Last Updated: 09:39, 02/03/22

Previous Weeks

 

Elle Est Belle skips Cheltenham for Aintree

15:19 Monday

Andy Holding's eye-catching Cheltenham Festival handicap entries

12:06 Monday

"As is always the case, multiple entries in most of the Festival handicaps make life tricky to assess each race with a clear mind, but there are several who catch the eye all the same."

So, which Ultima entry has been a model of consistency in top-quality handicaps this season? Who will hold plenty of appeal for the Boodles if the handicapper presents him with a reasonable handicap mark? And why is Banbridge a significant entry for Joseph O'Brien?

Click here for all this and more.

Ahoy Senor set for Bravemansgame Cheltenham rematch

10:28 Monday

Peter Scudamore confirms that seven-year-old Ahoy Senor is set to renew his rivalry with Paul Nicholls' Bravemansgame. Scudamore told the Racing Post: "I don't know why we were so worried, really. Willie's horse that I can't pronounce is going to the 2m4f race... but he's bound to have something else in it." 

The two horses last meet at Kempton on Boxing Day where Bravesmansgame came out victorious ahead of Ahoy Senor but now the two will be fighting it out at the Festival Novices' Chase. 

Galopin Des Champs is currently the favourite at EVS but Bravesmansgame is the second favourite at 9/4 and Ahoy Senor can be found at a best price of 11/2. 

Captain Guinness has been cut for the Champion Chase after winning at Naas

14:14 Sunday

Seven-year-old Captain Guinness has been cut dramatically after his win at Naas. Henry De Bromhead's horse likes Naas racecourse having won in his last time outing. 

Sunday's win has seen Captain Guinness cut from 66/1 to as short as 25/1 for the Champion Chase but can still be found at a best price of 40/1 with two bookmakers. 

Willie Mullins is still undecided on to whether run Icare Allen in the Boodles or the Triumph at Cheltenham

10:53  Sunday

Icare Allen put on an impressive display at Fairyhouse yesterday and the four-year-old has seen movement in both the Boodles and Triumph Hurdle where you can find him at a best price of 8/1 or 20/1 respectively. 

Trainer Willie Mullins said whilst speaking to Racing Post: "He jumped better and he was just a lot better here today than at Leopardstown. He's in the Boodles and he's in the Triumph; we just haven't made up our minds which race we will go for yet."

This certainly leaves the door open for either race as an option for the two-time hurdle winner looks to make his maiden appearance at Cheltenham this year.

Ballyandy wins the Pertemps qualifier at Chepstow

15:06 Saturday

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained 11-year-old wins his tenth race at Chepstow today and has subsequently been cut for the Pertemps Final next month.

Odds have been slashes from 40/1 into 25/1 after showing fantastic resolve off top weight.

Icare Allen looks to be another Triumph contender after easy success at Fairyhouse

14:15 Saturday

Icare Allen has been cut from 50/1 to 20/1 to win the Triumph Hurdle after landing the opener at Fairyhouse.

Willie Mullins confirmed the four-year-old would head to Cheltenham next and could opt for either the Triumph or the Boodles.

Teddy Blue catches the eye of punters despite mistake at the last in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

14:05 Saturday

Teddy Blue's odds were cut in half for the Triumph Hurdle to 20/1 after a second placed finish at Kempton behind Knight Salute.

The Gary Moore trained four-year-old was travelling well until a mistake at the last allowed Knight Salute to pull clear.

The run looks to have enhanced his reputation, catching the eye of racing fans ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.

Knight Salute makes it five out of five over hurdles at Kempton

13:56 Saturday

A strong performance from the four-year-old gives the British a Triumph hope at the Cheltenham Festival.

After winning the Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton, Knight Salute has been cut to a best price of 12/1 to win the Triumph Hurdle.

With a number of impressive horses expected to run, the 2022 Triumph looks to be a competive renewal with Vauban and Pied Piper heading the market at 2/1 and 9/4 respectively. 

Nicky Henderson confirms Jonbon is in fine fettle amidst drift on the exchange

13:45 Saturday

The Nicky Henderson trained six-year-old is a well backed horse for the Supreme but a drift in odds on the Betfair Exchange this morning sparked speculation about his fitness.

Trainer Nicky Henderson has since confirmed that Jonbon's preparations are going smoothly, "[Jonbon] couldn't have worked better than he did yesterday.

Potential Cheltenham market movers across today's action

11:31 Saturday

Horse racing expert, Architect Tips, has his eye on a few horses across today's racing who's Cheltenham odds could move significantly based on performances today.

"I am keeping an eye out on the clash between Knight Salute and Impulsive One in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle with the former possibly going for the Triumph Hurdle and the latter going for either the Boodles or being saved for Aintree. Icare Allen, who is a warm favourite for the opener at Fairyhouse, is entered in both the Boodles and Triumph Hurdle. I think the odds will shorten for Cheltenham if any of these three can win today. "

Read Architect Tips daily column here.

Allegorie De Vassy a huge drifter

13:10 Friday

Allegorie De Vassy has drifted massively this afternoon and the chatter from punters is that the drift is likely due to her not lining up at Cheltenham. We will have to wait and see for an official announcement however usually when a horse drifts as far as this a withdrawal is imminent.  She was favourite for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at 8am on Friday morning however she has now drifted out to 10.5 on the exchange.

Prengarde has declared for Naas on Sunday

11:14  Friday

Prengarde has declared for Naas on Sunday. The six-year-old is currently the second favourite for the Cross Country Hurdle at a best price of 4/1. 

It was believed that he wouldn't go to Cheltenham unless he got a prep run in first, well his declaration at Naas on Sunday could be seen as a statement of intent for his Cheltenham plans.

Potential four Boodles Juvenile Handicap market movers on show at Fairyhouse 

09:25 Friday

At 14:00 Saturday there could be four potential market movers on show for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap with Ebasari (11/1), Iberique Du Seul (20/1), Icare Allen (14/1) and White Pepper (33/1) all participating in the Grade 3 event on Saturday. 

All four have fairly long odds for Cheltenham and will be hoping a win at Fairyhouse on Saturday will state their credentials for the Boodles Hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore expects Honeysuckle to retain her Champion Hurdle crown

17:19 Thursday

On the 15th of March, Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle will look to defend their Champion Hurdle crown and maintain their unbeaten record.

The eight-year-old mare is the clear odds on favourite at a best price of 8/15 and Blackmore sees no reason why she can't justify favouritism in March, "She has never let me down and I can't see why this year will be any different."

The current second favourite, Appreciate It, hasn't run since an impressive display in the Supreme at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival last year. The eight-year-old is currently a best price of 4/1 to take Honeysuckle's crown.

Delta Work is the third favourite for the Cross Country after video shows him jumping over bumper hurdles

12:31 Thursday

Videos began to emerge on social media on Wednesday from renowned trainer Gordon Elliott, they showcased Delta Work and the veteran Tiger Roll schooling over bumper hurdles at Cheltenham racecourse. Horses are sometimes allowed to ‘school’ on racecourses ahead of big races.

It was believed that Delta Work was destined for the Boodles but the nine-year-old has just been added to the Cross Country market and currently sits third favourite at a best price of 7/1 with one bookie. 

Burning Victory shortens for Mares Hurdles after decisive win at Quevega Mares Hurdle 

12:21 Thursday

Six-year-old Burning Victory put in an impressive display at Punchestown and has now shortened from 8/1 to 5/1 for the Mares Hurdle.

This was trainers Willie Mullins's seventh consecutive win in the Quevega Mares Hurdle and Burning Victory put on a great display despite not winning in 712 days.

Hanbury Racing takes a look at the Cheltenham Handicap Races

10:15 Thursday

With entries released for all the Cheltenham handicap races released yesterday, Hanbury Racing has taken a deep dive into where the best value can be found at this stage.

Pertemps Network Final - Honest Vic

"Honest Vic has two pieces of form that make him stand out. He has vital previous Festival form when finishing a staying on fifth in the uber-competitive 2m5f 2020 Coral Cup, off a mark of 140."

Ultima Handicap Chase - Come On Teddy

"The British have a remarkably good record in this winning 18 of the last 20 running’s, which is handy as I like the look of Tom George’s strapping novice chaser, Come On Teddy."

Kim Muir Challenge Cup - Powerstown Park

"Powerstown Park bolted up over two miles, but then improved for the step up to three miles and this winning 3-mile point to pointer still looks to have plenty of improvement left in him."

Grand Annual Chase - Bun Doran

"Six of the last 12 winners had run in previous renewals, and to me, this is a powerful stat. Bun Doran came second in 2019 off 148 and ran down the field last year off 150, but what is what’s really exciting is his mark of just 131, some 17lb lower!"

Grand Annual Chase - Dancing On My Own

"He won a two-mile beginners chase in Ireland off a 687-day absence in October 2021 and outbattled Buddy Rich, who himself sits in this market as 8/1 second favourite."

Click here for the full article and the run down on five promising horses to consider, with race trends, form and best prices all assessed.

Frodon and Fil Dor given surprise entries into the Ultima Handicap Chase and Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

14:33 Wednesday

The release of handicap entries for the 2022 Cheltenham Festival has thrown up a few surprises with high profile horses given alternative race options.

Fil Dor is one notable surprise handicap entry, he looked set for a shot at the Triumph Hurdle but the depth of that field seems to have led Gordon Elliott to explore other options. The four-year-old is now a best price of 7/1 to win the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Shan Blue, Pied Piper and Fils D'oudairies among horses not entered for the Cheltenham Handicaps

14:30 Wednesday

Willie Mullins is said to be fancying Galopin Des Champs for the Turners Novices' Chase

10:49 Wednesday

Horse trainer Willie Mullins has been said to be fancying six-year-old Galopin Des Champs for the Turners Novices' Chase or the Brown Advisory where he can be found at the best price of 3/1 the Turners and a best odds of 10/11 for the Brown Advisory. 

Willie Mullins said speaking to Mark Boylan "He could go in either the Turners or Brown, I'd be happy enough I think with the Turners. I think he has the ability to do that." 

If Galopin Des Champs does declare for the Turners Novices' chase it would set up a mighty clash with Bob Olinger who is currently the betting favourite at 11/10 but can be found odds-on-favourite in parts at 4/5. 

Thedevilscoachman shortens for Coral Cup after Navan win

15:33 Tuesday

He is still available at a best price 12/1 on oddschecker.

BHA Admin crash causes handicap entries hold-up

11:43 Tuesday

Racing Weekly: Brendan Powell relishing top jockey status for the Tizzards

11:18 Tuesday

In the fifth edition of Racing Weekly, Rishi Persad and Sam Turner were joined by Brendan Powell Jnr, who is enjoying a resurgence as the number one jockey for the Tizzard stable.

Now given first choice as the stable leader, is he feeling the pressure? “There are pressures that come with it, but pressure's only really what you put on yourself,” said Powell.

“From a yard point of view, it's good to have a stable jockey because you get the consistency, you get consistent feedback from the horses and get to know them from when they're starting out. It makes a massive difference when you ride them on the track.”

Architect Tips previews the Arkle Chase

11:09 Tuesday

"I am going to stick my neck on the line and keep the faith with a horse I have a lot of time for - HAUT EN COULEURS (best price 7-1), ironically, also trained by Willie Mullins. This big, scopey individual by Saint Des Saints made his stable debut in last season’s Triumph Hurdle and, while he was sent off at an SP of 22/1, I was more interested to see why Paul Townend had chosen to ride him over stablemate Tax For Max at the time and by the end of the race, I realised why."

Read the full race preview here.

Albert Bartlett second favourite not certain to run at the Festival

19:45 Monday

Henry Daly on Hillcrest: "If he's not ready for Cheltenham, he won't go there."

Over the weekend, Hillcrest's Albert Bartlett price was halved after he galloped his rivals into submission in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock.

Which way is Henry de Bromhead "leaning" for Envoi Allen?

19:26 Monday

Envoi Allen is best price 20/1 for the Champion Chase, with Shishkin the clear race favourite at 4/5.

Architect Tips: Can Porticello challenge Triumph Hurdle favourites?

11:39 Monday

"Over at Haydock Park, the leading British-trained Triumph Hurdle hopeful Porticello strengthened his claims (best price 12/1) for Friday’s feature at the Cheltenham Festival when making light work of his rivals in the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle.

"Ridden by Jamie Moore’s brother Josh for the first time, he was sent off 3/10 favourite and justified favouritism with an easy 17-length success, never looking in trouble at any stage once taking the lead at the halfway stage and jumping boldly throughout."

Click here for more weekend reaction.

Architect Tips: Weekend Preview Revisited

08:54 Monday

Fakir D’oudairies, Hillcrest and Porticello were indeed worth watching over the weeekend, as predicted by Architect Tips in his weekend preview.

Fakir D’oudairies has come in from 20/1 to a best price 12/1 for the Ryanair after winning the Betfair Ascot Chase, while Hillcrest (now 14/1 for the Ballymore was a comfortable winner at Haydock and Porticello has been clipped from 16/1 to 12/1 for the Triumph Hurdle after short price success in the William Hill Super Odds Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle at the same venue. 

Nicholls realistic over Cheltenham Festival hopes

08:32 Monday

Bravemansgame (best price 3/1 in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase) leads the charge for Paul Nicholls, but the trainer has admitted that it will be tough taking on the Irish horses again this year. The final Prestbury Cup standings from 2021 revealed a landslide 23-5 win for Ireland.

As part of the Racing Post's Cheltenham Festival Stable Tour, Nicholls said: "Too much is made of what happened last year – and it's going to be tough taking on the Irish horses again this year – but you can only run the team you've got, run them in the best races you can and have them as well as you can," he said. "We have some nice horses to run and I've always said it's nice to get one Cheltenham winner and anything on top of that is a bonus. 

"As you learn and get more experience you don't want to be going there with social runners, you want to be going there with chances and you have to be realistic. If the horses are good enough to go there then you sift those out and target them at it, and the others you want to find places elsewhere where they are going to win. It's as simple as that."

Handicap scene set to become clearer tomorrow

08:14 Monday