With just days to go, our racing expert answered your pre-Cheltenham Festival questions.
Q: Which race in your opinion is the most likely to spring a surprise winner? #askandy
A: Hopefully it won’t prove to be the case as I’ve put up Lisnagar Oscar, but based on pure sp returns of 33/1, 16/1, 11/1, 14/1, 33/1 in the last five years you’d have to say the Albert Bartlett is the most likely.
Q: Give us your best bet of the week. And your Gold Cup fancy. #askandy
A: If bookmakers go 2/1 or over about Paisley Park in the Stayers I’d say he’d be the best bet. Regards the Gold Cup I genuinely haven’t got a strong view so will just leave it as late as possible to make a decision - if one at all.
Q: Would you agree with Ruby that Benie is a festival banker? What price would you expect to go off at on the day? #askandy
A: Obviously there’s no Apples Jade or Le Bague Au Roi in the race this year so on paper her task looks easier.
That said, there’s still some handy mares in opposition so by no means will it be a cakewalk and I will probably be looking to play something ew or in the without the favourite market on the day as a value alternative.
Q: What horse, considered by many to be a 'banker', do you see being turned over? And by which horse ? #AskAndy
A: I’d say Ok Corral the most vulnerable on grounds of potential stamina flaws whereas Ballyward comes across as being more of a copper-bottomed stayer.
Q: Any views on Ryanair? Outside Min and Footpad, who would be your pick? #AskAndy
A: I’ve already put up Monalee at 10/1 as my ante post suggestion so nothing changes there. However, now Road To Respect looks likely to be rerouted from the Gold Cup, I’d respect his chances enormously.
Q: Do you have a fancy in the Coral Cup? #AskAndy
A: A few of the handicaps, including the Coral Cup, look a proper headache so I’ll probably leave it until the day itself before coming to any conclusions. Obviously I’ve got a few on the shortlist but they are all ground dependant.
Q: What factors do you look for on day one to help you for the rest of the week? #askandy
A: Goes without saying the times of the races help give a good guide to the ground and seeing which trainers and jockeys are in form is also a big influence on any future angles.
Q: What hurdler and chaser are you expecting most improvement from at the festival? And what one horse are you looking forward to most based on times? Thanks #AskAndy
A: Good questions. I’d say Battleoverdoyen is the one I’m most looking forward to in the Ballymore. His times have been useful without being outrageous but I’d expect him to be suited by the demands of the race and can see him improving significantly.
I also have a huge amount of time for Sams Profile and he should in no way be underestimated.
If the ground is soft I’d expect Hardline to improve greatly from his last run. Get in the queue would be the other to note if he were to run in the bumper - his times have already been very useful - certainly suggesting he’s up to championship level.
Q: Do you think there are any Mullins horses who have perhaps gone under the radar? #AskAndy
A: I think Sharjah is one who always seems to be underestimated but on decent ground he’s as good as any hurdler based on his time figures.
Allaho is another most UK punters won’t have too much of a handle on but he clocked a decent time at Clonmel and he should go well in whichever race connections decide.
Q: What do you think of Dinons chances in the Albert Bartlett he has lots of experience with 7 hurdles races, won lots of races including Cheltenham over 3 Miles and was travelling well the last time when badly hampered in a graded race? #AskAndy
A: Dinons is a name that has come up in several of the preview nights I’ve done but to my knowledge he’s one who would prefer good ground - which seems unlikely at this stage.
Q: Hi Andy. Do you think the rain that is forecast will scupper the chances of Band of Outlaws? Thanks #AskAndy
A: He’s obviously got a decent cruising speed and smart turn of foot so he wouldn’t want it bottomless. That said, he’s coped with proper winter ground at Limerick - which is arguably the worst Irish track to get through on heavy - so he should be okay.
