Green wave
WILLIE MULLINS’ Zaidpour boasts better form than that shown by many of those ahead of him in the betting and, even allowing for two runner-up finishes in Grade 1s being deemed disappointing, the likely faster ground could yet serve to allow him fulfil his immense potential.
He’ll have to be exceptional to defeat favourite Cue Card but that’s exactly what he promised to be when making his debut on these shores late last year.
Hidden Universe was well beaten in the bumper here last year but he went on to Grade 1 success in that sphere at Punchestown. He ran better than his placing suggests when fourth behind Oscars Well in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novices’ Hurdle on unsuitably heavy ground last time out. He has the potential to improve beyond all recognition for a faster surface and could represent the real each-way value. Tommy Stack’s Magen’s Star is an exciting filly who cannot be underestimated.
Best of the Irish: Zaidpour.
Each-Way: Hidden Universe.
Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase 2m
THE home side’s Medermit and Finian’s Rainbow would appear to be the runners that put the sparkle in the Arkle but there’s a distinct feeling that Noel Meade’s dual Grade 1 winner Realt Dubh has been overlooked somewhat.
He showed terrific battling qualities when looking likely to be touched off by Noble Prince in the Irish equivalent. He wasn’t up to coping with Mikael D’Haguenet over hurdles, as evidenced by his seventh place finish behind Willie Mullins’ gelding in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the 2009 Festival.
However, he’s built for fences and has, unsurprisingly, surpassed what he achieved over smaller obstacles. Meade went to within a short head of winning this race with Hill Society back in 1998 and, by his own admission, Realt Dubh has achieved more at this stage than had his stable-companion. He represents the best of our two-mile novice chasers and should not let the side down.
Best of the Irish: Realt Dubh.
Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1/2f
THIS is arguably the highest class handicap chase on the national hunt racing calendar and victory here often requires a horse with the capability of progressing to the fringe of the Gold Cup picture.
Irish entries are thin on the ground but Dessie Hughes’ Rare Bob is likely to take his chance off a welter-burden of 11-10.
A winner of the Champion Novice Chase at the 2009 Punchestown Festival, he went almost two years without a victory until winning at Leopardstown recently.
Just 3lbs below his highest ever mark, he’s capable of running well but will need a career best effort to come home in front.
Denis Hogan’s Slippers Percy was a maiden in all disciplines until causing a real upset when winning a Beginners' Chase at Thurles in January. He has struggled to get to grips with Grade 2 Company since and has no more than an outside chance of making the frame.
Best of the Irish: Rare Bob.
Each-Way: Slippers Percy.
Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 2m 1/2f
HURRICANE Fly has been conspicuous by his absence from the last two Cheltenham Festivals but, reportedly and quite evidently, he’s had a pretty clear run in his training this season. He’s dizzy from running rings around former Irish Champion Hurdler Solwhit and here he gets the opportunity to prove that he is more than just a one-land wonder.
It’s inevitable that the race will be run faster than any he has previously contested and he’ll need to travel and jump to his best whilst also reserving enough energy to apply that trademark turn of pace up that punishing hill. In an ordinary year he’d look like the proverbial good thing but to win this will require a degree of stardom. Does he possess it? We’ll soon know.
2009 Champion Bumper winner Dunguib finished third in a pretty hot renewal of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last year but blotted his copybook when upped to the very top level at Punchestown subsequently. Philip Fenton’s horse was off the track until winning the Red Mills Hurdle on his return but, classy as he is, his hurdling technique looks unpolished and he made need more experience to graduate to this level.
County Hurdle winner Thousand Stars will relish a fast pace but must improve to compete.
Best of the Irish: Hurricane Fly.
Each-Way: Dunguib.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 7f
ENDA BOLGER has won four of the six runnings of this race since its inception in 2005. His Garde Champetre sought a hat-trick in last year’s race but could manage only fifth place behind Michael Hourigan’s A New Story.
Bolger’s entries are all in the twilight of their careers and may be vulnerable but their trainer excels here and is capable of priming his charges for one last hurrah.
A successful defence of his crown looks difficult for A New Story, while Charlie Swan’s One Cool Cookie unseated his rider on his cross country debut. Henry de Bromhead’s Sizing Australia has a little to find on his most recent efforts over this course but he has age on his side and should go well.
Denis Murphy’s Another Jewel ran well in this race last year and is interesting on that form but he pulled-up on his only outing this term and is hard to have confidence in.
Best of the Irish: Sizing Australia.
Each-way: Garde Champetre.
David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle Race 2m 4f
SPRING mare Quevega will be fresher than most when she seeks her hat-trick in this race tomorrow. Willie Mullins’ mare won this on the back of one prep race in 2009 and didn’t even have such a luxury when winning off a near 10-month absence last season.
It’s a similar story this time as last year and, if you’re willing to take her well-being on trust, she is certainly the one to beat again.
Tommy Stack's Magen's Star holds entries here and in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. If choosing this option she would be very interesting. She's taken to hurdling in fantastic fashion and there's an awful lot to like about the way she tackles her races.
Sent to the front from the start of both outings over timber to date, she's yet to see another rival. It would be very intersting to see how similar tactics would work out if employed here.
Best of the Irish: Quevega.
Each-Way: Magens Star.
Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 4 1/2f
GIVEN that he’s racing off a mark 6lbs below his best form over hurdles and certainly has scope for improvement, it’s reasonable to believe that Gordon Elliott’s Tharawaat could be well handicapped in a race that is a minefield for punters.
The six-year-old only had to stay on his feet to win a poorly-contested chase at Navan last time out but he may not want the ground too fast here.
It’s not inconceivable that there’s plenty of improvement left in Willie Mullins’ Blazing Tempo but she, too, might prefer significant cut in the ground. Charlie Swan’s Glenstal Abbey could be an interesting contender given that his two chase victories came on good ground and he has been beaten on testing going on his most recent outings.
A return to a decent surface could prompt a return to his very best form and he could be a lively outsider — particularly if the market speaks in his favour.
Best of the Irish: Tharawaat.
Each-Way: Glenstal Abbey.
National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 4m
WE would appear to have a stranglehold on the market for this one, with Charles Byrnes’ Alfa Beat and Gordon Elliott’s Chicago Grey looking like particularly strong candidates and making up the top three places in the betting.
Kerry National winner Alfa Beat is seeking a six-timer and would appear likely to have the stamina for the four miles of this race. His trainer has enjoyed great success at the Festival and there’s no reason to suspect that this one cannot go very close here.
Chicago Grey is a classy sort who ran RSA Chase favourite Time For Rupert to eight lengths before finishing a highly creditable fifth, beaten less than five lengths, in the Grade 1 Fort Leney Chase last time out. He has a touch of class and certainly should have a major say in the race’s destination.
Magnanimity should not be by-passed without close inspection. He was well ridden to claim the scalp of Jessies Dream in a Grade 2 before going down fighting against Bostons Angel in a Grade 1.
Best of the Irish: Chicago Grey.
Each-Way: Alfa Beat.
Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle 2m 5f
WE have a terrifically strong hand in this race and Jessica Harrington’s Oscars Well fully deserves his place towards the head of the market. Improving at a rate of knots, there’s no telling just how good he could be. He travelled with real purpose before racing home clear of Zaidpour in a Grade 1 last time out and he has got to be considered a major player.
In the last week, there’s been a monster-gamble on Willie Mullins’ So Young and he’s now challenging hard for the favouritism. It’s impossible not to have been impressed with the way he won his two outings to date for Mullins and he remains firmly in the ‘could be anything’ category.
Mouse Morris is superb at teeing up his charges for Cheltenham and the extremely highly regarded First Lieutenant should not be dismissed out of hand.
He touched off Zaidpour in a Grade 1 (admittedly, not as impressively as Oscars Well subsequently did) but he has scope for huge improvement and can be expected to challenge at the highest level for years to come.
Best of the Irish: Oscars Well.
Each-Way: First Lieutenant.
RSA Steeple Chase 3m 1/2f
IT’D be wrong to criticise Jessica Harrington’s dual Grade 1 winner Bostons Angel but the level of the form of both races is in question and he will have to improve to emulate Weapon’s Amnesty, who won the race for Charles Byrnes’ last season.
Jessies Dream, formerly with Willie Mullins but now with Gordon Elliott, took advantage of the departure of Mikael D’Haguenet to coast home in the Drinmore Chase but he was given an ill-judged ride when second behind Magnanimity last time out. He’ll need to leave that level of form way behind if he’s to succeed here but can be expected to show improved form.
Mikael D’Haguenet remains a maiden over fences but his reputation remains undiminished in many quarters.
Jockey Ruby Walsh appears torn between taking the mount on the former Ballymore Properties Hurdle winner and the strongly-fancied Aiteen Thirtythree from the Paul Nicholls stable. His ultimate decision could be very revealing.
Best of the Irish: Jessies Dream.
Each-Way: Mikael D’Haguenet.
sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 2m
BIG ZEB won this race last year and he looks ready to run for his life in a repeat bid. He’s capable of better than he’s shown here at home this season and, from the yard of a trainer with a terrific record in the championship races at the Festival, he will be very hard to beat.
Former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Captain Cee Bee has had his problems with burst blood vessels but he remains capable of a big run. The fear is that the demands of this race might leave him susceptible to another bout of bleeding but, if not, he’s capable of getting involved.
Arkle winners have a fine record in this race and Sizing Europe represents the novice class of 2010. Henry de Bromhead’s horse is a high-class animal but he was disappointing last time out. He’s better than that and could make the frame.
Golden Silver chinned Big Zeb last time out but his Cheltenham record is uninspiring. He seems better than ever this season and has some place claims.
Best of the Irish: Big Zeb.
Each-Way: Sizing Europe.
Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) 2m 5f
WILLIE MULLINS’ Call The Police has been all the rage for this race and it’s easy to understand why. Second behind stable-companion Final Approach in the ultra-competitive MCR Hurdle on his debut for Mullins, he landed the odds with the minimum of fuss next time out.
Given Mullins’ ability to improve horses from other stables, it’s highly likely that this extremely lightly-raced eight-year-old can go on to better things.
A mark of 140 seems well within range and, barring accidents, he looks certain to be involved.
Eddie O'Grady's Alaivan has been highly tried over hurldes but he appears to be more than capable of holding his own.
He's unbeaten in two outings this season and was noted staying on well up the Cheltenham hill when third in last season's Triumph Hurdle. The extra five furlongs here could play to his strengths and he could run into a place.
Best of the Irish: Call The Police.
Each-Way: Alaivan.
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m 1/2f
ALWAYS a very tricky race, but Gordon Elliott’s Plan A has been well-backed for this race ever since he picked up a maiden hurdle at Gowran Park back in January.
Prior to that caught the eye when finishing third, beaten 24 lengths, behind Sam Winner at Cheltenham back in November.
A mark of 131 is far from prohibitive and he has got to enter the reckoning in quite a big way.
His trainer has a very strong team heading across the water and Plan A there seems to be plenty of confidence behind this one.
Arthur Moore's What A Charm has been disappointing over hurdles thus far but it'd be silly to write her off altogether. Twice a winner on the flat when trained by John Oxx, she's been thrown in at the deep end on all three outings to date.
This will be her first time running in a handicap and, given how shrewd her trainer is, a mark of just 115 has a very dangerous look to it.
Best of the Irish: Plan A.
Each-Way: What A Charm.
Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Open NH Flat Race) 2m 1/2f
UNUSUALLY, the Irish horses have not stamped their authority on this race this season and it looks a wide-open contest. Ruby Walsh reports that Allure Of Illusion is ‘head and shoulders’ above Willie Mullins’ other entries in the race.
Samain and Lovethehigherlaw were arguably Mullins’ most impressive bumper winners this winter but the Gigginstown House runners were never likely starters given that their owners don’t seem to have much regard for this particular race.
Allure Of Illusion hasn’t been seen since winning at Killarney last summer but he’s been working very well with some high class stable-companions and must be respected. The Colm Murphy trained Raise The Beat hasn’t been seen since October but he was a comfortable winner of two bumpers pre-Christmas and has been well backed in recent weeks.
Shark Hanlon’s Star Neuville took three goes to win his bumper but he’s certainly held in the very highest regard and has been backed accordingly. Philip Rothwell’s Divine Rhapsody has possibilities at a huge price.
Best of the Irish: Allure Of Illusion.
Each-Way: Divine Rhapsody.
Jewson Novices’ Steeple Chase 2m 5f
A NEW addition to the Festival, it attracts those novices that don’t possess the speed for the Arkle but similarly don’t have the stamina or will to tackle the RSA Chase. Paul Nolan’s Noble Prince fits into the former category and this should prove his ideal distance. A very useful hurdler, he’s been progressive over fences this season and his close second behind Realt Dubh in the Irish Arkle represents top class form. The faster surface is also a plus and he should finish in the frame.
Loosen My Load was a winner over hurdles at Cheltenham in November 2009 and he boasts some fine form over fences, including when third behind Ghizao here over two miles last year. He has a little to find with Noble Prince on his latest form, at Leopardstown, but he needs fast ground to be seen at his best and, given that he arrives here fresh, he could run a big race.
Best of the Irish: Noble Prince
Each-Way: Loosen My Load
Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) 3m
WITHOUT doubt one of the most difficult puzzles of the week for punters, it’s a gruelling test for horses which demands an animal with real resolve to come out on top. Willie Mullins’ Sivota would appear to have the reserves of stamina required for the trip and also has the look of a horse that has had this race pencilled in for him for quite some time.
Dessie Hughes' Rivage D'Or was a deeply frustrating sort until finally get his act together in a handicap hurdle at Naas last month. The form of that victory was boosted when both Silent Creek (fifth) and False Messenger (ninth) went on to score next time out.
There’s no doubt he has the ability but whether or not he will go through with his effort when he faces the hill is still in question.
Best of the Irish: Sivota
Each-Way: Rivage D’Or
Ryanair Chase 2m 5f
Willie Mullins J'y Vole has been a commendable servant to connections and she ran a fine race when third behind Albertas Run in last year's running of this race. She's finished within three-parts of a length of the classy Tranquil Sea at Fairyhouse in December and that form puts her right in the mix once more. Whether or not she can find the little extra needed to win the race, only time will tell but she certainly has place prospects.
The late withdrawal of Tranquil Sea diminished the Irish challenge significantly. Rubi Light beat Roberto Goldback quite comprehensively at Gowran Park last time out and Robert Hennessy's six-year-old is certainly on an upward curve. He could progress into a genuine challenger for this race in time but this year may prove too soon.
Best of the Irish: J'y Vole
Each-Way: Rubi Light
Ladbrokes World Hurdle 3m
THERE’S no doubt that Big Buck’s is the one to beat once more but Willie Mullins’ Mourad has time on his side and he comes here in terrific form. He finished a smart third behind Zaynar and Walkon in the 2009 Triumph Hurdle, where he was noted coming up the hill particularly smartly.
Mullins insists he could improve further for better ground and, that being the case, he could be heavily involved. His place claims look solid.
Stable-companion Fiveforthree doesn’t get to see the track very often but when he does he’s a most capable sort. He won the 2008 Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival and has finished out of the frame only once in 11 career outings. There must be a doubt that he retains the same ability as in his younger days but he was a winner on his return and commands plenty of respect.
Best of the Irish: Mourad
Each-Way: Fiveforthree
Byrne Group Plate Handicap Steeple Chase 2m 5f
THERE are very few Irish entries in this race and there remains the possibility that we may not have any representation in the race whatsoever. Tony Martin's Askmeroe is the most likely acceptor given that this is his only entry at the Festival but, even if he does make it to the line-up, he may have to race from out of the handicap.
His overall profile isn't too convincing but he hinted at better things to come when second in a handicap chase last time out. Stables don't come any more shrewd and he would, at least, be an interesting runner.
Gordon Elliott's pair, Tharawaat and Beautiful Sound, both hold multiple entries but the former would appear the most likely candidate for this.
He achieved little last time but is progressive and would be interesting if taking his place.
Best of the Irish: Tharawaat
Each-Way: Askmeroe
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1 1/2f
GORDON Elliott’s beautiful Sound has been making up for lost time this season. The extremely lightly raced nine-year-old only made his racecourse debut at Punchestown back in November but he impressed with a really stylish display.
He was a very expensive failure when a well-backed favourite in the Paddy Power Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival but he returned to winning ways at Fairyhouse subsequently. He certainly could be well ahead of his current handicap mark and, given that we’re yet to see him on good ground, it’s quite plausible that the son of Presenting will improve for it.
Enda Bolger's Arabella Boy, who won a point to point and two races over hurdles, took longer than expected to make his mark over fences. Admittedly, the six-year-old has raced against some very useful sorts and the way he battled to get the better of Beautiful Sound's stable-companion, Ballymak, last time was encouraging.
Best of the Irish: Beautiful Sound
Each-Way: Arabella Boy
JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f
In just two starts, Dermot Weld's Unaccompanied has made a real name for herself over hurdles. A mare with the physique for this game, she was an impressive winner of her maiden at Punchestown before making light of a significant step up in class when casting aside the 132-rated Sailors Warn in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown last month. The first runner over hurdles for her owners, the Moyglare Stud, she has real claims in an open-looking race.
Sailors Warn re-opposes the filly here and, though it's certain that there were no excuses for Eddie O'Grady's horse on that occasion, he stayed on in good style and could be they type to take to this track. Tommy Stack's Mister Carter has the size and scope for this game and may prove better than his latest effort suggests.
Best of the Irish: Unaccompanied
Each-Way: Sailors Warn
Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f
Gordon Elliott's Dirar won last season's Ebor Handicap on the level at York but he's also quite a progressive hurdler who could prove very well handicapped here. He hasn't seen a jump in public since finishing a fine third behind Overturn in last year's Galway Hurdle but he has been primed for this race with a highly creditable run on the all-weather at Kempton last month.
His trainer has a reputation as one of the shrewdest handlers in the business and it looks as though Dirar's handicap mark over hurdles has been protected with this race in mind. His current assessment is far from insurmountable and he must hold huge claims.
Willie Mullins has many entries and perhaps MCR Hurdle Final Approach represents his best chance. Shrewdly trained to win that race for the sponsors, the useful flat performer has plenty of scope for improvement in this sphere and must be respected.
Stable-companion Blackstairmountain has the ignominious distinction of being the first Irish horse to trade at 1.01 on Betfair and be beaten on two occasions. However, he's a classy sort who could relish the demands of this race.
Best of the Irish: Dirar
Each-Way: Blackstairmountain
Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 3m
CHARLES Byrnes’ subsequent RSA Chase winner Weapon’s Amnesty was a winner of this race back in 2009 but there isn’t an Irish horse prominent in the betting for this year’s renewal.
Willie Mullins’ Gagewell Flyer is difficult to fault on what he’s done this season and, if taking his place, could surprise some of his better fancied rivals. The decision to force the pace with him has paid rich dividends this term and he completed his hat-trick when just holding off the whirlwind finish of stable-companion Earlson Grey.
Another stable-mate, Allee Garde, is unusual for a Willie Mullins horse insofar as he failed to win a bumper in five attempts.
However, he made a very bright start to his hurdling career when jumping notably well and readily racing clear of a big field of maiden hurdlers. He looks the type to excel over a trip and could run a huge race at similarly attractive odds.
Best of the Irish: Allee Garde
Each-Way: Gagewell Flyer
totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeplechase 3m 2 1/2f
NOEL Meade’s Pandorama was disappointing when pulling-up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury but he showed that form to be wrong when taking the Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his very next outing.
Also a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and twice as a novice chaser, he’s only ever been beaten twice on the racetrack. Soft ground would be of great benefit to him but that seems unlikely at this stage.
His class should see him get amongst the better fancied runners but winning might be beyond him if the ground rides genuinely fast.
Kempes is a useful sort who produced what was easily his best ever run when winning the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown last time out. It’s pretty hard to get excited about the bare form of that race but he’s quite progressive and entitled to take his chance. China Rock tried to steal the Irish Hennessy by heading for home early but the exertions took their toll and he faded back into fourth place. He must improve on all known form but is respected for his trainer’s impressive Cheltenham record.
Best of the Irish: Pandorama
Each-Way: Kempes
Christie’s Foxhunter Steeplechase 3m 2 1/2f
ENDA Bolger, who won this race with Elegant Lord back in 1996, has a very interesting runner in the shape of On The Fringe.
The winning point to pointer is unbeaten in two starts in Hunter Chases — most recently when racing away from Rudi Trucker in the Raymond Smith Memorial at Leopardstown.
His victory was made easier by the departure of challenger Viking Splash at the final fence but On The Fringe is very lightly raced six-year-old that looks certain to progress further.
Rudi Trucker would appear to have it all to do to reverse the Leopardstown form with On The Fringe but Grand National winning trainer Jimmy Mangan is sure to have him on top form for this race and he has place claims.
Roger McGrath’s Kilty Storm ran a huge race when finishing second behind Baby Run last year and he appears to be in good form heading out on the return trip.
He was second behind On The Fringe at Punchestown at the backend of last year and, though he may need to improve to gain his revenge, his course form is valuable.
Best of the Irish: On The Fringe
Each-Way: Rudi Trucker
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ H’cap Hurdle 2m 4 1/2f
Willie Mullins looks to have real claims here with the thoroughly unexposed Sir Des Champs. A winner on his hurdling debut at Auteuil last March, he maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles when making a successful start for new connections at Navan in January.
The bare form of the race is nothing special but he won it with real authority and could be anything. It's safe to assume that significant progress will be forthcoming and if he handles faster ground he must have a favourite's chance.
Ted Walsh's Heavenly Blues missed a couple of seasons and is a nine-year-old but he ran an encouraging race when second behind Call The Police last time out and he could outrun his odds here. Most of his form has been on ground with significant cut in it but his third-placed finish behind Megan's Joy in a Grade 2 race in 2008 reads well.
Best of the Irish: Sir Des Champs
Each-Way: Heavenly Blues
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeplechase 2m 1/2f
Tommy Carberry's Peak Raider is the most prominent of the Irish runners in the betting and it's quite easy to see just why that is the case. The seven-year-old has won two chases and a hurdle this season and he could sneak on at the bottom of the weight here.
How much further he can progress is difficult to gauge but he couldn't be in better form and must be given respect, provided he doesn't have to run from out of the handicap.
Robert Tyner's Askthemaster finished behind Peak Raid, over hurdles, last time out but previously picked up a handicap chase at Leopardstown in pretty good style. He's still quite lightly raced for an eleven-year-old and it isn't beyond him to put up a bold show for his shrewd connections but he must operate off a career high mark.
Best of the Irish: Peak Raider
Each-Way: Askthemaster
