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RACINGAHEAD MARCH 2020 ISSUE 185 £3.49

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page ham cheltenal speci Jockey Paul Townend celebrates victory in the 2019 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on Al Boum Photo

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By ADAM their move to the Midlands ELLIS in 2015, and Haskell, JAMES HASKELL says left Wasps last summerwho for he can understand why Northampton, concedes it former Wasps team- is pretty basic there.

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CONTENTS

RACINGAHEAD MARCH 2020 ISSUE 185 £3.49

72

page am cheltenhl specia Jockey Paul Townend celebrates victory in the 2019 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on Al Boum Photo

roll up for the greatest festival of all

inside: fergie’s festival yankee ++++

every race, day-by-day analysis ++++

focus on ireland’s big hopes

22

winners galore inside! expert predictions

paul jacobs’ long-shots...barry geraghty on defi du seuil

welcome At last, it’s about to arrive. The greatest Jump racing Festival of them all. And Cheltenham this year promises to throw up as many sensational races as ever.

None less than in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday when the great Altior must battle to keep his colours flying against Defi Du Seuil. Can Altior do the hat-trick despite his defeat by Cyrname over the 2m5f of the Christy Chase at Ascot?

Barry Geragthy, rider of JP McManus’ Defi Du Seuil, definitely thinks the moment has come for his mount to be crowned champion as he tells us on P22 inside.

Then there is Thursday’s Gold Cup whch is promising to be one of the best of all time with a host of live contenders.

In truth, there’s not really a bad race in the entire 28. Enjoy!

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES/ORDERS RACING AHEAD Tuition House, St George’s Road Wimbledon, SW19 4EU Tel: 0845 638 0704 Racing Ahead is published by The Racing Paper Ltd T/A Racing Ahead www.racingahead.net Subs enquiries: 0845 638 0704 Back issues: £4 each Publisher & Editor In Chief: David Emery Photos: Tracy Roberts Advertising enquiries: Graham Wright 0845 638 0704 / graham@racingahead.net EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Paul Ferguson, Paul Jacobs, Andrew Ayres, Graham Buddry, Jeremy Grayson, Ian Heitman, Andy Newton, Simon Nott Distribution: Intermedia Printer: Mortons, Horncastle Opinions in Racing Ahead are those of the contributors and not necessarily the views of The Racing Paper Ltd. ISSN: 1743-551X

4 ferguson

41 richard johnson

6 DAY ONE

42 Andy newton

10 day two

44 all weather

14 day three

49 newmarket

18 day four

50 Eddie Wood

22 barry geragthy

52 padock picks

24 optimum racing

55 form guide

26 paul jacobs

56 out in sticks

28 Irish Racing

59 tales from ring

32 brendan powell

62 Yesterday’s hero

34 cheltenham 2019

56 speed figures

Paul Ferguson with his Cheltenham Yankee Analysis of Champion Hurdle and rest of the opening action Altior v Defi Du Seuil in Queen Mother Champion Chase Will Paisley Park dominate the Stayers Hurdle?

Gold Cup thrills. Can Al Boum Photo double up?

Leading jockey gives you his take on top ride Defi Du Seuil Altior is still the one they all have to beat Naps king picks out some more long-odds hopefuls Karl Hedley assesses Irish hopes at Cheltenham Interview with the great jockey, back as assistant trainer Graham Buddry looks back on last year’s races

Interview with the reigng champion Jump jockey Key trends to help crack the Lincoln Handicap

Ian Heitman has been impressed by jockey Ben Curtis Dave Youngman and HQ get ready for new season Signposting ways to find more winners for you Andrew Ayres likes the look of an Olly Murphy hurdler Leading jockeys and trainers at Cheltenham since 2003 Jeremy Grayson goes out and about to find winners Simon Nott spends the day with bookies at Cheltenham Trials Graham Buddry remembers the intriguingly-named Jodami All the latest information for the Festival runners ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

3

FERGIE’S FESTIVAL FOURSOME

This yankee looks dandy Paul Ferguson has picked out a quartet of horses he is backing at the Cheltenham Festival

BREWIN’UPASTORM (ARKLE, Tuesday) Although we haven’t seen him since mid-November, Olly Murphy’s sevenyear-old is still likely to end up as the leading English-trained contender for this year’s Arkle.

The form of his Carlisle success on debut is strong, after which he beat Southfield Stone around his favourite track and the runner-up franked that form by winning by 24 lengths at Musselburgh recently. Fourth in the Ballymore last year, he travelled really well that day and if his lack of experience doesn’t catch him out, he looks more than capable of running a huge race.

I have plenty of respect for the Irish horses at the top of the market, but the selection still represents some value each-way and there is a chance that this could end up being a fairly small field. With plenty of pace in the race, it might just set up for a hold-up performer such as him, and given that he has won first time out in each of his three seasons, the lay-off isn’t too concerning.

APPRECIATE IT (CHAMPION BUMPER, Wednesday) Willie Mullins has won the Champion Bumper on nine occasions and recent Leopardstown winner Appreciate It can make it win number ten, in the concluding race on day two.

A Point-to-Point winner at the second time of asking (had finished third behind Envoi Allen on debut, incidentally), the six-year-old has 4

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Al Boum Photo

improved significantly with each start this season, running out a very impressive winner at the Dublin Racing Festival. The aforementioned Envoi Allen won that Grade 2 last year, prior to his win in the Champion Bumper, and the son of Jeremy can follow suit.

A PLUS TARD (RYANAIR CHASE, Thursday) The winner of the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at last year’s festival, A Plus Tard has taken the step up to Grade 1 company in his stride this season, beating Chacun Pour Soi at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Denied a re-match with that rival in the Dublin Chase (due to the drying ground), he looks sure to step back up in distance unless we get a heavyground Cheltenham, and the Ryanair looks tailor-made for him. Secondseason chasers have a fine record in

this race and he has just the right profile, while still being available at around 5-1.

AL BOUM PHOTO (GOLD CUP, Friday) Despite the emergence of secondseason chasers Delta Work and Santini, last year’s Gold Cup winner is fancied to retain his crown. Willie Mullins has followed the exact same path back to Cheltenham, running just once at Tramore on New Year’s Day, where he again ran out a comfortable winner.

It is easy to forget the ease with which he won the race last year, but he travelled like a dream and looked comfortable throughout the whole contest.

If he is similar mood this time around, it will take a good performance to prevent him from becoming the first back-to-back winner since Best Mate. RA

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: TUESDAY

Give Benie her Dieux

Ben Morgan thinks Team Mullins will carry off Day One’s big prize TUESDAY LINE-UP 1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2.10 Arkle Trophy Chase 2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase 3.30 Champion Hurdle 4.10 Mares’ Hurdle 4.50 Northern Trust Novices’ Handicap Chase 5.30 NH Challenge Cup Champion Hurdle The Champion Hurdle revolves around a horse which isn’t even entered.

BENIE DES DIEUX looks set to be supplemented and would bid to replicate what her former stablemate, Annie Power, did by winning the Champion Hurdle a year after falling at the last in the Mares’ Hurdle.

She is all class and the fact Mullins has even compared her to the great Annie Power let alone suggest she might be better than her says all that needs to be said. If she goes, she wins.

The drop to two miles shouldn’t inconvenience her too much and given this is one of the weakest Champion Hurdles of recent times, she looks to have an outstanding chance of securing a Grade 1 victory.

Epatante would have her nose pushed out somewhat if BDD was to be supplemented as she has secured her spot at the top of the market with two impressive wins this season. However, in a normal year I do wonder whether she would be favourite for a Champion Hurdle given the fact she hasn’t beat a great deal. She has still looked good, however, and must be respected as an improving horse.

6

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

I did think Envoi Allen might make an appearance here but Gordon Elliott sounds pretty adamant he will be heading to the Ballymore and I can understand that but it would be a fascinating contest if he were in this instead.

Given it is such an open year, I would be daft not to chuck in a few outsiders.

I have said all winter that Supasundae is a silly price having been around the 25/1 mark for most of the winter. Since Jessie Harrington has stated he will run in the two-mile contest he has been snipped into 16s.

He is a proven Grade 1 performer in a race where there is a distinct shortage of top-level horses and for that reason alone he has to be backed each-way.

I do like to chuck in a wild one every now and then and this year it’s Aramon. He needs some good ground and also a strong pace but it isn’t out of the realms of possibility that he will get that come March 10 and I fancy him to outrun his huge odds.

1) Benie Des Dieux 2) Supasundae 3) Aramon

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle The 2020 Supreme Novices Hurdle looks one of the most competitive renewals of recent times and I’m pretty sure it will be going the way of Great Britain.

Envoi Allen looks almost certain to head elsewhere which would leave stablemate Abacadabras as the main Irish hope. He deserves plenty of respect after picking up some good

races in Ireland this year. All of his form stacks up and he has been defeated only by Envoi Allen which makes him an obvious contender and in previous years he may well have been a short priced favourite.

However, this year, I believe Nicky Henderson has entered two of the sharpest novice hurdlers he has had since Altior in 2016. Shishkin and CHANTRY HOUSE have looked like machines this year, taking apart some good novice hurdles in fine style.

The noise is all for the 11/4 likely favourite Shishkin after he showed gears aplenty at Newbury before cruising to victory in the Sidney Banks Novice Hurdle. I think he is going to a top notcher and I don’t think there is much between him and his stablemate but I’ve plumped for Chantry House due to the huge difference in the price.

The JP McManus horse is currently 11/1 best odds and based on what he has shown, I think that is a stonking price and one of the ante-post bets of the Festival. Ok, the offer perhaps reflects the small chance that he will go to the Ballymore but with the owner already having one or two others likely to head there, I think it is an almost certainty that he will head to the Supreme.

He doesn’t lack for pace and he has a very similar profile to Shishkin in the sense that he will comfortably stay further. His opening win at Cheltenham represents strong form and his second run at Newbury would have taught him plenty having been a big field. He powered away in good style that day

Benie Des Dieux

albeit not as eye catching as Shishkin but that was only jockey preference as I’m sure Geraghty could have pushed him further clear if he had wanted to.

In truth I think this could be a real tear up between the Henderson pair and it wouldn’t surprise me if I got it the wrong way around. But I do know Chantry House shouldn’t be four times the price of Shishkin.

Others to note include Fiddlerontheroof who would be of interest in really soft ground and also Asterion Forlonge but I would have thought he will be Ballymore bound. I will give a positive mention to Edwardstone who is more than capable of running into a place as he should benefit from the strong pace, especially on good ground.

1) Chantry House 2) Shishkin 3) Edwardstone

market, punters are beginning to latch onto him as he has halved in price without even running. A top notch novice hurdler, he has already made his mark over fences having won a couple of races, including one strong Carlisle novice race. Olly Murphy has said he has no doubts that he will be fit enough to go straight to the Festival and I fancy him to run a big race.

Global Citizen is a likely front runner and dangerous if let loose on the front end and similar comments apply to the mare Maire Banrigh. That electric pace up front will help Esprit Du Large who is a sound each way bet but will need a stamina test to be seen to his best.

Rouge Vif left it late to stake his claims for this race but he took the Kingmaker at Warwick in good style which meant I couldn’t leave him out.

1) Brewin’upastorm 2) Rouge Vif 3) Melon

Ultima Handicap Chase At the time of writing, this is a race which is yet to really take shape and the market is headed by Vinndication. I really like this horse and if you

▲

Arkle Novices Chase The market suggests this is between the Irish pair Notebook and Cash Back.

The former has been the market leader for this race for a long time and has looked the best that Ireland has to offer. A natural fencer who is as tough

as teak has proven himself time and time again this year, in the process developing a winning habit which is obviously crucial going into the Festival. However, I just can’t have him as an Arkle winner and I fear he has run his ‘cup final’ too many times this season.

A ferocious end-to-end gallop on good ground may just find him out and at the prices I’d rather look elsewhere for a bit more value.

I’d give Cash Back a good squeak of reversing that form with Notebook but again fear he may find one or two too good. Fakir D’Oudairies looks as if he may head to a congested Marsh Chase while Easy Game also looks certain to run later in the week.

If Melon makes it to the Festival I’d be sweet on his chances each way at around the 20/1 mark. He has been beaten by some of the horses listed above this season but has never run a bad race at the Festival and, for that reason alone, he shouldn’t be 20s.

The British charge has been talked down all year but I think the Arkle is in our hands. BREWIN’UPASTORM heads the charge and I have been banging his drum all year. By the looks of the

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

7

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: TUESDAY remember last year, I was very keen on him for the RSA. However, connections went down the JLT route and my antepost money went down the pan but my hopes didn’t. I thought he would really stamp himself as a Gold Cup contender this year and fulfil his potential. Sadly he has made it to the track just once which makes it highly unlikely that he will appear in a competitive handicap chase at the Festival off 159.

Hold The Note looks likely to go to the novices’ handicap chase but would be of major interest in this race if lining up. Cogry is a grand old horse and always runs his race around Cheltenham. He would be your solid each-way bet but he is susceptible to an improver.

That improver could be Deise Aba who impressed me when winning at Sandown last time and is now starting to fulfil his earlier potential. As you would expect from a Trevor Hemmings owned horse, he is made for those Grand National fences but it would not surprise me if he was able to run into a place at the very least here.

His stablemate, Jerrysback, is also a likely contender and a return to a sounder surface should see him in a better light while the Irish raider Glenloe has been laid out for a big run.

Another horse who looks to have been laid out is COBRA DE MAI for the Dan Skelton team. After hosing up here in April last year, his handicap mark has always looked a little out of his reach but, after a quiet winter, Skelton will be very happy to see that he has now been dropped to his last winning mark and I imagine this would have been the plan all year.

1) Cobra De Mai 2) Deise Aba 3) Jerrysback

Mares’ Hurdle Having tipped Benie Des Dieux for the Champion Hurdle, if connections decided to keep her against her own sex, I would obviously tip her for this race. But I’m working on the basis that Rich Ricci will go for broke and therefore I will look elsewhere.

Honeysuckle looks a good place to start as she has been tearing the Irish 8

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

scene up and talk of her heading to the Champion Hurdle seems to have cooled. Her last run, albeit against the boys, was slightly underwhelming. If she is as good as they say she is, I would have wanted to see more but let’s not forget she still won the Irish Champion Hurdle and that is rock solid form. She is likely to be a warm order here and I do respect her but at the prices I want a little more value.

Laurina offers no value having seemingly lost all her zing and zest which she had prior to last year’s Champion Hurdle and her stablemate Stormy Ireland looks a much more solid alternative. Second in the race last year, she has returned a much better horse this time and would have a big chance in an open year.

Similar comments apply to Verdana Blue and if the ground is good she would obviously have a very good chance but I’m keen to stick with last year’s winner, ROKSANA. Dan Skelton has made no secret that this race has been the target all year and although she hasn’t lived up to my expectations this winter, I’m certain Skelton will have her tuned up for the day. A strong stayer who will benefit from the likely strong pace on offer and if she is there turning in, I’m sure she will outstay them all.

1) Roksana 2) Stormy Ireland 3) Honeysuckle

Northern Trust Company Novices Handicap Chase Regular readers will know I have been keen on Sammy Bill and HOLD THE NOTE for this race for quite some time and it’s looking likely that the latter is going to have an outstanding chance.

He just got outstayed by dour stayer Two For Gold last time at Warwick and the drop in trip is sure to suit Mick Channon’s charge. He will have top weight but with a condensed field likely, it shouldn’t hinder him too much.

His connections have a good record in this race and everything looks set for a big run.

Gordon Elliott always demands respect when it comes to Festival handicaps and his pair, Chosen Mate and Galvin, look handicapped to go

Cobra De Mai

close. I’ve been waiting for Chosen Mate to come good and in recent months he has done just that. A dominant display last time catapulted him to the head of this market and I can see him justifying his odds.

Galvin has been somewhat of a talking horse and his absence suggests Elliott is tuning him up at home rather than ruin his mark for this race. He must be respected at around 12/1.

Erick Le Rouge is an interesting contender for the home team after he bounced back to form with a good win last time out which just about secured his place in the lineup. The race is tailor made for him and I’m sure connections have been waiting to run him in this race for a few seasons. Imperial Aura completes the shortlist.

1) Hold The Note 2) Galvin 3) Erick Le Rouge

National Hunt Chase A gruelling race which has attracted a lot of negative Press in recent seasons.

This year’s renewal is shorter in distance but will still take some getting.

Epatante

Carefully Selected heads the market and he has divided opinion. Some think he is a certainty, others haven’t been impressed whatsoever. I’m edging towards the latter opinion but you can’t hide from the fact he has won three good races this term. I’m not sure he is a dour stayer so will oppose him at 7/2.

His market rival, CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC, looks a much more solid alternative as one thing he will do is stay. His form behind Battleoverdoyen is solid and he has an outstanding chance in this race which looks made for him around a course he loves.

I do like Allaho but I get the impression Willie Mullins will be sending him elsewhere. He, too, is a dour stayer but I do think he has a touch of class so an RSA maybe his preferred option.

Of the home side I think Two For Gold and Sam Brown are the two main hopes, but they do look to have something to find with their Irish counterparts.

1) Champagne Classic 2) Sam Brown 3) Carefully Selected RA

“ Gordon Elliott always demands respect in Festival handicaps and his pair, Chosen Mate and Galvin, look handicapped to go close

”

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

9

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: WEDNESDAY

Defi can see off Altior Ben Morgan is expecting a classic renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase

WEDNESDAY LINE-UP 1.30 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 2.10 RSA Novices’ Chase 2.50 Coral Cup Hurdle 3.30 Champion Chase 4.10 Cross Country Chase 4.50 Boodles Juvenile Hurdle 5.30 Champion Bumper Champion Chase After Altior bounced back to form at Newbury, this race looks set to be the race of the meeting. Defi Du Seuil, Altior and Chacun Pour Soi will do battle to be crowned Champion Chaser 2020. It is a crown Altior has taken for the last two years but, after an indifferent start to his season, he now has collected a group of doubters. I’m not necessarily one of them. I still think he is one of the best chasers we have ever seen, but I do believe his master handler has made a right pig’s ear of his season.

However, that win at Newbury has seemingly put him right back on track and consequently this leaves me with the hardest decision of the week.

Altior or DEFI DU SEUIL and the only reason I am selecting the latter is because his season has run a lot smoother than his rival and that positive momentum seems to prove crucial in these races.

Everything he has done this term has looked brilliant, his defeats of Un De Sceaux have been most impressive and he seems incredibly versatile as regards ground, tactics and pace. I always used to back Altior because of that staying power, the stamina which would dig him out of so many holes 10

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

but Defi stays further and looks as equally as strong a stayer so it comes down to who is the fastest horse?

I think the younger legs of Defi might just prevail this time but it feels so wrong to be tipping against Altior.

I’m sure many a punter are in a similar position.

One horse who I don’t mind tipping against is Chacun Pour Soi. He’s not for me, he looked laboured at the Dublin Racing Festival and, although he beat Defi Du Seuil at Punchestown last year, it is worth remembering Defi had had plenty of runs by that point in the season and did get hampered up the straight. I am very confident he can turn that form around.

Of the rest, I do fancy three outsiders to run well and perhaps nick a place. Last year’s second Politologue may head to the Ryanair but connections may consider another tilt at an upset here. He stays this two-mile trip so well and can easily pick up the pieces late on if others falter. Sceau Royal can think himself hard done by to be running in the same era as so many great two-milers as he should have picked up more prizes than he has done so far. He will be travelling with the best of them but he may just get outstayed again.

The final outsider I will probably have a few quid each-way on is Dynamite Dollars. I loved this horse last year and was fairly certain he would have run a big race in the Arkle but for injury to strike at the last minute. He returned at Newbury and only blew up down the straight. His dead-eye fencing was there for all to be seen and I’m

sure he can outrun his odds.

1) Defi Du Seuil 2) Altior 3) Dynamite Dollars

Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle If you listen to the majority of racing fans you will be thinking this is a penalty kick for Envoi Allen. However, I don’t think that could be further from the truth. Gordon Elliott’s horse is clearly a top-level animal but at his current price I just can’t see the value in him given the fact there are so many potential improvers.

Asterion Forlonge looks set to run here as his owner already has Shishkin in the Supreme. I think he will be better suited by this step up in trip anyway and, given the fact he is unbeaten, he may not have found his ceiling yet. Latest Exhibition is another that the Irish have to send over and Paul Nolan will be exuding confidence with his current stable star after a victory at the Dublin Racing Festival.

My fancy for the Supreme, Chantry House, is still priced up for this race but obviously I think he will be much better suited to the two-mile contest on the Tuesday. His owner JP McManus should have Sporting John running in this race which will convince him to allow Chantry House to run in the Supreme. I’d fancy Sporting John to run a big race too. He has looked a strong stayer over two miles so far this term and the step up to 2m5f will see him in an even better light.

If I trained Thyme Hill I would be fancying a crack at this race rather than the gruelling three-mile Albert

“ Jockey Barry Geraghty has picked up his fair share of criticism, BUT he is all class

”

Defi Du Seuil

tenham when in behind Chantry House.

That race developed into a sprint which wouldn’t have suited him at all but he stayed on like a train up the hill and I think a strongly run Ballymore will be right up his street. At his current price I just cannot leave him unbacked.

1) Pipesmoker 2) Envoi Allen 3) Thyme Hill

RSA Chase Last year’s RSA Chase was one of the strongest renewals in many a year. I can’t envisage this year’s contest throwing up several 2021 Gold Cup contenders but I do believe there is one in the line-up, and that is CHAMP. Nicky Henderson’s horse has picked up his critics after crashing to the floor at Cheltenham in the Dipper. Jockey Barry Geraghty has also picked up his fair share of criticism not just for the Cheltenham fall but for almost throwing away victory at Newbury. He now has his doubters but for anyone who really knows the game, knows that

Coral Cup A disgusting handicap from a punter’s point of view as there has only been one winner below 10/1 since 2008.

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Bartlett. Any horse that wins the Persian War on hurdle debut is well above average and it is worth remembering he wasn’t that far behind Envoi Allen in the Champion Bumper last year. A strong emphasis on stamina here could see him reverse that form.

The Colin Tizzard pair, Harry Senior and The Big Breakaway, look to warrant their place in their line-up although I think he may keep the pair apart. The latter has looked a machine in all starts to date and he is another who is yet to find his ceiling. Harry Senior is improving and his victory over King Roland last time was strong form. The latter may be Coral Cup bound but would deserve some respect if lining up here.

Nicky Henderson has a strong hand in the Supreme and, although not as obvious, he holds a strong hand here.

Glynn was mightily impressive at Doncaster and at 16/1 he looks a sound each-way bet.

My preference is for his stablemate PIPESMOKER who at the time of writing is freely available at 66/1. He ran a mighty race on hurdle debut at Chel-

Geraghty is all class and the cream always rises to the top.

Champ proved he stays three miles by winning the Sefton at Aintree last year and he has, despite that fall, looked a high class recruit to chasing.

If he proves himself to be none the worse for that fall and gets around safely then I think he is the one to beat.

Minella Indo looks the pick of the Irish horses on form and with an Albert Bartlett victory already to his name he clearly acts around Cheltenham. He will be in the shake up without a doubt but I do feel he lacks the ‘wow’ factor that a horse like Champ possesses.

I’m a big fan of Allaho and believe he has so much more to offer now stepped up to three miles. He is currently favourite for the Marsh Chase which worries me. He could head there instead but I think Willie Mullins is already double handed there with Easy Game and Faugheen. This looks the race for him and I think this dour stayer will be a cert to run into a place at least.

Battleoverdoyen disappointed last time and disappointed at the Festival last year so has to be opposed here but Master Tommytucker could be a latecomer to the party if Paul Nicholls can get another run into him beforehand.

1) Champ 2) Allaho 3) Minella Indo

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: WEDNESDAY fore needs considering.

1) King Roland 2) The Storyteller 3) Honest Vic

Tiger Roll

With no real trends to go by it’s hard to offer any real advice as to what to look for in the race.

KING ROLAND was one of my horses to watch for the season and although I was slightly disheartened with his effort at Cheltenham last time, I think he would have a right chance here off 141. I’m not the only one who thinks this as he has been catapulted into favouritism and although I thought he may make up into a Ballymore horse earlier in the season, Harry Fry would be silly not to cash in on a lenient handicap mark.

He travelled like a dream at Cheltenham but just got outstayed by a more battle-hardened horse in the shape of Harry Senior. That is still strong form and he looks the bet here.

The Storyteller is priced up in a few races both over hurdles and fences and this looks the most suitable option for Gordon Elliott’s horse. A winner over fences at the Festival in 2018, he looks to have been laid out for another tilt at Cheltenham glory.

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RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Whiskey Sour is somewhat of a Festival cliff horse for me and although he ran in the County Hurdle last year, I’m thinking Willie Mullins may try here this time. Lightly raced over hurdles, he threatens to be a bit better than his current mark but I do worry he will find one or two too good again.

William Henry continues to defy the assessor but he really does look handicapped to the hilt now. Stablemate Birchdale is an interesting contender and boasts a similar unexposed profile as King Roland. Nicky Henderson, despite being known for his Grade 1 horses, has his fair share of handicap success and it would be interesting to see if he decides to send Birchdale back over hurdles off a mark of 146.

Honest Vic might be one who sneaks in under the radar but would need considering if the ground came up good. Henry Daly’s charge was expected to cash in off a lenient handicap mark last time but did so in such a fashion he hinted that he may well have improved and there-

Cross Country Chase It seems a near certainty that this race will go to the legend that is TIGER ROLL. Gordon Elliott’s dual Grand National winner looks a class above anything that turns up in this field. His owner is always keen to talk him down but all racing fans can see this is a special, special horse who should be savoured rather than debated. If all goes well in the Boyne Hurdle, I’m sure he will be one of the safest bankers of the meeting.

Easyland has attracted support after racking up five consecutive victories and consequently being bought by JP McManus. JP hasn’t got many lined up for the Cross Country this year which has forced him to dig deep into his pockets. This horse deserves plenty of respect but it will still be a big shock if he is to get past Tiger Roll.

Similar comments apply to Diesel D’Allier who won at the course in November. That rates strong course form which is obviously so important around this unique track.

1) Tiger Roll 2) Easysland 3) Diesel D’Allier Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Given how weak the Triumph Hurdle looks this year I think a lot of the fancied types in this race may be tempted to try their hand in the big one itself.

Horses such as Mick Pastor and Wolf Prince have improved throughout this season and in any other year would be a sure-fire runner here but I think top connections may just try their hand in the Triumph if it’s still looking relatively weak.

Both would be of major interest here but may have to carry their fair share of weight. Palladium has had this race as his target for quite some time now and he did impress me with how well he stayed last time at Sandown. Not many juveniles have that toughness and he did ever so slightly win me over with that performance.

However, it was not enough to knock me off THYME WHITE for a stable which has enjoyed much success in this race down the years. He looks the typical Nicholls’ juvenile and has been steadily improving this season. It looks like a relatively weak renewal and he wouldn’t have to be above average to win this and therefore gets my vote.

I wouldn’t dismiss Rowland Ward at a bigger price as he was hampered badly last time when it looked like he was staying on. He could easily run into a place.

1) Thyme Whyte 2) Palladium 3) Rowland Ward

Champion Bumper All the hype has been about Appreciate It since his victory at Leopardstown and he does look well

above average but I do think he is flattered by the margin of victory that day. His main rival Eric Bloodaxe ran as if something was amiss and I would have expected him to finish a lot closer if the pair re-opposed here.

At the cramped odds, I am opposing the favourite and am opposing him with FLINTEUR SACRE. A brother to the great Sprinter Sacre he looks to possess all of the class his brother had and must have a great chance here. A promising debut effort behind a real top notcher was followed up with an impressive victory at Kempton which has teed him up nicely for a shot at this. His turn of foot could be deadly and I fancy him to run a big race.

Panic Attack has recently been bought and put into the care of David Pipe. On the back of her impressive Market Rasen win, she would have to

have a good chance of Festival success here, especially with her mares allowance. Her new stablemate, Israel Champ, has looked a top notch bumper recruit so far this year and is the sort of horse who will run his race from the front and probably stick on for a place.

One that has snuck in under the radar is Alan King’s Heart Of A Lion.

An easy winner of a Southwell bumper last July who has not been seen since, is the apple of his trainer’s eye. King has made no secret of the regard he holds this horse in and although you will have to take a chance on his welfare having not been seen for quite some time, I think he could reward each-way backers.

1) Flinteur Sacre 2) Appreciate It 3) Heart Of A Lion RA

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: THURSDAY

Walk in the Park for Paisley Ben Morgan thinks the defending Stayers’ Hurdle champ is the banker of the meeting

THURSDAY LINE-UP 1.30 Marsh Novices’ Chase 2.10 Pertemps Final Hurdle 2.50 Ryanair Chase 3.30 Stayers’ Hurdle 4.10 Stable Plate Chase 4.50 Mares Novices’ Hurdle 5.30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase Stayers’ Hurdle This race sees my banker of the meeting run and I have to apologise because it’s not very imaginative.

PAISLEY PARK has beaten everything put in front of him for the past 18 months and, if anything, I think he is improving. His win in the Cleeve was vintage Paisley as he hit a flat spot before powering home up the hill. He looks as good a stayer as we have seen since the great Big Bucks and I can’t see any of the field beating him this year. He has beaten most already and the ones he hasn’t don’t look to be up to his standard.

There was talk of Benie Des Dieux lining up here but that talk seemed to quieten down after Paisley Park hosed up in the Cleeve. I hope the mare goes to the Champion Hurdle or the Mares because this looks her toughest option.

Champ is still short in the betting but I can’t see Henderson re-routing him here this late in the season. His Ballymore conqueror, City Island, is 14

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

more than likely to come here, however. His chase career hasn’t scaled the heights as expected and I think connections will more than likely chance their arm here.

A few outsiders that could run into a place include Sam’s Profile, Emitom and Bright Forecast. I have backed Emitom but that was before his jumping let him down in the Relkeel. If Warren Greatrex can tidy that jumping up he would have a real chance of running into a place.

1) Paisley Park 2) Emitom 3) Sam’s Profile

Ryanair Chase A race often seen as second best alternative to many, this year has a slightly different feel to it as there are a number of horses who are specifically being targeted for this contest.

Last year’s winner Frodon looks set for a repeat bid and his win at Kempton would have teed him up nicely for this. I think he has a fantastic chance of retaining his crown but I do worry that MIN might have a little too much boot for the strong-staying Frodon.

Willie Mullins hasn’t had to think too much about Min’s intended target this year as his hand has been forced somewhat with Chacun Pour Soi looking his number one option in the Champion Chase. That could be a blessing in disguise as the Ryanair

looks made for Min. If allowed to get into a jumping rhythm I can’t see many of them passing him up the straight.

A Plus Tard may end up here or Henry De Bromhead may decide to try his hand in the hotter Champion Chase. He, too, will probably be better suited to this race and his unexposed profile makes him a dangerous player.

Carl Hinchy has made no secret that Riders Onthe Storm is an intended runner despite being priced up in a few handicaps. He has looked a 2m 5f specialist in all runs this season and seems a much improved horse since his switch to Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard.

Un De Sceaux would be a player on soft ground and his stablemate Real Steel looks a likely improver having already beaten Footpad this season.

Politologue and Dynamite Dollars are possible contenders and both would be interesting runners.

1) Min 2) Frodon 3) Riders Onthe Storm

“ paisley park looks as good a stayer as we have seen since the great Big Bucks

”

Paisley Park

of his last year when he was a novice hurdler. He couldn’t quite reach the top in that division but looks to have found his niche over fences.

He was a fast-closing second to Faugheen last time and that run came after he beat Allaho over the same course and distance. That is top form, and if he improves like I think he will for the switch to Cheltenham, I think he is more than capable of reversing that form with Faugheen. The hill should bring his stamina into play and at 10/1 he rates a serious each way bet.

Fakir D’Oudaries looks suited to fences but promises to be a better horse next year. The British pair, Itchy Feet and Mister Fisher, will have their followers after recent successes and my preference would be for the latter after he showed all the right qualities at Doncaster.

Midnight Shadow has danced most dances this year and performed with credit on more than one occasion. His course form will stand him in good stead but he may lack the necessary

Pertemps Network Final Another gruelling handicap to pick apart where most of the field are hiding a few pounds from the handicapper. Last year’s winner Sire Du Berlais has been laid out for the race all season and the majority of racing fans have been able to write his race reports before he has even been saddled up. Gordon Elliott is a master of training them for a day so I suspect Sire Du Berlais will be cherry ripe to retain his crown.

His owner JP McManus holds a strong hand in this race as he also owns the current favourite Phoenix Way. Harry Fry’s horse bounced back from a year off to win cosily at Huntingdon which meant he received a good hike in the weights which allowed him to get into this race.

An expensive point recruit once upon a time, he didn’t get to the track enough during his novice season to fulfil his potential but there is no doubt he could well have a few pound in hand still.

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Marsh Novices Chase Allaho heads the market for Day Three’s opener but I don’t think he will be best suited by the 2m 4f trip and will probably be seen in a better light in the RSA. But he is trained by a master and who am I to tell him what to do?

Willie Mullins also has Faugheen and Easy Game engaged so this is another reason why I think Allaho will head to the RSA. The others look to have more obvious claims and I’m sure the house will come down if Faugheen is able to gain victory.

The enigmatic 12-year-old looks to have retained all his old sparkle as he has embarked on his chase career and is yet to taste defeat over the larger obstacles. He will prove very popular in the betting I am sure, but he is not a bet for me. I can see him running very well but I think his older legs might just falter up the hill.

Instead I fancy the horse he beat by half a length at Leopardstown last time out, EASY GAME. I was a big fan

class. One horse who won’t lack class is Reserve Tank and I’m certain Colin Tizzard’s charge can put behind him a couple of underwhelming runs this winter when he encounters some Spring ground. Not too many British raiders go to Punchestown and win so the fact this horse did just that suggests he is real class and I urge readers not to give up on him yet.

1) Easy Game 2) Reserve Tank 3) Faugheen

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: THURSDAY One For The Team clearly had a few pounds in hand last time at Newbury as he hosed up after a string of fine efforts. That win means he will comfortably get into this race rather than creeping in at the bottom and consequently that may hinder his chances.

He did finish in behind Silver Sheen at Warwick the time before and that race looks to have been one of the stronger Pertemps qualifiers we have seen this season. Jessie Harrington’s charge should have a good chance of going close on that basis and the current 14/1 on offer looks fair value.

However, the 25/1 on offer for THIRD WIND is just too good to turn down. Hughie Morrison’s charge was the winner of last year’s EBF Final and promised to be a high-class chasing recruit this year.

His chase debut didn’t go as planned and he reverted back to hurdles at Wincanton on Boxing Day. He won easily there which qualified him for this race and a small rise in the

weights may not be enough to stop him. The step up to three miles should bring about plenty of improvement and I am pretty confident about his chance.

The Henry Daly pair Stoney Mountain and Rapper have been in good form this year and the former took the Fixed Brush Stayers Hurdle in good style in November. I think he has unfinished business over hurdles and I would take a punt on him each way at a big price.

Last year’s fourth, Cuneo, looks to have been laid out for another go at this prize after his chasing career didn’t work out as planned.

1) Third Wind 2) Phoenix Way 3) Stoney Mountain

Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate I normally struggle to find too much in this race but this year I have developed a fancy for two or three horses. I think

my pin has landed on DALLAS DES PICTONS’ tail as Gordon Elliott’s horse looks to have the most in hand.

He fell at the first at Leopardstown when fancied which would have disappointed connections but it could be a blessing in disguise when it comes to this race. He was one of the plunges of the 2019 Festival but found Early Doors too good in the Martin Pipe. I think Elliott will be keen to correct that this year and his horse gets a strong vote here.

Mick Channon’s Glen Forsa has not been seen since his reappearance, so his welfare will have to be taken on trust but his absence may well have been deliberate and if so he will have to be taken very seriously. I think he is better than a handicapper and he may prove me right.

Another of my fancies is Blazer.

Willie Mullins’ horse rarely runs further than two miles but I think he is much better over further as he proved with a solid run at Leopardstown. That repre-

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RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

sents good form and his current mark looks workable so I would give him a squeak here.

His stablemate Robin Des Foret would also have a good chance on his best form. Similar comments apply to Ex Patriot. The British pair of Spiritofthegames and Happy Diva boast strong course form and I can see both running well but doubt either are hiding much from the handicapper.

1) Dallas Des Pictons 2) Glen Forsa 3) Blazer

Mares Novices’ Hurdle The absence of Marie’s Rock’ means Minella Melody is likely to go off favourite. Henry De Bromhead’s mare has enjoyed a successful season so far and she certainly looks a high-class recruit to this sphere.

At 11/4 however I would have to oppose her on the basis that DAYLIGHT KATIE was of a similar standard to her last year in bumpers and I have seen nothing to suggest she wouldn’t be just as good a hurdler as her. Her current price of 10/1 offers real eachway value and Gordon Elliott has always held her in high regard. She hasn’t got the hurdles form of the likely favourite but does boast strong form all the same and I can see her running a big race in this.

Floressa got caught in a bit of a pocket last time at Doncaster and ended up getting beat by the legend that is Lady Buttons. Nicky Henderson’s mare had previously looked a top notch novice and she was one of my horses to follow at the start of the season. She has plenty of boot and would benefit from this race turning into a sprint. However, being a Festival race, it is likely to be a strongly run race and a strong staying mare always seems to come out on top up the hill.

Mount Ida and Ard Abhainn have form that ties in with Minella Melody and both have to be respected but I’m not sure Gordon Eliott will allow all of them to take their chance.

Alan King has his high-class bumper mare, The Glancing Queen, prominent in the betting but she has yet to be seen yet this season so there has to be doubts over her participation. Having

Stoney Mountain

said that, last year’s winner won this on her British debut so a long absence can be defied.

Two outsiders that could figure are Dan Skelton’s Getariver (on good ground) and Alastair Ralph’s Getaway Totherock who looked all class when winning comfortably at Ludlow.

1) Daylight Katie 2) Floressa 3) Minella Melody

Kim Muir Handicap Chase Gordon Elliott normally has one laid out for this and all the ante-post support has been for Glenloe who, despite his size, has not looked the most natural chaser just yet. His indifferent runs have probably been a deliberate tactic in order to keep his mark down for this race and I do expect him to show marked improvement but I’m just not sure he has what it takes.

Early Doors boasts a similarly disappointing chasing profile but does have a Festival victory to his name having won the Martin Pipe last year. Joseph O’Brien’s charge has yet to convince over fences but he hardly convinced over hurdles last year before popping up in the Martin Pipe so I wouldn’t be too disheartened about his chances.

Cogry is a solid yardstick around here and will run here if Nigel Twiston-

Davies decides to bypass the Ultima on the first day. He is a guaranteed stayer and this slightly ‘cooler’ handicap could be just what he needs.

He and Singlefarmpayment surely have become good friends over the years as they have run in the same race so often and no doubt recognise each other. Tom George’s charge is a bit of a devil as he does not like to hit the front too early so whoever is booked to ride has to deliver the challenge right on the line. But he has shown some of his old form this year and I wouldn’t rule him out as he is bound to pop up soon.

No Comment is another McManusowned horse who may line up and he has some strong handicap form to his name, including a 5th in this last year.

But my preference is for last year’s second KILFILUM CROSS who has had his season geared around this race.

I tipped and backed him for this last year and the gamble nearly came off as he only just got beat by Any Second Now but he ran very well all the same. He is back on the same mark and I’m sure Henry Oliver will get top amateur Alex Edwards in the saddle as the pair bid to go one better.

1) Kilfilum Cross 2) Early Doors 3) No Comment RA ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: FRIDAY

DELTA WORKS FOR ME Ben Morgan goes with Gordon Elliott in a wide-open Cheltenham Gold Cup

FRIDAY LINE-UP 1.30 Triumph Hurdle 2.10 County Handicap Hurdle 2.50 Albert Bartlett Hurdle 3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup 4.10 Foxhunter Steeple Chase 4.50 Grand Annual Chase 5.30 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Gold Cup The feature race of the whole week looks set to be one of the most competitive renewals in recent years. I genuinely think I could back four or five of these so it’s very hard to pick just one. Al Boum Photo was tipped for a place in this same column last year and he ended up taking home the whole lot. He has done nothing to harm his chance in this year’s renewal from what he has done so far. He looks a sensible bet, but for some reason I can’t get too excited about him this time around.

His stablemate Kemboy got put into his place by DELTA WORK last time out and he had no known excuses.

Gordon Elliott’s charge has taken his form up a level this season and his win in the Irish Gold Cup cemented his place towards the top of the betting here. Elliott has always had the utmost faith in the selection and, given his top-class form, I find him the most solid option in this race. At 11/2 he offers good value and edges a narrow vote.

Had Lostintranslation not been pulled up in the King George I may well have tipped him to win this, but coming here off the back of that isn’t the best of preparations. Before his 18

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

King George run he looked the next big thing and it came as a huge shock to me that he ran so badly at Kempton.

I think it was too bad to be true but stats suggest horses who pull up on their last run don’t often win the Gold Cup. But with that said I do think he is a good horse and is worthy of some each-way support.

Last year’s tip Clan Des Obeaux looked to have improved this season as he hacked up in the King George but doubts remain whether or not he really stays the Gold Cup trip. If he is a stronger horse who stays better this year then he has a right chance because he was jumping the last with the rest last year before being caught out by the hill.

One horse who has no stamina doubts is Santini and I’m sure he will be playing some part in the finish as long as he can keep tabs on them turning in. Native River will have his work cut out fending off these strong stayers and is therefore vulnerable.

Presenting Percy would be an interesting each-way bet on genuine good ground as there is no doubt his genial trainer Pat Kelly will have him tuned up for the day.

Whoever wins this, I think it will be one of the best Gold Cups you will witness, so make sure you savour every moment.

1) Delta Work 2) Lostintranslation 3) Santini

Triumph Hurdle History tells us that not many fouryear-olds go on to make Grade 1

hurdlers at the age of five and I will be amazed if any of this lot do.

Perhaps I’m being a little disrespectful, especially to Allmankind and Goshen who have done nothing wrong, but I just haven’t been that impressed with any juvenile I have seen this season. Dan Skelton’s Allmankind has demolished all opposition put in front of him this season but I am worried that his freegoing nature is going to catch him up eventually. The buzz of the crowd at Cheltenham, the occasion, the big field could all have an adverse effect on the current favourite and his price of 9/2 doesn’t entice me to take the gamble.

It is a slightly different story with Goshen as there is more of chance he will settle. However, as good as he has looked, I just can’t get too excited about him. Whether it is the fact he looks too good to be true, I don’t know. I have a gut feeling that this year’s contest could go to an outsider.

Which outsider? One that does interest me is Emmet Mullins’ FUJIMOTO FLYER who looked very good when winning in France in September. Her trainer states she is likely to take in a race, probably the Adonis, before Cheltenham to see where she stands, so obviously I’m taking a bit of a punt tipping her. However, I think she might be the value bet especially as Isaac Souede and Simon Mounir don’t tend to buy rubbish.

The JP McManus trio of Mick Pastor, A Wave Of The Sea and Cerberus all warrant respect having shown good form throughout the year. My preference would be for A Wave Of The Sea

“ I think it will be one of the best Gold Cups you will witness, so make sure you savour every moment

”

Delta Work

who has improved no end since the start of the year and his win at Leopardstown was his best run yet. With that in mind I am surprised he is still freely available at 14/1. He looks a sound each-way bet in an open race.

1) Fujimoto Flyer 2) A Wave Of The Sea 3) Goshen

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle A race that isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Often won by dour stayers who are rank outsiders. Thyme Hill currently heads the betting and is a horse I have no doubt will stay three miles but I do question whether this race is for him at this stage in his career. I’d rather see him in the Ballymore where he could ruffle a few fancied feathers.

Paul Nolan’s Latest Exhibition is an interesting contender as he has been pulling up trees in Ireland this season.

A defeat of Andy Dufresne was backed up with an impressive victory at Leopardstown and left connec-

▲

County Hurdle Ciel De Neige has catapulted himself to the top of the market after a gallant second in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Combined with the fact he ran a three-length third in Fred Winter last year on British debut, he looks a worthy favourite. That course form is enticing punters to back him and I certainly wouldn’t put anyone off, but I fear the value may have gone now.

His Newbury foe, Pic D’Orhy, looked like the horse Paul Nicholls thought he was when he first came over when he

won the Betfair Hurdle and I would expect him to come on again for that run. That would give him a right chance but he may have blown his mark.

One horse who I think could be overlooked, especially if the ground came up good, is Aramon. Willie Mullins’ horse was a top novice last year but acts on good ground. That said, he ran a mighty race at Aintree on soft when he really should have won. This year he hasn’t shown a great deal in what should be his Champion Hurdle year but in his defence he hasn’t had his ground. I’m unsure where Willie Mullins is going to run him but if he came here on good ground I think he would represent real each-way value.

I would have probably tipped him for this race had HARAMBE not been brought down in the Betfair Hurdle.

I’m sure he would have figured in that race and probably won had he not hit

the deck which would have meant he would have had to carry his fair share of weight in this. But as he didn’t complete the race, he remains on the same mark and I think he has an outstanding chance. His win in the Greatwood was impressive considering he probably didn’t like the soft ground and also the fact he had plenty of work to do turning in. Alan King has always thought plenty of him and I think he has enough mileage in his current mark to play a part here.

Joseph O’Brien’s novice, Front View, is an interesting horse if turning up here as he is thoroughly unexposed and boasts some really good form. He wouldn’t look out of place in a novice race here so he would have to warrant some each way support if Joseph decides to cash in on his handicap mark.

1) Harambe 2) Front View 3) Aramon

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: FRIDAY

Omua

tions dreaming of Festival glory. The Ballymore looks pretty hot so I’m thinking he may end up here and, of the fancied runners, he would be the one who could run a big race.

Noel Meade’s DIOL KER cost me a small fortune when stumbling at the last at Leopardstown last season but it may have been a blessing in disguise as he is now a second season novice and still able to compete in these races. He returned with a victory in November but has not been seen since which is a slight concern. He is yet to face three miles but I think he will improve for it and therefore rates solid each way value at 16/1.

Nicky Henderson’s The Cashel Man is also a player despite not looking all that convincing at Bangor last time. He got awarded the race in the Stewards’ Room after suffering some interference up the straight but what impressed me was how he stayed on and powered through the line, suggesting he had plenty left. An 20

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experienced horse on the Flat, he is the battle-hardened horse which tends to run well in this race.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies pair of Redford Road and Mossy Fen may both take their chance in this and both look lovely staying chasers in the making but might find this mission a little too much at this stage of their fledgling careers.

The final hope I have is Escaria Ten for the Gordon Elliot yard. He has looked a strong stayer in all starts so far and may run into a place at a huge price.

1) Diol Ker 2) The Cashel Man 3) Escaria Ten

Foxhunter Chase HAZEL HILL saved my Friday last year and I’m standing by him this year too.

Clearly an improved horse since his days in the Irish point field, he has cemented himself as one of the country’s leading hunters in recent seasons.

He would be a warm favourite for this had he not bumped into a rejuvenated Minella Rocco at Wetherby on his reappearance. Jumping right throughout, he gave Alex Edwards plenty to worry about and the pressure eventually told as he went down by 1½ lengths to the former Gold Cup third. Edwards immediately jumped off and said something felt amiss and trainer Philip Rowley stated afterwards he will make sure he is A1 going into Cheltenham which suggests there was something left to work on at Wetherby.

He will have his work cut out to reverse that form with Minella Rocco as Jonjo O’Neill’s horse is a classy type who could easily win this on a going day. But, he isn’t one to rely on and with Hazel Hill threatening to improve I am going to stick with last year’s victor and back him to do the business again.

Willie Mullins has Billaway engaged, who has to be respected given he is trained by the great man himself, while last year’s second Shantou Flyer bids to go one better. The selection’s stablemate, Wishing And Hoping was impressive at Taunton but looks much better suited to Aintree where he should avoid his fancied friend.

The Dellercheckout impressed me at Ludlow last time but connections said they may wait until next year until they dip their toes into deep water so I fancy Road To Rome to run into a place instead. A fancied runner himself last year, he didn’t run as expected on the big day but there were plenty of positive vibes about him and he could be worth a poke at a big price.

1) Hazel Hill 2) Minella Rocco 3) Road To Rome

Grand Annual Unexposed novice Lisp heads the betting here but I couldn’t back him at that price given his lack of experience over the larger obstacles. Similar comments apply to Greaneteen for the Paul Nicholls stable although he has looked a natural recruit to fences. His tendency to race freely, though, may hinder his chances in such a big field.

Nube Negra will be better suited to

this handicap challenge rather than the Arkle and similar comments apply to the frustrating Al Dancer.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge is clearly a capable horse but just finds it so hard to get his head in front these days. With that said, though, I do think he is better than a handicapper and could run a big race here.

If the weather gods bless us with some good ground then I think bold front runner ORNUA could be the bet.

Henry De Bromhead’s horse was fancied for the Arkle last year but fell before going onto gain retribution at Aintree.

Since then, the ground, as well as luck, hasn’t come his way. Consequently, his mark could well be a generous one and, if allowed an easy lead, he could serve it up to the field.

Evan Williams’ The Last Day completes the shortlist. He was an easy winner at Aintree before an early error cost him his chance at Ascot. Williams stated he is likely to head straight here

which suggests he thinks his current mark is more than workable.

1) Ornua 2) The Last Day 3) Al Dancer

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle Every man and his dog has heard the whisper about ILIKEDWAYURTHINKIN and the fact he is 5/1 clear favourite in one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the week says it all.

Gavin Cromwell tasted Festival success last year with the ill-fated Espoir D’Allen and will be keen to step into the winner’s enclosure again this year.

This looks your typical plot horse having been bought along steadily by his master trainer before racking up two victories last summer.

His run at Christmas was eye catching as he stayed on nicely without pulling up trees and the handicapper consequently can’t do him too much damage. He looks the ideal type for this race and I hope the whisper

comes to fruition.

Palmers Hill also represents JP McManus and his course win last year will ensure he has his supporters. He, too, looks to be on a reasonable mark and it will be interesting who Jonjo Jr chooses to ride.

The Bosses Oscar looks the ideal type for this race and is under the care of master handler, Gordon Elliott. His novice form looks decent and dropping back into handicaps he could prove too hot to handle.

Pileon would be an interesting runner for Philip Hobbs as his hurdle form reads very well. I was surprised that Hobbs didn’t enter him in any of the novice races and that could consequently be because he wants to cash in off his mark.

Hurricane Harvey, although not priced up anywhere, completes the shortlist.

1) Ilikedurwaythinkin 2) The Bosses Oscar 3) Hurricane Harvey RA

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BARRY GERAGHTY

Defi is my definite pick

Sporting Index ambassador Barry Geraghty is looking forward to one horse more than any other at the Festival

D

efi Du Seuil is a horse I’ve always really liked. Even as a juvenile, I remember saying to Philip Hobbs and JP [McManus] that this fella can go jumping fences as a fiveyear-old.

He missed out that season but he started back out over fences last year and did really well as a novice.

It probably took him a run or two just to lower his gauge and really find his rhythm over fences, but after his first two runs he was brilliant. He’s been really, really good this season.

You’d like to think he’s good enough to win a Champion Chase at Cheltenham with what he’s done this season. Particularly the Tingle Creek and the Clarence House were two really good performances, but it is a strong race.

Altior is the defending champion, he’s a high class horse who went 19 runs unbeaten. There hasn’t been any before to do that so you can never dismiss him.

Chacun Pour Soi really looks like a progressive type, so it will be a very strong race.

He [Defi] has a lot of speed, but jumping comes so easy for him. He’s got so much scope, he’s got a great attitude. He’s up for it, he’s plucky.

I went to the last at Ascot and I can see from a long way off I’m on a long stride. You know you’ve got the race in the bag, you don’t need to go and do anything fancy, but with him it’s what he wanted to do and you’re just agreeing with him and he was up for it.

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Defi Du Seuil

I think he has improved through the Tingle Creek, the Clarence House, he seems to have got sharper. I think the Tingle Creek, he had to work harder that day than he has done before and it probably made a man of him.

Defi is shaping up, hopefully, to be another Moscow Flyer or Sprinter Sacre. He’s doing all the right things but he’ll have his test come March.

We’ll have to wait and see but he’s definitely going the right way. He has

all the right attributes to be a high class horse.

Moscow Flyer was brilliant through the early noughties and then I was lucky enough to Sprinter Sacre through the next decade, so hopefully Defi Du Seuil will be the one for the third one.

He was the one I was looking forward to last season. I’m blessed with some very good rides at the Festival, but Defi Du Seuil is top of the list. RA

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OPTIMUM RACING

altior is still the one they have to beat Andrew Lowrie previews Cheltenham’s big two races

T

he two big Championship Steeplechases at the Cheltenham Festival are the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. The former race, run on the Wednesday of the four-day meeting, promises to be a tremendous battle between three outstanding chasers.

Badsworth Boy is the only horse to have won three Champion Chases and you have to go back 35 years for the last of his three successive victories.

This year Altior gets the opportunity to emulate the Michael Dickinson trained chestnut’s achievements and will line up as one of the ‘big three’ in the betting.

Having lost his air of invincibility at the hands of Cyrname, who ended the champion’s nineteen race unbeaten run in the 2 mile 5 furlong Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot, the somewhat surprising decision to try and turn Altior into a stayer has thankfully been aborted, and, judged on his only subsequent outing since Ascot, which saw him beat Sceau Royal comfortably in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, it is a decision that could well be rewarded with a third victory in this great race.

Defi du Seuil is his main market rival.

Unbeaten in three starts this season, he has won on both his previous visits to the Cheltenham Festival, having landed the Triumph Hurdle in 2017 and the JLT Novice Chase last year. His chance is a serious one!

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Chacun Pour Soi, trained by Willie Mullins was too strong for Defi du Seuil at last year’s Punchestown festival – although the Philip Hobbs inmate may have had enough for the season by that stage – and looked as good as ever when beating stablemate Min at Punchestown in February, clocking some strong fractions in the process.

His lack of previous experience at Cheltenham is a negative. He, like Defi du Seuil, though must be considered as worthy challengers to Altior’s crown. For my money, however, the imperious Altior still looks the one to beat. His latest win can be significantly upgraded from a sectional timing perspective, he clocked strong late fractions, quickening well off an ordinary pace, and a strong gallop which should ensue at Cheltenham will be ideal. If back to his best Altior will be a tough nut to crack.

The Gold Cup has a wide open look with the current market leader at 4/1 last year’s victor Al Boum Photo. He won comfortably, when odds on, on his only start this term at Tramore and goes into the Gold Cup as the one to beat. This year’s renewal does, however, have a stronger look to it and there are plenty capable of a strong performance.

Stablemate Kemboy should not be underestimated although beaten by Delta Work in the Irish Gold Cup last month. He got the better of Al Boum Photo at Punchestown last year when staying on well to win by two lengths,

ensuring Ruby Walsh’s final ride was a winning one. He lined up in last year’s Gold Cup but unseated David Mullins at the first fence. Jumping has been his Achilles heel, and somewhat tempers my enthusiasm for his chances Last season’s RSA Chase form looked strong at the time, and subsequent results have endorsed that opinion. Delta Work who continues to improve was a creditable third to Topofthegame (side-lined with injury) while Santini was second, an excellent effort considering the far from perfect preparation he had endured going into the race. He did his chances of winning the Festival’s Blue Riband event no harm at all by beating last year's Gold Cup third Bristol De Mai in the Cotswold Chase in January and looks the pick of the British runners.

Lostintranslation needs to bounce back following a lacklustre display in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, while Clan des Obeaux, who won that race, has to prove he can perform to his best at Cheltenham, something he has failed to do previously. Throw into the mix previous winner Native River and Presenting Percy and you have yourself a potentially excellent and very competitive renewal of the week’s feature race.

The four-day Festival should be a real extravaganza with over £4m of prize money on offer, and more than 250,000 people expected to attend the meeting. Let’s hope a good time is had by all. RA

PAUL JACOBS

I

I have never been in the arena of basing the majority of my antepost investments around the Cheltenham Festival, in fact my biggest long term wagers in that sector nearly always come in the Grand National when I set out my stall the day after the great event has been run.

Still, the bookmakers, pundits and media as a whole are more at pains every year to make it the holy grail and even push for an extra day… god help us! If bookies want to offer an olive branch to us beleaguered investors then how about offering non-runner/no bet on all races at least a month in advance on EVERY race instead of just the daily feature events and a select number of high profile stars on a definitive list.

Ok, enough of the complaining and onto this year’s Festival where the most outstanding view that smacks you in the face is that the Irish novices once again seem to have the jump on their UK counterparts. It is not normally an arena that tempts me into a bet, but I have played in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle Of course Envoi Allen is the red hot favourite here, but bearing in mind the state of the Champion Hurdle market, a late switch shouldn’t be ruled out.

Nicky Henderson will lead the home defence in the novice events and is especially strong in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, but I have taken a shot at his recent Newbury winner, CHANTRY HOUSE, running in the longer event.

I know he has a high cruising speed and has shown the minimum trip, so far, to be his domain, but on breeding (by Yeats out of a Phardante mare), and his ability to relax during a race I fancy that the Day Two opener would be a better fit for him, not withstanding the presence of the Gordon Elliot hot pot. Should the 5/4 favourite not run I could have a 16/1 slip playing at 5/2 come the day of the race.

I have also had an each-way play on THE BIG BREAKAWAY. Colin Tizzard told me recently: “He is a lovely horse

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al dancer can land big price Paul Jacobs with his hopes for some generous odds at the Festival

Paul and although he will strengthen in time, we couldn’t be happier with him now and you have to be have been impressed by his last win.”

That I was and although the form is hardly Grade One material, the way he went through the race to the naked eye was wholly impressive. This son of Getaway has a real presence about him and, more importantly, a top class motor inside.

Of all the feature races, I thought that the Stayers Hurdle had the most interesting betting shape to it and despite having backed Paisley Park at the back end of 2018 to lift the trophy last year at 33/1 there is no room for sentimentality 12 months on.

I have already backed SUMMERHILL BOY at 20/1, but want a second string to my bow this year and Irish raider RONALD PUMP fits the bill.

Novice chasing was on the agenda for him this year, but he didn’t really take to the bigger fences and was readily found out in Grade One company behind Carefully Selected last month.

However, he was previously beaten a mere length by Treacysenniscorthy over timber giving that rival no fewer than 32lbs and the winner has since gone on to win a Class B handicap off a 9lbs higher mark.

I reckon that Mat Smith’s charge has

about 12lbs to find to be competitive with the reigning champion, but his profile remains highly progressive and there is a lot of chaff left in this year’s entry of 29. If we get a really solid gallop then I think he has a realistic chance of hitting the frame at around the 50/1 mark and that would be good enough for my bank manager.

The Gold Cup remains a conundrum to me and if pushed to have a wager I would probably side with the current champion Al Boum Photo, but he does need plenty of give in the ground to bring his bottomless stamina into play and that is quite obviously not a given on the final day of the Festival. On a quicker surface he remains vulnerable with the same remark applying to Native River, Presenting Percy and Lostintranslation.

So this is a race I shall be watching rather than playing in.

The weights for the handicaps aren’t released until February 26, but I am always keen to find a hole in the bookmakers offerings in this sector and the Grand Annual is as good a place to start as anywhere else.

The usual suspects which have been loitering around this arena will line up again, which makes a novice worthy of a second look.

The problem is some trainers get hyper-excited about running their

youngsters in the Arkle or less so in the Marsh and nothing else because they are deemed championship races.

In the hope that Nigel TwistonDavies sees the light I have taken a punt on AL DANCER running in this open event.

He is round about 12th in the betting list for the novices’ speed championship and his run behind Mister Fisher may well edge the Twister towards this day one speed test.

However, I think off a mark of around 149 he would have solid claims.

Last year Croco Bay pulled off a 66/1 shocker, but this is a race where gambles and fancied runners normally prevail and although he would be near the head of the weights, the grey has all the attributes needed for a race of this nature. Let’s hope that Nige does the right thing. RA

Al Dancer

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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IRISH RACING

A

head of another exciting Cheltenham Festival, I shall provide you with a breakdown of the likely leading Irish contenders for all of the major prizes as well as a few who may have gone unnoticed and under the radar.

THE LIKELY LADS (AND LADIES) The first one to look at is Asterion Forlonge, unbeaten in three starts this year. He won his bumper in game fashion to deny Watergate Lady by a little under a length. He then stepped into a hot maiden that featured the wellregarded Pencilfulloflead from the Gordon Elliott yard.

In a field of 21 runners, he was still able to put some ten lengths between himself and the Ellliott runner. His CV began to look a bit better and Willie Mullins saw no harm in entering him for the Grade One Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown at the beginning of February. Always prominent, he was strongly pressed for the lead two from home. He showed a tenacious attitude to stay on well in the closing stages to record a nine and a half length win over Easywork.

Willie Mullins was thrilled: “I’m surprised and delighted. I had him down as a two mile and six or three mile horse. The last day he won at Naas was a mile and seven. It looks like I’m wrong and he is a two-miler.

“He has a huge cruising speed and I said to Danny (Mullins) to go out and make the running. He’s never fast at home but he obviously covers a huge amount of ground and can keep that gallop up for two-miles flat out. He looked like he could be a Supreme Novice horse and that was the furthest thing from my mind three weeks ago.

I think this fella can stay. I think he’s easy enough to ride. If the owner has something else for the Supreme, we can chat it out.”

The Arkle is the next race I shall look at as Ireland have an incredibly strong hand this year with Notebook and Fakir D’Oudaries scheduled to line-up.

The former extended his unbeaten run to four for the season when landing an 28

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Faugheen delights mullins

Karl Hedley nominates his main hopes for Irish glory at Cheltenham

on-course gamble and defeating the likely to be re-opposing Cash Back.

Despite being quite keen to post, he disputed the lead from flag fall. He was subsequently headed but moved through to dispute the lead two from home. He took over before the last and stayed on well under pressure for Rachael Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead.

The trainer said: “He had to tough it out and he jumped brilliant. Cash Back gave him some race there. I didn’t think he jumped to his right as much as he did at Christmas, he was very good today. A few of ours have improved a lot over fences through the years.

“Special Tiara was a 116 hurdler and Ordinary was 118. Some of them need a fence and you saw his jumping out there, he’s a dream and he just seems to love it. Also I was running him over the wrong trip for most of last year.

He’ll go straight to the Arkle and fingers crossed we get a clear run. He seems to have won on everything, but he’s probably marginally better on better ground. We’ve five weeks now, so we’ll freshen him up and try and have him as right as we can.”

Benie Des Dieux has been installed as favourite for the Champion Hurdle following a demolition job over rivals such as Penhill and Apple’s Jade at Gowran Park last month. She was always tracking the leaders before taking over three from home. She

stayed on encouragingly to see off her opposition by at least 21 lengths. Trainer Willie Mullins was hesitant to go overboard about her win that day as he said: “Obviously Apple’s Jade didn’t fire on the day, but I thought the mare put in as good a performance as she ever did in her life.” Connections landed the race with Annie Power back in 2016 and the mighty Faugheen the year before, so they clearly know what type of horse is required.

In the RSA Chase the main Irish hope at this stage is Minella Indo. The seven-year-old gelding won the Albert Bartlett pretty much as he liked when beating Commander Of Fleet and Allaho. He has clearly transitioned that ability to the larger fences as he showed when winning a beginners’ chase at Navan last month.

Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: “He had to tough it out a little bit, which was good. He should improve again for that and I’m delighted to get that out of the way. He needed a test over three miles because he is so laid back at home. I think he will head straight to the RSA Chase now.”

Faugheen put up an imperious display as he rolled back the years to win at Leopardstown in a valuable Grade One Novices’ Chase. He is a leading contender for the Marsh Novices’ Chase and has to be high on any shortlist given two previous successful ventures at the Cheltenham Festival.

Always prominent, he led travelling into the straight under a finely timed ride by Paul Townend.

His stablemate Easy Game was gaining on him with every stride, but the gallant twelve-year-old kept finding for pressure and maintained his 100 per cent strike rate over fences.

An emotional Mullins was delighted with his stable star: “It’s probably one of the most special winners I have ever had. I should have sent him over fences last year and I got sidetracked.

“I didn’t want to retire him without going over fences as this is what we bought him for. Look at what he can do now at 12. People want to retire horses at 10, 11 or 12 but to me they have plenty of life in them if they haven’t used up all their mileage as younger horses.

“They can go much longer than people think and he is living proof of

Faugheen

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IRISH RACING

it. He’s got stamina, speed and he can jump.

“He’s got the whole package and a will like Un De Sceaux. They both want to train and get at the job, and you really are trying to not let them do too much. They have a huge attitude to racing and training. I would have been gutted if he had been beaten today. A lot of people think if you take him on he will fold, but he’s shown in his last three races that he won’t.”

Delta Work shortened into Gold Cup favouritism with a competent performance to see off Kemboy at Leopardstown in the Irish Gold Cup. The seven-year-old scythed his way through the field and led narrowly approaching the last. Despite coming under pressure, Jack Kennedy maintained his cool to score a one and a half length win for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Elliott said: “The last couple of seasons he’s improved with races. We missed here last year and went straight to Cheltenham which might not have been ideal.”

Chacun Pour Soi enhanced his credentials with a breath-taking display in his second run of the year. The yard have been longing to have a Queen Mother Champion Chase winner and he looks like he could well fit the mould in order to break their duck.

Willie Mullins said: “He was electric.

Jumping those fences down the back he was so slick and fast. He was getting a length to a length and a half at every fence without effort. Paul (Townend) said he was arriving upsides Min at the third last and didn’t want to hang about so just kept going. It just shows how much he has improved since Christmas.”

Honeysuckle looks as though she is swerving the Champion Hurdle in favour of a tilt at the Mares Hurdle. The undefeated six-year-old showed she is as versatile as they come with a power packed performance in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

While taking a keen hold early and not totally fluent at the second flight, she then travelled supremely well entering the straight. She took over from Petit Mouchoir at the last and 30

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Notebook

despite being pressed by the game Darver Star. She kept pulling out all of the stops.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: “She just looked as though she got a bit lonely going to the last. She’s so tough, she really battled it out. All credit to Petit Mouchoir and Davy Russell, he ran a brilliant race again and Gavin’s horse looked very good. I had my heart in my mouth coming to the line. She probably needed it and our two went at it early. Talk about adapting to two miles, she seemed brilliant.”

BUBBLING UNDER Treacyenniscorthy is entered for the Pertemps Network Final Handicap on Day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

He landed a hefty prize when winning the William Fry Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

There was no hiding place for the eight-year-old who set about making all under talented apprentice Kevin Brouder. The young jockey showed why so many trainers are rushing to utilising his services. He managed to get his mount to stay on under a power-packed ride to see off the challenge of The Jam Man who rallied well under Barry Browne.

Trainer Robert Widger said afterwards: “To even have a runner up here at a meeting like this, for a small stable, is phenomenal. To come here with a chance and then win is what you

dream of.

“He’s a chaser, that is what he is. He won a chase and we decided to go back over hurdles with him. He has just kept improving and that is why we have kept him at it. We will have a look at Cheltenham and provided the handicapper isn’t too hard it will be all systems go.”

A Wave Of The Sea could prove to be a lively outsider for the Triumph Hurdle given the manner of his wins from what we have seen so far.

He recently switched to the ownership of JP McManus so he clearly liked what he saw. He thrives on his racing as he has been on the go for most of the year.

In November he dominated his rivals with a facile 20-length win over Khanmurjan at Down Royal and was then only beaten a little under two lengths

by Cerberus the following month.

He clearly wasn’t right when beaten 35 lengths by Aspire Tower at Christmas, but he followed that up with another encouraging win at Leopardstown due to the fall of that rival and he was able to reverse form with Cerberus.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien said after that win: “It looked to be a great tussle between Aspire Tower and Cerberus but unfortunately Henry’s horse fell but seems fine by all accounts. Barry (Geraghty) took his time, saved all his energy and he came and picked up the pieces.” RA

THE 2020 CH HELTENHA T A

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Acknowledged d as the essential and authorittative guide to the Cheltenhaam s, stats, bacckg

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Printed just a few days before The Festival,, our Bulletin Book is postedd o Card which highlights each day’s informatiion in a handy pocket-sized fo your phone from Marten each day of The Festival F with his latest news an as part of our Cheltenham Package.

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INTERVIEW

wave of the sea is one I’d pick to follow Brendan Powell answers our questions

Name: Brendan Powell Date of Birth: 14 July 1960 Birthplace: Naas, Co Kildare Twitter: @bpowell13 How did you get into racing and who or where have you worked with in racing?

My father was travelling head lad to Paddy Prendergast. He then managed two stud farms and so I was brought up with horses. I rode in two point to points at 14. I moved to the UK in 1977 and spent about two years with Jenny Pitman, followed by stints with David Gandolfo and Stan Mellor. Then Les Kennard called me up to ride for him and I spent three seasons as stable jockey there. David Elsworth, Captain Tim Forster and Bob Buckler were my main jobs until I retired.

How did the recent change of career come about from training to joining Joseph O’Brien?

I popped into see Joseph’s yard on a few occasions when visiting Adrian Maguire, and he said he was looking for an assistant. As I was down on horses and thinking of packing up, I jumped at the chance.

always my favourites to ride from the stables. Winx and Faugheen outside.

What were the best horses you trained?

Dark Emerald and Colonel Frank.

What time do you get up and what would be your average day?

I get up at 5.45. Check the horses and dogs. Go up the gallops for a few lots and then represent Joseph at the races.

How many people work on the yard and which jockeys ride out for you regularly?

There would be the best part of 80 staff at Joseph’s. Jockeys are Shane Crosse, Declan McDonagh, Mikey Sheehy, Trevor Whelan, JJ Slevin, Finny Maguire, Tom Hamilton, Eamonn Corbet, Shane Shortall and Eddie Greatrex.

What are the best and worst parts of the job?

Best are winners and seeing the young

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RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Who are your racing idols?

David Elswoth, AP McCoy and Pat Smullen.

What hobbies or sports do you like to watch or play away from racing?

I play some golf and love watching rugby.

Favourite food and drink?

Food – Chinese. Tea or coke are ,my drinks as I’m teetotal.

Favourite Music and Film & TV? I listen to any music but don’t watch films. Favourite TV is Would I Lie To You? and Fawlty Towers.

Which course would you like Joseph to train a winner at this year?

Would love to see Joseph train a winner in Saudi at the end of the month.

If you were put in charge of racing for one day what changes would you like to make?

More prize money in UK. I would like to see Irish stable staff get some equal canteen facilities to those in UK. Some are a disgrace over here in Ireland

Which racecourses do you like/dislike and why?

Newbury is my favourite course along with The Curragh and Newton Abbot. I don’t really dislike any.

Favourite horses inside and out of the yard?

Panto Prince and Dublin Flyer were

jockeys getting on and giving them advice. Worst is injuries to both horse and jockeys.

Brendan Powell

Can you give readers a horse to follow for the rest of the season or beyond?

I love Buckhurst, he has a serious engine. Over jumps, A Wave Of The Sea. RA

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Clan Des Obeaux and jockey Sam Twiston-Davies win the King George VI Chase.

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Jockey Paul Townend celebrates victory in the 2019 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase on Al Boum Photo

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GRAHAM BUDDRY

defi du seuil can maintain my record Graham Buddry looks back on last year’s Cheltenham to make his predictions for this one

T

o say the 2019 Cheltenham Festival was bizarre, topsyturvy, chaotic yet wonderful would still not be doing it justice.

There seemed three certainties in that Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins would train hatfuls of winners and Davy Russell would partner at least one into the winner’s enclosure.

In reality Willie Mullins won the first two races then had 31 beaten horses before the awful Mares Novice Hurdle two full days later which he won with a 50/1 shot from his seven runners! Then between that winner and a horse even he thought of as his least chance of winning the Gold Cup he ran up another 16 losers before Al Boum Photo finished off with another five of his all failing to make the frame.

I think it fair to say that Gordon Elliott was badly out of form at Cheltenham, too, drawing an unaccustomed blank on day one.

Apart from the brilliant Tiger Roll in the Cross Country and the impressive Envoi Allen in the Bumper, he scored in just one handicap with 42 losers, including favourites and other well fancied types.

Davy Russell, with at least one winner every year since 2006, came home empty handed while on the training front Nigel Twiston-Davies, Colin Tizzard, Gordon McCain, David

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Pipe, Alan King and Jonjo O’Neill couldn’t muster a single winner between them. A closer look reveals that O’Neill, McCain and Pipe fielded just nine runners between them. With all of this, “bizarre” barely comes close.

Perhaps the strangest thing of the first day was the Champion Hurdle.

Billed almost exclusively as a three horse race between Buveur D’Air, Apples Jade and Laurina, what price could you have gotten on none of them making the first three home?!

To top it, the winner was a five-yearold. The last from that age group to win was Katchit 21 years earlier and he never won another race, yet Espoir D’Allen won by a record-breaking margin, smashing Istabraq’s previous record.

The icing on the cake with this

Klassical Dream

second string of owner JP McManus was when he confirmed he didn’t have a single penny on the horse while a trusted contact assures me he had a “substantial” bet on Buveur D’Air. Perhaps that tells its own story on this most unusual first day of the meeting. We’ll also never know if Espoir D’Allen could have been the real deal as he is sadly no longer with us, having been put down after a freak injury at his stable.

So, with most things seemingly turned on their head, how did we fare with our jockey stats and our look at the Paul Nicholls runners from last year?

Nicholls had turned out just a handful of winners from 162 runners over Cheltenham fences covering the previous nine years and the expectations were of a blank over the bigger obstacles. Nicholls sent 24 runners to Cheltenham last year with none of his hurdlers making the first three. From the 13 sent over fences seven were out with the washing, two failed to finish and another pair were placed. Nicholls surprised some when Topofthegame won the RSA and then had that unlikely, yet magical, moment with Frodon and Bryony Frost in the Ryanair.

Despite this success on the New Course it’s worth noting that only one other of his runners on the last two days even made the frame.

Bryony Frost and Frodon

Old Course hurdlers Mark Walsh was unplaced here on everything except his Cross Country second while on the New Course he managed no better than a single third place where nearly half his mounts were pulled up.

He may be one to keep an eye on over hurdles on the first two days yet I still think a line should be firmly put through his chase rides and everything on the last two days. If he manages to fire in another winner to keep the ball rolling he may yet prove a jockey to keep on side in the future but after so many previous losing rides over the years, including well-backed favourites, if he fails early on he could easily revert to type as one to avoid.

Davy Russell, so often the leading jockey with at least one big race winner to his name, failed to score for the first time in many years. His results on the first two days were dire and two placed rides from six mounts on the last two days emphasises how much the Gordon Elliott string was out of form.

In the normal run of events there is

nothing to suggest Russell won’t be banging in the winners again, his usual penchant being for Grade 1 chasers and handicap hurdlers. I think it fair to class 2019 as an anomaly and keep the faith with unarguably one of the best jockeys around.

Jack Kennedy was another to suffer from Elliott’s lack of form and also failed to score. The only consolation here was that 75% of his placed mounts came over his preferred hurdles as expected and that appears now to be his favoured medium, but this is very much an upcoming jockey and with the sheer horse power he has to call on I was very tempted to cite him as the surprise replacement for Ruby Walsh in the “Four Aces” to take the Festival by storm.

A broken leg just 30 minutes after winning the Irish Gold Cup on Delta Work shows the extremity of the ups and downs of a jump jockey and rules him out of Cheltenham this year but makes the Davy Russell hand much stronger, although the possibility of having to choose between Delta

▲

“Inconsistent” is still the best way to sum up Nicholls and, like last year, backing his runners, especially on the New Course with the possible exception of the Foxhunters could yet again be a fast ticket to the poor house.

On the jockey front last year I wrote that Sam Twiston-Davies’ confidence was low after repeated Festival failures. Nothing was expected of him and he drew another blank. A distant third place was the only one of his eleven rides to get anywhere near troubling the judge and nothing can reasonably be hoped for this year either.

In the near absurdity of the Champion Hurdle it was none other than Mark Walsh, a jockey with a previously abysmal record at Prestbury Park and advised to leave well alone, who picked up the trophy. His confidence, that most elusive of essential commodities, was then sky high and he picked up another Grade 1 over hurdles on the Old Course with City Island in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

With the exception of this pair of

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case, but while his chase mounts were unplaced on the first two days, if backing him only over fences on the final two days a small profit would have followed in the each-way market.

With Johnson, his best ride over fences was the fourth place in the Gold Cup, most bookies paying four places in the race. Both jockeys retain that health warning about backing their mounts over hurdles yet despite blanks last year over fences, Scudamore is especially still one to bear very much in mind over fences on the last two days. Johnson should be back after his broken arm and I feel he may pick and choose his rides a bit more this year, so take note of any chaser he partners.

Nico de Boinville seems easy to read and the three pointers last year stay firm again this year. Marked as best on the Old Course, 50% of his mounts made the first two as opposed to the New Course where five of his six mounts were unplaced or failed to finish. Ignore his non Grade 1 chasers, again all of which were unplaced or failed to finish over the four days.

Finally, it was advised he is far better over fences than hurdles. Of his two Grade 1 victories, the Triumph Hurdle was a shock to many at 20/1 with Pentland Hills while his 28/1 victory on William Henry in the Coral Cup was gained by a short head as he just caught the leader on the line. It was good to see him riding the winners but I think these should be treated as anomalies and stick to his Grade 1 chase rides, especially on the first two days for the best chance of a profit as this is where he shines brightest.

Paul Townend is a jockey regular readers will know I have long admired but even he usurped the expectations during the strange four days of last year. As per every Festival it has been repeatedly pointed out that Townend is far better over hurdles with a preference for the Old Course. With Mullins badly out of form, Townend failed to make the first three over timber on the last two days but did manage a pair of second places (at 20/1 and 7/1) from five rides on the first two, confirming his track preference at least. A jockey I had never been happy with over birch

at the Festival, he confounded expectations when winning first the Arkle on Duc Des Genievres and then really surprising when landing the Gold Cup. I’ll admit I was pleased for him but until he repeats the feat I will still be putting a line through his mounts over fences as he is normally less effective here and sticking to the smaller obstacles where he can generally be relied upon for a profit, particularly on the first two days.

I have drummed on persistently down the years that the biggest races at the Festival (the Grade 1 events) are almost always won by the top jockeys.

I have never counted the Bumper in this equation and of the 13 other races, three were won by the jockeys I referred to as the Four Aces, Russell, Walsh, Geraghty and De Boinville, the leading rider for 2019. In all, only Harry Skelton (winning the Mares Hurdle after Ruby Walsh and the odds on favourite fell at the last with the race at their mercy) and Rachel Blackmore hadn’t won a Grade 1 event before.

Stick with the top jockeys (those who have a Grade 1 victory on their CV) for the top events as rarely do the Grade 1 races fall to a lesser jockey. ▲

Work and Presenting Percy may be hard.

With the Mullins string also appearing a bit out of sorts, Ruby Walsh won the first race and then did nothing more than a handful of minor places, but at least he won a Grade 1 over hurdles, the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Klassical Dream. As expected, his preference for the Old Course provided that winner.

Equally, it was suggested that he would do nothing over fences or with longer-priced runners, both of which went to form as did the recurring comment that not all his hot-pots would win over hurdles. In all events he did what was expected in what transpired to be his last Festival. He will be sadly missed.

Noel Fehily was another jockey riding in his last Festival. It was firmly pointed out last year that he had far more winners over hurdles than fences and that catching him over the smaller obstacles could yield a profit. Fehily had only one winner during the four days, over hurdles as expected, but at 50/1 if you were lucky (or shrewd) enough to have backed it, the expected profit was yours.

It was also highlighted last year that Barry Geraghty is best over hurdles and even though his winner was on his less preferred New Course he did at least score. The card was also marked that he is generally far less effective over fences unless riding a wellbacked McManus runner. His winner, Defi Du Seuil at 3/1, and Gold Cup second at 22/1 Anibale Fly, were both in the famous green and gold silks, so the advice over fences definitely hit the mark too. Time and again he is a jockey to keep on side over hurdles, especially on the first two days and these observations are expected to ring true again as is to avoid him over fences unless riding a well-backed McManus horse.

Both Tom Scudamore and Richard Johnson have long had a health warning about backing their mounts over hurdles and this also stayed true to form in 2019.

It was expected they would have better fortunes over fences, especially on the New Course in Scudamore’s

“

Defi du Seuil

I have drummed on that the biggest races at the Festival are almost always won by the top jockeys

”

• 16 Ye Years As A Jumps Racing Specialist To Tip pster Platforms//S SureWin S • All Resul ts Proofed To ‫ ى‬ɮƺȸ ‫׎׎דً׏ڷ‬ȵɎɀ ¨ȸȒˡɎ ³ǣȇƬƺ JȒǣȇǕ nǣɮƺ • Tips Deliv vered Via An Enttertaining Daily E Email

RAH2020 ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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GRAHAM BUDDRY Having said that, the likes of Bryan Cooper, Jack Kennedy and now Blackmore and Skelton have bucked this trend over the past four years which shows the quality of young riders required to do the business. This approach should still reduce the vast majority of the Grade 1 races down to much more reasonable proportions before looking even closer at individual jockey preferences and all the other factors most of us already rely on.

Each year it seems that with just the odd hiccup the jockey preferences generally stand up very well and can be of great assistance in both highlighting a potential winner or long priced place mount. They are equally effective at ruling out some of the more fancied runners, including a fair number of big race favourites, which don’t fit the expected profile and thus allowing us to concentrate on a smaller number which do.

My tips for last year? In the Champion Hurdle I was dead against the two mares, neither of which did a thing, and thought Buveur D’Air had the race at his mercy. If it wasn’t for an uncharacteristic fall would he have won?

Certainly McManus had heavily backed him to beat his other, unbacked, winner of the race and Buveur D’Air emphasised the costliness of that fall when next over two miles in landing the Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

With Altior looking invincible at prohibitive odds I suggested Sceau Royal was a great value bet for a place with his love of Cheltenham. Freely available on the course at 20/1 on the day it was exciting to see him jump past Altior at the last and I was more than happy with the place and a tidy profit as the champion finally exerted his authority on the race.

My best bet of the week by far was given as Paisley Park and he scored like a true champion despite a scare at the last as he kept my 100% record of Festival best bets intact and ensured another healthy profit over the four days.

Finally I had expected Native River to double up in the Gold Cup having easily put a line through Presenting Percy, Kemboy, Bellshill and Clan Des Obeaux. The ground for Native River was nowhere near as soft as had been 38

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Presenting Percy

expected and, having missed the start, he was chased along for a full circuit before gaining the lead. By then too much energy had been expended but decent odds for four places also produced a reasonable return as he stayed on well into fourth place. Last year, when I reduced the 43 runners entered at the time down to just two, Native River being one of them, I wrote that the other one I expected to run into a place was Bristol De Mai at upwards of 33/1. I was very happy when he finished in the places too, returning at 18/1 on the day. And so to this year.

This year’s Champion Hurdle is the strangest I have ever known and could just come down to the best on the day but keeping with a top jockey should at least cut the field of potential winners down. Paisley Park looks a certainty to follow up his Stayers Hurdle win of last year as does Tiger Roll in the Cross Country chase, although take note of the French entries here. They are both sure to be very short in the betting but a short priced winner is better than a long price loser.

The RSA can throw up good winners as well as the odd surprise package.

Champ is set for a confidence booster at Kelso at the time of writing. Before that, falling when clear at the last will have taught Champ a lot more about respecting the fences and keeping his mind on the job and I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t win.

Just shading him as my best bet of the meeting is another McManus horse in Defi Du Seuil for the Champion Chase. De Boinville on dual champion, Altior, will be a tough nut to crack and ran well enough after the last at Newbury to win well but I feel he is particularly vulnerable this year.

A point many seem to overlook is that with no exception I can think of down the years, all the very best Henderson horses prove near unbeatable in their younger days but never keep that form as they get older. (Think Long Run, Bobsworth, Punjabi, Binocular, Trabolgan, Remittance Man etc).

Altior is still a class act and I expect a strong finish from him but I’ll be surprised if he can beat Defi Du Seuil. The best of the Irish are probably Chacun

Champ

while Lost in Translation, a horse I had very high hopes for at the start of the season, now has it all to prove. Kempton was clearly not his track as he has a strong preference for left handed tracks and also runs best on galloping courses. Those plus points are then tempered by his running style, either racing too far back or having an uncontested lead. You won’t win this from the back and he won’t get his own way up front and I’m not sure if any horse has ever won the Gold Cup having been pulled up last time out.

Like last year, Frodon won’t stay the trip and that will also catch out Clan Des Obeaux, not to mention the “Nicholl’s Chasers” statistic, so out they both go too.

Elegant Escape isn’t good enough to win but will certainly be staying on at the end and if your bookie is paying four places, as many do for this race, the 50/1 currently on offer looks very tempting.

Now we’re down to the last five.

Native River loves galloping courses such as this and will run a big race. In days past ten years old was the ideal

▲

Pour Soi and A Plus Tard, who I think may well go for the Ryanair, yet I doubt they will be able to cope with Defi or Altior. I pointed out course specialist Sceau Royal last year and he can again reward each way backers. He has a marked preference going left handed, loves this course and the 33/1 currently on offer looks a good investment. I confidently expect Defi Du Seuil to win well though and extend my 100% winning best bet by another year.

As I write there are still 31 horses entered for the Gold Cup and I’ll stick to the principles which have served well over the past few years.

A quick deletion of the obvious nohopers brings the list of potential winners down to 13. One of the strongest requirements is a win this side of the Irish sea, so we can cross out Monalee, Chris’s Dream and Real Steel. I know Al Boum Photo bucked this trend last year but he was far from the stable first choice for the race and taking into account how hard it is to win this race twice, I’m confidently putting a line through the favourite.

Bristol De Mai is not the force he was

age for a Gold Cup winner but in these days it’s too old, yet if he gets his own way in front he’ll be difficult to pass and looks a near certainty for a place, currently available at 12/1.

Santini, the second favourite, is a strange one who I just don’t like yet can’t quite pin down the reason why.

Sometimes his jumping is poor and sometimes he doesn’t finish his races off, yet, conversely sometimes he’s very good and does have Nico de Boinville in the saddle. He runs far better left handed, as here, but also runs far better after a long lay off of around 75 days or more. It’ll be only 48 days since his last run and, to put it in a nutshell, I don’t think he’ll be good enough.

Kemboy is a horse of immense promise so I need to revert to the jockey factor here. Ruby Walsh is retired so who rides him? Townend is a brilliant jockey, although best at Cheltenham over hurdles and surely he’ll stick with Al Boum Photo. Mullins also has the trait of sticking one of his sons on his more fancied runners in big races and that is enough for me to rule him out here.

And then there were two. Delta Work is a class act, no doubt and his two runs in England, both at Cheltenham, have produced the requisite victory, albeit over hurdles. The jockey booking here will be key, yet it’s worth noting that Delta Work is yet to race beyond an extended three miles and that has to leave a big question mark.

Should Davy Russell take the ride, though, he’d certainly do for me, especially at the 6/1 currently available.

That most talented jockey is more likely to partner Presenting Percy. He’s had his troubles since his novice days and is without a win this season yet has won over further so we know he has the stamina. The deciding factor here is the ground as Presenting Percy is a different beast on soft ground.

Assuming we’ll get a suitably wet Festival and Russell keeps the faith, the 14/1 freely available looks good enough although, admittedly, I’ve already got several bets on him at longer odds.

Either which way, I hope you all have an enjoyable and prosperous four days and trust the above words help you in your selections.

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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GRAHAM BUDDRY - 2019 WINNERS

Cheltenham Festival 2019: Race-by-race results Day One: Champion Day – 12th March 13.30 The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 1. Klassical Dream (R Walsh) 6-1 2. Thomas Darby (R Johnson) 28-1 3. Itchy Feet (G Sheehan) 25-1

16.10 The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 1. Siruh Du Lac (Lizzie Kelly) 9-2 2. Janika (D A Jacob) 3-1 Fav 3. Spiritofthegames (Harry Skelton) 6-1

14.10 The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase 1. Duc Des Genievres (P Townend) 5-1 2. Us And Them (J J Slevin) 14-1 3. Articulum (D J Mullins) 25-1

16.50 The Trull House Stud Mares Novices’ Hurdle 1. Eglantine Du Seuil (Noel Fehily) 50/1 2. Concertista (Danny Mullins) 66/1 3. Tintangle (Jack Kennedy) 40/1

14.50 The Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase 1. Beware The Bear (J McGrath) 10-1 2. Vintage Clouds (Danny Cook) 16-1 3. Lake View Lad (Henry Brooke) 25-1 15.30 The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 1. Espoir D’Allen (M P Walsh) 18-1 2. Melon (P Townend) 22-1 3. Silver Streak (Adam Wedge) 100-1 16.10 The OLBG Mares’ Hurdle 1. Roksana (Harry Skelton) 17-2 2. Stormy Ireland (Paul Townend) 11-1 3. Good Thyne Tara (Rachael Blackmore) 40-1 16.50 The National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 1 A Plus Tard (Rachael Blackmore) 6-1 2 Tower Bridge (J J Slevin) 7-1 3 Ben Dundee (K M Donoghue) 40-1 17.30 The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase 1. Le Breuil (Mr J J Codd) 14-1 2. Discorama (Mr B O’Neill) 13-2 3. Jerrysback (Mr D G Lavery) 12-1 Day Two: Ladies Day – 13th March 2019 13.30 The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle 1. City Island (Mark Walsh) 8-1 2. Champ (Barry Geraghty) 9-2 3. Bright Forecast (Nico de Boinville) 25-1

Espoir D’Allen

15.30 The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 1. Altior (Nico de Boinville) 4-11 Fav 2. Politologue (H Cobden) 11-1 3. Sceau Royal (D A Jacob) 16-1

17.30 The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase 1. Any Second Now (Mr Derek O’Connor) 6-1 2. Kilfilum Cross (Mr Alex Edwards) 7-1 3. The Young Master (Mr S Waley-Cohen) 22-1

16.10 The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase 1 Tiger Roll (Keith Donoghue) 5-4 Fav 2 Josies Orders (Mark Walsh) 15-2 3 Urgent De Gregaine (Felix de Giles) 17-2

Day Four: Gold Cup Day – 15th March 13.30 The JCB Triumph Hurdle 1. Pentland Hills (Nico de Boinville) 20-1 2. Coeur Sublime (D N Russell) 20-1 3. Gardens of Babylon (B J Geraghty) 9-1 14.10 The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle 1. Ch’tibello (Harry Skelton) 12-1 2. We Have A Dream (D A Jacob) 14-1 3. Countister (B J Geraghty) 18-1

16.50 The Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 1 Band of Outlaws (J J Slevin) 7-2 Fav 2 Coko Beach (Jack Kennedy) 14-1 3 Ciel De Neige (Ruby Walsh) 17-2 17.30 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper 1 Envoi Allen (Jamie Codd) 2-1 Fav 2 Blue Sari (Barry Geraghty) 7-2 3 Thyme Hill (Richard Johnson) 20-1 Day Three: St Patrick’s Thursday – 14th March 13.30 The JLT Novices’ Chase 1. Defi Du Seuil (Barry Geraghty) 3-1 Fav 2. Lostintranslation (Robbie Power) 4-1 3. Mengli Khan (Jack Kennedy) 9-1 14.10 The Pertemps Network Final 1. Sire Du Berlais (Barry Geraghty) 4-1 Fav 2. Tobefair (Thomas Bellamy) 40-1 3. Not Many Left (Mark Walsh) 16-1

14.10 The RSA Steeple Chase 1. Topofthegame (Harry Cobden) 4-1 2. Santini (Nico de Boinville) 3-1 3. Delta Work (Davy Russell) 15-8 Fav

14.50 The Ryanair Steeple Chase 1. Frodon (Bryony Frost) 9-2 2. Aso (Charlie Deutsch) 33-1 3. Road To Respect (Sean Flanagan) 9-2

14.50 The Coral Cup Hurdle 1. William Henry (Nico de Boinville) 28-1 2. Wicklow Brave (Mr Patrick Mullins) 28-1 3. Ballyandy (Sam Twiston-Davies) 14-1

15.30 The Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle 1. Paisley Park 11-8 F (A Coleman) 2. Sam Spinner 33-1 (J Colliver) 3. Faugheen 4-1 (R Walsh)

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14.50 The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 1. Minella Indo (Rachael Blackmore) 50-1 2. Commander Of Fleet (J W Kennedy) 4-1 Fav 3. Allaho (R Walsh) 8-1 15.30 The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup 1. Al Boum Photo (P Townend) 12-1 2. Anibale Fly (B J Geraghty) 22-1 3. Bristol De Mai (D A Jacob) 18-1 16.10 The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 1. Hazel Hill (Mr Alex Edwards) 7-2 Fav 2. Shantou Flyer (Mr D Maxwell) 7-1 3. Top Wood (Miss T Worsley) 33-1 16.50 The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual 1. Croco Bay (Kielan Woods) 66-1 2. Bun Doran (P J Brennan) 11-1 3. Brelan D’As (Bryony Frost) 8-1 17.30 The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 1. Early Doors (Jonjo O’Neill Jr.) 5-1 2. Dallas Des Pictons (D Meyler) 7-2 Fav 3. Defi Bleu (C Brassil) 14-1 RA

INTERVIEW

gold cup is my biggest race Richard Johnson answers our questions

Richard Johnson champion jockey

Name: Richard Johnson Date of Birth: 21 July 1977 Birthplace: Hereford Twitter name: @dickyjohnson77 Who inspired you to get into racing and when did you first realise you wanted to be a jockey?

My family got me into racing as dad was an amateur rider and rode lots of point to point winners.

When did you first ride?

I rode ponies since I can remember on the farm.

When did you get into racing?

I started with David Nicholson at 16.

First ride/winner?

My first ride was at Larkhill point to point on January 26, 1993 on Rusty Bridge who finished fifth.

My first winner was at Hereford in a hunter chase the following April also on Rusty Bridge, trained by Mum. Best winner/satisfaction?

Both Gold Cups (Looks Like Trouble and Native River) were my best wins.

It’s the biggest race of the year for me.

What would you be doing now if not a jockey?

I’d be a farmer.

Who do you work/ride out for?

I ride out for Philip Hobbs, Henry Daly, Olly Murphy and Warren Greatrex.

Describe your average day?

My average day is ride out /go racing/go home. Eat, sleep, repeat!

Who were the jockeys you looked up to?

Peter Scudamore and then Richard Dunwoody.

Best/Worst part of job?

Best part winners and worst all the miles in the car.

What would you change in racing if you could?

I would like to see stable staff get better pay as racing cannot work without them.

Food/Drink?

Rare fillet steak and chocolate.

Favourite TV and Film & Music?

Best film Braveheart

Hobbies or other sports you like to play/watch?

Spending time with family.

Ambitions for next few months?

I would like to ride a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and be champion jockey but it may be difficult.

Horses you’re looking forward to riding at Cheltenham?

Native River, Thyme Hill and Brewin’upastorm Many thanks to Richard for his time and hopefully his broken arm will heal in time for him to take his exciting rides at Cheltenham. RA

Read more racing Q&A articles

by Martin Jenkins online at https://pigeonscoop4. wordpress.com ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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LINCOLN HANDICAP BETTING TRENDS

look for the 4-year-olds with high draw Andy Newton with the key clues to solve the big handicap

W

ith the Cheltenham Festival grabbing most of the headlines some of the other big March races can often get forgotten about.

So, with that in mind, the Unibet-Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, which is run on Saturday 28, gets a bit of airtime here.

This one-mile contest is also the curtain-raiser for Flat racing fans and with bundles of history it’s a race with plenty of key trends that should help in finding the winner.

Last year we saw 19 runners head to post and we can expect a similar number in 2020. The Godolphinowned Auxerre justified favourtism to become the third market leader since 2009 to win.

Here are the key trends to look out for...

Age Concern: In recent years, the bulk of Lincoln winners have been aged 6 or younger. You have to go back to 1998 (Hunters of Brora) to find the last horse to win aged 7 or older.

It’s the 4, 5 and 6 year-olds that have by far the best records, but if you want to target just one of those three age groups, it’s the 4 year-olds that have edged it with 7 wins in the last 12, including the last four.

Weight Watchers: With a whopping 16 of the last 17 (94%) winners carrying 9st 4lbs or less this trend is a must to have onside. In more recent times, 9 of the last 10 winners won carrying between 9st and 9st 4lbs, including

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last year’s winner – Auxerre (9st 2lbs).

Also note that in the last 22 runnings (since 1998) we’ve only had one winning horse carry less than 8st 9lbs!

Trip Advisor: With the race being run over 1m and the majority of runners having tried this trip in the past, most will get a plus on the stat that’s seen 15 of the last 17 winners being previous winners over a mile. What it tells us is that horses stepping up from 6f or 7f, with no previous winning form over 1m+, haven’t fared well.

Recent Form: Nine of the last 17 (53%) winners finished first or second in their last race, with 7 of the last 17 (41%) coming here off the back of a victory. If we add in that 14 of the last 17 winners have won between 2-4 times previously in their careers, then this is another stat that should help to whittle down the big field. Twelve of the last 17 winners won this on their seasonal reappearances.

Course Knowledge: Having previous course form at Doncaster has been another thing to look for in recent years with 8 of the last 17 winners having raced on Town Moor before. Also pay closer attention to horses that ran at either Lingfield or Newmarket last time out – 7 of the last 17 winners did just that!

Draw Bias: With normally around 20+ runners, the draw is worth considering too. With a huge 13 of the last 17 (76%) winners coming from stalls 9 or higher this has been a solid stat that was again backed-up 12 months ago when the Charlie Appleby-trained

Auxerre won from stall 17.

Hopefully, this trend can instantly put a line through 8 runners! Also look for the horses drawn between 12 and 16 - in the last 17 years we’ve seen 9 placed.

Market Leaders: Considering the competitive nature of the Lincoln Handicap, it’s actually been fairly kind to punters recently. We’ve seen 4 of the last 17 favourites win (24%), while for the last two years we’ve also seen the ‘top two’ in the betting finish first and second.

Having said that, the average winning SP in the last 16 years is still around 13/1, while even though the market leaders have a good record, we’ve also seen 10 of the last 17 jollies finish unplaced – suggesting the favourites tend to either win, or finish out of the frame.

Trainer Watch: With only four different stables having won 9 of the last 17 runnings between them then it would be foolish to overlook the trainers that like to target this prize. Those stables are William Haggas (3), John Quinn (2), Mark Tompkins (now retired) (2) and Richard Fahey (2).

Therefore, it goes without saying anything they have entered should be respected (we can check nearer the time), plus it’s worth pointing out that Haggas, who won the race in 2018, also landed the prize in 1992, so he’s actually got four wins in this race under his belt.

The Flat Is Back!

Good Luck!

Auxerre wins 2019 Lincoln

Lincoln Handicap Betting Trends 17/17 – Aged 6 or younger 16/17 – Carried 9-4 or less in weight 15/17 – Had won over at least 1m before 14/17 – Had won between 2-4 times before 13/17 – Drawn in stall 9 or higher 12/17 – Having first run of the Flat season 11/17 – Winning distance – 1 length or more 10/17 – Unplaced favourites 10/17 – Returned a double figure price 10/17 – Aged 4 years-old 9/17 – Officially rated between 95-100 9/17 – Placed first or second last time 8/17 – Had raced at Doncaster before 7/17 – Raced at either Newmarket or Lingfield last time out 7/17 – Came from top 3 in the betting

7/17 – Won last time out 5/17 – Placed horses from stall 12 (1 winner) 4/17 - Placed horses from stall 16 (1 winner) 4/17 – Winning favourites 3/17 – Trained by William Haggas 2/17 – Trained by Richard Fahey 2/17 – Trained by John Quinn 2/17 – Ridden by James Doyle (last 2) 9 of the last 10 winners carried between 9-0 and 9-4 in weight Just 1 winner has carried 9-10 in the last 34 runnings The average winning SP in the last 17 runnings is 13/1 Note: The 2006 renewal was run at Redcar and the 2007 running was staged at Newcastle

Recent Lincoln Handicap Winners 2019 – AUXERRE (5/2 fav) 2018 – ADDEYBB (5/1) 2017 – BRAVERY (20/1) 2016 – SECRET BRIEF (12/1) 2015 – GABRIAL (12/1) 2014 – OCEAN TEMPEST (33/1) 2013 – LEVITATE (20/1) 2012 – BRAE HILL (25/1) 2011 – SWEET LIGHTNING (16/1) 2010 – PENITENT (3/1 fav) 2009 – EXPRESSO STAR (10/3 fav) 2008 – SMOKEY OAKEY (10/1) 2007 – VERY WISE (9/1) 2006 – BLYTHE KNIGHT (22/1) 2005 – STREAM OF GOLD (5/1 fav) 2004 – BABODANA (20/1) 2003 - PABLO (5/1) RA

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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ALL-WEATHER RACING

Big Ben strikes to break up the big two Ian Heitman has been impressed with a jockey who has ended the Morris-Kirby grip on the all-weather title

Ben Curtis

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A

dam Kirby and Luke Morris have each won three leading all-weather jockey titles since the AllWeather Championships began in 2013, however there will be a new champion this season. Ben Curtis has already surpassed the totals that won the jockey titles in the last three years and Morris’s total of 102 in 2014/15 looks under threat.

Curtis has been extremely consistent over the last few months and even managed to bag a valuable win in Dubai for Mick Channon in mid-January before jetting back to ride a double at Newcastle the following day.

Mick Appleby, the runaway leader in the trainer’s title, has been the trainer to supply Curtis with the most number of winners, but he has ridden winners for 35 trainers.

Appleby looks set for a fourth trainer’s title and should be able to break his previous best of 51 winners set last season having trained winners at all six of the all-weather courses, with his local course, Southwell accounting for nearly half of his current tally.

Godolphin currently lead the way to be the leading owners for the sixth consecutive year but Lee Power’s Power Geneva Ltd is only a few winners behind.

The winners of the leading jockey, trainer and owner receive £10,000 as do the connections of the most suc-

Gulliver

cessful horse and that looks to heading to the connections of Agent Of Fortune who has six wins to her name, her latest two wins coming in the space of just over 20 hours having dead-heated at Chelmsford on January 30, she won easily at Lingfield on January 31 and despite her next run being off a career high mark of 76, she is thriving and could easily add to her six wins.

of that race, Little Brown Trout, beating him by a length and a quarter. He was raised 4lb for that win and stepped up from class 4 company to class 3 at Lingfield on February 8 when he faced four rivals which included Electric Ladyland who he had beaten at Lingfield when the pair met in January.

Dazzling Des had met another of his rivals, Expressionist back in July in a Listed race at Sandown, when Expressionist was fifth and Dazzling Des eighth. Expressionist had been off the track since that run and had been gelded and was making his handicap debut off a mark of 89. Will To Win was bidding for quick-fire hat-trick on the all-weather in 2020 having won at Wolverhampton and Southwell in January and he headed the market at 7/4.

Never Before, winner of a maiden at Dundalk for Joseph O’Brien on his most recent start on January 24 was bidding to extend the trainers good record with his runners in the UK so far in 2020, three winners from five runners, and he was at 5/2.

Will To Win broke well from the stalls and was soon in control of the race with Expressionist and Never Before chasing the pace with other pair

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THREE-YEAR-OLD Despite there being a guaranteed place in the Three-Year-Old final up for grabs and a first prize in excess of £15,000, only four lined-up for the third of the four qualifiers, a 6f conditions race at Kempton on January 20.

Amarillo Star was well supported to follow up a novice auction win at the track in early December and sent off the 6/5 favourite. Kondratiev Wave, the mount of record-breaking Hollie Doyle, was the 5/2 second favourite with Fleeting Prince, making his first start on the all-weather and having his first race since August, was at 100/30 and Get Boosting the outsider of the quartet at 9/1.

Kondratiev Wave was allowed an easy lead, closely followed by Fleeting

Prince with Amarillo Star racing in touch whilst Get Boosting was held up in the early part of the race by Franny Norton. All four had a chance turning into the straight, Get Boosting the first to crack, fading over furlong from the finish and coming home last. Amarillo Star took the lead with a furlong to go and went a neck ahead of Kondratiev Wave with Fleeting Prince a bit tapped for speed until he was switched to the inside by Kieran Shoemark and finished off strongly inside the last 100 yards. Kondratiev Wave kept on well under a strong ride by Doyle and managed to regain the lead in the last strides to win by a neck with Fleeting Prince only a short head away in third.

Kondratiev Wave is the lowest rated of the three fast track qualifiers with a mark of 90, Temple Of Heaven, winner of the first is on 104 and Maystar is rated 97. Kondratiev Wave has improved in each of his three starts since joining Tony Carroll and needs to improve a lot more if he is to beat the two other qualifiers on Good Friday.

Dazzling Des had finished one place behind Kondratiev Wave when third in a handicap at Lingfield on December 30 but won at Lingfield on January 18 when reversing form with the winner

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ALL-WEATHER RACING

held up, Dazzling Des pulling too hard and that cost him, never managing to challenge in the straight. Will To Win was clear by a couple of lengths turning into the straight and kept on well as Never Before closed well inside the last furlong, half a length the winning margin. Electric Ladyland never challenged in third whilst Expressionist ran finished well beaten in fourth.

Although Will To Win will have a bit to find on official ratings with the Fast Track Qualifier winners, he is race fit and thriving and deserves his place in the final. Never Before needs another run to qualify but has even more to find on the ratings.

SPRINT Last season’s Sprint final winner Kachy had been due to make his first start since Royal Ascot in the Listed Cleves Stakes at Lingfield on February 1, the third of the Fast Track Qualifiers, but having made his way into the paddock he was found to have banged his leg in the stables and was withdrawn. With one qualifier remaining, at Chantilly on March 3, his trainer, Tom Dascombe, hasn’t ruled out a couple of runs in handicaps before heading to France to get him qualified for the final in what will be his final race before heading to stud.

With Kachy an absentee, Good Effort, winner of the second qualifier at Newcastle in early January, was sent off favourite to add to his already impressive all-weather record this season. Habub, having his first run over 6f since disappointing at Newbury in April of 2019, was the second favourite having subsequently performed well on the all-weather. Tinto, second to Judicial in the first qualifier over course and distance in midNovember, attracted some market support and was the 6/1 third favourite. Soldier’s Minute, third behind Judicial and Tinto, was one of two horses on the Lingfield card to have made the 425-mile trip from Keith Dalgleish’s Carluke yard (Fuente, the other, won earlier on the card). Allweather regulars, Merhoob, Royal Birth and the only mare in the line-up, Lady Dancealot, completed the seven46

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Expressionist

strong field.

As at Newcastle, Ben Curtis rode Good Effort positively and set out to lead all the way with Soldier’s Minute racing close to the pace. Habub, who looked well in the paddock beforehand, chased the pace but he was under pressure at halfway and faded in the straight finishing sixth, he proved he isn’t a sprinter, and will no doubt be up in trip next time. Good Effort had all of his rivals under pressure with two furlongs to go and he only had to be pushed out inside the last furlong to beat Soldier’s Minute comfortably by a length and three quarters in the fastest 6f time recorded at Lingfield this season. Lady Dancealot kept on well in the straight to finish third and although she has only raced once over the Fillies & Mares distance of 7f, that would be the better option should David Elsworth run her on Finals Day. Good Effort shortened in the antepost market for the Sprint final and given Tom Dascombe faces a race against time to get Kachy qualified for the final, Good Effort looks the one to beat. Judicial is rated 4lb superior to Good Effort on 109 however he hasn’t

raced since that win in November and has a mixed record after a long break, his best run coming at Newmarket in 2018 when second to high-class mare Mabs Cross.

Gulliver has a higher official rating than Judicial, now 110, having won on his first start of 2020 at Southwell on January 28 when he beat five rivals over 6f. The first of the bridle, he finished well in the straight, taking the lead over a furlong from the finish, beating in-form favourite, Wasntexpectingthat, by two and a half lengths.

Gulliver finished 2019 on a high with a valuable win at York in October and he needs a couple more runs in the next few weeks to be qualified for the Sprint final. His trainer, David O’Meara, might if he doesn’t want to rush him opt for the Listed Cammidge Trophy on the opening day of the 2020 turf season at Doncaster on March 28.

Wasntexpectingthat received 19lb from Gulliver at Southwell and was having a first run in class 2 company having won easily in a class 5 handicap at Newcastle 11 days earlier. The handicapper has left him on 85 and a return to Newcastle and a drop to class 4

Kachy

being slowly away but he finished very strongly. Royal Birth never managed to challenge in third.

MILE Silvestre De Sousa’s stint in Hong Kong came to an end on February 2 having ridden 14 winners since December 17, down from 44 he rode the previous year. He was back in action in the UK at Wolverhampton just over 24 hours after his final ride in Hong Kong. Riding for his retained owner, King Power Racing, he was aboard Fox Power for trainer Richard Hannon in a seven-runner mile and half a furlong conditions race. Another Touch, winner of the second Fast Track Qualifier, was bidding to extend his unbeaten record on the all-weather to four and was the 15/8 favourite ahead of Via Serendipity who he had beaten at Newcastle. Outsider of the field, Salateen, led for the first five furlongs and then faded out of contention, finishing well beaten last. Arcanada, who had been close to the pace, took the lead and travelled strongly for Richard Kingscote but was challenged turning into the straight by Fox Power who

▲

company should see him back in the winner’s enclosure.

Mario Hofer trains in Germany and tasted a first flat success in the UK at Chelmsford on February 6 courtesy of Gamgoom, who had gone close to the winning the 2016 Cleves Stakes, in a 095 handicap. Racing in the UK for the first time in nearly four years, Gamgoom led all the way under Hayley Turner and held off the late challenge of Rock On Baileys to win by a length and a quarter with Turner receiving a four-day ban from the stewards for careless riding inside the final furlong, hampering third placed Mohareb.

Royal Birth didn’t have too hard a race when last of seven in the Cleves Stakes and was turned out seven days later by Stuart Williams at Wolverhampton in a 5f 0-105 handicap. He was one of two in the race for Williams, Street Parade, the other, in a field of five. Acclaim The Nation often leads and he did so again until he was headed inside the last furlong by Watchable who bounced back to form after a couple of disappointing runs, holding on to win by a neck from Street Parade who wasn’t helped by

had every chance to get De Sousa off to a winning start. Fox Power managed to get his head in front with 75 yards to go but he was unable to hold off Via Serendipity who finished strongly under Hayley Turner to get up in the last few strides and continue the excellent form of Stuart Williams, this the 11th winner of 2020 for Williams and the third from six runners for the trainer and jockey.

Another Touch was disappointing given the progress he had been making. He never managed to land a blow finishing fourth while 2019 Mile final winner, Oh This Is Us, never challenged having been given a patient ride by Jamie Spencer.

Via Serendipity has yet to run at Lingfield but is more than capable at left-handed tracks, this was his second win from nine runs going left-handed with four places to his name so Lingfield should be fine for him.

Two last time out course and distance winners, Silent Attack and Corazon Espinado, were among a field of seven for a class 2 one-mile handicap at Lingfield on February 8 in what turned out to a messy race. Zhui Feng, often a front runner on the turf, missed the break and took a while to get up with the pace set by Corazon Espinado, while Silent Attack, who had been well placed close to the pace when he won, was held up this time. Kuwait Currency had the assistance of Silvestre De Sousa, and was joint favourite with Silent Attack, hit his head in the stalls and faded out of contention in the straight.

The race was wide open as the field turned into the straight, Corazon Espinado having the lead but under strong pressure from Luke Morris.

Silent Attack made progress on the outside and it looked like he was going to go on and win but Almufti, who had travelled strongly for Jack Mitchell in the rear, got a good run against the rail and quickened well inside the last furlong to lead with 75 yards to go, going on to win by a length from Silent Attack with Corazon Espinado a head further back in third.

Almufti was racing off a mark of 87 here and will need to win again off ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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ALL-WEATHER RACING a revised mark to be rated high enough to run in the Mile final.

FILLIES & MARES The final Fast Track Qualifier was due to take place at Chelmsford after this was written but in attracting a field of only five at the five-day stage and the general weakness of this category, there must be an argument for this category to be replaced with one that would attract some runners such as a mile and quarter race for three-yearolds.

There is good prize money to be won in this category and that was evident at Wolverhampton on January 27 when seven fillies raced for a first prize in excess of £16,800. Despite the race being open to fillies and mares with a BHA rating up to 105, Solar Heights, rated 92, was the highest rated filly in the line-up. She almost defied top weight under PJ McDonald, taking the lead with two furlongs to go and only headed close to the finish by Kwela who provided Eve Johnson Houghton with a first winner of 2020, winning by three quarters of a length with well supported favourite Geizy Teizy running on well from the rear to be third but finishing too late.

It would be a surprise if any of this trio were good enough to beat Fast Track Qualifier winners, Scentasia, Surrounding and Invitational should they run in the final.

MARATHON Mildenberger booked his place in the Marathon final with a comfortable win at Lingfield over two miles on January 31 when he beat three rivals. He was always going well for Franny Norton tracking the pace set by former Group winner in Germany, Oriental Eagle, now trained in Ireland by Emmet Mullins. Mildenberger, one of two in the race for Mark Johnston, prolific 2019 winner King’s Advice the other and said to be a couple of gallops short of peak fitness, took the lead with a couple of furlongs to go and only had to be pushed out in the straight to beat outsider of the quartet Original Choice by five and a half lengths with King’s Advice running as though the run was needed a further length and a quarter away in third. Ori48

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Court House

ental Eagle attracted market support but failed to live up to those market expectations and was well beaten last of the four.

Mildenberger was beaten two and three quarter lengths by Rainbow Dreamer when the pair met in a handicap at Kempton in early January, when he tried to give 10lb to Rainbow Dreamer, but with the Marathon final at level weights, Mildenberger in theory should reverse the form. With two more qualifiers still to be run, another contender could emerge but the final promises to be one of the more interesting races on Finals Day. Connections of All Yours would probably prefer Finals Day to be at Kempton rather than at Lingfield given how well he performs there, only beaten once (by Rainbow Dreamer) in five starts. The latest success came on February 1 in a two-mile handicap when he won a tight finish from topweight Carnwennan by a neck, receiving a very strong ride from Adam Kirby.

He would have plenty to find at the weights with Rainbow Dreamer, Mildenberger and Raymond Tusk but if one of them were to underperform there is good prize money for finishing third.

MIDDLE DISTANCE The track record for Lingfield’s mile and a quarter had stood for nearly seven years prior to Bangkok lowering the previous best set by Farraaj, when he ran away with the Listed Winter Derby Trial on February 1.

Having his first start on an all-weather surface, Bangkok was sent off the 13/8 favourite for Andrew Balding and Rob Hornby in a field of seven and he won very impressively.

He made progress with two and a half furlongs to go and picked up well in the straight, taking the lead from Court House over a furlong from the finish and only had to be pushed out inside the last 150 yards to win by four and a half lengths, lowering the track record by 0.45 of a second.

Bangkok booked his place in the Middle Distance final but will take in the Group 3 Winter Derby on February 22 prior to the race on Finals Day. One of his opponents in the Winter Derby will be Dubai Warrior who clocked a good time when he beat Court House by three-and three-quarter lengths at Lingfield in December, only 0.14 outside of Farraaj’s track record so this Group 3 contest should be a cracker. RA

NEWMARKET REPORT

Striding out in March

T

David Youngman sees the HQ gallops begin to come alive with the new season’s prospects

HE arrival of March heralds a very busy but hopeful time here at Newmarket out on the gallops. The most exciting time will be towards the end of this month when we go over the racecourse side of town to do the first serious work of the year.

We see then just how the horses have come on during the winter, we will be able to make the pecking order out for each trainer’s string and evaluate the merits of each horse trained here at HQ. FIRST we have the big Cheltenham Festival for all you jump racing fans. I will be at Prestbury Park for two days of the meeting as I like to meet up with legendary former trainer Michael Dickinson and his wife Joan.

They always make the journey to the Festival from their home at Maryland in the USA. What brilliant times he, along with his mother and father, enjoyed in years gone by. It is always a pleasure talking to him about it all.

THIS is the month I take my hack out on the gallops and get up close and personal with the horses in their work.

What fun it will be over the coming months, it makes me feel like a teenager all over again. We will have to endure some chilly mornings yet before we get the lovely warm weather. I hope you like this photo of me with my adorable hack.

LOGICIAN is back in training with John Gosden after undergoing treatment at the equine hospital in Newmarket for peritonitis. This is a lifethreatening illness but, having seen him recently, I can report him to be

Dave and his hack

back in rude health. He will not be seen on the racecourse till summer at the earliest but should have a good time when he returns and win more races.

APPRENTICE George Rooke has been impressing our HQ trainers with his riding and several of them plan to put him up on their horses this season.

George is apprenticed to former jockey Richard Hughes at Lambourn and can do light weights. This will enable him to make good use of his riding claim and he looks in for a nice few winners this year.

WHEN at Banstead Manor Stud recently I was pleased to see Dansili in excellent fettle. Although 24-yearsold and recently retired as a stallion, he is still loved by everyone at the place. FRANKEL and KINGMAN together with BATED BREATH and EXPERT EYE all look great and have full books of mares to cover this season.

NEWMARKET is to shortly welcome Sean Woods back to the training ranks as he has purchased Shalfleet Stables from former trainer Jeremy Noseda.

Sean has had an enjoyable time training in Hong Kong but can't wait to get going again in this country. He is sure to do well as he is an excellent handler.

I have been very impressed by the new arrivals into training at GODOLPHIN stables.

Charlie Appleby and Saeed Bin Suroor have lovely looking types.

Godolphin were among the first to use the grass canters on Warren Hill when they opened last month and they look set for a good season.

With work riders of the calibre of Willie Ryan, Seb Sanders and Kieren Fallon they have the right people to educate the horses on the gallops.

I am looking forward very much to watching some very impressive work mornings with the Godolphin horses this season. RA ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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EDDIE WOODS

SIGNPOSTs that hit the SWEETSPOTS

Eddie Woods has discovered a novel way of finding winners

I

have followed “Signposts Sweetspots” in the Statistics section of the Racing Post since its inception. It usually produces three horses to support on a daily basis and these selections are frequently linked to a particular horse, jockey, a piece of headgear or a trainer.

The selections can be associated with several titles at once, the most common being jockey/trainer combinations.

I wish to complete a larger research project on this concept. This will appear in the publication, Winning with the Racing Post Revisited in late November this year. The first book in the series, Winning with the Racing Post, will be published in late March.

My co-author Jess Harding and I investigate the various categories which appear in “Signposts Sweetspots”. They paint an external picture from the basic statistics presented in the main “Signposts” section of the Racing Post. To discover these, I created a table with columns, both JOCKEY/TRAINER COMBINATIONS RACE DATE HORSE 24/03/2019 LARGY PERK 25/03/2019 AGENT OF FORTUNE 26/03/2019 GLINGER FLAME 28/03/2019 FARES KODIAC 29/03/2019 FELICIDAD 30/03/2019 TYNECASTLE PARK 31/03/2019 JOSSES HILL 01/04/2019 DELL ORO 02/04/2019 L'UN DEUX TROIS

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TIME 05:40 07:15 03:40 03:55 05:20 07:30 04:30 03:55 07:30

indicating the horses of the “Sweetspots” compilers and the reason behind their choices. This gave me the number of selections belonging to each category. But remember this is a minute part of a far larger analysis. Below you will find a table relating to jockey/trainer combinations. It has been chosen because it is the biggest and shows some fascinating points.

You will observe that there are two short priced favourites which have won in the trainer/jockey combination category. The two positive results given in this table, Glinger Flame at Hexham and Tynecastle Park at Southwell, represent the two codes of racing that are currently operational. I would have thought that the higher the Class, the better the results but I think this will be more prominent when we move into the Flat season.

Simon Crisford and Mark Usher produced the two qualifiers in the equipment section. Simon Crisford was the first trainer to appear, placing

COURSE CARLISLE WOLVERHAMPTON HEXHAM WOLVERHAMPTON FONTWELL SOUTHWELL ASCOT LUDLOW WOLVERHAMPTON

CLASS C5 C6 C4 C3 C5 C6 C2 C3 C5

CODE NH AW NH AW NH AW NH NH AW

a first-time visor on Cool Exhibit in a Class 4 race at Doncaster. This horse finished 3rd out of ten runners at 6/1.

Mark Usher followed the next day by affixing first-time cheekpieces on Bayston Hill in a Class 5 race at Chelmsford All-Weather. This horse also contended in a ten-runner field but won at 6/1. I would expect the betting to be more varied as we extend the research and move into the Flat season. Now, it appears that any qualifiers in the equipment category are more likely to give us the best results overall.

Jess and I have researched other categories including horse, jockey, seller debutant, seven-day winners, trainer and wind operations. I am looking forward to further analysing all classifications, but none more so than wind operations. It is now two years and a fortnight since the Board of Horseracing Authority (BHA) stated that they would report after a twoyear review period. I am keen to read their thoughts and findings, and I hope

TRAINER STUART CRAWFORD CHRISTINE DUNNETT NICKY RICHARDS MARCO BOTTI NICK WILLIAMS ROBERT EDDERY NICKY HENDERSON GARY MOORE MICHAEL BELL

JOCKEY BRIAN HUGHES ADAM KIRBY BRIAN HUGHES ANDREA ATZENI HARRY COBDEN DARRAGH KEENAN (5) NICO DE BOINVILLE JOSHUA MOORE HAYLEY TURNER

RESULT 3/7 7/9 1/9 4/9 3/9 1/12 U/10 3/3 4/7

PRICE 3/1 100/30 7/2F 9/2 5/4F 5/4F 8/1 5/4 11/4

Glinger Flame

that they still include wind operation statistics in the figures available to us.

I say this because they are proving to be interesting horses to follow in Jess’s and my research. Their overall strike-rate currently is two points above the 10% benchmark I use. On the negative side, trainers with statistics of 0/15 or more are excellent elimination prospects in whatever Class of race they contend. As far as I am aware, the Karl Burke stable is showing considerably more than 15 in the no win category. There are a host of other trainers who are not far behind him with negative statistics; they are virtual certainties for elimination in any race they contest if it is the first wind-operation they have endured.

Make sure that you look for the Masterform advertisement on page 13 in this edition of Racing Ahead. There is some exciting information about a Method that is winning consistently and certainly ticks the value bets box.

Until next time, good investing. RA

“ it appears that any qualifiers in the equipment category are more likely to give us the best results overall

�

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

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PICKS FROM THE PADDOCK

No doubting Thomas Andrew Ayres was impressed by one of Olly Murphy’s hurdlers who looks bound for Aintree

ASCOT January 18 (heavy) 2m handicap hurdle (Class 1) RED-HOT FORM THOMAS DARBY (Olly Murphy) looked a million dollars and put up a high-class performance to defy top weight. He’s still raw but has stacks of ability and, according to connections, will be even more effective on good ground this spring. The Grade 1 hurdle (2m4f) at Aintree’s Grand National Meeting is his target, so expect a bold show there.

PLUMPTON January 20 (soft, heavy in places) 2m maiden hurdle (Class 4) IMPRESSIVE WINNER KID COMMANDO (Anthony Honeyball) was fit as a flea and absolutely bolted-up under Aidan Coleman. He jumped well for a hurdling newcomer, loved the testing ground and is a classy prospect. Connections are unsure which trip he should be campaigned over – the trainer thinks he’ll get 3m, the jockey is keen to stay over 2m – but he must be followed while the ground stays testing.

LINGFIELD January 22 (standard) 2m handicap (Class 6) FAIR RACE FOR THE GRADE MR FOX (Michael Attwater) is a strapping gelding who was on his toes and tried to demolish a paddock rail during the prelims. Patiently ridden – this was his first attempt at the trip – he ran on well to finish fifth and is worth persevering with over 2m. The trainer feels he’ll be more effective back at Chelms52

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

ford and he could pop up ran at a decent price soon.

HUNTINGDON January 24 (soft, good-soft in places) 3m1f handicap hurdle (Class 4) USEFUL WINNER PHOENIX WAY (Harry Fry) was pretty straight on this return from a 383-day break and attracted plenty of support.

He was always travelling best under Barry Geraghty and won more readily than the winning margin – a head – suggests. He’s been installed joint favourite for the Pertemps Final at The Festival and could go there a well handicapped horse.

cied by connections on this handicap debut. However, he was soon on the back foot after being forced wide and lugged left when Liam Keniry asked him to quicken. All things considered he did well to finish third and is capable of better if he sharpens up mentally.

7f maiden (Class 5) ORDINARY EVENT NIGHT VOYAGER (James Tate) was well-bet in the morning but looked green in the prelims and drifted late.

He was clueless for much of the contest but got the hang of things close home and shaped with plenty of promise in sixth. There’s more to come and he’ll be a different proposition next time.

2m national hunt flat (Class 5) ABOVE AVERAGE EVENT BOTHWELL BRIDGE (Nicky Henderson) looked in good order and did well to finish second after running green when the pace quickened. He’s bred to stay further, is in good hands and will be hard to beat next time.

FORTUNATE FRED (Jamie Snowden) is a lengthy, scopey sort who was supported at fancy odds despite looking as if he needed the outing. He lacked the natural pace to launch a challenge, but pleased jockey Gavin Sheehan with the way he kept on to nab third. This is a fair horse in the making.

FONTWELL January 26 (soft, good-soft in places) 2m5f110y handicap hurdle (Class 4) MODERATE FORM FENLONS COURT (Seamus Mullins) was hammered in the betting and looked certain to collect when Page Fuller booted on turning for home.

Unfortunately the gelding ran out of gas after the last – he was probably delivered 100-yards too soon – and was collared near the line. This was one that got away, but he’s well treated and will win a similar race soon.

LINGFIELD January 25 (standard) 1m2f three-year-old handicap (Class 6) MODERATE FORM PRINCE PERCY (Gary Moore) is an athletic gelding who was quietly fan-

2m1f110y novice hurdle (Class 4) IMPRESSIVE WINNER BEAUFORT WEST (Colin Tizzard) looked in a different league to his rivals and produced a sharp turn-of-foot to justify odds-on favouritism. He’s

Thomas Darby (blue) wins at Ascot

improving and connections want to have a crack at the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at The Festival. There won’t be many better than him in that race and he shouldn’t be underestimated.

2m3f maiden hurdle (Class 4) WELL CONTESTED EVENT FULL BACK (Gary Moore) oozes class and was the subject of a strong racecourse whisper. The gelding was always going best, won well and is rated a smart prospect by connections. He’s good enough to nick a decent race over hurdles and will make a cracking novice chaser next winter.

KEMPTON January 29 (standard to slow) 1m maiden (Class 5) FAIR RACE FOR THE TIME OF YEAR ENDURED (Marco Botti) was backed from 12-1 to 9-4 and looked in good shape for this debut. However, he might just have needed the run and was unable to get past another promising newcomer – Group One Power – after the pair had a lengthy scrap up the home straight. Both are above average and Endured will be hard to beat in a similar race next time.

LADY SANSA (Ralph Beckett) is a good-looking filly and did well to finish third after sitting in rear through the early stages. She’ll find life easier back against her own sex and is nailed on to win a race or two.

7f handicap (Class 4) COMPETITIVE EVENT ELJADDAAF (Dean Ivory) was well

bet at fancy prices and looked in good nick. He proceeded to run a blinder to finish second from a draw out in the Silver Ring and is creeping back to his best. He’s chucked-in at present and should score soon.

LINGFIELD January 31 (standard) 1m2f handicap (Class 6) DECENT RACE FOR THER GRADE DANGEROUS ENDS (Brett Johnson) came here in peak form and was a shade unlucky to be beaten after being given plenty to do by Jack Mitchell. He’s a decent horse on his day and will win a low-grade handicap soon.

LINGFIELD February 1 (standard) 6f handicap (Class 3) RACE RUN AT A DECENT GALLOP REFLEKTOR (Tom Dascombe) was bursting with good health and bounced back to something like his best in third. He’s a difficult horse to peg back when on song and is ready to nick a sprint handicap.

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PLUMPTON January 27 (heavy) 2m maiden hurdle (Class 4) EASY WINNER CAP DU MATHAN (Paul Nicholls) is a strapping gelding who looks every inch a chaser in the making. He dominated this from flag fall and was able to coast home under an impressed Harry Cobden. The jockey feels he could be an ideal type for the EBF Final at Sandown in April and is

adamant we won’t see the best of this fella until he tackles fences next season.

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PICKS FROM THE PADDOCK 1m2f three-year-old handicap (Class 5) MESSY FINISH BELIEVE IN LOVE (Roger Varian) is a racey filly and looked an unlucky loser after being hemmed-in on the rail at a vital stage. She’s lightly raced, has a decent turn-of-foot and will win a race or two before the big boys come out to play in the spring.

UTOPIAN LAD (David Loughnane) looked fit as a flea and finished strongly to go down narrowly in a three-horse photo. A stiffer track will help, and he can make amends in a modest handicap at Wolverhampton or Newcastle.

1m2f Listed (Class 1) IMPRESSIVE WINNER BANGKOK (Andrew Balding) had a proper summer coat and looked in a different league to this field. He was equally impressive once underway and destroyed this field with a top class burst off the home bend. He could travel to Saudi for a $20-million race at the end of the month but would be better employed back at Lingfield in the Winter Derby and Easter Classic.

Make no mistake, he’ll be hard to beat if connections select that option.

Phoenix Way

A-Z OF PADDOCK POSITIVES

KEMPTON February 4 (standard to slow) 1m three-year-old novice (Class 5) FAIR FORM AFFABLE (Ralph Beckett) is a wellmade filly with scope. Connections felt she’d improve for this debut and that looked the case as she got tired inside the final furlong after making much of the running. She’ll strip much sharper for the outing and will be hard to beat in a fillies’ race next time.

AFFABLE (Ralph Beckett) BANGKOK (Andrew Balding) BEAUFORT WEST (Colin Tizzard) BELIEVE IN LOVE (Roger Varian) BOTHWELL BRIDGE (Nicky Henderson) CAP DU MATHAN (Paul Nicholls) DANGEROUS ENDS (Brett Johnson) ELJADDAAF (Dean Ivory) ENDURED (Marco Botti) FENLONS COURT (Seamus Mullins) FIRST LINK (Jean-Rene Auvray) FLINTEUR SACRE (Nicky Henderson) FORTUNATE FRED (Jamie Snowden) FULL BACK (Gary Moore) KID COMMANDO (Anthony Honeyball) LADY SANSA (Ralph Beckett) MR FOX (Michael Attwater) NIGHT VOYAGER (James Tate) PHOENIX WAY (Harry Fry) PRINCE PERCY (Gary Moore) REFLEKTOR (Tom Dascombe) THE DOMINO EFFECT (Emma Lavelle) THOMAS DARBY (Olly Murphy) UTOPIAN LAD (David Loughnane)

KEMPTON February 7 (good to soft, soft) 2m5f novice hurdle (Class 4) RACE THAT WILL PRODUCE WINNERS THE DOMINO EFFECT (Emma Lavelle) had shown little on his previous start and was easy to back. However, he looked in great shape and travelled exceptionally well before finishing a one-paced third. The run can be marked up as he lost both front shoes and he’s a horse to follow closely.

2m national hunt flat (Class 5) IMPRESSIVE WINNER FLINTEUR SACRE (Nicky Henderson) is a smaller version of his brother Sprinter Sacre and won this without moving out of third gear. Nicky Henderson was adamant that he’ll swerve the Cheltenham Festival but is keen to have a look at the Aintree bumper.

That speed favouring track would suit, and he’ll develop into a smart hurdler next term.

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LINGFIELD February 8 (standard) 1m handicap (Class 5) COMPETITIVE LOW-GRADE HEAT FIRST LINK (Jean-Rene Auvray) is a strapping mare who looks in tip-top shape at present. She was unsuited by the steady early pace and ran better than her finishing position (fourth) suggests. She’s well treated and will be hard to beat if dropped into a 065. RA

CHELTENHAM FORM GUIDE

ones to follow

TOP JOCKEYS AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL SINCE 2003 (minimum 10 rides) Jockey

Rides Wins Win%

Sweeney, Mr C J 12 Codd, Mr J J 43 Frost, Miss B 10 Burton, Mr R 16 Hatch, R 11 Boinville, N de 61 Geraghty, B J 269 Kennedy, J W 36 Berry, Mr A J 15 Slevin, Mr J J 16 Harding, Mr R O 26 Russell, D N 179 Kelly, Miss E 19 O'Keeffe, Alan 19 McParlan, Mr N 10 O'Connor, Mr Derek 40 Andrews, Miss G 10 Blackmore, Miss Rachel21 Powell, Brendan 22 Cooper, Bryan J 88 O'Hare, Mr M J 11 Lynch, A E 44 Derham, Mr H 12 McGrath, Jeremiah 25 O'Farrell, C 13 Fogarty, Mr M P 13 OConnell, Mr B T 12 Mullins, Mr P W 49 Waley-Cohen, Mr S 50 Jones, S P 12

3 9 2 3 2 10 37 5 2 2 3 22 2 2 1 4 1 2 2 8 1 4 1 2 1 1 1 4 4 1

25% 21% 20% 19% 18% 16% 14% 14% 13% 13% 12% 12% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8%

£1bet Places Place% 3.5 33.83 12.5 12 15 32.11 6.06 40.73 26.5 1.5 52 88 -7.5 28 -1 16 31 36 16 -8.62 30 15.5 5 27 8 0 -6.5 -10.25 9.5 -1

5 12 3 4 3 21 85 15 3 5 4 52 4 4 4 12 2 4 3 26 2 15 4 8 1 2 2 12 15 1

42% 28% 30% 25% 27% 34% 32% 42% 20% 31% 15% 29% 21% 21% 40% 30% 20% 19% 14% 30% 18% 34% 33% 32% 8% 15% 17% 24% 30% 8%

Jockey

Bets Wins Win%

Johnson, Richard Edwards, Mr D Walsh, M P Heskin, A P McLernon, R P Townend, P Clements, Mr S Woods, K K Flood, P W Hughes, Brian Cobden, H Skelton, Harry Bradburne, Mark Cook, Danny Scudamore, Tom Glassonbury, Andrew Lee, G Condon, D J Power, R M Costello, Dougie Twiston-Davies, S Bass, D R Brennan, P J Sheehan, Gavin Biddick, Mr W Scholfield, Nick Tinkler, Andrew Doyle, T J Treadwell, Liam Elsworth, Dominic

234 12 42 27 41 137 15 15 17 52 34 54 17 22 196 19 91 41 77 21 133 49 153 31 34 62 60 32 35 42

18 1 3 2 3 10 1 1 1 3 2 3 1 1 10 1 5 2 4 1 7 2 6 1 1 2 2 1 1 1

8% 8% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2%

£1bet Places Place% -38.25 29 5 14 11 -10.43 26 52 -2 2.5 5 -21 -8 -3 -85 -13.5 -22.5 26 -24 13 -65 0 -55 -16 0 -28.5 -29 -17 16 25

56 1 7 7 7 30 1 2 3 7 7 9 2 9 33 2 15 8 17 1 23 11 28 2 6 7 10 7 6 9

24% 8% 17% 26% 17% 22% 7% 13% 18% 13% 21% 17% 12% 41% 17% 11% 16% 20% 22% 5% 17% 22% 18% 6% 18% 11% 17% 22% 17% 21%

TOP TRAINERS AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL SINCE 2003 BY STRIKE-RATE (min 10 runs) Trainer Murphy, C A Elliott, Gordon Byrnes, C Cooper, Thomas Bolger, E Harrington, Mrs John Taaffe, T J Mullins, W P Martin, A J Snowden, Jamie Fenton, Philip Mullins, Thomas Moore, A L T Doumen, F Murphy, Ferdy Hogan, T O'Neill, Jonjo Nicholls, P F Bradstock, M Case, B I Harty, Edward P Hughes, D T Johnson, J Howard O'Brien, M J P Rothwell, P J Curtis, Miss Rebecca Pauling, Ben Quinn, J J

Runs Wins Win% 20 184 21 16 57 78 27 538 57 10 10 21 20 35 77 11 255 494 22 11 11 60 79 12 12 48 25 24

4 25 3 2 7 9 3 58 6 1 1 2 2 3 7 1 22 42 2 1 1 5 6 1 1 4 2 2

20% 14% 14% 13% 12% 12% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8%

£1bet Places Place% 15.25 74.23 8.5 1 -26.49 7.75 3 -26.48 22 -1 -4.5 4 -1.5 -12.75 97 40 47.88 -121.49 -4 56 -1.5 1.5 -27.12 39 -7.5 -14.62 5 27

13 66 7 6 19 18 8 145 17 1 2 3 7 8 21 1 54 106 2 2 4 15 11 2 2 5 4 5

65% 36% 33% 38% 33% 23% 30% 27% 30% 10% 20% 14% 35% 23% 27% 9% 21% 21% 9% 18% 36% 25% 14% 17% 17% 10% 16% 21%

Trainer

Bets Wins Win%

Guest, R C 13 McCain Jnr, D 91 Fanshawe, J R 15 Nolan, Paul 29 Henderson, N J 526 Roche, C 15 Skelton, Daniel 60 Bromhead, Henry De 94 Channon, M R 17 Easterby, T D 16 Murphy, John Joseph 17 Morris, M F 48 Williams, Nick 52 O'Brien, Joseph Patrick31 Pipe, D E 264 Walsh, T M 17 Hobbs, P J 270 King, A 259 Lavelle, Miss E C 54 Jefferson, J M 32 Weld, D K 36 Tizzard, C L 137 Russell, Miss Lucinda V19 Twiston-Davies, N A 230 Egerton, C R 21 Scudamore, M J 26 Hourigan, Michael 27 Greatrex, W J 50

1 6 1 2 39 1 4 7 1 1 1 3 3 2 15 1 15 15 3 2 2 7 1 11 1 1 1 2

8% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4%

£1bet Places Place% -3 -15.5 -9.5 -3 -123.75 -7 7 9.5 -9.5 18 0 -23.5 -6.5 -20.5 -90.17 -10 -129.5 -101.5 -21.62 4 -13.5 20.5 -11 -112 20 -9 -1 -26

1 13 2 6 145 3 11 22 4 2 1 13 15 6 46 4 54 57 10 7 7 20 5 37 4 2 7 5

8% 14% 13% 21% 28% 20% 18% 23% 24% 13% 6% 27% 29% 19% 17% 24% 20% 22% 19% 22% 19% 15% 26% 16% 19% 8% 26% 10%

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OUT IN THE STICKS

Law can strike Gold

Jeremy Grayson has spotted a nice prospect for hunter chases on his tour of the nation’s less glamorous venues HORSEHEATH point-to-point, 1 February (Good) 3m Men’s Open None other than Cappa Bleu advertised his Foxhunter credentials around this undulating, sweeping Horseheath circuit (whose well-made fences notably include several taken downhill) mere weeks before striking gold in the amateurs’ blue riband event in 2009. While LAW OF GOLD has some way to go to emulate the Ruckers’ splendid gelding, the impression given as he powered to a 12l success under Dale Peters on this seasonal debut could not have been more striking. A number of David Kemp’s charges have appeared to need their run back, notably Caryto Des Brosses at Thorpe Lodge the weekend before this, but not so his seven-year-old son of Gold Well, now 6-11 in point-to-points and hunter chases for Kemp and far less given to jumping errors than two seasons prior. Some more evidence of what he can do away from good and good to soft surfaces would be appreciated, but last May’s hunter chase debut success in the John Corbet Cup at Stratford, allied to today’s success around a very different circuit, absolutely rubber-stamps his versatility as regards track type.

LUDLOW, 5 February (Good to soft) 2m7f171yds (+72yds) Hunters’ Chase (class 4) It’s not often that Paul Nicholls is proven to have let one go before all of their potential has been realised, but Caroline Robinson’s purchase of THE 56

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

DELLERCHECKOUT last spring for less than a tenth of his previous asking price is already looking like money well spent judged on two recent ladies open wins and a comfy score on this return to regulation fences. More tactically versatile than when previously seen under Rules, and minus the blinkers whose apparent failure last year to inspire him for longer than one race may well have hastened his exit from Ditcheat, the Getaway seven-year-old contentedly popped away just off the pace here under Immy Robinson and only needed pushing clear. The balance of his achievements over fences to date still falls a little short of the level required to go close in a presentday renewal of the Foxhunter, but he’d go into the race more progressive than most, and December’s pointing success around Barbury answers questions regarding his effectiveness around galloping, undulating tracks to an extent.

HUNTINGDON, 6 February (Good to soft) 2m3f137yds (+74yds) Handicap Hurdle (class 2, no ceiling) Having settled and jumped well yet still come up just over 3l short, one could perhaps speculate that SETTIE HILL may not improve much next time for this first outing since June 2018, but in his defence, the Cape Blanco gelding did lose a right fore shoe on the way round. Bred to follow a very different path to jumping things in the east of England in the middle of winter, being a Cape Blanco halfbrother to UAE Derby

winner/Breeders’ Cup Classic second Toast Of New York, Nicky Henderson’s now seven-year-old doesn’t lack for aptitude in this discipline, and he won’t mind a return to quicker ground than today’s and another furlong or two, if his productive spring 2018 novice campaign is any guide. Only an act of particular malevolence on the handicapper’s part would see the workable-looking mark of 137 for this belated handicap debut being hoicked up to any extent, given the 7lb and upwards he necessarily conceded to the pair who beat him.

BANGOR-ON-DEE, 7 February (Soft) 3m5f142yds (+70yds) 0-120 Handicap Chase (class 4) The list of horses to improve upon leaving the care of the masterly Tom Lacey isn’t long, and ALBERTO’S DREAM probably isn’t one of them. He has previous at clicking into gear with a vengeance a handful of runs into his season, however, and although beaten 27l into fourth in this marathon affair (albeit behind a thriving mare completing a four-timer) he’d have likely run the leaders closer but for a blunder at two-thirds distance and resultant loss of pitch. Katy Price hasn’t found winners too easy to come by since late summer, but the marks of several of her inmates reflect that; and whilst he’s certainly got another 3m-plus handicap in him on slow ground with an error-free round, the race that really leaps out as a viable target for the son of Fantastic Spain in the near future is the erstwhile Crudwell Cup at Warwick

Law Of Gold

in late March, a contest he won for Lacey off 1lb higher in 2018. Price’s record of 2-6 (with one third) in Warwick chases is hardly offputting.

UTTOXETER, 8 February (Heavy, soft in places) 1m7f168yds (+55yds) 0-120 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (class 4) It’s not unreasonable to suggest that Tom Symonds’s training career hasn’t quite caught fire in the way that a return of 22 winners in 2013-14 (just his second full season) might have predicted, and the Hentland handler is still three shy of a first double-figure score in three years at the time of writing.

LLANTARA’s 3l second here on a first outing since receiving a second treatment of wind surgery offers abundant

hope the Kayf Tara mare’s turn is nearing again, however; and whilst the interference in the final half furlong did not materially affect the outcome behind a less exposed (and similarly operated upon) rival, the pair finished clear. Currently 3lb lower than when taking the 2m conditional jockeys’ mares’ handicap hurdle at Hexham during Cheltenham Festival week, another victory in that self-same longstanding event, or any other halfway similar class 4, ought to be within range in her present heart so long as the ground rides sufficiently deep.

1m7f168yds (+55yds) Maiden Hurdle (class 4) Just Rae Guest’s second runner over hurdles since Lastroseofsummer (she of that Matt Crawley ride fame) went in at Fontwell in May 2011, everything about LAND OF WINTER’s strongstaying 1.5l third suggested he knew precisely what his new vocation

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2m145yds 0-110 Handicap Hurdle (class 4) The shape of the race had already conspired against the typically patiently ridden STONIFIC to such an extent that he arguably wouldn’t have got to the front in time, even without a significant last-flight mistake. That mistake constituted the third time in his last four outings (from five over hurdles all told) that he’s blundered a chance or half-chance away up the straight, however, and although unimproved by a single try each with a visor and cheekpieces on the Flat, the argument for at least one experiment with a concentration aid in his current vocation is becoming more compelling. A hurdling mark of 112 at the time of writing likely sells David O’Meara’s seven-year-

old short, considering the mid-80s ratings he commands at his best on the level; and with no obvious concerns regarding the 2m trip or ground conditions as a 1m2f-1m4f scorer on soft as well as good to firm, the son of Sea The Stars is surely just a clean round of jumping away from opening his hurdling account.

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OUT IN THE STICKS entailed. The deep ground couldn’t quite render this enough of a test for one likely to appreciate a good bit further in this sphere, being a 1m6f Fibresand scorer out of a mare successful in a couple of 2m soft-ground Flat handicaps herself. More conducive assignments than this shouldn’t be hard to find, so long as the slow surfaces of all of his best turf Flat efforts (notably a 2m1f Bath second last autumn) endure a little longer this winter.

PLUMPTON, 10 February (Heavy) 2m3f164yds (+90yds) 0-135 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (class 3) The absence of 449 days that preceded MOABIT’s near-18l third in this tight little puzzle wasn’t the only one of any great substance in his oft-interrupted career, and the prolonged refusal to settle here is perfectly understandable in the circumstances. It couldn’t pre-

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vent the Azamour gelding from staying on again up the hill after finding the leaders starting to give him the slip about a mile out, however, and perhaps the time has come to step him further up in trip. Very novicey on at least one of two previous novice chase outings way back in summer 2017, his was a far more assured round of jumping on this occasion, and the fact that the Owners Group and Paul Nicholls are happy to persevere with him after four years and many setbacks is certainly interesting. A handicap hurdle winner off up to 5lb above his current chase mark, and with a portfolio encompassing victories on ground from good to firm to heavy, he ought not be short of options to go two better.

2m4f114yds (+126yds) 0-120 Handicap Hurdle (class 4) SIROP DE MENTHE’s rise of 35lb up the handicap during 2015 and 2016

has been taking a long time to reverse, even allowing for a number of sizeable absences in the meantime. A stayingon but still 11l second over a now inadequate 2m at Ffos Las before Christmas more than hinted at a revival, however, and the return to Plumpton - another of his happiest hunting grounds - nearly saw him to career win number six, the extra yardage on the day looking to count against him considering whereabouts on the run-in he was headed. An even longer-retained animal than the aforementioned Moabit, having represented trainer Sue Gardner and owners Clear Racing for exactly five years, the Discover D’Auteuil ten-yearold can’t have the ground deep enough nowadays despite earlier career gains on as quick as good to firm; and although chinned late on this occasion, his prospects of adding to an already fair win tally are surely greatest kept to 2m4f or thereabouts. RA

TALES FROM THE BETTING RING

it’s a happy birthday for bookie john F Simon Nott spends the day at the Cheltemham Trials the six-runner opening 12:40 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) backed into odds-on from 5/4. Those favourite-backing punters had plenty of time to come to terms with doing their dough on this occasion.

The gelding was beaten long before the business end of the race won by 6/1 chance Galahad Quest trained by the Genius of George Nympton, Nick Williams under Harry Cobden. There’s always a good roar from a certain person on the rails when one of Nick’s wins but it seems this one might have gone unbacked by Armaloft Alex, certainly untipped with no sign of any premature celebration gesticulation.

That winner was a second welcome surprise to the ring, the first being Star Sports colourful boss Ben Keith turning up to bet, an unusual outing at a non-Festival meeting.

A punter surprised his firm between races by wandering up and having £2,000 in readies on Boss Man Fred at 2/1 in the 2.05 at Doncaster. Always feel free to ask to bet the ‘aways’ if you are coming racing, most of the bookmakers will accommodate you.

The second heat at Cheltenham, was the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase the betting business of which was described by Lofty on Star’s pitch as ‘Lively, but we don’t have a good book’. One glance showed five losers, the worst being Champagne Court.

The eventual winner Simply The Betts was one of the smaller losers in the

book but a loser none the less although they sort of got away with it being the 11/2 second-in.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, anyone under the age of 10 that counts ‘sleeps’ to an event needs a jolly good telling off and sending to bed with no tea or story. However, the sponsors have pulled up the readies so I suppose they can call a race what they like, in this case the ‘Paddy Power 45 Sleeps To Cheltenham Trophy Handicap Chase’.

Let’s hope betting was brisk in return for their investment. ‘It’s a bit quiet’ was Lofty’s summing up of business on the rail. Ben had long since retired to the warmth of the box. The money picked up as the horses went down.

At the off Lalor was the absolute bogie for four figures in the book. ‘Just the way it came in’ was Lofty’s defensive reply when it was pointed out the jolly Warthog was a winner in the book. The eventual winner 8/1 Cepage was a good result but Lalor ran well enough to keep bookies pulses racing all the way up the hill.

Between races the horse the punter backed at Doncaster was beaten so his £2,000 stayed in the hod, which was handy. You’d be surprised how few bets there are of that size on course anymore, away from the Festival meetings that is. For punters restricted with on-line bookmakers and the liquidity on the betting exchanges no

▲

estival Trials day, the last we get to see of Cheltenham before the maelstrom that is the Festival. The four days that seem to be anticipated, looked forward to and targeted to the exclusion of all others in the National Hunt season each year.

Is that a good thing? I’m not so sure, but that’s another conversation.

As usual in recent months, I was hanging around arguably the biggest layers on course, Star Sports. When I say biggest layers, the will is always there, it’s just the lumpy punters aren’t always.

As well as being Festival Trials Day it was also Cheltenham bookmaker John Hughes’ 65th birthday. John bets on the number one pitch in Tattersalls and his brother Gregory occupies number one on the rails. Any bookmaker betting near by will tell you they make it very difficult for any punter to get past them, offering tremendous value, working their pitches to the maximum with margins to a minimum.

This means it’s very hard for the other firms unless they match or better their prices. Not great for the bookies but excellent value for the punters to snap up, as there often is on all racecourses. Come racing.

Despite cutting the margins to the quick in the opener I’m guessing the respective Hughes brothers’ day started well. Nicky Henderson’s Monte Christo was the well-supported jolly in

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TALES FROM THE BETTING RING longer the strength it was, £2,000 would knock it bandy an hour or so before an event. The racecourse bookies offer excellent value.

The feature race of the day, the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase was a proper betting race with punters keen to get involved. The punters left it a bit late to get stuck in though. Almost at the off Star Sports laid £1,625 – £1,000 and £1,300 – £800 Santini and £2,000 – £800 Bristol De Mai. Those bets ensured an old-fashioned up the front two book with an older fashioned result required.

Everyone in attendance was treated to a tremendous ding-dong finish.

Sadly, for the betting ring and Star Sports’ book in particular it was between the principals, the rest nowhere. The absolute bogie, 13/8 favourite Santini in front at the post. Of course, if the bookmakers are unhappy the punters are generally cock-a-hoop, as they were in this case.

Bookmakers who had snapped the elastic bands around their winners had

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been a little previous, the sound of elastic bands unsnapping around readies again a magical sound if you’re a punter. The £2,000 cash won on the Star Sports pitch didn’t stay in the hod long, but there’s always a bright side, theirs being that they laid the winner at the bottom of the market. Yes I know, that’s just clutching at straws when you’ve done your cobblers.

Betting on the next the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, the punter that won £1,625 on the previous race with Star Sports came to draw. Much to the surprise, and it has to be said, delight of Flynn on the pitch he put his grand stake in his pocket and spun the £1,625 winnings up on King Roland at 7/4. It’s always good to get the favourite in the book then work around it. Firms like Star Sports do like to take on whatever the punters fire at them, but good books are always preferable, not too good though as we’ll mention later on in this account of the day.

Another punter topped up the liabilities on King Roland with a grand at 6/4 making it the bogie for well over £4,000 at the off. It did look turning for home as if King Roland was going to ruin the day, but ultimately proved no match for 4/1 winner Harry Senior.

Another result for the good guys, who are the racecourse bookmakers of course. While getting to work on the race before the penultimate news filtered through that Warthog had to be put down as a consequence of its injury. It’s always horrible to lose a horse, sincere commiserations to the David Pipe yard and all connected with the horse.

Perennial Cheltenham favourite Paisley Park was a solid 4/6 chance for the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle. The horse may be popular with the racing

John Hughes gives a birthday smile Star attraction

public, but the punters didn’t appear to be so enamoured in having a bet. There were no lumps for it but enough smaller cumulative money none the less.

There were plenty of other horses bet in what was a nasty each-way race but the win book was ultimately a good one with the favourite the only loser.

As bookie Dave Pipe, father of Martin and granddad of David used to say: ‘You can’t eat value’. Paisley Park won nicely, as did favourite backers who perked up as the bookies gave some more of their winnings back.

Dave was right again, but only in this case. Regardless of whether you are a punter or bookmaker to stay in front of the game you need to have value on your side over a period of time or you’ll go skint. Contrary to the old adage that you never see a poor bookie, have a look around the empty pitches the next time you go racing.

The mist started rolling into an

already murky Prestbury prior to the lucky last the Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle. If the plan from Flynn and Lofty was not to get too involved, that was scuppered by a cash bet of £4,000 – £400 We Run The Night. There was nowhere near enough volume of money around in the sparse ‘lucky last’ crowd to bet up to that bet. At the off their book had We Run The Night losing almost £4,000 with John Constable another loser for £700. Certainly not clever bookmaking.

Back On The Lash winning at 13/2 was the cherry on the cake of a winning day for Star Sports but possibly not for all the ring, as the winner was deemed aptly named and worth a coincidence punt for many racegoers refreshed after a long afternoon. John Hughes was looking chipper too, though I wouldn’t have dared asked him if he’d won. RA

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YESTERDAY’S HEROES

family pet who won gold cup

I

Graham Buddry remembers the well-named Jodami

If you could sum up what jump racing is all about in just one word, that word would be Jodami. He wasn’t one of the mega expensive types, bought off the Flat or from France, he wasn’t trained by a big name trainer with hundreds of horses and he wasn’t owned by a multi-millionaire.

Jodami was a big, robust, Irish-bred, relatively modest purchase who was more a family pet than anything else.

But he reached peaks others could only dream of and maintained that level of form year after year.

The strapping bay was born to stay, being a son of Doncaster Cup winner Crash Course, who produced such exceptional Grand National and Irish National types as Rough Quest, Esha Ness and Maid of Money. He, in turn, had been by Busted, the Eclipse and King George winner on the Flat who also sired the likes of Bustino and Mtoto.

Bought by the small Northern trainer Peter Beaumont for owner John Yeadon, the gelding was named using the first letters of the owner and his two sons, David and Michael, to run in his distinctive green, black and white colours.

A first racecourse appearance brought a first success at the rewarding odds of 33/1 in a Kelso bumper under the trainer’s daughter Anthea, whose husband, Patrick Farrell, would take the ride when Jodami was first

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put to hurdles in January 1991.

Three months later and the combination had notched five wins and a second from six races, all the time looking towards the following season and a step up to the bigger obstacles.

Three wins from as many races then saw Beaumont send his stable star south for the first time, Ascot’s Reynoldstown chase the target but the favourite found Danny Harrold far too good for him.

Bypassing Cheltenham, Jodami went to Aintree and finished a good second to Bradbury Star before finishing his season with a third place at Punchestown.

Jodami had learnt what was required during that first season over birch and would only improve. However, being a big and stuffy beast it would always be difficult getting him fit enough, especially with the training facilities in those days. Another difference then lay in top chasers running in big handicaps due to far fewer top calibre races around.

As such, a far from fit Jodami began his 92/93 season with a fine three length second place to Run For Free when conceding five pounds before filling the same place in the Hennessy at Newbury, going under by less than a length under a two pound deficit.

Importantly here, The Fellow took a magnificent third place six lengths further adrift although conceding Jodami a massive 25 pounds.

Two more top level handicaps, the Mandarin and the Peter Marsh, followed. Jodami won both and the latter saw him beat Run For Free by two lengths. He received eight pounds on this occasion following Run For Free’s rapid rise in the weights with his previously unblemished record this season including the Welsh National. Then, as a warm up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup Jodami next went to Leopardstown for the Irish Hennessy, beating Chatam a head under level weights.

By now the big bay with the unusual name and distinctively pleasing jockey colours had become a firm favourite of the masses, but despite what he had already achieved that season, his next race was to be his moment of destiny, for which he was installed the 8/1 second choice of the punters.

One of the most interesting of the 16-runner field was the prolific point to pointer, Rushing Wild, who had smashed his field by 25 lengths and more in the Foxhunters the previous year. This term he had won two of his three races under rules, including another 25-length trouncing of the likes of Cool Ground, Nick The Brief, Kildimo and others at Sandown. Run For Free and Chatam would also both oppose Jodami again at Prestbury Park along with the reigning champion, Cool Ground, and the 1991 winner, Garrison Savannah.

This pair had one distinct thing in common. Both had won their Gold

Jodami

circuit? Was the well-placed Jodami as good as his supporters hoped he was?

Could The Fellow finally win the prize after two narrow defeats from an already bad position? The only other question quickly answered with an emphatic “no” was, can any of the other fancied runners figure at the finish?

The final ditch and Rushing Wild was still playing “catch me if you can”, showing no signs of stopping. Long time shadow Sibton Abbey and Garrison Savannah were still in attendance but their clock was ticking. Tracking these was Jodami, just lobbing along with ease and looking a real class act although an ominous red jacketed shape had closed to within a few lengths of him on the outside. The Fellow was coming.

Round the home turn they raced with just two left to jump, Rushing Wild three lengths to the good and still going strong. Jodami had moved

smoothly into second place but was now having to be asked for an effort while The Fellow, still running wide had moved through to sixth, still closing but surely with too much to do.

Racing to the last, Rushing Wild was all but joined by Jodami, Mark Dwyer, his jockey confidently held onto his horse even having time to look round for The Fellow, who was still closing but Kondrat had given his mount too much to do. Both horses flew the last and landed running, Dwyer now asked his mount to go on and the response was immediate, the classy Jodami surging through to win the Gold Cup by two lengths from the courageous Rushing Wild, seven lengths clear of the rest.

The following season the ever popular Jodami ran well, improving with each race to win his second Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown before the defence of his Gold Cup. In a field packed with quality there was one

▲

Cups by the same margin, a short head, from the same horse, The Fellow.

This French raider, who had already run Jodami close under a colossal weight difference was installed the red hot 5/4 favourite having won the King George at Kempton for the second time on his most recent start.

From the outset Rushing Wild and Run For Free set the pace while Adam Kondrat, so often slated for his excessive waiting tactics at Cheltenham, kept The Fellow right at the back of the field. By the top of the hill on the first circuit Rushing Wild was the clear leader, jumping for fun, as Jodami moved through smoothly to a close fourth place and The Fellow ran wide at the back with just one behind him.

Past the packed stands and Garrison Savannah made a brief show towards the front but this was already turning into a race of questions.

Was Rushing Wild good enough to stay at the head of affairs for another

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YESTERDAY’S HEROES sad omission. A gallant second to Jodami at Cheltenham in 1993 and with a big future ahead of him, the eight-year-old Rushing Wild had led the field a merry dance in his next race, the Irish Grand National until pulling up sharply after the fifteenth, sadly succumbing to a heart attack.

Rushing Wild was the closest Martin Pipe ever came to winning the Gold Cup. Despite a host of other good horses it still boiled down to a two horse race in the final stages. After so many close defeats from impossible positions, this year Kondat had The Fellow right up there in the first half dozen all the way round, Jodami never more than a length behind him.

At the third last The Fellow jumped briefly into the lead going easily with the ominous shape of Jodami closing him down. Young Hustler, Bradbury Star and Flashing Steel were trying their best but straightening up with just two to jump Young Hustler led on

sufferance while the big pair looked like Titans limbering up for battle.

The penultimate fence and The Fellow cruised through to regain the lead, Jodami was now hard at work on the stand side but responding, closing like the champion we knew he was.

Jodami approached the last marginally in front but did not meet it right, The Fellow was spot on and quickly away, the pair pulling clear of the pack up that famous hill. Jodami gave his all but could not quite reel in The Fellow who got his own name on the roll of honour at last.

Winning the Gold Cup takes a lot out of a horse and The Fellow only won one more race, a small four runner affair in France.

Jodami’s constitution was that of an old-fashioned chaser and over the following three years he won a third Irish Hennessy and took a brilliant second in the Irish Grand National, leading until approaching the penultimate fence and finding the concession of 26

pounds to the winner just a step too far. Incidentally, receiving the same weight advantage and six lengths further back in third place was the future Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Cool Dawn.

Jodami’s final race, on 2 February 1997, following a recent victory in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, was an attempt to win the Irish Hennessy for a fourth time. With the even money favourite, reigning Gold Cup winner Imperial Call eventually 20 lengths adrift in third, Jodami, unbeaten at Leopardstown, had closed fast on Danoli, the long time leader. A battle royal ensued but Danoli proved the stronger as Jodami broke down with a ruptured tendon on the run to the line.

He never ran again.

Indisputably one of the best of his era, Jodami was popular in the extreme, ultra consistent and genuinely summed up all that is good in our sport. In short, Jodami was exactly what jump racing is all about. RA

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SPEED FIGURES

darver star is hurdle hope at 20-1 Mike Francis looks at the top-rated Festival entries

A

Epatante

At the time of writing, there is plenty of 20-1 about for a horse that chased home Honeysuckle at Leopardstown last time out.

Connections may shy away from this, but he finished that race well and

he’d be no forlorn hope if lining up on the day. Of those certain to run, EPATANTE has impressed and could have rated much higher at Kempton last time than she was forced to when landing an easy win.

▲

L BOUM PHOTO looks the one to beat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The 172 he clocked when winning the race 12 months ago trumps any figure achieved by his rivals this season. He ran at Punchestown in May when second to Kemboy and make a solid comeback when winning at Tramore on New Year’s Day. We know he is well suited by Cheltenham and this distance with soft and decent ground coming the same to him.

Kemboy unseated at the first in last year’s Gold Cup and was beaten by Delta Work in the Irish version at Leopardstown last month. His speed figure wasn’t huge for that but it was when he won the Savills Chase at Christmas.

That performance allied with last time makes him a real contender. The worry is getting up the famous hill but he saw out 3m well enough when third in the RSA last season and there’s every chance he will get it.

Santini has plenty to find on the clock but is improving – but the pick of the each-way hopes could be Presenting Percy.

He was no match for Delta Work at Leopardstown but he stays well, likes the track and can run into a place at double-figure odds.

DARVER STAR looks a lively outsider in the Champion Hurdle.

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SPEED FIGURES KEY: SF = SF latest, Dis = Distance, G = Going, SF2 = SF 2nd last race, SF3 = SF 3rd last race. All given in weight order Name

SF

Dis

G

SF2

TUESDAY - SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE (2m) ABACADABRAS 138 16 S 83 ADDIS ABABA 67 16.3 G 91 ALFA MIX 55 20 GS 50 ALLART 19 15.8 S NA ASTERION FORLONGE 97 16 GS 116 AVARCHIE NA 16.6 GS 88 BEACON EDGE 70 16.2 GS 79 BENSON NA 16 H 95 BERKSHIRE ROYAL 45 12 G 98 BLACKBOW 23 16.3 S NA BLUE SARI NA 16 GS 107 BROAD STREET 103 12 G 86 BUZZ NA 16.6 GS 88 CAPTAIN GUINNESS 40 16.3 S 63 CAYD BOY 46 18 GS NA CEDARWOOD ROAD 53 16 S 44 CHANTRY HOUSE 79 16.3 G 64 CIEL DE NEIGE 112 16.3 G NA CONFLATED 84 16 GS 100 CONSTRUCT 80 15.6 S 69 DO YOUR JOB NA 19.9 H NA EASYWORK 90 16 GS NA ECCO 109 16.3 G 86 EDEN DU HOUX 22 16 H 60 EDWARDSTONE 126 15.7 H 58 ELIXIR D'AINAY 89 22 GS 106 ENEMY COAST AHEAD 110 16.3 S 55 ENVOI ALLEN 109 20 GS 85 FAN DE BLUES 104 16 GS 63 FIDDLERONTHEROOF 130 16 S 120 FIDELIO VALLIS NA 16 H 62 FIX SUN 98 18.6 GS 116 FLIC OU VOYOU 100 16 H 117 FLY SMART NA NA NA FOURBI 94 15.8 GS NA FRANCIN 127 20.3 GS 48 FRED 105 15.6 S 82 FRERE TUCK NA NA NA FUGITIVES DRIFT NA 20.5 H 101 GLOBAL SOCIETY NA 21 GS 31 GLYNN 124 19.4 GS NA HANG IN THERE NA 19.6 GS 100 HOLLOW SOUND 40 16 GS 20 JABBAAR 91 15.6 S 68 JANIDIL 72 16 GS 41 JASON THE MILITANT 35 16 GS 32 JON SNOW 43 16 GS 82 JUNGLE JUNCTION 45 16 S NA KID COMMANDO 33 15.9 S 93 L'AIR DU VENT 66 16.3 G 86 LOGAN ROCKS 97 16 S 55 LUCKY ONE NA NA NA MARIO DE PAIL 27 16 H 65 MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS NA 17.7 S 111 MASTER DEBONAIR 151 15.7 H 110 MT LEINSTER 87 16 GS 71 NICKOLSON 54 15.3 G 72 ON TO VICTORY 72 21 GS 122 PACIFY 101 19.6 GS 76 PROTEKTORAT 65 20.3 S 86 SAINT ROI 20 16 S NA SCARDURA 50 16.4 S 85 SHAN BLUE 109 19.6 GS 127 SHISHKIN 116 19.6 GS 116 SIR VALENTINE 108 16.3 G 128 SIXSHOOTER 56 20 S NA SON OF CAMAS 115 16 S 129 SOVIET PIMPERNEL NA 16 GS 68

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RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Dis

G

SF3

16 10.3 20 15.7 15.9 15.3 16.3 15.7 12 16 16 12 16.5 16 16 16 16.8 16 20 12 NA 20 16 16.4 17 20 16.3 16 15.8 16 15.8 16.8 19 NA NA 20 16 NA 16.3 16.6 NA 16 16.5 16.2 16.5 16 20.3 16.3 15.7 21 16.6 NA 16.2 16.6 15.7 16 16 16.3 16.4 20.3 19.2 16.5 21 16.3 15.7 16 16.3 16

GS S S GS GS G GS H GF S S G S S H S S H GS ST

54 16 GS 63 10 H 78 16.5 S 99 16.3 GS NA 16 S 61 16 G 136 16 GS 33 16.6 S 87 12.3 G 84 16 GS 76 20.2 S 79 9.5 G 100 12 G NA NA 66 16.5 H 25 16.5 GS 39 16 S 64 16 GS 67 20 S 64 11.8 G NA NA NA 16 H 62 16.4 S 102 19.2 S 83 15.3 GS NA 19 GS NA NA 38 16.5 S 163 17.9 S 82 15.3 GS NA NA NA NA 80 15.3 GS NA NA NA NA 46 20.2 S 127 19.3 S NA NA NA NA 64 16 G NA NA 74 16.4 S 44 16.7 GS 83 16.8 S 100 16 GS NA 16 S 46 16 S 29 16 GS 90 15.7 S 32 21 GS 34 15.8 GS NA NA NA 15.8 H 100 15.8 GS NA 16.4 GS NA 16 H NA NA NA 15.7 GS 124 16 G 82 16 H 70 17.9 G 110 16.7 G NA 15.7 H NA 16.3 S 105 16 S 68 20 GS 119 16.3 GS 94 16.4 H

H GS S GS GS G GS S H S G S

S GS GS S S S H S H S S H S S S GS S S GS S S S S G S H H H GS GS

Dis

G

Name

SF

Dis

G

SF2

Dis

G

SF3

Dis

G

SPORTING JOHN STOLEN SILVER THEBANNERKINGREBEL TIGER TAP TAP TIME TO STUDY UNEXCEPTED WEST CORK WHATSNOTOKNOW WILD MAX CONCERTISTA DAYLIGHT KATIE DOLCITA HEAVEN HELP US JEREMYS FLAME LAMARCKISE YUKON LIL ALLMANKIND SIR PSYCHO

67 118 108 99 73 NA 90 81 87 101 91 109 NA 42 NA 103 147 82

16.8 16.3 16.3 16 18 16 15.8 16 15.6 18 16.5 18 16 18 21 18 16 16.8

S G G GS S GS S GS S GS S GS GS GS GS GS H S

123 127 129 NA 82 NA 102 69 NA 61 59 NA 132 126 NA 118 109 47

16.8 15.7 15.7 19.9 14 20 15.8 15.8 16.5 16 16 16 16 16 NA 16 16.4 16.5

S H H H S H GS GS S S GS H S S S S G

NA NA 67 16.8 S 115 15.7 GS 63 19 S 82 14 GF NA 16 S 75 19 GS 26 16 S 66 16.5 G 57 20.5 S 115 16.3 GS NA NA 140 16.3 GS 146 16.3 GS NA NA 102 16.3 GS 55 16 GS 92 15.3 G

ARKLE TROPHY (2m) AL DANCER ANNAMIX BAPAUME BREWIN'UPASTORM CAPUCCIMIX CASH BACK DJINGLE DUNVEGAN EASY GAME ECLAIR DE BEAUFEU ESPRIT DU LARGE FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES FANION D'ESTRUVAL GLOBAL CITIZEN GRAND SANCY GREANETEEN I'M A GAME CHANGER INDIETIR ITCHY FEET JAN MAAT LE PATRIOTE LISP MATFOG MELON MISTER FISHER MOONLIGHTER NOTEBOOK NOT THAT FUISSE OUR MERLIN PRECIOUS CARGO ROUGE VIF ROYAL RENDEZVOUS SAMCRO TORNADO FLYER TORPILLO VISION DES FLOS MAIRE BANRIGH PUT THE KETTLE ON

163 NA 71 67 NA 122 115 109 82 103 151 123 164 165 124 127 81 124 136 57 152 157 86 109 163 136 123 111 119 136 145 109 37 80 130 116 118 94

16.4 17 17 18.2 16 17 16.2 16 21 17 15.5 17 16 16 20 15.8 17 16 20 18.6 16.4 16.4 20.6 17 16.4 16.2 17 18 16.1 16.2 16.2 17 19.7 21 16.2 20 19.9 15.9

GS S GS G GS GS GS GS GS GS S GS S S S GS S S S GS GS GS S GS GS GS GS GS S GS GS GS H GS GS S S S

164 53 132 162 NA 119 79 104 143 66 78 126 165 147 163 104 NA 43 56 96 90 152 139 130 91 138 127 54 56 140 163 115 NA NA 136 85 137 132

16 20.5 19 15.9 17 16 17 16 21 17 19.2 20 16.4 15.9 16 16.8 17 17 20.2 17 16.8 17 18.9 17 20.6 16.4 17 20.6 17.7 16.4 16 17 20 16 15.5 23.6 16.4 20

S S GS GS GS GS GS S S S S S GS GS S H S G S G S S H GS S H GS S S H S GS S GS S H GS GS

95 119 73 137 118 123 NA 119 71 113 130 100 NA 104 140 119 90 100 149 116 157 92 120 98 94 NA 123 80 109 126 88 121 90 83 97 132 98 80

15.9 16 21 20 17 17 15.9 16 20 16.2 15.9 17 NA 16.4 15.5 19.5 17 16 16 18.2 19.3 16.2 18.9 17 16.2 16.3 16.2 16.2 16.3 16.3 15.9 18 19.5 17 16.2 19.9 16.2 20

S S S GS G G G S S H GS S S S S GS S S S S S S GS GS G

CHAMPION HURDLE (2m) ABACADABRAS 136 ARAMON 143 BALLYANDY 125 CALL ME LORD 109 COEUR SUBLIME 136 CORNERSTONE LAD 129 DARASSO 122 DARVER STAR 148 ELDORADO ALLEN 99

16 16 15.7 16 16 15.7 15.7 16 16

S GS H H GS H H GS H

81 127 119 91 71 97 155 79 118

16 16 16 16.8 16.5 16.2 16 16 16

GS GS S S S H S GS S

51 88 90 157 100 73 75 92 NA

16 16.5 16.8 19.3 16 16 16 21 17

GS GS S S GS S GS H S

S G H G S S S GS H S GS GS

Name

SF

Dis

G

SF2

Dis

G

SF3

Dis

G

Name

53 106 110 NA 118 116 146 126 123 134 111 109 99 127 148 102 120 32 141 122 145 105 152 NA 126 149 118

14 20 16.5 16 16.3 16 16.4 15.8 15.7 16 16.3 16.3 19.6 15.7 16 16 16.5 19.7 16 16 16 16.3 19.3 24 16 16 16

GF GS GS S G GS GS GS H GS G G GS H GS S S H GS S GS G S GS S GS S

94 82 141 129 91 118 84 59 74 146 75 133 73 90 145 119 NA NA 148 94 120 127 104 120 153 74 100

12.1 16 16.5 15.3 16.8 16.5 16.8 20 16.4 15.7 14 15.7 16.4 16.8 16 19.4 16 20 16 16.2 16 15.7 18 24 16.3 20 16

G GS GS GS S S S S S H ST H S S GS G G S GS H GS H GS S GS GS GF

84 36 134 128 86 114 152 33 102 87 82 128 121 127 118 100 87 84 114 153 108 112 87 66 148 72 168

13.3 16.5 16.4 16 16.4 16.5 19.3 20 15.8 16.8 16.2 15.7 16 17 16.5 16.5 16 19.5 16.5 16 20 15.7 16.2 20 16.8 20 16

ST S S GS S GS S H S S H S G GS S GS GS S S G S GS GS GS GS H G

GRADE 1 MARES' HURDLE (2m4f) APPLE'S JADE NA 24 BENIE DES DIEUX 91 24 BLACK SAM BELLA 137 25 BLACK TEARS 99 18 BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP 115 16 CAP SOLEIL 60 21 CARDIGAN BAY 42 15.8 COPPER GONE WEST 68 21 COURT MAID NA 24 CROSSGALESFAMEGAME 124 20.5 DESARAY GIRL 55 19.9 EGLANTINE DU SEUIL 123 16 ELFILE 127 20.3 ELIMAY 153 20.4 GOOD THYNE TARA NA 16 GREAT WHITE SHARK 42 24 HAWTHORN COTTAGE 37 19.4 HONEYSUCKLE 147 16 INDEFATIGABLE 73 21 LADY BUTTONS 69 16.6 LAURINA NA 20 LEGENDS GOLD 67 21 MAGIC OF LIGHT 147 23.5 MY SISTER SARAH NA 18 PAPAGANA 143 23.5 POPONG 84 16.5 PRESIDENTE LINE NA 20.4 RELEGATE 133 22 ROKSANA 80 20.3 SENSULANO 139 23.5 SILVER FOREVER 73 19.8 SNOW LEOPARDESS 108 24.4 STORMY IRELAND 136 15.8 SURIN NA 18 THE GLANCING QUEEN 76 17 VERDANA BLUE 117 16

GS GS G GS GS GS G GS GS H S GS GS GS GS GS S GS GS GS S GS S GS S S G GS S S S GS GS GS S S

118 160 106 117 65 105 118 69 41 95 124 118 63 132 75 106 20 73 64 124 NA 69 128 118 135 102 55 71 152 55 142 120 128 NA 126 98

24 25.4 24.7 20.3 16 20.3 16 19.8 20 19.8 18.9 20.3 15.8 16.7 18 24 19.7 20 19.8 20.5 17 23.8 23.4 20.3 24.4 16 17.9 16 19.3 20 16.3 20.5 20.3 16 16.4 16

S S G GS GS G G S GS H S GS S S S S S GS S GS GS S S GS H GS H GS S H GS GS GS GS S GF

64 156 128 99 NA 109 109 NA 109 NA NA 110 118 85 143 NA 91 70 95 91 55 55 34 62 112 119 119 59 146 83 144 NA 109 74 59 166

20 20 23.3 18 14 19.9 16 24.4 24 20.6 20.3 18 16.2 17 20 14 24.5 20 20.3 16.2 20 21 20 15.8 24.5 20.7 17.9 22 20 21.6 16.3 20.5 18 16 15.7 16

GS GS GS S H S GS GS S H H S GS G GS H GS H S H H S GS S GS G G G S S GS GS S GS S G

AYE RIGHT BATTLEOVERDOYEN BLACK OP BRACE YOURSELF BRAHMA BULL CASTLEBAWN WEST CHAMP CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM COPPERHEAD DALLAS DES PICTONS DANNY WHIZZBANG DOMINATEUR EASY GAME FAUGHEEN FIRST APPROACH GARO DE JUILLEY GO ANOTHER ONE HIGHEST SUN HOLD THE NOTE IMPERIAL AURA JAMMY GEORGE JARVEYS PLATE KNOW THE SCORE LORD DU MESNIL MASTER TOMMYTUCKER MINELLA FAIR MINELLA INDO MYTH BUSTER NEWTIDE PAINT THE DREAM POKER PLAY PYM RONALD PUMP ROYALE PAGAILLE SAM BROWN SAMCRO SCHOOL BOY HOURS SIMPLY THE BETTS SLATE HOUSE SPYGLASS HILL TARADA THE CONDITIONAL THE MIGHTY DON TORNADO FLYER TWO FOR GOLD WHO DARES WINS SAINT SONNET LAURINA SALSARETTA

WEDNESDAY – RSA CHASE (3m) ALLAHO 136 21.5 ANNAMIX NA 17 AT THE ACORN 41 21

S S GS

142 21 53 20.5 NA 21.5

S S S

135 119 63

24 16 17

GS G GS

ELGIN ENVOI ALLEN FELIX DESJY FUSIL RAFFLES GUMBALL KLASSICAL DREAM LE PATRIOTE MENGLI KHAN MOHAAYED MONSIEUR LECOQ NELSON RIVER NOT SO SLEEPY PACIFY PENTLAND HILLS PETIT MOUCHOIR QUICK GRABIM SALDIER SAMCRO SHARJAH SILVER STREAK SUPASUNDAE THEBANNERKINGREBEL THOMAS DARBY APPLE'S JADE EPATANTE HONEYSUCKLE VERDANA BLUE

SF

Dis

G

24 24 19.9 21.2 20 21.2 19.9 23 16.4 25.4 20 23.4 23.6 21 19.7 24 20.6 24 24 20.5 25.3 23.4 24 28.4 25.6 18 24.2 20 21 23.8 20.6 24.4 23.8 24 21.9 23.5 20 19 20.5 24 19 23.6 26 24 16 23.4 18 19.4 17 19.7

S GS GS S GS GS GS H H G S GS H S H GS S G S GS S S S GS S GS GS H S S S S S S S H S GS GS S GS GS GS S GS S GS H GS S

129 147 106 26 145 81 134 58 59 136 100 29 38 71 130 126 77 145 141 69 NA NA 91 121 85 NA 136 136 NA NA 94 102 83 114 NA 128 90 53 145 131 73 97 NA 132 83 140 112 122 62 NA

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (2m) ALTIOR 155 16.4 G 162 21 A PLUS TARD 157 17 GS 103 16 BUN DORAN NA 16.4 G 135 16 CAPELAND 138 16.8 H 129 16 CASTLEGRACE PADDY 116 17 GS 88 16 CHACUN POUR SOI 137 17 GS 154 17 CILAOS EMERY NA 17 GS 132 16.7 CYRNAME 151 24 S 163 21 DEFI DU SEUIL 164 16.8 H 154 15.5 DIEGO DU CHARMIL 142 16.8 S 123 16.8 DOUVAN 33 20.5 GS 81 16 DUC DES GENIEVRES NA 17 GS 136 16 DYNAMITE DOLLARS 104 16.4 G 124 16.4 FOOTPAD 153 20.4 GS 148 24 FOX NORTON 162 21 GS 141 16.8 HARDLINE 145 20.4 GS NA 17 HELL'S KITCHEN 90 15.9 S 82 16 JANIKA 153 16.8 H 73 20.3

S GS S S GS GS S S S GS GS S G S GS GS GS S

162 15.5 G 63 24.5 GS 154 16.4 GS 138 16.8 S 155 15.9 S 77 16 GF 125 16 GS 172 21 GS 99 15.9 S 124 15.5 G NA 15.9 S 71 20.2 S 159 16 GS 104 22 S NA 24 S 81 20.2 S 118 19.9 GS 146 15.5 S

NA NA 136 NA 118 77 NA 114 126 145 NA 127 116 82 83 72 64 NA 100 162 74 NA 64 NA 128 NA 59 75 43 129 105 50 89 60 81 NA 37 100 79 NA NA NA 138 NA 80 163 105 41 NA 121

Dis

G

23.4 21 24 21 20 21 20.6 24 20 26 21 24 24.2 21 21 24 20.6 19.8 23.4 24 20.6 23.8 20.6 24.2 28.4 24 25 24 21 24.2 16 20.6 25.3 24 23.6 19.9 19.7 21.2 20.6 25.3 24 24.2 29.2 23.9 21 24 19.7 17.9 20 20

S GS S S S GS S GS S S GS S S GS GS GS S H G S S H S S S S GS GS GS S S S S GS H H H GS S S GS S S S GS S S H S GS

SF2 NA 115 135 143 91 108 136 136 128 125 81 138 135 143 44 134 84 154 154 NA 85 145 122 NA 89 131 NA 57 140 60 92 78 129 133 91 79 NA NA 157 137 128 121 144 NA NA 54 130 127 NA 84

SF3

Dis

G

20 22.6 20.9 16.5 20.8 21 22.4 21 20.6 23.6 20 23.1 23.6 20 19.9 24 20.6 23 25.7 20 24.2 23.4 21.6 23 23.4 19.4 22.6 24 20 23.9 20 20.9 19.9 20 21.9 20.5 19.5 20 16.3 23.6 21 19.2 25 18.8 17 20 18 17.9 20 24

S S S G G H GS GS S G S S S H S GS S GF H S G H GS GS H G S GS S S GS S G S S S S H H GS H GS S S S S S GS H GS

ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

67

SPEED FIGURES Name

SF

Dis

G

SF2

Dis

G

SF3

91 84 135 NA 118 102 140 139 107 103 162 153 71

16.4 20.6 17 17 17 17 15.5 21 16.4 16.4 16.8 15.5 16.6

G S GS GS GS GS S H G G H S GS

84 152 82 150 NA 127 100 146 137 138 153 124 126

20.6 16.4 20.2 17 17 21 15.9 19.9 16 17 15.5 19.9 20.5

S GS S GS S H S S S GS S GS GS

155 19.9 GS 105 20.2 S 114 16 GS 105 19.5 G 108 15.5 S 39 20 H 129 19.9 GS NA 16.7 GS 137 15.5 S 97 15.9 S 118 16 GS 162 21 GS 92 16.2 H

THURSDAY – MARSH NOVICES' CHASE (2m4f) AL DANCER 163 16.4 GS 164 16 ALLAHO 136 21.5 S 142 21 ANNAMIX NA 17 S 53 20.5 AYE RIGHT NA 23.4 S NA 24 BAPAUME 71 17 GS 132 19 BATTLEOVERDOYEN NA 21 GS 115 24 BEAKSTOWN 82 20.6 S 128 22.4 BLACK OP 136 24 S 135 19.9 BRACE YOURSELF NA 21 S 143 21.2 BREWIN'UPASTORM 67 18.2 G 162 15.9 BURBANK 144 24 GS 142 22.4 CARIBEAN BOY 77 20.5 S 145 17.9 CASH BACK 122 17 GS 119 16 CASTLEBAWN WEST 77 21 GS 108 21.2 CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC 114 24 GS 136 23 CHAMPAGNE COURT 70 20.6 S 130 19.7 CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM 126 20 S 128 16.4 DALLAS DES PICTONS NA 21 GS 81 20 DOMMAGE POUR TOI NA 21 GS 108 24 DUNVEGAN 109 16 GS 104 16 EASY GAME 82 21 GS 143 21 ENCORE CHAMPS 61 20.6 S 86 21.2 ESPOIR DE GUYE 129 18.8 H 94 19.2 ESPRIT DU LARGE 151 15.5 S 78 19.2 FAUGHEEN 83 21 GS 44 19.7 GARO DE JUILLEY 64 20.6 S 84 20.6 GO ANOTHER ONE NA 19.8 H 154 24 GOOD BOY BOBBY 123 20 S 94 20.6 GRAND SANCY 124 20 S 163 16 HIGHEST SUN 100 23.4 G 154 24 HOLD THE NOTE 162 24 S NA 20.5 I CAN'T EXPLAIN NA 19.3 GS 127 20.3 IMPERIAL AURA 74 20.6 S 85 25.3 INDIETIR 124 16 S 43 17 ITCHY FEET 136 20 S 56 20.2 JARVEYS PLATE 64 20.6 S 122 24 KNIGHT IN DUBAI NA 19.9 H 80 19.1 LE PATRIOTE 152 16.4 GS 90 16.8 LISP 157 16.4 GS 152 17 MASTER TOMMYTUCKER NA 24 S 131 18 MELON 109 17 GS 130 17 MIDNIGHT SHADOW 134 20 S 93 20.6 MISTER FISHER 163 16.4 GS 91 20.6 MYTH BUSTER 43 21 GS 140 21 NOT THAT FUISSE 111 18 GS 54 20.6 PAINT THE DREAM 105 16 S 92 20.6 POKER PLAY 50 20.6 S 78 24.4 PRECIOUS CARGO 136 16.2 GS 140 16.4 RESERVE TANK 140 23.4 GS 140 20.2 ROLL AGAIN 137 24 S NA 20.5 ROUGE VIF 145 16.2 GS 163 16 ROYAL RENDEZVOUS 109 17 GS 115 17 SAMCRO 37 19.7 H NA 20 SIMPLY THE BETTS 79 20.6 S 157 20.5 SLATE HOUSE NA 25.3 S 137 24

S S S S GS GS GS GS S GS S S GS GS H S H S S S S GS S S H S G S S S GS GS S G S S GS S S GS GS S S S S S S H GS GS S GS S GS S

95 135 119 129 73 147 138 106 26 137 95 92 123 81 58 142 59 100 43 119 71 144 77 130 130 77 145 NA 140 141 69 107 NA 100 149 91 43 157 92 NA 98 93 94 NA 80 94 102 126 153 136 88 121 90 145 131

KALASHNIKOV MAGIC SAINT MIN ORDINARY WORLD ORNUA PALOMA BLUE POLITOLOGUE RIDERS ONTHE STORM SCEAU ROYAL SIMPLY NED UN DE SCEAUX WAITING PATIENTLY LADY BUTTONS

68

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

Dis

15.9 24 16 20 21 22.6 19.4 20.9 16.5 20 20 17.9 17 21 21 20 20.6 20 20 16 20 16.4 16 15.9 19.9 20.6 23 15.2 15.5 25.7 20 16 24.2 16 16 21.6 20.3 19.3 16.2 19.4 17 21.6 16.2 20 16.2 20 20.9 16.3 19.4 23.8 15.9 18 19.5 16.3 23.6

G

S GS G S H S GS S G G GS S S H GS S S S S GS H GS S GS S S GF S S H S S G G G GS H S S G GS GS S S S GS S S S S S S S H GS

Name

Dis

G

23.9 22.4 21 20 21.5 19.7 19.9 17 16 20.6 17.9 20.3 20 19.9 15.9 20

S S GS S S S H GS S S H S S S S GS

NA 24 112 20 NA 16 85 23.6 121 21 130 18 84 24 126 20 165 16.4 139 18.9 127 19.4 NA 19.4 NA 17 137 16.4 132 20 84 19.7

S H GS H S GS S S GS H H S GS GS GS S

132 18.8 S 98 20.9 S 83 17 S 132 19.9 GS 126 19.9 S 112 18 S 94 20 S 100 17 GS NA NA 120 18.9 H 122 17.9 GS 102 20.2 H 62 20 H 98 16.2 GS 80 20 G NA 24 GS

RYANAIR CHASE (2m4f 127yd) A PLUS TARD 157 17 ARTICULUM NA 21 ASO 147 24 BALKO DES FLOS 86 22 BRISTOL DE MAI 71 25.3 CADMIUM 59 24 CEPAGE 88 20.6 CHACUN POUR SOI 137 17 CHRIS'S DREAM 91 24 CILAOS EMERY NA 17 COUNT MERIBEL NA 20.6 CYRNAME 151 24 DARASSO 122 15.7 DEATH DUTY 64 24 DEFI DU SEUIL 164 16.8 DELTA WORK 103 24 DUC DES GENIEVRES NA 17 DYNAMITE DOLLARS 104 16.4 FOOTPAD 153 20.4 FOX NORTON 162 21 FRODON 151 20.5 HARDLINE 145 20.4 HELL'S KITCHEN 90 15.9 JANIKA 153 16.8 KALASHNIKOV 91 16.4 KAUTO RIKO 130 20.5 KEEPER HILL 109 26.1 LALOR 86 20.6 MIN 135 17 MISTER WHITAKER NA 25.3 PALOMA BLUE 102 17 POLITOLOGUE 140 15.5 REAL STEEL 165 20.4 RIDERS ONTHE STORM 139 21 ROAD TO RESPECT 166 24 SAINT CALVADOS 100 20.6 TOP NOTCH 145 20.5 TOUT EST PERMIS 39 24 UN DE SCEAUX 162 16.8 VOIX DU REVE 154 20.4 WAITING PATIENTLY 153 15.5 YORKHILL NA 21 LA BAGUE AU ROI 97 24 SHATTERED LOVE 49 21.5

GS GS S S S GS S GS S GS S S H GS H GS GS G GS GS GS GS S H G GS S S GS S GS S GS H S S GS GS H GS S GS GS S

103 NA 128 86 133 122 91 154 NA 132 103 163 155 NA 154 168 136 124 148 141 122 NA 82 73 84 138 145 92 82 92 127 100 80 146 99 95 143 109 153 NA 124 NA 124 72

16 17 19.9 25 25.6 17 20.6 17 24.5 16.7 20.2 21 16 17 15.5 24 16 16.4 24 16.8 25.6 17 16 20.3 20.6 19.9 20.5 20.6 20.2 20.6 21 15.9 20.2 19.9 24 15.9 19.9 24 15.5 21.5 19.9 26 20.5 20.2

GS S GS GS GS GS S GS GS S S S S GS S S S G S GS GS GS GS S S GS GS S S S H S S S S S GS S S S GS GS GS S

63 NA 126 118 118 124 82 77 121 125 101 172 75 85 99 91 71 159 104 NA NA 81 118 146 155 119 NA 104 114 133 39 129 91 NA 116 NA 142 37 118 79 162 93 139 29

STAYERS' HURDLE (3m) ASK DILLON 109 BACARDYS 109 BRIGHT FORECAST 137 CHAMP NA CITY ISLAND 82 DEATH DUTY 64

H S GS S S GS

128 23.6 69 20 140 15.7 131 19.9 NA 17 NA 17

H GS GS GS GS GS

105 21.6 GS 45 20 GS 88 15.5 G 128 22.4 GS 144 20 GS 85 20 GS

THE MIGHTY DON TIDAL FLOW TORNADO FLYER VISION DES FLOS WALK AWAY WHO DARES WINS WINDSOR AVENUE FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES FANION D'ESTRUVAL MATFOG SAINT SONNET ANNIE MC LAURINA MAIRE BANRIGH PUT THE KETTLE ON SALSARETTA

SF NA 145 80 116 123 105 NA 123 164 86 41 NA NA 118 94 121

23.4 24 21 20.6 20 24

SF2

Dis

G

SF3

Dis

24.5 19.7 24.2 25 25 21.1 20.6 16 25 16 20 21 16 20 15.9 24 20.2 16 22 24 19.9 20.2 19.9 15.5 19.9 20.6 20.6 17.5 16 20.6 20 19.9 19.5 16.7 25 15.9 20 24.3 16 20.2 21 20 19.9 20.5

G

GS H S GS GS GS S GF GS GS S GS GS GS S S S GS S S GS S GS S GS GS S S GS G H GS S GS GS H S S GS S GS GS GS GS

Name

SF

Dis

G

SF2

Dis

G

SF3

Dis

G

Name

85 67 153 43 60 54 68 116 53 58 98 70 NA 64 76 18 55 32 150 63 53 NA 138 55 145 NA 55 NA 92 NA NA 145 135 NA

24.3 20.3 20.4 25 24 24 24 16 24 24 19.6 24 24 24 24 21.4 24 19.7 20 24 24 23.9 24.4 24 20.5 30.6 24 24 24 24 20 23.5 22 18

G S GS S S S GS GS S S GS GS GS S GS S GS H GS S GS S H S GS H S GS GS GS S S GS GS

81 119 148 NA 163 98 108 118 136 NA 127 52 91 118 110 112 127 NA 132 78 97 NA 115 59 143 124 79 120 162 43 NA 136 73 NA

22.3 24.7 24 24 19.3 24 24 16.5 24.4 25 20 20 20 24.2 24 23.9 24 20 21 20.3 24 24 24.2 23.9 19.9 26 20.3 24 25.4 20 17 24.4 16 16

G GS S S S S S S H S G H GS GS S G S S GS S S S GS S GS S S S S GS GS H GS GS

NA 157 104 95 158 103 60 114 159 126 133 131 151 155 55 63 109 84 135 NA 44 127 73 18 142 NA 153 66 158 110 56 114 61 76

23.4 20.5 22 24 24.7 24 20 16.5 25.4 24.3 21.1 24 24 24 20 17 20 19.5 20 15.5 24.3 18.8 24.1 23.9 20 26 24.7 20 20 24 20 24.5 22 16

GS GS S S G S GS GS G GS GS GS GS GS GS S S S G S S S S H S GS G GS GS S H GS G GS

FRIDAY – TRIUMPH HURDLE (2m 179yd) ALLMANKIND 154 16 H 116 ASPIRE TOWER NA 16 GS 78 A WAVE OF THE SEA 98 16 GS 53 BATTLE OF WILLS 96 15.8 GS 78 BLAME IT ON SALLY 96 16.3 ST 77 BOTOX HAS 100 16.8 S 114 CERBERUS 96 16 GS 146 CLEMENCIA 80 16 GS 51

16.4 16 16 12.4 16 16.4 16 16

S S S ST ST S H S

61 67 69 101 82 82 67 NA

16 16.5 16 13.3 16 17.7 16 16

GS S GS GS GF G GS H

DEHRADUN EARL OF HARROW GA LAW GALET D'OUDAIRIES GEROLAMO CARDANO GOA LIL GOSHEN GRAND ROI GUENA DES MOTTES HAMMERSMITH LORD LAMINGTON MANUCCI METIER MICK PASTOR MIND THE CRACK NAVAJO PASS NEVER DO NOTHING OAK PARK PICTURE POET QUESTIONARE RAGNAR RECENT REVELATIONS RED GERRY REPETITIO ROCKADENN ROYAL DANCER SACCHOANDVANZETTI SIR PSYCHO SOLO STRATAGEM TAKARENGO TAVUS THREE COMETS THYME WHITE TREMWEDGE TRONADOR WOLF PRINCE ZEB SPIRIT ANNA BUNINA BURNING VICTORY ECHOES IN RAIN FANTASTIC MS FOX FUJIMOTO FLYER GABRIELLE DU SEUIL

DONNA'S DIAMOND EMITOM FOOTPAD GOODBYE DANCER IF THE CAP FITS KILBRICKEN STORM KILLULTAGH VIC KLASSICAL DREAM L'AMI SERGE LISNAGAR OSCAR MESSIRE DES OBEAUX MINELLA INDO NOT MANY LEFT PAISLEY PARK PENHILL PORTRUSH TED RONALD PUMP SAMCRO SAMS PROFILE SUMMERVILLE BOY THE JAM MAN THE MIGHTY DON THE WORLDS END TOBEFAIR TOP NOTCH WEST APPROACH WILLIAM HENRY APPLE'S JADE BENIE DES DIEUX COURT MAID LAURINA PAPAGANA RELEGATE SURIN

SF NA 131 NA NA 79 92 132 91 125 52 91 115 51 110 107 83 71 73 41 75 NA 120 127 117 129 NA NA 89 NA 60 56 35 NA 97 72 42 97 56 95 129 NA 84 174 NA

Dis 16 15.7 NA 16 16.8 15.6 15.7 16 15.7 16 16 15.7 12.1 15.8 12 16.6 16 16 12 12 15.7 15.8 16 16.8 18.9 15.9 16 16.8 NA 16.7 16 16 16 15.6 16.3 18 16 16 15.6 11.9 16 16.6 17.9 NA

G S S GS S S H GS S GS GS H H S G S GS GS ST G S GS H S GS H S S S GS S GS S G GS GS GS S G S GS S

SF2

Dis

85 55 NA NA 52 88 103 122 NA NA 81 NA NA 91 68 76 108 NA 72 102 NA NA 57 109 NA 42 106 54 NA NA NA 129 NA 83 63 44 NA NA 50 NA NA 74 80 NA

16.5 11.8 NA NA 16.2 16 16 14 15.6 16 16.6 17.7 12.5 16.4 12 16.2 15.6 16 12 11.8 17.7 16 16 16.4 NA 11 16 16.5 NA NA 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 12.1 NA NA 16.6 17 NA

G

SF3

S H

H GS S S GS S S S H S GF H GS GS SL GF G S S S ST S G

S H GS S GS GS S GS H

GS GS

NA 90 NA NA NA 81 59 117 NA NA 113 45 51 NA NA NA 73 66 44 93 93 123 97 99 NA 69 151 99 NA NA NA 73 NA 74 95 99 64 85 101 NA NA NA 102 NA

Dis 8.3 13 NA NA 17 16 17.7 15.4 NA 16 17.1 17.7 10 NA 14 16.7 12 16 16 11.5 10 16 12 16 NA 12.2 16.4 15.3 NA NA 16 16.2 16 16 16 16 16 16.6 10 NA NA 17 11.2 NA

G G G

S S S GS GS S S GS GF H GF GS ST GF S H S S FA S G

S H GS S S S S G GF

GS G

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WWW.WINFIVEHUNDRED.COM ISSUE 185 RACING AHEAD

69

SPEED FIGURES Name GJOUMI GUARDIA TOP HOOK UP LEAGAN GAEILGE MIDNIGHTS' GIFT

SF

Dis

NA 69 NA 101 87

NA 21 NA 16 16.6

ALBERT BARTLETT HURDLE (3m) AIONE 57 19 AIRCRAFT CARRIER 56 22 ANYTHING WILL DO 126 20.4 ASSEMBLE 89 22 ASTERION FORLONGE 99 16 BATTLE OF MIDWAY NA 24 BEACON EDGE 72 16.2 BLAZER'S MILL NA 20.5 BOBBY BOW NA NA BRAESIDE 33 24 BRINKLEY 77 20.2 CAT TIGER 47 20.5 CHAMPAGNE WELL 113 24.4 COBBLER'S WAY 92 22 COLUMN OF FIRE 51 24 DECOR IRLANDAIS 129 21 DIOL KER 69 20 DOCTOR DUFFY 64 25 DO YOUR JOB NA 19.9 EASYWORK 91 16 EDEN FLIGHT NA 22.5 EKLAT DE RIRE NA NA ELIXIR D'AINAY 91 22 ESCARIA TEN 94 24.3 EUROWORK 31 18.5 FAN DE BLUES 106 16 FESTIVAL D'EX 87 22.3 FILS D'OUDAIRIES NA NA FIVE O'CLOCK NA 16 FLOUEUR 52 18 FOXY JACKS 35 19 FRANCIN 128 20.3 FRENCH DYNAMITE 133 20.4 FRIARY ROCK 22 22.5 FULLY CHARGED 22 21 FUN LIGHT 84 20.3 FURY ROAD 91 22 HARRY SENIOR 65 20.3 HOME BY THE LEE 41 22 HOUSE ISLAND 64 20.3 I K BRUNEL 108 23.8 ILLEGAL MODEL 61 23 IMPERIAL ALCAZAR 30 20.5 JANIDIL 73 16 JEPECK NA 24.2 KALOOKI 100 21.3 KILTEALY BRIGGS 64 22.7 LAST MINUTE MAN 27 20 LATEST EXHIBITION 94 22 LIEUTENANT ROCCO NA 19.5 LONGHOUSE POET 92 22 LORD ROYAL 21 19.9 MACGILONEY 80 23.9 MAKE THE SWITCH NA 20 MERCIAN KNIGHT 28 23.6 MINELLA ENCORE 50 22.5 MONKFISH 104 22.3 MOSSY FEN 130 21 MR HENDRICKS 30 20 MR KATANGA 35 22 MUCKAMORE 21 20.5 NO HIDDEN CHARGES 109 24.2 OFALLTHEGINJOINTS 73 21

70

RACING AHEAD ISSUE 185

G

GS S GS

GS GS GS GS GS H GS S GS S H GS GS GS S H S H GS H GS H S GS GS GS GS GS GS GS GS H S GS S GS S S H H GS S S H GS GS H GS H H G H GS GS S GS S H GS GS

SF2

Dis

NA 82 NA 52 NA

NA 16.6 NA 8.6 16.5

NA NA 34 27 118 55 81 51 NA NA 27 53 89 130 30 49 73 39 NA NA NA NA 108 20 58 64 68 NA 43 114 89 50 89 NA 139 54 53 121 59 96 80 NA 87 43 40 134 83 58 73 NA 106 NA 96 79 49 NA 41 83 42 NA NA 39 83

20 20 16.3 20 15.9 20.5 16.3 13.7 NA 22.5 16.5 20.5 24 20.3 20 19.3 20 24 NA 20 20 NA 20 24 19.5 15.8 16 NA 21 18 23.5 20 20 20 22 16 23 19.5 20 19.8 20.5 NA 20.3 16.5 23.6 21.3 24 20 20 NA 20 NA 24 15 24.4 24 23 24 20 NA NA 21 20.3

G

GS G S

GS GS S H GS S GS S H GS S S GS GS GS GS S H GS GS S GS S S H G GS S GS GS S GS H H GS S S S S S S S GS S GS GS G GS S H S S

GS S

SF3

Dis

G

NA 76 NA 42 65

NA 18.5 S NA 8 G 17 GS

59 80 52 86 NA 52 137 NA NA 32 NA 114 101 NA NA 85 55 41 NA NA NA NA NA 63 NA 165 102 NA NA NA 103 47 41 81 NA NA NA 54 64 94 84 NA 129 101 71 68 NA 53 53 NA 52 NA 74 NA 30 65 64 101 102 NA NA 26 86

20 20.3 16.3 16 16 24 16 NA NA 23 NA 19.5 21 20 20 25.4 20.2 21 NA 16 NA NA 19 20 NA 17.9 16.5 NA NA NA 20.3 20.2 15.8 20.3 NA NA 20 17 19 21.3 21 NA 22 16 24 19 20.1 20 16 NA 20 NA 24.4 10.3 24 21.7 20 20 22 NA NA 21.6 19.8

GS S S S S GS GS

H H S GS GS GS GS GS H

GS H S GS

GS S S S

S GS S S S H GS H GS H S GS S G GS S S H S S

GF S

Name

Dis

G

24.2 21 19.5 23.4 20.3 21 23.6 24.4 20.3 26.1 22.3 20.3 23.8 22.5 16.3 25 20 26 19.8 20.5 19 20.4 23.9 23 22 20.5 16 16 22.3 21.3 18 18 18 18 20 16

G GS S GS S GS H GS S S GS S S GS H S S GS H S GS GS S S S S H H GS S GS GS GS GS GS GS

CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (3m2f) AL BOUM PHOTO 140 21.5 ALPHA DES OBEAUX 118 25.9 BALKO DES FLOS 86 22 BELLSHILL 74 24 BRISTOL DE MAI 71 25.3 CEPAGE 88 20.6 CHRIS'S DREAM 91 24 CLAN DES OBEAUX 161 24 DEATH DUTY 64 24 DELTA WORK 103 24 DE RASHER COUNTER 55 25.3 DISCORAMA NA 20 ELEGANT ESCAPE 160 30.6 FRODON 151 20.5 JETT 99 24 KAUTO RIKO 130 20.5 KEMBOY 102 24 LOSTINTRANSLATION NA 24 MISTER WHITAKER NA 25.3 MONALEE 167 24 NATIVE RIVER 104 23.4 PRESENTING PERCY 100 24 REAL STEEL 165 20.4 ROAD TO RESPECT 166 24 SAINT CALVADOS 100 20.6 SANTINI 71 25.3 SIZING JOHN NA 19.5 THE CONDITIONAL 133 29.2 TOP VILLE BEN 55 25.3 LA BAGUE AU ROI 97 24 SHATTERED LOVE 49 21.5

S S S GS S S S S GS GS S H H GS GS GS GS S S S G GS GS S S S GS S S GS S

ONE FOR THE TEAM ONE TOUCH OPPOSITES ATTRACT OSCAR ACADEMY OVERTHETOP PERFECT HARMONY PORT OF MARS RAMSES DE TEILLEE REDFORD ROAD ROCKET LAD RUN WILD FRED RUTHLESS ARTICLE SAINT XAVIER SEMPO SHAKEM UP'ARRY SILVER SHEEN SIXSHOOTER SOME DETAIL STICK WITH BILL THE BIG BREAKAWAY THE BIG GETAWAY THE BOSSES OSCAR THE BUTCHER SAID THE CASHEL MAN THE WOLF THYME HILL TIMBERMAN VENT D'AUTOMNE VIS TA LOI YOUNG BULL COLREEVY CONCERTISTA DOLCITA DRURY ET DITE HEAVEN HELP US

SF 92 NA 53 107 29 76 52 121 88 92 NA 52 105 54 109 148 58 102 68 85 46 135 47 27 68 153 109 21 91 NA 113 103 110 NA NA NA

SF2

Dis

G

145 110 NA NA 82 127 NA 101 87 NA 55 109 77 128 126 64 NA 51 135 88 127 87 85 152 117 105 119 NA 49 66 NA 63 NA 102 44 134

25 19.4 20 20.5 19.8 19.4 20.5 27.3 24 20.3 20 21.6 24.6 20.3 16.3 23 16 23.6 20.5 19.5 20.3 20.3 23.9 20.5 20.5 21 16.3 17.1 23 21.3 20 16 16 18 20 16

S GS GS H S S H S S S S GF GS GS S S H H S S GS S H S S S GS H H S H S H GS S S

134 91 86 156 133 91 NA 96 NA 168 150 80 159 122 162 138 166 134 92 28 100 165 80 99 95 NA 144 138 26 124 72

24.5 24 25 24 25.6 20.6 24.5 24 17 24 26 24 26 25.6 24 19.9 24 25.6 20.6 20.5 25 24 20.2 24 15.9 24.2 24 26 24.2 20.5 20.2

GS S GS S GS S GS S GS S GS S GS GS S GS S GS S GS GS S S S S S G GS S GS S

SF3

Dis

G

114 48 50 86 55 127 NA 81 83 28 74 73 78 52 NA 56 70 NA NA NA 93 77 57 148 NA 92 NA NA NA 67 53 59 NA 74 NA 142

24.2 15.7 20 18.3 19.3 21.6 NA 23.9 21.6 24 20 19.6 24 16 15.5 20 20 21 20 NA 16.5 20.2 21.6 20.5 19.6 19.5 NA 16 24 20 16 20.5 NA 21.7 19 16.3

GS S S G GS GS

172 90 118 122 118 82 121 118 85 91 117 132 129 NA 32 119 135 109 133 NA 168 80 91 116 NA 134 122 NA 131 139 29

26.3 25 25 24.5 25 20.6 25 25 20 24 23.3 23 24.2 19.9 20.5 20.6 24.5 20 20.6 24.5 26.3 20.2 19.5 25 15.9 24.4 20.2 25 23.4 19.9 20.5

GS GS GS GS GS S GS GS GS S S H S GS GS GS GS S G GS GS S S GS H GS H S H GS GS

H S S GS G S S H H GS S H S S G GS H GS H H S S S S GS GS