Cheltenham 2011 - Rules and Selections

[andyor]

My Picks

440: Quevega 3 Win

320: khyber Kim 5 EW

320: Peddlars Cross Lay

Returns = 91.67, 0, 61.11

[BC]

Mar 15, 2011 10:04:30 GMT trebor said:

P.S
I think Bangers A-Z is broken G.G.G

Well spotted!

[Ginger]

16:00,A New Story,6,WIN
16:40,Banjaxed Girl,2,E/W
15:20,Oscar Whisky,8,Lay

Returns = 0, 0, 57.14

[Les]

1.30,spirit son,11,e/w
2.05,medermit,6,win
3.20,menorah,6,lay

returns 50, 0, 56.67

[Old Timer]

Thanks BC, I'll pop it on here then.

Cheltenham 14.40 Gr 3 Hcap Chase 428 (139.9) 24.5f gd/sf – 19 Run

Cons F/C – Blazing Bailey; Great Endeavour/Bensalem
Cons others – Carole’s Legacy
Prob – Bensalem; Great Endeavour; Blazing Bailey/ Carole’s Legacy
AR – Rare Bob; Blazing Bailey; Reve De Sivola; Chief Dan George; Razor Royale

Blazing Bailey 9-11-12 OR 153 CP 164p
Win 32% gd/sf 4/3/13 24/25f 1/1/3 Chelt 1/0/1
Tr 14d 7/46 Tr C 30/276 Jo 14d 3/22 Jo C 2/62
Best last 6:
Cl 150 (133.9) off 146 Cl2 HCh 28f gd/sf Ffos Las 9/2 1/11 by 2l – [13.0]
chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 4 out, driven to challenge approaching 2 out, stayed on strongly to lead flat, ridden out
Best last 3: (as above)
Lto: (as above)

Appears to be improving, although raised 7lbs to new career high for win at Ffos Las last month. No problem with course, going or distance and is proven with the weight.

Great Endeavour 7-11-7 OR 148 CP 166p
Win 45% gd/sf 1/1/4 24/25f 0/0 Chelt 1/1/3
Tr 14d 3/31 Tr C 26/321 Jo 14d 0/14 Jo C 17/196
Best last 6:
Cl 460 (142.1) off 135 Gr3 HCh 21f gd Chelt 18/1 1/24 by 1.25l – [9.9]
in touch, headway 12th, challenged 3 out, led before next, ridden last, held on under pressure flat
Sunnyhillboy 6/1F (-1) was 1.25l 2nd
Best last 3: (as above)
Lto:
Cl 860 (146.9) off 142 Gr3 HCh 21f gd/sf Chelt 13/2 2/16 btn 1l – [-0.3]
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, challenged next, kept on and every chance flat, held towards finish
Sunnyhillboy 9/1 (-6) was 7l 3rd

Likes Cheltenham, beating Sunnyhillboy in the Byrne Group Plate here last year and again finishing in front of him in the Paddy Power and Vote McCoy chases here before Christmas. Not run since the latter, but has won at the distance and handles the ground.

Carole’s Legacy 7-11-5 OR 146 CP 163
Win 56% gd/sf 4/2/7 24/25f 1/0/1 Chelt 0/1/1
Tr 14d 10/42 Tr C 33/273 Jo 14d 1/15 Jo C 28/147
Best last 6:
Cl 230 (141.6) off 141 Gr3 HCh 21f gd/sf Chelt 7/2F 2/15 btn 0.75l – [3.8]
chased leaders, led after 12th, headed 2 out, rallied to lead again after last, headed last 50 yards, kept on
Best last 3: (as above)
Lto:
Cl 230 off 150 Gr2 Hd 24f gd/sf Chelt EvF 2/8 btn 4l
tracked leaders, hard ridden to challenge after 2 out, soon under pressure, no extra flat

Useful hurdler who runs off a higher mark over the smaller obstacles. Useful enough over fences too, winning first 3 starts in ‘09/’10 season and fine effort when 1l 2nd to Tartak over 21f here on New Year’s Day. Runner-up in a Gr2 Mares Hurdle at Ascot lto. No problem with distance, going or course.

Bensalem 8-11-2 OR 143 HU 169+
Win 38% gd/sf 2/1/5 24/25f 0/1/2 Chelt 0/0/1
Tr 14d 7/46 Tr C 30/276 Jo 14d 4/25 Jo C 28/207

Very useful hurdler and was going well in this last year when falling 2 out; had also fallen at Haydock in the January. Has been confined to hurdles since, finishing 2nd to Quevega at Punchestown last April, needed the run on his return behind Grand Crus here in January, and then faded on the run-in in heavy ground when runner-up to Cross Kennon at Haydock last month.

Of the above quartet, Great Endeavour would appear to have the best credentials, though David Pipe has yet to prove as successful at Cheltenham as his father was.

From a dosage trends approach we have the following leading the parade.
9/10 Sunnyhillboy (166) – not yet won beyond 20f or attempted beyond 21f. Bit early in the meeting for Jonjo, but the age, sex and distance all fit, although he hasn’t won one of his last 4 starts!
8/10 Blazing Bailey (164p) – no horse has won with this weight in 15 renewals, Unguided Missile with 11-10 in ’98 being one of only 2 horses to be successful carrying more than 10-12. Moreover, dosage spread is more stamina loaded than the normal configuration
8/10 Carole’s Legacy (163) – carries more weight than all but one past winner, plus Henderson is 0/29 at 24f+ and 0/19 with female horses.
8/10 Bensalem (169+) – carries the same weight as Flyers Nap in ’07 and only Unguided Missile the following year carried more. Comes from a hurdle race, which none of the previous 15 winners have, while Thornton has yet to ride a hcap winner for King
8/10 Slippers Percy (153) – novice chasers have poor record and has had 6 races since November
8/10 Adams Island (165) – same complaints as Slippers Percy and was beaten 92l by Blazing Bailey at Ffos Las on penultimate run. Not a race for a FR either
8/10 Wolf Moon (155) – yet another novice chaser and runs from 6lbs out of the handicap, which is another negative

Again there’s nothing that sails through without the odd question mark or three. However, Sunnyhillboy seems the most likely, unless one wants to take a chance on the Irish pair Adams Island and Slippers Percy.

Qualifiers by the handicap method are: Blazing Bailey, Exmoor Ranger, King Fontaine, Razor Royale, The Sawyer, Slippers Percy, The Rainbow Hunter, Carrickmines and Wolf Moon – take your pick!

My choice last year was Exmoor Ranger, but in the hope of doing better this time round I think I’d go with Sunnyhillboy with Great Endeavour as the main danger perhaps.

Cheltenham 13.30 Gr 1 Novice Hurdle 570 16.5f gd/sf – 15 Run

Cons F/C – Recession Proof/Spirit Son; Cue Card/Sprinter Sacre; Al Ferof
Cons others – None
Prob – Spirit Son; Cue Card; Recession Proof
AR – Zaidpour; Recession Proof; Spirit Son; Cue Card; Marsh Warbler

Bit tricky trying to split them on a dosage trends approach, but the ones to consider are:
6/6 Al Ferof (155p) – the Nicholls contender with Ruby Walsh up, but he failed to win on his hurdling debut here in December, although he was 3l up and going well when falling 2 out. Moreover, he’s dosage weak and Hors La Loi III was the only winner with that trait going back to ’95.
6/6 Recession Proof (155) – comes from a hcap hurdle lto, which is a negative for me
6/6 Spirit Son (156) – ex-French gelding, scoring there in Listed class on his debut last September, and has been impressive landing the odds on his two starts in novice class this side of the Channel. Fits the mould for a Henderson/Geraghty combination hurdler, except that he looks sure to start either 1st or 2nd favourite.
6/6 Sprinter Sacre (156p) – another Henderson entry, though only finished 2nd on his hurdle debut over 20f at Ascot in November. Nevertheless, has won both starts since and ridden by McCoy today.
6/6 Magen’s Star (162) – Irish-trained contender (they’ve won 6 of the last 10) and has won both her starts to date. The last mare to win though was Like-A-Butterfly back in ’02.

You will note that Cue Card is not among my shortlist, but the fact he was beaten 4.5l by Menorah here in December raised questions, as does the fact that he hasn’t run since then. As such he’s one of those 4/1 shots or shorter about which I have questions, and on this occasion I’d be prepared to take him on with Spirit Son.

Cheltenham 14.05 Gr 1 Chase 741 16f gd/sf – 10 Run

Cons F/C – Finian’s Rainbow; Ghizao/Medermit/Realt Dubh; Captain Chris
Cons others – None
Prob – Finian’s Rainbow/Medermit; Ghizao
AR – Rock Noir; Realt Dubh; Medermit; Giorgio Quercus; Ghizao

The dosage trends approach turns up the following:
9/9 Medermit (162) – smart hurdler who has progressed well to fences, though did refuse early on 2nd start at Huntingdon in November when ridden from the front. Has won 2 of 3 since, beating Captain Chris by 0.5l lto despite idling in front. Dropped back in trip today, but French bred, which is a plus as they’ve produced 5 of the last 10 winners. Moreover, it’s a classic Alan King/Robert Thornton pairing as well, providing the stable is back on track this year,
8/9 Captain Chris (160) – somewhat surprise runner in that he’s finished behind both Ghizao and Medermit in his last 3 starts, though he did beat Adams Island in a 3-horse race at Kempton just 17 days ago. Moreover, Phillip Hobbs has only saddled 4 winners at the Festival in the past 5 years.
8/9 Finian’s Rainbow (163p) – useful novice hurdler last season and has taken to chasing like a duck to water, winning all 3 starts to date. It’s Henderson and Geraghty again, though once more it’s a worry that the horse is likely to start 1st or 2nd favourite, plus I always favour Henderson’s horses over hurdles.
8/9 Ghizao (161) – dual bumper winner and a winner over hurdles, though appeared outclassed in the Neptune Investment Management novice hurdle at last year’s Festival. Has taken well to fences, beating Captain Chris in both his last two starts. Trained by Nicholls, but with Timmy Murphy up who has ridden him the last two starts. However, as Nicholls is only 1/35 on the first day of the meeting I think I’ll pass.

Tricky race in that while you’re not looking for horses at double figure odds, there have only been 2 winning favourites in the past 15 renewals, teh last one being Azertyuiop in ’03. So I guess the way out here is to take whichever of Medermit and Finian’s Rainbow that does not start favourite – I prefer Medermit myself.

Cheltenham 15.20 Gr 1 Hurdle 2109 16.5f gd/sf – 11 Run

Cons F/C – Hurricane Fly/Peddlers Cross; Menorah; Oscar Whisky
Cons others – Mille Chief
Prob – Hurricane Fly; Menorah; Peddlers Cross
AR – Khyber Kim; Hurricane Fly; Overturn; Menorah; Peddlers Cross

This is not the nicest race for a dosage trends approach, as only Mille Chief and Clerk’s Choice fall among the desire distribution pattern. Nevertheless, we shall soldier on:
10/10 Hurricane Fly (177+) – very smart Irish hurdler who won the Irish Champion Hurdle from Solwhit at Leopardstown in January, completing a four-timer in the process. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, HF fits the criteria of Mullins’ winners
9/10 Dunguib (172) – another Irish contender and finished 3rd to Menorah in the Supreme Novices last year and is back to try for the big prize this time round. Just the one race this term, winning a 3-horse race at Gowran Park 3 weeks ago.
9/10 Peddlers Cross (171p) – winner of the Neptune Investment Management novice hurdle at last year’s Festival and still unbeaten in 6 starts over hurdles, beating Bygones Of Brid on latest start at Kelso last month.
8/10 Menorah (174+) – winner of the Supreme Novices last season and has won both his starts here this campaign, beating Cue Card in fine style back in December. Bit of a worry that he’s been off the track so long, but certainly capable; a Phillip Hobbs/Richard Johnson runner, but outside their criteria on dlr.

Of others, Oscar Whisky fits the profile of Henderson/Geraghty winners, though Mille Chief looks a little long in the betting @ 14/1 to be a King/Thornton selection.

This used to be a race that backers got right most of the time, but there hasn’t been a winning favourite in the past 4 years, the winner starting at double figure odds on 3 of those occasions. Nor have previous Festival winners or Irish trained winners been to the fore. Hopefully that will change this year, as Hurricane Fly has much going for it and is just preferred to Peddlers Cross.

That’s it for today then. Don’t know how much I’ll get done tomorrow, as thanks to the massive fields I haven’t been able to pre-prepare much (I mean 67+ acceptors at the 3-day stage, ridiculous; it takes me 3-5 minutes to enter the data for each entry!)

Oldtimer

[Old Timer]

Sorry I'm so close to yours Les

1.30 Spirit Son (Win)
2.05 Finian's Rainbow (E/W)
3.20 Menorah (Lay)

Oldtimer

Returns = 0, 42.50, 56.67

[Kimmy]

Win. 3.20 Hurricane Fly.

E/W. 5.15 Rougham.

Lay. 4.40 Quevega.

Returns 137.50, 0, 0

[BC]

Report notes:
1. Remember that the bank started at £600;
2. I'm only going to report on those in profit unless there is something of special note;
3. I have edited each selection post with your returns today, but to reduce the time it takes to work it all out, I won't do that for future days. The calculations are shown in the table for you to check, so I'm just doubling up!

Day 1 results

Ladies day.

Liz storms ahead, increasing her bank to £853.13 thanks to Captain Chris winning at 6/1.
Mitzi found a nice 12/1 3rd, which contributed to her bank growing to £656.25.
BlackCat and Andyor saw a small profit on the day to keep their chins above water with 620.24 and 602.78 respectively.

Everyone else had better put in some more study!

The full table is here (complete with calculations): Cheltenham Challenge Table

Hope you can follow it OK.

Please check your scores for any errors. I have a nasty habit of forgetting to return the stake on winning bets!

[trebor]

2:40 Mikael D'Haguenet - EW -
3:20 Big Zeb - LAY -
5:15 Saint Luke - WIN -

[liz]

WIN: 2.05 Minella Class 7

EW: 2.40 Wymott 12

LAY: 3.20 I'm So Lucky 6

[banger]

WIN 1-30 Ghicago Grey 8
EW 3-20 Golden Silver 5
LAY 2-05 So Young 11

[mitzi]

WIN 4-40 Titn De Sarti 5
EW 5-15 Star Neuville 18
LAY 2-05 Oscars Well 9

[mcginty]

WIN 2-40 Jessies Dream 4
EW 4-00 Carlito Brigante 6
LAY 3-20 Master Minded 8

[Ginger]

13:30,Beshabar,4,WIN
14:40,Jessies Dream,4,LAY
14:05,Minella Class,7,E/W

[dennisg]

1.30 beshabar #4 lay

2.05 so young #11 win

2.40 jessies dream #4 win

[Nofinepix]

Win 1.30 Sona Sasta
EW 2.40 Wayward Prince
Lay 3.20 Captain Cee Bee

[Les]

2.05,oscars wells,9,win [what have you to do to get a return at this place] oh well
2.05,so young,11,lay
2.40,bostons angel,2,e/w[ha ha ha o ye of little faith]

[andyor]

400 Lightning Strike 21 Win

515 Felix Yonger 10 EW

205 So Young 11 Lay

[BC]

Win - 14:40,Time for Rupert,10
E/W - 15:20,Master Minded,8
Lay - 14:05,So Young,11

[BC]

Mar 16, 2011 10:28:42 GMT dennisg said:

1.30 beshabar #4 lay

2.05 so young #11 win

2.40 jessies dream #4 win

I noticed that Dennis has 2 win selections today. I have attempted to contact him by email and PM, but if he doesn't tune in, I'm guessing that he meant to make Jessies Dream his E/W call, and that's how I'll score it if he doesn't amend.

[Kimmy]

Win. 2.40 Time For Rupert.

E/W. 5.15 Knight Pass.

Lay. 1.30. Beshabar.

[007]

4.00 Aegean Dawn WIN
5.15 Cinders and Ashes E/W
3.20 Woolcombe Folly LAY

[Old Timer]

Wednesday's wanderings

Cheltenham 14.05 Gr 1 Novice Hurdle 570 21f gd – 12 Run

Cons F/C – Oscars Well/So Young; Minella Class/Rock On Ruby/Tornado Bob; First Lieutenant
Cons others – None
Prob – So Young; Oscars Well; First Lieutenant
AR – Oscars Well; First Lieutenant; Minella Class; So Young; Megastar

The dosage trends approach is again short of those with the expected distribution, but the following look to be the brightest prospects.
9/9 Oscars Well (166) – Irish gelding who fits the trends nicely, having won his last 3 starts over fences after finishing runner-up at Thurles in early November. Latest success came last month when he was a comfortable winner over Zaidpour in a Gr 1 Novice over 18f at Leopardstown. His earlier two wins had come over 20f, so should have no problem with the trip today.
8/9 First Lieutenant (157) – another Irish gelding who has the build to make his mark over fences. Nevertheless, looks to be a promising hurdler, having won 2 of his 4 starts to date. Latest success was in a Gr 1 Novice over 16f at Leopardstown back in December when he was all out to get home by a nk from Zaidpour. Bit of a worry that he hasn’t run since, as no horse has won the race without a run in January or February, plus another negative is that he’s stepping up from 16f, though has won over 20f.
8/9 Minella Class (156p) – the Henderson/Geraghty entry and fits their winning profile to a T. Has won 2 of his 3 hurdle starts to date, comfortably beating Megastar in a Gr 1 Novice over 17f at Sandown in January. Made a few mistakes lto when a 3l runner-up over 21f at Huntingdon in lower class, weakening in the final 100 yards or so. Something to prove after that perhaps.
8/9 Tornado Bob (158p) – trained by McCain who saddled last year’s winner Peddlers Cross. Has won 2 of his 4 starts over hurdles, though has no Grade experience and finished 2l 2nd to Sonofvic at Ascot lto when raised to Cl2 over 20f; may have won if not stumbling at the last. Obviously improving, but those that didn’t win lto had been 2nd in Grade class.

Of others, the likely favourite So Young has a couple of negatives from my point of view in that he’s coming from a 16f race lto and has yet to run in Grade class, plus he’s only had two hurdle races to date. However, he does fit the profile of a Mullins/ Walsh winner.
With Ruby Walsh on So Young, Darryl Jacob deputises on Paul Nicholls entry Rock On Ruby who has also only had 2 hurdle starts to date. Ridden by Skelton both times, he won over 17f at Newbury but finished 2.25l runner-up to Bobs Worth in a Gr 2 over C&D here lto and was probably beaten when his rider dropped his whip in the final half furlong.

A race for favourites towards the end of the last century, only Mikael D'Haguenet in ’09 has obliged since, though only 3 winners have been priced in double digits in the past 15 renewals.

All things considered, Oscars Well looks the one to be on here and is preferred to Minella Class and Tornado Bob.

Cheltenham 14.40 Gr 1 Novice Chase 741 24.5f gd – 12 Run

Cons F/C – Aiteen Thirtythree/Wayward Prince/Wymott; Jessies Dream/Time For Rupert; Mikael D'Haguenet
Cons others – None
Prob – Aiteen Thirtythree/Time For Rupert; Wayward Prince
AR – Mikael D'Haguenet; Bostons Angel; Jessies Dream; Wayward Prince; Time For Rupert

From a dosage trends approach most of the field can be considered:
9/9 Wayward Prince (160p) – useful hurdler who has won all 3 of his races since being put to fences this season, the latest coming in a Gr2 NCh over 25f at Wetherby early last month. McCoy replaces Dougie Costello today.
9/9 Wymott (161p) – beat Wayward Prince in the Prestige NHd at Haydock last February but never made it to the Festival. Unbeaten over fences since his return in November, though it was only a Cl3 he won at Bangor lto. Wears cheek-pieces for the first time today.
8/9 Aiteen Thirtythree (162p) – winning pointer before he got his NH career underway. Scored over hurdles on his return here in October, and has won both his starts over fences at Newbury by wide margins, including a Gr 2 in November. With Ruby Walsh on Mikael D'Haguenet, Daryl Jacob takes the ride.
8/9 Bostons Angel (164) – Irish raider who just got the better of Magnanimity by 0.1l in a Gr 1 over 21f at Leopardstown last month to record his 3rd win from 5 chase starts.
8/9 Magnanimity (163) – narrowly defeated by Bostons Angel at Leopardstown last month, but had earlier beaten Jessies Dream in a Gr 2 NCh there.
8/9 Master Of The Hall (159p) – has won 3 of his 4 chase starts including a Gr 2 over 24f at Ascot lto, though itw as only a 4-horse race
8/9 Mikael D'Haguenet (166) – won the Ballymore Novice Hd here last year, but hasn’t enjoyed the same success over fences this, being yet to get off the mark and only finishing 3rd to Bostons Angel at Leopardstown last month. Walsh for Mullins again, but I can’t hold out high hopes for their success here.

The favourite Time For Rupert fails to make the list since he’s been off the course since winning over 26f here in December and has had just the 2 chase starts. While he has the back-class over hurdles, no horse has won with such a scanty chase preparation and long break. He may well win, but not for me.

With so many contenders it’s not a race for me, but perhaps a little e/w interest on Wayward Prince might fit the bill.

Cheltenham 15.20 Gr 1 Chase 1824 16f gd – 11 Run

Cons F/C – Master Minded/Woolcombe Folly; Big Zeb; Sizing Europe
Cons others – None
Prob – Big Zeb; Master Minded/Woolcombe Folly
AR – Master Minded; Big Zeb; Sizing Europe; Golden Silver; Captain Cee Bee

Again the dosage trends approach turns up a number of contenders:
9/9 Master Minded (190) – won this as a 5yo and 6yo before being beaten into 4th by Big Zeb last year. Has had a breathing operation since and seems to be back to his best, winning all 3 starts this season, the latest being the Gr 1 Victor Chandler at Ascot in January where he beat Somersby by a shd. With Ruby Walsh up on the Nicholls gelding things look positive.
9/9 Sizing Europe (171) – Arkle winner last season, but without a win since, finishing 2nd to Kauto Star at Down Royal in November and then 7.5l 3/5 to Golden Silver at Punchestown in January. Will have to improve on that.
8/9 Big Zeb (180) – Last year’s winner who beat Golden Silver on his first 2 starts this season before just going down by a hd to the same animal at Punchestown in January. Likely to reverse that running today.
8/9 French Opera (172) – winner of the Grand Annual at last year’s Festival, but not sure he’s quite up to this class.
8/9 Somersby (185) – finished 2nd to Sizing Europe in the Arkle at last year’s Festival and has twice found Master Minded too good this season in the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler, though did make a fight of it on the latter occasion.

The betting forecast suggests it’s a 2-horse race and of the pair I prefer the chances of Master Minded to regain his crown. As to whose going to take 3rd spot, well Sizing Europe would be my choice, although Golden Silver’s not entirely out of it on his Irish running.

Cheltenham 16.00 Gr 3 Hcap Hurdle 399 (136.0) 21f gd – 28 Run (24 at best)

Cons F/C – Aegean Dawn; Ballyhaunis; For Non Stop
Cons others – Lord Ragnar; Bothy/Battle Group
Prob – Aegean Dawn; Ballyhaunis; Bothy
AR – Walkon; Straw Bear; Orsippus; Solix; Arcalis

A massive field means hard work for the dosage trends approach, as I’ve got 11 criteria to check for each of the 28 runners (now 25 I’m afraid) – cut that to 24 now!
11/11 Pistolet Noir (164) – the only dosage weak horse in the field (2 past winners were) and also Nicholls sole entry. Won here when trained by Nick Williams, and that’s a negative. Finished 4th in Cl2 HHd at Taunton last month on 1st race back after a breathing operation. Needs to improve.
10/11 Call The Police (165+) – Mullins and Walsh again, but this time in a hcap and at 8yo outside the normal success level. While 8yos have won this, that was back in the last century and both were only carrying 10-0.
10/11 For Non Stop (170) – not run since December and as that was a Novice HHd, that’s another negative. Formerly with Charlie Mann but joined Nick Williams this season.
10/11 Secret Dancer (165) – interesting sort who finished 7th in the County Hurdle here last year off a 5lbs higher mark and after a couple of nothing runs took closer order to finish 5th to Art Professor here lto. Now a N/R!!!

A cavalry charge of a race where only 4 winners in the past 15 renewals have started at single figure odds. Thus more in hope than expectation, I think a little e/w on Secret Dancer may not go amiss – hopes and dreams have gone on that one now, as it’s a N/R. I wouldn’t be too keen on Ballyhaunis though, as Townend is 0/20 on his rides for the stable!

I guess that’s it for this afternoon.

Oldtimer

[BC]

BlackCat’s Cheltenham Day 2 mewsing’s
(spelling is still correct)

Need to be brief today...

Another day where the lucky pin will be needed in pretty well every race. So I'm just goining to concentrate on the big one.

3.20

I can see Big Zeb and MASTER MINDED battling out the finish of this one - no surprise there then! Despite some writers heralding a new order, I can only see Golden Silver or Somersby filling the frame behind them. Woolcombe Folly hasn't done anything wrong, but we won't know how good he really is until after the race, and it's too late then.

I did have a squint through the other races, and for what it's worth, I've just picked out one for the frame in each.

1:30 Chicago Grey
2:05 Oscars Well
2:40 Time for Rupert
4:00 Aegean Dawn
4:40 Plan A
5:15 Cinders and Ashes

[Old Timer]

3.20 Master Minded (8) Win
2.40 Wayward Prince (11) E/W
2.05 So Young (11) Lay

Oldtimer

[BC]

Day 2 results

All change.

Yesterday was our Ladies Day, even though the actual Ladies Day was today, I discovered. Not sure about the hat winner's hat though. Meow But today, three of the fellas struck back!

Heading up the day 2 superstars is Les, who was wondering what he had to do to get a return! Well he now knows: he found a 16/1 winner to take his bank to £1,011.67.
McGinty managed to find a different 16/1 winner, taking his bank to £982.14, to zip past Liz, who slips to third with £753.89.
Also in credit and hot on Liz's heals is our hot-shot member Banger. He started the day with a nice 5/1 winner to take his score to £735.00.

The rest of us have slipped into the red, and need to discover a little bit of a magic over the next two days!


The full table is here (complete with calculations): Cheltenham Challenge Table

As yesterday, please check your scores for any errors. It would be more of surprise if I went through every day without a mistake!

[trebor]

4:00 Aigle D'or (7) - LAY -
4:00 Quartz De Thaix (9) - WIN -
4:40 Galaxy Rock (18) - EW -

[Les]

1.30,wishful thinking,10,win
1.30,noble prince,7,lay
2.40,gauvain,4,e/w

[banger]

3-20 Grands Cru 8 WIN
1-30 BlazingTemp 11 EW
2-40 Poquelin 7 LAY

[mcginty]

2-40 Kalahari King 6 WIN
4-00 Aigle D'Or 7 EW
4-40 Galant Nuit 10 Lay