Cheltenham 2020 / 2021

Hey, ho. Although it’s understandable that Cheltenham should loom large in everyones’ minds, it does become a bit dispiriting that we either see very little of the top horses or see them only half fit being “prepped”. With the notable exception of Willie Mullins who showed us his top notchers pretty fully tuned up at the Dublin festival you’ve got to be chary in supporting anything else that’s got Cheltenham aspirations.
 
Ah shur Willie Mullins gets handed free Graded races in Ireland with no credible opposition and poor old Dan Skelton has to pit his against the might of Sky Pirate in a four runner race around Warwick :D
 
So according to a post from Diamond Geezer a month or so ago, the handicap entries for Cheltenham are released tomorrow.

Is this still the case?
 
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Placebacker subsequently posted that Festival handicap entries are Feb 23rd & Weights on March 2nd which would be later than last year, so not sure. We'll know soon enough.
 
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So Sporting John could run in the 3 mile novice chase if the ground comes up gd-st.

If the ground is bad he'll run in the Marsh.
 
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If confirmed for the old RSA and the ground was decent, I'd rather be on Sporting John at 14s each way than Monkfish at odds on.
 
Hmm. I take it he's rated too high for the handicaps? I wanted him to go down that route. I've backed him to win any race (10/1) at the meeting but the Marsh looks tough.
 
Tough with a short priced fav yeah.

If there's a decent amount of runners I wonder will the bookies offer four places or concessions like that to get some money in their book.

I hope Sporting John goes for the old RSA, as I like him each way aswell.

The Marsh is on the Thursday, the old RSA on the Wednesday.

According the Phillip Hobbs if the ground is really soft he will run him in the Marsh, if it's better going he will run Sporting John in the old RSA.

My problem is I like both of the above horses each way, and as Chatham Street Lad is Marsh bound, naturally I want Sporting John in the old RSA.

I suppose at least when I place an anti post yankee which I've not done yet, at least I know Chatham Street Lad is definately Marsh bound. If I do it NRNB as I will, then it's only Sporting John that could be a non runner.
 
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RP Cheltenham Stable Tour - Willie Mullins

There are 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival and right now Willie Mullins is responsible for the favourite in 13 of them.

Yes, you read it right, 13. Two on day one, five on day two, two on day three, and four on day four. Two are currently odds-on and five are shorter than 2-1. He has been the leading trainer at the festival seven times since 2011 and is 1-3 with Betfair Sportsbook to claim title number eight next month.

If the ante-post markets are anything to go by, Mullins' best return of eight winners in 2015 could be surpassed.

As usual, Mullins kickstarts the festival with a hot favourite in the Supreme. The honour falls to Appreciate It this time as last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper runner-up bids to emulate Tourist Attraction (1995), Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015) and Klassical Dream (2019).

Sharjah leads the Champion Hurdle squad into battle, attempting to go one better than last year while Concertista has been all the rage for weeks now in the mares' hurdle.

Gaillard Du Mesnil was glorious at Leopardstown and immediately promoted to Ballymore favourite. Albert Bartlett winner Monkfish has taken to fences superbly and is the Irish banker for so many in the newly-named Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

The only championship race Mullins has yet to win is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He is hoping that sentence will never be said again after March 17. Chacun Pour Soi has been flawless so far this season and, provided there are no last-minute issues like 12 months ago, it will take something special to beat him.

Kilcruit looked awesome at Leopardstown and heads to the Champion Bumper with a big reputation. Wednesday will make or break Mullins' week you sense.

Allaho (Ryanair) and Hook Up (Mares Novices' Hurdle) top two of the markets on Thursday, while Stattler (Albert Bartlett), Elimay (Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase) and Billaway (Hunters' Chase) are three of his Friday favourites.

That leaves us with Al Boum Photo – the horse who is just under seven minutes away from emulating Best Mate and Arkle. The tried and tested Tramore route has been taken to the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup as he seeks a stunning hat-trick and Mullins has him right where he wants him.

We haven't even mentioned Energumene or Min yet. The firepower is frightening.

Al Boum Photo
WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

The champ is in great order. I was initially a bit disappointed leaving the stand at Tramore on New Year's Day, but when I got back home and put all the elements together I was much happier with the performance. He hadn't run in the autumn because Punchestown was cancelled and he'd gone out to grass much earlier than others so he was more backward than I thought he would be. He seems to be in great order and I'm very happy with where I have him at this stage with a few weeks to go.

Allaho
Ryanair Chase

He's coming along nicely now. He ran a big race in the RSA last year and his Thurles win was much more like it. We rode him positively and he answered every call Paul [Townend] gave him. He's entered in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran but I think we might give that a miss and bring him straight to Cheltenham for the Ryanair. He might just have enough done.

Appreciate It
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

He's come through all his trials very well. I have to be honest, he's surprised me with how much speed he's shown. That said, you need to stay very well in the Supreme and he does stay the trip very well. It's hard to win the Supreme with just a speed horse. He's come out of his Leopardstown win in very good form and we won't be doing a whole lot with him between now and March 16. He's where I want him to be.

Asterion Forlonge
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, Marsh Novices' Chase

Things just haven't gone his way since he won his beginners' chase at Punchestown. I'm not sure whether he will travel to Cheltenham now, we might wait until Fairyhouse instead.

Bacardys
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

He's all set to head over for his sixth festival. He's run well in the last three Stayers' Hurdles and he'll have another go in it.

Bachasson
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

He's been in terrific form this season, winning all three starts. He's entered in the Stayers' Hurdle but his record at Cheltenham isn't great so I'm not sure whether I want to bring him over or not. It might be wiser to keep him at home for something here.

Blackbow
Sporting Life Arkle, Marsh Novices' Chase

He ran much better last time behind Energumene at Leopardstown and we might let him take his chance in the Arkle.

Billaway
St James's Place Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

He was second in it last year but I thought his lack of jumping experience caught him out. He knows a lot more about his trade now and he must have a big chance.

Blue Lord
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

I'm not sure which race he'll run in yet but, at the moment, I'm probably leaning towards the Supreme. When he won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown he looked like he needed 2m4f. Then when we ran him over that trip in the Grade 1 at Naas it looked like he wanted two miles. I thought he ran very well behind Appreciate It over two miles at Leopardstown and he's progressing nicely.

Brandy Love
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I know she was favourite at Leopardstown and didn't win, but she didn't run badly and travelled well for a long way. She's a nice mare and I wouldn't be afraid to let her take her chance.

Brooklynn Glory
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I thought she ran a fine race in defeat at Leopardstown. She deserves to take her chance in another top-class race.

Chacun Pour Soi
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

From day one at home he told us he was well above average, certainly not a Joe Soap. He's had a very good preparation for the Champion Chase this season. Everything has gone smoothly and we're keeping our fingers and toes crossed that he gets to Cheltenham in one piece and lines up at the start. He's been great since Leopardstown.

Colreevy
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

She's taken really well to fences and you'd have to say her form looks good enough to go to Cheltenham. There are a few things we need to take into consideration and we'll wait until closer to the time to decide whether she travels over or not. I've been thrilled with her all season.

Concertista
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

It took her an awful long time to come to hand last season and she hadn't even won a race for me before she landed the mares' novice hurdle at the festival. Thankfully, things have been a bit different this season and she's won both her starts impressively. We know she handles the track and she goes there with a major shout.

Elimay
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

She put in a fine performance at Naas last Saturday week and that should sharpen her up for the Mares' Chase. She's put two really good runs back to back now and everything seems to be in place for a big run.

Energumene
Sporting Life Arkle

We had a fair idea he was going to make a decent chaser when we bought him but what he's done has been a pleasant surprise. He's been flawless. He jumps and he stays and he seems to be improving with every run over fences so he goes to the Arkle as a live candidate.

Franco De Port
Sporting Life Arkle

He chased home Energumene at Leopardstown and he's a good horse to have on your side in the Arkle because he's guaranteed to stay if the conditions are testing.

French Aseel
JCB Triumph Hurdle

He was very impressive at Christmas, winning his maiden hurdle by a long way. He had a lot of experience on the Flat but his lack of jumping experience would obviously be a worry. With that in mind, we've done a huge amount of schooling with him and he's been very good. He's a horse who is going to keep improving with age.

Frere Tuck
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

He's in the Ballymore but also in the Michael Purcell at Thurles on Thursday. I'd imagine the Michael Purcell is the favourite at the moment.

Gaillard Du Mesnil
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

He's doing everything right. He jumps and stays and looks to have all the credentials you need to be very competitive in a Ballymore. I'd be very hopeful that he will be involved in the business end of it.

Gauloise
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

She stayed on quite well to be third at Fairyhouse, but I suppose I was a little disappointed. She'll take her chance at Cheltenham and hopefully she can step up on what she showed at Fairyhouse.

Ganapathi
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

I ran him over two mile six furlongs at Leopardstown the other day to get more racecourse experience into him. It's more than likely he will run in the Supreme I would say.

Glens Of Antrim
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

I know she was beaten at Naas but I thought she ran a cracker. She was 33 lengths clear of the third there and I think coming back in trip for the mares' novice hurdle will suit her. She's a lovely mare.

Grangee
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

She deserves to take her chance after what she did at Leopardstown. She hit the line hard there and her 7lb allowance will make her very competitive.

James Du Berlais
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He was among the top four-year-olds in France last season. Simon Munir and Isaac Souede bought him as a novice chaser rather than a hurdler, but we're going to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle with him. It's a case of the Champion Hurdle or the Stayers' and I think the Stayers' would be too much of an ask for a five-year-old. I'd be hoping he can pick up a share of the prize-money too, he's a nice horse. He's goes straight there.

Janidil
Marsh Novices' Chase

He's been a little disappointing this season and certainly hasn't come forward as we would have liked over fences. We thought he'd be even better over fences than he was over hurdles but it hasn't worked out that way so far. He also has the option of the Arkle but the Marsh would look to be the race for him.

Kemboy
Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle, WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

No decision has been made yet. His record over fences at Cheltenham is a little bit average, so the Stayers' is not out of the question and skipping Cheltenham and going straight to Aintree is another option. We know he likes it there. We'll decide nearer the time.

Kilcruit
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Visually he couldn't have been any more impressive at Leopardstown. Whether that was down to the way the race was run or because of his raw ability I'm not quite sure. Cheltenham is a similar sort of track to Leopardstown in that it's left-handed and up a hill at the finish and I'm hoping he can repeat his Leopardstown performance there.

Lord Royal
National Hunt Challenge Cup

He was originally disappointing over fences, especially since he jumps so well, but there were more encouraging signs at Navan last time. We were very gentle with him there and he finished out his race much better. He's qualified for the National Hunt Chase now and that Navan runs puts him right back in the picture.

Melon
Ryanair Chase, WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

He just didn't enjoy being held up in the Irish Gold Cup at all. Wherever he goes – whether it's the Ryanair or the Gold Cup – he certainly won't be doing that again. He enjoyed being ridden positively in the Marsh and we might think about doing something similar in the Ryanair. He always seems to reserve his best for Cheltenham so hopefully that's the case again this year.

Monkfish
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

He's been a natural over fences from day one and his performances this season have been flawless. He coped very well with the drop in trip at Leopardstown in the Flogas, and we know he stays too. He's going to carry an awful lot of Irish hopes going to Cheltenham –including mine.

Min
Ryanair Chase

Of course he was disappointing at Leopardstown but I'm not too concerned about that. We all have our off days and he does too. He had an off day in the Champion Chase a few years ago as well. He won the Ryanair last year and I have no doubt he will be a force to be reckoned with in the race again. He likes to get on with it and that's the way we'll ride him.

N'Golo
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He's been disappointing lately and would need the ground to really dry out for us to think about bringing him over for something.

Pont Aval
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

She couldn't have won any easier at Punchestown and she could have booked her ticket to Cheltenham on the back of that. She's improving all the time.

Ramillies
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I like this horse and I even told Patrick [Mullins] to ride him instead of Kilcruit at Leopardstown. He didn't listen to me but I thought he actually ran a cracker and feel there could be a lot of improvement to come from him.

Saint Roi
Unibet Champion Hurdle

You'd have to say he's been a little disappointing. He came alive when he got to Cheltenham last year in the County Hurdle and hopefully he can do something similar this year. He has to improve a lot, though.

Saint Sam
JCB Triumph Hurdle, Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

The plan all along was to go for the Triumph Hurdle with him, but he hasn't troubled the top horses in the division thus far so the Boodles could be an option.

Saldier
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He was disappointing at Leopardstown, but he's a very good horse on his day. He'll go to the rescheduled Red Mills at Gowran Park and we'll make a decision with regard to Cheltenham after that.

Sharjah
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He's a funny horse in that he's run really poorly in the Irish Champion Hurdle for two years in a row now and I don't really know why. Maybe it just comes up too soon after Christmas. It didn't stop him from running a big race in last year's Champion Hurdle and I'm hoping it won't this year either. We know he goes well at Cheltenham and I'd like to think he's got a good each-way chance. He's been perfectly fine since Leopardstown.

Stattler
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He ran a cracker behind Gaillard Du Mesnil at Leopardstown and that run should put him right for the Albert Bartlett. He jumps and stays so he looks an ideal candidate for the race to me anyway.

Youmdor
JCB Triumph Hurdle

He had a very nasty fall at Fairyhouse when he looked set to win and I think we just ran him back too quickly at Leopardstown. He's much better than that.
 
wilsonl said:
RP Cheltenham Stable Tour - Willie Mullins

There are 28 races at the Cheltenham Festival and right now Willie Mullins is responsible for the favourite in 13 of them.

Yes, you read it right, 13. Two on day one, five on day two, two on day three, and four on day four. Two are currently odds-on and five are shorter than 2-1. He has been the leading trainer at the festival seven times since 2011 and is 1-3 with Betfair Sportsbook to claim title number eight next month.

If the ante-post markets are anything to go by, Mullins' best return of eight winners in 2015 could be surpassed.

As usual, Mullins kickstarts the festival with a hot favourite in the Supreme. The honour falls to Appreciate It this time as last year's Weatherbys Champion Bumper runner-up bids to emulate Tourist Attraction (1995), Ebaziyan (2007), Champagne Fever (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015) and Klassical Dream (2019).

Sharjah leads the Champion Hurdle squad into battle, attempting to go one better than last year while Concertista has been all the rage for weeks now in the mares' hurdle.

Gaillard Du Mesnil was glorious at Leopardstown and immediately promoted to Ballymore favourite. Albert Bartlett winner Monkfish has taken to fences superbly and is the Irish banker for so many in the newly-named Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

The only championship race Mullins has yet to win is the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He is hoping that sentence will never be said again after March 17. Chacun Pour Soi has been flawless so far this season and, provided there are no last-minute issues like 12 months ago, it will take something special to beat him.

Kilcruit looked awesome at Leopardstown and heads to the Champion Bumper with a big reputation. Wednesday will make or break Mullins' week you sense.

Allaho (Ryanair) and Hook Up (Mares Novices' Hurdle) top two of the markets on Thursday, while Stattler (Albert Bartlett), Elimay (Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase) and Billaway (Hunters' Chase) are three of his Friday favourites.

That leaves us with Al Boum Photo – the horse who is just under seven minutes away from emulating Best Mate and Arkle. The tried and tested Tramore route has been taken to the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup as he seeks a stunning hat-trick and Mullins has him right where he wants him.

We haven't even mentioned Energumene or Min yet. The firepower is frightening.

Al Boum Photo
WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

The champ is in great order. I was initially a bit disappointed leaving the stand at Tramore on New Year's Day, but when I got back home and put all the elements together I was much happier with the performance. He hadn't run in the autumn because Punchestown was cancelled and he'd gone out to grass much earlier than others so he was more backward than I thought he would be. He seems to be in great order and I'm very happy with where I have him at this stage with a few weeks to go.

Allaho
Ryanair Chase

He's coming along nicely now. He ran a big race in the RSA last year and his Thurles win was much more like it. We rode him positively and he answered every call Paul [Townend] gave him. He's entered in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran but I think we might give that a miss and bring him straight to Cheltenham for the Ryanair. He might just have enough done.

Appreciate It
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

He's come through all his trials very well. I have to be honest, he's surprised me with how much speed he's shown. That said, you need to stay very well in the Supreme and he does stay the trip very well. It's hard to win the Supreme with just a speed horse. He's come out of his Leopardstown win in very good form and we won't be doing a whole lot with him between now and March 16. He's where I want him to be.

Asterion Forlonge
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, Marsh Novices' Chase

Things just haven't gone his way since he won his beginners' chase at Punchestown. I'm not sure whether he will travel to Cheltenham now, we might wait until Fairyhouse instead.

Bacardys
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

He's all set to head over for his sixth festival. He's run well in the last three Stayers' Hurdles and he'll have another go in it.

Bachasson
Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

He's been in terrific form this season, winning all three starts. He's entered in the Stayers' Hurdle but his record at Cheltenham isn't great so I'm not sure whether I want to bring him over or not. It might be wiser to keep him at home for something here.

Blackbow
Sporting Life Arkle, Marsh Novices' Chase

He ran much better last time behind Energumene at Leopardstown and we might let him take his chance in the Arkle.

Billaway
St James's Place Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

He was second in it last year but I thought his lack of jumping experience caught him out. He knows a lot more about his trade now and he must have a big chance.

Blue Lord
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

I'm not sure which race he'll run in yet but, at the moment, I'm probably leaning towards the Supreme. When he won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown he looked like he needed 2m4f. Then when we ran him over that trip in the Grade 1 at Naas it looked like he wanted two miles. I thought he ran very well behind Appreciate It over two miles at Leopardstown and he's progressing nicely.

Brandy Love
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I know she was favourite at Leopardstown and didn't win, but she didn't run badly and travelled well for a long way. She's a nice mare and I wouldn't be afraid to let her take her chance.

Brooklynn Glory
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I thought she ran a fine race in defeat at Leopardstown. She deserves to take her chance in another top-class race.

Chacun Pour Soi
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase

From day one at home he told us he was well above average, certainly not a Joe Soap. He's had a very good preparation for the Champion Chase this season. Everything has gone smoothly and we're keeping our fingers and toes crossed that he gets to Cheltenham in one piece and lines up at the start. He's been great since Leopardstown.

Colreevy
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

She's taken really well to fences and you'd have to say her form looks good enough to go to Cheltenham. There are a few things we need to take into consideration and we'll wait until closer to the time to decide whether she travels over or not. I've been thrilled with her all season.

Concertista
Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

It took her an awful long time to come to hand last season and she hadn't even won a race for me before she landed the mares' novice hurdle at the festival. Thankfully, things have been a bit different this season and she's won both her starts impressively. We know she handles the track and she goes there with a major shout.

Elimay
Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

She put in a fine performance at Naas last Saturday week and that should sharpen her up for the Mares' Chase. She's put two really good runs back to back now and everything seems to be in place for a big run.

Energumene
Sporting Life Arkle

We had a fair idea he was going to make a decent chaser when we bought him but what he's done has been a pleasant surprise. He's been flawless. He jumps and he stays and he seems to be improving with every run over fences so he goes to the Arkle as a live candidate.

Franco De Port
Sporting Life Arkle

He chased home Energumene at Leopardstown and he's a good horse to have on your side in the Arkle because he's guaranteed to stay if the conditions are testing.

French Aseel
JCB Triumph Hurdle

He was very impressive at Christmas, winning his maiden hurdle by a long way. He had a lot of experience on the Flat but his lack of jumping experience would obviously be a worry. With that in mind, we've done a huge amount of schooling with him and he's been very good. He's a horse who is going to keep improving with age.

Frere Tuck
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

He's in the Ballymore but also in the Michael Purcell at Thurles on Thursday. I'd imagine the Michael Purcell is the favourite at the moment.

Gaillard Du Mesnil
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

He's doing everything right. He jumps and stays and looks to have all the credentials you need to be very competitive in a Ballymore. I'd be very hopeful that he will be involved in the business end of it.

Gauloise
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

She stayed on quite well to be third at Fairyhouse, but I suppose I was a little disappointed. She'll take her chance at Cheltenham and hopefully she can step up on what she showed at Fairyhouse.

Ganapathi
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

I ran him over two mile six furlongs at Leopardstown the other day to get more racecourse experience into him. It's more than likely he will run in the Supreme I would say.

Glens Of Antrim
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

I know she was beaten at Naas but I thought she ran a cracker. She was 33 lengths clear of the third there and I think coming back in trip for the mares' novice hurdle will suit her. She's a lovely mare.

Grangee
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

She deserves to take her chance after what she did at Leopardstown. She hit the line hard there and her 7lb allowance will make her very competitive.

James Du Berlais
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He was among the top four-year-olds in France last season. Simon Munir and Isaac Souede bought him as a novice chaser rather than a hurdler, but we're going to have a crack at the Champion Hurdle with him. It's a case of the Champion Hurdle or the Stayers' and I think the Stayers' would be too much of an ask for a five-year-old. I'd be hoping he can pick up a share of the prize-money too, he's a nice horse. He's goes straight there.

Janidil
Marsh Novices' Chase

He's been a little disappointing this season and certainly hasn't come forward as we would have liked over fences. We thought he'd be even better over fences than he was over hurdles but it hasn't worked out that way so far. He also has the option of the Arkle but the Marsh would look to be the race for him.

Kemboy
Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle, WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

No decision has been made yet. His record over fences at Cheltenham is a little bit average, so the Stayers' is not out of the question and skipping Cheltenham and going straight to Aintree is another option. We know he likes it there. We'll decide nearer the time.

Kilcruit
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Visually he couldn't have been any more impressive at Leopardstown. Whether that was down to the way the race was run or because of his raw ability I'm not quite sure. Cheltenham is a similar sort of track to Leopardstown in that it's left-handed and up a hill at the finish and I'm hoping he can repeat his Leopardstown performance there.

Lord Royal
National Hunt Challenge Cup

He was originally disappointing over fences, especially since he jumps so well, but there were more encouraging signs at Navan last time. We were very gentle with him there and he finished out his race much better. He's qualified for the National Hunt Chase now and that Navan runs puts him right back in the picture.

Melon
Ryanair Chase, WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup

He just didn't enjoy being held up in the Irish Gold Cup at all. Wherever he goes – whether it's the Ryanair or the Gold Cup – he certainly won't be doing that again. He enjoyed being ridden positively in the Marsh and we might think about doing something similar in the Ryanair. He always seems to reserve his best for Cheltenham so hopefully that's the case again this year.

Monkfish
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

He's been a natural over fences from day one and his performances this season have been flawless. He coped very well with the drop in trip at Leopardstown in the Flogas, and we know he stays too. He's going to carry an awful lot of Irish hopes going to Cheltenham –including mine.

Min
Ryanair Chase

Of course he was disappointing at Leopardstown but I'm not too concerned about that. We all have our off days and he does too. He had an off day in the Champion Chase a few years ago as well. He won the Ryanair last year and I have no doubt he will be a force to be reckoned with in the race again. He likes to get on with it and that's the way we'll ride him.

N'Golo
Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He's been disappointing lately and would need the ground to really dry out for us to think about bringing him over for something.

Pont Aval
Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle

She couldn't have won any easier at Punchestown and she could have booked her ticket to Cheltenham on the back of that. She's improving all the time.

Ramillies
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I like this horse and I even told Patrick [Mullins] to ride him instead of Kilcruit at Leopardstown. He didn't listen to me but I thought he actually ran a cracker and feel there could be a lot of improvement to come from him.

Saint Roi
Unibet Champion Hurdle

You'd have to say he's been a little disappointing. He came alive when he got to Cheltenham last year in the County Hurdle and hopefully he can do something similar this year. He has to improve a lot, though.

Saint Sam
JCB Triumph Hurdle, Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

The plan all along was to go for the Triumph Hurdle with him, but he hasn't troubled the top horses in the division thus far so the Boodles could be an option.

Saldier
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He was disappointing at Leopardstown, but he's a very good horse on his day. He'll go to the rescheduled Red Mills at Gowran Park and we'll make a decision with regard to Cheltenham after that.

Sharjah
Unibet Champion Hurdle

He's a funny horse in that he's run really poorly in the Irish Champion Hurdle for two years in a row now and I don't really know why. Maybe it just comes up too soon after Christmas. It didn't stop him from running a big race in last year's Champion Hurdle and I'm hoping it won't this year either. We know he goes well at Cheltenham and I'd like to think he's got a good each-way chance. He's been perfectly fine since Leopardstown.

Stattler
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He ran a cracker behind Gaillard Du Mesnil at Leopardstown and that run should put him right for the Albert Bartlett. He jumps and stays so he looks an ideal candidate for the race to me anyway.

Youmdor
JCB Triumph Hurdle

He had a very nasty fall at Fairyhouse when he looked set to win and I think we just ran him back too quickly at Leopardstown. He's much better than that.
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You have to to have a laugh a Willie and the Racing Post ,Janidil for the Marsh and he isn't in it .
 
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You have to to have a laugh a Willie and the Racing Post ,Janidil for the Marsh and he isn't in it .
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Yes I just read through that and that was my immediate thought. I backed him for the Coral Cup as soon as he was removed from the Marsh entries.

Hook Up favourite for the Mares Novice Hurdle amongst others not mentioned.

Bacchasson not likely? Really???

Also I'd be interested to see where some of the novices end up as opposed to the targets stated.

To be honest this year has just about got me to the point where any of these, and petty much everything else in the Racing Post isn't worth wasting my time reading. The combination of trainers that don't give a sh*t about the very people who pay to keep the sport running, and the racing post who print so much lazy stuff provided by uninspiring journalists, who barely understand the sport all, is tiresome.

Quite why people pay for the most expensive newspaper in the world, with the incredibly low standards they have is beyond me. Where's their piece about Sheikh Mohammed. And on a more basic level the debacle with the issue Desert Orchid raised. They're both useless and rubbish in equal parts.
 
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RP Cheltenham Stable Tour - Gordon Elliott

Less than a month before battle and Gordon Elliott is remarkably calm. The fact he has been here before and conquered all before him is a help.

The promise of more riches to add to his 31 Cheltenham Festival winners could explain the mood. Envoi Allen is a red-hot favourite to maintain his unbeaten record in the Marsh Novices' Chase. Zanahiyr and Quilixios make up the deadliest of two-pronged attacks in the JCB Triumph Hurdle while Sir Gerhard is a leading contender in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.


The trainer has Abacadabras for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, Ballyadam for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Galvin for the National Hunt Chase and Sire Du Berlais for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle.

Elliott describes himself as happy with the team he has assembled.

He explained: "It will be a very different festival but as long as I train a few winners I don't mind. It's a meeting I always like to have winners at and we have targeted it again this year."

He added: "I'm very happy with the team we have going there. We have lots of chances and are well represented in a lot of races. Hopefully we can have a bit of luck."

Abacadabras
Unibet Champion Hurdle

I wouldn’t be giving up on him for the Champion Hurdle. He didn’t run too badly in the Irish Champion Hurdle for a horse who scoped dirty at Christmas. I couldn’t be happier with him and this has been the plan all year. We know he wants a strong pace to aim at on nice ground, and he should get that at Cheltenham. I have plenty of faith in this horse.

Ballyadam
Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle

He scoped dirty after Christmas but I thought he ran a blinder at the Dublin Racing Festival when he didn’t really get the run of the race – he missed the last and he was good for being a couple of lengths closer. If the ground dries up he has a big chance – he’s a classy horse. I have a lot of respect for Appreciate It but we’ll definitely be a lot closer to him at Cheltenham.

Black Tears
Mares' Hurdle

She runs on Wednesday in the Quevega Hurdle and then it will be on to Cheltenham, where she has run well twice before. She's got a Coral Cup entry but at this stage the Mares' Hurdle would look more likely.

Chemical Energy
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I think you will see a better horse on better ground. The ground was a bit too soft for him at Leopardstown and he just got stuck in it. He’s a lot better than that.

Chosen Mate
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase

The plan is to go back and try and win the Grand Annual again. Hopefully spring ground will bring the best out of him.

Conflated
Paddy Power Plate

He has some decent form with some of the good novices and he could be another for the Paddy Power Plate.

Eclair De Beaufeu
County Hurdle

The County Hurdle is the plan for him. He has experience at the track and that is always a help.

Envoi Allen
Marsh Novices' Chase

There’s not a whole lot I can say about this horse. People keep knocking him and the day will come when he gets beaten, but to be honest I wouldn’t swap him for anything else in training and I count myself very lucky to have him. We bought him thinking he’d be a Gold Cup horse and, while there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet, that’s what we're hoping he will be. Envoi is Envoi. He only ever does what he has to. He would work the same with a 150-rated horse as he would one rated in the 0-95 bracket. He doesn’t do anything exciting and he carries that over to his races as well.

Escaria Ten
Ultima Handicap Chase/National Hunt Chase

He’s in everything. It will be between the National Hunt Chase and the Ultima for him.

Eskylane
Coral Cup/Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

I think he's a bit better than what he has shown so far. He had a wind operation before Leopardstown and he came home well. He could go for the Martin Pipe and could have a squeak in that. He’ll get an entry in the Coral Cup as well.

Fakiera
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He ran very well at Leopardstown. He just got stuck in a pocket and flew home. I think the Albert Bartlett will suit him.

Farclas
Paddy Power Plate

The Paddy Power Plate could be the race for him. He ran very well in the Paddy Power and the Leopardstown Chase. He was probably unlucky not to win the latter race as he made a couple of mistakes and the one at the second-last knocked the stuffing out of him. He is a former Triumph Hurdle winner and handles the track so you’d be hopeful.

Floueur
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

He didn’t take to chasing but ran well in a good handicap hurdle at Navan, where he came home well. He could have an outside chance in the Martin Pipe.

Folcano
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

The plan is the Martin Pipe. I don’t think he’d be without a chance in that.

Felix Desjy
County Hurdle

He’s been a small bit disappointing over fences and we have given him an entry in the County Hurdle. I wouldn’t be shocked if we decided to run there rather than the Arkle.

Galvin
National Hunt Chase

The National Hunt Chase has been the plan all year. He has loads of experience and has been around Cheltenham. We’d like to think he can run very well.

Glorious Zoff
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

He looks an obvious one for the Boodles and you’d be hoping he’d have an each-way chance.

Grand Roi
Coral Cup

He’s had a good preparation for the Coral Cup. He has some decent form to his name and the step up in trip should really suit him.

Mighty Stowaway
The St James's Place Hunters' Chase

He’s in good form and goes there fresh. The only thing I would say is, if the amateurs aren’t able to ride in these races it’s going to be a massive disadvantage to me. You have half a stone up your sleeve with Jamie Codd, Patrick Mullins, Derek O’Connor and Barry O’Neill and those boys riding for you. It will be more of a level playing field if professionals can ride and any advantage I would have had with Jamie in my corner will be taken away.

Milan Native
Ultima Handicap Chase

He could be one for the Ultima. He won the Kim Muir last season and he’s had a wind operation since his last run.

Mount Ida
Kim Muir Handicap Chase

She will go in there under the radar but I could see her running a big race at a nice price. She could be a lively outsider for the race.

Or Jaune De Somoza
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase

He goes for the Grand Annual. I think there is a nice race in him on good ground. Once the ground dries out he’ll be okay.

Pencilfulloflead
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

He is a possible runner. It looks a hot race and Monkfish would look as though he will be hard to beat, but you should never be afraid of one horse.

Petit Mouchoir
County Hurdle

He’ll run in the County Hurdle. His best recent runs have come when he was dropped in. He ran a cracker off top weight to finish third in the Galway Hurdle last summer so hopefully he can do something similar.

Quilixios
JCB Triumph Hurdle

He probably doesn’t do things as fancy as Zanahiyr but he stays well and Cheltenham could suit him. He was to go to Chepstow because I didn’t want to run him against Zanahiyr but obviously we couldn’t do that at the time. That’s the only reason why he didn’t run between Down Royal and Leopardstown. You’d have to love the way he did it at Leopardstown and I don’t think there’s much between him and Zanahiyr. They look to be two very nice horses to have for the race.

Run Wild Fred
Kim Muir Handicap Chase

He looks one for the Kim Muir. He ran a big race in the Thyestes and hopefully there's a nice pot in him.

Riviere D'Etel
Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Her Navan run could be a bit better than what people thought at the time because Noel Meade’s horse [Thedevilscoachman] came out and won since. She’s entered in the mares’ novice and the Boodles.

Samcro
Ryanair Chase

The ground is going to be a major factor for Samcro. He’s not an easy horse to train and we're hoping to get a clear run with him between now and Cheltenham. He hasn’t quite peaked yet this season but hopefully better ground and returning to Cheltenham will bring out the best in him.

Shattered Love
Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase

She ran very well over two miles at Naas and stayed on well to the line. The Mares’ Chase is the plan and then on to the Grand National.

Sire Du Berlais
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle

I think he has a great each-way chance in the Stayers’ Hurdle. He’s won the Pertemps the past two years and we know he handles the track very well, which is a massive help. He deserves his shot at the race.

Sir Gerhard
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

I’ll probably run two or three in the Champion Bumper and I wouldn’t be swapping Sir Gerhard for anything. Kilcruit looked good at Leopardstown and he’s obviously a classy horse but I just thought it was a falsely run race – they went flat out early and Patrick [Mullins] had the balls to sit and wait. I’d say they went way too quick up front. They’ll know they have it done if they beat my horse. He doesn’t do anything fancy but he’s a good horse.

The Bosses Oscar
Pertemps Final

We might claim off him in the Pertemps – I thought the handicapper was harsh enough. This race has been the plan since last year and he looks an obvious one.

The Storyteller
Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle

He’s won nearly half a million euros in prize-money, which is a fair achievement. He's been a model of consistency all season and the plan is to run in the Stayers’ Hurdle and then on to the Grand National.

Three Stripe Life
Weatherbys Champion Bumper

He's a smart horse. I know the ground was very soft the day he won at Navan but he has plenty of speed.

Tiger Roll
Glenfarclas Cross County Chase

Obviously we'd have liked him to run a bit better in the Boyne Hurdle on Sunday but he travelled into the race with plenty of his old spark and just got tired on ground he hated. It's all systems go for the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham and there should be plenty of improvement in him.

Torygraph
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

He has a lot of the right attributes for the race. He races behind the bridle and nothing fazes him. He’s a galloper and he's there for you at the end of a race, which is what you need in the Albert Bartlett.

Wide Receiver
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

He could have a good chance in the Martin Pipe. He's probably not at the level required to run well in those Graded novices, but if he's on a going day he could have a chance in a race like the Martin Pipe.

Zanahiyr
JCB Triumph Hurdle

We're lucky to have two very good horses in this division. Zanahiyr did it in Fairyhouse off a very fast gallop and he did at Leopardstown when they crawled. That shows he’s a very good horse – I’d say he’s a very smart horse. He’s definitely more than just a juvenile hurdler. I’d be looking forward to him for the future as well as this season, which isn’t always the way with these juveniles.
 
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Think he could have won the Arkle last year if going for it. Remains a graded horse in a handicap - there might be others of course.
 
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