End of the TVB season

As I’m sure many of you are already aware, the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) today announced that in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, racing in the UK will be suspended until the end of April, at the earliest.

As the TVB season was due to end on April 4th, this therefore means that the TVB season is now complete.

Obviously, it feels a bit surreal to be finishing a season in such a manner - but plenty of things feel a bit surreal at the moment !

I will still produce an end of season report - as I always do; I would also like to survey everyone, in order to gain feedback on how you felt the season went - along with any ideas you may have for next season.

I’ll work on both of those over the next couple of weeks - and aim to get them out to you, before the end of the month.

I also intend to feedback on the ‘matrix method’ pilot, which I ran over the last few weeks of the season - it delivered some amazing results and is likely to feature in my plans for the service, next season (so I would encourage you all to to read that, if you are interested in subscribing to TVB again in the autumn).

That’s it for now: If the decision is made to continue racing in Ireland, I will look to cover the Fairyhouse Easter festival - and Punchestown - in some way (probably via the matrix method, in the forum).
However, neither meeting is guaranteed to take place (HRI will make a statement, tomorrow).

Thanks for the support over the past 5 months: and very best wishes to you all - and your families - for what is going to be a very difficult and uncertain few months ahead…

TVB.

Review of the day

Kateson was the only tip on a relatively quiet day - and he finished a respectable second, at Uttoxeter.

In truth, such a finishing position looked highly unlikely for most of the race - but he’s an ‘enigmatic’ sort and having appeared well held down the back, he ran on strongly up the home straight.

That said, he never looked like getting to the winner, Main Fact, who bolted up by 15 lengths.

Somewhat ironically, if Sandown had taken place last weekend, Main Fact would have run there (he was a market leader for the Imperial Cup) - and possibly at Cheltenham, as well.

But alas, things didn’t pan out that way - and he messed things up for us, instead !

There were a few Mentions on the day - but most of them were half hearted !
The exception to that, was Cloudy Glen, who I did consider tipping - until I saw the strength of his race. Swerving it was a good call - as whilst he ran OK, he ultimately finished well beaten.
I was right to question the participation of De Rasher Counter in the Midlands Grand National - as expected, he didn’t complete.
The race was won by Truckers Lodge. He was 4/1 this morning - but I took 8/1 close to the off, which was a very good price (particularly with hind-sight :) ).
Over at Kempton, McFabulous hacked up in the EBF final: Igor and Adicci both showed up quite well - but ultimately finished unplaced.
Our Power won the handicap hurdle. I didn’t think he would reverse the form with Downtime Getaway - but that one disappointed badly.
Finally, the big handicap chase was won by Delire Destruval - at 25/1.
I can’t be sure that I would have included him on a short list - but I might have done.
Garde le Victoire and Good Man Pat would have been on the list - and they finished third and fourth.
Hopefully I’ll have a bit more time for study, when the next suitable handicap comes along..!

TVB.

Daily write-up - Mar 14th

There are 5 NH meetings today: at Uttoxeter, Kempton, Newcastle and Fontwell in the UK - plus Navan in Ireland.

Years ago, there used to be virtually no racing, on the Saturday after Cheltenham (this is when it was a 3 day festival !).
The Midlands Grand National has always occupied that slot - but that was petty much it !

However, over the past few years, the Uttoxeter card has grown and evolved - and its undercard now contains a couple of other good quality handicaps.

More than that, Kempton aslo stage a card for horses who failed to make the cut for the Cheltenham handicaps.
Again, it started small - but has grown significantly over the past few years.

As a consequence, there are now 2 decent meetings - and around half a relatively dozen big races on the day - not what I really need, after a week studying for Cheltenham !

More than that, all of the races, have attracted big fields.
There were precisely 100 hundred declared runners across the days 6 main races.
That gives an average of about 16 a race - not quite at the Cheltenham handicap level, but not far off !

Anyway, it is what it is…

The ground is very different at the 2 meetings: it’s officially heavy at Uttoxeter - but good to soft at Kempton.
I therefore needed to wear 2 form studying hats !

In truth, I didn’t really have the time last night, to delve too deeply into a host of handicaps.
I would have liked to apply the matrix method to a couple of the races - but that just wasn’t possible.

Ultimately, I found just the 1 tip - at Uttoxeter.
Here is the rationale behind it - along with some thoughts on the days other main races.


Kempton

2:05

This race was originally scheduled to take place last Saturday, at Sandown.
It tends to be an excellent source of novice chasers for next season - so it’s good that it’s been saved.
However, it’s going to be a very different race to the one that would have taken place a week ago.
The going at Sandown last week would have been desperate: whilst today at Kempton, it will be on the soft side of good.
Additionally, Kempton is a flat track; whereas Sandown has a steep uphill finish.
As a consequence, whereas last weeks race would probably have been a war of attrition - todays race is likely to be more of a speed test.
That will suit favourite, McFabulous.
He would have been one to oppose a week ago - but it would be much harder to side against him, today.
In truth, even if I wanted to, I’m not sure what I would take him on with.
A week ago, Hurricane Harvey was top of my list - but that was on account of him relishing deep ground and a stern test.
I think Igor looks quite interesting, for Nicky Henderson.
He finished just a couple of lengths behind Sire de Berlais, on his penultimate run - and that form was very well franked this week !
He should also have no issue with conditions.
The other one that catches my eye, is Adicci.
He makes his handicap debut for Jonjo - and whilst he is very hard to assess, I would not be surprised to see him improve for todays step up in trip.
That said, both are too speculative to consider tipping, so it has to be a watching race…

2:40

Downtown Getaway looks the one to beat in this.
Highly tried last season (he ran in a grade 1 event at Aintree), he was a big disappointment on his seasonal debut at Newbury - but following a wind op, bounced back last time, to win a strong looking handicap over todays course and distance.
He only won by a neck that day - and has been raised 5lb for the win. Whilst in theory, that would appear more than enough - I suspect he has plenty of improvement left in him.
He will be running today off a mark of 136 - and I suspect he is a fair bit better than that…
Second favourite, Tamaroc du Mathan, is not as easy to assess.
He ran fifth last time, in the Betfair hurdle - on only his third run in the UK.
That’s top class handicap form - and he should still be competitive from a mark 3lb higher.
However, that was a strange race. There was a standing start - and a lot of late carnage.
I would question the reliability of the form…
The rest of the field can be backed at 10/1+ - and there is nothing that really stands out.
Our Power has a theoretical chance of reversing form with Downtown Getaway (he finished 3rd to him - and is 3lb better off for 3 lengths) - but the winner has far more scope.
Smarty Wild is the other one that catches my eye.
He possibly got stuck in the mud last time - but prior to that had finished a close up fourth in a very hot handicap at Sandown.
He may improve for the longer trip on better ground - and could run in to a place.

3:15

I reckon this would have been a great race for the matrix method - if I’d had time !
A 20 runner handicap chase - and there are certainly a few, close to the head of the market, that I’d be happy to oppose.
On initial inspection, the 2 who interested me most, were Garde le Victoire and My Way.
I’m a long time fan of the former - and he appears to be gradually running into form.
The concerns, are whether Kempton will suit him - and the fact that Dickie isn’t riding him (he’s chosen to go to Uttoxeter - but more of that, later !).
My Way has been contesting some very strong races (stronger than this) and will have no issue with the track.
The issues with him, are that he seems disinclined to win - and Harry Cobden rides Mercy Mercy Me.
I’d probably put both of them on a short list - but the doubts stop me from tipping either…
Other possibles for the short list would include Eamon an Cnoic (I would have to save on him !) and Good Man Pat (very well handicapped - and things will drop right for him sooner rather than later).
However, I would need longer to study the race, in order to be sure I’d not missed an angle (I’m sure one or two of the more fancied runners, must have a chance !)


Uttoxeter

2:25

When I first looked at this race, I was quite keen on Cloudy Glen.
He ran really well on his penultimate outing at Sandown, when chasing home Diese Aba.
He fell last time out at Warwick - but had been very well backed that day, in a relatively strong race.
I suspect he is sufficiently well handicapped to win a race - but this looks a particularly strong contest.
In really isn’t hard to make a case for 6 or 7 of the runners - and that makes it a difficult race to get involved with.
Cloudy Glen definitely has a chance - but I suspect he also has a bit of temperament (he ran out, 3 runs back) - so in the circumstances, I can’t bring myself to tip him.
Of his rivals, then Looks like Murt and Sams Adventure are the 2 of most interest.
Both are relatively unexposed and could easily have a few pounds in hand of their marks.
If it turns into a real war, then Midnight Tune would be very interesting: whilst Over to Sam and Aye Aye Charlie are both capable of outrunning relatively big odds.

3:00

Just over 12 months ago, Kateson was sent off at 5/4 in a grade 2 novice hurdle at Haydock. That was on the back of an excellent third placing behind Champ in the grade 1 Challow hurdle at Newbury.
The second favourite for the Haydock race, was Lisnagar Oscar…
Roll on a year - and what a difference !
In the week in which Champ won the RSA and Lisnagar Oscar was a surprise winner of the Grade 1 stayers hurdle at Cheltenham; Kateson gets to run off a mark of 135 in a class 2 handicap at Uttoxeter !
Ofcourse the reason that Kateson is running in such a relatively modest contest, is because he has subsequently been very disappointing.
In fact the last time he really showed his form, was in the race won by Champ.
Part of the reason for that, is undoubtedly because Kateson has a marked preference for soft ground - something which he has skilfully managed to dodge on most of his outings since then ! (no mean feat, considering the weather this past year)
In fairness, that wasn’t the case on his most recent outing - when he simply ran disappointingly at Ffos Las.
However, he has subsequently undergone a wind op - and if that has sorted him out, then he should go very close today.
Certainly, the ground will not be an excuse - and 2m4f should be the perfect trip.
He’s also got Dickie in the saddle. I’m sure he’ll be keen to get a winner following a disappointing Cheltenham - and it’s interesting that he is riding at Uttoxeter rather than taking a couple of decent mounts at Kempton.
Of his rivals, then Main Fact and Dostal Phil head the betting - and whilst I’ve no issue with that, there are reason for opposing both of them.
The other one I feared, was Nordano - but he was declared a non runner earlier this morning, which made deciding on the tip, a little bit easier !

3:35

I’m really surprised to see De Rasher Counter running in this…
He’s a class horse, who won the Hennessey on his penultimate outing - and finished fourth in the grade 2 Cotswold chase on his most recent outing.
He is rated 157 - and will have to carry 11st12lb today (less Ben Jones’s 3lb claim).
That’s a huge amount of weight for a horse whose forte is not stamina.
I’ll be surprised if he completes the race…
His presence compresses the handicap - and means that 5 of the runners will be carrying overweight.
In truth, I’m not sure that will matter too much - as this is likely to be a case of survival of the fittest !
Who the fittest will be however, I’m not so sure…
Truckers Lodge and Christmas in April, are the obvious ones, as they are young and proven in similar conditions: and whilst Prime Venture and Petite Power don’t have youth on their side, they too should be able to cope with the demands of the race.
Se Mo Laoch is a very interesting raider from Ireland - and again, I would expect him to handle conditions.
All this said, it is a race which feels like it is going to have an element of ‘lottery’ about it.
If forced off the fence, I would probably side with Prime Venture. He finished fourth in the race last year - and with first time blinkers, off a 4lb lower mark, I would expect him to be able to at least match that performance today.

Here’s hoping for a great day ahead !

TVB.

Tips
Uttox 3:00 Kateson 0.5pt win 11/1
Mentions

Kemp 2:05 Igor (S ) & Adicci (S )
Kemp 2:40 Downtown Getaway (P )
Uttox 2:25 Cloudy Glen (O )
Uttox 3:35 Prime Venture (O )
The letter in brackets is the reason why the Mention wasn’t a tip:
P(rice); (O)pposition; (S)peculative; (C)onditions

Cheltenham handicaps - Day 4

The first 2 handicaps today, lend themselves well to the matrix method - the last one, less so !
I'll therefore handle the first 2 as usual - but just offer a couple of bets for the last one...


2:10

Ciel de Neige has been really well backed in this - which surprises me.
I had him on my original short-list - but took him off because I felt he was the weakest of JPs 3.
I'm happy to oppose him - and it also tempers my enthusiasm for JPs other runners.
Therefore my position will be built around Stolen Silver and Aramon - with savers on a few of the others...

7 units on Stolen Silver at 14/1 (105)
7 units on Aramon at 8/1 (63)
3 units on Saint Roi at 7/1 (24)
2 units on Ajdali at 14/1 (30)
1 unit on Rathhill at 28/1 (29)


4:50

I was very keen on Greaneteen - but the support for Chosen Mate is a bit concerning !
I'll still build my position around Greaneteen - and Lisp (who I think will also run very well)
At 4/1, I have to take on Chosen Mate - so will just save stakes on the 2 other Irish horses - and also add in Jan Maat, just in case !

10 units on Greaneteen at 4/1 (50)
5 units on Lisp at 7/1 (40)
2 units on Elcair du Beaufeu at 15/2 (17)
2 units on Paloma Blue at 10/1 (22)
1 unit on Jan Maat at 20/1 (21)


5:30

I would need days to solve this one !
I don't think there is any chance of figuring out what's going on with the Irish horses, until minutes before the off (I'll look to post on the Live thread !).
I think Umbrigado and Flashing Steel will be trying - it's just whether they are good enough...

2 units on Umbrigado at 12/1
2 units on Flashing Steel at 20/1

The ground today, wasn’t riding quite as quickly as I expected.
It seemed to me that it was perfect winter - not favouring anything that wanted extremes.

With just a few minor showers forecast, I would expect more of the same tomorrow.

Once again, there are 3 handicaps on the day (though that’s what I expected, this time !).
The first 2 look tackle-able - but the third looks a minefield !


2:10

JP Mcmanus has a very strong hand in this race: but so too do both Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson (the former also has a very good record in the race).
I’ll be a little surprised of the winner isn’t connected to at least one of them - quite possibly two !

Saint Roi (6/1) looks to be JPs number 1 hope.
He will be ridden by Barry Geraghty - who presumably had the choice of his 3 runners.
He’s an impossible horse to get a handle on, having only run twice over hurdles in Ireland.
He was very impressive last time, when winning at Tramore - and could easily be thrown in off a mark of 137.

Aramon (8/1) won a grade 1 last season - and also competed with credit, in a few other top class races.
Consequently, he has be of interest in a handicap - particularly as his mark (149) doesn’t seem overly harsh.
He ran a fair race last time out - and I would expect the market to advise on his chances, relative to stablemate Saint Roi (both are trained by Willie Mullins).

Ajdali (12/1) ran unplaced in last seasons Triumph hurdle.
However, he followed that up by finishing 4th in the grade 1 juvenile at Aintree.
I tipped him on his seasonal debut at Ascot in November - but he disappointed.
However, he has subsequently undergone a wind op - and if that’s been successful, he could prove to be very well handicapped on a mark of 140.

Stolen Silver (14/1) finished 6 lengths behind Ciel De Neige in the Betfair hurdle - but is 6lb better off tomorrow.
More than that, he was slowly away that day - and made up a lot of late ground.
It’s certainly not hard to see him reversing the form with Ciel de Neige.
He had strong novice form prior to that run - and should be well suited by the Cheltenham hill.

Rathhill (25/1), is another runner in the race for both JP - and Nicky Henderson.
He is quite speculative - having run only 3 times over hurdles.
However, on the second occasion, he was sent off 6/5 fav for a grade 1 race - so he is clearly well thought of.
He disappointed that day - and on his handicap debut last time (when again, he was a well backed fav).
However, he’s since undergone a wind op - and if that has the desired effect, he could be very interesting.


4:50

There may be 20 runners in this - but I’m struggling to see beyond the top 5 in the betting.
The trick will be getting the staking right…

Greanenteen (4/1) really impressed me when he won at Ascot in December - and has impressed me just as much in his 2 subsequent runs.
He’s won both of them - and has risen 18lb in the handicap as a result - but he looks a class performer.
He’s only a novice - but he’s an incredibly slick jumper.
This race tends to be a real test - but it looks to me as if he’s up to it.

Chosen Mate (6/1) is another novice - and his jumping isn’t as slick as that of Greaneteen.
On the flip side, he’s looked a relatively safe conveyance - and there is scope for improvement !
His third to Melon reads well, in light of that ones run today - and with his connections, he has to be respected.

Lisp (8/1) is yet another novice - and he too has taken well to fences.
He was a very decent hurdler - and finished fifth in last years County hurdle off a mark 1lb higher than he races off tomorrow.
His jumping has looked relatively assured - so hopefully he will be able to deal with the hustle and bustle of the race.

Eclair de Beaufeu (15/2) was a good winner at the Dublin Racing Festival last time - and doesn’t look badly treated off a mark 9lb higher.
He ran well in last years County hurdle - suggesting that he should have no issue with the course.
Like Chosen Mate, he is trained by Gordon Elliott - and therefore warrants a deal of respect.

Paloma Blue (12/1) is closely matched with Eclair de Beaufeu on their last run.
He is was beaten just over 2 lengths - but is 4lb better off - and was arguably a little unlucky not to finish closer.
He’s a horse with a bit of class - though the fact that he’s not being ridden by Rachel Blackmore, puts me off a little (she’s on Jan Maat - and I don’t particularly fancy him).


5:30

The final race of the meeting looks a bit of a nightmare.
I’ll offer a short list - but I may not get involved with it (there looks to be far too many plots - and therefore too much guesswork will be required)

Front View (4/1) finished a 6 length runner up to Envoi Allen on his hurdling debut.
Taken literally, that would have seen him placed in Wednesdays Ballymore - which means that off a mark of 139, he could be thrown in.
Ofcourse, it’s rarely that simple - though in this case it might be !
His subsequently finished second to Five O Clock, and there shouldn’t be much between the pair on that form.

Ilikedwayurthinkin (6/1) appears to have had his handicap mark looked after, with a view to this race.
He was given a very ‘sympathetic’ ride at Leopardstown last time - and I don’t expect to see the same kind of ride tomorrow (a bit like The Storyteller, today).
That said, like Front View, he is owned by JP McManus, so the betting will probably tell the story.

Escaria Ten (12/1) is one of 4 in the race for Gordon Elliott.
It’s impossible to work out his best chance - but this one looks particularly interesting.
He’s a handicap debutante - and didn’t make the original field.
However one of his stablemates was scratched - enabling him to get into the race.
Maybe that was just a coincidence - but then again !

Umbrigado (20/1) is trained by David Pipe - who has a particularly good reason for wanting to win this race (it is run in honour of his father).
He’s run with credit on both of his outings this season: not staying 3 miles first time - and finding 2 miles too short last time.
Tomorrows intermediate trip should be ideal - and first time tongue tie and cheekpieces, show intent.

Flashing Steel (16/1) looks to have been targeted at this race by Dan Skelton.
He won first time out this season at Chepstow, in what proved to be a very good race.
He has to run off a mark 8lb higher tomorrow - and is more exposed than a few of his rivals - but I’m sure he will be primed to the minute.

Daily write-up - Mar 13th (Cheltenham day 4)

Day 4 of the Cheltenham festival.

The final day of another epic week.
It’s always a bit sad to reach the Friday (though in truth, it’s also a bit of a relief !) - but that’s particularly the case today, as there must be a doubt as to how much more racing will be taking place, in the short term…

The coronavirus is closing in - and I suspect it is only a matter of time before racing is forced to shut up shop (along with everything else).

Best enjoy today, then :)

There has been no overnight rain at Cheltenham - and the ground has dried out a little.
I expect it to be riding very similar to yesterday (on the soft side).

I have only tipped in a couple of races - but I’ll again be running the Live thread in the forum and hoping to point out a few more angles, that people can look to profit from:
http://tvb-forum.2355940.n4.nabble.com/Cheltenham-Live-Thread-Day-4-td20143.html

Anyway, that’s for later - for now, here are my thoughts on the card…


Cheltenham

1:30

Once again, the day begins with a cracking novice event.
This time it’s the Triumph hurdle - for 4 year olds - and this years renewal looks high class.
There are 4 very strong contenders - along with a supporting cast who can’t be completely dismissed.
The big 4 are: Goshen, Solo, Allmankind and Aspire Tower - and it’s not easy to  choose between them.
Goshen is probably the most talented: but he wants soft ground and has a tendency to jump to his right. I just can’t see todays conditions suiting him.
Solo has only run once in the UK - when a hugely impressive winner at Kempton.
The form doesn’t amount to much - but he could be anything.
Allmankind is very headstrong and will almost certainly lead the field.
He’s a very talented horse - but so are his rivals - and he could become a sitting duck up the home straight.
Aspire Tower looked brilliant - until he fell last time at Leopardstown.
He may have won that day - but it was far from guaranteed. He will need to bounce back this afternoon.
Of the 4, I probably like Solo best - but can see Allmankind running a huge race…
Outside of the big 4, there are a few others of interest.
A Wave of the Sea and Sir Psycho are 2 - but the one that interests me most, is Burning Victory.
She won on her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse last month, despite doing almost everything wrong.
I would expect massive improvement from that run - and if it is forthcoming, it could well put her in the mix.
I did consider tipping her (she was next on my list) - but just felt the race had a bit too much depth.
That said, at 14/1 I wouldn’t put anyone off having a small interest on her…

2:10
I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

2:50

There’s a monster field assembled for this - and I have to be honest, it’s not a race that I’ve spent a great deal of time looking at.
I’m very familiar with Thyme Hill - and he is a horse who should be well suited by the race.
He’s talented - and tough - and I suspect it will take a good one to beat him.
Certainly, I would expect him to do best of the home contingent - though whether he will be able to fend off the Irish contingent, is a different matter…
Latest Exhibition is the race favourite - on the back of his grade 1 win at the Dublin Racing festival.
He finished ahead of Fury Road and Cobblers Way, that day - and there is no real reason why either one should reverse the form.
That said, he only beat Cobblers Way 2 lengths - and Fury Road ran disappointingly - so it would be hard to be adamant that he will uphold it…
Monkfish is the potential Fly in the ointment - as he runs in this race, having only previously won a novice.
However, his connections (Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci) mean that he is unlikely to be tilting at windmills - and he really could be anything…
Of the others, then Janidil, Aione and Harry Senior, could easily outrun their odds - but I wouldn’t feel overly strongly about any of them.
If I had to get off the fence, then I would nominate Thyme Hill as the most likely winner - with Aione the most interesting outsider.

3:30

The 2020 Gold cup has attracted a really strong field - headed by last years winner, Al Boom Photo.
He was impressive 12 months ago - and whilst dual winners are rare, he definitely has a good chance of retaining his crown.
He’s only run twice since and will doubtless be at his absolute peak this afternoon.
Whatever beats him, will have to be very good…
That said, he faces some seriously strong rivals - chief amongst them Clan des Obeaux.
He’s won the last 2 renewals of the King George - and whilst he could only finish fifth in this race 12 months ago, he’s been given a different preparation this time round…
He hasn’t run since his Kempton win, so will be a fresh horse.
I’ve absolutely no doubt that Paul Nichols will have him primed to run for his life - and whilst some question his ability to act at Cheltenham, I’m not one of them !
I suspect he will run much better than he did last year - and whilst he does have 11 lengths to make up on Al Boom Photo, I think he can do it.
That said, even if he does, he’s not guaranteed to win !
Santini is a horse that I have a lot of time for - and whilst he can look a slow, if he still has a shout turning in, nothing will come home stronger.
Cases can also be made for Delta Work and Lostintransaltion - though I’m not sure the former is quite good enough to win: whilst the latter has a lot to prove, having disappointed badly, last time.
Kemboy is a very good horse - but I don’t think he’s a Cheltenham horse; and whilst I  put up Presenting Percy on the ante-post thread in the forum, that was in the expectation that the ground would be much softer.
I now think he will have his work cut out to win…
In short, I think this race will be won by Al Boom Photo, Santini or Clan Des Obeaux - and as the last named is twice the price of the first 2, he has to be the bet...

4:10

It will be a bit of a surprise (to me, at least !), if this race isn’t won by one of the top 5 in the betting - though choosing which one, isn’t easy.

Minella Rocco is an understandable favourite - with his back-class (he was second in the 2017 Gold cup) and Derek O’Connor in the saddle.
He also beat Hazel Hill last time - so appears to be back in form, following a period  in the wilderness…
Hazel Hill was an impressive winner of this race 12 months ago. However, he is now 12 - and he jumped inexplicably poorly last time (when beaten by Minella Rocco). He has a bit to prove…
Billaway is trained by Willie Mullins - and was bought to win this race.
He’s done little wrong in his 2 races for Mullins - it’s simply a question of whether he is good enough.
Shantou Flyer finished second in this race last year, after a rushed preparation.
His prep seems to have gone much smoother this year - and he must have a good chance of reversing form with Hazel Hill.
Stalker Wallace is hard to assess. He’s evidently very talented - but fragile.
If Derek O’Connor was riding him I would be very interested - but he seems to have opted for Minella Rocco (accepting the Jamie Codd isn’t a bad substitute !).

I put up Shantou Flyer on the ante-post thread in the forum, because I felt he represented good value at 10/1 in what looked a 4/5 horse race.
I stand by that - and would have made him a tip this morning, if that price had still been available (or maybe a couple of points less).
However, he has now nearly halved in price - so the ‘value’ margin has gone…
I would expect him to go very close - but there is a chance that one or two of his main rivals might be a bit too good for him on the day.

For those who want a back-to-lay at a big price, then Top Wood should give you a good run for your money - even if ultimately, he’s not quite up to winning.

4:50

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

However, I have also tipped both Greaneteen and Lisp.

I think the former is the likeliest winner of the race - but I also want to save on the latter.
The Irish horses are obviously dangerous - but I'm hopeful this is a race the English can win !

As always, I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from following the suggested staking on the short list - If you prefer that option.

5:30

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and may suggest bets, shortly !

However, the race is a bit of a minefield - so I won't be handling it in the usual way (I'll probably just put a few units on 2 or 3 of the runners).

Here’s hoping for a great day ahead !

TVB.

Tips
Chel 3:30 Clan des Obeaux 0.75pt win 15/2
Chel 4:50 Greaneteen 0.75pt win 4/1
Chel 4:50 Lisp 0.25pt win 7/1
Mentions

Chel 1:30 Solo (O ) - best outsider Burning Victory
Chel 2:50 Thyme Hill (O ) - best outsider Aione
Chel 4:10 Shantou Flyer (P ) - best outsider Top Wood
The letter in brackets is the reason why the Mention wasn’t a tip:
P(rice); (O)pposition; (S)peculative; (C)onditions

Cheltenham handicaps - Day 3

My main issue today, is the sheer volume of races/horses !
It's very hard to be able to spot all of the different angles.
I do like todays races - but I'm a little concerned that I've not had the time/space to process them properly...


2:50

My main fancy is The Storyteller - the issue is the price.
Also, he faces tougher opposition than Dame de Compagnie did yesterday.
If I've read him right, I think he'll win - but there is more speculation in this one...
Tout est Permis is handicapped to run a big race: whilst Third Win and Rapper are solid options.
It's nearly impossible to fancy Rocket Lad by conventional means - but I have to save on him !

10 units on The Storyteller at 9/2 (55)
5 units on Tout est Permis at 16/1 (85)
3 units on Third Wind at 12/1 (39)
1.5 units on Rapper at 25/1 (38)
0.5 unit on Rocket Man at 66/1 (33)


4:10

I would have liked more time to process this race properly.
Simply the Betts is too short at 7/2 - the question is whether to oppose, or just save on him...
Robin des Forets is very interesting - and I nearly tipped him. He is the main angle into the race.
I'd prefer softer ground for Le Bague au Roi - and Vision des Flos. The latter is also risky (simple as !).
I want to add 1 more: Deyrann de Carjac - he was on my original list and I can't even remember why I took him off !

8 units on Robin des Forets at 16/1 (136)
5 units on Simply the Betts at 10/3 (22)
2 unit on Le Bague au Roi at 16/1 (34)
2 unit on Vision des Flos at 25/1 (52)
3 units on Deyrann de Carjac at 11/1 (36)


5:30

Similar to the previous race, I would have liked a bit more time to properly study this one.
I do like Cloth Cap  - and I'm sure he is capable of winning a race of this nature off this mark, so I am happy to build a position around him.
Champagne Platinum could be anything - and whilst he is risky, he's a risk I would want to take (particularly as his price is drifting).
Diese Aba was my long range fancy for the race - and he should run well (though there isn't much in the price)
Militarian has a chance and is over-priced (though he would prefer soft ground).
I'd also like to add in Milan Native. He's unexposed and could improve for a step up in trip. I also like the jockey booking

9 units on Cloth Cap at 16/1 (153)
6 units on Champagne Platinum at 6/1 (he's 7/1 on BF) (42)
2.5 units on Diese Aba at 8/1 (18)
1 unit on Militarian at 40/1 (41)
1.5 unit on Milan Native at 18/1 (28)

I expect the ground to be riding a fair bit quicker tomorrow.

Not only has there been no rain for the past 2 days - they will be switching to the new course and consequently, fresh ground.

I would still expect it to be on the soft side - but probably no more than that.

There are 3 handicaps (one more than I originally thought !) - and they all have a decent shape.


2:50

Historically this has been the race for plot jobs !
That’s not been quite so much the case in recent years - but I still would prefer one who has hidden his light under a bushel :)

The Storyteller (11/2) looks the biggest plot job in the race !
Davy rode a masterful race to get him into sixth place in the Leopardstown qualifier over Christmas (the first 6 home, qualify for the final).
The handicapper hasn’t really played ball by giving him a mark 7lb higher than in Ireland - but he’s only 2lb higher than when bolting up in the 2018 plate.
The only issue with him, is the price…

Third Wind (11/1) has won 4 of his 5 runs over hurdles - and could still be improving.
He took the EBF final at the back end of last season - and that is always a very strong race.
He’s yet to race over tomorrows trip - but he’s been strong at the finish over half a mile shorter and may well improve for it.

Tout est Permis (20/1) is rated just 5lb lower than The Storyteller over fences - but gets 13lb from him tomorrow.
There is no doubt that he is potentially very well handicapped over hurdles - if things click.
In fairness, he’s not run badly on his 3 tries - just not as well as might have been expected.
The booking of a decent 7lb claimer (Eoin Walsh) is an interesting move.

Rapper (25/1) is a bit of value (at the moment !).
He was beaten just under 2 lengths by Skandiberg last time - but gets a 3lb pull (so there should be little between them).
He also gets Richard Johnson in the saddle - which is rarely a bad thing !
He still has potential as a stayer and I would expect him to run well.

Rocket Lad (33/1) is in danger of becoming an enigma !
I tipped him on his penultimate run at Cheltenham, when he cantered into the lead - but then just kept on cantering (whilst his rivals all ran their hearts out !).
He didn’t do much better last time at Musselburgh - and something doesn’t add up…
I would never tip him - but the matrix method will enable me to save stakes on him (as if he wins, I’ll go crazy !)


4:10

Ideally you want a prominent racer in this.
It’s a very big field - and there is rarely much room.
If you are stuck out the back, not only are you more of a hostage to fortune - you may also struggle to pick a path through.

Simply the Betts (7/2) is blindingly obvious - but can’t really be left off any short list.
On his most recent outing, he was an impressive winner of a strong novice handicap chase, over course and distance.
The runner-up was Imperial Aura - and he really franked the form on Tuesday (and in so doing, crushed the price of Simply the Betts !).
The price is way too short (and I mean, way too short) - but I’ll see how it looks in the  morning…

Le Bague au Roi (14/1) is a horse that I’m very fond of.
I put her up for this race in the ante-post section on the forum - and whilst I couldn’t go mad on her, I do think she has a chance.
Certainly her style of racing will help her keep out of trouble - and she is perfectly suited to an aggressive Dicky ride.

Robin des Foret (16/1) finished third in the Caspian Caviar gold cup, at the December meeting.
He cantered into the race that day, looking sure to win - but was outstayed up the hill.
There is no doubt that he has been a weak finisher - so a recent wind op looks a very interesting move.
If it was his breathing that was stopping him from finishing his races, he should go very close.

Vision des Flos (22/1) is a potentially well handicapped horse.
He is rated 8lb higher over hurdles than he is over fences - and he is more than capable of running to his hurdle rating.
Whether he will be able to run to the same level over fences - particularly in a big field handicap - is open to debate.
It’s also a concern that Colin Tizzards horses haven’t been firing this week.
However, all of that is factored into his price - and if things do drop right for him, he has the ability to go very close.


5:30

This is another race which tends to be won by horses that have been plotted up.
The other big factor, is the booking of the main amateur jockeys - specifically, Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd.

Champagne Platinum (9/2) ticks the 2 key boxes: he looks to have been plotted up - and he’s ridden by Derek O’Connor.
There’s a big question mark over his jumping in such a large field - but if anyone can get him round, it’ll be Derek !
He’s completely unexposed, so really could be anything - and a mark of 138 might under-estimate his ability by some margin.

Diese Aba (8/1) was a good winner, last time at Sandown.
The penny seems to have dropped with his jumping - and whilst he was raised 7lb for that win, there could easily be more to come.
Trip and ground should be fine for him, so I would expect him to run well.

Cloth Cap (20/1) is a horse who has been on my radar all season.
He caught my eye on his seasonal debut at Chepstow - and has run well in his 2 subsequent outings.
However, I suspect he is a fair bit better on good ground - and he’s yet to encounter that this season.
There’s a chance it will be too soft for him again tomorrow - but if it isn’t he will definitely go close.

Militarian (50/1) won a fair race at Ascot, in November.
He’s been unplaced on 3 runs since - but as a result, has edged back down the handicap.
He’s now only 2lb higher than he was for the win - and he shaped with definite promise over an inadequate trip, last time.
He’s maybe more exposed than ideal - but a wind op might bring about some improvement and I would expect him to run a good race.

Daily write-up - Mar 12th (Cheltenham day 3)

Day 3 of the Cheltenham festival.

The action switches to the new course this afternoon - and fresh ground.
There has been a small amount of rain overnight - but I would expect it to be riding a fair bit faster than on the first 2 days.

That said, the new course puts more of an emphasis on stamina (due to its layout) - so the ability to stay a trip, is still required.

Compared to yesterday, todays card has a much better shape for betting - however, this is the point in the week, when my concentration/focus start to really get tested ! (hence me making a slight mess of issuing the tips, this morning !!).

Once again, I’ve not issued many tips - but as with the first 2 days, I’ll be running a live thread in the forum:
http://tvb-forum.2355940.n4.nabble.com/Cheltenham-Live-Thread-Day-3-td20038.html#a20048

This was well received again, yesterday - and I would expect it to be even better today (as there are more potential opportunities).

Anyway, that’s for later - for now, I’ll offer my early thoughts on the days non-handicap races.


Cheltenham

1:30

The action opens with an absolute cracker: Faugheen v Samcro - the rematch !
2 of the most talked about horses in recent years: the former - because of his achievements - the latter, because of his lack of them !
They clashed at Limerick over Christmas, when Faugheeen came home a convincing winner - and Samcro was a massive disappointment.
Faugheen then followed that up at the Dublin Racing festival, becoming a very rare, 12 year old grade 1 winner.
He really is an admirable horse - but I’ll be a little surprised if this isn’t a step too far for him…
I don’t find it as easy to write off Samro.
Apparently he was wrong at Limerick - and whilst he fell on his previous start at Fariyhouse, I felt he had the beating of Fakir D’Oudaries that day - and that’s top class novice form.
I can see him travelling really well in the race - but when push comes to shove, I do wonder if his jumping will hold up…
Itchy Feet was the original fav for the race (Faugheen has now deposed him) - and he has a very good chance.
It’s certainly not hard to see him winning - and I’ll be surprised if he’s not placed.
The same is true of Mister Fisher - and the ground has come right for him.
That said, this is a deep race.
Melon has finished runner up in a Champion hurdle - and has shown decent form over fences. He looks over-priced at 14/1.
Bapaume is another very interesting runner - if you are prepared to ignore his disappointing effort, last time.
I can also see argument for Annie Mac, Reserve Tank - and even Saint Sonnet - which makes it a hard race to get involved with.
That said, Mister Fisher has been my long term fancy for the race - and I think conditions have come right for him.
As the favourites are likely to be overbet (because of their profile), he will represent value (as will Itchy Feet - and some of the outsiders).
Consequently, I think he is worth a small play - even though it’s a tough race.

2:10

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

However, I have also tipped both The Storyteller and Tout Est Permis.

I think the former is the likeliest winner of the race (by some margin).
His run last time, had to be seen to be believed !: he’s won at the festival previously - and he’s not badly handicapped.
However, on form (both over hurdles and fences), he doesn’t have much in hand of Tout Est Permis. Therefore, at 4 times the price, I think he is also worth having on side.

I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from following the suggested staking on the short list - but it will mainly be a case of saving on the others that I suggested.

2:50

Frodon and Aso fought out a thrilling finish to this race 12 months ago - and they will go head-to-head again this afternoon.
Frodon got the better of things last year - and there is no real reason why it won’t be the same again this time.
However, whether a repeat of that effort will be good enough to enable him to retain his crown, is a very different matter.
Whilst it was competitive, last years renewal wasn’t a particularly high class - but that’s not the case this time.
Min and A Plus Tard are from the top draw - and Frodon won’t find it as easy to fend them off.
Of the pair, I slightly prefer Min.
He put up a staggering performance when beating Politologue at last seasons Grand National meeting - and if he repeats that effort today, I can’t see him losing.
In fairness, he’s not guaranteed to run to the same level: certainly his 2 runs this season have been below par (despite him winning and finishing second) - but they were both over 2 miles and he steps up 4 furlongs today, which could make all the difference.
There’s little doubt that A Plus Tard will be at his peak. He hacked up in the novice handicap at the meeting last year - and whilst this will be much harder, it did show that he operates well at the course.
A defeat of Chacan Pour Soi last time, suggested that he has the class required to operate at the very highest level - though there is a chance that win may have flattered him, as the runner up was making his seasonal debut.
I could have given Riders onthe Storm a chance - but he was involved in a brutal race, when winning last time, at Ascot - and he will have done very well to recover from that in under 4 weeks.
And whilst I could also give Saint Calvados half a chance, he really shouldn’t be up to beating a peak form Min.
In short, I think this comes down to what shape Willie Mullins has Min in.
If he’s in the same form he was in at Aintree last year, then I think he will prove be too much for A Plus Tard to handle.

3:30

This race is all about Paisley Park.
He was an impressive winner 12 months ago, when he seemed to switch on a turbo and power up the hill !
He’s unbeaten in 2 races this season - and whilst not quite as impressive, his finishing kick clearly remains - and he will undoubtedly have been trained to reach his peak today.
He has nearly a stone in hand of all of his rivals - and whilst it is quite likely he will look in trouble at some point  it’s equally likely that he will find a way to win.
I couldn’t back him at 4/6 in a 15 runner race - but he could only be opposed in hope (or each way !)
Of his rivals, then I’m quite a fan of Summerville Boy - and he ran Paisley Park quite close last time (when I tipped him).
There is a big discrepancy in their odds (he’s 8/1), for what was little more than a length beating - but that race suited Summerville Boy better than todays will, so it’s hard to see how the form will be reversed.
In theory, an argument can be made for Emitom - but I’m not convinced he is good enough.
City Island is a different matter - though he is returning to hurdles having failed over fences, and that’s not an ideal preparation.
His beating of Champ at last years festival is top class form - and if he is spot on (and provided he stays the trip), he really could give Paisley Park something to think about.
Penhill and Apples Jade both look to be horses in decline - and whilst they would have a chance if rediscovering their best form , it would take a leap of faith to support either.
Ronald Pump could be interesting - because he’s a potential improver. That said, he will need to show significant improvement…
L’Ami Serge is always an interesting horse to watch ! - and in theory could be a back to lay option (though people are now wise to him); whilst Lisnagar Oscar could easily out run dismissive odds - and may be capable of rewarding an EW play, if you can get enhanced terms…
In summary, Paisley Park is by far the most likely winner - and City Island is the only one I could see beating him (assuming the fav runs to form).

4:10

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

4:50

This isn’t a race that I’ve got a strong view on - or have spent much time studying (you have to draw a line somewhere!)
Concertista finished second in the race last year - and ran really well last time, when third behind Black Tears at the Dublin Racing Festival.
That one franked the form with big run in yesterdays Coral cup - and it’s hard to see Concertista not at least going close.
Whether she will be good enough to win, is a different matter…
There is a chance that Minella Melody might be different class.
She was very well regarded when running in bumpers - and is unbeaten in 3 runs over hurdles, this season.
She beat Colreevy on her most recent run - and that one re-opposes today (and is second favourite). In theory, there shouldn’t be much between the pair - but I would expect Minella Melody to confirm the form.
Nothing much jumps out, away from the head of the market - but in truth, it’s a race which I’m likely to just watch…

5:30

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

However, I have also tipped Cloth Cap.
At the odds, I think he is the best bet in the race.
I respect all of the runners at the head of the market - but Jonjo is more than capable of getting one spot on for a race like thisc!

Again, I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from following the suggested staking on the short list - and I might have a slightly different take on things there (to reflect the current odds on offer).

Here’s hoping for a great day ahead !

TVB.

Tips
Chel 1:30 Mister Fisher 0.5pt win 13/2
Chel 2:10 The Storyteller 0.75pt win 5/1
Chel 2:10 Tout est Permis 0.25pt win 20/1
Chel 5:30 Cloth Cap 0.5pt win 20/1
Mentions

Chel 2:50 Min (C ) - best outsider Aso
Chel 3:30 Paisley Park (P ) - best outsider City Island
Chel 4:50 Minella Melody (P )
The letter in brackets is the reason why the Mention wasn’t a tip:
P(rice); (O)pposition; (S)peculative; (C)onditions

Cheltenham handicaps - Day 2

Somewhat ironically, I'm not sure that the matrix method really suits either of todays handicaps - but I'll press on and see what happens...

2:50

This is all about Dame du Compagnie.
I really couldn't be more confident - in a 26 runner minefield of a race !!
Ofcourse the price on her is completely shot - so that needs to be borne in mind.
There is also the issue of luck in-running; worries over the ground - and the possibility that one of her rivals might show much improved form.
Hopefully I've identified the potential big improvers (I've cooled on Stratum) - and I'll save stakes on them

16 units on Dame du Compagnie at 9/2 (88)
2 units on Thosedaysaregone at 14/1 (30)
2 units on Champagne Wells at 14/1 (30)


4:50

The object of the matrix betting is to swing the odds in your favour (by having all of the likely winners on side).
I don't feel confident of doing that in this race - so it's not really a suitable approach.
However, I do think that their could be some 'value' in the short-list, so I'm prepared to spread 8 units across it.

3 units on Thyme White at 12/1 (39)
2 units on Galahad Quest at 25/1 (52)
2 units on Sacchoandvanzetti at 40/1 (82)
1 unit on Clementia at 100/1 (101)

The going at Cheltenham this afternoon, was clearly borderline heavy. There is no rain forecast for the next couple of days, so it will undoubtedly dry out - though that might not make it any easier to get through !

I suspect the ground will be sticky tomorrow - and there will also be the divets from today to deal with.
I expect that stamina will again be more important than speed…


2:50

There’s a huge field for this (26) - but I can’t give many of them a chance.

I strongly fancy the favourite - the tricky bit will be getting an acceptable price !


Dame de Compagnie (6/1) was one of the horses I put up on the ante-post thread in the forum.
That was back on Feb 13th - and at the time, she was a 20/1 shot (NRNB).
I was pretty keen on her then - and I’m even keener now !
She looks to have been layed out for the race - and I’m sure she is very well handicapped.
The only questions in my mind, are: will she cope with the ground ? - and what is the lowest acceptable price in a 26 runner handicap ?!

Stratum (12/1) won the Cesarewitch, under 6 months ago - and has a chance of completing a unique double !
He’s probably not as good over hurdles - but is relatively unexposed, so still has room for improvement.
He’s owned by Tony Bloom - so if he is fancied, he’s likely to be well backed.

Thosedaysaregone (14/1) represents the Charles Byrnes stable - and for that reason alone, needs to be considered.
He was well backed, when he won a good handicap at the Dublin Racing festival, last time - coming with a powerful late run.
He’s significantly higher in the handicap tomorrow - and has an extra 5 furlongs to cover.
However, he could be capable of overcoming both…

Champagne Well (20/1) is still a novice - but he’s a pretty decent one.
He finished second to Thyme Hill back in November - and whilst he’s been beaten twice since, that’s been over 3 miles.
I think he will benefit from the drop in trip tomorrow - particularly considering the ground.


4:50

Of all the handicaps run this week, I will have my least strongest opinion on this one !

It’s restricted to 4 year olds - and so it’s very difficult to gauge form.

Whilst I’m sure plenty of horses have been layed out for it (as is the case with most of the festival handicaps), it has a habit of being won by relative outsiders (apart from last year !)

Just be aware: If I’m not happy with prices tomorrow, I might choose to leave this race alone…


Thyme White (14/1) was decidedly useful on the flat in his native France (ran in a group race).
He’s had 3 runs for Paul Nichols - and has improved with each one.
He was runner up in the first 2 - and then won his most recent outing, in the soft at Musselburgh.
Assuming he continues to progress, then he should have a fair chance.

Galahad Quest (25/1) won the juvenile hurdle on trials day, in January.
He was very game that day, getting the better of Night Edition and Gerolamo Cordano.
Both of them re-oppose tomorrow - and at the revised weights, there should be little between the trio.
However, I suspect the Nick Williams trained runner has the greatest scope for improvement.

Sacchoandvanzetti (40/1) won 2 hurdles in the autumn. On the second occasion, he beat Pasley and Tremwedge - and the third placed horse is now rated 129.
That suggests Sacchoandvanzetti could be well handicapped off a mark of 132 (he beat him 5 lengths, giving him 7lb).
He’s only run once since then - disappointing in a grade 2 at Leopardstown over Christmas, so he will need to bounce back.
However, that’s a possibility - and he’s of some interest at a big price.

Clemencia (50/1) was formerly trained in Ireland by Brendan Duke.
He was a very impressive winner on his second run over hurdles - and was sent off at just 7/1 next time, for a grade 2 contest.
He ran disappointingly in that - and again on his latest start in the grade 1 juvenile contest at the Dublin Racing festival.
He has his first outing tomorrow for Tim Vaughan - and if he can find some improvement, he could also go well, at a big price.

Daily write-up - Mar 11th (Cheltenham day 2)

Day 2 of the Cheltenham festival.

There’s been no overnight rain - and the going description has been changed to ‘soft’ (removing the ‘heavy patches’).
It would be reasonable to assume the ground will therefore be riding a touch quicker than it was yesterday.
However, that may not be the case…!

When wet ground starts to dry, it goes through a ‘sticky’ phase - and I suspect we might see that today !

Unfortunately, such ground suits some horses better than others - and it’s hard to know in advance, which ones will take to it and which ones won’t…

On the plus side - there were never going to be many betting opportunities today.
In fact, I am struggling to think of a more punter unfriendly festival card !

4 of the 7 races have very short priced favs (2 of them are odds on): whilst of the remaining 3, 2 are big field handicaps.
That leaves just one race, in which you would conventionally want to play - but it’s a very hard one to fathom…

As a consequence, I’ve just got one tip on the day - though I do quite fancy it !

Just a quick reminder about the Live thread in the forum:
I ran it yesterday afternoon - and it seemed to be well received (by those who commented !).
This is not a selling exercise - but I gave positive mentions to both Shishkin and Honeysuckle, in the live markets - and I know a few took advantage.
It certainly gives a different dimension, being able to offer views, without worrying about price crashes !
Anyway, if you are interested, here is the link to todays thread:
http://tvb-forum.2355940.n4.nabble.com/Cheltenham-Live-Thread-Day-2-td19927.html#a19943



Cheltenham

1:30

The runs of Abacadabras and Darver Star yesterday, seriously franked the form of Envoi Allen - and he is very much the one to beat in this.
Unbeaten in 7 runs under rules - he won the bumper at last years festival and has won his 3 hurdle races this season.
The second of those, was the grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse - in which he comfortably accounted for Abacadabras and Darver Star.
That was over 2 miles - but he was stepped up a further 4 furlongs, on his most recent start, when he beat Elixir D’Anay at Naas.
He wasn’t quite as impressive that day - but he still won by nearly 4 lengths - and the runner up enhanced that form, when an unlucky late faller in yesterdays supreme.
In short, Envoi Allen can boast an exceptional level of form - and in all probability, he will only lose this race, if he under-performs.
Ofcourse, that is a possibility - particularly on the likely sticky ground - but it’s not something I would want to bet on.
In terms of what’s likely to chase him home, then despite quite a strong looking field, Sporting John appears by far the most likely.
He’s shown great ability to win his 3 hurdle races to date - and if Envoi Allen weren’t in the field, he would be a worthy favourite.
The Big Breakaway and The big Getaway, have also both shown a lot of potential, however they are likely to be next years horses (both are huge - as their names suggest !) - which might allow Easywork to take third place.
He disappointed on his latest outing - but should be better suited by todays longer trip.
Son of Camas is the one of most interest at really big prices - though he will need to find significant improvement, just to be placed.

2:10

In theory, this is the most attractive betting race on the card - but it looks a minefield !
The 10 runners are separated by only 9lb on official ratings - and whilst it would be a little surprising to see either of the outsiders (Castlebawn West and Aye Right) come home in front, stranger things have happened !
Certainly, I wouldn’t want to discount any of the remaining 8 - which makes taking a stance on the race, quite tricky…
Ignoring the odds, I would make Minella Indo the most likely winner (despite him having the second lowest official rating !).
He won the Albert Bartlett at last years festival, so clearly goes well at the course.
The only issue is - he’s now the race favourite !
Furthermore, he doesn’t have a lot in hand of Allaho - so it would be hard to back him at a short price.
Champ and Copperhead lead the home defence - and whilst victory for either wouldn’t come as a great surprise, neither are bombproof.
Champ is probably the most talented runner in the race - but he sometimes can't be bothered to jump the fences!
Copperhead is a very different beast - the question with him is whether he has sufficient class to win a race of this nature.
At the prices, I would struggle to support any of the 4 mentioned - which suggests there should be ‘value’ in the other 4.
And there probably is - I’m just a little disinclined to support horses when I don’t really fancy them...
I guess one option would be to lay the first 4 in the market - knowing that you’d have at least 3 losers - and 6 others on your side who have half a chance !
If I was forced to just select one for a bet, I’d probably go with Battleoverdoyen.
He disappointed at last years festival (when a short priced fav for the Ballymore) - and he fell last time (again, when a short priced fav) - so he definitely comes with risks attached.
On the flip side, he has masses of ability -and Gordon Elliott has deemed it worth bringing him over.
He’s 14/1 as I type - but if he gets backed down to single figures at the off, I’d be tempted to take the hint.

2:50

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

However, I have also tipped Dame du Compagnie - because I think her by far the most likely race winner !

As with yesterday, I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from following the suggested staking on the short list - but it will simply be a case of max stake on her - and savers on a few of the possible dangers…

3:30

The late defection of Altior has robbed this race of a good chunk of it’s interest.
The reigning champion would have been looking for his third consecutive win in the race - and should have faced his toughest test to date.
It’s a shame that we won’t get to find out whether he would have been up to the challenge…
In his absence, it now looks like being a match between Defi du Seuil and Chacon Pour Soir - and whilst it is still an intriguing contest, it’s not really a betting medium…
Defi and Chacon actually met at Punchestown, at the back end of last season - when the latter announced himself as a coming force in the 2 mile chasing division.
Prior to that race, he had only run once for Willie Mullins - wining a modest Beginners chase at Naas.
However, a 4 length despatching of Defi, showed that he was a potential star in the making.
Based purely on that run, then todays race shouldn’t really be a contest (Chacon should again win) - however there are reasons for thinking that Defi might be able to reverse the form.
For a start, it was the final run of what had been a tough season for him: whilst he has also looked an improved performer this campaign.
Of the two, I think he is likely to be better suited by the holding ground - and you would always favour the stalker in a 2 horse race !
In truth, it’s an impossible one to call with confidence - I just hope we get to see the showdown run to completion.
Of the others, then Dynamite Dollars looks the most interesting.
He was a very good novice last season - until injury curtailed his campaign.
He made a pleasing comeback behind Altior at Newbury last month, and if he can build on that, he appears the one most likely to follow the principals home.
That said, on the book, Defi doesn’t have much in hand of Politologue - who himself finished second on this race 12 months ago.
Though the fact that Harry Cobden has opted for Dynamite Dollars ahead of Politologue, makes the former even more interesting !
Whether it makes him sufficiently interesting to warrant getting involved, is a different matter - though I may have a small wager on him just in case !

4:10

However you look at this race, Tiger Roll is by far the most likely winner…
He’s won the past 2 renewals (last season by 20 lengths) - and will have been primed for his hat-trick bid this afternoon.
Ofcourse, he’s also won the past 2 renewals of the Grand National - and on official ratings, is over 20lb clear of all bar 2 of his rivals.
I thought he shaped with definite promise on his comeback run over hurdles, last month - and it will be a real shock if he is beaten.
In truth, it looks as if he’s only got 1 rival to beat (plus a tricky course to navigate !) - and if you can get even money about him (which may be possible), then I think it can be argued that it’s a very decent bet…
The potential fly in the ointment, is Easyland.
He was an impressive winner over this course in December - and at just 6 years old, appears the coming force in the discipline.
Certainly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him present Tiger Roll with a real challenge in 12 months time - but with Tiger still at his peak, he will need to be exceptional, if he's going to beat him…
Whilst there are 14 other runners, then assuming there are no slips ups from the big 2, it will be a little surprising if any of them are involved in the finish.
Might Bite is obviously the most interesting of the remainder, on his first try over the banks course.
If he retained his old ability, then he would be a proper challenger for Tiger Roll - but he now looks a shadow of his former self.
Of the the others, then I would maybe nominate Diesel Dallier as the most likely to take third place - but in reality, this is likely to just be a a watching race…

4:50

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

5:30

This is another race that makes minimal appeal, from a betting perspective.
Appreciate It heads the market and is a very short priced favourite.
There are 2 reasons for that: firstly, he was an impressive winner of the bumper at the Dublin Racing festival - and winners of that race, have a very good record in this contest; and secondly, he is trained by Willie Mullins !
Willie invariably has a particularly strong set of bumper horses - and it would appear that this one sits head and shoulders above his stable mates !
Obviously, I couldn’t back him - but equally, I would be guessing if I put up anything against him…
If I was to try and find a ‘value’ bet in the race, I would probably side with one of Gordon Elliotts runners.
He saddles 3 in the race: Darling Daughter, Queens Brook and Eskylane.
The first 2 are mares - so get an allowance; whilst the third actually finished a place in front of Appreciate It, when both of them made their debut at Fairyhouse in November.
The expectation is that Appreciate It has subsequently made the greater improvement - but that may not be the case (Eskylane has won his only subsequent race).
David Pipe appears to provide the strongest home challengers - but I’m not entirely convinced by either of his runners and wouldn’t be surprised to see the Tom Lacey trained Adrimal, do best of the English.

Here’s hoping for a great day ahead !

TVB.

Tips
Chel 2:50 Dame du Compagnie 1pt win 5/1
Mentions

Chel 1:30 Envoi Allen (P ) - best outsider Easywork
Chel 2:10 Minella Indo (O ) - best outsider Battleoverdoyen
Chel 3:30 Defi du Seuil (P) - best outsider Dynamite Dollars
Chel 4:10 Tiger Roll (P ) - best outsider Diesel Dallier
Chel 5:30 Appreciate It (P ) - best outsider Eskylane
The letter in brackets is the reason why the Mention wasn’t a tip:
P(rice); (O)pposition; (S)peculative; (C)onditions

Cheltenham handicaps - Day 1

The state of the ground makes me a little nervous about getting too heavily involved, today.
I'd be far happier to commit after watching the first 2 races - but that's not really practical, when you are 'tipping' !
As a consequence, I'll hedge my bets a little with the handicaps (this method lends itself to that).


2:50

I'm torn between The Conditional and Discorama - and did consider tipping both.
However, there isn't much in their prices - and it's a competitive enough race (as you would expect).
No Comment always struck me as a 'saver' (as likely not to complete, as he is to go close); whilst the ground seems to have gone against Cobra de Mai (but I still need to cover him - just in case !).
I'm going to add in Quarenta - who is Harry Cobdens only ride of the day (and for Jonjo - which is particularly interesting)
I am a little worried about Vindication - but at the price, I think he should be opposed.

7 units on The Conditional at 15/2 (59.5)
7 units on Discorama at 8/1 (63)
2 units on No Comment at 11/1 (24)
3 units on Cobra de Mai at 20/1 (63)
1 unit on Quarenta at 33/1 (34)


4:50

As I said in the write-up, Hold the Note is my main fancy in this - and he can be backed at an expectable price.
There's been money for Beakstown - which is interesting, considering the ground.
However, I can only save on him: along with Imperial Aura (price too short) - and Galvin (needs to jump better - but might just do that !)
Knight in Dubai has to be worth a risk at such a big price - even though he is clearly the stable second string.

10 units on Hold the Note at 17/2 (95)
3 units on Imperial Aura at 5/1 (18)
2 units on Galvin at 15/2 (17)
2 units on Beakstown at 12/1 (26)
3 units on Knight in Dubai at 33/1 (102)

As I mentioned yesterday, I plan to preview all of the Cheltenham handicaps, using the ‘matrix method’.

Producing short-lists the night before, will help reduce the workload for the write-ups (and creating those, 4 days in a row, is always a challenge !).

There are 2 handicaps on each of the first 3 days of the meeting - and 3 on Friday.

There is a chance (quite a strong one !) that I’ll tip in some of the handicaps - in which case, I’ll probably look to do so, early on the race day morning.

Regardless, I will suggest how you could spread 20 units across the short-list, after I’ve issued the write-up (so late on the race day morning).


On a slightly different note: I’ve created a ‘live thread’ in the forum, for day 1:
http://tvb-forum.2355940.n4.nabble.com/Cheltenham-Live-Thread-Day-1-td19848.html

I’ll update it with random thoughts/observations, relating to the first day.
I’ll do the same for the other 3 days - hopefully it will prove to be of some value/interest…


Cheltenham Handicaps - Day 1

As seems to have been the case all season, the ground for day 1 of the festival, is the big conundrum…

It hadn’t rained for a few days and I’m reasonably sure that - as of this afternoon - it was genuinely soft ground (which would be great !).

However, it is currently raining at Cheltenham - and the expectation is that they will get around 5mm of rain before racing starts tomorrow.

Ofcourse, there is a chance they will get more - or possibly, less !

There isn’t much more rain forecast fro the rest of the week, so hopefully this particular issue will only be with us for 1 day.

That said, with the uncertainty, committing to any tips before tomorrow morning, makes no sense - so don’t expect anything before 9:00 in the morning…


2:50

The main angle with this race, is taking on the favourite, Vindication.

I don’t doubt he’s a good horse - but he has to carry top weight and will be going left handed, when he seems to have a marked preference for right handed.

I think there is more chance of him not completing than there is of him winning.
I’ll be very tempted to place lay him at 2/1 (possibly saving stakes on a win bet, just in case he does outclass his rivals !)

Discorama (8/1) has finished second at the last 2 festivals - and is not badly handicapped on a mark of 148.
His second in a grade 1 last season, gives him an outstanding chance - and whilst he’s not run to that level this season, a recent wind op could see him bounce back to form.
He’ll have no issue, whatever the ground.

The Conditional (15/2) will be hard to keep out of the frame.
He won over course and distance at the October meeting - and then finished second in the Hennessey.
He didn’t seem to stay the extreme trip last time - so dropping back in distance, should suit him.
Again, he won’t might whatever the ground…

No Comment (12/1) was an eye catcher on his first 2 runs this season, over inadequate trips.
On the back of those, he was sent off at just 15/2 for the Paddy Power chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
He fell in that race - but was still going OK at the time.
He’s a little more speculative - but definitely has a chance.

Cobra de Mai (16/1) would be very interesting indeed - without the rain.
He hacked up over the course last April - and is back down to the same mark, tomorrow.
He’s been a real eye catcher the last twice - and it looks as if connections have been teeing him up for this.
Tongue tie and cheek-pieces are re-applied - and Harry Skelton is back in the saddle.
The big worry is softening ground…



4:50

The right horses look to be at the head of the market for this, which will make things tricky.

That said, there are quite a few I couldn’t fancy - it’s just that the market doesn’t rate them either !

Imperial Aura (11/2) has been targeted at this race - and it’s hard to see him not going close.
He finished second in a very strong handicap over course and distance last time - and the 7lb rise he got, ensured he was high enough rate to run tomorrow.
He previous run against Pym, also reads well - and he should have no issue with the ground (however it may ride).

Galvin (7/1) also looks to have been targeted at the race.
He finished sixth in the grade 1 Ballymore hurdle at last years festival - and that suggests he is reasonably handicapped, off a mark of 142.
His 3 runs over fences this season, have all been about getting experience, whilst ensuring he wasn’t handicapped out of tomorrows race.
His stamina isn’t completely proven - but the main issue, is his inexperience.
I’m sure he has the raw talent to go very close.

Hold the Note (15/2) is an improving horse.
I’ve tipped him on his last 2 runs - and he’s been very unlucky not to collect, on both occasions.
Tomorrows trip should be perfect for him - and whilst he’s maybe a few pounds higher in the handicap than ideal, I suspect he’s capable of rating a fair bit higher yet.

Beakstown (16/1) is yet another who looks to have been targeted at this race.
Like Galvin, he ran in last years Ballymore hurdle - though didn’t perform quite as well.
Again, as with Galvin, his 3 chases this season, have been about gaining experience, whilst not messing up his handicap mark.
The main issue with him, is that he would prefer decent ground (unlike Galvin !).

Knight in Dubai (33/1) was my original fancy for the race !
However, it would appear that the Skeltons prefer the chances of Beakstown.
Unlike him, Knight in Dubai will have no issue with rain softened ground - and he looked a natural over fences, on his first 2 starts this season.
I’d even be prepared to forgive him his defeat last time (in desperate ground).

Daily write-up - Mar 10th (Cheltenham day 1)

Day 1 of the 2020 Cheltenham festival.

I wasn’t completely convinced that it would survive the recent biblical weather - or the coronavirus outbreak - but it looks at if it’s going to !

That said, the weather has managed to add a little twist to the story: there were 4mm of rain overnight, so we are left guessing (to an extent) over the state of the ground.

Ofcourse, it’s a familiar story.
Barely a weekend has passed this season, without me having to spend as much time studying the weather forecast, as the fields for the big races.
If the tipping ever gets too much, I might turn my hand to meteorology, instead !

As I suggested would be the case, I’ve gone very light on the tips.
Partially because of the uncertainty over the ground - but also because the racing is so competitive.
Whilst I’m sure I can find a load of great bets, I’m less confident that I can find a load of winners !

My plan this week, is just to officially tip, what I consider to be the best bets on the day.
I’ve no doubt there will be a lot of frustration over what might have been - but I suspect that would happen however I chose to handle things !

One other thing:
I’m not going to produce any ‘reviews of the day’ during the festival.
Cheltenham week is always very hard going (for me !) - and I’m not sure the reviews add much value (particularly if I’m not tipping very much).
They take me about an hour to produce - and I suspect that time would be better spent studying (or checking out the weather forecast !).

I’m also committed to posting on the Live threads - and simply, there are only so many hours, and so much I can do…

Anyway, enough of that - and on to my previews for the day 1 races.


Cheltenham

1:30

There is a very strong field assembled for the opening race of the meeting - and I suspect the winner will prove to be a very good horse.
However, figuring out which one it will be, is not an easy matter..!
I could give a chance to the top 8 in the betting - and generally, the market has them positioned about right.
I thought yesterday, that I might be tipping Abracadabras - but his price has contracted markedly (from 6/1 to 7/2).
The suggestion is that he is well fancied - and I can completely understand that.
I’d make him just about the most likely winner of the race - though softening ground, won’t help with his slightly suspect stamina (nor will the Cheltenham hill).
He’s a classic ‘back to lay in-running’ - as he will travel strongly through the race. However, his price is now too tight for me to consider tipping him.
Asteron Forlong and Shishkin are the 2 most obvious dangers: though the former has a tendency to jump to the right (not ideal on a left handed track !); whilst the latter still has a fair bit to prove (but could easily be top class).
I have a few doubts about Chantry House; whilst Fiddleronthehoof could have been flattered by his last time out win on exceptionally heavy ground.
I’d be less keen on supporting either of those 2.
Captain Guiness is a very interesting outsider - if he settles: whilst I could also see Edwardstone running a really big race, provided the ground isn’t too soft.

2:10

This is another very strong race - but I’m prepared to get involved with it, because I think Esprit du Large represents good value.
He’s probably not the most likely winner of the race - but he has a good chance - and that chance is under-estimated by his current odds.
As many of you will be aware, I put him up on the ante-post thread in the forum (so he’s been on my radar for a while !).
That was on the back of him winning the grade 1 Henry VIII novice chase at Sandown in December.
I was really impressed with him that day, as he beat a good field, on what was only his third run over fences.
He’s clearly a horse who is improving fast - and I like the fact that he has been targeted at this race, since that point.
I also like the fact that he is a horse who gets ridden patiently.
The downside of that, is that he is a hostage to fortune (as Kalashnikov showed in this race 12 months ago !) - but there is a surfeit of pace in todays race and I’m sure that sitting off it, will prove to be the right tactic.
Many of his rivals can be given a chance - and a lot will depend on how the race pans out.
I probably see Fakir D’oudaries as the main danger - even thought he should have his work cut out to beat Notebook !
Fakir is an immaculate jumper - and round Cheltenham, that’s should prove a real asset.
Brewinupastorm and Rouge Vif, are 2 others who I could see running very well - but in truth, I would struggle to eliminate many.

2:50

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly…

3:30

This is without doubt an exceptionally open renewal of the Champion hurdle !
There are 17 runners - and at least 15 of them can be given a chance (and I wouldn’t totally dismiss the other 2 !).
It could well end up a race that is won by an ability to handle the ground; tactics;  jockey decisions or simply, luck in-running !
Epatante heads the betting, because she has the greatest potential.
There are numerous question marks over her (ground, course, field size) - but she has more untapped potential than her rivals.
It’s a similar situation with Pentland Hills. He won last years Triumph hurdle - but has appeared not to finish his 2 races this season. A breathing op may have sorted that out - but then again…
At their respective prices, it would be hard to side with either of them.
That said, it’s hard to find anything to side with !
I put up Cornerstone Lad on the ante-post thread in the forum - and he certainly has a chance of at least placing.
A form case can be made for him; he is the right age; will handle the ground - and can be backed at 33/1.
There will be worse bets - even if I wouldn’t be overly confident about his chances.
Of the others, then I could see both Not so Sleepy and Couer Sublime, outrunning their odds.
The former likes to front run - so could provide a good back-to-lay opportunity; whilst the latter, is a strong traveller (who has also had a wind op) - and he too could be make a good in-running trade.
Last years third, Silver Streak, again has a chance of hitting the frame: whilst Darasso is a very dark one, at a very big price !
In short, it’s impossible to suggest an angle which isn’t very speculative.
I certainly couldn’t get involved with anything in the race at a single figure price - even though one of the market leaders may well win.
I’m happy enough with a small unofficial play on Cornerstone Lad - and maybe a couple of in-running trades.
It will be fascinating to see who does come out on top - and how much more positively the winner is viewed after the race, compared to before !

4:10

The market suggests this is a match between Benie des Dieux and Honeysuckle - and it’s hard to disagree.
The former would have won the corresponding race 12 months ago, if she’d not taken an unlikely looking fall at the final flight.
She’s won her 3 races this season - and comes into this years renewal in even better from than a year ago.
She’s going to take a bit of beating (assuming she stands up, this time !).
That said, in Honeysuckle, she faces a stronger rival than anything she faced last year.
She’s unbeaten in 7 runs over hurdles - winning the grade 1 Irish Champion hurdle , last time.
She wasn’t overly impressive that day - but the step up in trip by half a mile should help her and she’s likely to give Benie a race.
Of the pair, I prefer Benie - but so does the market, so there’s not really a betting angle there.
In fact, the main interest in the race from a betting perspective, is probably trying to figure out who will finish third.
Last years first and second, Rokasana and Stormy Island, are the obvious  candidates.
However, I might be more inclined to take a chance on Lady Buttons.
She finished a well beaten 4th 12 months ago - but under-performed that day.
She’s been in really good form this season and it could be worth taking a chance that she can reverse the form with the 2 who finished in front of her.
However, whether she can get the better of either of the market leaders, is a completely different matter !

4:50

I issued the short-list for this race yesterday evening - and will suggest bets, shortly.

However, I have also tipped Hold the Note.
That’s because I think him the most likely winner - and he can be backed at an acceptable price.

I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from following the suggested staking on the short list - but he will have 10pts staked on him - and that effectively equates to 0.5pt.

5:30

This race has a history of going to horses with the highest official ratings.
As Lord du Mesnil and Carefully Selected are rated at least 8lb superior to all of their rivals, there is therefore an argument for focusing solely on them…
The 2 have quite different profiles:
Lord du Mesnil has progressed through handicaps this season.
He was rated 115 when he contested his first one in October - and is now rated 38lbs higher (at 153).
That is some improvement - and as the horse will have no issue with the trip or ground, then clearly it’s quite easy to make a case for him.
On the flip side, he’s unproven at the course (or even at a similar course) - and will be having his seventh run of the season, having endured a number of tough races.
In short, his preparation, has hardly been text book !
By contrast, Carefully Selected has always threatened to be a top class horse.
He finished second in the bumper at the 2018 festival - and whilst he missed most of last season, he did still make it back in time to finish third in a grade 1 novice hurdle at the Punchestown festival.
He’s won 3 novice chases this season - and would doubtless have been amongst the market leaders if he had gone for the RSA instead of this.
In short, he has a far more suitable profile for today race.
The main issue with him, appears to be his jumping. He’s a slightly clumsy horse and was a touch fortunate not to fall, last time at Naas.
If he makes a similar mistake today, he’s likely to pay the price…
Outside of the pair, half case can be made for most of the runners - but it’s hard to make a solid case for anything.
As a consequence, I suggested Ocean Cover EW in the forum. At 40/1, with 4 places, he has a fair chance of collecting.
As for the race winner, then my preference is Carefully Selected (by a fair margin) - the question is simply, what is an acceptable price..?
At 5/2, I’d be tempted: at 3/1, I’d definitely play - however his price is currently moving in the wrong direction !

Here’s hoping for a great day ahead !

TVB.

Tips
Chel 2:10 Esprit du Large 0.5pt win 12/1
Chel 4:50 Hold the Note 0.5pt win 9/1
Mentions

Chel 1:30 Abracadabras (C ) - best outsider Captain Guiness
Chel 3:30 Epatante (P ) - best outsider Cornerstone Lad
Chel 4:10 Benie des Dieux (P) - best outsider Lady Buttons
Chel 5:30 Carefully Selected (P ) - best outsider Ocean Cove
The letter in brackets is the reason why the Mention wasn’t a tip:
P(rice); (O)pposition; (S)peculative; (C)onditions