Our racing expert answered your questions for the first #AskAndyOC of 2020, including a Lucky 15 for Cheltenham and much more.
Over on the @OddsRacing Twitter channel, we ran a live Q&A with racing expert and Oddschecker tipster Andy Holding. He gave some valuable Cheltenham insight and top tips for punters.
Q: Who’s your Supreme fancy atm? And what current fav atm looks the least vulnerable and who shouldn’t be fav?
A: There looks to be two extremely promising types in the supreme in the shape of Shishkin and Captain Guinness and they add extra spice to what appears to be a wide open and intriguing affair at this stage.
I also think the Fiddlerontheroof and Edwardstone form lines are pretty solid and I’ve backed those two at fancy prices for now. Least vulnerable favourite is Paisley Park. Epatante looks the most vulnerable favourite.
Q: What 4 horses would he put in his Lucky 15 for Cheltenham at this stage?
A: Minella Indo (RSA Chase)
Riders Onthe Storm (Ryanair)
Aspire Tower (Triumph Hurdle)
Pentland Hills (Champion Hurdle)
Back this Lucky 15 at the best price here
Q: No concern with regard to Minella Indo going straight to the Festival now Andy?
A: Not really, he’s in the hands of Henry de Bromhead - a trainer who I have the utmost regard for - and his jumping looks pretty solid as far as I can see. His festival win last season also settles the nerves.
Q: Do you have your eye on any horses for the Festival handicaps? The Conditional looks perfect for the Ultima.
A: Couldn’t disagree with The Conditional as he went well until failing to see out 3m5f at Warwick last time and he has solid Cheltenham form.
Handicaps are always tricky to predict until you see the entries but I’ve been taken by Alfa Mix in his two last runs and think he’s one for either the Coral Cup or Martin Pipe.
Q: Which Grade 1 horse has he got consistently wrong?
A: Wouldn’t say I’ve got him wrong as such but I’ve backed Min on all his festivals starts so he’s probably the one who’s come up short in my mind.
Q: Do you like Magic Saint for the Grand Annual? Also any thoughts on Beakstown for the Close Brothers based on Newbury run?
A: Beakstown looks to have been given a campaign geared around coming back for the festival although currently he might not get in the Close Bros off 139. I personally think Magic Saint is better on a flat track so he makes limited appeal for the Grand Annual.
Q: Who is Andy swaying towards in the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
A: Having backed Delta Work and Santini after last season’s RSA I’ve no real reason to desert the pair at this stage although you’d have to totally respect last year’s winner Al Boum Photo who looked good as ever at Tramore.
Q: Altior, Defi Du Seuil or Chacun Pour Soi for the Champion Chase?
A: Defi Du Seuil all day long - he’s developed into a thorough professional and the way he dismantled Un Des Sceaux the other day points towards him being a worthy market leader.
Q: How would you rate Saldier’s chances in the Champion Hurdle?
A: Saldier would be a massive player if he were to get there in one piece and the ground was soft. If it was no worse than good to soft stablemate Sharjah would have decent prospects of turning the form around from Punchestown, there aren’t many better two milers around when he’s on song.
Q: Who do you have top on figures in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle?
A: Marie's Rock has posted two decent time figures this season along with Silver Forever and Jeremy’s Flame.
Q: Are Paisley Park and (if it turns up) Tiger Roll steering jobs at the festival? 5/1 double currently
A: Can’t see past Paisley Park but not sure what the plans are for Tiger Roll.
Q: If you had to pick a straight treble to keep investing in before Cheltenham...what would it be?
A: Paisley Park, Defi Du Seuil and Envoi Allen look the best of the short priced favourites at this stage.
Back this at the best price here
Q: Which horse did you really like the look of for Cheltenham last year but ended up disappointing you?
A: Battleoverdoyen was the one who disappointed me the most at last season's festival.
Q: Thoughts on Maire Banrigh for Arkle or JLT? And Hold the note for Close Brothers?
A: We get another chance to see the Maire Banrigh at Huntington today but up to now she seems to be suited by an attacking ride over two miles. Hold The Note has to be shortlist material for Close Brothers having a similar profile to Mister Whitaker several years ago.
Maire Banrigh for @DSkeltonRacing:
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 24, 2020
8 races
6 wins
Listed scorer
Unbeaten over fences
£76,468 in prize money
Maire Banrigh makes it six wins in as many starts with a decisive success in the £75,000 Listed Lady Protectress Mares' Chase @Huntingdon_Race pic.twitter.com/RfasOczJwt
Q: Andy, in comparison to other years how prepared do you feel for Cheltenham at this moment in time?
A: My excitement for Cheltenham never subsides but from a betting perspective I probably haven’t got too many massive opinions as I would normally have at this stage.
Q: No Ruby this year, which jockeys should we be keeping our eye on at Cheltenham?
A: Robbie Power is riding better than ever but it wouldn’t surprise me if Barry Geraghty pokes one in the eye of his detractors. I never understand the flack he sometimes gets on social media channels.
Q: What’s your Cheltenham banker now?
A: Paisley Park. He’s just miles better than anything else in his division.
Q: Who do you like for the 4 Championship races each day? Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers and Gold Cup?
A: I’ve backed Pentland Hills so I’d have to stick with him for now although Sharjah would be a massive threat if he got his ground.
Defi Du Seuil
Paisley Park
Delta Work
Q: How good a thing is Envoi Allen where ever it runs at Cheltenham?
A: He has the pace to win over two, stays further, jumps well and has festival form so he’s got all bases covered.
Q: For the Cheltenham festival: Who’s the biggest false favourite and who is the biggest value favourite?
A: Paisley Park, Defi Du Seuil and Envoi Allen are all very worthy favourites. Epatante the most vulnerable.
Q: The Albert Bartlett looks a fascinating race this year where you can make a case of at least the top 6 in the betting. Monkfish boosted the form of Diol Ker who is double the price, and the Fav looks solid. Anything stand out for you in this race?
A: The best Irish form line so far seems to be that Diol Ker race from Fairyhouse so it would make sense to keep that race on side.
Q: What’s the 1st thing your average punter should be looking for when they look at the weekend’s race card?
A: The weather forecast is probably my first port of call. Other than that I’d suggest looking at the smaller meetings as a decent starting point because most punters are concentrating on the more high profile races.
"If you're not going to win, make sure you don't lose."
— Oddschecker (@Oddschecker) November 22, 2019
@Holding_Andy gives us his three golden rules for horse racing punters. pic.twitter.com/HuGXtDPupx
Q: What does Andy do if he’s got two or even three horses he’s been tracking running in an AW race? Other than speed figures how does he decide between them? On price?
A: Price first and foremost but C&D form and draw would be the other two big two determining factors.
