Cheltenham Preview Nights

[Vautour]

If anyone has any notes or links to any interesting preview nights throw them in here. Please and thanks

[KevMc]

Unibet is next monday, FFP next tuesday and Betfair next wednesday. All streamed online.

[Vautour]

Yeah, I’ve tickets to The Final Furlong Podcast preview

[MarkTT]

I’ve watched a couple of brief previews on YouTube and thought the RTV Friday Club’s were both amusing and interesting .

I started one hosted by Tom Lee which was supposed to last two hours but I conceded defeat after the Arkle segment – he allows his guests, including ‘ Shark ‘ Hanlon, barely any time to respond to a prolonged introduction to each race before he’s off again on some self indulgent monologue to listen to his own voice; there’s a period after Shark gives his opinion on the Supreme where he doesn’t speak for about ten minutes.

[Vautour]

Yeah, seen that one. He wasn’t funny either. Should leave the comedy to The Final Furlong lads. Them two bouncing off Chappers with The King of Cavan, Tony Keenan, should be good craic

[ham]

I like kevin blake

Cant listen to kennedy though

[MarkTT]

Racehour previews have just been uploaded to YouTube; plenty of vids on individual races

[Jasolong]

Unibet night at 7:30pm
Nicky Henderson
Jessica Harrington
Nico de Boinville

[Cheltenham Novice Chase]

Is it just me or is there a huge amount of contradictory comments being issued by trainers at the moment. I’m trying to work it out: is it simply that their plans are so fluid that they change by the day or is it deliberately misleading?

For example, Henderson states on his Unibet blog that Top Notch will go to the Ryanair. Two days later at the Unibet preview night all or a sudden Top Notch is running in the Stayers Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott, was quoted a week ago when providing an update that Galvin would go to the Ballymore. Now we learn from a preview night he’s heading for the Martin Pipe.

I understand it to some extent with the handicaps but not the level weights races. This is so confusing and frustrating. I wonder whether there’s more value to be had by what’s not being said. What do people make of it?

[KevMc]

Anthony Bromley shuffled the SM & IS pack, Nicky can only say what he thought was the plan at the time.

Definitely value in taking everything with a furlong worth of salt and working out which horses the trainers are being coy about.

[MarkTT]

Any targets discussed for Easy Game yet ? He’s a talented horse but i’ve heard little about Ballymore or Albert Bartlett

[ham]

Ballymore, mark

[MarkTT]

Thanks, Ham

[botchy1]

Normally the best one on now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu5km3I5j1s

[Venture to Cognac]

I’ve got suckered in again, and off to a Preview Night in Motherwell tonight.

In the extremely unlikely event I hear anything of note, I’ll post it up.

[jonthehammer04]

my notes

Cheltenham Preview Night – Haydock Park (4th March)
Panel
Gareth Leonard (GL) (Compare)
Gay Wiltshire (GW)
Martin Chapman (MC)
Carl Llewelyn (CL)
Andy Gibson (AG)

Day 1 – Tuesday

Supreme Novices Hurdle

CL: – Really likes Al Dancer (obviously he is assistant trainer to NTD). Pulled hard last time out but a fast pace will suit and he will settle better. He has natural speed and will fully see out the trip, however he does wear a hood as he can get excited during the prelims. He also feels Dai will run AD & Angels Breath here. AD is much more straightforward horse than Ballyandy was.
MC: – AD is a decent price and worthy favourite. Nothing has won Betfair Hurdle and the Supreme is a minor negative. Elixir De Nutz will front run and probably set it up for others. Small word for Grand Sancy.
AG: – The time of Al Dancer’s November run is much better than the time that EDN set. Has backed AD and also Fakir Doudairies at an EW price. Prefers the prep of AD than that of AB.
GW: – Cannot see AD being beaten.
Arkle
AG: – Has backed Kalashnikov but it is looking a poor bet now and he has made a mess of the race. Barry Geraghty is fairly confident that Defi Du Seuil will go for the JLT. A lot of front runners in this race.
GL: – Likes Us and Them.
MC: – Also likes Us and Them EW. Bit of EW money has come for Paloma Blue. Keen to take on Lalor, put off by his lack of runs.
GW: – Thinks Knockanauss can run well from the front and a good EW price.
CL: – Fancies Glen Forsa, Doesn’t like Lalor or Kalashnikov.
Champion Hurdle
GW: – Reckons Buveur Dair & Apples Jade will go off joint favourites about 2/1, always does his b*llocks on this race.
MC: – Can’t have Laurina, really not sure who will win though.
CL: – BD is beatable but again not sure who will win, tentative for Apples Jade.
AG: – Laurina’s Tolworth win was slow, in fact the time set by Monsieur Le Coz on same day was quicker. AJ’s times also not that impressive but does have a squeak. BD is now a very backable price and has done a large EW double with Paisley Park (Stayers). Silver Streak (EW) could surprise and run on for a place.

Other races on Day 1
GL mentioned a few of NTD’s other horses and when he got to Ballyarthur, CL said with a straight face he definitely won’t be winning as he’s dead :(
CL: – Says Go Conquer is still improving but wants him to go to the National. Cogry has every chance in the Ultima and Flying Angel hasn’t progressed as much as they would have liked.
GW: – Likes Cogry EW in the Ultima
MC: – Says Star Sports have laid decent bets on Mr Whitaker (Ultima), Ok Corral (4 miler) and BDD (Mares).
AG: – Says Jerrysback has EW chance in the Ultima. Really likes Highway One O One in the Close Bros and he will front run.

Day 2 – Wednesday
Ballymore
MC: – Champ pulls hard, would lay him. No Challow winner has won this in 16 attempts. Choice is Brewinupastorm
AG: – On Champ at 10s. Barry Geraghty also likes Champ but said Battleoverdoyen was the one to be on.
CL: – Reckons Champs name is a tip in itself as they were waiting for this horse. Does need to settle but faster pace will help.
RSA
CL: – Count Meribel in good form and could have an EW chance, good jumper.
AG: – Thinks Delta Work is a more than reliable favourite, likes his prep. Says Santini been wrong favourite all along. Backed Mortal EW at 33s, will forgive last run.
GL: – Likes Delta Work
MC: – Santini issue is a concern, Delta Work now the right favourite. Topofthegame interesting, Harry Cobden got a b*llocking for the ride when he lost to La Bague Au Roi at Xmas.
GW: – Delta Work
Champion Chase
MC: – Altior went bigger in running last year when he hit his flat spot, may be worth keeping an eye out. No idea why he was jumping to left LTO, maybe he was bored. Gods Own without the favourite may be a nice bet.
AG: – Hell’s Kitchen EW if he runs, his time last time out was phenomenal.
Other races on Day 2
CL: – Torpillo wants it soft, Mr Antolini not progressive enough. Ballyandy is well and could have a chance EW. Owners has messed up Ballymoys chance by insisting on him running too often. Needs more time between races.
MC: – Money for Friend or Foe in the Boodles and Get in the Queue in the Bumper. Put King Roland in your tracker.
GW: – Money has come for Blue Sari
AG: – Tony Martins charity bet is Hannon on the Boodles, Take note.

Thursday – Day 3
JLT
AG: – Backed Lostintranslation and is a strong contender, Defi has a decent chance. No others in it.
GL: – Likes Castafiore EW
MC: – Plenty of money for Real Steel, Daryl Jacob likes Kildistart but MC thinks his jumping is scruffy.
CL: – DDS is the class horse and better value than LIT. Mullins thinks a lot of Real Steel.
GW: – Got to be LIT or DDS, can’t decide.
Ryanair
CL: – Not a great race, hopes UDS goes here. No strong views in an open race.
GL: – NAP is Footpad
GL: – Not sure who will even run.
MC: – Frodon still may come here, has backed Shattered Love & Aso EW at big prices.
AG: – Best to back Top Notch or Fox Norton EW now as once others drop out these would be value. Monalee is a placepot banker.
Stayers
CL: – It was the owners who kept Bristol De Mai in this, will definitely go Gold Cup though. Paisley Park is solid. Wholestone is very unpredictable but should run well at an EW price, his record here is good.
GW: – Would lay PP, thinks it will drift on the day.
MC: – If Penhill was fit he would have been well backed on day. Not really sure who can beat PP. Would like to lay him but can’t.
AG: – Would be gutted if Faugheen won. Has PP in a big double with BD, will be in the first 3 most definitely. Interest in Wholestone without favourite, great track record and ran on inside LTO here which was the wrong place to be so draw a line through that.
Other races on Day 3
CL: – Ballyboley probably will be retired, Ballyhill a chance in one of the handicaps Crievehill needs it heavy. Splash of Ginge will run his race. Wants to run Arthurs Gift in the Midlands Grand National but owners want Cheltenham.
MC: – Word for Posh Trish in the Mares Novice, no decent money taken on any of the handicaps.
AG: – Barry Geraghty was asked at another preview his handicap horse for the week, he said Sire Du Berlais. Measureofmydreams is said to have a very good chance in the KM, good word for this. Backed Ballyhill for the Browns. Young Master a chance in the KM. Also likes Lust for Glory in the Mares Novice.

Friday – Day 4
Gold Cup
MC: – Prep bad for Presenting Percy and would take on. But no strong opinion with who.
GW: – Rather be on Native River than PP, EW to nothing.
AG: – Concerned about PP with no fences run, race will be run at a gallop and just one mistake can put you out of the race. If soft, Native River is placepot banker. If Good to Soft or better then Road to Respect will run well. Likes Elegant Escape, he is a big old boat and can run on into a place. Clan Des Obeaux does have a chance but a poor record here. Bellshill form is good, times are very good and compare it to one of LBAR’s runs from the 4th fence to the line (LTO).
GL: – Backed BDM at 33/1, thinks it’s his year.
CL: – BDM is a big price and does have some form here. NR is the value, proper stayed, very solid EW. Not really put off by PP’s prep but RSA horses tend to disappoint the following year. Also thinks EE can run into a place.

Other races on Day 4
GW: – Sir Erec lay of the day.
MC: – Think SE will go off odds on but would want to lay him. Been money for Ucello Conti in the Foxhunters.
CL: – Torpillo wants soft if goes in Triumph, thinks Quel Destin had his ground last time and why he hammered Torpillo.
AG: – Also against SE but he may well win, he would rather Tiger Tap Tap though at the prices… Has backed Lisnagar Oscar in the Albert Bartlett, proper contender who has good times. Also had a large bet on Birchdale for same race at 10s. Backed Western Ryder in the County.

NAPS
AG: – Benie (Win) and EW’s on Western Ryder and Highway One o One
CL: – Tiger Roll (Buying Money)
GL: – Footpad
MC: – Real Steel
GW: – Lay Paisley Park

Also noted to back Malaya in the Imperial Cup on Saturday and Muckle Row at Warwick if he goes.
CL also said he had stopped betting since he stopped riding (joking!!)
And keep an eye on Good Boy Bobby when he goes fresh and BDM when he turns up in the National as it will suit (and he should know!!)

[jonthehammer04]

and from chester

Chester – Cheltenham Preview Night (6th March, 2019)
Panel
Stephen Wundke (SW) – Compere
Stewart Machin (SM)
Henry Daly (HD)
Ollie Greenwood (OG)
Martin Chapman (MC)

Day 1 Tuesday

Supreme Novices

SM: – AD probably deserves to be favourite but not ahead on ratings. Strange there is no Irish banker in this. Elixir De Nutz has been a revelation but making all in this will be very hard so not for me.

MC: – Fakir Douderies was impressive at Cheltenham LTO but 4 year olds have a hard task in this. Al Dancer been weak in betting the past few days.

HD: – FD is very interesting here but would be amazed if he won, 4 year olds are generally not as physically developed as the older horses in this race.

OG: – Angels Breath hasn’t done much wrong, not keen on AD seems a nervous type and this may affect him in the prelims. Age concern over FD.

Selections

SM – Angels Breath
OG – Angels Breath
HD – Angels Breath
SW – Elixir De Nutz
MC – Grand Sancy

Arkle

SM: – People tend to forget early season form and Lalor was impressive on Chase debut but wouldn’t be taking the 3/1. Also not sure if he will like the ground too soft. Ornua looks a vale EW bet. If Defi runs here he will probably win. Glen Forsa may just well be better on right handed tracks.

OG: – Likes Glen Forsa, won on differing ground/courses and can’t question him.

MC: – Money for Hardline today, fairly solid bet. Us & Them is interesting. Paloma Blue has a squeak at EW price, was the best of these in the Supreme last year. Likes this race as a betting heat.

HD: – Put a line through last Lalor run, didn’t like track or ground. Hobbs has hinted lately that DDS would run here.

Selections

SM: – Ornua
OG: – Glen Forsa
HD: – Lalor
SW: – Hardline
MC: – Paloma Blue

Champion Hurdle

MC: – Wouldn’t be backing Laurina, form isn’t strong enough. Lay Brain Power EW.

SM: – AJ may set own fractions and be very effective, thinks she should be favourite and difficult to beat. Laurina too short.

HD: – Draw a line through BD’s defeat, didn’t like ground. Expects BD to pick off AJ.

OG: – Laurina more progressive than the others and Willie will have her spot on.

SW: – Likes Sharjah, good turn of foot and a proper 2 miler unlike the mares.

Selections

SM: – Apples Jade
OG: – Laurina
HD: – BD
SW: – Apples Jade
MC: – No selection

Mares Hurdle

SM: – BDD rightful favourite if AJ & Laurina don’t show up. If soft then Queen of Hearts may have a little EW chance but not good enough to win, she is a battler though.

HD: – Thinks Lady Buttons should go here, talented and travels well.

OD: – BDD is a banker.

SW: – Limini would have a chance on 2017 figures, still value.

MC: – BDD is a banker, will be 4/6 on day.

Selections

SM – BDD & Queen of Hearts EW
OG – BDD
HD – BDD
SW – Limini EW
MC – BDD

4 Miler

HD: – Looking for a horse with a big conk in this!! A Slow boat. Thinks his own horse Atlanta Ablaze is too speedy for this but hes not ground dependant like some of the others. Not sure if she will stay. OK Corral was very impressive LTO and looked like he needed every yard.

SW: – Likes Mortal EW.

OG: – Likes Champagne Classic (now pulled) who also looks like he needs 4 miles. OK Corral has more class though. They will go quick and its all about staying.

SM: – Liked Cloth Cap but not entered now. If OK Corral goes here then he has the class to win and will stay.

MC: – Le Bueuil hammered in market now Codd rides.

Selections

SM – OK Corral (Was Cloth Cap)
OG – Champagne Classic (now a NR)
HD – OK Corral
SW – Mortal
MC – No selection

Day 2 – Wednesday

Ballymore Novices

MC: – Would like to take on Champ, pulled hard in the Challow and may not settle. Challow winners a very poor record in this. Battleoverdoyen has been well backed.

SM: – Hopes Birchdale goes here as he would have a great chance but worried he goes AB, he has huge potential.

HD: – Champ has been impressive, form is solid, the negative is he is 7.

OG: – Did like Champ but is favouring Brewinupastorm now. Olly Murphy horses are all scoping clean so no issues in the yard.

SW: – Would like Commander of Fleet to run here.

Selections

SM – Birchdale (if he goes)
OG – Champ (Original choice)
HD – Champ
SW – Commander of Fleet (if he goes)
MC – Lay Champ

RSA

OG: – Santini didn’t seem to like Kempton, be better here and will like the track.

HD: – Topofthegame ran well at Exeter despite blowing the start. The form v LBAR is very good. He will improve for further and a stiffer track. Paul Nicholls is very sweet on him. 1 of bets of the week.

SM: – Delta Work has the class and is in the right race, hes a twice Grade 1 winner. Negative is 6 year olds don’t have a great record in this. Bit wary of TOTG as he messed about at the start at Exeter. Santini may be too slow for this.

MC: – Santini is slow and DW is the right favourite. Also likes TOTG. Harry Cobden told him PN fancies everything.

SW: – Flagged up Top Ville Ben as a live EW bet, says hes the same rating as DW & TOTG (Checked but he isn’t!!)

Selections

SM – Delta Work
OG – Santini
HD – TOTG
SW – TOTG

Champion Chase

SM: – Altior rating is wrong as he always runs in Grade 1s so doesn’t seem to get put up (like Cyrname’s did). Cannot see past Altior. Simply Ned is under rated and may get a place. There is EW value here, would rather see Lady Buttons here as won’t stay in the Mares.

HD: Just enjoy the processions, Altior.
OG: – Long as he rocks up sound, Altior.

MC: – Feels Altior has to lose one day but not sure who can beat him. Wasn’t convinced he Altior jumping left LTO was because he was bored. He says horses on that intelligent to decide half way through a race he wants to entertain the crowd by jumping left!! Gods Own EW w/o Altior will finish 3rd or 4th.

SM – Altior
OG – Altior
HD – Altior
SW – Footpad (if he runs)
MC – Altior

Cross country

MC: – Napped Tiger Roll last year, banker again. Recent money for Auvergnat. You need Cross Country form to win this.

HD: – Definitely horses for courses in this, Josies orders is overpriced. Thinks Tiger Roll will win though.

OG: – TR is an unbelievably tough horse. Can win on any ground. Also likes Fact of the Matter EW.

Selections

All – Tiger Roll

Day 3 – Thursday

JLT

SM: – DDS was given an easier race than Lostintranslation LTO.

OG: – When DDS met LIT it wasn’t a strong gallop but expects this to be so LIT could reverse form again. Mate works in yard and says Kildisart’s jumping has improved at home.

HD: – DDS if he comes here but thinks the Arkle is easier.

MC: – Likes Real Steel, Irish have a good record in this. LIT has had 2 really hard races, Daryl Jacob really likes Kildisart.

Selections

SM – DDS
OG – LIT
HD – DDS
SW – Kildisart
MC – No selection

Pertemps

SW: – Shows Sire Du Berlais finishing 6th.

MC: – More plots in these races from the Irish than Guy Fawkes.

SM: – First Assignment form against Paisley Park is good even getting 11 lbs. Apparently Jessie sent Not Many Left over here to qualify as it is easier in Britain than in Ireland. Kim Bailey was gutted his horse lost that race. Also likes The Clock is Ticking, handicap mark looks decent (138), wouldn’t want it too soft.
OG: – Selected Not Many Left as just in form and is an improver with a likeable attitude.

Selections

SM – The Clock is Ticking
OG – Not Many Left
HD – No Selection
SW – Sire Du Berlais
MC – No selection

Ryanair

SM: – Wouldn’t take Monalee’s Gowran form too lightly. Thinks Frodon will go here, Road to Respect won’t want it soft.

MC: – Backed Shattered Love & Aso EW.

HD: – Would back Road to Respect if he goes here.
Selections

SM: – Frodon
OG: – Footpad
HD: – Min
SW: – Road to Respect/Frodon
MC: – Aso/Shattered Love EW

Stayers Hurdle

SM: – Paisley Park has got the best form but has had hard races, it may catch up on him. David Casey saying Faugheen is in great form at home.

OG: – PP is a lazy horse and always looks like he’s holding back.

HD: – Black Op now in right race, ran well LTO and should improve. Value Bet.

MC: – Tony Bloom has backed Penhill and is gutted hes out. Not sure whether to back or lay PP. Last year’s stayers was like the Hunt Cup 2 out as about 11 had a chance. Lavelle has been out of form for 3 or 4 years (bar PP) so may take him on.

Selections

SM – PP
OG – PP
HD – Black Op EW
SW – Faugheen EW
MC – No Selection

Mares Novice

HD: – One of Willies from out of nowhere could win this. Epatante questionable form. Posh Trish the solid one. Ran in better races. Lots of money for her.

SW: – Honeysuckle has improved a lot, stable is confident.

SM: – No strong opinion, both Epatante wins were right handed.

OG: – Lust for Glory is said to have improved. EW.

Selections

SM – No selection
OG – Lust for Glory EW
HD – Posh Trish
SW – Honeysuckle
MC – No selection

Day 4 – Friday

Triumph Hurdle

MC: – Much higher quality race than of old.

OG: – Sir Erec looks very good, heard good things about Pic D’Ohry and he would be a player if he runs.

SM: – Likes Quel Destin, very fluent and tough. SE is the one to beat though.

HD: – Also likes QD, has a good chance.

Selections

SM – Quel Destin
OG – Sir Erec
HD – Quel Destin
SW – Sir Erec
MC – No Selection

Albert Bartlett

MC: – Gordon forgot he had Dinons apparently. Course form. Commander of Fleet was first horse backed for this.

SM: – Doesn’t think Birchdale has as much chance here and should go Ballymore, he is too classy for this. Allaho is a stylish horse, heard positive comments for him and could be a player.

OG: – Dickie Diver looks progressive, Chepstow run is eye catching, lots of ability.

HD: – Likes Lisnagar Oscar, impressive at Haydock, but maybe too much speed for this test.

MC: – No view.

Selections

SM – Allaho
OG – Dickie Diver
HD – Lisnagar Oscar
SW – Lisnagar Oscar
MC – No selection

Foxhunters

SM: – Been told Ucello Conti is a good thing. But likes Hazel Hill. Road to Rome won 7 on the spin.

OG: – Likes Hazel Hill as well, lightly race, will be fit and ready. Small trainer.

HD: – Hazel Hill is a lovely horse and everything a Steeplechaser should be. The hunter chase he won at Warwick was best run all season. Only negative is he can lug right handed.

MC: – Heard Codd will ride Ucello Conti, very good jockey booking.

Selections

SM – Hazel Hill
OG – Hazel Hill
HD – Hazel Hill
SW – Road to Rome
MC – No Selection

Gold Cup

SM: – Clan Des Obeaux is an improved horse but most of wins are right handed. Its been 90 years since a horse has won this without having a chase run that season (Easter Hero)

OG: – Happy with CDO, Native Rivers win last year looks to have taken it out of him on this year’s form.

HD: – Native River and Dickie is a great combination, hard to oppose on soft ground and loves the track.

MC: – Presenting Percy was impressive at Gowran but it’s a leap of faith to back him for this. Doesn’t think CDO will stay. Says Davy Russell doesn’t even know where Pat Kelly gallops his horses.

Selections

SM – Native River
OG – CDO
HD – Native River
SW – Kemboy
MC: – No selection

Other bits

HD says his horse Back to the Thatch has a good chance in Midlands Grand National

OG says back Mr Smudge at Bangor P2P on Sunday.

SW says back Uradel in whichever handicap he shows up in.

SM says very good word for Early Doors in Coral (possibly Martin Pipe)

[Author]

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