The Road To Cheltenham
The Road Goes Ever On2012-03-19 14:00:00
Friday's Gold Cup saw the probable last start of chasing legend Kauto Star, and with Long Run below form in third Synchronised outstayed the rest to win a below-par renewal.
The new kids on the block are likely to take over the staying chase scene, and as the curtain comes down on the 2012 festival it's not too early to start dreaming of next year, with a 25/1 absentee from last week top of the list.
Nothing Gained but Admiration of Bucks2012-03-19 13:55:00
Day 3 saw the mighty Big Buck's win a fourth World Hurdle, and the race showed the advantage of no 2½m festival hurdle race, as he had to beat serious opposition to take his streak to 16.
Other winners on the card were Riverside Theatre and Sir Des Champs. both of whom are likely to end up in the 2013 Gold Cup. While the latter is garnering all the hype, Riverside Theatre is the one with the form.
Gold at the End of the Rainbow2012-03-19 13:50:00
The Champion Chase was an unsatisfactory renewal, but it could have been much worse with the drama at the final fence. In the end Finian's Rainbow had too much for defending champion Sizing Europe, but they both will have to play second fiddle to Sprinter Sacre in 12 months time.
It was one of Nicky Henderson's best ever days on a racecourse, as Simonsig and Bobs Worth made it a grade one hat-trick.
Off to a Flyer with Cinders2012-03-19 13:45:00
The Supreme kicked the festival off and it was great to start with a 14/1 winner for the portfolio, as Cinders And Ashes fended off Darlan and Trifolium.
Sprinter Sacre then led an Arkle procession, before Rock On Ruby benefited from a great ride from Noel Fehily to win the Champion Hurdle as defending champ Hurricane Fly ran well below par, possibly due to boiling over.
Time to Take a Pull2012-03-16 11:10:00
It's the last day of the festival and win, lose or draw so far, it's important to stick to your betting strategy and don't go chasing losses or upping stakes.
With Boston Bob, Salsify and Kid Cassidy already backed at bigger prices, there's no need to do anything crazy so we can just sit back and watch the climax of the greatest show on turf.
Ruby To Light Up Thursday2012-03-15 00:00:00
A competitive field will go to post for Ryanair Chase later today but if Rubi Light handles the ground he can go two places better than last year and land the £150'000 winners cheque.
Mewnwhile Peddlers Cross goes in the Jewson Novices Chase but the negative vibes continue to swirl around Donald McCain's stable star and he is no betting proposition upped to 2m 4f.
Tenor to Hit Perfect Note2012-03-14 00:10:00
Grands Crus leads the betting in the notoriously unpredictable RSA, but Willie Mullins' strong record and strength in depth make novice chaser Lambro the odds against call.
Another big price beckons in the Coral Cup, where Tenor Nivernais should benefit from Venetia Williams' fine form and previous Festival handicap success.
Sacre to Sprint Away From the Stayers2012-03-12 17:25:00
Sprinter Sacre faces just five rivals in the Arkle, in which favourites have a bad record. Azertyuiop was the last one to triumph, and fittingly his connections are responsible for the main rival in Al Ferof.
Elsewhere, the bright weather forecast will enhance the experience of festivalgoers, and the likely quick ground will do no harm to the chances of Salsify in the Foxhunter Chase.
Novice Chases Take 22012-03-10 18:15:00
Despite the festival being only days away, the novice chase picture still looks decidedly murky as Grands Crus and Sir Des Champs are among several yet to have their target confirmed.
Even if Grands Crus does run in the RSA, the market leaders are far from infallible and it could be time for another big priced winner to go on the race roll call, with Saint Are appealing at 66/1.
Icing on the Cake2012-03-05 16:15:00
The Grand Annual replaced the County Hurdle as the festival closing race in 2009, and since 2005 it has been named after Nicky Henderson's father, Johnny.
Greenhope's win in 2006 is the only time Nicky has won the race, but it has obvious appeal and he usually has several live candidates. Kid Cassidy is one, and having survived electrocution at Newbury it would be some story if he could win at Cheltenham.
Half Term Report2012-02-29 14:35:00
With the Festival just two weeks away it's time to take a step back and see what kind of ante-post position we have - and where is ripe to exploit.
The likely Cheltenham ground will figure in to these calculations, yet after a dry winter it's hard to predict which way it will go. Any significant rain on heavily watered ground could turn the going very soft - so it's not bad idea to get a few mudlarks on side.
Warrior Unstoppable in a Bog2012-02-27 12:10:00
Bet365 are the first bookmaker to go non-runner no bet on all 27 festival races, so it's time for a different betting approach. Bog Warrior would be fancied if making the trip over so is worth having onside.
With holes in those at the head of the RSA market, we're looking at potential outsiders. Call The Police is interesting, but no horse has won the RSA with less than three chase starts since Willie Mullin's 90s star Florida Pearl.
Monk to Answer Meade Prayers2012-02-23 12:10:00
Noel Meade has endured some tough times on his trips to Cheltenham, but the seven-time Irish National Hunt champion trainer remains undeterred.
His three festival wins have all come in novice hurdles, including Nicanor who managed to beat Denman, and his Monksland looks a strong contender to emulate Nicanor and win the Neptune Novices' Hurdle.
Sprinter Could Take Soft Option2012-02-20 13:15:00
Sprinter Sacre stole the show at Newbury on Friday when toying with experienced rivals in the old Game Spirit Chase. Jumping with ease, he looks the best two-mile novice chaser we've seen for some time.
He's now 11/8 favourite for the novice championship Arkle Trophy, but the showpiece Queen Mother Champion Chase is beginning to look a weaker race. Should connections consider supplementing him into the big one?
Latest Instalment on the Way to Stardom2012-02-15 11:10:00
Ireland survived the February freeze and Leopardstown's Hennessy meeting hosted a string of Cheltenham pretenders. Quel Esprit won the feature race to put us in a nice Gold Cup position, and he's one of the few realistic challengers to the Long Run and Kauto Star.
Last Instalment won the PJ Moriarty Novice Chase to remain unbeaten over fences, and if making the trip to Cheltenham for the RSA his superb jumping will give him a great chance.
Maringo to Strike in 4 Miler2012-02-10 11:45:00
The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup has been run over 150 times and is the race the Festival was originally built around. Run over four miles, for amateur jockeys only, it takes few prisoners and you need a hardy beast to triumph.
Big-priced winners used to be the norm but race conditions have changed, though that doesn't put us off sniffing out the value in one of the most overlooked ante-post markets.
Europe Raises Prospect of Deja Vu2012-02-06 13:20:00
The mild weather this winter is no more and the cold snap abandoned big cards at Sandown and Ffos Las, amongst others, with Newbury's Betfair card on Saturday under real threat.
Across the Irish Sea, Punchestown was on and saw Sizing Europe hand out a beating to old foe Big Zeb, and the reigning two-mile champion chaser is in to 6/4 to successfully defend his crown next month.
Stick to the Obvious with Boston Bob2012-02-01 12:50:00
Boston Bob is now three from three over hurdles, and alongside Fingal Bay sits at the top of the novice pecking order. The two-and-a-half mile Neptune or three-mile Albert Bartlett Hurdle will be his Cheltenham target, and trainer Willie Mullins has several other good prospects to juggle.
Ante-post is all about value, so despite the danger he doesn't run his price will get a lot shorter when confirmed, so it's time to get on now.
Hurricane Blows Away the Doubters2012-01-30 12:40:00
There has been lots of talk this season about Hurricane Fly's wellbeing, but the reigning champion hurdler ended that on Sunday when winning the Irish equivalent on the bridle in his comeback race.
With Big Buck's taking his win streak to 15 in the Cleeve Hurdle, all four of last year's Cheltenham champions are solid favourites to retain their crowns, and a big four repeat quad has been cut from 100/1 to 33/1.
Trust Nicky to Get Binocular Right2012-01-27 11:50:00
Last year's Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly is on course to make his seasonal debut in Sunday's Irish equivalent, but the vibes have been mixed from Willie Mullins. If he flops, the pretenders' price will plummet, so it's time to get involved in the Cheltenham market.
The only rival to Hurricane Fly in terms of ability is 2010 winner Binocular, still only eight but dogged by inconsistency. At 9/1 it can pay to chance he comes right on the day.
Cinders to Ignite the Festival Spirit2012-01-25 09:45:00
After the short-priced (expensive) bankers of the last few years, it's welcoming to see a Supreme Novices' betting market in which no horse is single figures.
Several of these will shorten significantly in the next month, so now is a good time to get on, and Donald McCain's Cinders And Ashes - three from three over hurdles - looks the current stand out value at 14/1.
Kid in Contention for Dads Race2012-01-23 12:05:00
Nicky Henderson is loaded with two-mile chasers, and his novice Kid Cassidy may come into Grand Annual contention - the race named after his dad - with Sprinter Sacre Arkle-bound.
His current number one Finian's Rainbow was beaten by Somersby in Saturday's Victor Chandler Chase, and his weakness at the business end of races is a worry when considering the Cheltenham hill.
So Hard to Oppose Big Bucks2012-01-18 12:20:00
How do you oppose a horse who has won 14 straight races, vanquishing all-comers and looking more impressive as he does so?
That is the task in trying to get Big Buck's beaten in the World Hurdle. Willie Mullins has several arrows to fire, and although they are likely to miss, finding the choice one puts you in good shape.
Veterans Championship Race Would Brighten January2012-01-16 11:20:00
The January jumping lull is in effect, and with the veterans rolling back the years this season maybe it's time to give them a Championship race to perk up the calendar.
Hey Big Spender is still only nine but he's been lumping big weights to victory and earned himself a shot at the Gold Cup, where there will be worse each way outsiders.
No Hiding Place from the Cyclone2012-01-13 11:35:00
The RSA Chase at the festival is a race that is often won by an outsider, and with current favourite Grands Crus likely to run in the Gold Cup there looks to be plenty of value in this year's market.
With the usual doubts over participation and Gigginstown Stud's loaded deck it's always a chance, but there's a "2013 Gold Cup" horse lurking at 25/1.
Focus Turns to Novices2012-01-09 12:05:00
The bumper festive period is over and the racing calendar slows down a notch before the big build up to the festival in March.
The novice pecking order is starting to take shape, despite the conundrum of alternate targets, though taking a view against the grain is often a wise position, as connections start to explore their options.
A Grey To Spoil The Gold Cup Party2012-01-07 22:25:00
The dust has settled on Kauto Star's incredible 5th King George Chase so it is time to take a look at the big one: the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Kauto's win on Boxing Day shook up the market and we now like the price and the chance of a grey from the powerful Willie Mullins yard.
Flat Out to the End of the Rainbow2012-01-05 17:00:00
The first blog of the New Year focuses on the Champion Chase. Irish raiders Sizing Europe and Big Zeb have won the last two renewals and dominate the betting, but both are into double figures in years and it might be time for a new kid on the block to take the crown.
Finian's Rainbow puts his credentials on the line at Ascot on Saturday, while Willie Mullins has a dark horse who could get the Ruby treatment.
Season of Miracles2011-12-30 11:20:00
Miracles came true at Kempton on Boxing Day as Kauto Star showed his Betfair Chase win was no last hurrah and again put the champion Long Run in his place to land a fifth King George VI Chase.
With the Irish staying chasers also eclipsed the scene is set for a deciding showdown in the Gold Cup, though exciting novice Grands Crus is looking increasingly likely to join the party.
It Feels Like Christmas Every Day2011-12-23 11:10:00
The Christmas period is a bounty of jumping action, headed by the King George VI Chase. Long Run was defeated by Kauto Star at Haydock, but he should be much sharper and difficult to beat at Kempton.
Also on Boxing Day, former champion hurdler Binocular goes for a second Christmas Hurdle, while RSA Chase favourite Grands Crus puts his 100% fencing record on the line in the Feltham.
Rejoice in Magnificent Bucks2011-12-19 12:10:00
Big Buck's took his win streak to 14 at Ascot, and he looks invincible as king of the staying hurdle division. Let's hope the likes of Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars aren't scared away from taking him on at the festival.
Elsewhere Zaynar broke his maiden over fences to put himself in the RSA mix, and Boston Bob's Navan Grade 1 win further strengthed Willie Mullins' strong hand of novice hurdlers.
Not Sentimental to Stick with Rubi2011-12-16 13:00:00
Big Buck's presence in the Long Walk Hurdle robs us of a big race weekend betting opportunity, so it's a good time to look to the festive highlights.
Rubi Light was a winning tip last weekend, and now heads to the Lexus where he is inexplicably third favourite. Put the rose-tinted glasses back on and take advantage.
Farewell to Denman2011-12-12 10:55:00
The racing world bade farewell to 'The Tank' last week, as Denman was retired after suffering a tendon injury whilst preparing for his reappearance in the Lexus Chase.
The two Hennessys will be fondly remembered, but with a 3-1 Cheltenham Gold Cup record over his great rival Kauto Star, Denman can justifiably be called the best Gold Cup winner of modern times.
Pittoni to Show Strength of Irish Form2011-12-09 12:20:00
Cheltenham's International Hurdle is looking to throw up a pretender to Hurricane Fly's Champion Hurdle crown.
The Irish have tended to stay at home and wait for the festival, but Back In Front and Harchibald both plundered this prize, and with uncertainty over the home hopes Willie Mullins' Pittoni looks fair value.
Seeing the Light2011-12-06 17:50:00
Fairyhouse hosts the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Chase on Sunday, and with the betting recently opened one name jumps off the page at 5/2.
The December Gold Cup meeting takes place at Cheltenham a day before, and Quel Esprit would be of ample interest if Willie Mullins sends the grey across the Irish Sea.
The Best They’ve Ever Trained2011-12-05 13:20:00
Few phrases excite racing fans more than when a trainer says a horse 'could be the best I've had,' though more often than not they live to rue these words.
In the past week, Bog Warrior and Fingal Bay have been tarred with this particular brush, and the latter now has a lot to live up to to emulate the likes of champion hurdler Rooster Booster.
Tataniano to Enhance the Best View in Racing2011-12-02 11:25:00
Sandown hosts the second most prestigious two-mile chase of the season, and whoever wins the Tingle Creek is likely to be catapulted to the head of the open Champion Chase betting.
Only Moscow Flyer has stopped Paul Nicholls' dominance in the last decade, and Tataniano and Kauto Stone give him two arrows to fire at champion chaser Sizing Europe.
Henderson Live in Title Race2011-11-28 12:40:00
Nicky Henderson's seven-timer last Monday showcased the depth of his string, and novice hurdler Darlan could be the name to remember come Cheltenham in March.
Elsewhere, Carruthers made the most of a 10lb drop in the weights from a year ago to land the Hennessy Gold Cup, while Big Buck's took his win streak to 13.
Endeavouring to Bolster the Coffers2011-11-25 12:00:00
This year's Hennessy Gold Cup has the usual mix of handicappers and second-season chasers, but in truth it doesn't look a vintage renewal.
Having hacked up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham two weeks ago, Great Endeavour will bid to emulate Celestial Gold, who did the double for the Pipes in 2004.
A Joy To Be Alive2011-11-21 10:50:00
Kauto Star reduced men, women and children to tears on Saturday as he won his 15th grade one by jumping Gold Cup winner Long Run and a host of pretenders into submission.
Although it might be a different story at Kempton or Cheltenham, Saturday was a day for the ages and a display of the potency of jump racing.
No Reason To Oppose Long Run2011-11-18 10:35:00
Long Run returns in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and it's a heavyweight affair with four Gold Cup pretenders in opposition. At even money however, Matt wouldn't put you off backing the champ.
Also this weekend is the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot where Master Minded will try to give weight to Captain Chris.
Peddlers Cross Is Arkle Stand Out2011-11-14 11:25:00
Peddlers Cross and Al Ferof both made impressive chasing debuts, but when it comes to the Arkle at current prices one makes much more appeal.
Click through to the article for a review of the weekend action from Cheltenham and Navan, plus find out Matt's early-season Gold Cup dark horse.
Quantitativeeasing A License To Print Money2011-11-11 13:00:00
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is for many the race which marks the start of big time jump racing each year.
JP McManus' Dancing Tornado was second to Little Josh at 20/1 twelve months ago, and at the same price his Quantitativeeasing fits the profile to go one better.
Welcome to The Road To Cheltenham2011-11-10 16:00:00
Welcome to The Road To Cheltenham, one punter's blog of his attempt to again make a profit from the National Hunt season and the Cheltenham Festival in particular.
Over the next five months or so, this blog will hopefully put up plenty of winners to fill the coffers for the festival, and build up an ante-post book to make the best four days of the year even better.
The Road To Cheltenham
Welcome to our exclusive betting blog focusing on the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.
We are delighted to play host to the opinions of National Hunt veteran Matt Tombs, who has been following and betting on the sport for over 20 years.
Over the winter months Matt will provide his analysis of the jumping action, with tips, previews and angles on the big races, with particular attention on the Cheltenham ante-post markets. Join him for the ride and follow his portfolio below.
Cheltenham Portfolio:
Cinders And Ashes - Supreme Novices - 1pt 14/1 - WON
Cash And Go - Supreme Novices - 1pt 33/1 NRNB - N/R
Peddlers Cross - Arkle - 1pt 11/2 - N/R
Sprinter Sacre - to win the Arkle by 4 1/2l or more - 1pt 2/1 - WON
Binocular - Champion Hurdle - 1pt 9/1 - 4th
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Maringo Bay - National Hunt Chase - 1pt 33/1 - N/R
Alfie Spinner - National Hunt Chase - 1pt 10/1 NRNB - U/P
Monksland - Neptune Novices - 1pt 14/1 - 3rd
Hidden Cyclone - RSA Chase - 1pt 25/1 - N/R
Saint Are - RSA Chase - 0.5pts each-way 66/1 NRNB - N/R
Lambro - RSA - 1pt 25/1 - U/P
Finian's Rainbow - Champion Chase - 1pt 8/1 - WON
Flat Out - Champion Chase - 1pt 33/1 - N/R
Tenor Nivernais - Coral Cup - 1pt 33/1 - U/P
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Bog Warrior - Jewson - 1pt 8/1 NRNB - N/R
Michael Flips - Jewson - 1pt 28/1 - U/P
Wishfull Thinking - Ryanair - 1pt 12/1 - N/R
Rubi Light - Ryanair - 1pt 9/1 - U/P
So Young - World Hurdle - 1pt 20/1 - U/P
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Boston Bob - Albert Bartlett - 1pt 6/1 - 2nd
Quel Esprit - Cheltenham Gold Cup - 1pt 40/1 - N/R
Kauto Star to start clear Gold Cup favourite - 1pt 3/1 - L
Salsify - Foxhunter Chase - 1pt 7/1 NRNB - WON
Kid Cassidy - Grand Annual - 1pt 12/1 NRNB - U/P
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Latest Tips:
Finian's Rainbow - Victor Chandler Chase - 1pt 2/1 - 2nd
Mr Moonshine - Feltham - 1pt 20/1 - U/P
Rubi Light - Lexus - 1pt 4/1 - 2nd
Rubi Light - John Durkan - 2pts 5/2 - WON
Pittoni - International Hurdle - 1pt 10/1 - U/P
We are delighted to play host to the opinions of National Hunt veteran Matt Tombs, who has been following and betting on the sport for over 20 years.
Over the winter months Matt will provide his analysis of the jumping action, with tips, previews and angles on the big races, with particular attention on the Cheltenham ante-post markets. Join him for the ride and follow his portfolio below.
Cheltenham Portfolio:
Cinders And Ashes - Supreme Novices - 1pt 14/1 - WON
Cash And Go - Supreme Novices - 1pt 33/1 NRNB - N/R
Peddlers Cross - Arkle - 1pt 11/2 - N/R
Sprinter Sacre - to win the Arkle by 4 1/2l or more - 1pt 2/1 - WON
Binocular - Champion Hurdle - 1pt 9/1 - 4th
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Maringo Bay - National Hunt Chase - 1pt 33/1 - N/R
Alfie Spinner - National Hunt Chase - 1pt 10/1 NRNB - U/P
Monksland - Neptune Novices - 1pt 14/1 - 3rd
Hidden Cyclone - RSA Chase - 1pt 25/1 - N/R
Saint Are - RSA Chase - 0.5pts each-way 66/1 NRNB - N/R
Lambro - RSA - 1pt 25/1 - U/P
Finian's Rainbow - Champion Chase - 1pt 8/1 - WON
Flat Out - Champion Chase - 1pt 33/1 - N/R
Tenor Nivernais - Coral Cup - 1pt 33/1 - U/P
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Bog Warrior - Jewson - 1pt 8/1 NRNB - N/R
Michael Flips - Jewson - 1pt 28/1 - U/P
Wishfull Thinking - Ryanair - 1pt 12/1 - N/R
Rubi Light - Ryanair - 1pt 9/1 - U/P
So Young - World Hurdle - 1pt 20/1 - U/P
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Boston Bob - Albert Bartlett - 1pt 6/1 - 2nd
Quel Esprit - Cheltenham Gold Cup - 1pt 40/1 - N/R
Kauto Star to start clear Gold Cup favourite - 1pt 3/1 - L
Salsify - Foxhunter Chase - 1pt 7/1 NRNB - WON
Kid Cassidy - Grand Annual - 1pt 12/1 NRNB - U/P
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Latest Tips:
Finian's Rainbow - Victor Chandler Chase - 1pt 2/1 - 2nd
Mr Moonshine - Feltham - 1pt 20/1 - U/P
Rubi Light - Lexus - 1pt 4/1 - 2nd
Rubi Light - John Durkan - 2pts 5/2 - WON
Pittoni - International Hurdle - 1pt 10/1 - U/P
