Cheltenham Festival: Preview Nights

Steve, you are more than welcome to join us. A "Denman Nugget" is the only area we don't appear to have covered. :lol:
 
I know the Plough, so it's nearly tempting, but I think I'll be timing my run to arrive in the early hours of Tuesday morning rather than earlier, followed by ham, egg & chips, a couple of light ales and then the racecourse.
 
Please do come over and say hello if you're in the beer-garden any time around 10:30.

I'll be wearing a pink carnation in my button-hole and a steak over one eye. :D
 
...It’s not as if you’ll be standing out from the crowd then!.. I’ll keep an eye out for you. I’ll be sporting the usual ‘lucky’ covert coat, moleskin trilby and expandable leather satchel… for the winnings.
 
Grasshopper said:
Please do come over and say hello if you're in the beer-garden any time around 10:30.

I'll be wearing a pink carnation in my button-hole and a steak over one

eye. :D
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I`ll be wearing my new herringbone coat for Tues morning breakfast Nick,in the hope it don`t get knocked off again this year
 
Shepherds Crook,Crowell,near High Wycombe,March 9th at 7.30 pm.
Panel Mark Johnston, Andrew Barr,Dave Duggan and Andrew Thornton. We had a few winners off Dave last year
 
Don`t matter to me where they are trained,as long as they run well. I must say what he`s given in the past ,has been good.
 
The Oaksey House in Lambourn at 7.15pm on Monday February 28th.

Tickets can be bought by phoning Jackie Porter on 01488674242.

Tickets cost £15, all in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Panelists are Robert Thornton, Brendon Powell, Jonathan Powell and Simon Clare. For the £15 you get a glass of wine and fork supper.
 
If anyone wants a ticket for any of the below then drop me a PM as I know the people involved with organising these four but couldn't guarantee any freebies!

Tue 1st March, 7pm
Centaur Academy, Basinghall St, London (tickets – 0207 8775040)
Panel includes Dan Skelton & Wayne Hutchinson

Tue 8th March, 6pm
Carlisle Racecourse (tickets – 08445 793002)
Panel includes Ferdy Murphy & Denis O’Regan

Wed 9th March, 7pm
Swynford Hotel, Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket (tickets – 01638 570234)
Panel includes Marcus Armytage, Claude Duval, David Elsworth & Anthony Bromley

Fri 11th March, 7.30pm
East Garston Village Hall, Hungerford, Berkshire (tickets – 01488 648370)
Panel includes Andrew Thornton, Oliver Sherwood, Noel Fehily & Stan Moore
 
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Report from Exeter, available on several sites. Has anyone been to any of the other previews?

Exeter Racecourse Preview Evening – Thursday 24th February

Panel:
MC – Zoey Bird (ZB)
David Pipe (DP)
Nick Williams (NW)
Paul Nicholls (PN)
Philip Hobbs (PH)
Andrew King (AK)
Paddy Power, represented by Paul Binfield (PB)

TUESDAY

ZB: Let’s start with the first race of the 2011 Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle…Cue Card sets a very high standard…
NW: His best form was shown before Christmas so that would be a worry for me. Nicky Henderson’s horses are flying and both of his (Spirit Son and Sprinter Sacre) can shake up the favourite.
AK: Both of Henderson’s horses are high class. Sprinter Sacre potentially better of the pair but whether they can deal with Cue Card is another matter.
PB: Barry Geraghty has a tough choice between the two Henderson horses but it’ll take a good one to Beat Cue Card
PN: For me Spirit Son is the best of the two Henderson horses. He killed Cedre Bleu here (at Exeter) and I think quite a lot of Cedre Bleu. Al Ferof is a big price though, he jumps really well but he does have to improve.
PH: Cue Card is very good but I agree with Nick that not running for a while may be an issue. Dunraven Storm has a squeak if I can get him there but he banged a joint this week.

ZB: On to the Arkle, Paul, what about Ghizao?
PN: He’s in good order and worked really well on Sunday. His form is good and he goes well fresh. He’s had a little break which was always the plan as we’re looking at good to Cheltenham then Aintree and then Punchestown. I can’t have Finian’s Rainbow so Medermit is the one to beat.
PH: We’ll decide after this weekend about whether Captain Chris goes here or the Jewson. I think 2m4f is his trip but Richard Johnson thinks 2m is! Jewson looks easier.
PB: Starluck is interesting if connections decide to come here, not Aintree.
AK: I thought Captain Chris was unlucky to be beaten by Medermit at Sandown last time but Ghizao is still the one to beat.
NW: Finian’s Rainbow has been running in uncompetitive heats and so Medermit shades it for me.
DP: I quite like Finian’s Rainbow but Ghizao is rock solid. I’d prefer Captain Chris in the 2m4f race (Jewson).

ZB: Champion Hurdle, the main race of the entire meeting?
PH: Menorah is great. Everything has gone to plan, I’m very happy with him and it’s all systems go.
AK: Binocular was very impressive last year and it’s tough to oppose him this year. Menorah and Peddlers Cross the obvious dangers.
PB: Hurricane Fly is a big loser for us but Dunguib is a big price for me.
NW: Front of the betting is solid but of that group I’d just give Menorah the edge.
PN: It’s a good renewal. Menorah and Peddlers Cross are the two I’d like and if Jason Maguire’s ban is upheld I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruby (Walsh) took the ride on Peddlers Cross.

Other Tuesday action…

ZB: David, Great Endeavour for the Andy Stewart sponsored race?
DP: He’s crying out for the step up in trip over fences so we’ll either run here or the Gold Cup.
ZB: Reve De Sivola for the same race Nick?
NW: Off a mark of 140 he should be competitive, the step up in trip will really help.
ZB: Anything else on day one for you Paul?
PN: Definity will run in the Centenary Novices’ Chase. His current mark is very nice.

WEDNESDAY

ZB: Let’s start with the Neptune…
PB: Oscar Wells has been impressive so far but favourites don’t have a great record in this race (two wins in last 10 years).
AK: Minella class didn’t look great when beaten at Huntingdon so now it’s very open.
ZB: So Young?
PB: It’s tricky because we don’t know what might run in the Albert Bartlett. That said, Bobs Worth will be tough to beat in either race!
PN: Rock On Ruby ran well at Cheltenham last time and on better ground I think we can bridge the 2 length gap with Bobs Worth. The form of that race is solid and we have a great chance.
ZB: Time For Rupert sets a solid standard in the RSA?
NW: He’s a strong contender but, like Cue Card, he hasn’t run for a while which could be a problem. Aiteen Thirtythree’s price is wrong compared to the likes of Wymott and Wayward Prince, he should be shorter.
PN: Aiteen Thirtythree is rated 159 which is only 2lbs behind Time For Rupert so the handicapper has them close. I’ve always thought he was a good horse, ever since his Point-to-Point days and he’s done nothing wrong so far. Time For Rupert is the one to beat.
AK: I’d love to see Wishfull Thinking here as for me he as a massive e/w chance. Jessies Dream has a very good chance.
PB: Jessies Dream has a massive chance, along with Master Of The Hall who did it nicely in the Reynoldstown at Ascot last weekend.

ZB: On to the Champion Chase, how is Master Minded Paul?
PN: I don’t think we’ll ever repeat his performance from 3 years ago. He’s had a nice break since Ascot and looked really well at evening stables tonight. I think everyone has us to beat. Woolcombe Folly, on good ground, will go very well. His progress this year has amazed me.
PB: Somersby should run in the Ryanair but Master Minded will be tough to beat. Big Zeb is Paddy Power’s NAP of the meeting.
AK: Master Minded has an excellent chance but Captain Cee Bee is interesting at a price, I know AP McCoy likes him. It’s completely ridiculous that Somersby is running here and not the Ryanair.

ZB: Champion Bumper anyone…?!
PH: Persian Snow’s Ascot defeat was due to the ground but he wouldn’t have a strong chance anyway.
AK: I’d like to see Knight Pass win but Allure Of Illusion is apparently ‘the one’ for Ireland.
PB: Star Neuville is interesting, Shark Hanlon think he’s the best of the Irish. Samain did it nicely last time but who knows what Willie Mullins’ best bumper horse is! I have no idea about Raise The Beat despite there being plenty of money for him recently.

Other Wednesday action…

NW: For Non Stop will definitely run in the Coral Cup. I’m keen on his chances off 135.
PN: Pistolet Noir has a genuine e/w chance in the Coral Cup at a nice price.
DP: Chartreux has been put away deliberately for the Festival, he’s a very nice horse. He’ll make a lovely chaser next year.

THURSDAY

PH: The Jewson is easier than the Arkle and RSA so makes sense so run Wishfull Thinking here.
AK: Captain Chris a cracking bet if running here, the race is tailor-made for him.
NW: Hells Bay is extremely consistent but Wishfull Thinking is the one.
PN: I’m having a tough job getting Royal Charm right. Robinson Collonges is the interesting one. He’s been deliberately kept fresh and he’d have a good chance on good ground.

ZB: Ryanair, Poquelin Paul?
PN: He’s improved since last year and worked really well on Sunday so he’s got a leading chance. Tranquil Sea needs it soft, Riverside Theatre is a ‘maybe’ and Kalahari King has become disappointing so it looks a weak Grade 1.
AK: Poquelin has a massive chance on good ground.

ZB: On to the World Hurdle…a duel between Big Buck’s and Grands Crus?
PN: Big Buck’s is in good form and I’m very happy with him.
DP: There’s maybe more to come from Grands Crus, he’s only had 6 races. Big Buck’s is one of the best and it will be great if we can get both of them there in one piece.
PN: If he doesn’t win it’ll be because he’s beat himself by not being relaxed. The better the race the better he’ll win.
PB: Fiveforthree has had plenty of problems but has always been held in high regard. This looks a proper contest though as Solwhit would be another interesting runner.
ZB: So let’s have a quick head count of the panel, Bucks or Crus? I’m with Big Buck’s.
PB: Big Buck’s
AK: Big Buck’s
NW: Grands Crus
PH: Big Buck’s

FRIDAY

ZB: What wins the Triumph?
PB: Maybe hold your bets on Unaccompanied who I’ve heard a rumour about may go to the Supreme. Be careful.
AK: Grandouet would be choice of the Henderson runners (A Media Luz the other) but not sure of their plans yet. I like Brampour though, the race should suit Paul?
PN: He’s improved since Kempton and better ground will suit. In an open race he has a chance. I shouldn’t have run Sam Winner at Chepstow on soft ground and as it stands he’s the best of mine.
NW: I think that form shown in the 6 weeks prior to the race is very important and so Unaccompanied gets my vote.
PN: The Adonis at Kempton is normally very informative so keep an eye on Saturday’ race.

ZB: Albert Bartlett…
NW: I like Back In Focus, he was impressive at the weekend.
PN: Join Together runs. He has good course form and is improving. Again, it looks an open race so he’d have a chance.
PB: Tricky. First Lieutenant may go for the Neptune but if he line sup here would be interesting.
AK: I liked Court In Motion until he got beat at the weekend! I can’t work him out!

ZB: On to the Gold Cup…
PN: Denman is in good form and working well, he looks great. I didn’t think he was finishing his races so we’ve operated on him. I’m hopeful of a big run, on Hennessy weights he can win.
ZB: Diamond Harry Nick?
NW: 3 weeks after the Hennessy he was still flying and I wish I’d never said he’ll come here fresh. Keeping him at that level for the last 3/4 months has been impossible as he’s galloped far more than I would have wanted and a run would have suited him much better. As a result, I was much happier with him a month after the Hennessy than I am now – I’ve mismanaged him. We got the run of the race in the Hennessy as not only did we get 2st off Denman he basically gave us 10 lengths too by going wide. For him to finish in 3rd was amazing considering everything that happen and the fact we were at our best that day. It was a great effort from him.
PN: Kauto Star’s blood was not right after the King George but he seems fine now. He always works well at home so appears as good as ever. Overall it looks an open race. Long Run’s Cheltenham form is disappointing
AK: Imperial Commander has a big question mark over him as apparently his recent work at Warwick was poor. Not sure Denman and Kauto can win at their age and Long Run is probably better on a flat track so maybe Midnight Chase. He has cracking course form and has a great chance to get in the frame.
PB: Of the Irish, I’d have Pandorama over Kempes but this race looks a cracker with so many potential winners.

CHARITY BETS

PN: Aiteen Thirtythree (RSA)
DP: Midnight Chase e/w (Gold cup)
PH: Menorah (Champion Hurdle)
NW: For Non Stop (Coral Cup)
AK: Captain Cee Bee (Champion Chase)
ZB: Kilcrea Kim (Albert Bartlett)
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Am I reading right - the Genius of George Nympton putting up negatives for Cue Card and Time For Rupert as they haven't run for so long? I know he's critical of himself for not running Diamond Harry (which in itself is probably a clue that he's very well fancied, I reckon Nick's getting cute!!!) since November but they were insistent on it being the plan at the time!
 
Seems that he's had trouble keeping Harry interested. Going off and having a run would at least mean a bit of variety.
 
Say what you like about Nick Williams (and he clearly is very good) but he has seemingly made a mess of this horse's Cheltenham campaign 3 years running now.
 
Hamm said:
Say what you like about Nick Williams (and he clearly is very good) but he has seemingly made a mess of this horse's Cheltenham campaign 3 years running now.
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Mmm. Still, I'll forgive him if he gets For Non Stop in the winners enclosure.
 
Oh I don't know, Hamm. In his novice hurdle season he ran well in the RSA hurdle to come 3rd to two useful horses, I'm not sure the result would have been different had he done much else. Last year I don't think his jumping was ever going to be good enough to win the RSA chase anyway, it was too hit and miss. Again, I'm not sure Nick doing much else from the point of view of his campaign would have made much difference. Of course the one large factor in his jumping being so poor last year (and hurdling) was the presence of one Timmy Murphy in the saddle, IMO. Murphy seems to have gone to pot these last couple of years and lets them run around on the track, run down a fence or flight and does little to present them to a fence or hurdle. Switching Daryl onto him has been a massive positive so far as I'm concerned.

It has to be remembered that delivering a horse to any race in completely peak condition can be exceptionally difficult, not least when you are planning that race in three and a half months time - a lot can happen in that period. It was always going to be difficult to turn a horse out at his peak and maintain the difference between them being undercooked or being over the top on the day of the race when you have so long to keep them ticking over, not allowing them to become too fresh but then not doing too much with them.

Anyway, Nick is often a pessimist and nowadays the popular train of thought seems to be that the more pessimistic he is, the better they are likely to run! A little early to say he's messed up his Cheltenham campaign really, in fairness!
 
Wasn't it the popular consensus that he overtrained him the first year and had him like a greyhound? Last year he did what Fleming did this year with Starluck, giving the horse not enough time for learning how to jump. This year I am only going on what he is saying himself.
 
He did run up very light, yes. I'm still not convinced he would have won though in hindsight. With Murphy in the saddle I'm not sure his jumping would have been much better in fairness!! This year we still don't know but even given his hurdle wins there, I don't really think he's a great fan of that Cheltenham track, it's just a gut feeling really. I think he can run well to place though.
 
granger said:
I'm going to this one. Will put up the notes after it

Date: Wednesday 2nd March 2011(8pm Sharp)

Venue: Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre, Dublin 15

Sponsors : 'PaddyPower.com' and 'The Irish Star' Newspaper

Panel: Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Evan Williams, Brian Flannagan (The Irish Star), Donn McClean(The Sunday Times), Paddy Power, Colm Murphy, and (MC) Jonathan Mullin (The Racing Post)

Conference Call: Willie Mullins & Paul Nicholls
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I'll post from this on Thursday afternoon
 
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