Thought for Tuesday: Hurricane Fly has to be some horse if you stop to consider he had runaway Mares’ Hurdle winner Quevega in rear in a Grade 1 hurdle at Auteuil in June, and then comfortably accounted for Supreme Novices’ winner Go Native by 10 lengths at Leopardstown in December.
Wait for him to reappear at Aintree or Punchestown. It’ll be some show if Tuesday’s Cheltenham results are to be believed!
Looking ahead to Wednesday, here’s the lowdown on the seven race card:
1.30 – National Hunt Cup
Jonjo O’Neill has his string in form at exactly the right moment and can score in the opener with Can’t Buy Time. This progressive looking chaser won with any amount in hand at Sandown last time, and off level weights in this Amateur Riders’ event he can take this for the Jackdaws Castle trainer.
The wise deployment of Wichita Lineman to Tuesday’s William Hill Trophy leaves this at the mercy of his stablemate, and he can take this en-route to a possible tilt at the Grand National. Coral are best price in the village at 11/2.
2.05 – Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle
I’m really looking forward to seeing Karabak strutting his stuff on the big stage. He’ll love the step up in trip, won in emphatic style last time out at Ascot, and has recently been paid the compliment of being purchased by JP McManus.
Choc Thorton loses the ride as a result of that deal (McManus’s retained jockey AP McCoy takes over) and Choc’s evident despair at losing the mount suggests he’ll go mighty close, and the popular Thornton has even nominated the six year old as his Festival banker. If you don’t agree watch the tape of him settling the issue at Ascot, he surged clear of some good horses.
There’s still some 7/2 available with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes.
2.40 – RSA Chase
A big chance for the Irish horses to shine here, and I’m sweet on the chances of Willie Mullins’ Cooldine.
He looked the real deal in winning the PJ Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown last time, doing a nice favour for readers of this column, and clearly improved for the step up in trip.
The form has been well and truly franked by Moriarty second Forpadydeplasterer emerging to win the Arkle here on Tuesday, and Ruby Walsh chooses him in preference to the quirky What A Friend.
There are no stamina doubts where he is concerned, and he’s a confident selection at 9/2 with Coral.
For anyone looking for a value each way play in the race Casey Jones has to be high on the list – he beat the subsequent Irish Arkle winner Golden Silver at Punchestown in November, then sprang a 25/1 surprise when defeating Trafford Lad over 3m at Leopardstown.
3.20 – Queen Mother Champion Chase
This should be an exhibition round from undisputed two mile king Master Minded, but take a look at the betting without the favourite markets – both Briareus and Well Chief merit closer attention.
4.00 – Coral Cup
Many more competitive 28 runner handicap hurdles you’d be hard pressed to find, but don’t be afraid to back Michael Hourigan’s bang in form Dancing Tornado to make the frame at a hefty 18/1 with Coral. (who alongside bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power are paying five places on the race).
In the form of his life at Leopardstown and Ascot the last twice this fella richly deserves to win a big one, and can make a big impact here with a mere 10st 3lb to shoulder.
Regular pilot David Casey is on board, and with the cheekpieces once again in evidence I fancy him to be right in the thick of it.
4.40 – Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Nicky Henderson’s French import Miss Sarenne could be the one to side with here.
She would have won with plenty to spare at Plumpton first time up had it not been for an unfortunate skirmish with the final hurdle (the one that denied AP winner no.3000 no less!), and she can gain compensation on a far greater stage tomorrow.
This lovely prospect has been gobbled up by JP McManus since then and turns out in his silks in the Fred Winter, she’ll appreciate better ground and should be backed each way at 8/1 (general), or at 7/1 with bet365 who pay 5 places on the race.
5.15 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Willie Mullins saddles eight of the 24 runners in the bumper, but he could be frustrated by Dermot Weld’s Rite Of Passage, who’s been the subject of some upbeat reports from his great trainer, and has attracted strong support in recent days.
Already a winner at both Galway and Naas, he’s the one to be with in the bumper at 5/1 with Coral and William Hill. Don’t forget the concessions too – bet365, Boylesports and Paddy Power are paying 4 places on the race.
Champion Bumper Odds Comparison
Good luck!
Tom
