National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup
There are not too many that I can work up much enthusiasm for in this race. Pettifour has been a disappointment over fences and seems likely to blunder away his chance. Pennek has festival form as he was 3rd over hurdles last season in the Pertemps Final. He has a bit to find at the weights with one or two of his rivals however. Casa Cada stays well and has an each way chance at a big price. At around 10/1 Mobaasher could be value. Venetia Williams does well with her chasers at the Festival and this horse has Festival form as he was 3rd behind Katchit in the Triumph Hurdle. Becauseicouldntsee is another to consider. A winner at Fairyhouse last month he has the distinct benefit of being ridden by Nina Carberry. Fabalu has been aimed at this race since the start of the season. A dual point to point winner he has had 4 runs over fences, getting off the mark on his latest start at Bangor. He jumps soundly and should stay. My only concern would be the ground as his best form has been in bog like conditions. Anyway, my short list of 3 would be Fabalu, Mobaasher and Becauseicouldntsee.
Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle
I will oppose the likely favourite Rite of Passage here as I am not convinced that the form of his two wins has worked out too well. Manyriverstocross was 3rd in the Totesport Trophy and that form was boosted today. On decent ground he should go well. Reve de Sivola won the Challow Hurdle but has failed to win in 4 visits to Cheltenham and his jumping sometimes lets him down.
The lightly raced Finian’s Rainbow was 3rd in the Challow but that was his only defeat of the season. He handles the ground and has a high cruising speed. His trainer Nicky Henderson has a poor record in this race though. For my selection I am going to take a chance on the unbeaten Peddler’s Cross who has been most impressive in his starts this season. I would also suggest a saver on Quel Esprit who represents the trainer/jockey combination that has been successful in this race for the last two years.
RSA Steeple Chase
Nicky Henderson would appear to hold the key to this race. It is hard to choose between Long Run and Punchestowns. The latter has excellent Festival form having chased home Big Bucks in the World Hurdle last season while he has never been out of the first 2 when ridden by Barry Geraghty. Long Run has immense natural talent although his jumping has not been altogether fluent in his races in the UK. There are other contenders such as Diamond Harry and Weapon’s Amnesty while the Henderson 3rd string Burton Point is no back number. I think it is between Long Run and Punchestowns though and I am going to give Punchestowns my selection. He has form at the Festival and I just have a slight concern about Long Run being ridden by an amateur jockey.
Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase
Master Minded is the likely winner here. He simply has the best form on show and on the basis of his latest run looks back to something like his best. For those looking for each way value the other Nicholls runner Twist Magic has looked a much more reliable animal this season. Kalahari King has excellent form at the Festival and will enjoy the ground. He also comes into the race in good form having landed a handicap at Newbury under a big weight. He was narrowly beaten in the Arkle last season by another contender here, Forpadythepalsterer. He is another that will be suited by the going and has shown a liking for the track. Well Chief will be written off by many but might just surprise a few. He has an excellent record at Cheltenham and also goes very well fresh. It is hard to see Master Minded being denied the hat trick and he is the selection. Twist Magic and Forpadytheplasterer are the each way alternatives.
Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)
The Hobbs team are in top form at present and had a winner today with Menorah. The stable are represented by Wishfull Thinking in this. He has won all his 3 starts over hurdles and Giles Hawkins takes a useful 5 lbs off his back. Spirit River is one of a number of fancied runners from the Nicky Henderson yard. A bad mistake when in contention cost him any chance in the Totesport Trophy but before that he had won at Cheltenham before Christmas. James de Vassy was 4th behind Khyber Kim in the Greatwood an d that form looks pretty good now! Lake Legend won at Kempton on Boxing Day and the 3rd and 4th horses have both won since. He will also act on the ground. Quantativeeasing and Andytown are a couple from the Nicky Henderson stable worth considering while I must also put a word in for Naiad Du Misselot who is on the same mark as when winning this in 2008 and is 25/1 in the betting!
My 4 against the field would be Wishfull Thinking, Spirit River, Lake Legend and James De Vassy. If pushed for a single selection I would choose Wishfull Thinking.
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
The David Pipe trained Notus de la Tour looks the one to beat here after a very impressive UK debut when winning at Plumpton. Stormy Weather has plenty of ability and would be in with a chance at his best but he is not the most reliable and of the outsiders I prefer George Nympton and Diktalina.
Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Open NH Flat Race)
Al Ferof and Dare Me represent the home team in this but it is a race that invariably goes to the Irish. Day of a Lifetime, Tavern Times, Elegant Concorde and Shot from the Hip are all strong contenders. This is not a race I have a strong view on.
Today’s pictures are of today’s hero Binocular (picture courtesy of Sarah Clegg) and reigning Champion Chaser Master Minded (picture courtesy of Lisa Miller.)
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