THE ACTION IS still coming thick and fast at Cheltenham, and the World Hurdle takes centre stage on Thursday’s card.
In truth, the three-mile hurdle has in the past attracted something of a motley crew. Usually the line-up has been comprised of horses too slow or old to contest the Champion Hurdle or too poor at jumping for the Gold Cup. Slowly but surely however it’s coming into its own, and this year’s renewal has more strength and depth to it than ever before.
Big Bucks is still the one they’re all aiming at, even with the appearance of Grands Crus on the scene. Paul Nicholls’ charge is unbeaten over the smaller obstacles, and it’s hard to tell how good he truly is over them. He’s not a flashy horse, and only just about does what is asked of him; so he may still have the scope to improve past the new kid on the block. Grands Crus does appear to be a creditable challenger, but it’s too early to write off the champion in his hat-trick attempt.
The Ryanair is another race that seems to attract plenty of “enigma” horses. Alberta’s Run bolted up last year, and he may prove too good again this time. He has been the subject of a heavy gamble all week; last Friday he was available at around 12/1 while now he’s about half that price.
Advertisement
He doesn’t appeal too much as a bet now, as his runs have been uninspiring. He seems to save his best for the spring and in particular for the course though, so it will be no surprise if the former RSA winner runs with credit. The second and third from last year re-oppose through Poqelin and Jy Vole; while Voy Por Ustedes makes his debut for the Nicky Henderson stable. Roberta Goldback could be an interesting each-way contender given the form of the Jessica Harrington stable.
The Jewson Novice’s Chase opens the card in its first year of existence, and it should prove to be a popular event. Plenty of novices will love the two and a half mile trip, and Noble Prince will be a fascinating contender given how Realt Dubh ran in the Arkle. The longer distance could bring about improvement in the horse that finished a respectable fourth in a hot handicap at the festival last year in a competitive handicap hurdle.
Nap of the Day
Noble Prince may very well love the race conditions in the opener. Two and a half miles on good ground may be his dream; and the form of his narrow defeats to Realt Dubh looks a lot better now than it did at the time. He should prove very competitive at 5/1.
Each-Way
The Pertemps hurdle is something of a minefield, but Barwell Bridge has excellent each-way claims. He has a progressive profile, and his last run can be attributed to sickness. That one abysmal performance apart, and the gelding has done nothing but improve since running fifth in the Triumph last year. Five tear-olds have a poor record in the race, but he can squeeze into a place at 25/1.
Irish Eye
Yesterday proved what we all already knew; that the Irish are amazing. We’re just plain great. Even the horses are on another planet to everyone else. Unfortunately the likelihood is that we will suffer in comparison today where the Irish hand is not as strong. Son Amix (22/1) should run well in the handicap hurdle off a similar mark to his Fred Winter fourth last year. The form of that race has since been franked, with a Grade One winner and placing boosting the form soon after. Son Amix is a young, scopey horse and three miles around here could see him in good light. In the Ryanair Chase, Roberta Goldback looks a value bet at 25/1. He seems to struggle to get his head in front, but is ultra consistent and game.
Lessons From Yesterday
The Irish staying novices are a good lot this year. The two and a half mile and three mile events have been dominated by this side of the water, and it could pay to remember that when it comes to the remaining handicaps and tomorrow’s staying novices hurdle. It’s also a good sign that next year we may finally have a strong hand in the Gold Cup.
Mark Your Card: St Patrick's Day
THE ACTION IS still coming thick and fast at Cheltenham, and the World Hurdle takes centre stage on Thursday’s card.
In truth, the three-mile hurdle has in the past attracted something of a motley crew. Usually the line-up has been comprised of horses too slow or old to contest the Champion Hurdle or too poor at jumping for the Gold Cup. Slowly but surely however it’s coming into its own, and this year’s renewal has more strength and depth to it than ever before.
Big Bucks is still the one they’re all aiming at, even with the appearance of Grands Crus on the scene. Paul Nicholls’ charge is unbeaten over the smaller obstacles, and it’s hard to tell how good he truly is over them. He’s not a flashy horse, and only just about does what is asked of him; so he may still have the scope to improve past the new kid on the block. Grands Crus does appear to be a creditable challenger, but it’s too early to write off the champion in his hat-trick attempt.
The Ryanair is another race that seems to attract plenty of “enigma” horses. Alberta’s Run bolted up last year, and he may prove too good again this time. He has been the subject of a heavy gamble all week; last Friday he was available at around 12/1 while now he’s about half that price.
He doesn’t appeal too much as a bet now, as his runs have been uninspiring. He seems to save his best for the spring and in particular for the course though, so it will be no surprise if the former RSA winner runs with credit. The second and third from last year re-oppose through Poqelin and Jy Vole; while Voy Por Ustedes makes his debut for the Nicky Henderson stable. Roberta Goldback could be an interesting each-way contender given the form of the Jessica Harrington stable.
The Jewson Novice’s Chase opens the card in its first year of existence, and it should prove to be a popular event. Plenty of novices will love the two and a half mile trip, and Noble Prince will be a fascinating contender given how Realt Dubh ran in the Arkle. The longer distance could bring about improvement in the horse that finished a respectable fourth in a hot handicap at the festival last year in a competitive handicap hurdle.
Nap of the Day
Noble Prince may very well love the race conditions in the opener. Two and a half miles on good ground may be his dream; and the form of his narrow defeats to Realt Dubh looks a lot better now than it did at the time. He should prove very competitive at 5/1.
Each-Way
The Pertemps hurdle is something of a minefield, but Barwell Bridge has excellent each-way claims. He has a progressive profile, and his last run can be attributed to sickness. That one abysmal performance apart, and the gelding has done nothing but improve since running fifth in the Triumph last year. Five tear-olds have a poor record in the race, but he can squeeze into a place at 25/1.
Irish Eye
Yesterday proved what we all already knew; that the Irish are amazing. We’re just plain great. Even the horses are on another planet to everyone else. Unfortunately the likelihood is that we will suffer in comparison today where the Irish hand is not as strong. Son Amix (22/1) should run well in the handicap hurdle off a similar mark to his Fred Winter fourth last year. The form of that race has since been franked, with a Grade One winner and placing boosting the form soon after. Son Amix is a young, scopey horse and three miles around here could see him in good light. In the Ryanair Chase, Roberta Goldback looks a value bet at 25/1. He seems to struggle to get his head in front, but is ultra consistent and game.
Lessons From Yesterday
The Irish staying novices are a good lot this year. The two and a half mile and three mile events have been dominated by this side of the water, and it could pay to remember that when it comes to the remaining handicaps and tomorrow’s staying novices hurdle. It’s also a good sign that next year we may finally have a strong hand in the Gold Cup.
Check out the rest of TheScore’s Cheltenham coverage here>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Cheltenham Festival Cheltenham Racing CheltFest Preview Tips