If you like Rugby League, as we do, then this time of year is fabulous. It’s the start of the Super 8’s, where we find out the Champions and at the other end, with the first game tonight, we have the even better, in our humble opinion, Qualifiers. This is where the bottom four sides in the Super League take on the top 4 sides in the Championship in a round robin tournament. No points carried forward, just a 7 match tournament with the top 3 automatically qualifying for next seasons Super League and the 4th and 5th sides playing a one game knock out, known as the Million Pound game. It’s a cracker.
As tonight sees the start of the Qualifiers with Widnes Vikings from the Super League taking on the London Broncos from the Championship and what a tough opener this is for both sides but what a 
revealing one. Its hard to argue that the Broncos aren’t the most in form team in the Championship with 6 wins and a draw on the bounce; without which they simply wouldnt have qualified. They have been playing knockout football for 7 games. Former Leeds forward and Broncos coach, Danny Ward says they have found out a lot about themselves and are finally playing as a unit that is starting to fulfill its potential but he was quick to point out that despite Widnes position in the table the Vikings will still be the best team they have played this year. That statement alone is very interesting as I believe tonight will tell us just how big the gap, if at all, is between both leagues. Widnes couldnt be in worse nick, having lost their last 16 games – thats not a typo! If Widnes come out and hammer the form team from the Championship then all four places will stay with the Super League teams, if they flounder tonight then there is hope for all of the Qualifiers.
My personal view is that there really isnt much diference between the bottom of the Super League and the top of the Championship and for that reason and at these prices, you simply have to back the Bronco’s tonight. They are not an 11/4 shot to win this. For me they should be more like 11/8. However, that’s what betting is all about, putting your opinion where your money is and mine is with the London outfit. If they can hang in there for the first 20 minutes the doubts will come to a Widnes team that is so down on confidence. They simply might not recover and could implode.
Going forward this weekend I am keen to back Salford against Hull KR at the KC Stadium. This is quite a grudge match with former Salford boss, Tim Sheens in charge at the KC stadium and looking for revenge. The difference in these two teams is just in the halfs where I think Salford have the edge and they should’nt be such a big price, even away from home.
Leeds in the Qualifiers?
Leeds vs Toulouse on Saturday isnt a betting match. I have given up wondering how French teams will fare away from home and in this game I will just watch ths fixture, with the layers having it about right at 2/11 for the Yorkies. Not so on Sunday when the Toronto Wolfpack take on Halifax and their price of 2/5 against a team they have beaten up regulary looks attractive.
The Qualifers – Week 1 betting tips
4 units win Broncos with Betway @ 27/10
4 units win Salford with Betway @ 5/2
9 units win Toronto @ 1/3 with Skybet
England vs India – The 2nd Test Preview
Edgbaston on Saturday did what only test cricket can do.
Have you on the edge of your seat for ages while you hope your team can somehow win, against the odds. Three possible outcomes make test cricket such a buzz. Although, one of those results is fast becoming a much bigger price in test cricket than at anytime since uncovered wickets, that being the draw. Why is that? A little because we play on uncovered wickets where the weather rarely intefers and we can claim extra time but mostly becuase we play so much limited overs cricket across the globe that so few batsmen know how to occupy the crease for any length of time and nor do they wan to. I would also give a little credit to Steve Waugh, who at the turn of the century and in charge of an exceptionmal team, told his batters that they batted down to 9 and he expected them to score at 4 runs an over- not the miserable 2.5 an over we had all become used to. His theory being that you have to take 20 wickets to win a test so the longer you have to do that the better. Not that Meesrs warne and McGrath needs the 5th day very often. However, thats what you do when you have a great team but lets not underestimate how the 20/20 game has changed our test cricket, forever. It seems to be that playing at every ball is compulsory these days and simlarly with bowlers who expect to take a wicket every ball. So much for the game plan.
That aside, what does tomorrows Lords Test look like? A belter, thats what. The type I really like. None of you high scoring nonsense, a fight to stay in and bowlers attacking batters and for once getting the upper hand in the fight. Where a 76 made over 2.5 sessions is a match winner and 28 from number 11 absolutely vital. Nothing gracious or romantic – a dog fight where its not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog that prevails. Well at least that’s what I want. Will I get it – maybe!
I dont think it will be 400 plays 450. I think it is more like 320 plays 290 and for that reason I expect a result, of course. But which way. Well here goes the big statement. That was India’s chance last weekend. They do have the best batsman in the world in every genre, in Virat Kholi but I remember so clearly the last time India were here and it was late in the season, just like this. India won the first test but never got a look in after that, as soon as the ball started swinging. Guess what, it’s swinging now and like the cold steel against the Fuzzi- Wuzzi’s, they dont like it up-em Captain Mainwaring. I think the hierarchy would be crackers if they let the groundstaff shave the remaning green grass off the pitch. England have the best ammunition to exploit it. Anderson is still the best seam/swing bowler in the world and when Broad is on song he is super (he looks close right now). Woakes, if he plays, is a worthy repalcement for Stokes as he is always at the batters and puts in a good shift and his name sounds like him as well – so thats good!! I would prefer they play him rather than Ali as I think the Indians would love to play the off spinner as a preference and despite what all the pundits said before the 1st test, our leg spinner did a great job, under pressure. Perhaps they could try getting behind him now.
With the exception of Kohli, man for man England are a better batting team. They bat deeper and are more able to cope with difficult conditions. Pope is a great pick. He is avergaing 85 in county cricket and picking people in form to make their debuts I am all in favour of. I hope he does really well.
So, logically my bet is to back England to win.
5 units win England at Evens with Skybet
2 units win Conclusion Day 4 afternoon session at 13/2 with 888Bet
All prices correct at the date time stamped of publishing.
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Glorious Goodwood – Day 4 Preview
Another up day yesterday giving us a positive 3 day balance with a tough day 4 today. It doesnt quite have the feel of the other days in terms of top class horses with the possible exception of the King George Sprint, where a really good winner could light up the 5 furlong track and the crowd. Lets see, we have plenty of targets today and will be working hard to keep the winning thread going.
1:50
2:25
(Class 1) (3yo) Winner £56,710 6 runners 1m Good To Firm3:00
3:35
KING GEORGE QATAR STAKES (GROUP 2)
Glorious Goodwood – Day 3 Preview
A tougher day yesterday but the 11-1 winner, Caravela and the 4-1 price about Expert Eye, meant we had a small down day on our tips yesterday and are still well up on the week. Today the fillies take centre stage with the Group 1 Nassau and a couple of fiendishly difficult handicaps with two decent Group 2 Races support the Group 1 contest. We have some real chances today and think it could be a good one.
1:50
MATCHBOOK BEST VALUE EXCHANGE HANDICAP 2:25
QATAR LILLIE LANGTRY STAKES (GROUP 2) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £170,130 13 runners 1m6f Good3:00
QATAR RICHMOND STAKES (GROUP 2) (COLTS & GELDINGS) (Class 1) (2yo) Winner £113,420 9 runners 6f Good3:35
QATAR NASSAU STAKES (GROUP 1) (BRITISH CHAMPIONS SERIES) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £340,2606 runners 1m1f197y GoodGlorious Goodwood – Day 2 Preview
Great racing on the South Downs
It was a fabulous day 1 with the star of the show being Stradivarius, who hit all the right notes, to once again defeat a determined Torcedor in a spirited battle on the South Downs. Today they run over a shorter trip for the feature race but the protaganists are just as determined to impart their will over a classy and relativey unexposed field in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes. Before that though we have some cracking handicaps to get our teeth into and improve our account balance.
1:50
Sir Mark – plotting more success with Piedita
This Marathon usually throws up a stirring finish and todays contest looks no different on paper. Our fancies include, Coue De Lion for Alan King, who loves these extreme distances and has been ultra consistent. He looked as good as ever at Newbury when Martin Harley followed the wrong one through and he will be keen to make amends. Gary Moore will have readied Altaayil for this race after 299 days off and he can get one right for the big day. The horse is still unexposed and this trip unknown but Gary knows if they will stay and he just might be the right horse in the right race. Sir Mark Prescott is in cracking form with his horses and Piedita has to be in the reckoning after a comfortable win over 2 miles at Chester, with the step up in trip looking a comfortable move for this 4 year old. I just love the attitude of Lil Rockefella, who wears his heart on his sleeve over hurdles and just keeps finding. I couldnt believe he was only 7. He must have a great chance but, I didnt think a favourites chance, as the betting suggests. Finally, Marcus Tregooning brings Imphal here after a string of placed efforts this year after winning 3 on the bounce last year. If the handicapper does have control then this step up for this stoutly bred horse may just be the right move. It’s a tight one to start but I am siding with two against the field. Couer de Lion who might have got closer last time out but for traffic problems and Piedita who looks like a stayer that can go up to the next level.
2:25
MOVE OVER TO MATCHBOOK HANDICAP (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) Winner £46,688 11 runners 1m3f218y Good
The Charlton horse will improve again
3:00
Mark Johnstons’ Soldiers Call rates highest
The Molecomb brings together sprinting two year olds from Ascot and the Curragh who have all performed well during the year and have some parallel form lines. Trying to anticpate which horses have continued to improve since their last run at a time when they are all still maturing is notoriusly difficult but the one thing we know, having been through all the related form lines, is that the best horse in the race, on what we have seen, is Soldiers Call and that is by quite some way. So we simply have to back this horse and wonder if anything can improve past Mark Johnstons runner. Somehow though, I think not. he is a confident choice.
3:35
Expert Eye can topple the son of Frankel
York – Day 2 Dante Preview
Great racing this week on good ground at Yorkshires premier racecourse and hopefully some clues to the events at Epsom in a few weeks time. We have some fancies in the key races today and are expecting big runs from them at decent prices
2.20 BETFRED “SUPPORTS JACK BERRY HOUSE” HANDICAP (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105) Winner £18,675 18 runners 5f Good To Firm ITV4
A terrific 5 furlong sprint with a lot of the usual suspects. Anyone who saw El Astronaute get across from stall 12 last week at Chester with electric speed and all but hang on must have been impressed but might he set it up again for a closer. If he does that could be Paul Midgleys horse, Line of Reason who looks like he is coming back to form and his stable are having winners now as well. Back both with bet 365 and take the 5 places on offer at a slightly lesser price.
1 unit e/w 5 places – El Astronaute @ 15/2 with Bet 365
1 unit e/w 5 places – Line of Reason @ 9/1 with Bet 365
2.55 BETFRED MIDDLETON STAKES (GROUP 2) (FILLIES & MARES) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £70,888 7 runners 1m2f56y Good To Firm ITV4
A really strong renewal of this event where none of the entrants would be a surprise winner. Coronet, Mori and Chain of Daisies look the most logical with Ryan Moore’s description of his mount Mori and her current work in addition to more appropriate track conditions holding sway with us. Henry Candy’s runner, Chain of Daisies worries us most.
2 units e/w Mori @ 11/4 with bet 365
3.30 BETFRED DANTE STAKES (GROUP 2) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £93,572 9 runners 1m2f56y Good To Firm ITV4
This is a terrific race. Crossed Batons brings quality form to the race after his Epsom win with the 3rd having run well at Chester last week. Mildenberger looks sure to be suited by the extra distance and looks a real player for Mark Johnston, Roaring Lion was close to Saxon warrior and was definitely staying on at the end of the Guineas and that is rock solid form and perhaps is being too easily overlooked if his conqueror is as short as 11-10 to win the Epsom classic. However our fancy is Wells Farhh Go who should, on breeding be even better than the 111 he recorded over 7f at this longer trip and still a decent price.
2 units E/W Wells Farhh Go @ 13/2 with Bet 365
4.05 BETFRED TV HAMBLETON HANDICAP (Class 2) (4yo+) Winner £31,125 10 runners 7f192y Good To Firm ITV4
Not the easiest contest to wrap up the ITV coverage. We tipped up Baraweez last week at Chester who came good at 8/1 and was incredibly impressive. Problem is he doesnt often run the same race twice. If he does he will be hard to beat. Our fancy is Larchmont lad. He is capable of a lot better than recent showings and he just might be ready to win again in the hands of inform trainer David O’Meara.
1 unit E/W Larchmont lad @ 12/1 with bet 365
1 unit E/W Barraweez @ 11/2 with Bet 365
Aintree Day 3 Preview and the Grand National
Tips and more for the final day of the Aintree Festival
1 unit e/w For Good Measure
1 unit e/w Mr McGo
1 unit e/w No Hasselhoff
A Donald McCain winner?
2:25 Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m4f
A really tasty hurdle this one. Finians Oscar is the favourite for Tizzard and Power, who struck for the Pott’s yesterday, signalling that Colin T is back to form and he will be hard to beat but he has to improve to win this. Lough Derg Spirit, I dont think is quite good enough against this opposition. I am drawn by the performance of Messire Des Obeaux in the Neputune, where I think things didn’t go great in the race for him but he still finished 3rd and the win of Brio Conte at Kempton now looks very good after Dream Berry’s good run the other day here. At big prices Cultivate must have a chance of sneaking a place.
2 units e/w Messire Des Obeaux
1 units e/w Brio Conte
and a 1 unit tri-cast Messire des Obeaux, Brio Conte and Cultivate – do it with another bookmaker please
Paul Nichols keeping Brion Conte just for this race?
3:00 Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Cl1 (5yo+) 1m7f176y
A small field but quite a puzzle. The question is, does Charbel, finishing 6l behind Altior and the prospect he was going to be closer at Cheltenham before falling, represent form that is better than anything the rest here have shown? I think it probably is. Therefore, how much did the fall take out of the horse because at his best he probably wins. For him to lose Forest Bihan has to be at the level and better than when he beat Cloudy Dream, who won well here on Thursday. I fear Politlogue isn’t quite this standard.
2 units e/w Forest Bihan (I know there is only 5)
Could it be a big double for these colours and Brian Ellison
3:40 Betway Handicap Chase (Listed Race) Cl1 (5yo+) 3m210y
Another cracking handicap Chase. Dan Skelton told me when I interviewed him that this was one of his best chasers and it took a time to happen but happen it has and he is the favourite in this race. If you look back Sizing Codelco ran Top Notch to under 2 lengths at Ascot and this trip looks ideal. If he is that good again he will win this at a very tasty price. Starchitect was all the rage at Cheltenham and was far from disgraced and his trainer steps him up. He won over 2m5f hurdling so this should be fine. To me he always looked a stayer in the making. Sue Smith and Danny Cook have had a cracking season and I Just Know, after a 6l win at Catterick has a great chance.
1 unit e/w Sizing Codelco
1 unit e/w Starchitect
Allan and Annes Potts love their Sizing horses
4:20 Ryanair Stayers Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) Cl1 (4yo+) 3m149y
Some old favourites and this years Champion Hurdle favourite line up here in what should be a belter. Yanworth looks tailor made for this trip as 2 miles is simply too quick for him. He could dot up today. Supasundae was brilliant over 2m5f at Cheltenham and this will suit just as well. Cole Harden has the visor on for the first time but I think this is a bid to find some sparkle by his trainer in a horse that might just be on a downward curve after a great career. Snow Falcon was a horse whose trainer expected more at Cheltenham and I don’t think he liked the hill. This will be more to his liking. He might just be too quick at the end of this race for Yanworth.
2 units e/w Yanworth
2 units e/w Snow Falcon
Will Yanworth get this trip and have the speed?
5:15 Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Cl1 (7yo+) 4m2f74y
Everyone loves trying to solve this riddle and its ridiculous. A handicap over a trip that we rarely run over using fences they only see in most cases, once a year. Crazy as it seems we all love it. My shortlist isn’t very short and I always back four in the race, as much as anything to see if I can still have 2 running for the last circuit after fallers and interference to get a decent shout in. That short list that needs whiltlting down is as follows.
Saphire de Rheu – a touch of class for Paul Nichols. Blaklion – trainer now in great form and a race that looks like it was made for his “balls out” style. One for Arthur who seems to have been brought along beautifully for this and that if he wins will see his trainer say “I love it when a plan comes together”. Lord Windermere – something tells me he has another huge race in him and this could be it. Saint Are, who was only pulled up at the last in 2016 and Davy Russell could be the story. Vieux Lion Rouge, deposed as favourite but all the rage earlier after thumping Blaklion. Definitily Red who is the apple of Brian Ellison’s eye and he thinks this race is perfect for him. The Young master – just because if he won and I didn’t mention him I would be furious. Wonderful Charm – I would be stronger on him if he hadn’t worked so hard at Cheltenham and I think that is what caught up with his conqueror, Pachu du Polder the other day. How do we get that to just four. Simple – with a pin.
1 unit e/w Blaklion
1 unit e/w Saint Are
1 unit e/w Saphir De Rheu
1 unit e/w Vieux Lion Rouge
David Pipe deserves success with the way he has handled this horse
6:15 Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ & Amateur Riders’ Race) Cl2 (4yo+) 2m103y
After the Lord Mayors show is always tricky but I think I have a winner here at big odds and if so it was worth waiting for. It is Cousin Oscar who comfortably beat Dashing Oscar last time out, who himself ran very well in a much better race on Thursday. I also like Curious Carlos
2 units e/w Cousin Oscar
1 unit e/w Curious Carlos
Aintree Day 1 Preview
The start of another three wonderful days of Jumping in the lead up to the greatest horse race in the world. It’s a fabulous festival on Merseyside and we think we can find a few winners. So here goes.
1:45 MANIFESTO NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE 1) (Class 1) (5yo+) Winner £56,130 6 runners 2m3f200y
On paper this is Top Notch’s race to lose. His second at Cheltenham was outstanding as he pushed Yorkhill all the way and but for his only jumping error at the last, when it counted most, he could have won. His opposition looks to have too much to do with the exception of one. Frodon and Max Ward are good horses but they would be unlikely winners. However the 6l defeat by Altior of Cloudy Dream gives him a real chance and his sound jumping at pace might just tip the balance. Top Notch is very short so let”s go with the Malcolm Jefferson trained seven year old whose light campaign this year will serve him well.
2 units e/w Cloudy Dream
2:20 DOOM BAR ANNIVERSARY 4-Y-O JUVENILE HURDLE (GRADE 1) (Class 1) (4yo) Winner £56,130 8 runners 2m209y
Another short priced favourite in Defi Du Seuil and I don’t think we can get this one beaten. Phillip Hobbs’ horse hasn’t tasted defeat over timber and its doubtful he will here. Best bet I can recommend is to back Divin Bere to win without the favourite or a forecast. He looks too good.
2 units Defi Du Seuil to beat Divin Bere in a straight forecast.
2:50 BETWAY BOWL CHASE (GRADE 1) (Class 1) (5yo+) Winner £84,195 7 runners 3m210y
This race, outside of the Grand National, is my favourite race at Aintree. Quality horses over an entirely different test. It hurts me to say I am abandoning Cue Card but he just didn’t look the same horse at Cheltenham and whilst that course doesnt favour him I dont think he will be quick enough. Silviniaco Conti could surpise, he is an atheltic, natural jumper who loves this track and ground but again he isn’t getting any younger. He has however had 68 days off and does run well fresh so that may be a bonus. Empire of Dirt steps up in trip and I think he could be the won but he might have to get past the enigmatic Bristol De Mai who if on a going day is capable.
2 units e/w Empire of Dirt
3:25 BETWAY AINTREE HURDLE (GRADE 1) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £112,260 6 runners 2m4f
The champion hurdler turns out here over 4 furlongs further, which shouldn’t worry him but he has never run over this far. He certainly wasn’t stopping at Cheltenham but he needs to be at his best because My Tent or Yours loves this trip as does the New One and Identity Thief, back hurdling might just get a taste for it. At 4/11 I am layer of the favourite and I am going to back My Tent or Yours, each way.
2 units e/w My Tent or Yours
4:05 RANDOX HEALTH FOXHUNTERS’ OPEN HUNTERS’ CHASE (Class 2) (6yo+) Winner £23,720 29 runners 2m5f19y
Never the easiest of races to find a winner as moderate horses run over the National course but always an exciting one. I thought Pachu Du Polder jumped brilliantly to win at Cheltenham and he is normally a very safe converyance who could do the same again. On the Fringe ran on well and will be a big danger and in a race where we need to back two of the 29 runners my other two for consideration are Rebel Rebellion who looks well capable of a big run and Black Thunder who pulled up at Cheltenham but if on song could take a hand
1 unit e/w Pacha Dun Polder
1 unit e/w Rebel Rebellion
4:40 BETWAY RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) (Class 1) (5yo+) Winner £50,643 15 runners 1m7f176y
I am tempted by Theinval here but I cant help thinking he has a lot of weight for what he has done, compliments of a good performance in a Grade 3 at Cheltneham where he was 3rd. He needs to do better than that again to win this off these weights and he might. Double W’s was a lot peoples idea of a real stand out horse for this season after some early strong performances and this race, in a lot calmer waters, than his recent graded run, might be his if he can equal his early season 2nd at Doncaster. The other who seems to be running off the right mark is Do it for the Village who is on the improve, in form and from a stable sending out winners
1 units e/w Do it for the Village
1 unit e/w Double W’s
5:15 GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (GRADE 2) (Class 1) (4-6yo) Winner £25,322 18 runners 2m209y
I like these mares races, they just seem to stack up better on form lines. I have circled 4 horses to come up with two to back. Petticoat Tails whose 2nd to Cap Soleil in a listed bumper at Sandown was impressive. Irish Roe, who dead heated with My Khalesi at Cheltenham, Polly’s Pursuit for Nicky Henderson who has won this twice in the last 10 years and Shearling for Brian Ellison and champion jockey Richard Johnson who was a good winner last time out and for whom his trainer will have a good yardstick as to her abilities against his proven staying flat horses. That and the booking of Johnson take the eye.
2 units e/w Shearling
2 units e/w Petticoat Tails
Cheltenham Day 3 Preview
What a fabulous 2 days we have been treated to and whilst it gets more difficult again today we have to approach this days punting with exactly the same discipline as the previous two and hope we can keep adding to our coffers. So, here goes.
1:30
JLT NOVICES´ CHASE (GRADE 1) (REGISTERED AS THE GOLDEN MILLER) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £89,275 8 runners 2m3f198y Good
Only run for the last 6 years this has become, very quickly, a festival favourite. The figures we have accumulated suggest we need an adjusted RPR of 161, be rated within 8lbs of the top horse, won over the distance and have run previously at the Festival in some capacity. Our short list looks like this, Politologue for Paul Nichols. He will have his fans, with many believing he is a champion in the making. Top Notch for Nicky Henderson and
Smiling after a great 1st day
Daryl Jacob and Disko for Noel Mead with Bryan Cooper on board. We are ruling out Yorkhill simply because we haven’t been impressed with his fencing and his price is very short. There is no doubting he is an outstanding hurdler and they may have missed a trick sending him chasing. Time will tell.
We are ruling out Politologue on the grounds of experience and jumping leaving us with Disko and Top Notch who we can’t choose between, so let’s back both each way if this stays at 8 runners
2 units e/w Top Notch
2 units e/w Disko
Will Nicky Henderson keep this winning streak going?
2:10
PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED RACE) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £54,103 24 runners 2m7f213y Good
If the Coral Cup was tough this also features amongst the Rubiks Cube of racing. However let’s look for horses with 11s 4lb or less, officially rated 132-142 and won a class 2 or higher with definitely winning form at somewhere near this trip. So who does that suggest? Well, ignoring the gambles that this race throws up every year we will stick with two at the bottom of the handicap at huge prices. Nick Gifford’s Theos Charm, who may not be quite good enough but will stay and will enjoy this drying ground, the lack of which is something we think means we haven’t seen the best of him yet and Suzy Smith’s Clondaw Cian, who has won a very good race at Cheltenham and again looks the type to be better for this quicker ground. We may not collect as they may lack a bit of class but they should give us a run for our money at 40/1 each.
1 unit e/w Clondaw Cian
1 unit e/w Theos Charm
2:50
RYANAIR CHASE (GRADE 1) (REGISTERED AS THE FESTIVAL TROPHY) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £170,850 8 runners 2m4f166y Good
We definitely need a previous course winner here, with no more than four runs since October, and having had at least 7 runs over fences with an adjusted RPR of at least 165. The good news is that doesn’t leave many as there are just the 8 runners and they are all horses you would love to own. 
Our three to decide upon are Empire of Dirt for Gordon Elliott, Un De Sceaux for Willie Mullins and Uxizandre for Alan King. It’s a tough call. We are big fans of Un de Sceaux and he looks better this year than ever so we are going to take on the Elliott hot pot and see if Ruby can get the fractions right from the front.
2 units e/w Un De Sceaux
Can Willie Mullins right the ship in this race?
3:30
SUN BETS STAYERS´ HURDLE (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) Winner £170,850 16 runners 2m7f213y Good
This year’s race has one of the biggest fields and punters will really be hoping Youknowwhatimeanharry delivers at the forecast odds. He is a working man’s price and fits most of the criteria; which is Aged 6-9, No more than 4 runs since August and an adjusted RPR of at least 165. He has been a 
revelation but something doesn’t seem quite right at 6/4. He may well win but he will have to get past the group one winning Jezki for whom we think this trip will be ideal, the former Cheltenham bumper runner up, Shaneshill and the perennial group horse, Nichols Canyon. The Fry horse could be in a different league but he is too short a price for us and we really fancy the chances of Jessie Harringtons, Jezki – and so does she. This is the best race on the card today. So let’s enjoy it.
3 units e/w Jezki
Jessie Harrington is really keen on her horses chances
4:10
BROWN ADVISORY & MERRIEBELLE STABLE PLATE HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE 3) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £59,798 24 runners 2m4f166y Good
This handicap Chase is a cracker. Traditionally this has been a favourites graveyard so we will look outside the obvious. We want something rated between 135-142 and carrying no more than 10st 11lbs. and a horse who has won between 2m3f and 2m5f. It doesn’t leave many. They are UnAce for 
the in form Kim Bailey, who believes his gelding has come right at the right time, Henryville, again for Harry Fry and Noel Fehily and finally David Pipe’s, unexposed chaser, Starchitect who just looks right for this race.
2 units e/w Starchitect
1 unit e/w Henryville
Is this a David Pipe coup?
4:50
TRULL HOUSE STUD MARES´ NOVICES´ HURDLE (GRADE 2) (REGISTERED AS THE DAWN RUN) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) Winner £45,560 16 runners 2m179y Good
This is the first running of this race. It’s the Girls Triumph Hurdle. It would be a shock to all if Willie Mullins didn’t win but the gods haven’t been kind so far this festival. They may smile on him here. Airlie Beach is unbeaten and seems to have a wonderful way about her. Lets Dance was a lot of people’s idea of a banker at this festival and Asthuria was impressive when standing up and obviously has ability. The British challenger Tahira is no forlorn hope though.
Airlie Beach hasn’t tasted defeat and we would kick ourselves if she goes in against the short priced stable favourite.
2 units e/w Airlie Beach
5:30
FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR RIDERS´ HANDICAP CHASE (CLASS 2) (5yo+ 0-145) Winner £40,233 24 runners 3m2f Good
Our horses for consideration are cut severely when we look for a horse rated between 134-142, aged 7-9 and rated within 7lbs of the top weight. Our short list is one of just 5 horses. Being an amateur riders race jockeyship could be key and we will take that in to consideration.
Pendra who despite having been off for almost a year is from a shrew yard and Charlie Longsdon can ready one first time up. Mall Dini is on the radar, for Patrick Kelly who puts up the brilliant Katie Walsh and the two David Pipe horses, La Vaticane and Doctor Harper are in the frame as well.
A cracking day ! for Gordon Elliott
Finally Squouateur for Gordon Elliott who is well fancied by a lot of shrewdies.
We need three horse here. They are :
1 unit e/w Mall Dini
1 unit e/w Doctor Harper
1 unit e/w Squouateur
Gordon Elliot is on fire at this festival
Good luck with your punting and remember, whatever the result its all about getting in a decent shout. They go faster the louder you yell, so get involved and enjoy the fun.
Cheltenham Day 2 Preview
Its Day 2 and we couldn’t be more fired up. Yesterday was just wonderful racing and Gordon Elliot and Nicky Henderson stole the show. Can they produce the goods again. What about Willie Mullins I hear you say. Surely today is his?
Information is everything when gambling and so when considering who to back at this fabulous festival – the Olympics of jumps racing, we need to take heed of what type of horse has been successful in the past. So in these selections we highlight recent trends and the horse we think most likely to fight out the finish.
So get involved and enjoy the incredible excitement that is The Cheltenham Festival
Will this be a 1st Mullins winner?
1:30
NEPTUNE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT NOVICES´ HURDLE (GRADE 1) (REGISTERED AS THE BARING BINGHAM) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) Winner £71,188 15 runners 2m5f26y Good To Soft ITV
Clearly with these all being novices the age sweet spot is 5-6, so not much to bring the field down there, more importantly our candidate needs to be rated within 10lbs of the top rated horse in the race and won over at least 2 miles 4f in the past. We would also expect our winner to have won a minimum of half their races to date. Now that should whittle things down a bit.
By virtue of our statistics we have whittled our probable list own to Bacardys the talented Willie Mullins 6 year old with Ruby Walsh on board, always a sign of the one they think is the best of the stable entries, Messire Des Obeaux for Alan King, Neon Wolf from Harry Fry’s stable, who is the clear favourite and Willoughby Court from the talented Ben Pauling yard. There is no doubting they all have Neon Wolf to beat but at about 7/4 he isn’t a lot of value. We think Bacardys has to improve about 7lbs to match the Fry horse but he may be capable of that. The one who we like at big prices is Willoughby Court who could be on the upgrade.
1 unit e/w Willoughby Court
2 units e/w Bacardys
Smiling after a great 1st day
2:10
RSA NOVICES´ CHASE (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £99,663 12 runners 3m80y Good To Soft ITV
One of the days features with some incredibly exciting horses who really do have big careers.
We need a horse who hasn’t run on the flat, in the last 10 years that’s been 10 times successful, The previous 10 winners had all finished in the first three last time out and contested a graded race and won or placed. The ideal age is 7 for a horse with 9-10 being winners and they must have run at least 3 times over fences. Who fits the bill
These five are just terrific horses. Acapella Bourgeois, who is the apple of trainer Sandra Hughes’ eye, the tough and admirable, Bellshill for Willie Mullins, Might Bite who was robbed of graded glory when falling at Kempton and Royal Vacation for the wizard Colin Tizzard. There has been much out of Ireland about Sandra Hughes’ horse and we would be wrong to ignore that but they all have Mite Bite to beat in this race
2 units win Might Bite
2 units e/w Acappella Bourgeois
1 unit e/w Bellshill
2:50
A cracking day 1 for Gordon Elliott
CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE 3) (CLASS 1) (4yo+) Winner £54,103 26 runners 2m5f26y Good To Soft ITV
Now this is one of the tough handicaps in the racing calendar and because of that if we crack the code then we will be well rewarded. Rarely has the winner ever run in the last 32 days as they dare not risk their handicap mark. The will have won earlier in the season and not run more than four times and certainly over a trip of greater than 2m2f. They also need to be rated between 130-149. Who does that leave us with?
It pays to look deep in to this race and the four we have come up with from the 26 runners are Who Dares Wins for Allan King who won over shorter but stays this trip and will love the drying ground. Automated for the three time 1st day winning trainer Gordon Elliot who ran a big figure for his last win and managed to avoid the handicappers pencil, somehow! Jockey Jack Kennedy has already shown his mettle with a big win. Morello Royale from the Tizzard yard, whose 2nd over further last time out signalled a return to form and Scoir Mear for young Thomas Mullins who has been beaten by Automated but this better ground should suit.
1 unit e/w Who Dares Wins
1 unit e/w Automated
1 unit e/w Morello Royale.
Surely it is Douvans to lose
3:30
BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (5yo+) Winner £208,300 10 runners 1m7f199y Good To Soft ITV
Our favourite race at this amazing event. The best speed fencers in the World and in this race features, probably the best horse at this festival, Douvan. It will be a major shock to anyone if this horse gets beaten and as good as the opposition are in the shape of Special Tiara, Fox Norton, Gods Own and even Traffic Fluide it can only be the obstacles that get Douvan beaten. If you want to get a 33% return on your money then back him. He won’t fall unless he gets brought down by another. How about some each way money at a big price on Traffic Fluide in a market without the favourite
6 units win Douvan
1 units e/w Traffic Fluide (without Douvan)
4:10
GLENFARCLAS CHASE (A CROSS COUNTRY CHASE) (CLASS 2) (5yo+) Winner £40,235 16 runners 3m6f37y Good To Soft ITV
A great spectacle as they jump every manner of brook, ditch, mound and birch.
You have to stay in this race so we need a horse who has won over at least 3 miles, 8 out of 10 have been trained in Ireland and officially rated 134-150 and they need some experience having won or been placed in a race of this type.
Not one of the great betting races of the festival but a number of old favourites within this lot. We just have an inkling that Causes of Causes is coming back to form at a course he loves and at another big price we also like Phillip Hobbs’ horse, Sausalito Sunrise who really is quite talented and looked the winner when trying last time.
1 unit e/w Sausalito Sunsrise
1 unit e/w Cause of Causes
A winner a day for David Pipe?
4:50
FRED WINTER JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE (GRADE 3) (CLASS 1) (4yo) Winner £45,560 22 runners 2m87y Good To Soft RUK
Paul Nichols has won the last two encounters of this race so he is a good place to start and he has 3 wins in 10 years. You need to be rated between 125-133 and have won at least one of your last two starts. It might also help if you were sired by a Group 1 winner on the flat, which is an interesting statistic.
In what is a very strong handicap this race needs a lot of research and we have got it down to four horses, none of whom feature strongly in the betting. The first is Dakota Moirette for Gordon Elliott and Bryan Cooper, who team up to great effect regularly and this profile looks ideal. Neitzsche takes the eye on most counts with Brian Ellison rarely bringing them to Cheltenham without a chance and currently no one riding better than Danny Cook. Rainbow Dreamer for Alan King and Tom Cannon seems to have slipped under the radar and finally Poker Play for David Pipe who seems to have held this one back for this race. He pulled too hard on his British devut but this strongly run race should help with this. We should have three against this big field but leaving one out is tricky.
1 unit e/w Poker Play
1 unit e/w Nietszsche
1 unit e/w Dakota Moirette
5:30
WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (A STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE) (GRADE 1) (CLASS 1) (4-6yo) Winner £42,713 23 runners 2m87y Good To Soft RUK
This races’ previous winners look like the best of the best in National Hunt, so we know it produces a quality winner. A winner who won last time out and an adjusted RPR of at least 126. Also best if they haven’t run for about a month.
It would be a shock to us if the Irish didn’t win this race. The three we fancy all come from the Emerald Isle. The first Is Jessie Harrington’s, Someday who improved significantly to win last time out with our only reservation being the 8 runner field. A larger one for experience would have been ideal. The second is Gordon Elliots, Fayonagh with the excellent Jamie Codd on board. The two wins looks terrific on paper and likely they will make the pace. Could be anything this horse. Of course, what bumper would be complete without a Willie Mullins horse, his son rides Carter McKay, a horse looking to make it nine wins in this race for the Irish Champion trainer. We will back all three with some degree of confidence with our inkling that Fayonagh may prove best.
1 unit e/w Carter McKay
1 unit e/w Someday
1 unit e/w Fayonagh
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