1.30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle
This is a race for four-year-old hurdlers.
Joseph O’Brien has just quit riding and is concentrating on helping his father, the legendary, Aidan, train. Their big-name jumps horse is IVANOVIC GORBATOV, a Russian post-impressionist painter. Irish punters will paint the town red in Cheltenham if this wins.
Ivanovic Gorbatov was a smart horse for O’Brien on the Flat. He reached a high rating. He was impressive on his hurdling debut, jumping with aplomb, and he then disappointed at Leopardstown but the ground was probably too soft for him.
Paul Nicholls has introduced a late fly in the ointment in Zubayr’s shape. The French import showed class in a victory in late February. Nicholls won this in 2008 and 2012.
2.10 – Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle
Named in honour of arguably the greatest trainer of them all, Vincent O’Brien, this is a race in which Irish runners do well. The handicap has gone to Ireland in seven of the last nine years.
BLUE HELL has the attributes to make it eight from 10. While he tended to cut out late on in his races, he was much better in that regard when very impressive on his first start for trainer Barry Connell in November. He has been saved almost specifically for this race since.
The JP McManus-trained Modus is very interesting. He will have a low weight, was second in the bumper here last year, and looks capable of better.
2.50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
This event, which emphasises stamina among young hurdlers, has been pretty evenly split so far between Britain and Ireland.
BARTERS HILL, the probable favourite, is said to be quite lazy in his races by trainer Ben Pauling, who believes that the horse only does the bare minimum.
This has not stopped — and perhaps has helped — him win all of his seven races, often from the front.
Gangster has been impressing work riders at Willie Mullins’ yard and he is a danger. He has only had four runs in Ireland, beaten once but impressive the last two occasions, especially when tackling three miles when last seen. Bryan Cooper is set to ride.
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
The big race of the week and few renewals have held greater anticipation.
Even though Irish runners have failed in all but one of the last nine years, the visitors look set to take the race. But what horse?
DON POLI landed the RSA Chase at the festival last season and is unbeaten this term. He is a very lazy horse, conserving his energy, and jumps like a pro.
Don Cossack, also owned by Gigginstown, is more mistake-prone but probably has more class.
The Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci pair have a chance. Djakadam was second in the race last year but fell on his other two tries at Cheltenham.
4.10 – Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
Many eyes on Victoria Pendleton here and it would be a boon for racing were the former Olympian to win on Pacha Du Polder but she will do well to stay aboard in a race of this nature, given her inexperience.
ON THE FRINGE cruised to victory in this last year and looks set to follow up under Nina Carberry. He was disappointing on his return to action, not for the first time, but has pleased his trainer since.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained Aupcharlie is interesting too, under Jamie Codd. He beat Marito in a point-to-point coming here and could have more to offer.
4.50 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle
This is a race that Gordon Elliott would like to win — he worked for Martin Pipe, after whom the race is named, for years — and he attacks it with three runners, including SQUOUATEUR.
This one has been thriving in Irish handicaps and has the assistance of 16-year-old ace Jack Kennedy, who may be on the cusp of his first winner at the festival.
Children’s List is not without a chance. With Willie Mullins’ horses in such good form, he is interesting, and he looks certain to appreciate the nicer terrain on this occasion.
5.30 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
VELVET MAKER could provide the answer to this difficult concluding race. His stable, Alan Fleming’s, already had a placed runner at a big price this week and this horse has had the misfortune the last two runs of running into Douvan. Nothing of Douvan’s calibre is taking him on now.
Bright New Dawn has also been tackling better horses this year and the fast-run two miles may be to his liking. Sizing Codelco and Red Spinner are others who are not ruled out in a fast and furious event.
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United played very well in patches tonight against a stale looking Leicester team. Eriksen is pure class and brings a bit of intelligence and composure to the side. Very early days yet, but progress all the same.
Solid performance, but that was pure crap going forward. Far too passive and almost cocky in attack. Against a rubbish Leicester side who would have been put away by City / Liverpool. Praying Antony lives some bit up to the 100m coz Elanga Rashford Ronaldo nowhere near consistent enough. Highlight of the match was Dalot celebrating the block on Harvey Barnes.. cringey.. but just glad to see any bit of passion in defence these days. 3 wins on the trot we’ll take it. Big improvement needed on Sunday. PS. can see Rodgers at Villa soon!
@Johnny Mads: pretty much
@Johnny Mads: Hats off to ten hag to drop Maguire Johnny. The only way is up. As for yer Rogers quip that’s actually funny and not funny at the same time.
@Johnny Mads: very scrappy at times and alot of work to do, actually thought Ronaldo was lively when he came on, was unlucky with the bicycle kick also, 3 points and a clean sheet
@Pauly Kel: Ronaldo always a danger, just feel he holds back on his forward passed a second too long. Can’t help but feel he’s thinking 2 or 3 steps ahead on how he can give the ball to player best positioned to set him up at the end. Pure paranoia on my behalf but that’s how i always see it ! Sometimes kills the attack. But we sure will take 3 points and move on and keep building.
@Paul Gorry: When i saw him dropped before the pool game i got excited. Felt like a relief to finally move on and take a chance at least. So far paying off. As for Rodgers.. put your house on it ;)
@Johnny Mads: thought Dalot was very good again. Think it’s a bit harsh to lump ronnie in with rashford and elanga, he was on for 20 mins and looked far more threatening than both. If he shot rather than crossed to Eriksen near the end I’m convinced it would have been 2. Jenas saying rashford was on for his work rate was hilarious, did absolutely nowt besides his assist. Surely not a starter for much longer. Mctominay was fairly reckless aswell at times, dragging down maddison on the edge of the box. Surely time to give Fred and Casemiro a run!
@Johnny Mads: probably like the majority of utd fans to be fair. As for Rodgers i don’t have a house lol
@Paul Gorry: rodgers has 102 by all accounts.
@A$AP Ragnick: Dalot gaining confidence off the new system. Glad to see him earn his place ahead of AWB who i cant stand! Prob harsh on Ronnie but jury still out on him for me at moment. We could really do with him hitting form now at the right time so here’s hoping! Ya I think Fred & Casemiro will be the partnership once Casemiro settles. Big test Sunday now gunners on fire.
@Paul Gorry: lol
Leicester reward has beens like Vardy and Evans with new contracts when they should be replaced. The spine of that team needs surgery. New keeper, centre backs, holding midfielder, two strikers. Only six minutes left Brendan. Hurry up !!
Being cautiously optimistic about this upswing in form, this is a side that may give a good run for 4th but ultimately settle for 5th (please anything but 6th again). Arsenal Is the real test if we can topple them then maybe 4th is an actual possibility given that Chelsea seem to be cracking
The big test for this current Utd squad is when they come up against the top teams! Let’s see what happens on Sunday.
@john fairclough: what like Lvpl
@john fairclough: Did they not already beat Liverpool?
@HarveyLemonade: I agree. It will be as equally as big a test for arsenal. They have been impressive but have had a fairly handy first few games.
Pretty irrelevant…. however, United have recorded 3 straight Premier League wins in August/September 2021 and in December 2021.
It’s progress but Ten Haag seems far to cautious when in lead. He brings off pacey attackers for slower defensive players. Happened in last 3 games. Could have easily cost Utd points in each game. This isn’t the Dutch league where teams will accept a 1 0 loss.
@Shane Obrien: I think he’s just getting Casemiro a few minutes here and there for a possible start on Sunday.
@Shane Obrien: think its more of a natural response to united’s tendency to retreat when they get into a lead, i don’t think he is encouraging it or anything. They would have drawn/lost games like this and the Southampton one last year. Hopefully show more of a killer instinct in the upcoming games.