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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 5:23 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Cheltenham Preview Night - Thursday 23rd February 2017 - Ormond Hotel, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary - all proceeds go to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The Panel;

Davy Russell (DR), National Hunt Jockey, Cheltenham Record Holder
Joseph O'Brien (JOB), Trainer, former group one winning Flat Jockey
Johnny Ward (JW), Journalist w/Irish Independent, formerly Racing Post
Dave Kenna (DK), Journalist w/The Irish Field
Kevin O'Ryan (KOR), Interviewer on At The Races, Jockey Agent

M.C. - Denis Kirwan (Racing Journalist)

Supreme;
DR – good standard of a race but thinks Melon is a disgraceful price at 3/1, will be 5/1 or 6/1 on the day. Thinks this is the race for Finian’s Oscar, made a point about him being the only G1 winner in the race.
JW – said Finian’s Oscar won’t run here!
KOR – was worried that it was a season too soon for Finian’s Oscar but Davy countered that due to the time of year he was born, he had received a full years training prior to his PTP. Likes Bunk Off Early despite being by Zebedee, stamina on the dam side and he liked the way he finished his race off at Leopardstown after running free early, and the good gallop of a Supreme will suit him.
JOB – really likes Bunk Off Early who beat a well-regarded one of theirs (Outspoken).
DK – Moon Racer has all the form, he’ll be surprised if Ruby doesn’t ride Bunk Off Early.

Arkle;
DR – thinks Yorkhill should run here as he is too keen over a distance and his jumping suffers as a result – advised taking the price in the NRNB market. If you are looking for some value, Some Plan may have been the only horse that finished the Irish Arkle (and he stressed that differing ground conditions have to be taken into account) but the time was very fast. Also mentioned Royal Caviar for the place money.
JOB – just remarked that Willie Mullins will always put the right horse in the right race. Thinks the better the race the better Yorkhill goes so this could be the race for him.
JW – doesn’t buy into the Altior hype but thinks Willie will go for the simpler option with Yorkhill (JLT)
KOR – Some Plan/Royal Caviar w/o favourite. Told a story about how Willie Mullins supplemented Wicklow Brave for the Irish Ledger two minutes before the deadline after twice denying he would run because two AOB runners were withdrawn so there was no danger of him finishing too close to the them and upsetting his mark for the Melbourne Cup. There is no grand plan and everything is fluid – Willie Mullins is going to do what he wants to do and doesn’t give a f**k about anyone else.

Champion Hurdle;
DK – likes Limini if supplemented in a very open race. Petit Mouchoir probably has the best form this year but it looks weak. Yanworth not good enough. Jessie is very happy with Jezki. Tombstone will be supplemented.
DR – thinks Nichols Canyon is the best horse in the race on form and they should make the running with him. Thinks Buveur D’Air jumping style suits a return to hurdles but would hate to see Yorkhill returned to hurdles. Would like to ride Tombstone in the race if he was supplemented.
JW – really likes Yanworth and thinks he has no holes. Rang Willie about Limini and although he didn’t get an answer, he thinks she will be supplemented. Doesn’t think Yorkhill will go Gold Cup next year and thinks he will be kept over shorter distances.
KOR – Petit Mouchoir has no chance. Thinks Yanworth is the one, feels that Barry has never gotten to the bottom of him. Will be shocked if Limini isn’t supplemented, and you can draw a line through her final run of last season. Made the point about all the excuses being made for Apples Jade when it was Limini’s first run of the season and thinks the form will stand.

Neptune;
DR – great race with great depth, thinks it is the race for Death Duty as he has class and AB runners usually need 3 miles minimum as a necessity which Death Duty doesn’t. NRNB 16/1.
JOB – thinks Augusta Kate would have given Death Duty plenty to think about if she had stood up the last day and fancies her to sneak around and pick up a few pieces.
JW – thinks Davy might be on to something here as Gigginstown are short on options here.
DK – Neon Wolf is the best horse in the race, Death Duty looks slow. If Bunk Off Early goes well in the Supreme then Bacardys would have a great chance.
KOR – Bacardys if Death Duty or Finian’s Oscar don’t show up here.

RSA;
DK – likes Coney Island for this and feels the form of the Drinmore could be the most solid with a view to Cheltenham having run on Good to Yielding ground. Doesn’t think Disko is good enough. Can’t have Alpha Des Obeaux as he bleeds.
DR – defended his ride behind Acapella Bourgois saying he couldn’t go any faster but doesn’t think the AB is good enough to win an RSA. Might Bite is nicely bred. He would be very surprised if Whisper ran or won. A proper 3 miler is require for this and he thinks an outsider will win. Mentioned Martello Tower @25/1 as his idea of the winner. Thinks it is harder than the 4 miler because of the classier opposition. Debunked the ‘myth’ about the RSA breaking horses – it might break bad horses but the good ones go on and win Gold Cups.
M.C. - last 19 winners of the Feltham have failed to win an RSA?
JOB – Might Bite needs to run half a stone better than his current mark to win.
JW – Might Bite by Scorpion and is a bit of a character – would like to see him go eye to eye with something in a tight finish and see what happens. Backed Alpha Des Obeaux and remarked that Mouse loves him.
KOR – Edwulf is like a drunk leaving a nightclub (like this one on a Saturday night)!

Champion Chase;
DK – just enjoy Douvan, can see Special Tiara chasing him home.
JOB – any decent opposition will reroute to the Ryanair.
JW – Douvan best horse he has ever seen and would run him in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday and the Champion Chase on Wednesday since the CC would be an easy procession of a race.
KOR – Cop to f**k on!
DR – after running in a Champion Hurdle he would be walking around for a week with his head between his legs in recovery mode. He implored Johnny Ward for the sake of his journalistic career not to write such an article!

Bumper;
JOB – Carter McKay impressive at Naas but it was a farce of a race, just a sprint to the line. He rode him prior to being sold to current owners and he liked him but not overly so. Thinks the ground will be too quick for West Coast Time. Thinks there will be a big priced winner.
DK – WPM used to have 5 or 6 in this but now might have two at most. Thinks it is a very hard race on young horses.
JW – Gigginstown no interest in the bumper but they paid 300k for a horse in Samcro that had no form and that is the way the game has gone.
*this led to a debate about whether the Potts, Gigginstown and JP throwing vast quantities of money around for horses is a good thing or not?

JLT;
DR – Yorkhill far superior to the others but his keenness could make him vulnerable. Likes Disko as he jumps and travels well. Also likes Top Notch and reminded everybody that the English are going to win plenty of races and we can get too fixated on the Irish runners.
DK – between the top two in the market (Yorkhill and Top Notch).

Ryanair;
DR – Empire Of Dirt will run here (claims to know this for a fact), needs a career best and probably some juice in the ground but would stay 5 miles in his opinion. Uxizandre one of his bets of the whole week – ticks every box with the headgear on. UDS too ground dependant.
JW – Empire Of Dirt has a good chance.
JOB – fancies Uxizandre and feels he will be ridden more positively with the reapplication of blinkers.
DK – Un De Sceaux is his banker of the week. Empire Of Dirt only a handicapper.
KOR – Irish Gold Cup wasn’t an end to end gallop and he feels Empire Of Dirt would have his stamina stretched in a Gold Cup and is better suited to here. Feels he has proven himself to be better than a handicapper.

Stayers;
DR – Unowhatimeanharry is the ideal stayers horse – keeps plenty to himself. Great training performance from his handlers throughout his career.
JOB – JP McManus has a strong hand in this.
JW – disappointed with Jezki the last day and felt he only beat a 2 miler in Hurricane Fly when he won over 3 miles previously.
DK – Unowhatimeanharry is a banker, may drift out a little on the day.
KOR – sees no chinks in the favourite.

Triumph;
DR – Mega Fortune doesn’t need soft ground but is more effective on it. Likes Landofhopenandglory if the ground comes up quick.
JOB – Mega Fortune has a great chance and the Irish form looks strong.
JW – although Housesofparliament is out of the festival, he feels that Merie Devie’s defeat of that horse represents good form and she ran a fast time.
DK – hard to assess the English form and feels Geraghty is the man to ask. Too much flip flopping in the Irish form. Thought Dinaria Des Obeaux and Merie Devie were the value and the ones to take out of the Spring Hurdle. Merie Devie not at her best the last day and thinks Ruby will ride her.
KOR – thinks Dinaria Des Obeaux and Mega Fortune will fight out the finish and that the latter will eat up the Cheltenham hill and is one of his bets of the festival (to which Davy responded that he needed his head examined!). Feels Elliott was forced into the application of cheek pieces earlier than he would have wanted because he is chasing the trainers title (previously would have waited until the festival to apply them).

Albert Bartlett;
DK – feels the Peregrine Run/Wholestone form is not strong enough, also questioned the strength of the Death Duty form. Feels West Approach 3rd in the Cleeve best form on the table suggesting he has improved the most and makes him the most likely winner.
JOB – thinks Bacardys was ridden last time with this distance in mind and likes him.
DR – likes West Approach and Wholestone (good hardy type) but thinks Bacardys will win. Monalee also has a good shout. Despite PTP’ers having a good profile for this race, Death Duty goes Neptune.
KOR – likes Constantine Bay form and feels he has a good each way shout.
JW – more derision directed at Ward for suggesting Penhill as a likely winner having had his form franked by Call The Taxie (a horse ridden to victory by Davy Russell who was the first to scoff at the suggestion that Penhill was good enough stating that he can’t jump and he bleeds).

Gold Cup;
DR – Don Poli very slow and doesn’t like going any quicker. He is a neat jumper but if he winged his fences he might have a better chance to win. Doesn’t think he is suited to a National as his jumping is too slow. Was all about Thistlecrack at the start of the year thinking his jumping would improve but actually felt it dis-improved – he didn’t think he would win it but felt it was a shame he wouldn’t run all the same. Native River in the same mould as Denman and the likes of those win Gold Cups. Sizing John has huge ability if he stays (more like a Kauto Star)
JOB – Don Poli good price for a place but doesn’t think he can win.
JW – Native River solid but might get outpaced at the finish. Told two stories about Alan Potts – when Sizing Europe won the Champion Chase Potts remarked, “it’s not the f**king Gold Cup now is it” and also that Potts apparently offered 3 million pounds for Thistlecrack – the point being Potts is obsessed with winning the Gold Cup.
DK – likes Djakadam in a less than vintage edition and thinks he should have won the Lexus. Feels Cue Card might have a chance with a different jockey and can’t forgive Brennan for last year.
KOR – Djakadam wasn’t made full use of in the Lexus so would be his idea of the winner, Cue Card has no chance as an 11yo, Outlander not good enough and Sizing John won’t stay (this point got a reaction from the crowd).

Questions from the audience;
I asked Davy Russell how Presenting Percy compared to Mall Dini and he said Mall Dini was a better jumper but that he has been very disappointed with Mall Dini this year and he may not even go to Cheltenham as he felt he may not handle the hustle and bustle of a big field handicap.

Just to note I found all this a bit hard to believe because Mall Dini has jumped beautifully this year for the most part and has been running over too short a distance and ground softer than ideal.

He didn’t show any enthusiasm for Presenting Percy (which is another good sign imo!) and overall there was little or no insight into the handicaps from the panel. Davy didn’t even know what horses he was riding in the handicaps apparently! He half-heartedly mentioned Diamond King but warned he was on a slightly higher mark than last year.

Charity Bets;
DR – Uxizandre Ryanair / Unowhatimeanharry Stayers
JOB - Uxizandre Ryanair (mentioned Ivanovich Gorbatov would have an each way chance in the County Hurdle)
JW – Penhill AB / Movewiththetimes Supreme
DK – Coney Island RSA
KOR – Mega Fortune Triumph / Cause Of Causes X Country
M.C. Denis Kirwan – Bunk Off Early Supreme

Flannel 5:31 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Top man - these are always a good read. Jon you do me proud!

Takashi Miike 6:08 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

thanks Jon, Davey Russell is always my favourite guest at these events

jonthehammer 8:55 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

No worries lads

I will be at the Haydock one as per last year so will do my own write up. Brian Hughes I the jockey again.

Northern Sold 10:59 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Cheers Jonny boy always a interesting read... obvious Irish bias in that one for obvious reasons.... this made me laugh...

`Native River solid but might get outpaced at the finish`.


No chance

Flannel 11:11 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Mullins tour of his yard on sporting life is worth a read - few interesting pointers

Takashi Miike 11:39 Mon Feb 27
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

wherever Vroum Vroum goes I'm backing her

jonthehammer 11:07 Tue Feb 28
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Few snippets from the Ascot Preview NIght


Ascot – 18th Feb

Barry Orr (Betfair): On The Fringe (St James's Place Foxhunter Chase, best price 6-4)

Aidan Coleman: Defi Du Seuil (JCB Triumph Hurdle, best price 3-1)

Paul Nicholls: Wonderful Charm (St James's Place Foxhunter Chase, best price 9-2)

Ed Chamberlin (ITV Racing): Messire Des Obeaux (Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, best price 12-1)


Champion Hurdle: Yanworth. Orr and Coleman reckon he does only what he has to do, but will it be enough?
Nicholls likes Petit Mouchoir as does Orr, while Coleman leans towards Buveur D’Air, fends off interrogation about which McManus horse he’d prefer to ride. Orr fiddles with his phone, says that Barry Geraghty is 4-6 to ride Yanworth, 11-10 to sit on Buveur D’Air.
Chamberlin half-rises from his chair, the buzz coursing through him. “Are you serious?” he asks. “Never mind the horses, I’ll take Barry Geraghty to ride Buveur D’Air,” he says.

Nicholls says that Lifeboat Mona won’t finish last in the Mares’ Hurdle – he also says this about Dreamcatcher in the Fred Winter, – and gives a nudge towards Movewiththetimes in the Supreme Novices’ because he’ll prefer the better ground.

Unowhatimeanharry. “You’d want to take on the favourite,” says Orr, doing so with Ballyoptic. Coleman urges us to look for value in the direction of Cole Harden, while Nicholls says Zarkandar is solid each-way. Pens drift purposefully over notepads, mouths moue in judicious acceptance. Ve-e-ry interesting.

Orr takes on the favourite in the Gold Cup too, calling Cue Card a big player, throwing away the Irish Gold Cup form and putting his weight behind a fresh Djakadam. Coleman has eyes only for Native River, the memory of Newbury unfading, and Nicholls agrees.
Actually, first of all he says Saphir Du Rheu, but then laughs a hearty laugh and says Native River. Ve-e-ry interesting.
Chamberlin opens the floor for questions, coming among us with the microphone to pick up more personal requests. Caid Du Berlais?

Nicholls has three options and will see what the ground is like.

jonthehammer 9:21 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Cheltenham on the Rock (COTR) Snippets

Segal, Millington, Jennings and Kealy on a boat with a load of bookies. #GIBCHELTPREVIEW

#COTR pretty divided opinions in the RSA. Coney Island rock solid form says the panel
Segal neither backing nor laying Melon #melon
Anyone care about the Ryanair Chase? #COTR
Champion Chase was a formality
Champion Hurdle time #COTR
West Approach gets the majority verdict in the albert Bartlett #COTR
Discussing the Cross Country now. 'French Horse' for Kealy. No one else cares #COTR
Some early rivalry as @DavidJenningsRP is saddened to learn he missed out on 50s on Shattered Love for the Neptune due to @Fagan_1987. #COTR
White Hart Church‏ @RChurchill26 3h3 hours ago

Naps of the week
Tom Segal hates Altior.
Garde La Victoire without Douvan seems to be the consensus #COTR
Golden Spear county hurdle for Segal
I hate his jumping, I hate his attitude, I hate his price. Yorkhill still wins according to Jennings. #JLT
Jennings already said David Casey is shrewdest judge in the Mullins yard!
Jennings backing Champers on Ice whatever race he runs in. #mug #COTR
Jennings reckons a fresh Djakadam is the best Djakadam. Wins. #COTR
Jennings says Squoauteur is shite

Stayer Hurdle
Jezki has a touch of class, won a Champion. Not a bad run LTO. Jennings fancies him
Segal has backed Jezki, Shaneshill and COLE HARDEN #COTR
Joseph and Davy said Yorkhill runs in the Arkle #lies
Kealy says Cole Harden can reverse form with Harry on good ground
Kealy says Lets Dance whatever she runs in. Better than Vroum Vroum Mag #COTR
Kealy thinks Lets Dance would win the Neptune
Segal and Kealy for Uxizandre. Jennings thinks UDS will win.
MTOY EW for Segal, Yanworth for Jennings, and Buveur D'Air for Kealy
This is going quite fast. Gold Cup now
Segal cannot have Native River #COTR
Segal writes off the top 5 in the market. Champagne West for him #COTR
Triumph it's Defi De Seuil for the lads #COTR
Scouser on the sofa @Fagan_1987 puts up Unowhatimeanharry as his nap #COTR

jonthehammer 9:30 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Cheltenham preview night Larry Tomkins Sports Bar - Cork

Panel: Enda Bolger (EB), Nina Carberry (NC), Tony Mullins (TM)

Supreme Novices
TM -> Has a friend that does sectionals and said Bunk Off Early’s sectionals were ‘amazing’. Melon too inexperienced. Moon Racer the reliable one NC -> Very negative about Melons jumping EB -> Very sweet on Moon Racer (Mentions course form not for the only time tonight) will get up the hill

Arkle
All the panel select Altior, Tony Mullins gives an each-way shout for Charbel then goes off on a tangent defending Nico De Boinville as a jockey re ride he gave Coneygree…

Champion Hurdle
EB -> Yanworth a funny horse to get a handle on but has been laid out for this race NC -> Likes Petit Mouchoir but sees the value at 14/1 about Tombstone TM -> Absolutely says Limini wins!! equates her to Faugheen!!!! BUT says she’s at her best fresh and is not sure that the race against Apples Jade isn’t too close to the festival. Says Yanworth won’t beat the ambulance home, ran like a piebald the last day!!!

Mares Hurdle
First all NO mention of Limini!!
NC -> Willie wins but Vroum Vroum not at 100% after last race TM -> Backed up what Nina said re last time out saying Vroum Vroum and a bad blood count. Says at her age Apples Jade has had too many hard races this season EB - > Vroum Vroum Mag

NH Chase
NC -> If she could ride one in it - Alpha Des Obeaux. Agenieinabottle a leary lazy type but has been aimed at this TM -> Mouse always has then ready EB -> Edwulf the pick of JP’s and Derek O’Connor rides

Neptune
Not much was discussed about the Neptune, Tony Mullins liked Bacardys and then went off on a tangent about how people were doubting how successful Willie would be this year, he reckoned he will have a ‘savage year’

Champion Chase
Douvan has to fall twice to lose this. Not a whole lot of time spent.

Cross Country
EB -> Cantlow was 18lbs worse off last time out against the French horse meets on level weights. Gave Cause Of Causes as a dark horse, Mark Walsh has the choice (Cantlow/Auvergnat) Adrian Heskin rides the other and Derek O’Connor definitely rides Colour Squadron NC -> Cantlow a worthy fave but very competitive, gave Usuel Smurfer as a big price that won’t be far away.
TM -> Enda wins

Bumper
EB -> Connections very sweet on Western Ryder TM -> Says Carter McKay is Willie’s best but questioned its tail-carriage last time out.
NC -> Mentioned a horse of Jonjo’s that won at Chepstow last time out… have to google that one It was mentioned that of all the horses Willie lost to Gigginstown, Blow By Blow was the one he would miss most

JLT
TM -> Yorkhill the bet of the meeting
NC -> likes Disko but not good enough here EB -> Yorkhill loves going left, Ruby hugs the rail the whole way round

Ryanair
At this point Un De Sceaux’s owner came up to the stage. Waxed lyrical about UDS but!!!! Said he will NOT WIN IF THE GROUND IS GOOD!!!! Also said forecast is for rain for the next 10 days there so was optimistic BUT when he said about the ground you could hear a pin drop!!
NC -> Said that that owners run Empire Of Dirt here could be a tip in itself TM -> Dismissed bounce factor with Uxizandre said it’s been trained with race in mind

Stayers
All of the panel keen on Uknowhatimeanharry
TM-> commented that he reckons Nichols Canyon is gone at the game,
NC -> Not much of an Irish threat in this EB -> Said Barry Geraghty holds UNWIMH in highest regard

Mares Novice
Panel split here
NC -> No faults in Airlie Beach and can’t see it beaten TM -> Lets Dance has the proven class and Airlie Beach is just an improver so far EB -> Would love to see Airlie Beach win as a shout out to Kilbeggan TM -> Never underestimate the strength of a second season novice


Triumph
TM -> No fxxxing interest!! can never work it out !! move on NC -> Master Blueness impressed her last time out.
EB -> Loves Defi as a course and distance winner and said Barry Geraghty was very sweet Take this with a pinch a salt but someone on the panel said that Charles Byrnes had said that Defi Du Seuil was a BANKER!!

Albert Barlett
Got the panels interest big time as a great race!!
TM -> Hopes Death Duty wins, also gave Penhill as a horse that bled at Killarney and then came out next time and won by half the track NC -> Thinks the world of Death Duty EB -> Knows Death Duty well. Best of Irish staying novices, ticks all the boxes

Gold Cup
NC -> An open Gold Cup but very keen on Native River but it has had a hard season TM -> Native River a bit to find on ratings!! Couldn’t believe what Paddy Brennan did with Cue Card last year, to have him switched off most of the way around and then pull him out and set him alight 3 from home!! No for Outlander. Don Poli to finish 3rd, 4th or 5th EB -> Likes Native River but really fancies Djakadam

Fox hunters
EB -> On the Fringe like a pet to him, is there to be shot at but is spot on after the blow-out at Leopardstown last time out.
Panel -> Huge negative for Wonderful Charm on account of its wind problem… End gave Staker Wallace as a hunter to watch for the future..

Handicap Bets
EB -> Whatever Jamie Codd rides in the Kim Muir NC -> Southfield Royale

NAPS
TM -> Yorkhill
NC -> Death Duty
EB -> Death Duty

Value Bet
TM -> Bunk Off Early
EB -> Whatever Jamie Codd rides in the Kim Muir

Charity Bets
Came after questions and all the panel agreed how quick Cheltenham dries out so pay special attention to going and weather TM -> Yorkhill NC -> Death Duty EB -> Djakadam

It was amazing tonight how every time Enda Bolger spoke the bar quietened down!! Was very humble re getting last year’s Cross Country after Any Currency was DQ’ed, said they were beaten by the better horse

If your ever in Cork and like your racing, this is definitely one of the better preview nights!! Kudos all round .

jonthehammer 12:02 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

And another..

Lismore Cheltenham Preview Night

Panel :
Tony McCoy (TM)
Davy Russell (DR)
David Casey (DC)
Alan King (AK)
Noel Cummins (NC)
Henry De Bromhead (HD)
Carl Llewellyn (CL)

Night started off with Richard Phillips doing MC, as Mike Cattermole & Alan king were late arriving “Got stuck in UK”, Phillips was very good at MC & got all the panel messing & slagging each other.
McCoy hinted at numerous times during the night that he will be riding at the festival, to which DR replied “He’ll definitely do 11st 12Lb”, David Casey said McCoy could ride there alright, but he won’t get colours big enough to fit him !

Tuesday
Supreme Novice :
TM – Defi Du Seuil & Charlie Parcs will defo not run here. He likes Moon Racer, if he gets there he is the one he would be backing, as he has the form. He has beaten Ballyandy. And he also has course form.
DR – Melon being fav for this is an absolute joke. He is a lovely looking horse, but being fav after 1 run, this shouldn’t be. He thinks Finian’s Oscar should run in this. Said he has no ride in this yet, then said “We have nothing going in this have we Henry” (to De Bromhead). HD replied, he has Capital Force entered in this but the reason Davy has no ride in this is because he made a balls on him the last day! Said he will ask David Mullins & if he can’t then Davy has a chance!!!!
DC – Melon is very good, they really like him, but he beat little in Leopardstown the last day. He has heard that they are struggling to get Moon Racer fit & ready for the day & thinks he will miss the festival. Bunk Off Early is better Value @ 8/1.
NC – Melon won’t be fav on the day, said his owners are very lucky & will be 5/1 on the day. Ballyandy will go off fav & he would be his choice.
HD – He runs Capital Force, needs good ground & a good gallop. EW chance. Ballyandy is his choice as winner.
CL – Melon is inexperienced. Ballyandy very solid.

Arkle :
TM – Altior is a good thing.
DR – Yorkhill should run here. He rides Ordinary World, will ride him for a place. Altior is the best in it without Yorkhill.
DC – Yorkhill will go to the JLT. Royal Caviar will run in this, but will be running for a place. The hill might not suit him.
HD – Will run 3 in it. Identity Thief will not run. Ordinary World would probably be his pick of his 3, but they are very hard to choose between as they are all rated pretty much the same. Altior is the winner.
CL – Altior wins if he jumps. Ordinary World EW.

Champion Hurdle :
TM – Yanworth is best on official rating, but his jumping isn’t the best at times. My Tent Or Yours very good EW bet. Will defo beat The New One.
DR – Impressed by Yanworth & Buveur Dair. Brain Power not good enough for this. Petit Mouchoir very solid.
DC – They have until 8th March to supplement Limini & will wait until then to make decision. VVM is a lot better now than when she returned from Doncaster, and coming back to herself.
AK – King & Cattermole arrived just at this point. Cattermole said that on the 6hr journey across King was constantly on about Yanworth to him. King said he is really looking forward to him running.
NC – VVM is the form horse.
HD – He is completely focused on Petit Mouchoir at the moment & he is really happy with him.
CL – Yanworth isn’t a great jumper & Buveur Dair is his choice to win this.

Wednesday
Neptune Hurdle :
TM – Neon Wolf impressed him a lot. Said Harry Fry is constantly on about this horse & thinks he is the best he has had. Bacardys EW.
DR – Death Duty would defo win this, but they gonna go for AB with him. Thinks Lets Dance is being overlooked for this & has a chance.
AK – Big Neon Wolf fan. Thinks Finian’s Oscar is one to take on. Thinks his form is not good enough. He runs Messire Des Obeaux here and has an EW chance.
After discussing the race a bit and just before moving on, King then says that he is just after remembering something he had heard earlier & Neon Wolf was entered on Friday & Might skip Cheltenham in favour of Aintree. Said the owners don’t care too much for Cheltenham. Said he had a horse a few yrs ago for the same owners & he had to beg them to run it at Cheltenham.
NC – Impressed with how Bacardys won the last day. Patrick gave him a great ride. Rode him patiently.
HD – He has Monalee entered and he really likes him. Said he will avoid Death Duty wherever he runs. If DD turns up here Monalee will go for the AB. Russell also ploughed in with his liking for Monalee. Most likely run here as he is surprised they are leaning towards the AB for Death Duty as he thinks he would defo win this as he has the class.

RSA Chase :
TM – Coney Island has impressed him a lot. Said he had an issue LTO & prob the reason he was beaten. Said he is better again now. Said if he owned American, he would run him in the 4 miler. Likes Mite Bite also.
DR – Will ride Whisper providing they avoid Yorkhill by running here. Said Whisper likes a bit of juice in the ground. But he isn’t overly ground dependent. Likes the course. Said Mite Bite is by Scorpion, Cattermole asked what does that mean – Davy made the puking sound, like he won’t like the hill !
DC – Was asked what do they think of this race. He said, not a lot. They will run Bellshill, but he has been to Cheltenham twice and hasn’t run his best. Thinks the track might not suit him. Said he likes Whisper if he runs.
HD – Likes Bellshill. Said they ground will be in his favour. Said the soft ground he has been running on doesn’t suit him. Said trip is ideal & doesn’t think it is the track that is the issue. Said the 2 times he has run at Cheltenham the trip was too short & that’s why he didn’t show his best. Has Herons Heights entered in this, but most likely will run him in a handicap, depending on the mark he gets (Seems to fancy him for a handicap IMO).
CL – Thinks the top 2 are very short. Likes Whisper & also thinks Disko is very tough & consistent.


Champion Chase :
TM – Douvan is exceptional & jumps like a champion chaser should. Low & fast over fences.
DR – No Contest. Absolutely loves Douvan. Thinks he is exceptional.
NC – Asked “Who rides Douvan” gave a grin, suggesting Ruby will knock him !
AK – Thinks there is a disconnection between Ruby & Douvan. Said if you look at his last run, he came out of Ruby’s hands a few times.
HD – Special Tiara will go a good lick, prob set it up for Douvan. But he is good value to be 2nd to him.

Bumper :
TM – Daphne Du Clos is best of British. But is only a 4YO.
DC – Will only run 3 in it. Ballyward will not run. Patrick will ride Carter Mackay. Start of the yr they thought their bumper horses weren’t too good, but as they all started to run they realised they aren’t too bad after all.

Thursday
JLT Novice Chase :
TM – Cannot see Top Notch beating Yorkhill. Yorkhill very impressive last yr to win in Aintree. Never seen a horse to pull so hard all the way through a race and still win the way he did.
DR – Yorkhill
DC – Yorkhill is very good. Trip suits. He is top quality, has huge ability & will take a lot of beating.
AK – Top Notch fan & surprised if he is not in shake-up.
NC – Yorkhill the one to beat. Disko has a chance if he runs.
HD – Yorkhill hard to beat.
CL – Sam Twiston-Davis is a poor judge and he thinks Politologue is a good thing. Said to completely rule this lad out.

Ryanair Chase :
TM – Would love to ride Uxizandre in this. Said the last time he rode him, the speed he shown was unreal. Thinks UDS is a slow horse & wouldn’t have him.
DR – Could ride Zabana in this race. He is entered in 2 at festival (Casey said, make sure you face him the right way this year!). Uxizandre is the best value bet of the meeting.
DC – UDS likes a bit of cut in the ground, said a bit of juice in the ground will help him. Said he is in good form & the trip is ideal for him.
AK – Uxizandre is very well in himself at the moment. He needs to go left handed. He exceeded his expectations the way he ran the last day & he worked very well on Saturday last.
NC – Likes Empire of Dirt & is a big UDS fan.
HD – Will run Sub Lieutenant in this. Didn’t say anything on him, just that he runs. There was a big cheer suggesting this has a big chance – Gigginstown in Ryanair !
CL – Josses Hill is a big girls blouse. Likes both UDS & Uxizandre. Uxi is good value.

World Hurdle :
TM – Unowhatimeanharry impressed LTO. Jezki definitely runs in this & great EW bet.
DR – Unowhatimeanharry is the bet of the meeting. Cole Harden EW.
DC – Nichols Canyon will probably wait for Punchestown. VVM could run in this but more than likely run in the mares. Thinks Jezki is the one.
AK – Cole Harden EW
NC – Shaneshill
CL – Cole Harden EW – Has had a wind op & the good ground will suit him. Unowhatimeanharry is no value. Jezki great value.


Friday
Triumph Hurdle :
TM – Defi Du Seuil is a very good jumper & fears Mega Fortune the most.
DR – Rides Mega Fortune. He stays the distance, soft ground would be better but not very ground dependent.
DC – Defi will be hard to beat. Irish form isn’t strong. They are all beating each other. Meri Devie ran well the last day & is the best of Mullins’.
AK – Master Blueyes has a huge chance. He wants it dry. Very sweet on him. Said he was always a Triumph horse & don’t mind Tom ? He knows **** all & was never gonna run in Fred Winter. Has been working unreal well the last month.

Albert Bartlett Hurdle :
TM – West Approach, his run the last day was very good form. Death Duty should go for the Neptune, thinks trip will catch him out.
DR – West Approach, Wholestone lacks the class for this race.
NC – Augusta Kate. Monalee was very good LTO in Clonmel.
HD – Monalee has a great chance if he runs in this – Depends on where Death Duty goes (Avoiding him).
CL – Wholestone lacks the class for this race. He has had a problem since his last run.

Gold Cup :
TM – More Of That is ok after his fall the LTO. He is back running to his best form from 2 yrs ago lately. Has an EW chance. Outlander is improving all the time & is his choice. Thinks Djakadam is a big player too and his prep this yr is a lot better.
DR – Worries about Cue Card. Sizing John is an unknown quantity & dunno about the trip. Djakadam has been freshened up & great decision not to go to Leopardstown with him & prep this yr is spot on. Don Poli is slow & he gave him a lot to do last yr in it. Outlander probably just gets the nod in front of Djak.
DC – Djakadam has a huge chance this yr. Doensn’t like Cue Card. Thinks Native River hasn’t improved enough. He won off 150 & ran off 150 again & only beat Raz De Maree by 1.5l. Thinks More Of That will run a big race.
NC – Cue Card won’t stay the trip. Emptied out very quickly in Ireland last yr. He is on the Djakadam bandwagon, but it is a poor renewal.
AK – Native River rock solid, but Cue Card could be the class act in the field. Fancies CC.
HD – Champagne West is in great order. Will love a test of stamina. Won well off 154 in Thyestes. Djakadam won Thyestes off 145 and has run well in GC, so thinks he has a great chance.
CL – Bristol De Mai has no chance unless it rains. Fancies Djakadam.



Handicap Tips :
TM – Beauvreuil & Bloody Mary
DR – Diamond King (Brown & Advisory) – Good Ground
DC – The Storyteller (Martin Pipe)
AK – Dino Velvet (Fred Winter) & Label Des Obeaux (Ultima)
NC – Ballyandy (Coral) – King & Cattermole started to skit at this.
HD – The Storyteller (Martin Pipe)
CL – Foxtail Hill (Close Brothers Novice Handicap – Tue)

Charity Tips :
There were stipulations here. McCoy had to pick JP handicap horse. Russell had to pick something he was riding. Casey had to pick a Mullins horse & De Bromhead had to pick one of his own.
TM – Said €50 EW on Jezki – World hurdle. Paddy Power representative said it had to be a handicap horse. McCoy said he didn’t know what was going in handicaps & after a few minutes he stood up & took out money out of his own pocket & said he will have €100ew of his own money with William Hill on Jezki.
DR – Had his €50 EW on Ordinary World in Arkle. Said he will creep around on him & finish 3rd @ 50/1.
DC – Had his €50 EW on Augusta Kate in Albert Bartlett.
AK – Had €50 win on Master Blueyes – Triumph NC – Agenieinabottle - €50 win – 4 miler HD - €50ew – Petit Mouchoir – Champ Hurdle CL - €50 win Defi Du Seuil - Triumph

Northern Sold 2:09 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Interesting....


`After discussing the race a bit and just before moving on, King then says that he is just after remembering something he had heard earlier & Neon Wolf was entered on Friday & Might skip Cheltenham in favour of Aintree. Said the owners don’t care too much for Cheltenham`.

jonthehammer 2:48 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

NS

That was very interesting.

As was AP saying he thinks the trip will catch out Death Duty in the AB. DR also thinks he would win the Neptune but Elliott is adamant he goes to the AB.

Flannel 10:27 Wed Mar 1
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Did not like them suggesting Moon Racer is struggling to be fit for the festival!!!!!

Have never been so confident on a horse for the Cheltenham festival for some time (not including the no brainers such as 1/3f's)

Moon Racer fit will smash all other horses in the supreme . Gonna back him for the double with champion hurdle 2018 that morning.

jonthehammer 9:00 Thu Mar 2
Re: Cheltenham Preview Nights 2017

Flannel

Agree, i think he would be the class act in the Supreme should he show up. It all seems very quiet from the stable, not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Another one i do like at a massive price is Hargam for the County at 33s. Still needs 6 to come out but is on a featherweight should he get in it. Slipped down to his lowest mark for a long time after some less than impressive displays but looks plotted up for this. Remember not long ago he was only 7 lengths behing Faugheen.
I am on NRNB

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

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)

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 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 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

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