Thursday 14 March 2019

Cheltenham Festival 2019 - Day Three

JLT NOVICES’ CHASE
(REGISTERED AS THE GOLDEN MILLER NOVICES; CHASE)
2 Mile 3 Furlongs 198 Yards, Grade 2 Novice Chase


Overview
We now have 8 renewals in the bank and some strong trends are coming to the fore.


Last 8 Winners- average 4.8 stars
2018  ****    Shattered Love (4/1)
2017  *****  Yorkhill (6/4 fav)
2016  *****  Black Hercules (4/1 co fav)
2015  *****  Vautour (6/4 fav)
2014  *****  Taquin Du Seuil (7/1)
2013  *****  Benefficient (20/1)
2012  *****  Sir Des Champs (3/1)
2011  ****    Noble Prince (4/1)


8-Year Trends
8/8 Won over at 2m4 or 2m5f.
8/8 Had an Adjusted RPR of 161 or more.
8/8 Were aged 6 or 7.
8/8 Had between 2 and 5 Chase runs.
8/8 Were in the top 4 all finishes.
8/8 Won a Class 1 Chase or were 2nd in a Grade 1.
8/8 Had ran at a previous festival
7/8 Had run within the last 54 days. [Shattered Love 76 days]
7/8 Won their last completed finish..[Noble Prince (2nd)]


Additionally
17 of the 24 top 3 finishers had won last time out.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
5yo 0-2-5
6yo 2-6-29
7yo 6-6-31
8yo 0-2-11
9yo 0-0-4


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Willie Mullins (Ire) 4-1-14
Nigel Twiston-Davies 0-3-6
Nicky Henderson  0-3-10
Noel Meade (Ire)  0-2-3


Contenders
*         Capeland (28/1)
Not good enough on what we’ve seen so far.

****   Defi Du Deuil (3/1 fav)
5th on debut, but bounced back since winning the Grade 1 Scilly Isles. Turned form around with Lostintranslation on level weights.

***     Kildisart (8/1)
Horses in Grade 1’s from handicaps have a terrible record. His lack of Graded experience is a worry.

***** Lostintranslation (7/2)
Beaten by Defi Du Seuil last time his only blemish. Big chance.

*         Mengli Khan (16/1)
3rd in last years Supreme Novices Hurdle. Behind Us And Them last time and he ran well on Tuesday, but unproven at this trip and best watched.

****   Real Steel (13/2)
Has a lack of Graded form and fell on debut. Need to step up again.

***     Vinndication (15/2)
Thought he’d run in the RSA Chase. Behind Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation last time. Very short in the market for that defeat.

****   Voix Du Reve (10/1)
Chase form over shorter. Fell last time when going well. Can’t rule out.

****   Castafiore (33/1)
Better suited for the Close Brother Handicap, did he not get in? Has won a Grade 2, but lots to find on these terms.

****   Pravalaguna (14/1)
Won at Listed level, hard to evaluate, a mare did win last year, but allowance puts her near the others and needs more.

Conclusion
No each-way value, Mengli Khan possibly. I think Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation will be at the business end and preference is for the former.

Selections
DEFI DU SEUIL @ 100/30, Betway, 3/1 general.




PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL HANDICAP HURDLE
2 Miles 7 Furlongs 213 Yards, Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle


Overview
Delta Work did not do me any favours last year, busting a lot of preconceptions about the race. Perhaps it’s best to focus on the young and upcoming horses coming over from Ireland, especially Gordon Elliott’s or Pat Kelly’s charges. We will see.


Last 10 Winners- average 3.5 stars
2018  **        Delta Work (6/1)
2017  ***      Presenting Percy (11/1)
2016  *****  Mall Dini (14/1)
2015  *****  Call The Cops (9/1)
2014  ***      Fingal Bay (9/2 fav)
2013  ****    Holywell (25/1)
2012  *****  Cape Tribulation (14/1)
2011  **        Buena Vista (20/1)
2010  **        Buena Vista (16/1)
2009  ****    Kayf Aramis (16/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Had run within the last 61 days.
  9/10 Were either British or Irish-bred. [Delta Work last year was]
  9/10 Weight carried within 12lbs of bottom weight. [exception Fingal Bay (15lbs)]
  9/10 Had won at least a Class 3 Hurdle.[Holywell won a Class4]
  8/10 Were aged between 6 and 9. [Buena Vista retained his title aged 10, Delta Work was 5]
  8/10 Between 6 and 10 Hurdle runs. [Buena Vista was a seasoned hurdler in both wins]
  8/10 Finished Top 4 last time. [Buena Vista the exception both times]
  7/10 Had won over 3 miles or more. [Exceptions won over 2m4f and Delta Work’s only win came over 2m1/2, however his class was there and he was runner up in a 3m, Grade 2 Hurdle on his last run]
  7/10 Officially rated between 133 and 142.


Additionally
15 of the last 17 winners were rated lower than 143.
12 of the last 15 winners were 10/1 or bigger, including two 50/1 winners.
12 of the last 23 winners had won last-time out from only 22% of runners.
4 of the last 6 winners were 6 year olds.
Delta Work became only the second 5yo to have won in the history of the race.
Delta Work became the first French-bred winner in 24 years.
Just 2 of the last 22 winners had won their qualifying race.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  5yo 1-2-12
  6yo 4-8-59
  7yo 1-9-65
  8yo 2-7-49
  9yo 1-1-23
10yo 1-1-15
11yo 0-2-10
12yo 0-0-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
David Pipe 2-4-20
Patrick Kelly (Ire) 2-0-2
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 1-3-6
Venetia Williams 1-1-6
Jonjo O’Neill 1-1-15
Philp Hobbs 1-1-19
Alan King 0-4-7
Paul Nicholls 0-3-13



Contenders
*         Walk To Freedon (11/1)
**       A Toi Phil (14/1)
*         Sire Du Berlais (11/2 fav)
****   Boyhood (16/1)
*         Padleyourowncanoe (50/1)
****   First Assingment (12/1)
***     Eminent Poet (50/1)
****   Aaron Lad (14/1)
****   Black Mischief (25/1)
***** Not Many Left (14/1)
****   Coole Cody (40/1)
****   Theclockisticking (25/1)
****   Thermistocles (14/1)
***** Flemcara (20/1)
****   Cuneo (14/1)
****   Oh Land Abloom (40/1)
**       Wait For Me (40/1)
***** Tobefair (66/1)
***     Samburu Shujaa (10/1)
****   Notwhatiam (11/1)
***** Champers On Ice (14/1)
***     Abolitionist (18/1)
***     Aspen Colorado (50/1)


Conclusion
Sire Du Berlais could absolutely hack up here, but he doesn’t fit our trends, so we’ll look elsewhere. While Not Many Left is perfect on the trends, his last run was at Huntingdon, which is the graveyard of many a Cheltenham horse. Champers On Ice was a good prospect a while back and at the bottom of the weights should be considered. Boyhood and First Assignment have form that ties in with Paisley Park and are interesting.


Selections
Selections
BOYHOOD @ 25/1, Marathon, 4 places, 22/1 Bet365, Ladbrkes, Betvictor, Betfred/tote 5 places.
CHAMPERS ON ICE @ 12/1, Bet365, Skybet 5 places
FIRST ASSINGMENT @ 12/1, Bet365, Blacktype 5 places, general 4 places



RYANAIR CHASE
(REGISTERED AS THE FESTIVAL TROPHY)
2 Miles 4 Furlongs 166 Yards, Grade 1 Chase


Overview
Good race in the past, lacking a bit of sparkle this year.

Last 10 Winners- average 4.2 stars
2018  ***      Balko Des Flos (8/1)
2017  *****  Un De Sceaux (7/4 fav)
2016  *****  Vautour (evs fav)
2015  *****  Uxizandre (16/1)
2014  *****  Dynaste (3/1 fav)
2013  *****  Cue Card (7/2)
2012  ****    Riverside Theatre (7/2 fav)
2011  ***      Albertas Run (6/1)
2010  ****    Albertas Run (14/1)
2009  **        Imperial Commander (6/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Had finished top 2 in one of their last 2 Chase finishes.
10/10 Had won over 2m4 or 2m5f.
  9/10 Aged 7-9 [Exception Albertas Run when winning again]
  9/10 Had an Adjusted RPR of 170 or more [OR 162]. [Imperial Commander (165) OR 156]
  9/10 Had less than 5 runs since October. [Albertas Run had more in his first win]
  9/10 Had run between 5 and 17 times over fences. [Albertas Run (22) won the previous year.]
  9/10 Were rated within 7lbs of the RPR Top rated horse. The last 9 winners. [Imperial Commander (19lbs)]
  8/10 Had won at the course.
  8/10 Had won a Grade 1 chase, [Imperial Commander won a Grade 3. Balko Des Flos was 2nd in a Grade 1]


Additionally
10 of the 13 winners started at 6/1 or shorter.
10 of the 11 winners since the race was upgraded in 2008 were rated 161+ on official ratings.
10 of the 11 winners since the upgrade were rated 170+ by the Racing Post A RPR.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  6yo 0-1-3
  7yo 4-6-19
  8yo 3-6-38
  9yo 2-3-27
10yo 1-1-12
11yo 0-1-5
12yo 0-0-4


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Willie Mullins (Ire) 2-3-11
Jonjo O’Neill 2-1-7
Alan King 1-2-8
Nicky Henderson 1-2-13
Henry De Bormhead (Ire) 1-1-4


Contenders
**       Aso (33/1)
Decent at a lower level. 19 Chases now and won’t be winning.

****   Balko Des Flos (16/1)
Winner last year, this is a tougher test, 0 from 3 this season, but 2 tries at 3 Miles in there.

*         Charbel (25/1)
Grade 2 winner, but found wanting at highest level.

***     Coney Island (33/1)
Highly rated Novice, but had injury problems. Not sure he’s got it any more.

****   Footpad (4/1 jtfav)
Great 2 mile Novice last season, not gone so well this season. Has won at 2m 31/2f, unproven over this trip.

****   Frodon (13/2)
Joint top-rated horse, had plenty of races but nothing at the top level. May get taken on up front, which could kill his chance.

****   Monalee (9/2)
2nd in the RSA last year, good run last time. Likes to lead, but there’s plenty of those in the race and with the ground drying out he may get outpaced. Has the stamina if he’s upsides at the end.

***** Road To Respect (4/1 jtfav)
Perfect horse, however what we say about Monalee, applies here. He’ll let them go mad up front, but needs to keep up to have a chance. Drying ground benefits him, but might not play to his stamina strengths.

*         Sub Lieutenant (50/1)
Former decent horse, but now too old.

***     Terrefort (25/1)
Looked a very good prospect at Aintree after a Festival 2nd. But hasn’t gone on this season. To be fair he’s been losing over 3 miles to Gold Cup horses. Soft ground preferred at this trip.

**       The Storyteller (20/1)
Very fortunate Grade 1 Novice winner last year. Nothing since, can’t recommend today.

***     Un De Sceaux (11/2)
Former champ, still as good as ever, but didn’t stay on soft ground last year, so hard to recommend a year later aged 11.


Conclusion
Looks a good field, but lacks the sparkle of recent seasons. Plenty of pace at the front end if required and it may pay to stick with the top-rated 5 star horse, Road To Respect, though drying ground over this distance is a slight concern. Terrafort also comes into it dropping back in trip.


Selections
ROAD TO RESPECT @ 4/1 general
TERRAFORT @ 22/1 general, 3 places




SUN RACING STAYERS’ HURDLE
2 Miles 7 Furlongs 213 Yards, Grade 1 Hurdle


Overview
Penhill became the first runner from the Albert Bartlett (Spa) Novices’ Hurdle ever to win this, he also did it while being off the track for 11 months. Our bet, Sam Spinner, who had done what Paisley Park has done this season, decided to lead out and got swamped in the home straight, although our money was done as soon as no-one else wanted to lead after half a furlong.


Last 10 Winners- average 3.5 stars
2018  **        Penhill (12/1)
2017  ****    Nichols Canyon (10/1)
2016  ****    Thistlecrack (evs fav)
2015  **        Cole Harden (14/1)
2014  *          More Of That (15/2)
2013  ****    Solwhit (17/2)
2012  ****    Big Buck’s (5/6 fav)
2011  ****    Big Buck’s (10/11 fav)
2010  *****  Big Buck’s (5/6 fav)
2009  *****  Big Buck’s (6/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Aged between 6 and 9
  9/10 2-4 runs since August.. [It was Penhill’s first run of the season]
  9/10 Finished in the top 2 last time. [9 won] [Cole Harden, 4th in 2015]
  9/10 Not out of top 2 in all hurdle finishes that season. [Cole Harden (4th)]
  8 /10 Had an Adjusted RPR of at least 165. [Cole Harden (162), Penhill (159)]
  8/10 Were rated within 7lbs of the RP Top rated [More Of That (14lbs), Penhill (10lbs)]
  8/10 Had previous festival experience. 7 in Grade 1’s.
  7/10 Had won a Graded Hurdle over 3 miles or more. [Exceptions: had won Grade 1 and 2s over 2m4/5]
  7/10 Had run in between 9 and 20 hurdle races. [Big Buck's (23,28) was the reigning champion twice, More Of That had just 4 starts]


Additionally
The last 32 winners finished in the top 4 last time they completed.
26 of the last 29 winners were aged 6-8. Of the 3 9yos to win, 2 were the current champion.
20 of the last 25 winners had run in the previous year's festival.
18 of the last 19 winners finished in the top 2 last time they completed.
16 of the last 18 winners came from the top 4 in the betting.
16 of the last 17 winners had been in the top 2 over hurdles all season (incl Penhill)
13 of the last 17 winners had won a Graded Hurdle over 3 miles or more.
No winner came from out of the top 2 in the previous year's renewal since 1981.
No 5-year old has ever won.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  5yo 0-1-5
  6yo 3-9-29
  7yo 3-2-39
  8yo 2-3-27
  9yo 2-3-17
10yo 0-1-8
11yo 0-1-4
13yo 0-0-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Paul Nicholls 4-3-17
Willie Mullins (Ire) 2-2-20
Eamon O’Connell (Ire) 0-2-3
Alan King 0-2-7
Nicky Henderson 0-2-12


Contenders
*         Bacardys (16/1)
Fell last year and has fallen since. Thought he had a chance last year, but one not to be trusted with form of 7F this season

*         Bapaume (20/1)
Graded form is over shorter and need to find plenty here.

*         Black Op (12/1)
Good 2nd in the Ballymore Hurdle last year. Back over the sticks after an aborted Chase career. Grade 1 win over shorter, but 3rd to Paisley Park last time. First time at 3 miles that day so likely to be closer today.

*         Coquin Mans (80/1)
Can’t be back on what he’s shown.

***     Faugheen (9/2)
Beat Penhill at Punchestown in April (first try at 3 miles). Fell in the 3 mile hurdle at Christmas when seen last. He’s now 11 and even 10 year olds have a poor record, but he is/was class though. Personally I’m against on the age thing, but very little in the race to recommend instead.

*         Keeper Hill (125/1)
I was waiting to back him in a handicap. Sadly outclassed in this.

**       Kilbricken Storm (12/1)
We all love the Storm. But Albert Bartlett winners (Penhill aside) have a bad record in the race. Another aborted Chase career. Better chance than most, but still opposed.

*         Man Of Plenty (250/1)
Outclased

*         Nautical Nitwit (150/1)
Grade 2 winner at Wetherby, but 5th in a handicap last time. Probably shouldn’t be 150/1, but is easily passed over on these terms.

****   Paisley Park (13/8 fav)
Done all that was expected of him this season. Any ground is fine. The one to beat.

*         Petit Mouchoir (33/1)
Lost his way, back over hurdles this season. Hard to think he’ll stay 3 miles.

*         Sam Spinner (40/1)
Favourite last year, but ruined his chance when being forced to lead a dawdling pace.
Unseated twice this season, and best look elsewhere.

***     Supasundae (8/1)
2nd last year. Lots of 2nd this year over shorter. Very versatile and fair chance of going one better.

*         The Mighty Don (100/1)
Started the season well, but beaten in Graded races after that.

*         Top Notch (14/1)
Versatile in terms of distance, ground and obstacles. Hasn’t done much over this trip over Hurdles, but is a dark horse. On his 5 length beating by Paisley Park (2nd try at a trip)

*         West Approach (33/1)
2nd to Paisley Park last time. Doesn’t win very often, but could run well again at big odds.

**       Wholestone (33/1)
Ran on for 4th last year, very good record at the course, but worst run for ages last time (9th, 39 length behind Paisley Park)

*         Yanworth (40/1)
Enigma, shocking this season, but Grade 1 winner over shorter early in his career. Can’t rely on him now.


Conclusion
Plenty of 1 star horses, mainly because of how far clear the top horses are. Paisley Park the worthy favourite. Too short for us valuehunters obviously, Faugheen was value earlier in the season, but isn’t now. I’m looking at Supasundae and each way value is probably Top Notch.


Selections
SUPASUNDAE @ 10/1 general (win)
TOP NOTCH @ 14/1 general , betvictor, betfred 4 places




BROWN ADVISORY & MERRIEBELLE
STABLE PLATE HANDICAP CHASE
(REGISTERED AS THE MILDMAY OF FLETE PLATE)
2 Miles 4 Furlongs 166 Yards, Grade 3 Handicap Chase


Overview
The Irish horses have really made this their own in the last 3 seasons. Only 1 Irish-trained winner since 1951, and now 3 in a row. They must be respected from now on.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.1 stars
2018  ****    The Storyteller (5/1 fav)
2017  *****  Road To Respect (14/1)
2016  *****  Empire Of Dirt (16/1)
2015  ***      Darna (33/1)
2014  ***      Ballynagour (12/1)
2013  *****  Carrickboy (50/1)
2012  ***      Salut Flo (9/2 fav)
2011  ***      Holmwood Legend (25/1)
2010  *****  Great Endeavour (18/1)
2009  *****  Something Wells (33/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Had won at least a Class 3 Chase. [Incl 6k Irish]
10/10 Had won over a distance of 2m3-2m5f.
  9/10 Had less than 13 Chase starts. [Carrickboy (17)]
  9/10 Officially Rated between 135-147. [Holmwood Legend (130)]
  9/10 Carried less than 11 stone. [The Storyteller (11-4)]
  9/10 Aged between 6 and 9. [Holmwood Legend (10)]
  7/10 Hadn't run in either of that season's Cheltenham’s big 2m4f Handicaps.
  7/10 Had run within the last 60 days.


Additionally
26 of the last 31 winners were rated less than 142.
21 of the last 24 winners carried less than 11 stone.
20 of the last 27 winners had a top 4 finish last time out. [Only 5 in the last 10 years)
19 of the last 27 winners had raced at a previous festival.
16 of the last 18 winners were at double-figure odds. [2 exceptions were both fav]
Only 4 Irish trained winners since 1951. But the last 3 winners were Irish-trained.
Only 1 of the last 18 winners had run more than 16 times over fences.
The ‘BetVictor’ Gold Cup winner (in November) hasn't won this in the last 24 years.
The last 5 year old winner was in 1999.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  5yo 0-0-2
  6yo 2-4-19
  7yo 2-3-44
  8yo 2-12-60
  9yo 3-5-47
10yo 1-5-32
11yo 1-2-15
12yo 0-0-5
13yo 0-1-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
David Pipe 3-3-21
Venetia Williams 2-2-19
Colm Murphy (Ire) 1-1-2
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 1-1-4
Gary Moore 0-2-4
Ferdy Murphy 0-2-6
Nigel Twiston-Davies 0-2-9
Jonjo O’Neill 0-2-9
Philip Hobbs 0-2-10


Contenders
***     Janika (9/2 fav)
*         River Wylde (12/1)
****   Spiritofthegames (8/1)
****   Modus (20/1)
***     Kalondra (14/1)
**       Valseur Lido (33/1)
****   Kauto Riko (40/1)
****   Bigmartre (40/1)
***     Polidam (33/1)
Ballyhill – NON RUNNER
****   Bouvreuil (22/1)
***** Siruh Du Lac (13/2)
***     Some Buckle (25/1)
****   Templehills (33/1)
***     Doitforhevillage (20/1)
***     Voix D’Eau (100/1)
****   Testify (33/1)
***     Gardefort (28/1)
***** Azzerti (16/1)
Romain De Senam – NON RUNNER
***** Eamon An Cnoic (10/1)
**       Splash Of Ginge (28/1)
***     King’s Odyssey (22/1)
***** Didero Vallis (20/1)


Conclusion
Not guaranteed to get a strong pace. Top weight Janika is respected here, but is short enough. Plenty in with chances

Selections
SPIRITOFTHEGAMES @ 8/1, general (win bet)
SIRUH DU LAC @ 7/1 Betway., 13/2 general (win bet)
DIDERO VALLIS @ 20/1 Bet365 5 places, Marathon 4 places, 18/1 general





NATIONAL HUNT BREEDERS SUPPORTED BY TATTERSALLS MARES’ NOVICES’ HURDLE
REGISTERED AS DAWN RUN MARES’ NOVICES’ HURDLE
2 Miles 179 Yards, Grade 2 Novice Hurdle


Overview
Willie Mullins has won all 3 renewals, and our ‘trends’ have caught all three of his short-priced favourites.

Last 3 Winners- average 5.0 stars
2018  *****  Laurina (4/7 fav)
2017  *****  Let’s Dance (11/8 fav)
2016  *****  Limini (8/11 fav)


Trends’:
Taking a line from the Supreme Novice Trends, we have something to play with.
Aged 5-6: All 3 winners were 5, with 5 of the 6 places in the age range.
Had won at the distance: All 3 had won over at least 2m2f too.
Had won a Class 1 Hurdle: All 3 winners had won a Grade 2/3 Hurdle.
Had run within the last 2 months: All 3 ran within 47 days.
Has an A.RPR of 145+ (OR 144+): Winners had APRs of 148, 153 & 155
Finished Top 2 Last Time: All 3 had won their last 2 races.
Had run over hurdles at least twice: Winners ran 2, 9 and 4 times.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  4yo 0-0-3
  5yo 3-2-19
  6yo 0-3-18
  7yo 0-1-5
  8yo 0-0-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Willie Mullins (Ire) 3-0-8
Alan King 0-2-3
Fergal O’Brien 0-1-1
Alan Fleming 0-1-1
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 0-1-3
Nicky Henderson 0-1-5


Contenders
****   Posh Trish (11/2)
Listed winner, 74 days off? Grounds will be fine.

****   Queenofhearts (14/1)
Improved with every run, including a Grade 2 last time.

***     Sancta Simona (16/1)
Mark Walsh on board, rather than Ruby

****   Sinoria (8/1)
Not rated as high as I’d expect. Not proven on soft ground, so far.

**       Awayinthewest (100/1)
7 year old, not the right profile for novice races, but rated nearer the top, than bottom.

*         Court Maid (100/1)
10th last time and can’t be fancied.

**       Lust For Glory (18/1)
Beaten by Posh Trish 2 runs ago, giving 3lbs for a 3 length beating. Can’t rule out, but needs to improve more.

**       Presidente Line (66/1)
Nothing special so far, beaten on only start.

*         Tintangle (40/1)
Beaten in her Graded Hurdle runs.

**       Allez Dance (40/1)
Won only start in big field, but all 6 from that race were unplaced.

**       Black Tears (40/1)
Getting better, but beaten by Elfile on debut, when 6/5 favourite.

*         Buildmeupbuttercup (66/1)
5th in Grade 2 last time. Experience against the boys always a bonus. Won in a 29 runner field on debut.

*         Concertista (50/1)
Hurdles debut. Best watched.

*         Dame Du Soir (150/1)
Not good enough on what she’s done.

*         Diamond Gait (80/1)
Wins in Class 4 races, but 4th of 5 against Posh Trish in Listed Company.

*         Eglantie Du Seuil (40/1)
2 runs and only 3rd last time after debut win.

*         Elfile (28/1)
Beat Black Tears a short-head on debut. Prefer another run inside her.

**       Elusive Belle (12/1)
Low level form. Short enough for that.

**       Emily Moon (25/1)
Improved last time after slow start over hurdles. Has big field experience. More required today.

***     Epatante (2/1 fav)
Favourite, but only won 2 Class 4 races. Very short, time to take her on.

****   Indefatigable (28/1)
Beaten a neck by Lady Buttons (4th in Mares Hurdle on Tuesday) in open company last time. Shouldn’t be this price.

**       My Sister Sarah (9/1)
Market mover from 16/1, because of Mullins/Walsh I’d imagine. They obviously don’t have a hotpot this season. Won 2 Novice Hurdles only.


Conclusion
Easy to oppose the favourite here and 2 against the field are Indefatigable and Queenofhearts. For reference Indefatigable id joint RP Top-Rated and is 28/1.


Selections
QUEENOFHEARTS @ 14/1, Paddypower, 4 places, general, 3 places
INDEFATIGABLE @ 28/1, Betfred/tote, Marathon, Betvictor




FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR RIDERS’ HANDICAP CHASE
3 Miles 2 Furlongs, Class 2 Handicap Chase


Overview
Ah great, amateur riders. Always look for the best amateurs, avoid claimers, and get the pin ready.. Still we did pick up the winner last year so we just need to find the same pin.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.3 stars
2018  *****  Missed Approach (8/1)
2017  ***      Domesday Book (40/1)
2016  ****    Cause Of Causes (9/2)
2015  ***      The Package (9/1)
2014  *****  Spring Heeled (12/1)
2013  ****    Same Difference (16/1)
2012  *****  Sunnyhillboy (13/2 fav)
2011  *****  Junior (10/3 fav)
2010  ****    Ballabriggs (9/1)
2009  *****  Character Building (16/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Carried more than 11-00 in weight.
10/10 Were officially rated between 134-142.
  9/10 Were rated within 7lbs of the RPR top rated horse. The last 9 winners [Character Building (10lbs)]
  9/10 Had run within 78 Days. [The Package (96 days) in 2015.]
  9/10 Aged between 7 and 9. [The Package (12yo).]
  9/10 Had only won 1 or 2 Chases. [Ballabriggs (3) in 2010.]
  9/10 Did not have a conditional jockey on board. Look for experienced amateurs like Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd (won 4 of last 9). [Exception 7lb claimer on Same Difference in 2013]
  8/10 Had run over 2 miles 7 furlongs or more last time.
  8/10 Had run in fewer than 12 chases. [Exceptions, 15 & 19]
  7/10 Had won a Chase over at least 2m 71/2f miles.
  7/10 Had run in a 3m31/2f+ Chase.


Additionally
23 of the last 26 winners were aged 7 to 9.
32 of the last 33 winners had run in a handicap last time out. Cause Of Causes ran in a Grade 2 in 2016.
17 of the last 19 winners had run over 2m 7f or more last time out.
12 of the last 14 winner were ridden by non-claiming jockeys.
Ireland won this in 2014 for the first time since 1984, but also won in 2016.
French-bred horses are 0/56 since 2005.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  6yo 0-2-10
  7yo 3-10-46
  8yo 3-3-59
  9yo 3-7-57
10yo 0-6-32
11yo 0-0-15
12yo 1-2-11
13yo 0-0-2


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
David Pipe 2-2-26
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 1-3-6
Jonjo O’Neill 1-2-18
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1-1-12
Willie Mullins (Ire) 0-2-5
Tony Martin (Ire) 0-2-5
Venetia Williams (Ire) 0-2-8
Nicky Henderson 0-2-11


Contenders
***     Livelovelaugh (16/1)
***     Any Second Now (13/2)
***     The Young Master (20/1)
***     Pearl Royale (50/1)
***     Out Sam (25/1)
****   Crievehill (40/1)
***     Perfect Candidate (28/1)
****   Kilfilum Cross (14/1)
***     Speaker Connolly (12/1)
****   Arkwrisht (33/1)
**       No Comment (12/1)
***     Squouateur (25/1)
****   Measureofmydreams (4/1 fav)
****   Sumkindofking (50/1)
***     Rogue Angel (25/1)
****   Just A Sting (14/1)
***** Ah Littleluck (50/1)
****   Captain Chaos (20/1)
****   Teackle Tart (33/1)
**       Sky Pirate (14/1)
*         Uhlan Bute (66/1)
***     Touch Kick (16/1)
**       Its All Guesswork (12/1)
***     Drumconner Lad (100/1)


Conclusion
The ground may have gone against the favourite here. Squouateur, 3rd last year is still a maiden after 14 attempts, though couldn’t have had a worse season to bounce back from. Of the 4 star horses, Crievehill doesn’t look a Kim Muir horse with pleny of form over 2m 4f. Kilfilum Cross had Derek O’Connor on board last time when he won, but he’s elsewhere today and the horse has has only 3 starts. Sumkindofking is a big price considering the drying ground will help and he ran well now upped in trip. Just A Sting only has 3 starts as well, but has looked good in his races so far. Ah Littleluck has jumping problems and will be highlighted even more with an amateur on board. Captain Chaos ran a good 2nd to Lake View Lad (4th on Tuesday) and drynig ground will help him. Treackle Tart’s trainer is bang out of form and is hard to fancy. Tentatively selection is CAPTAIN CHAOS, who was 9lb higher last season
maybe a bit on SUMKINDOFKING as well

Selections
CAPTAIN CHAOS @ 22/1, General, 5 places
SUMKINDOFKING @ 80/1, William Hill, Btvictor, Betfred/tote, 5 places


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