - needs soft though.
MD - likes Whisper
BN - likes Acapella Bourgois would want to see him in parade as could get upset. Alpha vibes good - could run well too.
DC - Might Bite the outstanding form but suspect at the track - likes American.

Champion Chase
DB - In the without Market would do Gods Own.
MD - No one sees past Douvan winning. In the without market would do Sizing Granite e/w at 40s -probably only need to beat 2 home to be paid out.



Other Races
DB - Ivanovich Gorbatov could be a plot for Coral Cup - refuses to accept he's as bad as he's shown.
BN - Carter McKay for the bumper - he thinks best bunch of bumper horses Willies had for a while. Sweet on Carter McKay in bumper best bet of dat two.
DC - Consul de Thaix in Coral Cup - ties in with Brain Power. Watch out for Sausalito Sunrise in x-country.
JLT
DB - Nasty race - Yorkhill wins if shows his form. Can't see anything else to take it on with.
MD - Yorkhill could be a bit bigger early on the day. Should win.
BN - Yorkhill best horse in the race - class act very hard to beat.
DC - Tricky race - doubts about Fav but few alternatives.

Ryanair
DB - Thinks O'Leary will run others to ensure a strong pace for Empire of Dirt. Sub Lieutenant to take on Un de Sceaux. UDS is a Massive price - usually 5/4 or less.
MD - Un de Sceaux won't be bigger than 6/4 on the day - one of the best bets of the meeting.
BN - Thinks Un de Sceaux is best horse and can be dropped in now - doesn't need to lead.
DC - Un de Sceaux best horse in the race, can't understand why it's drifting in the market.

World Hurdle
DB - UNWIMH must be the banker of the meeting. Has backed Ballyoptic e/w but not hopeful now.
MD - UNWIMH could go off odds-on. Improved massively this year - looks a class act. Best of the British and unsure the Irish have anything to trouble him from a win prospect. Maybe Nichols Canyon e/w if it turns up.
BN - Cant see Shaneshill beating UNWIMH. Unsure on Jezki's stamina.
DC - UNWIMH has few chinks in his armour. Clear form pick -can't see any flaws.

Other Races
DB - Impulsive star very impressive last time - watch his Exeter run.
MD - Impulsive star in the Pertemps will be charity bet. Will be a graded horse in future. Aubusson for Nick Williams is well handicapped but might want soft.
BN - Live Irish chances with Jury Duty but others seem harshly handicapped. Glenlow of Gordon Elliott's could be he one - watch if he gets in. Whatever Willie runs will win the mares novice & gives a shout to the Crafty Butcher in the Kim Muir.
DC - Squoauteur could be in Kim Muir & Heron Heights looks plotted up for Kim Muir.

Triumph
DB - DDS still a good bet - could be a Champion hurdle horse for next year. Conclusively the best horse in the race. Doesn't see anything else as a future champion hurdler.
MD - DDS hard to be negative about. Would class him a better short priced fav than UNWIMH.
BN - Mega Fortune to run well but doesn't think it will trouble DDS. Ruby could ride the mare Meri Devie in this - vibes are positive.
DC - If the Charli Parcs that won first time out turns up- it would be a serious contender but a big If.

AB
DB - Wholestone the hear & now horse might not end up as good as DD but could be cut out for this.
MD - DD could easily win but wrong price. likes The Worlds End at bigger odds. Fair bit of substance to his form.
BN - DD is a true stayer no worries over 3 miles - always the target this race. Has a favourites chance but too short would rather back Monalee.
DC - West Approach rated high as run in open company but fancies Willoughby Court if it runs.

Gold Cup
DB - Thinks Cue Card will struggle to get home. Native River looks a true Gold Cup horse but backed Djakadam & More of that e/w.
MD - Struggled with this, going round in circles. Cue Card is the best horse but Djakadam most solid. Not a good betting race
BN - Native River is the standard setter - only worry had hard races each time.
DC - Just watch the race - not a betting proposition.

Other Races
DB - Winter Escape for the county hurdle. Off 140 has to back it. Le Prezien in Grand Annual.
MD - Court Minstrel looks targeted for County. Off 145 & won at Chepstow off 149 last year.
BN - Mick Jazz in the county. Brelade might suffer lack of experience in county. The Storyteller has serious chance in M Pipe but also Tony Martins Okatocks? If it gets in - been laid out for something.


Charity Bets
JL - Empire of Dirt & No Comment
DB - Gods Own w/o Douvan & A genie in a Bottle
MD - impulsive Star - Pertemps
BN - Carter McKay - Bumper
DC - Movewiththetimes - Supreme

jonthehammer 9:52 Thu Mar 9
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Paddy Power Night – Westmanstown, Dublin

First Chunk of text are the bits of info from the call to W P Mullins

The panel includes Ruby Walsh, Davy Russell, David Jennings (RP), David Mullins, Gordon Elliot and Paddy Power.

Willie Mullins says Limini goes mares. VVM might go in the same.
VVM in good form.
Airlie Beach goes Mares Novice. Let's Dance might well go too.
Bellshills first choice is RSA. Worked and jumped well yesterday.
Bacardys goes Neptune 'at the moment'.
Willie very hopeful for Yorkhill in the JLT. Pleased after Sunday.
Un De Sceaux will stay up the hill in the Ryanair. Willie has no doubt.
Nichols Canyon may run in the Stayers. Worked well yesterday. Clondaw Warrior has an ew chance if ground dries.
Willie not happy with Meri De Vie. A doubt.
Willie not confident he'll beat Death Duty.
Djaladam in 'great order'.


Supreme
Ruby says it's not confirmed he rides Melon. Heard today Neon Wolf might go in the Supreme.
DJ says we're guessing as to how good Melon is. Bunk Off Early has the form in the book. High Bridge has an ew squeak.
RW thinks Willie will win Supreme. Not sure which one. Can't compare Melon to previous Supreme winners after 1 run.
PP says if Ruby's rumour is true and Neon Wolf runs in Supreme it'll turn the market on its head.

Albert Bartlett

RW says Augusta Kate, Augustin, Penhill and Livelovelaugh just a few of Willies in the Albert Bartlett.
RW says Death Duty looks bombproof.

Arkle
RW says Altior is head and shoulders above the competition. Thinks there'll only 6 or 7 runners. Value in the w/o market with Royal Caviar.
Gordon thinks Altior in the Arkle, Yorkhill in the JLT and no big opinion in RSA.
DR thinks Altior looks spectacular. Whisper would prefer RSA.
D Mullins thinks Altior might be caught if he has a look at the first few fences in the Arkle. Sys Disko has a right chance in the JLT.

JLT
Ruby making it hard work for Ivan Yates. Not afraid of anything in the JLT for Yorkhill.

RSA
DR says West Approach runs in the RSA.
RW thinks if ground dry Might Bite will win RSA. If soft Acapella Bourgeois!

Champion Hurdle
D Mullins v excited to ride Brain Power in Champion Hurdle. DR likes Yanworth.
Gordon likes Yanworth. A bit worried about Petit Mouchoir up on the pace.
RW doesn't know what he'll ride in Champion Hurdle. Petit Mouchoir has a shot. Yanworth a strong stayer and has a right chance.
Why wasn't Limini supplemented? asks Ivan Yates. Ruby says Willie didn't answer the question 20 minutes ago, why the f*ck would I?




Champion Chase

RW having a go at Ivan Yates for asking why he would take Special Tiara on for the lead with Douvan. GE thinks Douvans a good thing RW says Un De Sceaux will stay! Davy reminds us it was raining in Cheltenham last night. 'Did you not see my video on t'internet Ivan??'

Ryanair
Ruby thinks UDS should be 6/4!
If GE had his way he'd run Empire of Dirt in the GC but he's running in the Ryanair at the minute. Thinks UDS will win.
DR cagey on where Zabana will run. Schooling in the morning and decision will be made. Hopefully he won't end up on his arse at the start.
D Mullins to ride Sub Lieutenant if Cooper rides Empire of Dirt. Says question mark over of UDS on nice ground over 2m5f.

Stayers
Is Jezki another Solwhit? - D Jennings
RW doesn't know what to make of Shaneshill.
RW says Nichols Canyon needs to keep working as well as he worked yesterday to go.
GE likes Unowhatimeanharry. Hasn't done much wrong of late.
DR thinks the only thing that will beat Unowhatimeanharry is an Irish horse.

Triumph
GE slightly worried about the Irish Juveniles beating each other this season. Likes Defi Du Seuil RW says Baupaume is the no 1 from Willies. Mega Fortune has a squeak now Davy's figured out how to ride him!
DJ says Defi Du Seuil is a good thing.

Fred Winter
DJ thinks Long Call has a right chance in the Fred Winter.

Gold Cup
PP plums for Native River in the GC!
DJ says the first horse he discounts is Native River. Says Willie is unusually bullish about Djakadam.
DJ says Djakadam will win, More Of That is one at a big price.
RW says the 11yo stat re Cue Card is breakable but this year he has been 50:50. Native River is an improver. Djakadam in wonderful form.
RW says he gave Djakadam ran too free at Christmas and he gave him a shocker.
GE says Don Poli might struggle. Question whether Outlander will stay. Will be ridden to do so DR thinks Sizing John is the class horse in the race. Likes Outlander. Would love another chance on Don Poli.
DMullins rides Champagne West and thinks he could run a big race if the ground has a cut in it. Likes Cue Card.

Cross Country
GE says Cause of Causes in great form for the X Country. Hoping for good ground.

Brown Advisory
Diamond King needs good ground. Has had a wind op since last run.

Others
DJ thinks Champers on Ice has a squeak in the Kim Muir, Druids Nephew, Tully East and loads of others!
PP likes Starchitecht. DR like Le Prezien.
Charity bets:
DR On Ruby Walsh in the Mares Nov
GE The Storyteller
DJ Long Call RW Yankee: Long Call, Mega Fortune, Whisper, Diamond King!

jonthehammer 9:52 Thu Mar 9
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Newry

Panel was Danny Mullins, Sean Flanagan, Colin McBratney, Noel McParland and Mark O'Hare who stepped in last minute for Andrew Lynch who couldnt attend. "Archie" from Toals Bookies who sponsored the night was also on the panel.

Supreme Novice
DM - A very tricky race to predict. Sais Melon is a fantastic horse, an exceptional worker but it inexperienced. He likes Bunk Off Early. Mentions Neon Wolf will go to the Neptune, thinks Crack Mome has a chance.
NMcP - Agrees with Danny
Archie:- Thinks the race revolves around Moon Racer and Ballyandy, he believes the money will come for Ballyandy. Not sure if Moon Racer will run here and cant have Melon with one race under him.
CMcB:- Likes Move With The Times - mentions he wasn’t far behind Moon Racer and Ballyandy LTO and feels he was just out for the run that time. Good each way bet
SF: - Agrees with Colin. Can’t have Melon at all and says Moon Racer is held together with Sellotape!, says Ballyandy will puke at the bottom of Cheltenham Hill.
MOH :- Says Bunk Off Early will jump better on better ground and is rock solid at least as an EW bet but thinks there’s a chance he could go for the Coral Cup?

Arkle
DM:_ Anyone who think Altior has any danger in this race needs their head examined (Barring a fall)
SF:- Nothing there to beat Altior, can’t have anything else in the race. Point the horse and he goes!
NmcP:- Altior a good thing
CMcB:- No faults in Altior, likes Royal Cavalier e/w at 16/1
DM:- Royal Cavalier schooling well - advises to have a punt e/w
MOH:- Agrees with Royal Cavalier EW for interest but to sit back and enjoy Altior

Champion Hurdle
Archie:- Fascinating race, says Yanworth’s jumping doesnt impress him. Likes Buveur D'air. Feels Petit Mouchoir has the best form going into the race, thinks Limini will be supplemented so asks Danny for this thoughts
DM:- Limini or VVM could still be supplemented - an announcement expected lunchtime tomorrow (08/03/17)
Archie:- Brain Power shortening in the bookies lately, money has been coming from the right people. Thinks Moon Racer may run here and him and Yanworth could run into a place.
MOH:- Hopes to see an Irish Winner, would love Yanworth to win especially as he is good friends with Mark Walsh and will be having a few uid on him.
DM:- Says he would love to ride Yanworth and mentions David (Mullins) fancies Brain Power for this. Says there is nothing from Limini to suggest she is capable of winning a CH just yet, although she is extremely talented. He would love to see her win it though.
SF:- Yanworth a worthy Favourite, Limini will be supplemented and has a huge chance. Brain Power won’t be far away.
NMcP:- Petit Mouchoir fan, says she travels well and is very slick and will be up there.
CMcB:- A complicated race but feels Limini is the one, thinks she will only improve. Says he would fancy Tombstone for a place if it ran here.

Mares Hurdle
DM:- Mentions it’s impossible to get into Willies head at the moment but believes Limini CH, VVM here, Apples Jade here, Let’s Dance will run the Mares Novice.
SF:- VVM a certainty if she runs here. Says Augusta Kate would be interesting if she ran here considering how close she got to Death Duty.
Archie:- Reiterates the point that there’s a lot of confusion over entries but says VVM needs to run a lot better than she did LTO. Likes Forge Meadow? But, Danny advised that runs the Mares Novice.
NMcP:- VVM a absolute banker here
CMB :- VVM a good thing barring a fall
DM;- Takes the mic and tells the audience to look out for Rock On The Moor - 50/1 shot that was behind Limini and Apples Jade LTO and is a great each way shout.

National Hunt Chase
MOH -Likes Martello Tower. Doesnt like Agenieinabottle as Trainer has poor form at festival. Doesnt like Edwulf either.
SF;- Likes Genie In A Bottle a lot, says will love 4 miles and has a massive chance!
DM:- Martello Tower has a great chance wherever he runs, mentions his English mark is a lot better than the mark he has in Ireland but reckons there’s a possibility the Kim Muir may be a better option.
CMcB:- Has been impressed with Edwulf and is a fan of American who has done nothing wrong so far but wonders will it run elsewhere - says 14/1 in this race is definitely worth an EW bet.

Tuesday Selections:
Archie - Moon Racer wherever it runs
*Danny then states Moon Racer has more problems than a plane to Lourdes!* (picks VVM)
the rest all pick VVM and Colin gives Limini a shout for CH

Neptune
DM;- Bacardys the best chance of the Mullins horses in this race. Says Invitation Only will run here and will improve, Let’s Dance will go to the Mares Hurdle - says all Willies horses here need to step up to beat Neon Wolf. Likes Finian’s Oscar but not up to Neon Wolfs standard.
Archie;- All the money in shop is for Neon Wolf, says he will go off 6/4 on the day. He Spoke to Noel Fehily the night before who says he won’t be beat.
SF:- Neon Wolf a worthy Favourite, likes Finian’s Oscar but would be a massive achievement to beat Neon Wolf. Mentions that Jamie Codd is very keen on Brelade
CMcB;- Agrees about Neon Wolf. Likes Bacardys each way.
NMcP:- Would love to see Finian’s Oscar win it, also thinks Brelade is great value at 25/1

RSA Chase
Archie - Henderson is sweet on Might Bite but the punters aren’t taking to it in their shops. Money has been pouring in for Whisper with Davy Russell
MOH:- Is a fan of Alpha Des Obeaux, says he bled and was sick LTO
DM shouts No! and that he can’t have him, states the owners would be pulling some rabbit out of the bag with this one but mark is sticking with his selection.
DM - Bellshill has it all to do, he was (is) a great horse but has become a bit of a numbskull recently. Doesnt like Might Bite or Acapella Bourgois - likes Whisper.
NMcP:- Like OO Seven as an each way bet, thinks it’s a big price it runs well. Doesnt like the favourites.
CMcB:- Wouldn’t take a chance on Might Bite likes Shantou Village each way at a massive price. Likes Sandra Hughes' horse as well?
SF:- Wouldn’t get off Acapella for anyone! Thinks soft/heavy ground will suit better. (Danny Mullins then asks for a few straightjackets)

Champion Chase
DM:- Says he is scared to go near Douvan in case something happens to it the way things have been going for Willie lately. Streets ahead of anything else, says when pushed he thinks Special Tiara may follow him home but says to just sit back and admire what will be really special watch.
MOH: - Just get yourself a pint and enjoy the race!
Archie:- Absolute certainty - advised they will go a 7/4 double today for both Douvan and Altior to win by 5 or more lengths.
CMcB;- a superstar and nothing gets near him.
SF: - The best horse you will ever see. back Special Tiara w/o Douvan
NMcP:- Douvan is bombproof

Wednesday Selections
Danny - neon wolf (if death duty doesnt run there!)
Mark - Brelade
Archie - whisper e/w
Sean - Acapella Bourgois
Noel - neon wolf


JLT
SF – Yorkhill’s a certainty, would love to see Disko win but he won’t get neat Yorkhill.
Archie - Yorkhill very solid but feels he jumps funny, he’s the only horse the punters want to back though
DM - On ability the best in the race, don’t worry about last run. Top Notch has solid form, Disco a good horse but neither can beat Yorkhill.
MOH - Yorkhill wins.
CMcB - Yorkhill IF he behaves himself.
NMcP:- Disagrees with the panel - but says nothing more!

Ryanair
Archie:- UDS favourite stepping up, was beat by Sprinter last year but we know about SS. Money been coming for Uxizandre, he likes Sub Lieutenant and thinks he’s a nice price at 8/1
DM - Worried will Uxizandre bounce. Likes UDS
MOH - Empire Of Dirt has improved and has solid form but likes Zabana. Likes good ground and was unlucky last year and thinks it’s a tasty EW bet.
SF - Likes UDS, states he travels well but his jumping is debatable, likes Uxizandre as well. Says that Empire of Dirt is a handicap Chaser and doesnt like it, shouldn’t be winning this,
CMcB - Fan of Uxizandre but likes UDS who will be hard to beat, nothing much else in the race.
NMcP - UDS wins.

Stayers
Archie - This is a one horse race. UKWIMH will win this. He always finds more when he needs to.
DM - UKWIMH is a fascinating horse, everything you need in a 3 miler and hard to oppose. Shaneshill form not good enough. Cant se Cole Harden reversing form with fav, Jezki won’t beat him and can’t see Clondaw Warrior getting involved.
MOH - Favs a good thing. Back Jezki E/w loves good ground and is an older and wiser horse.
SF - Can’t see past the fav
NMcP - Ballyoptic has slipped under the radar, if he’s at his best its a good each way bet.
CMcB - Favourite is sound. Cole Harden would need to improve.

Thursdays best bets
Colin - UKWIMH
Noel - UDS
Archie - Sub Lieutenant (e/w)
Mark - Yorkhill
DM - mentions a race that wasn’t discussed – says Isleofhopesandreams wins the Pertemps

Triumph
DM - Bapaume a leading contender for Willie but can’t be having any of his horses here, favourite looks imperious
Archie - All about the fav with punters. Says Charli Parcs looked beat anyway LTO before he fell - mentions fav was careless over its last few jumps LTO.
SF - Doesnt know who he would ride out of these (DM shouts Lizzy Kelly!) fancies the Favourite but described this as a "rejects race" says last year’s winner has been "shite" this year.
CMcB - likes Mr Blueyes advised he didn’t come off the bridle last time out, certainly an e/w bet.
MOH - Suicide to take the favourite! says he spoke to friends of Mullins and they are keen on Merie Devie
NMcP - doesnt like anything betting wise!

Albert Bartlett
DM - Favourite beat every year in this race, Death Duty has no chance and to LAY him immediately! Gives a shout out to The Worlds End, says it’s been backed from 33s to 12s and has a great chance here.
Archie - Not sure if DD would have beaten Augusta Kate, advised to take the favourite on. Says he likes West Approach, 3rd behind UKWIMH and close relative to Thistlecrack
MOH - Favourite is the one but is too short in price, says Augusta Kate would beat DD on good ground.
SF - Massive DD fan and says it’s a cert, feels he could even improve again on better ground. Mentions Monalee as an e/w bet if ground was soft.
CMcB - is a fan of Augusta Kate but has no doubts about Death Duty and he is the genuine article.
NMcP - Likes Augusta Kate. Says he can’t have Bryan Cooper on the fav - would much rather be siding with Ruby around Cheltenham than Cooper

Foxhunters
MOH - Most likely winner is Aupcharlie, had a bad run last year but has improved with more to come. Patrick Mullins may be on board as well.
CMCB - On The Fringe is the one to beat - also mentions he has a horse running here himself that is a trier and doing well, would be happy with a place at big odds.
NMcP - OTF hard to oppose, a class above everything in the race. Mentions Colin’s horse is in good form and hopes for a place.
Archie - Ask The Weatherman is the best P2p horse in England in the last 10 years and will win this, On The Fringe only won by a neck last year and is obviously an older horse. Mentions Colin’s horse - great EW value - a good jumper
DM - would love to ride On The Fringe, likes Nicholls' horse Pacha Du Polder - says it would have done better last year with a decent jockey on board - swipe at Pendleton there!
SF - OTF unbeatable here, has had a great prep run and comes on strong. The one to beat. Mentioned that Jamie Codd told him he will be better at Cheltenham. Again gives mention to Colins horse as an e/w shout
DM - Advises audience they should always follow any Irish amateur jockeys at these meetings, especially Jamie Codd as they are miles ahead of British amateurs - interesting!

Gold Cup
DM - Huge fan of Djakadam, says he was great two years ago here, not so much last year. Mentioned he received 25 stitches up his chest after falling last year. Prep has been perfect this year, says Native River is a glorified Handicapper and Cue Card is collecting his pension - Djakadam all the way!
SF - (asked about road to riches) Won’t go here, and couldn’t see it being anywhere near close even if it did run. Likes Sizing John, states he’s the only Grade 1 horse in the race
CMcB - Stats say Cue Card can’t win after being thrashed by Thistlecrack but he came back again after that. Feels Djakadam can win if he gets the perfect run.
DM - says "puppy" is sweet on Sizing John
NMcP - Sizing John made Jezki look like a point to pointer at Navan!
Archie - says Djakadam will go off favourite on the day, Native River probably needs the rain but he stays. Would be happy to take Djakadam on as never won at Cheltenham in 4 races, all stats are against him. Likes Cue Card - a remarkable horse. Mentions there’s been e/w interest in their shops for More Of That.
MOH - Fancies Djakadam. Said last year his prep was a mess - likes Sean’s love life. Mentions how he goes fresh and thinks he ca do it. Doesnt like Outlander or Sizing John, thinks Cue Card is too old.
Archie - Djakadam would have been a cert in the Ryanair.

Panel got a £25 charity bet each:
Mark - Aupcharlie
Danny - Isleofhopesandreams
Sean - Presenting Percy
Noel - Neon Wolf
Archie - Divin Bere if he runs in the Triumph, if not, Whisper in the RSA
Colin - Ivanovich Gorbatov (county hurdle)

Athletico Easthamico 10:58 Wed Mar 8
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRPdbHmy6RM

Fucking hell!! Betbright preview.

Bunch of drunken farts!!!

jonthehammer 1:55 Wed Mar 8
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Here is my very own effort from Haydock last night. Some very interesting outsiders.

Cheltenham Preview Night – Haydock Park – Monday 6th March

MC – Jonathan Doidge (JD)
Henry Brooke – HB
Micky Hammond – MH
Andy Gibson – AG
Kyle Drummond – KD

MC JD says they will review the Champion races first for each day followed by the other Grade 1s then the Handicaps.

Day 1 – Champion Hurdle.
HB – Impressed by Buveur Dair LTO at Sandown but Cheltenham is a much different track.
KD – Would lay Buveur Dair. Feels it is an afterthought with the switch back to hurdles after Faugheen etc. pulling out. Will give 4/1 for up to £100.
AG – Depends on the ground, if it is actual Good/Soft or a PR Good/soft. BD would like it Good/Soft. Noel Fehily good pair of hands and will guarantee a place. AG suggests backing BD in running as he is likely to be held up.
MH – Petit Mouchoir has excellent chance but also likes BD. Has been told BD is working very well at home. This isn’t a vintage Champion Hurdle. Would lay Yanworth, not good enough.
JD confirms Mark Walsh will ride Buveur Dair.
HB – thinks you can discount Yanworth’s last win.
AG – Yanworth is quirky, clouts a few hurdles and will trade higher in running. Thinks PM will lead and The New One will go after him but doesn’t think PM will last home (fade 2 or 3 out) so may be a trade off opportunity in running.
KD – Brain Power has come on a lot this season and entitled to be here but will go off bigger on the day.
MH – Says Brain Power has more to find and BD will win.
AG – If Limini is supplemented it would be interesting, travels well but also has a bit to find.
KD – The New One has no chance, move on.

Arkle

KD – Altior, so impressive and is a banker. Charbel E/W as an alternative
AG – Should have backed Charbel in the without Altior market when he was a much bigger price. Was 12s now 5/2.
MH – Yorkhill will go JLT, Altior was great at Newbury, will win. Race to sit back and enjoy.
HB – If he could ride anything in the race bar Altior it would be Cloudy Dream but nothing will get near Altior.
AG – Better ground would suit Cloudy Dream and the trainer says he has an E/W chance.

Supreme Novices

KD – Melon is so short as he is a Mullins horse and will give 5/1 on him.
AG – Melon is a false favourite, also says due to the horse and jockey. His times are not as good as PM or even Let’s Dance, would oppose at this price.
MH – Moon Racer has a chance if he turns up here. Melon has right connections and Mullins has several to pick from so he must think Melon has a good chance here. Thinks winner will come from first 3 or 4 in market.
HB – Doesn’t think Neon Wolf will run here and Melon does has a chance.
AG & MH both like Ballyandy.
HB – Expects Ballyandy and Moon Racer to battle out the finish.

Mares Novices

AG – No Bet, Vroum Vroum Mag worthy favourite and will probably win.
HB – VVM fan, won well LTO at Doncaster and he was ill.
MH – VVM.

Ultima

KD - Taken next to nothing Ante-post on this race or the Close Brothers handicap.
JD – Likes Rock the Kasbah.
AG – Likes Singlefarmpayment but unsure if he runs here or the Kim Muir (until I tell him at the break!!). Ballylongford is a decent E/W at about 50s.
MH – Likes Champers on Ice wherever he runs (here or the 4miler) and also the Druids Nephew both E/W,
HB – Holywell E/W.

Close Brothers

AG – Backed Foxtail Hall. AG then mentions that Brian Hughes who hasn’t made it tonight is very keen indeed on his ride Double Ws and suggests and E/W bet. BH says he has a MASSIVE chance. Interesting!!
MH – Would back Foxtail Hill.
HB – Make sure you pick a solid jumper in this race as they go quick.

Couple of questions from the floor but nothing else really to note from Day 1.

Day 2 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

MH - Douvan worthy favourite. Gods Own e/w possibly but would back Special Tiara e/w
AG - Backed Special Tiara e/w, good bet
HB - Gods Own will plod on. Douvan is best horse in training and won't be beat.
MH - Also likes Special Tiara e/w

Neptune

AG - Neon Wolf’s performance LTO was brilliant. Unknown around Cheltenham, would prefer soft ground. No bet for him. MDO to place is pushed
KD - Couldn't believe his firm put up Neon Wolf at 3s in racing post. Wouldn't oppose him
HB - Finians Oscar has done what is expected of him, gets job done. Loves Neon Wolf, won't have a problem with the hill.
MH - Thinks Finians Oscar will make a great chaser in time. Neon wolf will have too much toe for them. Would like to see Death Duty in here.
AG - the form of FO has collapsed lately.

RSA

AG - Might bite very good LTO but only time at Cheltenham didn't jump all. However he could quite easily make all.
KD - in previous preview nights the Henderson team are really keen on Whisper as is Davy Russell who will ride. Also thinks MB may make all. If ground becomes testing then he would back American but he is a fragile horse.
MH - Royal Vacation has a slight chance but Whisper is his idea of a winner
HB - Royal vacation has won races due to others failing. Would listen to the Henderson yard over Whisper.

Bumper

KD - Dan Skelton keen on Cause Tojours. Currently about 10/1 e/w.
MH - Ballyward e/w
AG & HB - No real thoughts.

Coral Cup

KD - Elliot wants to run Tombstone here. Owner wants Champion Hurdle
AG - Peregrine Run in off 142 e/w at 12s. Be suited by a fast gallop
MH – Air Horse One e/w if he runs
HB - Points out that all Elliott's runners will have a chance of winning. Bryan Cooper very bullish about his rides.

Fred Winter

JD - Likes Divin Bere.
AG - If he had to pick one would go Dinaria Des Obeaux. Not strong but catches eye.
KD - Long Call is extremely well fancied by Tony Martin yard
MH - Domperignon Du Lys looks a likely improver
HB - If on soft side then Brian Ellison’s Nietzsche is apparently flying at home

Day 3

Stayers Hurdle

AG - Unowwhatimeanharry is probably best value of all short price favourites. The fly in ointment could be quick ground
HB - Harry has great profile but would back Cole Harden e/w
MH - Jezki e/w may improve for step up in trip. Thinks Harry will win.
KD - Can't put up anything up against Harry. Skinny but worthy price.
AG - backed Cole Harden e/w at 14s and 12s. Warren Greateaux thinks CH is beck to best but doesn't want rain. Ballyoptic or CH without the fav could be the bet.
JD - CH e/w as well.

Ryanair

JD - Antepost bet on Uxizandre, one of bets of week. UDS wants it soft.
AG - UDS only proven over trip at Auteuil so would discount this although on his day is the quality horse on show. Would like to see Sizing John here. Empire of Dirt is of interest as won like a classy horse. Sub Lieutenant is a great placepot selection. Uxizande will be ridden aggressively and ideally wants a visit. Be best to back him and lay in running.
MH - Uxizandre goes well here. Empire of Dirt e/w bet to nothing. Thinks UDS would go ok on good ground.
HB - UDS will appreciate step up in trip. Uxizandre only one run in 2 years would be a question mark.

JLT

AG - Yorkhill has more ability than others. Bit worried about him jumping left and not straightforward but could well win easy and the price will look a snip after the race.
KD - Will give punters 2/1 on Yorkhill. Wins unimpressive and would take him on.
MH - That 2/1 offered by KD is best price in town. Little bit worried about his schooling round.
HB - concerned the fence 3 out may catch him out if not timed right going at speed. Second half of schooling round was good. Charbel should run here.
AG - could go either way with Yorkhill. Back Politolgue e/w may lay off on day. AG thinks Charbel will go Arkle. Top Notch may be of interest if he were a bigger price.

Pertemps

AG - Strongest Antepost handicap bet on For Good Measure e/w (Hobbs yard) got in on 138 and could be a plot.
MH - Also likes For Good Measure. Thinks he should be rated 150 plus. Small Mention for Jury Duty.
HB - Big fan of Presenting Percy. Won well at Fairyhouse. He's spoken to Davy who also likes him.

Browns Advisory

JD - Go Conquer if he turns up,
AG - Quite by Chance be his placepot selection and should be in prize money
MH - Sizing Codelco could be decent e/w
HB - If Thomas Crapper gets in would back him. Wind been done.

Kim Muir

AG - Would like to see Singlefarmpayment here but was told in break he is going for Ultima (by me)
KD - nothing been backed here Antepost
MH - Bro in law Neil Mullholland Says his best chance at festival is Southfield Royale at 14/1
HB - would look at Jockeys here. Jamie Codd, Rich Harding etc.

Raffle - I won a nice bottle of champagne. Money goes to injured jockeys fund.

Day 4

Gold Cup

AG - Cue Card a bit short now. Winner will be from Cue Card, Native River or Djakadam. Would do the one you fancy in a forecast with the other two. I.e. CC to beat NR and CC to beat Djakadam. Djakadam fallen here twice in 4 rides. Sizing John e/w chance. More of that and Bristol de Mai may outrun odds. Backed NR and Djakadam in multiples.
KD - biggest loser for bookies would be cue card. Bit short now. Would be against Djakadam but respects NR. Good outsider more of that. Travelled well before unseating lto.
JD Asks will Sizing John stay?
MH - doesn't think Cue Card will stay up the hill. Keen on NR and will stay. Don Poli will stay but only for place money. Lay CC.
HB - fan of NR, will stay and very impressive. Maybe e/w squeak for Smad Place
JD - BdM similar profile to imperial commander but can't have him.
AG - BdM more of a Betfair chase horse.

Triumph

MH - Defi du Seuil skinny price but a fair chance. Will be a quick pace race. E/w chance for Landofhopeandglory at 16s
HB - Project Bluebrook e/w. Brian wasn't happy with him the last day but schooled really well since and 20/1 is a great price.
KD - DDS price is about right. Someone walked into Corals and asked for £1000 e/w on Soldier in Action at 33/1. Corals said win only but ended up with £500 e/w at 25s. Master Blueyes gets better each race.
AG - likes MB massive improvement in last race after taking a while for penny to drop. Has small win bet on Mega Fortune at 25’s. DDS shorter than he should be. Would be tempted to run him in supreme on his ideal ground. May dry out by Friday. AG also says Landofhopeandglory wasn't busy on his last run. Similar profile to Ivanovich Gorbatov.

Albert Bartlett

MH - Death Duty worthy favourite. Jack Kennedy says his festival banker.
HB - JK is an exceptional rider and would take his word on DD. Likes West Approach e/w.
AG - Wholestone is generally the better call, jumping is good and strong in finish. DD not proven at the trip or ground or even at course. Rather back both Wholestone and West Approach against DD. DD so short as trainer and jockey been talking him up. If it hoys down would back Ami Desbois e/w.

County

JD - North Hill Harvey is interesting at 7/1
HB - Skelton very keen on North Hill Harvey. Harry Skelton will throw kitchen sink at him.
MH - Peace and Co could run well
AG - Watch Skelton's well handicapped horses. Winter escape e/w at 20s if he gets in. Gamble may appear on this one.
JD jokes last time at a foggy Haydock Callum Bewley whacked his horse 16 times down back straight and no one could see him.
KD - nothing of interest here

Martin Pipe

MH - The Storyteller looks to be laid out for this
HB - Worst race in the festival to ride in. Everyone wants to be handy, it's carnage.
AG - says this is a race to watch. If had to pick would go The Storyteller or No Comment
KD - Owners of Sleep Easy had £3000 e/w on him. They don’t leave their money behind. Got to be worth a bet with nrnb
AG - Brian Hughes likes Cloudy Dream, Cyrus Darius (champ Hurdle), Hawk High stepping up in trip and Project Bluebrook. His biggest chance is Double Ws who he says has a massive chance in the Close Brothers.

Grand Annual

MH - Vaniteaux e/w
HB - Upsilon Bleu e/w (Henry will ride)
AG - Was hoping Savello would run
KD - good luck with this race!!

Bankers/best bets

JD - Foxtail Hill win
KD - Uxizandre e/w in Ryanair
AG - Cole Harden e/w or without Harry. Maybe Ballyoptic
MH - Domperignon du Lys
HB - Presenting Percy in Pertemps

Northern Sold 12:14 Tue Mar 7
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Matt chapman "let's talk about the JLT, the race that Gordon likes to call the BLT"



HA HA HA HA!!

maverick 3:51 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Loving all these jon ! Cheers mate !

Athletico Easthamico 3:03 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS.

jonthehammer 2:11 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

No worries gents, i am off to the Haydock one tonight so will post my own up later this week.



Trim

Panel - Matt Chapman (MC), Gordon Elliott, Gary O'Brien, Davy Russell & Robbie Power

Chapman starts the night off by telling us all "the reason we're late starting is Gordon had to eat "
Chapman "Davy we've an auction later with a pic of Don Cossack who you could have rode in gold cup if you didn't get sacked"

Supreme
Russell “if you think melon is value at 3/1 then I’d like to meet you on a night out"
Russell " I like Finian’s Oscar", chapman " Robbie have you one that will actually run in the race"
Russell "bunk off early by Zebedee won't get up the hill"
Gordon Elliott "spoke to David Pipe today and he's in two minds to run in the champion hurdle with Moon Racer"
Gary and Gordon like Movewiththetimes each way

Arkle
All agree Altior's a good thing.

Champion Hurdle
Davy Russell "Limini can't win a champion hurdle"
Davy like's Petit Mouchoir for the champion hurdle, brain power who was bred in "north co. Dublin" can sneak into a place!!!
Gordon Elliott “I’d be worried for Petit Mouchoir from the back of the last "
Gordon like's Yanworth
Robbie Power "Petit Mouchoir will lead till the turn in & will fall in a hole"
Chapman loved brain power's work & “I’m a good work man"
Robbie Power “how long are you on the sunbeds matt?"
Matt chapman on the phone to @pphorseracing looking for a boost on brain power!!! Paddy “am i on loudspeaker”
Chapman strong on brain power & bag's 10/1 for everyone in the audience.

Neptune
Russell & Elliott going to blows over Death Duty. Russell "should go Neptune "Elliott "Davy you stick to riding them & let me worry about where to ride them".
Chapman "spoke to Fehily the other day & he was absolutely wetting himself".
Elliott “I draw a line through neon wolf, why didn't Willie buy him?"

RSA Chase
Elliott & Russell strong on Alpha des Obeaux puppy power “if ground is soft Acapella Bourgeois has a huge chance"
Davy Russell “I spoke to Des Scahill today and the long range forecast is good ground for Chelt"
Chapman “Dessie is a weather man now is he ?"
Davy Russell " matt don't be worrying about prices and Douvan , he's an exceptional horse just enjoy him !!! "

Handicaps
Matt "voice give us some handicap good things"
Gary O'Brien "Noble Endeavour I like on day one"
Gordon Elliott "Runfordave at 16/1"
Gary O’Brien “in the bumper Mags Mullins horse Debuchet worked very well today and runs"
Robbie Power “Tombstone for the coral cup "
Elliott " matt if you shut your mouth I’ll tell you, he hasn't been supplemented for champion hurdle yet, if I’d my way he'd run in coral "
Interesting moments. Gordon Elliott if the ground keeps drying out "Jamie Codd will ride Tiger Roll in the four miler " 25/1 horses paddy power are laying tonight - Yanworth , Buveur D’Air , Vroum Vroum mag!!!

Wouldn't price boost Neon Wolf or brain power!!!
Gordon Elliott "any lads from @brucebetting here??”
Hurricane Fly pic going for €380
Davy Russell playing auctioneer " Don Cossack I love this horse, I’m gonna start this off at €400 myself it's up to yee after that"
Classy touch by Davy, for a good cause too picture of Don Cossack sells for €860!!!

JLT
Matt chapman "let's talk about the JLT, the race that Gordon likes to call the BLT"
Davy Russell "Yorkhill was erratic today at Leopardstown & might even be fitted with a hood”
Gary O’Brien “I really like Disko"
Robbie Power “the 4th last fence at Cheltenham has Yorkhill name written all over it “doesn’t like him Gordon Elliott “if Yorkhill jumps he wins“
Rob Catterson won't lay Yorkhill at 9/4 @pphorseracing he's not at the list !!
Elliott "Rob grow a set of balls and lay the people 9/4, I work with Betfair & they're linked with paddy powers I’ll guarantee 9/4 ffs"
Chapman "I’d say Gordon there’s a few people in the audience who can vouch for the size of your balls”
Elliott "Rob your giving nothing all night there's no point in you being here " getting dirty now.

Ryanair
Elliott “if I’d my way I’d send empire of dirt gold cup"
Elliott “if Michael keeps writing the cheques I’ll keep kissing his shoes"
"Uxizandre is a super bet e/w" matt chapman

World Hurdle
Robbie Power "Jezki has been absolutely flying at home since Gowran, class horse in the race and has serious chance"
Davy Russell "Robbie I think you’re talking with your heart and not your head”
Rob giving 9/4 on Defi du Seuil
Matt Chapman "Mega Fortune is rubbish", Elliott is angry!!
Matt Chapman "Defi du Seuil should be two's on, lump", Matt Chapman "take 9/4 and absolutely muller them”

Albert Bartlett

Gordon Elliott “at this stage Death Duty is the best novice hurdler I’ve ever trained"
Davy Russell "I just think Death Duty is the most gorgeous horse"
Gordon Elliott “at this stage in his career he's better than Don Cossack and No More Heroes"

Gold Cup
Elliott "Outlander I don't think will stay"
Robbie Power "I think if sizing john stays he wins, all his work at home suggests he will, his breeding says he will". Robbie Power "my danger is Djakadam, went well today at Leopardstown”
Gordon Elliott bull thick about Phil Smith “this is serious , this is our livelihoods"
Davy Russell " very open year & I can see it being a similar to finish to the year I won it on Lord Windermere, very open"
Russell forecast "Djakadam followed by Sizing John"

Other Races
The voice "Presenting Percy, No Comment & Forge Meadows"
Davy Russell "Peregrine Run & Blazer well treated in handicaps"
Robbie Power "Rock the World will go well in the Grand Annual"

Charity Bets
Russell -€200 Uknowhatimeanharry
Puppy power- €200 sizing john
Gordon Elliott gets an extra €100 free bet on a David Pipe horse & selects Champers on Ice wherever it goes
Gordon Elliott - €100 e/w The Storyteller 9/2
Matt Chapman - €200 Defi du Seuil #triumph
The Voice - Forge Meadows €100 e/w

tiddingtoniron 12:19 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Very much appreciated JTH

Billy Go Wings 11:36 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Great work Jon

jonthehammer 9:37 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Ladbrokes Cheltenham Preview Night 2017, Waterford

1. Mick Fitzgerald (MF)
2. John Francome (JF)
3. Noel O’Brien (NOB)
4. David Casey (DC)
5. Katie Walsh (KW)
6. Davy Russell (DR)
7. Jim McGrath (JMG)
8. Henry De Bromhead (HDB)
9. Oliver Sherwood (OS)
10. Jack Kennedy (JK)

Supreme Novices
DR – joke that Melon is fav, would back Finian’s Oscar with a run
JK – Banker of the meeting is Moon Racer could run in the champion hurdle
JK – Moon Racer
OS – Moon Racer nap of the meeting
HDB – worried about melon only having one run, fan of Ballyandy he runs capital force
JMG – nothing stands out Moon Racer is fragile would back Ballyandy
DC – Let’s Dance goes mares novice melon is very very good doubts moon racer will turn up on good form very bullish on Melon
NOB – Melon is the most likely improver in the field
KW – Ballyandy
MF big fan of Bunk off Early asked DC who he’d ride he says Bunk off Early, Neon Wolf would win this if he runs in it and stats are against Melon

Champion Hurdle
HDB - Petit Mouchoir good form schooled well today only one in the field that has won 2 Grade 1s this season like sizing Europe
JF – Yanworth best attitude in the race and if he’s right he will win
JK – Petit Mouchoir unlucky in the fighting fifth and Tombstone not good enough
OS – Yanworth if Wayne Hutchinson rides
JMG – Yanworth has the best form but he’d take him on with brain power in an open looking race
NOB – Petit Mouchoir + Yanworth top rated but thinks Buveur Dair wins
MF – Brain Power e/w
DC – Limini goes for this race but when asked says Yanworth probably win
KW – Petit Mouchoir and Yanworth might do it but thinks in a hard run race that Footpad EW could catch them

Mares Hurdle
Not much said about this
DC – VVM wins this again easily
JK – Apples Jade no excuses run LTO is as good as she is
DR – Jer’s Girl

National Hunt Chase
KW - Genie in a bottle is slow but deserves to be the FAV but all in all a very bad race
JMG – Champers on ice wins this if JJ Codd rides
OS – Beware the Bear e/w
J.F – Foxtails Hill

Neptune
DC – Bacardys is very good should improve has a very very good chance
JMG – Not impressed with Finian’s Oscar, Neon wolf has great form best of the English and says that Bacardys jumping isn’t good enough
HDB – Waiting to see where Death Duty goes to see where to send Monalee but thinks Bacardys wins this
OS – Very impressed with Neon Wolf
JK – Death Duty best he’s ever ridden but thinks he goes to the Albert Bartlett
JF - Bacardys
DR – Death Duty in NRNB but other than that Finian’s Oscar
KW – Agrees with DR on Death Duty but thinks Bacardys wins
NOB – Bacardys
MF – Has been impressed with Neon Wolf but Bacardys has Cheltenham form

Triumph Hurdle
JF – Soldier in action
MF Soldier in action massively overpriced but thinks Mega Fortune wins with DR on board
DR – Slower the better for Mega Fortune
DC – Willie sends Bapaume and Merry de vie but thinks Defi du Seuil takes a lot of beating
OS – stick with Defi Du Seuil
JMG – Defi du Seuil but Mega Fortune if its soft Soldier in action e/w
All agree merry de vie is a lively outsider

Albert Bartlett
JK – Death Duty is the one to beat here
DC – Augusta Kate would have beaten Death Duty last time out despite the fall and @7/1 look no further, Penhill not out of it on nice ground
HDB – Monalee here guaranteed he will stay at 10/1
JF – Monalee
MF – Monalee is one of the best bets of the whole meeting

Ryanair
DC – Un De Sceaux has a hell of a chance
MF – Empire of Dirt is the NAP of the whole meeting really found his feet in the last 12 months and is the stand out horse of the card
JK – Empire of dirt he’s never had a ride like him, should have been sent to the gold cup and will be very hard to beat
DR – agrees with JK and MF but thinks the trip might be a bit sharp for him he’s a 3miler
HDB – Sub Lieutenant has a good chance e/w but thinks that Empire of dirt is the biggest danger
JMG – Un de Sceaux will take a lot of beating
JF – Un De Sceaux should have won last year and will win here
KW – can’t see Un De Sceaux beaten
OS – put blinkers or a visor on Uxizandre and he’ll have a great chance

Round up of Day 3
DR – Presenting Percy too heavily handicapped in the Pertemps English horse will win this no chance
DC – Let’s Dance in the mares but Airlie Beach is very very good
KW – Kim Muir too open, back Davys Ride
DR – Mall Dini disappointing but then got questioned and kept cards close to his chest (back it)
NOB – step up in trip will suit Mall Dini and feels he’s been campaigned for the Kim Muir

Bumper
DR - Some Day best in the country


JLT
DC – Yorkhill whatever finishes in front of this will be the winner
JMG – doubts about Yorkhill thinks top notch will run a big race
DR – if Yorkhill wears a hood he should go to the Arkle
JF – thinks Yorkhill will struggle likes top notch expects a good run out of Frodon at a big price
HDB – Yorkhill looks good he has Balko des Flos at 50/1
NOB – thinks Yorkhill is quirky and this could be Disko’s race
KW – thinks Yorkhill and Altior are avoiding each other but says Yorkhill is a beast
MF – Yorkhill is too free and could get himself beaten here

Stayers
NOB – Unowhatimeanharry looks too good, Jezki could run a big race
JF – Unowhatimeanharry – Jezki maybe but Lil Rockefeller e/w
KW – Unowhatimeanharry says Shaneshill runs well at Cheltenham and that Clondaw Warrior could be placed
JMG – Unowhatimeanharry decent although not a banker
OS – can’t see Unowhatimeanharry beaten but wouldn’t back him at EVS, Cole Harden has a chance
JK – Unowhatimeanharry
DR – Unowhatimeanharry, one of the NAPS
MF – Unowhatimeanharry, Clondaw Warrior e/w

RSA
JF – Might Bite
MF – Might Bites fall LTO a concern no hiding place in an RSA if he jumps he wins Whisper EW
DR – Might Bite is by Scorpion enough said
DC – not Bellshill, whisper e/w
OS – all horses by Scorpion are soft
JMG – Acapella Bourgeois
JK – Acapella if its soft

Arkle
JF – Altior too good
HDB – Altior, he sends some plan DR rides this
DR – Altior jumps too high and slow wants Yorkhill to run here
JMG – Altior
KW – Altior
DC – Yorkhill won’t run here Altior wins
MF – This is a novice steeplechase and anything can win Altior should run champion hurdle but Cloudy Dream e/w
NOB – Altior

Gold Cup
HDB – Champagne west is definitely in this just keeps going. Sizing john classy
JF – Bristol de Mai e/w
DR – Champagne west form very solid but thinks it’s between Djakadam and Native River but questions Native Rivers form
KW – Native River not as classy as Djakadam, Djakadam has Cheltenham and Gold Cup form says Champagne West’s jumping is better but you can’t miss a beat in the gold cup
DC – Cue Card no chance been below for since before the King George not good enough, Djakadam the best form it’s his year this year. More of that e/w says Sizing John won’t stay
NOB – agreed with DC says they’re all high class handicappers bar Djakadam who is very classy
MF – thinks Champagne West is a sleeper in this race is well handicapped for the national should skip this and go to the National
JMG – Cue card has no chance, Djakadam was disappointing LTO but still his first choice
JK – Between Native River and Djakadam
OS – Native River

jonthehammer 9:20 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Moate, Co Westmeath

G.O'B - Gary O’Brien
P.C. - Paul Carberry
K.B.- Kevin Blake
T.M.- Tony Mullins

SUPREME
K.B. Likes Bunk off early
P.C. Likes Moon Racer
T. M. Also likes Bunk off early
Panel were generally against Melon

ARKLE
All agree that Altior is near enough a certainty. Kevin Blake feels that Altior should be taking Douvan on but Tony Mullins disagrees saying that he is right to stay in novice class. Kevin Blake feels that Yorkhill would have put it up to Altior and gives Royal Caviar as a bet without the favourite.

CHAMPION HURDLE
P.C. - says it is between Petit Mouchoir and Brain Power
T.M. - Likes Limini but worries about the short break as she twice ran with less than 42 days break and got beaten twice. He also states that the Mc Manus camp really fancy Yanworth.
K.B. - He really fancies Yanworth

CROSS COUNTRY
P.C. - Likes Bless the wings each way, says Keith Donoghue rides
K.B. - Likes Any Currency. Says that Enda Bolger has not won this race since 2009 (got the race last year after stewards gave it to him)
T.M. - Enda Bolger told him that there was nothing between Cantlow and Auvergnat and at the prices like Auvergnat.

NEPTUNE NOVICES
All three like Bacardys. Paul Carberry says it is between him and Neon Wolf. Kevin Blake says Neon Wolf could be a bit inexperienced.

RSA CHASE
Tony Mullins and Kevin Blake both like Alpha des Obeaux. Tony feels that a Scorpion will not come up the hill (Might Bite) and Kevin feels Might Bite needs a flat track.

CHAMPION CHASE
Tony Mullins and Paul Carberry are both big fans of Douvan and think he will win. Kevin Blake says Douvan beat nothing yet which led to a healthy debate with him and Tony Mullins. Kevin wonders if Douvan really enjoys Cheltenham as it was here that Sizing John got closest to him twice and gives Special Tiara as a solid each way bet.

JLT
P.C. likes Disko but K.B. and T.M. are both all over Yorkhill. Tony says he is the bet of the meeting and Kevin reckons he would give Altior lots to think of.

RYANAIR
All three think that Un De Sceaux will win with Empire of Dirt the each way value. They all think it is a two horse race but say that Gordon Elliott would prefer to run Empire of Dirt in Gold Cup but O'Leary is insisting on running here.

STAYERS HURDLE
All agree here that Unowhatimeanharry is a banker and there is no danger. P.C. says Snow Falcon is not up to this standard

TRIUMPH HURDLE
The only one who would speak about this race was K.B. and he likes Mega Fortune. The other two had no interest at all in this type of race

GOLD CUP
All agreed that this was the most open gold cup of all time and they criticised Paddy Brennan for his ride on Cue Card last year saying he went far too early on a speed horse against two stayers. P. C. says it was the worst ride he ever seen. P.C. likes Cue card and if ground turns soft gives Sizing John a big chance. T.M. says that Native River is only a handicapper and is not good enough and likes Cue Card also. He says that his nephew David says that Champagne West is not man enough for a Gold Cup. K.B. says that Willie and ruby are very bullish about Djakadam. He has major stamina doubts about Sizing John and thinks the race could provide a big upset and gives More of That and Don Poli as each way bets.

BUMPER
T.M. Says that Carter McKay is the best of willies but does not like the way he swishes his tail. Does not think a four year old can win again.
K.B. Likes Western Ryder

THE OTHER RACES
T.M. Says that Augusta Kate is the Lay of the meeting , also says that Jamie Codd told him that Genie in a bottle in the national hunt chase was his best ride of the meeting. He likes Lets Dance in the mares novice hurdle and says that Airlie Beach will finish second to her. He also likes Death Duty in the Albert Bartlett'

K.B. Says that if he runs sweet as a Nut in the foxhunters would have a big chance. Monalee in the Albert Bartlett if he runs in it. North Hill Harvey could be well handicapped in the county hurdle. Likes Jury Duty in the Pertemps and his original fancy for the race Presenting Percy is handicapped badly. Also likes Noble Endeavour in the Ultima.

P.C. likes Runfordave in the coral cup and says Gordon Elliott thinks he has a great each way chance at a big price. Also mentions The Storyteller in the martin pipe as being well fancied.

G.O'B. Likes Noble Endeavour in the Ultima , Diamond King in the Brown Plate saying that Gordon feels he is well handicapped.
There was a telephone interview with Dan Skelton and he says that Chitbello is a lively outsider in the champion Hurdle and could run into a place. He likes North Hill Harvey in the County hurdle. He could have three in the Close brothers novice chase and all have good each way chances (Value At Risk, Itsafreebee and Two Taff’s), Born Survivor has an each way chance in the Martin Pipe and Yorkist has an each way chance in the Grand annual but his best chance of the meeting and a horse he really fancies is Cause Toujours in the bumper. He says this is his best bet of the meeting.

Just before we finished Paul Carberry dropped a bombshell saying that he was talking to Barry Geraghty and Barry reckons that he has an outside chance of being fit for the festival as he has only one broken rib and not six as an English doctor told him

jonthehammer 9:10 Mon Mar 6
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Betbright, Walkabout Temple, London

On the Panel:
Paul Kealy - PK
Joe Tizzard - JT
Noel Hayes - NH
Rich Ricci - RR
Nick Luck - NL

Champion Hurdle
RR: on Limini he’s not 100% sure on supplementing, her she’s not as good as Annie Power and they will leave it until late. VVM could be a ‘potential runner’ but then went on to say she wants two and a half miles and runs too keenly over two miles so unlikely to run here and Limini goes with a chance.
PK: Champion Hurdle short of quality Buveur D’Air does have class. Nicky Henderson thinks he’s much better than Brain Power.
Yanworth: JT picked Yanworth and RR said Ruby told him he’d ride Yanworth given the choice of riding anything in the Champion Hurdle.

Stayers Hurdle
PK: Cole Harden best e/w bet of festival, Jezki has no chance – all panel agreed on UNWIMH

Champion Chase
JT: Fox Norton likely to go Champion Chase but still leaving him in the Ryanair – no chance of winning the Champion Chase, they thought he was very good until destroyed by Altior so unlikely to beat Douvan.
PK: Garde La Victoire is the choice in the without Douvan market. If he sorts out his jumping he would be very good.
RR: said Douvan goes for the King George next year.

Novice Hurdles
Melon – everyone agrees a poor price, not deserving favourite on what he’s shown so far.
RR: Lets Dance is Mullins best novice. Ruby will ride her in the Mares novice and is his best bet of week.
NH likes Prospectus for the Fred Winter

Ryanair
Un De Sceaux won’t win on good ground – RR said yard are confident unless it is good ground.
PK: prefers Uxizandre but have to account for bounce factor, he likes Fox Norton if runs but EOD wins.
JT: yard fancy Alary in Ryanair, might not do it this year but will improve next year once acclimatised to British racing.

Gold Cup
JT: said Cue Card coughed after King George, the whole yard were coughing December/January including Thistlecrack. Thistlecrack would beat Cue Card but he isn’t going. When asked who he’d ride out of theirs, JT said Thistlecrack but he’s not going. He watched the horses work this morning and on that would choose Cue Card. Native River is good but would need to step up to win. He said Cue Card looks ‘fucking fantastic’.
RR: fancies Djakadam. He is the right age and profile, was beaten by better horses than he’ll face this year. If he doesn’t win this year he’ll go Grand National next year.
PK: thinks Cue Card might be a soft ground horse now, he is too old but would love him to win. He’s had a big bet on Djakadam. Native River tough horse but won a poor Hennessey, other form not great, thinks he wants a flat track – JT disagreed with this and said ignore last year as Native River has now matured.

RSA
Alpha Des Obeaux – the panel were not concerned about bleeding last time out as he’s not a regular bleeder so not a concern. JT said their horses bleed all the time on the gallops, if you saw how often it happens you’d never back one of theirs

Handicaps/Others
RR: Renetti is “mad as shit”. He’s on a good rating and would be a good bet on a flat track in a handicap but he can’t jump.
RR: highlighted Khashari for the Martin Pipe saying he is potentially well handicapped
PK – likes Brother Tedd for the Close Brothers. He’s well handicapped if he gets in, if not he’ll win a decent prize elsewhere soon
Wotzizname was flagged as one for the Pertemps
Dandridge for the Grand Annual – well handicapped and made an eye catching run last time
Cause of Causes – as well as taking to Cheltenham to school him over the course, Gordon has taken him to Enda’s and schooled over his banks course
JT: Sizing Codelco in the Brown Plate is the Tizzard nap of the week

jonthehammer 12:39 Fri Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Betdaq Night – Moneygall, Co Offaly https://twitter.com/gjt90

Charlie Swan
Denis Hogan
Tom Hogan
Johnny Burke
David Mullins
Ollie Murphy

SUPREME
Charlie Swan/Tom Hogan - Bunk Off Early Denis H - Moon Racer Danny M -"will take a serious performance for melon win"
Ollie Murphy against Mellon "beat a very poor horse off ours, very open race I'd be siding with Moon Racer"
Johnny Bourke - "if Ruby Walsh thinks he's good enough to win that's enough for me"

ARKLE
All panel obviously with Altior, Johnny B thinks Charbel will chase him home. Denis H with Identity Thief e/w
Olly M - "pretty boring race, Royal Caviar might chase him home" Charlie - "I wouldn't have Nico up on Altior, his only danger"
DOUVAN VS ALTIOR Tom & Denis both think Altior could beat Douvan IF Noel Fehily was on board, the panel aren't fans of Nico

CHAMPION HURDLE
Olly Murphy - "Tombstone has an e/w chance but Yanworth big price at 7/2"
Charlie Swan - "I'd be a big fan of Yanworth" Tom Hogan - "Yanworth not as fluent as last year, Buveur Dair"
Danny Mullins - "Tom Hogan is on drugs, Yanworth very fluent & solid, gets the job done, Brain Power only a handicapper"
Johnny Bourke who's been on tinder all night has just found a 33yr old blonde looking for fun
Johnny Bourke - "Brain Power for me, David is very sweet on him"
Danny Mullins causing trouble here, first targeting Johnny B exposing his tinder troubles and now poor

MARES HURDLE
Charlie Swan - Apples Jade Tom Hogan - VVM not the mare she was last year,Apple Denis Hogan - VVM Danny M - VVM
Olly Murphy - "if Limini turns up she will take a lot of beating, our mare will have to improve greatly from her last run"

NEPTUNE
Tom Hogan - "Neon Wolf, form is outstanding, Noel F says he is very very very good & said he has more gears in him"
Johnny B - Bacardys Denis Hogan - "Finian’s Oscar is the real deal" Olly Murphy - "Brelade massive e/w price but Neon Wolf"
Danny Mullins - "My mother trained Neon to a PTP, he's very good, will take ALL the beating"

RSA
Johnny B - "Coney Island, Might Bite no hope" Danny Mullins - "Coney has solid form" Charlie - "I like Coney, very hard to beat"
Olly Murphy - "we have no runner in this and Coney Island is a proper bet at 4/1" Tom Hogan - lay Might Bite back Coney Denis - ADO
Mark Enright after popping in, says "Alpha Des Obeaux is flying it at home solid e/w but Coney for me"

QUEEN MOTHER
Who chases Douvan home? Denis - Special Tiara Tom - race to watch Olly - enjoy the race Charlie - watch Johnny B - Tinder
WHO WINS FURTHER? All panel say Douvan will further than Altior..

CHAMP BUMP
Danny Mullins - "Carter definitely working the best of Willies at home, the mother has Debuchet and is a good e/w"
Olly Murphy - "Patrick said at a preview last week is very very sweet on Carter, I think he'll be shorter than 3/1"
Tom Hogan - "Carter stays very well, high cruising speed & a turn of foot" Denis - Carter Gordon won't have any runner
Danny Mullins driver is after popping up out of nowhere "CARTER IS A CERTAINTY" Danny has a personal driver Half time here, the boys have gone to see what Johnny Bourke's new Tinder match is like, solid e/w says Johnny

Wherever Let's Dance goes she wins is the word floating around here at the break

JLT
Olly Murphy - "I'm very very sweet on Yorkhill, 6/4 looks massive to me" Danny Mullins - "I wouldn't be backing Yorkhill at that price"
Johnny B - Disko if he goes Charlie - Yorkhill, Disko e/w Tom Hogan - Charbel if he runs here Denis - Charbel e/w

RYANAIR
Olly Murphy - "we run Empire, very fragile & hard to train, UDS very hard to oppose" Tom Hogan - UDS Charlie - Empire of Dirt
Gar Toohey Retweeted Matthew Hall‏*
Danny Mullins - "Id struggle to get away from UDS, won't be a steering job tho" Johnny B - Empire
Donagh Meyler really likes Empire Of Dirt

STAYERS
Charlie - "Harry deserves to be fav, Noel will ride him, Cole Harden e/w, Harry should win"
Olly Murphy - "Harry one of the bankers of the week" Tom Hogan after asking for a price on NICHOLLS NOT TO TRAIN A WINNER, Tom
Danny Mullins - "Harry should be a banker, Jezki very poor last day although Jessie said working well since" Johnny B - Cole e/w

MARES NOVICE
Danny Mullins - "Let’s Dance is the one here, Rich wants a winner and at 3/1 she's my banker of the whole week"
Charlie - "If Lets Dance turns up she's a good thing" Olly Murphy - "we won't win this, Willie wins this"
Tom Hogan - "Let’s Dance obvious choice" Denis Hogan - Lets Dance 6/4 now

TRIUMPH
Charlie - "DDS should win, has the form, better than Charli" Olly Murphy - "Mega Fortune is massive at 6/1"
Denis Hogan - DDS Danny Mullins - "Dandy Mag at 33/1 e/w for me, working solid at home" Johnny B - Meri Devie overpriced

ALBERT BARTLETT
Denis - Death Duty NAP Tom - West App e/w Johnny - Monalee e/w Charlie - DD BANKER Danny - AB graveyard for favs, Worldends
Olly Murphy - "apple of Gordon's eye, Irish banker and our banker of the week"

GOLD CUP
Danny Mullins - "Native River only won 2 handicaps, Djakadam for me, prep this season has been very smooth"
Johnny B - "Native River if I had to pick a ride, has it all" Charlie - "Djakadam, more class than NR, More of That e/w"
Olly Murphy - "Champagne West big price at 16/1" Tom Hogan - "Cue Card won a bicycle race LTO, More of That for me"
Denis Hogan - "the good had gone out of with Vautour & Thistle gone, I like Minella Rocco, has had no luck but MR 33/1 for me"
Donagh Meyler - Native River Mark Enright - Cue Card




HANDICAPS
Danny - Martello Charlie - Demand king Olly - Run for Dave Tom - Peter the mayo man Denis - Modus Johnny - Vaniteux

TOP IRISH TRAINER Denis - Gordon Tom - Gordon Charlie - Gordon Danny - Gordon Johnny -
Gordon

CHARITY BETS Denis - Petit M €50 e/w Tom - Neon Wolf €100 Olly - Diamond King €50 e/w Charlie - Yanworth €100 Johnny - Cole Harden €50 e/w

LAYS OF FESTIVAL Denis - Melon Tom - Yorkhill Olly - Melon NOT to place Charlie - Cue Card Danny - DEATH DUTY Johnny - Yorkhill

jonthehammer 10:01 Fri Mar 3
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Few bits from Swords - The Davy russell show!!


DAVY RUSSELL is to Cheltenham preview nights what greasy sausages are to a fry-up.

You can have one without him, but it will always feel like the best part is missing. He’s here and he looks fairly fresh. He was at Ffos Las only a few hours ago. Five rides. No winner. No matter.
“Just to warn you about Jack [Kennedy],” he’s off already. “Jack is from Kerry and he . . . taaaaaalks . . . very . . . very . . . very . . . slowwwww-ly. It . . . will . . . take . . . him . . . ages . . . to . . . get . . . out . . . every . . . word.”
Impression number one nailed. He’s right too. Kennedy talks about as quickly as Quixall Crossett used to run.

Russell does a good Roy Keane too, not the biggest surprise given they are both from Cork.
When a mobile phone goes off near the front, he pounces. “Whose phone is that? Whose phone is that? Why don’t you turn it off? Or put it on silent? Have a bit of manners.”

He soon puts manners on Paddy Power’s Rob Catterson too. “How could Melon be your biggest loser? Surely you only took fivers and tenners at the big prices.”

Russell has some advice for Nigel Twiston-Davies too. “They would be off their heads not to run Ballyandy in the Coral Cup with just 10st 13lb.”

This is a night for big, sweeping statements. If you haven’t got a strong opinion that is exaggerated more than a Premier League dive then don’t bother picking up the microphone at all.

That style suits Mark Winstanley as The Couch loves nothing more than a good, old analogy.
From the Tolworth form having more holes in it than St Andrews to Unowhatimeanharry being the biggest certainty since Ben Hur got into the chariot, they just keep on coming. He is even willing to take a bullet if Neon Wolf doesn’t win the Neptune and agrees to start supporting Man United if Petit Mouchoir wins the Champion Hurdle. He has also found the one to complete the tricast in the Racing Post Arkle. “Altior wins by miles, Royal Caviar will be second and the ambulance will come home third.”

Time for a quick straw poll. “Hands up who thinks Douvan would beat Altior if they met?” asks Russell. Almost all of the 200 or so crowd promptly pop their paws in the air. And who’d back Altior? One hand rises. We Irish are very patriotic.

Kennedy thinks Petit Mouchoir will win the Champion Hurdle. Russell thinks he might but wouldn’t put anyone off Yanworth. Brian Flanagan believes Ireland is sending the B team over for it. All agree it is a “very ordinary” renewal.

Andrew McNamara shares a story with the crowd about the day he interviewed Djakadam’ s groom live on RTE and only realised after he asked the first question that he didn’t speak a word of English. “Where was he from, Kerry?” replies Russell to roaring laughter from the floor.

The Couch would not back Might Bite with counterfeit in the RSA. Russell, in one of his more serious moments, talks up Whisper, saying: “He is a lovely horse and I am absolutely mad about him.” Brian Flanagan would fancy Coney Island if he turned up here, but has spotted something in the National Hunt Chase. Arbre De Vie (33-1) is the name and we even give Joe Chambers, Rich Ricci’s racing manager, an impromptu call on loudspeaker. “He’s slow and wants extreme distances,” says Chambers. Luckily it’s over four miles.

Yorkhill divides opinion. McNamara labels him big and thick. Russell says he is “his own worst enemy”. Catterson naps him at the end of the night. Make your own mind up.

None of the panel is contemplating defeat for Unowhatimeanharry. “He is as far ahead of these as Douvan is in the Queen Mother,” says McNamara. Death Duty is another who earns unanimous backing from the panel with Kennedy seeing nothing that could live with him.

Mega Fortune is one of Russell’s best rides of the week in the Triumph. “The softer the ground, the better his chance,” he reveals.
Finally, we make it to the Gold Cup. Cue Card is 11 and shouldn’t bother showing up. Outlander might not be good enough claims Kennedy. Russell is not convinced by Native River’s form despite all his winning, but The Couch thinks he is “bombproof”.
Confused? Me too.

THE PANEL’S PICKS

Davy Russell
Unowhatimeanharry (Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle)

Jack Kennedy
Death Duty (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle)

Mark Winstanley
Beware The Bear (National Hunt Chase)

Andrew McNamara
Charbel without Altior (Racing Post Arkle Chase)

Brian Flanagan
Coney Island (JLT Novices’ Chase)

Gavin Cromwell
Death Duty (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle)

Rob Catterson
Yorkhill (JLT Novices’ Chase)

Denis Kirwan
Defi Du Seuil (JCB Triumph Hurdle)

georgy takes no s**t 1:29 Thu Mar 2
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Watched the betfair preview last night online , my connection was poor and it kept crashing but got a few snipets, Gordon Elliot, Newsboy, Kevin Blake and Paul Nicholls were there, none of them were having Melon at the price. Interestingly Gordon Elliot said that he trains Broken Soul (who Melon beat by 8l last time out) and Broken soul wouldn't even run to 110 IRE / 105 UK. Basically saying Melon would have to run 25 lb higher than that to win a supreme.

GE also said that given Phil Smiths rating of Tombstone that he will most likely run in the Coral or County with the County being a preference.

Im going to the Walkabout (temple) tonight for a preview. Rich Ricci, Nick Luck, Paul Kealy and Joe Tizzard are there. Will report any decent info

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