CHELTENHAM 2008 - Paul Nicholls Team

GOING FOR GOLD

February 21 2008

DENMAN AND KAUTO STAR

I couldn't have asked for any more from their prep races, Denman won really well at Newbury and so did Kauto at Ascot. We then had the well-documented scare with the latter on Saturday night. He had a shoe on him on Wednesday morning, cantered as normal and hasn't missed any work at all and is 100 per cent now. It was just a little bit of pus in his foot which we cleared up. He has missed no work, has done everything he would have done without the scare.

Denman had a quiet week after Newbury and we are just starting to pick up his work now. Our task now is to get them to Cheltenham in three weeks time in good order.


NOLAND:

Ante-post favourite for the Arkle having had one run at Folkestone recently which he won quite nicely and the second has won since. He picked up a bug that day and wasn't quite right for ten days but is back in tip-top shape and schooled very well recently. I will run him at the end of this week. They have been watering at Sandown and if the ground is good there he will run on Friday, if not he will go to Kempton the day after. I am very keen to get a run into him on an undulating track so Sandown would be ideal and he has been declared there. I hope to get one more run into him and then the Arkle. The form of his Supreme Novices' Hurdle has worked out well, he jumps great, and if we can get him there fit and well he is the one they all have to beat.


MASTER MINDED:

He won very well at Newbury the other day where he beat Voy Por Ustedes and he is now joint-favourite for the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase. He had been doing some sensational work at home, for a five-year-old he improved enormously. His jumping and everything just seemed to come together. He won really nicely at Newbury and while we were getting six pounds from the runner-up, I don't think the weight made any difference. He jumped and travelled nicely and is right in the picture for the Champion Chase. He could even have improved from Newbury, people who have been riding him since are convinced he has.


TWIST MAGIC:

I made a mistake in running him at Ascot just after Christmas when the ground was very testing and won't be doing that next year. He comes to hand really well and I have always felt he is a spring and autumn horse. He loves better ground, he really benefits from getting some help from it. He will be suited by a fast-run Champion Chase which it looks like being. If Fair Along and Tamarinbleu both run they will go a fair old gallop and that will suit my horses. Cheltenham soft isn't quite like Ascot soft but he would be better on good ground. It is highly likely Ruby will ride Master Minded and Sam Thomas Twist Magic but nothing at all is set in stone. Twist Magic will have a fair old spring campaign and I have an idea to run him at Punchestown and then come back to Sandown for the big race there at the end of the season.


ELUSIVE DREAM:

He won over two-and-a-half miles at Ascot on Saturday and is in the Spa and Ballymore Properties at the Festival. If the ground is good I would prefer the former for him but Ruby got off on Saturday and said he may be better suited by a flat track. As a result I have put him in at Fontwell on Sunday in the National Spirit and if he is really well and the ground stays good he could go there, miss Cheltenham, and head to Aintree. Nothing is set in stone but we will see how he is at the end of the week and assess the ground at Fontwell. If he doesn't run at the weekend he will go to Cheltenham. He has done nothing but improve, jumps well, and I think he could develop into a World Hurdle horse next year.


DEAR VILLEZ:

He had a fall on his chasing debut at Plumpton but subsequently won nicely back there and at Newbury. He's in the Royal & SunAlliance and the Jewson. He has a mark of 138 so it will be interesting to see what sort of weight he gets in the latter. He looks fantastic, likes some cut in the ground, and if we ran him in the SunAlliance he would be a live outsider but we could run in the Jewson, depending on what weight he would carry.


TURKO:

He has done very well this season having had a breathing operation in the summer. He won an intermediate chase very nicely at Sandown and then finished second to The Listener in Ireland last time. I wasn't sure he was going to get the trip as well as he did and we could perhaps have made a bit more use of him. He is in the Gold Cup but is almost certainly going to run in the Ryanair Chase which will suit him.


SILVERBURN:

He is Denman's full-brother and has been doing well in his own right, winning two Grade Ones. He was a litte disappointing in the Feltham over Christmas where it looked like he didn't stay. However it was Ruby's first ride back over fences and tactically we could have have got it wrong. He got caught flat-footed when they sprinted in a slowly-run race and I am adamant he stays three miles. We made more use of him at Sandown last time when he jumped very well. The emphasis on stamina and jumping in the Royal & SunAlliance will suit him and I honestly don't feel we have ever had him any better. I am really looking forward to running him and feel he has an outstanding chance.


PIERROT LUNAIRE:

He just got beat at Ludlow on his first start for us and won at Taunton ten days ago. He is in at the weekend in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton and he runs there. He is in the Supreme, Triumph and Fred Winter at the Festival and we will know a lot more after Saturday. He is a horse with a huge engine and is capable of holding his own in whatever race he runs in.


STAR DE MOHAISON:

He won the SunAlliance Chase two years ago and followed up at Aintree. Had a few problems last season and had a bit of heat in his leg so we gave him time. He came back over hurdles just after Christmas and finished third on very soft ground. He has improved since then but we have had a few niggly problems with him, nothing to do with his legs, so haven't been able to get a run into him since. He looks fab and if he is working well and we are happy with him, he could end up running in the Gold Cup. If not he will wait for Aintree. We haven't seen the best of him yet.


MARODIMA:

He has a handicap mark of 148 which puts him up with the very best of the two mile novice chasers and while he didn't run very well at Ascot last time, we had excuses. On his best form he is well capable of running a tidy race at Cheltenham and we have kept him fresh and well. If the ground is good he has a lively outside chance.


ORNAIS:

After he won at Newbury the other day he was given a handicap mark of 156 which is only a few pounds below what Denman had after he won the SunAlliance. I thought his mark of145 before Newbury was stiff enough and I know he won nicely but some of the other horses didn't run up to their best. We have always thought of him as a nice staying chaser who could run well in a SunAllliance but never thought of him as one who would win one. The handicapper may be right and I may be wrong so we will see. The intention is to run in the Royal & SunAlliance along with Silverburn.


CELESTIAL HALO:

He was joint-favourite for the Triumph before he ran at Doncaster the other day where I was probably guilty of running him a bit short. We were trying to pinch an easy race without giving him too hard a time and were beaten by a very good horse. We weren't quite ready and he has improved enormously since. We have three weeks to get him ready and I think he will run a very big race in the Triumph.


PASCO:

Terry Warner owns him and he has won his last two races at Newbury. He is a big horse who gallops and jumps and he holds and entry in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and is also in the County. The former is probably the favoured option and he will be a lovely chaser in time.


NEPTUNE COLLONGES:

He won well at Wincanton on Saturday, it was probably a career best. He made all and galloped on well, despite getting a little lazy in his jumping which is just him. He definitely runs in the Gold Cup, his mark of 171 doesn't put him too far behind Kauto Star and Denman. He deserves to run but some of his better runs have been on flat tracks. He will go on to Aintree or Punchestown after Cheltenham but he deserves to run in a Gold Cup and could get placed.


FIVE DREAM:

He started favourite for the totesport Trophy at Newbury last time having previously won handicaps at Cheltenham and Sandown. It could be time to go back into novice company with him. After he won at Cheltenham Ruby got off and told me to put him in the Coral Cup as he wanted a trip. I thought he was half teasing me but after Newbury he said the same thing, as he was flat out all the way. He now has an entry in the Coral Cup on Ruby's advice and is also in the Triumph and the Supreme Novices. I would like to see soft ground for him, if it was good we would probably have to go for the Coral Cup, but a mark of 145 puts him up there with the best of the juveniles.


CHAPOTURGEON:

He is a nice four-year-old who has won his last two starts at Lingfield and Wincanton. He is going to be a lovely novice chaser in time and has a handicap mark of 130 so could run in the Fred Winter at the Festival before being put away for the summer.


RIPPLING RING:

He is one of the favourites for the Supreme Novices and won really cosily on his only start for us at Doncaster. He is a big, strong horse but he is South African and has his coat wrong. He has just started growing a winter coat as the rest of ours are losing theirs so we have had him clipped. I would like to see some milder weather for him in the build-up but he has a huge engine and is a horse you will hear a lot of both this and next season.


ARTURIO:

He got beat at Wincanton on Saturday when a ridiculously short-priced favourite on ground that was too quick for him. He loves soft ground and won really well in his first chase at Cheltenham over Christmas and he has a mark of 137 in the Jewson. He wants soft ground and a trip and will be a really smart staying chaser next season. If we get some juice in the ground he would run well at the Festival.


MAHONIA:

He will be my only runner in the Championship Bumper and won very nicely at Chepstow the other day. He had finished fourth in a point-to-point in Ireland last spring and we have been really pleased with how he has been working at home with our better horses. He did a really nice piece of work with Five Dream so we thought he was good. The Festival will be his last start of the season and he will make a cracking novice hurdler next season. He's one to follow in the future.


THE TOTHER ONE:

He took a long while to come to hand and has won all five starts over hurdles, including a couple of decent handicaps. He is in the Ballymore Properties and the Spa at the Festival but I have to decide which one he runs in. He is also in the Coral Cup but his handicap mark is quite stiff now so the novice route looks favourite. If Elusive Dream runs at Fontwell this weekend then The Tother One will probably run in the Albert Bartlett Spa Hurdle.


BIG BUCKS:

Andy Stewart is desperate for a winner at Cheltenham and he owns this fellow who we bought with a similar profile to Kauto Star. He won the same race in Auteuil and has run some nice races for us but looks like he wants further than two miles. He is in the Arkle and the Jewson but if he ran in the former I would like to see some soft ground to slow the others down - that said Donna who rides him at home is adamant he will be a much better horse on good ground. Give him a summer he will be a proper horse next year running over a trip.


I'MSINGINGTHEBLUES:

He won a nice race at Cheltenham earlier in the season and is in the Supreme Novices and will also be put in the County Hurdle. He runs at Kempton on Saturday which will sharpen him up for the festival and the County could just suit him.


BREEDSBREEZE:

Won the Tolworth Hurdle and is in the Supreme Novices and the Ballymore Properties but would only go for the former if the ground was very testing. He won over two-and-a-half on his first start at Chepstow and the Ballymore Properties is his likely target. He has done nothing but improve this year and will be a cracking chaser next season. - sportinglife.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - Howard Johnsons Team

The Howard-Johnson stable appear to have problems with the health of their horses at the moment, and I will NOT be taking a chance of backing ANY horse he sends to Cheltenham, that includes the favorite for the World Hurdle INGLIS DREVER.

Howard Johnson Stable Tour

02 Mar 2008

By Gordon Brown

INGLIS DREVER, bidding for a record third win in the World Hurdle, spearheads Howard Johnson’s raiding party for this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Despite a recent bout of coughing in the yard, the County Durham trainer reports things to be all clear as he puts the finishing touches on his stable stars’ preparations.

There won’t be a dry eye at White Lea Farm should ‘Drever’ once again deliver the goods but there is a strong supporting cast including Tidal Bay, Laborec and Cedrus Libani.

Here is what Johnson thinks of his chances of adding to his five previous Festival victories.


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TUESDAY

2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle
STRIKING ARTICLE
Won a bumper at Fairyhouse in the autumn for Declan Gilliespie before being transferred to his current connections. He followed up under a penalty at Carlisle and made a pleasing winning debut over hurdles at Wetherby’s Christmas meeting. He’d been off two months with a little set-back when forced to make his own and subsequently disappointing at Newcastle on Eider Chase day and everyone knows he’s a lot better than that showing.
“We ran him at Newcastle to see how good he was but he’d been suffering with a foot problem and ended up needing the run. He blew up and will have come on for the race. We rate him very highly and no matter what happens at Cheltenham, or anywhere else for that matter this season, he’s going to make an exciting novice chaser next time round.”

2.35 Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
TIDAL BAY
Cost a whopping 300,000gns out of Alistair Charlton’s yard after finishing runner-up in both bumpers in 2006. Progressed well as a hurdler last terms was only beaten a neck by Massini’s Maguire in the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle before a convincing success in a Grade 2 at Aintree. He’s developed into a smart novice chaser this term winning at Carlisle and Cheltenham and would have been unbeaten but for blundering his way to defeat at Doncaster behind Leslingtaylor in February. Needs to cut out the bad mistake that seems to occur in every round and dodgy head carriage will also leave him open to the knockers. Also entered in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase although trainer seems to favour the Arkle.
“He’s got a terrific engine and possesses speed and stamina so he’s suitable for the Arkle and the SunAlliance. He’s strengthened up since last season when he was unlucky not to win at the Festival. Even on the gallops he can be on his toes and if he settles down he could be really serious. He wants good ground and the faster they go the better - I certainly wouldn’t be afraid of an end-to-end gallop in the Arkle and they didn’t go quick enough for him at Doncaster. We’re going to try cheekpieces to sort out the head carriage problem in a racecourse gallop and over some fences. If he takes to them we might run him in them. He’ll probably be declared for both races he’s in this year to give us a bit of insurance.”

4.40 BGC Cross Country Handicap Chase
CANADA STREET
Having won over hurdles and fences, he would be making his debut at the cross country discipline and appeals as the very type to enjoy himself. With just nine runs in chases to his name he’s also lightly-raced and is a horse that stays extreme distantces. From what I’ve seen of him his jumping is pretty accurate although he may have been a shade fortunate to win a dramatic race at Wetherby just before Christmas.
“He’s been down to Cheltenham already to have a spin over the course and he seemed to take everything in his stride. He loved it and it has really seemed to have livened him up.”

5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
ACT SIRIUS
Sprung a surprise in a soft ground Musselburgh maiden last backend and had a Flat rating in the mid-seventies when making an uninspiring debut over hurdles at Hexham in late November. Was again a winner back at Musselburgh in January with a cursing Denis O’Regan aboard odds-on stable mate Fushe Jo back in third. I saw him defy a penalty in a better race at Musselburgh in February when coming from well off the pace with Franchoek’s conqueror Harper Valley pulling up three out.
“He was the best of the three that I ran in that Musselburgh race and he keeps surprising us. You just never know what he might do at Cheltenham.”



WEDNESDAY

2.00 Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle
LOGANS RUN
A costly buy at 220,000gns just before Christmas and he looked quite expensive when dead-heating and then getting the race in the stewards room at Musselburgh in mid-February. Mind you the race might end up being too bad as the front pair drew well clear of the third. He’d previously shown a decent level of form in Irish bumpers, particularly when winning at Punchestown and coming second at Galway.
“The weather prevented us from running him, that’s why he’s only had the one race since coming over from Ireland. It was his first time over hurdles and he seemed very green so there could be lots of improvement still to come in the Ballymore.”

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
NO REFUGE
Another purchase from Sir Mark Prescott and also amongst the Wylies’ first ‘crop’ of Cheltenham winners when landing the 2005 Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle. Keen and jumped right when winning his only chase so far at Catterick on New Year’s Day — his first run back following over a year out with a leg problem. Stays well and operates on good ground and softer.
“He’d been ready to run for sometime before Catterick, we were just waaiting for the right race. He’s a real street fighter and loved the hustle and bustle of Cheltenham when he won three years ago. You can see he’s just starting to come right again and the Coral Cup might be the race for him as it’s the same trip as his last win at the Festival. He wasn’t a natural when first schooled over hurdles but the penny has gradually dropped.”



THURSDAY

2.00 Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase
CEDRUS LIBANI
Won a couple of hurdles last year and wasn’t disgraced when 11th in Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He wasn’t that fluent and ran on past beaten horses up the hill. Has looked the part over fences this term and unbeaten in three starts at Catterick, Aintree and Carlisle. Did particularly well under double penalty at Catterick as the tight track didn’t suit his tall frame at all and he didn’t jump with usual accuracy.
“We got him from Tom Costello and he’s a horse I’ve liked since day one. He did OK over hurdles but chasing was always going to be his game. Denis O’Regan said he didn’t want to go round the paddock bend at Catterick and the track was all against him. We’ve always tried to space his races out as he’s a horse that is best fresh. He’s a decent type alright and will go to Cheltenham after a nice break as we’ve rested him since Catterick just after Christmas.”

3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle
INGLIS DREVER
As bargains in the inflated world of bloodstock go, what a steal he was when bought off Sir Mark Prescott for a mere 110,000gns in October 2003. With some £612,000 in prize money, he’s set to try and win the World Hurdle for an unprecedented third time and who would be against him? The winner in 2005 and 2006 - only a set back in between prevented him defending his crown - or we might well be seeing him bidding for a four-timer. I know just how much he means to connections and should he do the business again the is a strong possibility he’ll be retired. Nine isn’t old by jumping standards but what more is there to prove and he’d be going out at the top and in one piece. All bar one of his 12 hurdling wins has been in Grade 1 & 2 company — not bad for a horse that hits a ‘flat’
spot during most of his races.
“He’s been a fabulous horse for us and has kept me on the road these past few years. During some of the snowy weather we had the horses in the equine pool and he’s one of the weakest simmers I’ve ever seen but what can you say when he does what he does on the track? We haven’t been keeping him as busy nowadays and if there is any doubt about him not enjoying his racing we will have no hesitation in retiring him. At the moment I’m happy with him and he’s a very clean-winded horse. He’s bang on for Cheltenham and, like the others, one piece of work away from home will have him ready. He hits a flat spot at Cheltenham but he knows where that winning post is and that’s what counts. He's like a terrier who never gives up.”



FRIDAY

2.35 Albert Bartlett Spa Novices' Hurdle
LABOREC
Was well-touted on his racecourse bow and duly won what was to be his sole start in a bumper at Hexham last April. His one below-par effort so far over hurdles has been in a two-miler and that trip is not ideal unless there is plenty of pace on. His most recent outing over 2m 4f at Musselburgh was a solid second-placed effort when failing by a couple of lengths to concede 18lb to La Vecchia Scuola.
“He won his only bumper at Hexham in a decent time and Tony Dobbin was impressed with him that day. He could be special one day but he’s a very nervous horse and won’t let anyone near him. He has a lot of speed and sees out two and a half miles well. So far he’s hardly put a foot wrong and fully deserves to take his chance at the Festival.”

5.45 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
ASTARADOR
Was very nearly put down after suffering a nasty injury at Haydock in January 2006 having earlier come a fine third in the Tolworth Hurdle. Has happily made a full recovery as he illustrated when making all at Musselburgh last month. Enjoys bowling along in front and has the scope to make a chaser.
“We’re all delighted he pulled through such a bad injury — he broke some bone off a hind leg and the vets did a great job. It was one of my finest training feats to get he back to win at Musselburgh even if I say so myself! He’s a good horse, seriously good and he might be good enough for the Arkle next year.” - attheraces.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - Ferdy Murphys Team

Murphy pins hopes on Carberry

05 Mar 2008

Ferdy Murphy hopes Paul Carberry and L'Antartique strike an instant rapport when they combine to tackle the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday of next week.

The eight-year-old is two from two at Cheltenham, but will be without regular partner Graham Lee as he continues his recovery from injury.

Murphy told At The Races: "The one we would be very hopeful for is L'Antartique. He won the Paddy Power and he won the Jewson last year. Paul Carberry has never ridden him, so things are a bit up in the air as to how he'll get on with him."

He went on: "He is a horse Graham has got a fantastic tune out of and he's ridden two incredible races on him to win both times.

"They were big fields and it took a fair bit of nerve to do what he did on him."

Lee's enforced abse nce from the saddle means Murphy has had to organise alternative bookings for some of his Festival hopes.

Tony Dobbin will ride Kalahari King (Supreme Novices' Hurdle), Davy Russell will be on New Alco (William Hill Trophy) and Naiad Du Misselot (Coral Cup), while Keith Mercer partners Ivoire De Beaulieu (cross-country) and Richard Harding rides Noir Et Vert (Kim Muir).

Shane Byrne is due to ride Joes Edge if he runs. - attheraces.com

I will be following Ferdys team of staying chasers until the end of the season.


Ferdy Murphy Stable Tour

01 Mar 2008

By Gordon Brown

FERDY MURPHY is no stranger to success at the Cheltenham Festival and enjoyed a big-priced double last year with L’Antartique and Joes Edge to take his tally at the big meeting to seven.

When Ferdy saddles a winner at Cheltenham it can often be at rewarding odds - Joes Edge and L’Antartque combined for a 1070-1 double 12 months ago - so don’t be put off by the price!

Here are his plans for the 2008 Festival.


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TUESDAY

2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle
KALAHARI KING
Cost 50,000gns at Doncaster in the spring of last year and looks cheap by today’s standards. A Listed winner in his native France, he has taken to hurdles well apart from one below-par effort at Doncaster. His win at Musselburgh in December was most impressive and he would probably have won at Newcastle in his Festival prep but for racing on the unfavoured side of the run-in.
“Timmy Murphy felt that if he’d brought him up the stands side he would have won at Newcastle. His schooling has been electric right from the start and Graham Lee says he’s a machine. He was beaten first time by the longer trip and being a little too exuberant but he’s a horse we’ve always liked. He’ll love the hustle and bustle of Cheltenham and he’s probably our best chance of a winner.”

4.00 William Hill Trophy Chase
JOES EDGE
Won the William Hill Trophy 12 months ago and hasn’t been seen out since pulling up at the 20th in the Grand National in which he was sent off 8-1 co-favourite. Set to carry 10st 4lb at Aintree this year and is clearly a spring horse as he won the 2005 Scottish National. Stays and jumps well and always seems to come to life at Cheltenham.
“He's fine now but struck into himself at Aintree and it caused some serious bruising but luckily no tendon damage. He did well in the William Hill last year and it helped that the leaders again went off far too quickly and came back to him. He’s named after one of the owners’ grandfather and they’ve had a great time with him. Good ground brings out the best in him and this is his time of year. Hopefully he’ll go back to Aintree again.”

NOIR ET VERT
Was just pipped in a good handicap at Punchestown last April and is another with plenty to recommend him at this time of year. Enjoys good ground but has been placed on soft and heavy. Has been given 9st 12lb in Grand National and also a possible for Scottish equivalent.
“He didn’t jump as well as we know he can at Punchestown and was only short-headed on the line after leading six out. When he got him home he was lame in front with a septic corn. He’s fine now and has been trained with Cheltenham and the good spring races in mind.”



4.40 BGC Cross Country Handicap Chase
IVOIRE DE BEAULIEU
Has won eight times over fences in the French provinces including in cross country company. Scored over Cheltenham’s cross country circuit on his UK debut in 2005 and appears quite well treated on that form as he’s currently on a 1lb lower mark. Not getting any younger but still seems an enthusiastic old stick.
“He’s been there and done it a few times in France and in Britain. He’s also won a staying hurdle at Sedgefield for us on soft ground and any rain between now and the start of the Festival would certainly help our chances.”



WEDNESDAY

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
NAIAD DU MISSELOT
Started his winning habit by seeing off the reliable Bywell Beau on Boxing Day 2006. Best form with plenty of cut and stays quite well although has plenty of solid form around two miles. Lightly-raced type that is sure to have improvement in the locker.
“He’s a nice young horse with a bright future and I like him a lot. We finished him off early last season because of a splint problem but he’s fine now. He won really well at Haydock over two and a half miles and he’s gone up 9lb for that. He’s a chaser in the making but has been trained with this in mind for this season.”



THURSDAY

2.35 Ryanair Chase
L’ANTARTIQUE
A much-improved performer this term and he has progressed by around a stone on his way to victories in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and an intermediate chase at Carlisle. He was a little too keen for his own good when stepped back up to three miles in the Lexus Chase and trailed home a well-beaten last behind Denman. Cheltenham's two and a half miles should be ideal as he’s unbeaten in previous course and distance raids — his other win coming in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at last year’s Festival.
“He’s effective on most ground but good is ideal for him. I’ve always regarded him as high class and he does everything you ask of him at home. He just seems to click at Cheltenham as he always saves his best for there. You can forget his last run at Newbury in the Game Spirit Chase as the trip was too short. He took off from two out and was staying on all the line to the line. I reproduction of his Paddy Power form should see him go very close in the Ryanair Chase.”

4.00 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase
NEW ALCO
Took to the British scene very well, winning over hurdles and fences. Has form on most ground and stays 3m+ although pretty effective at around 2m 4f. Impressive in graduation chase at Carlisle in November when ridden from the front but needs to bounce back from below-par efforts in Hennessy and Boylesports.com Gold Cup.
“Last season he was really consistent without winning and went up nearly a stone in the process. He has strengthened up and could still be on the upgrade. He’s been placed in several of those tough Cheltenham handicaps in the past. He’s going there nice and fresh having not run since December and that’s probably the way to get the best out of him."



FRIDAY

5.45 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
DANCER’S SERENADE
Cost 42,000gns when bought out of Tom Tate’s yard in the spring having won three times on the Flat and once over hurdles for his old connections. He’s won at Wetherby and Haydock for his new yard and gone up the thick end of a stone and a half in the process.
“He’s won at two and two and a half miles for us and looked pretty professional before disappointing in the Totesport Trophy. He returned from Newbury very flat and we’ve been freshening him up. I know he’s got winning form on the Flat and over hurdles in the soft but I actually think he’s better on good ground.” - attheraces.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - Philip Hobbs Team

Philip Hobbs Stable Tour

01 Mar 2008

Having trained nine festival winners so far Phillip Hobbs once again has a strong team for the four days and here her gives a typically frank assessment of their chances.

Please note: figures in brackets indicate horse's official ratings. A figure of (120>134) would indicate a horse has improved 14lb during the course of the season.


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TUESDAY

2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices Hurdle (2m ½f)
“SNAP TIE (140) has run three times won once and been placed second twice, the latest when he was second to Calgary Bay at Cheltenham and I think he is definitely one of our better chances providing it’s good ground — soft isn’t much good to him. Another point of interest. He’s either made the running or been up with the pace in his races and that hasn’t suited him at all. A strong pace and being given a chance will see him run a very good race.”

2.35 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Cup Trophy Chase (2m)
“RING THE BOSS has had just the one run over fences but it was very good, beaten a neck by Kruguyrova. We take the view that if he can win a big race, fine, if not he’ll stay a novice for next season. It would help him if it was soft because his stamina would kick in.”

4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (3m ½f)
“MONKERHOSTIN (160>155) seems to hit flat spots in races and he hasn’t run since he was second to Over The Creek at Cheltenham in December because he’s had a breathing operation. I’m hoping that will help — he did have one before we had him but they do wear off. He never works any differently at home.”

5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m ½f)
“HIBIKI (122>126) needed to have the run at Ludlow on February 28 because he is a stuffy horse and the 4lb penalty puts him on 10st 8lb and means he will get a run, although any extra weight isn’t ideal. He’ll be a much better horse on better ground, which he hasn’t had yet and Ludlow will have sharpened up his jumping. I’ll also run HOT DIAMOND (121) if he gets in. He was only beaten a short head by Song Of Songs at Wincanton last time when he jumped much better on good ground as opposed the first two runs when he made mistakes.”



WEDNESDAY

3.15 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)
“FAIR ALONG (154>152) will probably run. He’s difficult to place because he doesn’t want to be running in handicaps with top weight but realistically he’d be going for a place. His main aim is the Chester Cup.”

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
“I think I’ve got five with chances and I don’t care which one wins. MISSIS POTTS (125>132) was staying on really well when she was sixth in the Totesport at Newbury over two miles. COUNTY ZEN (130>134) was third and might have won in another furlong but is more likely to run in the County Hurdle if it looks like being soft. CHIARO (135>130) ran much better last time and we’ve been struggling with minor problems all season so I think he’ll improve again. PYLEIGH LADY (116>129) is probably not now well handicapped but would run. LIBERATE (149>140) hasn’t run since December but is well and will take his chance.”

5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f)
“KEKI BUKI is flying. He had a minor injury after winning what looked a good bumper at Uttoxeter in November when he beat Calgary Bay. He also wants good ground. I’ll also run COCKNEY TRUCKER who won first time at Sandown on February 22 but I think Keki Buku is best of the two.”



THURSDAY

2.00 Jewson Novices Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“GOLD MEDALIST (132) was second in his first two chases and there were two reasons he ran at Exeter when he won last time and appeared to idle a bit in front. First he needs a third run for a mark, and second he is a stuffy horse. Wouldn’t want extremes of ground.”

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (3m ½f)
“PARSON’S LEGACY (142>140) will be running in this for the third time and it’s a big help that we’ve got a top class amateur to ride him in Josh Guerriero. He would not want it too soft.”

5.20 Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (3m)
“CRYPTIC (116>135) could well run here although he has the three mile novice option on Friday and I’ll delay until nearer the time. The only thing is that he might be a horse that needs soft ground.”



FRIDAY

3.15 Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2½f)
“MONKERHOSTIN (160>155) would only run if some of the big guns didn’t. He could run Tuesday and Friday.”

4.35 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2m ½f)
“LORD HENRY (135>147) won very well last time and would be the most likely of mine to run. But to put his last win at Ascot in perspective, he was left alone in front and the rest of the field were out of form — and he’s gone up 12 pounds! You need a well-handicapped young horse for this and he’s not that.”

5.45 Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2m ½f)
“COUNTY ZEN (130>134) and MISSIS POTTS (125>132) would only run if it were soft.- attheraces.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - Nicky Hendersons Team

Nicky Henderson Stable Tour

29 Feb 2008

Now that Martin Pipe has stepped down, Nicky Henderson is the active trainer with the most Festival winners.

Hardly a season has gone by without him producing at least one winner over the four days but 2007 saw a rare blank.

However, this season has sent out a steady flow of potentially top class bumper horses and some very smart novice hurdlers. There are also some useful older hands amongst the handicappers.

Please note: figures in brackets indicate horse's official ratings. A figure of (120>134) would indicate a horse has improved 14lb during the course of the season.


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TUESDAY

2.00 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novice Hurdle (2m 1f)
“From nine entries the two that come out of the hat first are KHYBER KIM and SENTRY DUTY. I am fairly confident for a number of reasons that you will see the impressive Newbury winner Khyber Kim and not the one that was beaten next time at Doncaster. From his work I’d be pretty hopeful that we are back to where we were. Above all I think he bounced at Doncaster because all of a sudden I had a very edgy horse, sweaty before the race and he had been like that during the week and I should have taken notice. He is working very well now. Sentry Duty has got very good tactical speed in a race and although he got two miles on the flat I am still thinking more this race than two five on Wednesday. If there isn’t a clash here then there would be one in that race with Aigle D’Or.”

3.15 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2m ½f)
“PUNJABI’s (152>156) second in the Totesport Hurdle under ten stone was fantastic and I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t more to come. He did too much too soon in the Supreme last year and he’ll be ridden with more restraint because he has got tactical speed. My biggest worry with AFSOUN (161>163) is does he perform at Cheltenham? I know he was third in the race last year but the atmosphere of the place has got to him quite badly in the past.”

4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (3m ½f)
“JUVEIGNEUR (147>145) is usually second in this so he might just as well do it again. He’s as good as ever and his run in the Great Yorkshire Chase when he was fourth to An Accordion was good.”

5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m ½f)
“The whole idea of running DOUBLY GUEST (124>121) in the Adonis at Kempton was hopefully to get her a mark which would get he into this race. She was much better behaved at Kempton and she might have been feeling her previous win at Ascot which was pretty close.”



WEDNESDAY

2.00 Ballymore Properties Novices Hurdle (2m 5f)
"Four entries but AIGLE D’OR is the one by miles. Doesn’t matter what the ground is. He’s very good."

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
"Of those entered, SHATABDI (135>134) would be the one to run but she has got the mares race as an option on Friday."

5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f)
"I hate the race at the best of times but it is wonderful that The Queen has got a horse good enough to run in it with GOLD AWARD. He’s a big horse with a flat pedigree that wants good ground and it was a very good performance to win with a penalty at Ascot last time. He’s got plenty of pace."



THURSDAY

2.00 Jewson Novices Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“It’s a case of who’s going to get into the handicap and BARBERS SHOP (136) is sure of a run, and so is FLEET STREET (135). My preference is for Barbers Shop if there were cut and BOOMSHAKALAKA (122>131) if it were good but isn’t certain to get in.”

3.15 Ladbroke World Hurdle (3m)
“THE MARKET MAN had been off for over three years when he was second in a novice chase at Sandown in early February. If you go back to his old form when he was a head second to Mighty Man he’d have a chance is this — providing he doesn’t bounce — and there is a question over Inglis Drever. We certainly have place chances.”

4.00 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“CROZAN (150>144) is going to come into something and it might this race — he’s had a wind operation and is working very nicely now. If he doesn’t go here it could be the Grand Annual.”

5.20 Pertemps Final (3m)
“TEMOIN (146>145) would be the only runner. He ran alright the other day when he was eighth at Haydock without blinkers and he’ll have them back on. It would suit him better if it were soft.”



FRIDAY

2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 1f)
“I would like to run BINOCULAR in this even though he has other entries. I do think there will be lot of things I can iron out between his last run when he won the Adonis at Kempton by just over a length and Cheltenham. I don’t think Kempton suited him and I suspect he’d like some cut in the ground. The other thing is that he takes a huge amount of work so I would be hopeful of improving on that score. You will definitely see a better horse at Cheltenham that you saw at Kempton.”

4.35 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2m ½f)
“GREENHOPE (140-139) won it off 132 in 2006 and will go again. He’s had a few problems and hasn’t run since May but is now in rather good form and for the first time in his life he can breath. Previous wind ops haven’t worked but he’s now had one that has. I’d be a bit happier if I could have got a run into him.
“I’d be very keen to get MY PETRA (128>131) in after she was just over a length second to Noland at Sandown last time. The whole reason for running was for her to go up a few pounds to get in and I hope she does. She jumps beautifully.”

5.10 David Nicholson mares Only Hurdle (2m 4½f)
“CHOMBA WOMBA (136>153) has won three from three this year over two miles and two five. She’s just got better and better and is surely the one they all have to beat. I dropped her back to two miles at Doncaster and she won but this is her ideal trip. Goes on anything and is in very good order.”

5.45 Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2m 1f)
“The soft ground just got to CARACCIOLA (135>132) when he was behind in the Totesport at Newbury — couldn’t handle it and I’d got him ready for it, too. He was upsides at the final flight last year when he was a close sixth off 137 and you’d have to say that his flat form last season went to a different level when he was second to Leg Spinner in the Cesarewitch off 92. TARLAC (135>134) hasn’t run since this race last year and he could have a run in the Imperial Cup at Sandown before this but I’d expect him to run very well.” - attheraces.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - David Pipes Team

David Pipe Stable Tour

28 Feb 2008

Like every other trainer, David Pipe doesn’t have the strength in depth of Paul Nicholls but he knows how to maximise the potential of the horses under his care and one of the best examples is the World Hurdle Hope Lough Dergh who now leads Kauto Star in the Order of Merit Ratings.

Pipe sends a strong team to the Festival and here he gives an insight to his strategy over the four days.

Please note: figures in brackets indicate horse's official ratings. A figure of (120>134) would indicate a horse has improved 14lb during the course of the season.


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TUESDAY

3.15 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2m ½f)
“OSANA (143>163) hasn’t run since December and had the option of a run in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton but the owner and myself decided it would be best to go straight to Cheltenham. He takes enough work but is on schedule. He races similarly to dad’s second Champion Hurdler, Make A Stand, but Osana doesn’t have to make the running. He hasn’t had many races and is still improving, jumps with fluency at a strong two mile pace and handles Cheltenham having won there last time and has run at two Festivals. I have been very impressed with Sizing Europe’s latest win in Ireland and he did beat us four lengths receiving six pounds in November. I think we can improve our jumping on that day and we do have more experience in big races.”

4.00 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (3m ½f)
“AN ACCORDION (135>143) looks like he’s still open to improvement, fairly unexposed but has to have a clear round jumping. We put blinkers on last time when he won at Doncaster in January which helped him concentrate but that would be my main concern because he has a lot of ability and is not slow but three miles helps his jumping. CELESTIAL GOLD (160>158) has been disappointing and needs to recapture his best form but he could run very well in this. ABRAGANTE (125>135) is coming back from a break fresh and could surprise people.”



WEDNESDAY

3.15 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)
“We’ll make a decision nearer the race with TAMARINBLEU (150>167) and it would depend if any others fall by the wayside. His last run when he beat Twist Magic 12 lengths did surprise me, certainly the distance he won by. I’m not saying he isn’t a three mile horse but a while back the trainer was being called an idiot for running him over that trip. He made too many mistakes when we ran him in the Arkle but that’s the difference now. He concentrates more and we’ve changed the way we ride him. That means he goes his pace and it doesn’t matter if that’s in front or in second or third. I thought the soft ground at Ascot was against him — I’ve always thought he was a better horse on better ground. However, whether he wants soft over two miles is another story. If I can get him to Cheltenham in the same form he was at Ascot I think he’ll go really well - whatever race he goes for. People are forgetting about him because he’s an underdog that wears blinkers.”

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
“THE PACKAGE (119>135) has taken a sharp rise for being second to Punchestowns at Sandown last time and has an entry in the County Hurdle. He likes better ground than he had at Sandown but he could be more of an Aintree horse. WHISPERED PROMISES (140>142) isn’t the best handicapped horse but it will suit him stepping up to two miles five.”

4.40 138th Year of the National Hunt Chase (4m)
“OVER THE CREEK (132>138) would be our best in this if he ran. The trip would suit and he’ll definitely be entered. Goes on any ground.”

5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2m ½f)
“BIG EARED FRAN will be entered. He is a lovely horse for the future and we’ve done plenty with him since he joined us, a big horse. He was going to run in February but he scoped dirty. We also bought a horse from Willie Mullins, PRINCE GINO, who won his only start at Naas but he’d want cut in the ground.”



THURSDAY

2.00 Jewson Novices Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“POLINAMIX (123) was second to Noland then was impressive in a bad race at Folkestone but at the moment is nine pounds out of the handicap. HELEN WOOD (123>128) hasn’t done much wrong but is five pounds out. But realistically I don’t think either would be good enough.”

2.35 Ryanair Chase (2m 5f)
“This will be the fourth time OUR VIC (163>165) has run in the race, he was second last year and it’s now a Grade One race at level weights but two mile five round Cheltenham probably isn’t quite far enough form him but he’ll still run very well and any ground is fine.”

3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3m)
“LOUGH DERG (145>159) has been brilliant all season and coming from a long way back to beat My Way De Solzen over two and a half miles at Fontwell last time was a great effort. Keeps coming back from hard races but if I’m being completely honest I think he’s just a bit below World Hurdle class. We’d still like more horses with his attitude and we’ll be looking to pick up more order of merit points. If something runs badly we’ve a chance of being in the frame.”

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase (3m 1½f)
“MY IMMORTAL (128>129) ran well to be third to Gungadu at Sandown last time but will also be entered for the National Hunt Chase. Jumps and stays and would be a very good ride for an amateur. Would be our best for either race.”

5.20 Pertemps Final (3m)
“It all depends if Francois Doumen runs Millenium Royal in this rather than in the World Hurdle. If he did run in this then I’d consider RASLAN (137>140) — ignore his last disappointing run — and BUENA VISTA (140>140) would look very interesting because so many would be out of the handicap and although they aren’t particularly well handicapped they’d at least be in the handicap on 10st 4lb.”



FRIDAY

2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 1f)
“ASHKAZAR (137) has won two from three and is our main one. MAMLOOK is a nice horse but disappointed at Ludlow last time although he did have a double penalty and you didn’t see him at his best.”

5.10 David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle (2m 4½f)
“GASPARA (152>144) has been running in all the better races but struggling to get her head in front. She loves Cheltenham and I think she’s be better on better ground now even though she’s won on soft. I think she’d have a place chance.” - attheraces.com

CHELTENHAM 2008 - Alan Kings Team

Alan King Stable Tour

27 Feb 2008

Few trainers have served a better apprenticeship than Alan King, who was David Nicholson’s right hand during the glory days at Jackdaws Castle.

However, the pupil is now outstripping the former master with over 150 horses under his care and a raft of top flight jumpers.

Unlike Nicholson, who had to wait until the 1986 Triumph Hurdle win of Solar Cloud to break his Festival duck, King was quicker away with Fork Lightening in the 2004 William Hill Handicap Chase.

In each of the following seasons he has had at least one winner and all six have been in top class conditions races. Indeed, last year was by some way his best when he won three of the most prestigious races at the meeting, My Way De Solzen in the Arkle, Voy Por Ustedes in the Champion Chase and Katchit in the Triumph Hurdle.

The bare fact that those three again take the stage make him a trainer of significant interest but he has brought plenty more besides.

Here he discusses his strategy and, where applicable, the rating movement of each horse since the start of the season will be bracketed after its name.

Please note: figures in brackets indicate horse's official ratings. A figure of (120>134) would indicate a horse has improved 14lb during the course of the season.


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TUESDAY

3.15 Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2m 1f)
“KATCHIT (159) has to improve but I still think he’s in it with a chance. It was a very good performance when he won the Fighting Fifth and I don’t think he was at his best in the Boylesports International at Cheltenham when he was second to Osana — there was only two weeks between that race at Newcastle. He has been freshened up and I would be very hopeful of getting a lot closer to Osana. Winning the Kingwell was just what we wanted to boost his confidence. Goes on anything but loves good ground.”

5.20 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2m ½f)
“SQUADRON (132) and PRIDEUS (123-122) are both likely to run. It was an impossible task for Squadron last time when he finished second to Crack Away Jack trying to give ten pounds but I had to get a third run into him. He is one that won’t be phased by the Cheltenham bustle. Prideus was trying to give seven pounds to Metaphoric when he was two lengths second last time and will stay all day and is another that is not going to be phased by Cheltenham. Both are suited by good ground.”



WEDNESDAY

2.00 Ballymore Properties Novices Hurdle (2m 5f)
“GROUP CAPTAIN (138) has won his three hurdle races and has got better with each race. A few people think I should be running him in the two mile novice but he looked good when he won over two and a half at Taunton and he probably beat a good horse in Working Title at Exeter last time. I think he’ll appreciate the big field and the one thing we haven’t seen him on is decent ground, and I think he will be better on it. He’s been racing on dead ground.”

3.15 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2m)
“VOY POR USTEDES (169) won this last year and loves the track — he won the Arkle the previous season. I don’t like making excuses for his defeat at Newbury when he was second to Master Minded but the ground was plenty sticky enough and it doesn’t suit him — ideally he likes a bit of bounce. If anything, I think he’s working slightly better than last year and is every bit as good as he was, if not a touch better — but he might need to be. However, he’s been and done it at Cheltenham and that's something his two market rivals haven’t.”

4.00 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f)
“I intend to run KING’S REVENGE (124>131) who is very consistent and the only time he was out of the money was on his second last start in the Totesport Trophy Hurdle at Newbury. Last time over two and a half at Ascot he probably travelled at bit too well up the front and it was also quite soon enough after Newbury. My only worry is that he’s a bit too exposed to win a race like this but he’s been crying out for this trip and will be ridden with a bit more restraint. Good ground is ideal.”

4.40 138th Year of the National Hunt Chase (4m)
“This is the target for OLD BENNY (130). He’s been placed in his three novice chases and did well to be second to Ornais at Newbury on his last outing. Could be interesting because he’ll be suited by this distance — he stays all day.”



THURSDAY

2.00 Jewson Novices Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“It’s possible that RUSTARIX (123), who was second to Gold Medallist at Exeter last time will run. He is improving.”

3.15 Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3m)
“MY WAY DE SOLZEN (163) , who won this in 2006, and BLAZING BAILEY (163) who was third last year, will both run. Blazing Bailey is very consistent but if Inglis Drever comes in the same form as when he won the Cleeve Hurdle then we won’t beat him. Whatever else, he loves Cheltenham and will run a sound race. He's adaptable ground-wise. I was well satisfied with My Way De Solzen’s comeback run over hurdles at Fontwell, when he was second to Lough Derg over two and a half miles. It was a step in the right direction and although he’s not quite back to where he was it was his first proper race for a long time and will have blown away a few cobwebs. I hope it brings him on the way I think it will.”

4.00 Racing Post Plate Handicap Chase (2m 5f)
“IL DUCE (143>148) hasn’t run since he blundered and was pulled up at Cheltenham in December but the plan was always to leave him fresh for this. Ran his best race of the season first time out when he was a close second to L’antartique. He doesn’t want too much racing. He's best on good ground and providing the ground is like that I’ll also run KELREV (125>131). He won first run for me at Newbury in December and he ran very well to be fourth to Vodka Bleu at Cheltenham next time - a competitive veterans' race - and he was fourth in at Wincanton last time. He would need the ground in his favour to take his chance.”

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (3m 1½f)
“NYKEL (117>128) is the plan for this. It was uncharacteristic of him to fall last time and he’s had plenty of schooling since. He would not want it too quick.”



FRIDAY

2.00 JCB Triumph Hurdle (2m 1f)
“It revolves around FRANCHOEK (141>147) who is rated 4lb higher than Katchit when he won it last year but they are different types of horses. This horse is more of a grinder but he is very progressive and he sets the standard for everything else. He’s improved physically and form-wise through the season. Nothing will phase him on the day but ideally he’d have a bit of cut because it might take the sting out of the speed horses.”

2.35 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (3m)
“I am actually looking forward to NENUPHAR COLLOGNES (134>135) running in this. He was a good chaser last season (134) but we’ve gone back to hurdles with some success. He will be powering up the hill when a lot of others would have had enough. I thought Carruthers was very impressive when we were second to him at Warwick last time but two and a half miles is the absolute minimum for my horse. I anticipate a very good performance.”

3.15-Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2½f)
“HALCON GENELARDAIS (145>165) will run here. His Welsh National form when he was a head second to Miko De Beauchene is now some of the best around. Ok, the top two in the betting look exceptional but after them it’s wide open. He hasn’t run since Chepstow in late December because he has to be fresh and he’s at the top of his game at this minute. Providing the ground isn’t fast he’d take his chance but the softer the better. If he were fourth or fifth I’d be thrilled.”

4.35 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (2m ½f)
“HOWLE HILL (138>152) has had a phenomenal season over fences and for that reason is probably exposed. But he deserves to take his chance despite his rating.”

5.10 David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle (2m 4½f)
“THEATRE GIRL (137) was a top bumper mare last season and has done nothing wrong over hurdles. She hasn’t been over this trip but I think it will suit her better and will help. She was only three quarters of a length second to Chomba Womba at Doncaster which puts her right in it.” - attheracaces.com