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Moe, I’ve a love hate relationship with The Twisler. He bulked up a Mug 31 for me a couple of years back when he won up at Beverley, and then I had a nice lift off of him at Goodwood, but I’ve given a few quid of that back on him since though.
Good to see you getting a return from him though, and good to see the horse over the sticks, I hope he does connections proud. One of the owners came on here for last seasons Cesarewitch, and was really helpful, so I hope they have a lot of fun with him.
Not going to go mad at Cheltenham today, as I’ll be at work anyway, and I’ll concentrate mainly on the Saturday. Doesn’t mean there should be plenty going on though, and I’ll have eyes everywhere.
In the opener, It’s All Guesswork, doesn’t have too much to find, and he’s high on my list. Davie Russell up, and he’s definitely a horse I’m interested in this year.
In the 1435, both Sceau Royal & Movewiththetimes should provide a real treat, but make no appeal to me at the prices. Ballyhill was decent last time behind the King horse, and at 16’s, he’s worth a few quid to win in case of any slip ups by the principals. Any perms I do will be ew, but if I do Ballyhill it’ll be win only, as I wouldn’t be putting that much on.
The 1510 is the type of race I love to get stuck into, but even this one is confusing me. I’ll probably go with the Elliot/Russell combo again with Rightdownthemiddle, and The Mighty Don. Rightdownthemiddle was very average the last few runs, but the ability is there, as seen behind Sizing Codelco at Aintree, and at aroundd 10’s, 11’s he seems fair. The Mighty Don was a shade disappointing when last seen, but previous to that looked decent, so in a race where 5 places is available, 20’s is worth a try.
In the 1545, it’s all about Fagan for me. Mad keen on him for The National Hunt Chase this season, and I’m not that bothered whether or not he wins tomorrow, as long as he remains competitive. Won’t be making the perms, as just too short for me.
The 1620 is a real puzzle as well, but I might just chance Bugsie Malone, who’s been a model of consistency, and should strip fitter for spin over hurdles last time. What Happens Now, and Regal Flow are also giving me food for thought, but I’ll chance Bugsie at the 10’s. The Elliot/Codd partnership are represented by Presenting Julio, and he looks a deserved favourite, but I’ll be greedy and go for the bigger priced alternative.
The 1655 is not a race to spend too much time on, but I do keep an eye on Alan Johns, and I did hope for more from Point of Principle last time, so an easy decision to add the pair of them to the perms at around 8’s.
Small sign of a revival in form from Thunder Sheik last time, and he looks a fair price at around 12’s.
Not all about Cheltenham tomorrow though, and I’ll be involved at Doncaster and Newbury as well.
The 1535 is an absolute cracker at Doncaster, and my old pal Hoof It is back. Not quite hit the heights this year, but he’s surely got one more big run in him, even in this competitive field, and I’ll happily chance him each way, with 5 Places up for grabs, and him hovering around 20’s. I can’t narrow down the rest of the field, it’s late, and I’ve got work in the morning, so I won’t look for back up, other than throwing Big Time into an Exacta.
Over at Newbury, it’ll be hard to desert Pettochside, but as he’s won for me twice recently, I won’t grumble if I miss out on a nice return from him. He’s up 6lbs for that last win, but still, why is he always such a big price, I just don’t get it. He’ll still be a saver here, and I’ve snapped up that 16’s. Bigger bet will be on Huntsmans Close. Looked to be regressive in last year or so, but he showed a lot more at Epsom last time, and this former Ayr Silver Cup Winner looks well treated on old form, and with a hint of a return, 14’s is generous, even with concerns about the ground.
Strange day then, with Cheltenham back, the main bets will still be on the level, and the majority of stuff at Prestbury will be the perms, but I might try Thunder Sheik, to go with his stablemate Ballyhill, and also Bugsie Malone as singles.
1510 Cheltenham
The Mighty Don, Rightdownthemiddle
1535 Doncaster
Hoof It, Big time
1635 Newbury
Hunstsmans Close, Pettochside
50p Combination Exactas-£155.20
Old Hoof It really did me proud today, and can’t believe I got 33’s for him, after being happy with 22’s. He was a shade fortunate to get 4th, but not complaining, and he more than made it a winning day. Bet the old boy many times, but I just wonder if that’s the last time I’ll be with him, as he surely can’t keep doing this next season. Smashing horse, and one of my favourites from The Flat the last few years.
I only had Pettochside win only, but yet again, he runs a huge race at a price, and quite why he’s always double figures, well I just don’t know. Long may it continue. He certainly ran better than Huntsmans Close, that’s for sure.
Of the three at Cheltenham, Ballyhill ran a nice race, but Thunder Sheik was terrible, and happy that Bugsie Malone was on the backfoot when he came down. I had shortlisted What Happens Now as well, and he was definitely one that got away, and the manner of victory suggests there’s more to come.
It’ll be same again on Saturday, with a few bets flying about, but I’ll not be going mad with cash, as this Cheltenham Meeting can throw up strange results, and I’ll be mixing with the flat again, and once again, the 2 main bets will be on the level.
Already with Singlefarmpayment in the opener, and took the 6’s. Really like the horse, and think he could be decent, but despite that enthusiasm, I haven’t went mad, as it’s such a decent race. Loads of contenders, and could bet 4 or 5 of them, but I’ll likely side with Coologue again. Bet him in this last year, and he won well, and most importantly, comes here on the same mark. Much better race this year though, and I’ll be happy for one of them to get me a return.
I still haven’t made my mind up in the 1510. I like Vaniteux, for all I can never get a proper handle on him, while Poker School is equally appealing, and I see no reason why he can’t build on that Worcester run. Both big at 12’s, but undecided yet, as my BetVictor Gold Cup fancy Foxtail Hill is in there too. I’m hoping 2 miles is too sharp for him tomorrow, and that he gets a nice prep and lowered a pound or two at the same time, but it rarely works out that way. Regardless, he is a bit of distraction here.
I haven’t forgotten how Anteros burst into life here last year, and with only a few pounds extra here, I just had to have a go on him at 25’s, and couldn’t believe that price. He’s in The Pertemps Qualifier, and as per usual, it’s hot heat. I also like Tempestatefloresco & Its’afreebee in this, but Anteros is by far the main bet, and I’ve had a wee got at that 25’s.
Newbury stages a rather disappointing card, but Raheen House looks a big price, while Landsman, who I fancied for The Cesarewitch, looks far too big a price at Leapordstown.
The Racing Post Trophy is very definitely not my kind of race, and I would normally have little to no interest in it, but having seen Chilean at Haydock, I was impressed, and took 14’s Ante-Post. I can get 16’s just now, and might just have a very small top up.
Also at Doncaster is Lavetta, who I really fancied a couple of times lately, only to see her withdrawn, and even though she faces a tough task here, I ain’t missing 50’s. Also at a big price at 28’s, is Orions Bow. Not the same horse this year, but no surprise to see him bounce back here in this field, and that Newcastle run suggests he’s not a completely forlorn hope. Orions Bow will be getting a few quid his way.
Definitely a dam squib yesterday, and my main bets, Orions Bow, and Lavetta didn’t fare too well, though in fairness she was up against it, and a lot of the reasoning with betting her, was that she was priced accordingly. After betting Orions Bow a few times, I had mainly left him alone this year, and off that run yesterday, I’ll surely be swerving him again.
The only other one I bet on their own was Anteros. On the face of it, a rather lacklustre display, and he came down at the last, but if he’s none the worse for his fall, the way he was ridden, would put him on my radar for March.
The Perms sank without trace, and I’m still trying to work out why I wasn’t on Foxtail Hill at that price
All I can put it down to is all that Tippex I was sniffing at work on Friday. Smashing run though from him, and though Phil Smith will no doubt raise him about 3 stone for it, I still have a sliver of hope for The BetVictor. He’s a smashing horse, who I’m pretty much 100% certain will run in either The Champion Chase or The Ryanair this year.It’s a shame that we won’t get to see Ballyboley in The Old Roan Chase. I couldn’t get away from how he did it last time, and he was very much on my shortlist. His absence clears things up (just a little), and I have it narrowed down to 3 now, and happy to take the plunge now.
Even with the absence of Ballyboley, it’s still the best renewal for years, and though it’s tricky, it’s the best race of the season so far, the big race of the weekend, and I think I can get away with being treble handed. Just and no more lol
Smad Place – I can agree with Galdiateur, that he didn’t quite look the force of old last season, but his best run was in this race, and with a few more pounds off his back, in fact 8 pounds is more than “a few”, and for a horse who is incredibly difficult to place now, I can easily see him making the 4, and 18’s was too big. He’s the first horse I thought of for this race, and he’s the first I’ve went with.
Devils Bride – I keep going back to him. This is his trip, ground should be no problem, and he has enough races over the last year or so, that make 33’s ridiculous. Even the races where he didn’t shine, don’t justify those odds, and though the run of On Fiddlers Green yesterday doesn’t enhance his claims here, I have to be with him. I think the track should suit, and happy with the 4 Places at 33’s.
Third Intention – Will be a win saver for me at 11’s. Can’t really justfiy having 3 each way, so with this being potentially the main focus of his season, I think he shouldn’t be far away, and happy with the 11’s.
If I come out of this minefield ahead I will be very happy.
1240 – This’ll be a race for the perms only, but if I do go for one, it’ll be Perfect Harmony at around 7’s. On the little we’ve seen so far, that price seems fair, though I will have an eye on the outsider, Costly Dream at around 25’s.
1315 – Looks a race to swerve for me, and if I did play, it would be Bon Chic at around 25’s. Don’t know the jock, but she takes the 10 off, and though the last run was tame, he has bits and pieces which give him a chance of making the frame for a trainer who has his moments here.
1350 – I really like Benbens for this at 6’s, but the presence of The Romford Pele, Potters Cross, and Cloudy Too makes it tricky, and ain’t made up my mind yet.
1425 – I really love the way Massini’s Trap won this last year, and though these things rarely repeat themselves, the 12’s is tempting, and he’s fit from the flat. Ballyalton is interesting, and I’d love to see him back to his best, and I’m not ruling out Lion In His Heart either.
1535 – Definitely Vintage Clouds, but the price has gone.
1610 – Definitely one to avoid.
At Wexford, I’ll be watching Ned Stark closely, but not betting him. I’d love to see some promise from him. At Galway however, I’ll definitely be betting Kylecrue, back over hurdles. He’s already gave me a nice hit this season, and at 16’s he’s far too big. Gentleman Jon is on my radar for The Badger Ales, and he’s an interesting runner at Wincanton today.
Only bets so far are in The Old Roan, but there’ll be a few perms kicking about, and I’ll bet Kylecrue, and maybe a couple of the Aintree horses.
Did you talk yourself into a little tickle on Bon Chic, Bobby?
Amazing ride from Charlotte Jones, who looked knackered afterwards!
Aaaw man John, I promise you I did, and only because of Midnight Stroll winning shortly beforehand
a very happy 10 minutes there.Now just 2 or 3 more in the perms to go with her, and I’ll be a happy boy. I’ll be betting a few of them now as well, not just The Old Roan.
Extraordinary! I hope you had a little bit on at 33’s. You’ll remember the jockey now!
I won nothing from it personally, but we were still cheering Bon Chic. A good result for the firm and a much-loved former Coral Champions Club horse.
Great stuff Bobby.
Thanks John, absolutely chuffed to bits with her.
Here’s hoping one or two more can do the business, but whatever happens, pressure well and truly off for the day.
Smad Place, Vintage Clouds, Kylecrue…and unlucky in the Veterans. Well done, Bobby, have you ever thought of giving up your day job :)
I wish Chris lol
What a day, it’s been a cracker, and with Midnight Stroll winning, and the perms landing, I’ll be eating well tonight, it’ll be the finest Kebab money can buy.
lol Grass, cheers, it was good eating!!!
Don’t really know where to start with today, quite simply, it couldn’t have went much better, and a very decent payday for me.
I wasn’t expecting too much, but things got off to the perfect start with Midnight Stroll coming in at 10’s at Galway. That was too big for a horse who had shown so much last season, and he did it well.
What can I say about Bon Chic though. I still don’t know how the pair of them held on, but they did, and the 33’s was just a bonus. I’d have happily taken the money and ran after that.
Massini’s Trap was supposed to be a 12’s, 14’s shot as far as I was concerned, but to get 33’s, that was ridiculous for a horse who had won the race last year. I didn’t expect much after such an alarming drift, but he held on well for third.
Gentleman Jon was too short for me at Wincanton, but he was in the perms, and he kept that going nicely, holding on for 3rd, though worth noting that he didn’t run nearly as well as I thought he would.
Which brings me on to The Old Roan. Not my best race historically by any stretch, and not normally a big betting race for me, but I topped up on Smad, and also Devils Bride, and I fair screamed the old boy home, just love him to bits, and one of those welcome ones, where you get better than he was when the books opened on the Monday.
I didn’t top up on Kylecrue, as I needed him to complete one of my perms, but I did get better than the 16’s, managing to get 22’s with Hills. He had already paid his way this season for me, when he won at Listowel, but to have a 22-1 winner bossing the field like he did, was a joy to watch.
With the perms up already, I was waiting on Vintage Clouds to really put the cherry on the perms, and for once in these circumstances, there was never a moments worry, and he won going away to complete my best day of the season, and a day I’ll do well to top over the next few months.
On to the losers, and Benbens was very poor. I don’t think the faller made any difference to him, as he had already clouted it himself I’m sure. I had also bet Gas Line Boy, and he was so unlucky, but not for the first time in his career, the fences got in the way. He would have won for sure. To make matters worse, I had subbed him at the last minute for The Romford Pele, and I got my just desserts. Old Pele is a cracking horse himself, and it was good to see him back in the winners enclosure.
Devils Bride was desperate in The Old Roan, and I got greedy when he hit 66’s, while in hindsight, same mark or not, Third Intention was always going to be up against it in a significantly hotter race this time around.
In Massini’s Trap race, I was also with Ballyalton, and he ran very well, putting himself firmly in the picture for The BetVictor.
Got a question for you Bobby…
You had a lot of fun out of your Native River Hennessy/GC antepost bet last year and I was thinking of doing something similar. Thing is I can’t back one individual to do a double like this. Seems that if I’m backing two different horses for the double I can pick whoever I like and the accounts I have will offer odds for the double, but if I want one horse for a double like you did with Native River, they only offer singles, there is no double option
Did you have to email and request odds or did you strike the bet on the exchanges? Thanks, and sorry for the dopey beginnery question.
All I can put it down to is all that Tippex I was sniffing at work on Friday. Smashing run though from him, and though Phil Smith will no doubt raise him about 3 stone for it, I still have a sliver of hope for The BetVictor. He’s a smashing horse, who I’m pretty much 100% certain will run in either The Champion Chase or The Ryanair this year.
a very happy 10 minutes there.
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