Busy busy busy with Cheltenham so no waffle and straight down to the action - best of luck everyone!
Cheltenham – Tuesday 14th March
Race One: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
As we await the famous Cheltenham roar to kick off the 2023 Festival, will we have a winner anywhere near as good as Constitution Hill, or is he the once in a lifetime horse we all hope at present? It’s a 3-3 draw between the UK and Ireland in the last six years, but the one who dominates the market this year is Facile Vega, the bumper winner for us last season and a really classy sort – until last time out. Paul Townend did not have his finest moment on board the six-year-old at Leopardstown when racing far too freely before fading into fifth. If that was his true running he cannot win this competitive contest, but everyone is entitled to an off day so which Facile Vega will turn up on race day? That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the biggest question of all, and although I was sorely tempted by an each way bet on Tahmuras at a double figure price, I am hoping the real Mullins horse turn up and lives up to his superstar status.
Facile Vega 1.30pm Cheltenham
Race Two: Arkle Challenge Trophy
Time has proved that expecting Jonbon to win the Supreme Hurdle last year was a huge ask against his stable companion Constitution Hill, but he was second and far from disgraced with hindsight. He has been switched to fences this year so he won’t be facing his old rival again in a hurry, and arrives here undefeated after wins at Warwick (twice), and Sandown. He wasn’t at his most impressive last time out, but only Nicky Henderson will know just how ready he was that day, and I get the feeling that may have been a final tune up. Still learning his trade, I am hoping that he will take a big step forward from that experience and prove good enough to hold off Irish challenger El Fabiolo who still has that little bit to prove to me.
Jonbon 2.10pm Cheltenham
Race Three: Ultima Handicap Chase
Our first handicap of the week and every chance of our first upset, with a 10/1 winner last season, and a 28/1 winner the year before. There has been a weight of money for Corach Rambler who seems sure to go off the favourite for Lucinda Russell, but if you didn’t get the bigger prices then I don’t suggest there is any value left to be had, and we need to look elsewhere. A few years back I was at the Tizzard yard and Colin was (at the time) very sweet on The Big Breakaway who he saw as a future Gold Cup winner. Those thoughts were obviously a bit enthusiastic, but he races today in a handicap off a mark of 151 which seems pretty workable after two runs to get him spot-on this season. Beaten a length and a quarter over further at Chepstow last time out he will be running on up the hill under jockey Brendan Powell who has won this race twice from just the four rides.
The Big Breakway 2.50pm Cheltenham Each Way
Race Four: Champion Hurdle
Those of us of a “certain age” have been lucky enough to witness some great horses winning here, with the legendary Istabraq a personal favourite. Before the flag falls this afternoon I have to say I cannot for the life of me see why Constitution Hill is considered his better on the grounds of five bloodless victories over hurdles, though I suspect I may well change my mind after this contest. He does look an absolute machine, and although a ridiculous price, if you went bragging rights for having backed the winner, it does seem pretty obvious that is where your money should go. Those looking for an each-way alternative could do a lot worse than I Like To Move It who is the apple of Nigel Twiston-Davies’ eye, though with only seven runners you may need to head off to Betfair where you will be able to bet each way the first three home.
Constitution Hill 3.30pm Cheltenham
Race Five: David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle
Heart versus head time again here as Honeysuckle looks to end her career on a high in a race she won in 2020 before taking two Champion Hurdles, but she is clearly not the force of old as seen with a third and a second this year, beaten five lengths by State Man at Leopardstown last time out. She will get the biggest roar of the day if she can get back to winning ways, and at the current prices 3/1 does look like pretty decent value. She won this race in 2020 before proving her worth over two miles in the Champion and back over her favoured trip she can hopefully retire on a winning note. Epatante looks a serious danger if she is at her best as seems likely, though Love Envoi has done precious little wrong and would be my idea of an each way alternative for Harry Fry though this will undoubtedly be her toughest assignment yet.
DaHoneysuckle 4.10pm Cheltenham
Race Six: Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle 4.50pm
Whatever the betting implies, novice handicap hurdles are not always simple to solve, and with an 80/1 winner in 2021 and a 10/1 winner last year, it appears anything is possible. What we do know is that despite their annual protests about poor handicap ratings, the Irish have won the last five here, and they have the early favourite here in the shape of Tekao who represents (you guessed it) Willie Mullins. 7/2 looks plenty short enough though who knows how much more he can offer after just the three starts, and I am certainly not brave enough to write him off in these circumstances. He could well stroll home but at the early prices, Bad looks an interesting option. Ben Pauling has made no secret of how well the ex-French is regarded at home, and although I am concerned that he has not seen a racecourse over here or run in 100 days, he can put in a big effort at a double figure price.
Bad 4.50pm Cheltenham Each Way
Race Seven: National Hunt Chase
Stattler was backed as if defeat was never an option in this this contest last year and he landed the bets fairly comfortably in the end, so it will be interesting at the off to see who is or isn’t being well supported in the markets. Gaillard Du Mesnil is a very short price (Evens as I write), and he is by far the likeliest winner after coming home third to Mighty Potter at Leopardstown, and as he is officially rated 8lb and more better than the rest of the field, he is difficult to oppose. I am concerned that he has only ever won a solitary race over fences from eight starts, and will reduce my bet size accordingly, though if you fancy an each-way alternative, Mister Coffey could have some say for the Henderson yard at 9/1, with the booking of Derek O’Connor catching the eye.
Gaillard Du Mesnil 5.30pm Cheltenham
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