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Wasn’t sure if I should put this here, or on the Cheltenham 2025 forum, but as it’s not about a specific race ….
OK, in recent days we’ve been told by their trainers that Brighterdaysahead definitely goes in the Champion Hurdle and Golden Ace in the Mares Hurdle. And predictably, we’ve been told nothing about Lossiemouth.
I’ve been watching the six day confirmations that close at midday today.
And all three of those mares have been kept in both the Champion Hurdle and the Mares Hurdle. I’m sure the trainers would say that they wish to keep their options open, but if that’s the case, why name specific targets in public statements.
And just to add, Ballyburn, short priced favourite for the 3M novice chase, has been kept in the Arkle.
The only beneficiary in this is the racecourse, collecting two fees for horses that will only run in one race.
Update – while I was typing the above, Brighterdaysahead has been removed from the Mares Hurdle.
So apologies to Gordon Elliott, who has now produced clarity on her target.
The trainer might benefit, Alan. If their intended runner does not make it to Cheltenham the trainer can switch.
Trainers don’t like saying the target of their horse depends on other trainers targets and / or which of the trainer (and owner’s) own horses reach Cheltenham in A1 condition. ie Mullins in particular does not want two or more of his top horses in the same race if he can help it. But he’s not actually going to say that, because then everyone would be able to see there are too many races at Cheltenham. But many trainers are the same.
What they probably should have said is:
Golden Ace will go for the Mares – unless Lossiemouth goes there.
Lossiemouth will go for the Champion – unless State Man is showing his old sparkle at home and / or Jade De Grugy does not make it to the Mares.
Ballyburn will run in the Browns Advisory – unless… If Majborough gets injured / is not 100% then Ballyburn will go for the Arkle (provided the ground is no faster than good-soft) leaving Dancing City as the fav for the Browns’.
Didn’t I see Henderson saying after the Scilly Isles that Jango Baie will not be going for the Arkle – until Sir Gino was injured – now he’s running in the Arkle.
The Wallpark will run in the Stayers Hurdle – unless Jeriko Du Reponet does not make it to the Pertemps.
etc etc.Value Is EverythingAll fair points Mark.
Perhaps the question should really be, why have a confirmation stage six days before the race at all, when the entries have been known for some time and the final declarations will be made four days later.
I agree Alan, 6 day decs for Cheltenham is only because it has always been done that way / tradition… And everywhere else has 6 days therefore Cheltenham has to have 6 days – whether it’s needed or not,
Value Is EverythingIs it just me or is this season worse than ever with the shuffling of horses between races.
The more I know the less I understand.
tbh I don’t think there’s been any real surprises, RTB.
Unless there are more changes to come, the vast majority double or treble entered have ended up where I’d expect them. Given their stamina needs, opposition, temperaments and trainer / owner companions.
The one imo currently the most likely to change is The Yellow Clay. Who to my mind would have a much better chance in the Albert Bartlett given the expected ground conditions. However, I suppose with the owner and trainer also having Wingmen for the same race, it might be at least partly understandable. But if I were connections I’d run both in the race they have the best chance.
Value Is Everything
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