Wednesday 13 March 2019

Cheltenham Festival 2019 - Day Two


BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE
(REGISTERED AS THE BARING BINGHAM NOVICES’ HURDLE)
2 Miles 5 Furlongs 26 Yards, Grade 1 Novice Hurdle


Overview
Samcro tightened up the trends last year as FiveForThree (**) dropped off. Its a strong trends race. Let’s find another Willoughby Court. Favourite Champ is the oldest in the field and comes from a trials race that doesn’t provide winners.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.9 stars
2018  *****  Samro (8/11 fav)
2017  *****  Willoughby Court (14/1)
2016  *****  Yorkhill (3/1)
2015  ****    Windsor Park (9/2)
2014  *****  Faugheen (6/4 fav)
2013  *****  The New One (7/2)
2012  *****  Simonsig (2/1 fav)
2011  *****  First Lieutenant (7/1)
2010  *****  Peddler’s Cross (7/1)
2009  *****  Mikael D’Haguenet (5/2 fav)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Were aged either 5 or 6.
10/10 Were rated within 9lbs of the RPR top rated.
10/10 Had an Adjusted RPR of 152 or better. [OR 142+, 9 were 146+]
10/10 Had at least 2 runs over hurdles.
10/10 Had finished top 2 in a Graded Hurdle. 8 had won.
10/10 Were bred for National Hunt (Irish Point-to-Points or Bumpers or in one case started in French Hurdles).
  9/10 Had won at least 50% of their hurdle races. [Windsor Park won 1 of 3]
  9/10 Had not run at a previous festival, (ie last years bumper). [The New One 6th in the bumper]
  9/10 Had won a 2m4 or 2m5f hurdle [Peddler’s Cross won a Point-to Point]
  8/10 Had finished in the top 2 in all Hurdles so far. [Both exceptions place 4th in one]


Additionally
34 of the last 35 winners had finished in the top 2 last time out.
31 of the last 33 winners were from the top 6 in the betting.
25 of the last 26 winners were aged either 5 or 6.
18 of the last 20 winners were NH-bred.
No winner aged 4 since 1991. All 21 unplaced.
No winner aged 7+ since 1974.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
4yo 0-0-2
5yo 3-6-46
6yo 7-11-65
7yo 0-3-20


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Willie Mullins (Ire) 3-6-23
Mouse Morris (Ire) 1-1-4
Ben Pauling 1-0-2
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 1-0-3
Nicky Henderson 1-0-12
Tom George 0-1-1
Dan Skelton 0-1-3


Contenders
***     Ask Dillon (40/1)
No Graded form in his 2 runs and rated accordingly.

***** Battleoverdoyen (7/2)
Only rated 151 by the Racing Post, and just 2 starts over hurdles. However he has Grade 1 winning form (beating Sams Profile last time).

***** Beakstown (12/1)
Grade 2 winning form, but also not rated by the RP or the handicapper this time.

***     Brewin’upastorm (15/2)
Is rated higher than the previous 2, despite a 4l beating in the Challow Hurdle by Champ when cruising (finished 4th). Fell last time and also looked like beating Birchdale. But looking like winning isn’t the same as winning. So fails with only 1 win from 3 hurdles, and is yet to win over this far. If you thought he should have won either of those races, fell free to back him. Getaway Trump beat him in the Challow and hasn’t franked that form at all.

***     Bright Forecast (25/1)
All starts over the minimum trip. Just behind Mister Fisher in the Supreme Trial. Sire Stats don’t exactly cry out for a step up in trip, so if its still soft I’ be amazed if he stays. Not rated to win this. Trainer won with Willoughby Court 2 years ago.

***     Castlebawn West (25/1)
Lacks Graded Hurdle experience and was made to battle at Leopardstown last time in a much lower grade.

***** Champ (3/1 fav)
Nearly ticks all the boxes, he’s a 7 year old. Worked hard to win the Challow, before pulling away, fom not franked at the moment, but won’t mind any ground.

****   City Island (8/1)
Ran out an easy winner last time in an Auction Novice Hurdle. Marked down as he was disqualified at Galway in the summer over the trip. Lacks Graded Hurdle experience buy can’t be ruled out.

**       Dunvegan (40/1)
A disappointing 10th last time. Hard to recommend here.

***** Easy Game (12/1)
Winner of a Navan Grade 2 Hurdle in December when last seen. No winners have come out of that race. Ground won’t be a problem, however Sire Stats aren’t brilliant.

***     Galvin (16/1)
3 wins, all at a lower level. Hard to fancy here.

***     Jarveys Plate (20/1)
Was 5/2 in the Ballymore Trial (where Brewin’upastorm fell). But disappointed that day. Has only won 1 of 4 races this season, but that was here, but overall hard to fancy.

***     Notebook (80/1)
2nd in a Graded Hurdle last month. Yet to win over this far and rated accordingly.

***     Sams Profile (11/1)
2nd to Battleoverdoyen, yet to win over this far, yet also runner-up in a Stayers (3 mile) hurdle this season. Racing Post doesn’t like the Irsih form so is rated accordingly.

*         Seddon (66/1)
12th in the Bumper last year. Beaten by most of the Supreme Novices field this season, stepped up in trip and a beaten favourite that day. Definitely bred to stay this far and further. Probably shouldn’t be this price but can’t be backed.

**       Valdieu (66/1)
All runs over 2 miles or so, put in his place last time in in his first Grade 1 race.

Conclusion
The 2 favourites are the right ones, but Battleoverdoyen is unproven on the ground and Champ is coming from the wrong race and is the wrong age. No fun in that though. I’ve liked BEAKSTOWN all season and I’m not deserting him at this price now.


Selection
BEAKSTOWN @ 16/1, Ladbrokes, Coral, blacktype, Betvictor




RSA INSURANCE NOVICES’ CHASE
3 Miles 80 Yards, Grade 1 Novice Chase


Overview
The role of honour for this is impressive. providing many a future Gold Cup winner. Weapon’s Amnesty, Bobs Worth and Lord Windermere in the last 10 renewals. Presenting Percy heads the betting for this year’s Gold Cup. Anyway back to the race in focus.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.5 stars
2018  *****  Presenting Percy (5/2 fav)
2017  ****    Might Bite (7/2 fav)
2016  *****  Blaklion (8/1)
2015  ***      Don Poli (13/8 fav)
2014  *****  O’Faolains Boy (12/1)
2013  ***      Lord Windermere (8/1)
2012  *****  Bobs Worth (9/2)
2011  *****  Bostons Angel (16/1)
2010  *****  Weapon’s Amnesty (10/1)
2009  *****  Cooldine (9/4 fav)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Were horses bred for National Hunt racing, no flat runners here.
10/10 Were rated to within 15lbs of the RPR top rated horse.
10/10 Had been a Novice Hurdler the previous season. [Might Bite was a 2nd season Novice Chaser, but went chasing at the earliest opportunity]
  9/10 Had finished top 2 in a Grade 1 or 2 Chase. [Might Bite fell while cruising to victory in the Grade 1 Feltham/Kauto Star Chase]
  9/10 Had an Adjusted RPR of at least 160. [Lord Windermere (155)]
  9/10 Had run within the last 39 days. [Don Poli was off for 72 days in 2015, the first for 50 years to win after not running that year.]
  9/10 Had started between 3 and 5 Chases. [Don Poli (2)]
  9/10 Had finished in the top 2 last time. Lord Windermere was 3rd within ½ length of winner.
  8/10 Were aged 7 years old. [Don Poli was 6, Might Bite 8]
  8/10 Had won over 2m71/2f or more under rules. Exceptions: 2m3f and 2m5f (with a 3m PtP win)]


Additionally
53 of the last 54 winners had run that year. Don Poli, ran on 28th December.
29 of the last 31 winners had finished in the top 2 last time.
23 of the last 25 winners had started at least 3 chases.
24 of the last 26 winners were British/Irish bred.
22 of the last 26 winners were Novice Hurdlers last season.
15 of the last 19 winners were aged 7.
No horse older than 8 has won since 1992 [Minnehoma].
Only 3 6-year olds have won since 1978.
Only 1 5-year old has won since 1950.
No ex-flat horse has placed since 1994.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
5yo 0-1-3
6yo 1-5-19
7yo 8-9-61
8yo 1-3-22
9yo 0-2-4


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Nicky Henderson 2-4-11
Rebecca Curtis 0-1-2
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1-0-4
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 0-1-4
Colin Tizzard 0-1-4
Paul Nicholls 0-1-10


Contenders
***     Count Meribel (66/1)
Well beaten in Grade 2 in December. Off since and pulled up only try over this trip.

****   Delta Work (5/2 fav)
Grade 1 winning Novice over 3 miles, beating Mortal 8 lengths (subsequent form of that is 0 places from 7 runners). Ground won’t be a problem, nor will the course after his Pertemps Hurdle win last year. A worry that he’s been off since Christmas and he also is flat-bred, though obviously he stays this far.

****   Drovers Lane (16/1)
Had a wind operation and has been off since, lack of Graded chase form a worry. Will need the ground to dry out if he’s gonna enjoy 3 miles round here.

***** Mister Malarky (14/1)
Solid Grade 2 win in the Reynoldstown last time for this 6 year old. More to find on offical ratings, but when has that every been a problem at the festival.

****   Mortal (14/1)
Beaten by Delta Work over 3 miles, but last of 6, when dropping back in trip in the Flogas last time. That and a lack of form over the trip is a worry.

****   Now McGinty (28/1)
Just behind Mister Malarky last time. This 8 year old just fails on the minimum APR. Trip/ground not a problem, so one to consider if you like Mister Malarky.

***     On The Blind Side (12/1)
Just 2 runs and couldn’t have had a worse debut round here, beaten 85 lengths by Lostintranslation. Won last time in a Class 4 and that has to be a worry at a short-ish price.

***     Santini (3/1)
Similar to last years opposition in the Albert Bartlett, he’s only had 2 Chase starts. Beaten into 3rd too last time, he’s a flat-bred off for 77 days. Plenty to dislike at this price.

**       The Worlds End (22/1)
Well behind Santini last time. Hard to fancy.

***** Topofthegame (7/2)
2nd in the Coral Cup last season, yet to win over fences, but quality seconds behind Defi Du Seuil and La Bagua Au Roi (beat Santini/The World’s End). Off since that race is a negative, but goes on any ground.

***     Top Ville Ben (33/1)
Well beaten by Mister Malarkey/Now McGinty last time. Was favourite that day, but jumped left and was picked off by the pack. Only knows one way of running and although he’s never run here before, going this way is bound to help. He’s a flat-bred who stayed over hurdles too long to be the type to win.

***     Drinks Interval (100/1)
Mares have a poor record, she’s been off since Christmas and has more runs than most.

Conclusion
Delta Work is a better favourite than Santini, who I just can’t have. Topofthegame hasn’t won and is short enough, though he’s respected. I’m taking a chance on MISTER MALARKY and therefore Now McGinty right in behind.

Selections
MISTER MALARKY @ 16/1 general, 4 places betvictor
NOW MCGINTY @ 33/1 Marathonbet, 25/1 general




CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE
2 Miles 5 Furlongs 26 Yards, Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle


Overview
The only open intermediate hurdle race for pro-jockeys at the festival. Hard to find the winner, of course, but it does go to up and coming horses stepping up in trip, rather than stamina-laden horses dropping down.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.5 stars
2018  ***      Bleu Berry (20/1)
2017  *****  Supasundae (16/1)
2016  *****  Diamond King (12/1)
2015  *****  Aux Ptits Soins (9/1)
2014  *****  Whisper (14/1)
2013  *****  Medinas (33/1)
2012  **        Son Of Flicka (16/1)
2011  *****  Carlito Brigante (16/1)
2010  *****  Spirit River (14/1)
2009  *****  Nintieth Minute (14/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Carried no more than 15lbs than the bottom weight.
10/10 Had won at least a Class 3 hurdle or 8k race in Ireland or France.
10/10 Had run no more than 4 times that season. [Supasundae's 5 runs included a race at Punchestown on April 27th, theoretically the season before]
10/10 Were aged between 5 and 8 years old.
  9/10 Had a break of at least 24 days from the racetrack. [24-83 days] [Aux Ptits Soins (181 days) won in 2015]
  9/10 Had only won at most 1 handicap hurdle. [Son Of Flicka won 2]
  9/10 Had run in less than 10 hurdles.[Son Of Flicka (22)]
  8/10 Had won between 2m11/2f and 2m4f. [Exceptions won over just 2m]
  9/10 Had won earlier in the season. [Son Of Flicka's record was awful (9090), Bleu Berry had just 1 run in 2018]
  8/10 Were officially rated between 139-149. Exceptions 136 & 153]
  8/10 Had a top 2 finish in 1 of their last 2 starts.


Additionally
19 of the last 23 winners carried less than 11-04.
19 of the last 25 winners had won that season.
16 of the last 18 winners had won no more than one handicap.
22 of the last 25 winners were all officially rated less than 149. [But 3 of the last 5 winners rated 150+]
Only four horses aged older than 9 have placed since 1999.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  5yo 3-10-50
  6yo 3-8-81
  7yo 2-2-63
  8yo 2-6-37
  9yo 0-0-16
10yo 0-3-12
11yo 0-1-3
12yo 0-0-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 2-3-12
Nicky Henderson 2-2-33
Willie Mullins (Ire) 1-3-26
Paul Nicholls 1-1-15
Dan Skelton 0-1-2
Nigel Twiston-Davies 0-1-3
Gary Moore 0-1-3


Contenders
**       Wicklow Brave (25/1)
Former winner of the County Hurdle ‘back in the day’. Now a 10 year old, this experienced top-weight shouldn’t be winning, but he was a quality horse, and er.. um.. only 2 ½ lengths behind the Champion Hurdle winner last time out. That was over 2 miles though, form over further not as good.

**       Vision Des Flos (16/1)
Trip and ground will be fine, but high in he weights and only ran 17 days ago.

***     William Henry (33/1)
High in the weights. This 10 year old was pulled up last time.

****   Scarpeta (20/1)
Winning form over 3 miles, this usually goes to a horse stepping up in trip, not down. High in the weights.

***     Farclas (12/1)
Triumph Hurdle winner last year, lost his way this year (placed 0/5). High in weights and needs to prove he wants 2m5f.

***     Killultagh Vic (14/1)
Has had lots of injuries. Festival winner yonks ago, now a little old and high in the weights. Money for him this morning.

*         Lil Rockerfeller (40/1)
Old favourite, won over 3 miles, but bit too old for me and again, high in weights.

**       Diamond Cauchois (20/1)
Off for a year, too many runs and bit high in the weights. Drifted from 12/1 yesterday.

****   Cracking Smart (14/1)
Been losing in Graded hurdles so excuses for his ‘form’. Little bit ‘high in weights’. Last one I promise.

***     Monbeg Theatre (100/1)
Too old and experience to be winning.

****   Bleu Berry (25/1)
Last year’s winner. Lack of form due to running in Graded Hurdles. 5lbs higher than last year. Chance, but maybe will find one or two better handicapped.

****   Ballyandy (20/1)
Been around for ages, but still only had 8 hurdles runs. Unusually had 5 runs this season (including 2 chases). On his day he can be anything, so can’t dismiss.

***** Brio Conti (11/1)
Only 5 star in the race. Off for 15 months before having 2 runs last month. Ground and trip fine. Doesn’t feel like this has been his target all year, but respected.

***     Dancing On My Own (16/1)
Form boosted by a 7 length beating by Klassical Dream last time. He’s a maiden but has place form in big fields. First try at past 2 miles. Interesting. [backed in from 25/1]

****   Burbank (50/1)
Experienced, at losing. Only win at a low level. 7th last year in this, 2lbs better off, but can’t fancy.

****   Canadrier (20/1)
Off for 138 days and possible ground issues. However is a course and distance winner. Makes handicap debut today (I don’t really that like in Novices). Drifting (12/1 yesterday)

****   Apple’s Shakira (16/1)
Flopped favourite of the Triumph last season. 3rd and pulled-up this season doesn’t inspire confidence. Off for 3 months and may not stay. Money for his this morning.

****   Knight In Dubai (33/1)
Only won a Class 4 and plenty of running at this trip. Second to last in the Ballymore Hurdle last year and fell over fences here in October. Was 16/1 yesterday.

****   Highest Sun (20/1)
Lots of form at 2 miles, now up 8lbs and tries this trip for the first time. Only ran 18 days ago.

***     Tully East (20/1)
Festival winner over Fences. Badly out of form and is now 9.

***     Eragon De Chanay (100/1)
7th last year in the Fred Winter Hurdle. Had lots of running this season and a couple of wins means he comes here in form, not sure he’s classy enough.

****   Uradel (5/1 fav)
Mullins & Walsh. Ticks all the main boxes. Only 1 Hurdles run this season (running on flat in summer) finishing 5th when favourite. Short on what he’s done. NO TIPS in the Racing Post Tipsbox!

****   Erick Le Rouge (14/1)
4 wins in a row will find plenty of backers. Up from 112 to 137. Ran in the Triumph Hurdle Trial last season so was fancied at one stage. Only ran 18 days ago and has been running on good ground.

****   Calie Du Mesnil (16/1)
Had more runs than the usual winner, but only 3 in the season proper. I do like Irish horses running well at the Galway Festival (she won).

**       Oscar Knight (66/1)
Very experienced and too old. Absolutely no form this season.

***     Joke Dancer (33/1)
Solid winning form over 2 miles. Only ran 18 months ago.


Conclusion
Obviously we can’t be bullish about our bets in this, but I want to side with another Supasundae rather than a Son Of Flicka. Bleu Berry won last year and can’t be dismissed easily. Dancing On My Own has franked form in the book but is unproven over this far, however he’s by Stamina-laden sire Milan. Brio Conti is the 5 star horse. We haven’t even mentioned Ballyandy, Calie Du Mesnil and Cracking Smart who are all interesting on this sort of ground.

Selections

CRACKING SMART @ 14/1, Betway 6 places, Bet365, Skybet, Betvictor 5pl
DANCING ON MY OWN @ 16/1 Bet365, 14/1 general, paddypower, coral 7pl
BRIO CONTI @ 12/1 Skybet, totesport, blacktype.




BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
1 Mile 7 Furlongs 199 Yards, Grade 1 Chase


Overview
The best horse in training should win, but as yesterday show, the best laid plans… etc

Last 10 Winners- average 4.3 stars
2014  ****    Altior (evs fav)
2017  ***      Special Tiara (10/1)
2016  *****  Sprinter Sacre (5/1)
2015  *****  Dodging Bullets (9/2)
2014  ****    Sire De Grugy (11/4 fav)
2013  *****  Sprinter Sacre (1/4 fav)
2012  ****    Finian’s Rainbow (4/1)
2011  ****    Sizing Europe (10/1)
2010  ****    Big Zeb (10/1)
2009  *****  Master Minded (4/11 fav)
2008  ****    Master Minded (3/1 fav)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Had won over 2m1/2f or 2m1f.
10/10 Were racing within the last 81 days. [8 ran within 53 days]
10/10 Had an Adjusted RPR of at least 170.
10/10 Were younger than 11 years old.
10/10 Had won a Grade 1 Chase.
  9/10 Had between 7 and 16 Chase starts. [Special Tiara had 22 starts]
  9/10 Were rated within 9lbs of the RPR top rated. [Big Zeb was 19lbs off of the highly rated Master Minded]
  8/10 Had run between 2 & 4 times in the season. [Sire De Grugy ran 6 times, Altior just once after slight setbacks]
  7/10 Won a Graded Chase last time out. [Exceptions were 2nd,3rd and 5th in Grade 1/2 races]


Additionally
32 of the last 35 winners had won over 2m2f or more, or were C&D winners.
32 of the last 37 winners won at a single figure price.
23 of the last 34 winners were placed at a previous festival.
19 of the last 20 winners had 7 or more Chase starts.
16 of the last 17 winners were Grade 1 Chase winners.
16 of the last 17 Arkle winners to run in the following year's Champion Chase all placed. [The pulled-up injured, Douvan, being the exception]
15 of the last 16 champions were beaten. [Only Master Minded retained his title]
16 of the last 20 winners were 5/1 or shorter.
17 of the last 26 winners had won at a previous festival. (21 of last 34)
Only 1 winner aged greater than 10 since 1977.
Only 1 of the last 22 winners had run more than 4 times that season.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  6yo  1-1-5
  7yo  2-3-18
  8yo  2-4-26
  9yo  3-2-22
10yo  2-6-14
11yo  0-3-8
12yo  0-0-2
13yo  0-0-1


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Nicky Henderson  4-1-10
Henry De Bromhead (Ire) 2-4-11
Paul Nicholls  2-0-13
Tom George  0-3-6
Willie Mullins (Ire)  0-2-9


Contenders
***** Altior (2/5 fav)
Clear favourite and a better preparation this year. If he stands up he wins.

*         Castlegrace Paddy (33/1)
Yet to win at this level. Only 6 chase starts so a likely improver, but easily ignored in this.

*         God’s Own (33/1)
Lovely 3rd at 40/1 last season, and still has ability at 11 years old, winning the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. Off since early December and with 27 Chases behind him, I’m not sure that’s gonna benefit him. Not a bet this year.

*         Hell’s Kitchen (33/1)
Best form is in a Class 2 and best form over further. Easily overlooked.

***** Min (4/1)
The only horse to be near to Altior on ratings. Warrants great respect. Should finish second.

*         Ordinary World (66/1)
Behind Min last time. 1 win from 14 starts.

****   Politologue (25/1)
Grade 1 winner last season at 2 miles, beaten into 4th last year. Upped in trip this season and twice 4th at 3 miles and 2m5f. Last year he tried to win, this season he’ll be happy for a place and the price is pretty big.

**       Saint Calvados (40/1)
Likely pace angle, it killed his chance in the Arkle last season. Could place if they let him get away.

***     Sceau Royal (16/1)
Beaten 24 lengths by Altior in the Tingle Creek. Beaten over hurdles by a Novice last time too. Better chance than many of these.


Conclusion
Altior wins, Min 2nd and Politologue, 3rd. Nice and easy. Grade 1 winner Politologue, is better value than many and if he’d ridden to place rather than win he should get there.

Selection
POLITOLOGUE @ 25/1 general. Each-way definitely.




GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY CHASE
3 Miles 6 Furlongs 37 Yards, Grade 2 Chase


Overview
Some of the trends are holding up now that it's an level weight contest (Handicap until 2016). Mainly because it’s such a unique contest that experience of these fences and the course outweighs any weight penalties.


Last 10 Winners- average 4.0 stars
2018  *****  Tiger Roll (7/1)
2017  *****  Cause Of Causes (4/1)
2016  *****  Josies Orders (15/8 fav)
2015  **        Rivage D’Or (16/1)
2014  ****    Balthazar King (4/1)
2013  *****  Big Shu (14/1)
2012  **        Balthazar King (11/2)
2011  ****    Sizing Australia (13/2)
2010  ***      A New Story (25/1)
2009  *****  Garde Champetre (7/2)


10-year Trends
10/10 Had raced 3 or more times in the season.
  9/10 Aged between 8 and 10 years old. [A New Story was 12]
  9/10 Had won a Chase over 3 miles or more. [Sizing Australia, 2m6f]
  9/10 Had run in between 7 and 21 Chases. [A New Story (48)]
  9/10 Had experienced between 1 and 6 Cross Country Chases in their career. [exception debuted in 2015.]
  8/10 Irish Trained. [Exception Philip Hobbs]
  8/10 Placed in a Cheltenham or Punchestown Cross Country Chase that season or had won at a previous festival..
  8/10 Top 5 last time out in a Chase. [One exception was carried out and the other fell.]


Additionally
13 of the 14 winners had won over 3 miles or more.
13 of the 14 winners had raced no more than 5 times that season.
11 of the last 12 winners were aged 8-10.


Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
  6yo 0-1-5
  7yo 0-0-10
  8yo 4-1-20
  9yo 2-4-29
10yo 3-5-30
11yo 0-10-25
12yo 1-4-23
13yo 0-1-12
14yo 0-2-3
15yo 0-0-2


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Enda Bolger (Ire)  2-6-31
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 2-2-8
Henry de Bromhead (Ire)  1-1-5
Willie Mullins (Ire) 0-3-12
Emmanuel Clayeux (Fra) 0-1-1


Contenders
**       Amazing Comedy (28/1)
Very expereinced with 20 runs in this field. 4th here in December. Got 7lbs from winner, Fact of The Matter, that day. Not today.

***     Aubusson (66/1)
Never gone well at the Festival and form is awful. Has to be overlooked.

****   Auvergnat (7/1)
Rated 2nd best and has to go close. Only fails on 1 stat. due to 8 runs over a Cross Country course. Hardly a killer.

*         Ballycasey (25/1)
Don’t see the appeal myself, well beaten on his course debut.

**       Bless The Wings (33/1)
Old-timer at 14 with 50 starts. Runs well, but time has caught up with him.

*         Devils Bride (100/1)
Won’t stay the trip. Keep your money in your pocket.

****   Fact Of The Matter (14/1)
This is more like it. Won here in December, makes plenty of each-way appeal. Had a wind-op since last run.

**       Hurricane Darwin NON RUNNER

***     Jarob (40/1)
3rd of 7 here in November behind Josies Orders. Now a 12 year old and is opposed.

***     Josies Orders (9/1)
11 years old. Not favoured in this level weights event. Former (lucky) winner and place chance at best.

***     Kingswell Theatre (50/1)
Former winner round here, but off for 453 days. The don’t go fast round here, so his fitness may not be tested until the end. Hard to recommend, but who knows. Had a wind-op since last run.

**       Tea For Two (22/1)
7th in the Gold Cup. Course debut, so I’m against him, but could have the quality to place.

****   Tiger Roll (6/5 fav)
Won last year. Loses a point as he’s only had 2 runs this season. Last year he was prepared for this, with the National to come, now I think they are after the National double. The one to beat still.

*         Ultragold (11/1)
Stepped up in trip recently. He’s definitely better at Aintree over shorter. Now he’s 11 and tries these fences for the first time.

*         Urgent De Gregaine (11/1)
2nd last year, but he was in form then. Pulled-up only start in France, better than a one star, but now 11.

*         Vyta Du Roc (40/1)
Can’t remember Nicky Henderson having many in this. Decent horse a few years ago, makes his Cross County debut here on the back of form of PP.


Conclusion
Tiger Roll and Auvergnat are miles clear on official ratings. They both have ticks in all the right boxes. Josies Orders will be popular, as a course specialist. Fact Of The Matter has to find a bit on ratings too, but is a couple of years younger.

Selections
AUVERGNAT @ 15/2 (win)
FACT OF THE MATTER @ 16/1, betvictor 4 places, general 3 places




BOODLES FRED WINTER JUVENILE
HANDICAP HURDLE
2 Mile 87 Yards, Grade 3 Juvenile Handicap Hurdle


Overview
Big priced winners abound, it’s time we found one.


Last 10 Winners- average 3.8 stars
2018  ***      Veneer Of Charm (33/1)
2017  ***      Flying Tiger (33/1)
2016  ***      Diego Du Charmil (13/2)
2015  *****  Qualando (25/1)
2014  ****    Hawk High (33/1)
2013  ****    Flaxen Flare (25/1)
2012  *****  Une Artiste (40/1)
2011  *          What A Charm (9/1)
2010  *****  Sanctuaire (4/1 fav)
2009  *****  Silk Affair (11/1)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Had achieved a RPR rating of 110 or more.
  9/10 Had an OR of 125-134. Exception far lower.
  9/10 Had no more than 5 hurdle starts. [Flying Tiger had 6]
  9/10 Had finshed in the top 2 on one of their last 2 starts. 6 won.
  9/10 Carried less than 11-03 in weight.
  8/10 Had won a race.
  8/10 Had run within the last 32 days (7 within 25). [Exceptions off for 53 & 133 days.]
  8 /10 Had a flat rating of at least 83 (if rated). [Exceptions 70 & 79]
  8/10 Were from a Group 1 winning flat sire. [Exceptions Group 3]


Additionally
12 of the 14 winners had run within 37 days.
10 of the 14 winners had just the 3 runs over hurdles.
4 of the 13 winners were fillies, and 3 places from just 19 runners. Males: 9 wins from 281. [No fillies ran last year]


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Paul Nicholls  3-6-18
Gordon Elliott (Ire)  2-2-12
Alan King  0-4-16



Contenders
***     Torpillo (20/1)
Should be too high in the weights and lacks that Grade 1 winning sire.

*         Fine Brunello (11/1)
Too high in the weights and yet to win over hurdles. Beaten in a Grade 1 by Fakir D’oudairies last time. Sire doesn’t fit.

***     Band Of Outlaws (5/1 fav)
Trends don’t fancy him. Won last 2 races, that usually a bad sign. High in weights etc.

*         Cracker Factory (40/1)
7 runs, shit on the flat (rated 65), high in the weights. Has a 2nd place in a Grade 2 behind Quel Destin, before being well humped by him again. Ran on All-Weather last time (10th/13). Not for me.

*         Chief Justice (20/1)
8 runs, fails lots of trends, weight, flat rating, etc.… just. Has won a Grade 3 and 2nd in a Grade 2, so 1 star is very harsh.

***     Naturelle (18/1)
French Raider. Mainly fails the weight-test and only a Grade 3 Sire. Could be interesting.

**       Got Trumped (20/1)
Another too high in the weights, would have preferred to be in better form. Been running on good ground.

**       Fanfan Du Seuil (14/1)
Off for 88 days and high in the weights. All form is at a lower level. Update: Backed in from 25/1 yesterday.

**       Beat The Judge NON RUNNER

**       Our Power (25/1)
The last a bit too high in the weights, slight negatives in other areas, but 4th to Fakir D’oudairies not franked yesterday. Drifting this morning.

****   Fox Pro (40/1)
Now we’re getting a bit lower in the ratings. Only ran to a to a RPR of 110, on the low side. Stable won 2 years ago with another French Import but that was a better horse (on what he’d done). Drifting this morning.

**       Coko Beach (11/1)
Sire problems and nothing special in the form. In from 14/1

****   Prabeni (25/1)
Won last 2 races and a lower level. Britsh-bred horses don’t have a great record in this.

****   Zizaneur (50/1)
9 runs over hurdles his only problem. Form is in Class 4 hurdles. Drifted from 25/1.

****   Dogon (20/1)
6 runs not hiding from the handicapper. Pulled-up in a Grade 2.

**       Ciel De Niege (9/1)
Off for 6 months and yet to win. If anyone can win this, its Willie Mullins (with Ruby). Punted in from 16/1.

***** Lethal Steps (15/2)
5 stars, but yet to win. Not a great RPR on what he’s done so far. Elliott and Russell, so price is plenty short enough.

***** Star Max (16/1)
German-bred and bought from Germany. Got better with every race in big fields. Since switching to JP O’Brien’s yard. Irish form on better ground, but did win in Germany on soft/heavy.

**       Oi The Clubb Oi’s (25/1)
Only 2 lengths behind Triumph entry, Quel Destin (Grade 2) last time in December. However his flat form is nothing special and has been off since that good run. Yet to win too and has been running on better ground.

****   La Sorelita (20/1)
Well beaten recently, but would have got closer if she hadn’t made a mistake 2 out. That was on good ground. Won in France on soft and fillies have a great record in the race.

***** Praeceps (22/1)
Flat rating was 79. Don’t really care about that as it’s his only ‘problem’. 3rd in the Adonis behind Fusil Raffles. No form on softer ground, but did win on Good/Soft.

**       King D’argent (33/1)
Off for 97 days, and not a great sire for this. Flat rating not too hot. Difficult to see him featuring.


Conclusion
Bottom weight is 10-12, so maybe the weight won’t matter this year, however half the field is rated higher than the usual winner.


Selection
STAR MAX @ 16/1, Bet365, skybet – 5 places
LA SORELITA @ 22/1, Paddypower 5 places
PRAECEPS @ 22/1, general 5 places





WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
2 Mile 87 Yards, Grade 1 Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race


Overview
In the last 2 years we’ve pick out the winner, both mares who won the Grade 2 at Leopardstown in early February. This year’s winner was Santa Rossa, she doesn’t run.


Last 10 Winners- average 3.8 stars
2018  *****  Relegate (25/1)
2017  *****  Fayonagh (7/1)
2016  ****    Ballyandy (5/1)
2015  *****  Moon Racer (9/2 fav)
2014  ***      Silver Concorde (16/1)
2013  **        Briar Hill (25/1)
2012  ****    Champagne Fever (16/1)
2011  ****    Cheltenian (14/1)
2010  ***      Cue Card (40/1)
2009  *****  Dunguib (9/2)


10-Year Trends
10/10 Won last time.
10/10 Hadn't raced for at least 33 days.
  9/10 Had won at least half of their bumpers. [Silver Concorde had won 1 of his 3 runs spread over 3 seasons]
  9/10 Were aged 5 or 6. [Cue Card was a 4 year old]
  9/10 Had raced in less than 4 bumpers. [Ballyandy (4)]
  9/10 Had an A.RPR of 126 or more. [Exception had won their only start.]
  7/10 Had won a bumper with 13 or more runners.
  7/10 Had won a bumper worth at least £4,000.


Additionally
24 of the last 26 winners had won last time out.
20 of the last 21 winners were aged 5 or 6.
17 of the last 18 winners had won at least 50% of their bumper starts.
20 of the last 26 winners were Irish-bred.
20 of the last 26 winners had won a bumper with 14 or more runners.
19 of the last 26 winners were trained in Ireland.
18 of the last 26 winners were from the first 6 in the market.
14 of the last 17 winners had won a bumper worth £4k or more.
.

Ages (Wins-Places-Runners)
4yo 1-2-28
5yo 5-16-146
6yo 4-2-54


Trainers (Wins-Places-Runners)
Willie Mullins (Ire) 3-6-41
Philip Hobbs 1-1-8
Gordon Elliott (Ire) 1-0-4
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1-0-7


Contenders
***** Abacadabras (10/1)
Ran out when 2nd to Envoi Allen last time. Wouldn’t have won.

***** Ask For Glory (6/1)
Spot on. Sire stats are a little low for this, but that’s not on my trends. Backed in this morning from 9/1.

***** Envoi Allen (7/2)
Another Spot on with poor Sire stats (that aren’t on the trends).

****   Flic Ou Voyou (33/1)
Slightly fails on field size and just won a £2k bumper. Drifter from 20/1.

***     Jelski (50/1)
Not got the desired rating and fails on field size and just a £2k bumper win. Win was on soft though.

***** Master Debonair (11/1)
Better, won a Listed race beating Thyme Hill. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th have all won since. Just fails field size but don’t care about that (11 runners). Off since November is a bit concerning as it’s been a mild winter.

***     Meticulous (17/2)
Didn’t win last time (2nd to Envoi Allen) and hasn’t won 50% of races.

****   Sempo (12/1)
Hasn’t won half his races either. But did win by 15 lengths last time out.

**       Some Detail (150/1)
Just ran 18 days ago, not won half his races and not achieved the desired rating yet.

**       Thor De Cerisy (100/1)
Didn’t win last time (8th) and not rated high enough. Sire Index poor as well.

***     Thyme Hill (22/1)
Didn’t win last time (just beaten by Master Debonair) and only won in small fields.

****   The Glancing Queen (25/1)
Only filly in the field, the last 2 winners were both girls.. Didn’t win last time though.

***     Blue Sari (11/4 fav)
4 year old. 1 run. Only Mullins horse in the race. Won a small field bumper on that start, but is was soft ground that day.

***     Cascova (50/1)
4yo, didn’t win last time and has Sire Index problems.


Conclusion
Had the winner, the last 2 years. No pressure like. Envoi Allen’s form is probably the best, the horses in behind can also been considered. British form is from is through Master Debonair. Bumper king Willie Mullins has just 1 runner. Blue Sari who is fighting favouritism. Lots of these are unproven on the soft ground. Glancing Queen is the only filly in the race, but lost last time.

Selection
ENVOI ALLEN @ 9/2, Paddypower, Blacktype

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