The cross country races at Cheltenham have come in for some stick over the years but even its harshest critics must have been moved by the incredible race that we were privileged to witness today. Old Spot the Difference got one of the biggest cheers the Prestbury Park venue has ever heard – wonderful stuff. Surely connections should retire him now – that was a very hard race and he deserves to go out at the top. I suppose he had his share of luck with Puntal’s rider taking the scenic route, Royal Auclair nearly being carried out by another “wanderer” and Le Duc managing to get rid of Sam Thomas when travelling nicely. Having said all that, it would have taken a very determined rival to have bettered the old warrior up that Cheltenham hill this afternoon.
If tomorrow’s racing can generate anything like that level of drama then we are in for a treat. Things get under way at Cheltenham at 12.55 with a handicap hurdle. Mole’s Chamber from the in form Dartnell stable represents our list to follow and has an each way chance. Chasing will be his game but he is a lightly raced progressive sort and could go well.
In the 1.25 I would give a chance to Alberta’s Run if he can improve his jumping that let him down badly at Aintree last time. The fact that he tackles a longer trip here may slow things down a bit and help him in the jumping department. Point to Point winner Willanwoody appeals as the main danger. The ground is likely to be a bit too quick for The Real Deal.
Franchoek won nicely at Chepstow last time and the ground at Cheltenham will not be a problem for him. He won over 2 miles on the flat so is likely to stay further than that over hurtdles. The Cheltenham hill should play to his strengths and he is my fancy for the 2.00.
Back in the 60s when I lived on the South Coast I watched both Pompey and the Saints. I remember the year that the Fratton Park outfit had a bit of a cup run and knocked out a Fulham side that included Johnny Haynes and “sniffer” Clarke. I recall a session in a London pub with some Fulham fans who downed a few Mackesons. Never liked the stuff myself but drank some to be polite.
Anyway – where is all this leading you may ask. Nowhere much really (does everything have to have a point?) Just that many moons ago the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.35) used to be called the Mackeson. There are 5 runners from our list to follow in this, Bob Hall, Private Be, L’Antartique, Granit Jack and Three Mirrors. Bob Hall has run twice at Cheltenham and not been beaten far on either occasion. He was 2nd in the Jewson Handicap at the Festival2 lengths behind L’Antartique. Both have had a run this season, Bob Hall was 3rd at Cheltenham behind Knowere whiel L’Antartique won a 3 horse race at Carlisle. Private Be was brought down in Knowhere’s race when going well and had earlier beaten Bob Hall at Aintree at the end of last season. These 3 are very closely handicapped with each other and difficult to separate.
Granit Jack had problems with stomach ulcers last season which hindered his progress. He ran a blinder to finish 2nd in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and could be a bit of a blot on the handicap. I am not sure how he will handle the ground though. Three Mirrors is a consistent sort but on jockey bookings is Ferdy Murphy’s second string. This is very difficult to call but I am going for the well handicapped Granit Jack. At a bigger price Private Be might be worth each way support.
Blazing Bailey has to give lumps of weight away in the 3.10 but he goes well round Cheltenham and is the class act in the race.
Simon will probably be aimed at the Grand National again this season. He was running a big race last year when coming down 6 from home. He runs in the 3.40 where his stamina will stand him in good stead and he has an each way chance.
Scarvagh Diamond looks an interesting prospect over fences this season. She runs in the 1.05 at Uttoxeter tomorrow where any rain would help her chance. The main danger looks to be Arnold Layne, named after a Pink Floyd single that was banned by the BBC.
Whiteoak ran rather green on her hurdles debut at Bangor and was beaten a short head. Her bumper form was solid and she will have gained experience over hurdles for her Bangor run. She should go well in the 2.10.
At Wetherby I would expect Brook no Argument to make a decent fist of her hurdles debut. She ran well in bumpers and appeals as the type to succeed over timber.
Valentine’s Lady did enough on her hurdles debut to suggest a win was not too far off. She looks the one to be on in the 2.20.
John Quinn is one of the best dual purpose trainers around and his Day to Remember represents our list to follow in the 3.25. He won over hurdles last season at Market Rasen and is fit from the flat.
That is about all for tonight – enjoy the racing tomorrow and I will be back in the evening for a look at Sunday’s action.
ahorse 