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Colin Voysey Cheltenham Tips for Thursday, World Hurdle Day

March 15, 2012 By
Colin Voysey is our Cheltenham tipster this year
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Wednesday Cheltenham Tips, Day 3 Preview

 

Day Three of the Cheltenham Festival and by my calculations it will be one a piece with the Punters claiming victory on Day One but the bookmakers pulling it back on Day Two, so today could be the crucial day for all involved during the week.

1.30pm Jewson Novices’ Chase

The opening race revolves around one horse, the Donald McCain PEDDLERS CROSS and if they have him back in A1 condition then he could simply blow these rivals away. The yard knows that they have a top class horse on their hands and even though he’s not had the perfect preparation he would not be lining up unless they knew he was 100%. If I’m honest I would be swerving Sprinter Sacre as well!!

Bar the favourite you have to respect the Paul Nicholls trained Cristal Bonus but the one that is a stand out each way bet for me is the Martin Keighley trained CHAMPION COURT. 

Best odds offered: CHAMPION COURT 8/1 ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed – Boylesports.

 

2.05pm Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle

Usually a tricky race to call and this year is certainly no exception but I’m hoping we’ve got the race covered. I’ve got my eye on two horses in the race bar the possible short priced favourite Our Father and they are SERGENT GUIB’S and SONOFVIC both of which could be doing all the best work at the finish. So my approach is simple split my stakes and hope one of them gets the job done. If I start getting heavily involved in races like this then I’ve got no chance of making money at the Festival.

 Best odds offered on SERGENT GUIB’S 20/1 with BetVictor and SONOFVIC 10/1 with Betfred and both bookmakers go Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed.
 

 

2.40pm Ryanair Chase

A race on paper which looks wide open and you can give most of the runners some sort of chance on the form book but the best approach here is to go with the horse that has solid course form. The horse in question is ALBERTAS RUN and he’ll take all the beating with the trip, ground and course in his favour. He’s a horse that AP McCoy adores, so I genuinely hope they put in a clear round, as I can’t see them being out of the frame at a tasty 8/1.

Best odds offered on Albertas Run- 8/1 Bet365 Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed.
 

 

3.20pm Ladbrokes World Hurdle   

The crème de la crème of the staying division over the smaller obstacles lines up for top honours over 3 miles and I hate to sound boring (again) but who beats BIG BUCKS?! I adore this horse and feel very lucky to have spent some time with him down at Ditcheat. He is one of the best looking horses I’ve ever laid eyes on and extremely athletic. I know the Stewart family adore him and still get nervous when he turns up but he’ll always just find enough to get the job done and that’s a real key asset.

The main danger on the face of it looks to be the Nicky Henderson trained OSCAR WHISKY and I can see him being heavily backed each way on the day, so my advice would be to get involved now with the right firm.

Best odds offered on OSCAR WHISKY 4/1 Each Way Boylesports Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed.

 

 

4.00p.m BYRNE GROUP PLATE Handicap Chase  

One of the most competitive handicaps of the week and I’m really hoping the Paul Nicholls trained CRACK AWAY JACK will make the line up, as this could be just what the doctor ordered. He has had a stop start career and since switching to Team Ditcheat we’ve only seen himtwice on the track. The first race was at Cheltenham back in November, the trip was 2 miles over fences and he showed me enough that day to believe Paul had something to work with moving forward.

The next time we saw him was over 2 miles 3 furlongs over hurdles at Ascot and I was definitely left with the impression there was more to come. So, do we take the plunge with a horse that’s not really showing us much at present well the answer is “YES”. If Paul can get him back to anywhere near his old form then I’m convinced he’ll pick these up and spit them out.     

Best odds offered on CRACK AWAY JACK 8/1 ¼ odds 1, 2, 3 and 4 places Betfred Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed.

 


 

4.40pm Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup  

So we come to the lucky last and another tricky affair but I’ve been involved with a horse for some time now and that’s the unexposed SUNNYHILLBOY. I was at the track last year when there were some positive vibes coming out of the McManus camp with regards to the son of Old Vic, which made me sit up and take note but it didn’t really go according to plan and the rest is history. Since then the horse has shown some mixed form but I’m taking a guess that this could have been the plan since last year and the team could be on a recovery mission. So the advice is don’t wait for the day itself let’s get involved now as I’m convinced he’ll be one of the best backed horses of the day.

Best odds on Sunnyhillboy 10/1 Bet365 Non Runner, No Bet and Best Odds Guaranteed.
 

 

Colin Voysey is our Cheltenham tipster this year

Colin Voysey is our Cheltenham tipster this year. A keen racing enthusiast who has spent time with some of the best trainers around and progressed into a top tipster. He won the William Hill Radio Tipping Competion 2007/2008 and has spent three years working as freelance sports pundit on William Hill Radio.

Tipped eight Cheltenham Festival winners in 2009, including Silk Affair 11-1, Chapoturgeon 8-1, Character Building 16-1, Zaynar 11-2, Big Buck’s 20-1 and Forpadydeplasterer 20-1; the last two-named were both ante-post selections. He has a good track record finding the big-priced winners at the big meetings on a regular

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Guardian value tip Peddlers Cross at 4/1 Jewson Chase

March 15, 2012 By
Peddlers Cross to win the Jewson?
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Peddlers Cross to win the Jewson?

The tide has turned in Donald McCain’s favour at the Cheltenham Festival so far this week and Peddlers Cross (1.30) should be backed at 4-1 with William Hill to maintain the winning momentum in the opening Jewson Chase on Thursday.

Plenty of punters were baying for blood from McCain when the trainer took the decision early last week to switch the horse from a clash with Sprinter Sacre in the Arkle Chase in favour of this easier target.

Given that the trainer had previously been quite so adamant that the Arkle was the intended target and that hell hath no fury like a punter scorned, the furore resulting from the decision was no great surprise.

However, stable supporters have already been paid out twice at the Festival thanks to Cinders And Ashes and Son Of Flicka and it would be no surprise to see last season’s Champion Hurdle runner-up go off some way shorter in the betting than 4-1.

McCain’s runner in the Pertemps Hurdle, Across The Bay (2.05) is also worth keeping onside at 28-1 with Betfred/Totesport.

He’s had just four runs for the stable, but although he had no chance in a recent run behind Big Buck’s in the Cleeve Hurdle, the outing should have put him spot-on for this contest.

Finally, I can’t avoid giving a mention to my nap, Niceonefrankie (4.00), who is too big at 12-1 with Ladbrokes in the Byrne Plate. Venetia Williams has taken this race twice in recent years and her Ping Pong Sivola showed when a narrow second in 2008 that a lightly raced and rapidly improving novice chaser can get involved, even against this calibre of opposition.

 
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Guardian Tips Oscar Whisky to win the World Hurdle 2012

March 15, 2012 By
The Guardian tip Oscar Whisky to beat Big Bucks
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The Guardian tip Oscar Whisky to beat Big Bucks

Powered by Guardian.co.ukOscar Whisky has the ability to bring Big Buck’s reign as the champion staying hurdler to an end in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday.

Big Buck’s, who requires only one more victory to equal Sir Ken’s record of 16 consecutive wins over jumps, never seems to have an off-day. But there is a reason why the mark stands at 16 and no more. All good things must eventually come to an end.

We know Oscar Whisky has the speed to shake up the favourite and there are good reasons to think he has the stamina, too, despite never having been tried beyond two miles and four and a half furlongs. He has bounded up the hill happily enough over that shorter trip every time and travels with sufficient economy in the early stages to be able to conserve sufficient energy for the end of the race.

Willie Mullins runs four in the race and three of the quartet are still to test their mettle against Big Buck’s. However, it is the potential of Oscar Whisky (3.20) to find improvement for this new test that makes him the selection.

1.30 With the trainer Donald McCain twice on the mark already at the Festival, confidence has been restored in the chances of Peddlers Cross. He may be lacking in chasing experience but his jumping has impressed so far and the move up in trip certainly will not prove an issue either. The likeable For Non Stop may give him most to do.

2.05 Wrapped up since winning at Ascot in December, Our Father has had a sizeable obstacle placed in his path here by the vengeful decision of the handicapper to push him up 19lb in the weights for that easy victory. However, he was considered a possible World Hurdle candidate until quite recently and could still be out of the assessor’s grip. Across The Bay is another to consider at a longer price.

2.40 A fascinating contest, with doubts over all of the principal players. Somersby’s form was given a boost on Wednesday by Finian’s Rainbow, while Albertas Run seems to come alive in this race every year. However a chance can be taken on Captain Chris, who was unhappy right from the start last time out but whose previous King George form makes him most worthy of respect.

4.00 Venetia Williams targets this race each year and had a memorable one-two in 2008. Happily there is no stable-mate in this contest to deny the fast-improving Niceonefrankie, who faces much stiffer opposition here but was only doing enough when winning cosily last time out. He is worth chancing in a race that often falls to lightly weighted horses.

4.40 Fourth in the Thyestes Chase on his latest start, Adams Island had decent form claims in any case but definitely has the capability to improve in first-time blinkers. This race has been his target ever since. The improving Brackloon High is another to consider.

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Bookmakers ahead at half-time in the Cheltenham Festival

March 14, 2012 By
Finian's Rainbow beats Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase
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Finian's Rainbow beats Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase

“Favourite backers got off to a great start with Teaforthree and Simonsig, but hopes of a hat-trick of wins for the hot-pots were dashed when Bobs Worth won the RSA, and our day went from good to better when the Henderson yard completed a big race double with Finian’s Rainbow,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

“Son Of Flicka’s win in our race was also welcomed, Vendor’s defeat in the Fred Winter continued the layers’ joy, and not even a Willie Mullins’ Bumper winner could spoil our day,” added Stevens.

Paddy Power said: “The first two winning favourites today destroyed yesterday’s gains but the unlikely double whammy of Grands Crus and Sizing Europe getting chinned turned the tide back in our favour and catapulted us ahead over the two days. Bookies are in front as we enjoy the half-time oranges, but that could all change tomorrow.”

Day 3 specials Paddy Power Money back if you finish second to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle (3.20pm) AND Five places in the Byrne Group Plate (4pm)

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We tip 50/1 winner Une Artiste in the Cheltenham Fred Winter Hurdle

March 14, 2012 By
4 winners for Nicky Henderson today at Cheltenham
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4 winners for Nicky Henderson today at Cheltenham

Fantastic day for readers of our website www.cheltenham-festival.com, we tipped 50/1 winner Une Artiste in the 4.40pm Fred Bumper Hurdle. Our tips for tomorrow will be on the website this evening, don’t miss them.

4:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

This is a competitive four year-old hurdle and is a race I somewhat cruelly call a poor-man’s Triumph hurdle. Indeed it is for horses not good enough for the grade 1 on Friday. That said there are plenty of decent sorts in the field and always provides a good spectacle. This is a good race to find a big priced winner. Three of the last seven winners were the highest rated Flat horse in the race. Only 2 favourites have won in the last 7 running’s. 5 of the last 7 winners trained in Britain. Fillies have a high strike rate with 3 out of the last 6 winners being fillies. Could be a bookies benefit this so SMALL STAKES if you are betting

My Pick here is; UNE ARTISTE @ 50/1 ew for Nicky Henderson

 

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Champion Chase Horse crashes through rail at Cheltenham Festival

March 14, 2012 By
Champion Chase
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Finian’s Rainbow took the Champion Chase in controversial circumstances on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival as a jockey and a photographer were injured in a freak incident on the first circuit of the race.

Jumping the fence that would have been the last on the second lap, Wishfull Thinking made a mistake and stumbled through the inside rail into a crowd of onlookers and photographers, unseating rider Richard Johnson.

Johnson was stretchered to the weighing room but later reported to have suffered only bad bruising, while a photographer was also treated for cuts. Johnson was stood down for the rest of the day by the racecourse doctor. The horse was quickly caught and led away uninjured.

With the remainder of the field fast approaching again, officials took the decision to bypass the final fence of the race, but it appeared that the fence was not as clearly marked as is usually the case.

In any case, the jockeys involved in the finish were evidently not aware of the situation until a very late stage forcing Sizing Europe, who was fighting to hold off Finian’s Rainbow, to swerve violently across the course as they avoided the obstacle.

Sizing Europe’s backers may argue that their horse was an unlucky loser, but both he and the winner appeared to lose momentum and at the line Finian’s Rainbow (4-1) was clearly on top, scoring by a length and a quarter. The jockey on the runner-up, Andrew Lynch, was suspended for six days for misuse of the whip.

The result sealed an incredible treble for Nicky Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty.

“It’s a brilliant day – you dream of days like this,” said the rider. “I’m genuinely so delighted for this horse’s owner, Michael Buckley. He’s had a good few disappointments this season, but he’s had patience with this fellow and I really am delighted for him.

“I thought he had it to do to be honest, but he has turned the corner since Ascot. His work has been much better. We were hoping he was closing the gap but you couldn’t say for certain that he was there. We know now he was.”

Henderson had already by this stage been crowned as the winningmost trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival.

Earlier successes for Simonsig and Bobs Worth under Geraghty left Henderson with a total of 42 victories at the meeting, although rather than dwelling upon past achievements the trainer was understandably keener to look to the future with two such exciting prospects.

Henderson and owner Ronnie Bartlett had debated for weeks over whether the correct race for Simonsig was the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle or the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle over two miles on the first day of the meeting.

It was difficult not to reach the conclusion that the painstaking decision was largely academic after seeing the well-backed 2-1 chance blitz his rivals in the Neptune.

Left in front when Cotton Mill tried to refuse at the second-last flight and unseated Denis O’Regan, Geraghty seized the initiative and booted his mount clear, the pair eventually scoring by seven lengths from Felix Yonger. “He’s a serious horse, a class act and a hell of a chaser in the making,” said the rider.

Reflecting upon his achievement, Henderson said: “It’s lovely, but you feel a bit overawed as you’re talking about the legendary Fulke Walwyn. But we have been very lucky over the years and I have some lovely horses like this one.

“He’s got so much natural talent you could easily run him over two miles. Barry was just keen to run here as he thought it might give him more chance to get his jumping together.

“He was still a bit untidy, but he’ll learn and he’s going to go and jump fences. I think the bigger the obstacle we might find the better he’ll jump.”

Henderson did however suggest that Simonsig was unlikely to be moving up in trip too quickly.

“I don’t know if he’d want three miles as this (horse) is very quick,” he said. “I see no point in going any further than you have to and he could easily come back to two miles.”

Bobs Worth completed a quickfire double for trainer and jockey in the RSA Chase. The 9-2 chance fought off Irish raider First Lieutenant on the run-in as hot favourite Grands Crus faded into fourth.

“I haven’t been happy with him at any stage this season,” said Henderson. “We fiddled with his wind in January and he was the last horse in the yard to get his coat. His jumping hadn’t been great either. Barry has had two armchair rides so far this week, but he’s had to sing for his supper on that one. Everybody has worked incredibly hard and it’s been a long battle to get him back.

“I’m amazed we’ve got him here in that sort of form and because it’s been a rush, that will probably be it for the season.”

David Pipe was unable to find an excuse for the eclipse of Grands Crus, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the horse dropped back in trip for his next outing.

“Scu (Tom Scudamore) said that he just didn’t finish his race off,” said Pipe. “He travelled well and jumped well but just didn’t get up the hill. Hopefully there will be other days for him.”

The well-backed Teaforthree (5-1 favourite) had got the second day of the Cheltenham Festival off to a winning start for many punters with a pillar-to-post victory in the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase.

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Cheltenham-Festival.com Tips for Day 2 Cheltenham

March 14, 2012 By
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1:30 Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase)

The problem with this race is it’s an amateur riders race so usual disclaimers apply. Personally speaking I don’t have much of a bet in these sorts of races, you will be let down more than you will be delighted with the ride the horse you back gets, as a rule. But the rules of engagement are clear and must be borne in mind.

Stats

  • ·8  from the last 10 winners aged 7 or 8
  • ·6  year olds or less only 1 win in 32 running’s
  • ·    Horses that were favourite last time they ran, 0 from 41 running’s
  • ·    Favs in this race, 2 from last 11 running’s

For me looking at the stats, HARRY THE VIKING fits the bill. He is the right age and wasn’t favourite last time out, he beat a 6/4 fav and Ikorodu Road, who has since followed up to win and frank the form. There are some shocking jockeys in this field, but Will Biddick is pretty good and in this field is one of the best. Trained by Paul Nicholls, Harry The Viking is the pick, but only a small bet advised.

Small win bet: HARRY THE VIKING (stress small).

2:05 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) Never an easy puzzle to solve. At the entries stage I thought BOSTON BOB would win this, but he goes of the Albert Bartlett on Friday (Gold Cup Day) instead. Therefore I have to look elsewhere. Mullins holds a crop of entries and we must start by looking at what Ireland’s Champion trainer has chosen to run. Simonsig looks the business in this race. Winner of two of his three starts for Nicky Henderson and second to Fingal Bay at Sandown, the six-year-old was last seen cruising to victory in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. He is a seriously good horse. Fingal Bay is exceptional and this is the best form by far in this race. Summary: Simonsig is a good bet to win here! 2:40 RSA Chase (Grade 1) **MAX BET** I am absolutely delighted that Grand Crus has opted for this race, and is a MAXIMUM BET here. Grand Crus is the only serious challenger Big Buck’s has ever had over hurdles and over fences he has looked awesome. He has won 3 times, including a grade 1. He looks to me head and shoulders above the rest of them, with the exception of Bob’s Worth who could pose the biggest threat. That said I thought he was a serious Gold Cup contender, but in the RSA I think he is a massively strong bet and I am not mincing my words, MAXIMUM STAKES advised. I believe he will win this readily. Summary: GRAND CRUS, MAXIMUM BET 3:20 sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) **MAX BET** The Champion will defend his crown and at the prices, EVENS, he is the best bet of the Cheltenham Festival. He has shown his class, his defeats in Ireland we over 3miles + but over 2 miles he is unbeatable. He absolutely murdered Big Zeb and though that was on Heavy going I have absolutely no doubles whatsoever that he will win here. I would suggest that Finians Rainbow is his biggest rival here but in all honesty he will win this comfortably. Summary: At the Prices Sizing Europe is the best bet of the week, Maximum Bet. 4:00 Coral Cup (Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle) Tough. At the entries stage I narrowed this down to two, Featherbed Lane and Get Me Out Of Here. Regular subscribers will know I have followed Jonjo O’Neil’s horse since he won his bumper and he is one of my favourite horses. I backed him at Newbury and he ran on really well after he was hampered by the fall of Darlan. Make no mistake this is not sentiment, this is a good bet. Featherbed Lane I rate higher, but that one badly disappointed last time out at Haydock. Summary: Get Me Out Of Here, EW Bet 4:40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) This is a competitive four year-old hurdle and is a race I somewhat cruelly call a poor-man’s Triumph hurdle. Indeed it is for horses not good enough for the grade 1 on Friday. That said there are plenty of decent sorts in the field and always provides a good spectacle. This is a good race to find a big priced winner. Three of the last seven winners were the highest rated Flat horse in the race. Only 2 favourites have won in the last 7 running’s. 5 of the last 7 winners trained in Britain. Fillies have a high strike rate with 3 out of the last 6 winners being fillies. Could be a bookies benefit this so SMALL STAKES if you are betting My Pick here is; UNE ARTISTE @ 50/1 ew for Nicky Henderson 5:15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (Grade1) This is a race that has been won by such horses as Dunguib and Cue Card. It is the hardest race of the day to solve. The Irish have won almost three times as many runnings of this as the home trainers. Just five of the 19 winners could be found outside the first six in the betting. This is tough and there is an element of guesswork here, but I have narrowed this down to NEW YEAR’s EVE who I think, as flat bred, by Motivator, has looked exceptional and could provide a winner for first year trainer John Ferguson. Summary: Small bet NEW YEAR’s EVE.

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Stanjames takes on Simonsig 11/4 and Big Zeb 6/1 until noon

March 14, 2012 By
Stan James 11/4 for Simonsig until noon
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Stan James 11/4 for Simonsig until noon

@StanJames have opted to take on two horses for their Happy Hour promotion, going top price about Neptune Novice Hurdle favourite Simonsig and Champion Chase hope Big Zeb from 11am until noon.

StanJames.com spokesman Rory Jiwani says, “Simonsig looks short enough in a competitive Neptune with Monksland leading a strong Irish challenge. We’re top industry price about Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old until midday with 11/4 available at the moment.

“We also think Big Zeb is a horse to oppose in the Champion Chase with reigning champion Sizing Europe a worthy favourite. The 2010 winner has looked below his best this season and we’re also going top price about him until 12. Colm Murphy’s star is currently a 6/1 shot at StanJames.com.”

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Early Movers at Cheltenham Day 2 from Stan James

March 14, 2012 By
silverhand-coral-cup
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Already some interesting moves before day two at Cheltenham with StanJames.com seeing plenty of interest in Pricewise’s tips.

StanJames.com spokesman Rory Jiwani says, “Pricewise left us reeling with Alfie Sherrin today, and he’s looking to do the same with another JP McManus runner in Silverhand in the Coral Cup. The Noel Meade-inmate is 14/1 from 25/1 in the 28-runner handicap in which we’re paying out each way five places. Balgarry and Get Me Out Of Here head the betting at 8/1.

“Sizing Europe is the banker of the day as he bids to retain his Champion Chase crown. Henry De Bromhead’s charge is solid at 5/6 and we’re already looking forward to him taking on Sprinter Sacre next year. We go each-way one-quarter odds despite there being only eight runners so Kauto Stone could represent value at 18/1. We also bet without Sizing Europe and have an enhanced win-only market with Big Zeb 6/1 compared to his normal price of 5/1.

“In the opener, the Diamond Jubilee NH Chase, there’s been good money for Teaforthree who is now clear 11/2 favourite. Soll and Harry The Viking are next best at 6/1.

“Simonsig is a warm favourite in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle. We went 5/2 about Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old earlier but that was quickly snapped up and we now go 9/4. Monksland has been well backed for Noel Meade and is now 4/1 from 5/1 with Alan King’s Batonnier a non-runner.

“Grands Crus is very solid in the RSA Chase with David Pipe’s charge 5/4 from 11/8. Bobs Worth was unpopular this morning and we pushed him out to 9/2 but he’s been backed since then and is now 4/1. First Lieutenant is 5/1 for Gigginstown Stud with Join Together 13/2 from 6/1. We also bet without Grands Crus.

“In the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, we pushed out Vendor to 9/2 but Alan King’s big hope of the week has been well-backed since and he’s now 7/2. Kazlian for David Pipe is 7/1 from 8/1 but the big money has been for Willie Mullins’ filly Gorgeous Sixty. She is 8/1 from 12/1 after being picked by Pricewise.

“We’re going each-way four places in the Champion Bumper at the end of the day with New Year’s Eve backed into 11/2 favouritism for first-season trainer John Ferguson. Royal Guardsman is 7/1 for Colin Tizzard who won the race with Cue Card two years ago while Moscow Mannon leads the Irish challenge at 15/2.

“The Irish had six winners on this day 12 months ago and will be keen to add to their disappointing tally of one from yesterday. We bet GB v Ireland in every race plus we have selected winning distance markets and matchbets for each race.”

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Sizing Europe to make it a treble in the Sportingbet Champion Chase

March 13, 2012 By
sizing europe
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Will Hayler’s Cheltenham tips from the Guardian.

Since a disastrous first trip to the Cheltenham Festival, Sizing Europe (3.20) has not looked back and can register a third consecutive victory at the meeting in the Sportingbet Champion Chase on Wednesday.

Having trailed home up the hill in the 2008 Champion Hurdle, Sizing Europe bounced back on his return to the track two years later when taking the Arkle Chase and he followed up last season when taking this contest from Big Zeb.

If anything, Sizing Europe has been in better form this season and he was particularly impressive in victory at Sandown in December, hammering Kauto Stone by eight lengths. His chance is simply too obvious to overlook.

1.30 Already on his third trainer after just seven appearances, Universal Soldier clearly is not an easy horse to get right. But he’s been wrapped up since a confidence-boosting success at Towcester in January and has hinted strongly that a marathon trip will bring out the very best in him.

2.05 Willie Mullins endured mixed fortunes on the opening day of the Festival but Sous Les Cieux looks to hold strong claims of steadying the ship here. Held in high regard, he was given a rare poor ride by Ruby Walsh when beaten at odds-on over Christmas and would have gone very close to putting that right but for a poorly timed mistake at the second last when chasing home Benefficient last time. He is likely to settle better in this bigger field.

2.40 A class act over hurdles who has taken as well as could have been expected to steeplechasing, Grands Crus would not have been out of place in the Gold Cup field. His turn of foot can enable him to get the better of the likes of the admirable Bobs Worth and Join Together.

4.00 Sneaking in at the bottom of the weights, Balgarry must be of interest with Nampour having franked the form of a recent Haydock success since finishing as runner-up to him. The step-up in trip asks a new question, but should suit. Abergavenny is another to consider.

4.40 Vendor has proved hugely popular with many punters but drying ground asks a new question, with his French form having come with cut in the ground. He could find speedier sorts having the edge here and Argocat gets the nod just ahead of Lemon Drop Red and Kazlian.

5.15 A race in which to keep stakes as small as possible, but Jezki is a well-related sort who comes into it as fit as a flea after a recent victory in which he looked to be crying out for a faster pace to follow.

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