Synchronised ridden by Tony McCoy, left, jumps the last on his way to winning the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Tony McCoy, jump racing’s most famous son, triumphed aboard 8-1 chance Synchronised as former champions Kauto Star pulled-up and Long Run finished third in a dramatic Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Hopes that Kauto Star might deliver an incredible third success in the race were dashed early on. He lost his position from an early stage and was pulled up by Ruby Walsh before the runners had even completed a circuit of the contest.

Favourite Long Run held every chance at the final fence, but was simply unable to match the determined finish of the winner, who didn’t always jump with aplomb but stayed on determinedly to overhaul the leaders having turned for home back in sixth place.

The Giant Bolster, belying his 50-1 odds, finished a brilliant second, two and a quarter lengths behind the winner with Long Run a further three-quarters of a length back third.

A year ago this week the pint-sized Synchronised was running over four and quarter miles in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, finishing a laboured third of the four finishers.

But this season has seen a revolution in the form of the JP McManus-owned horse, who took some notable scalps in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his latest start.

He had been under consideration for the Irish Hennessy last month, but the decision was taken to wait for Cheltenham.

“A big, big team effort has gone into this horse at home,” said trainer Jonjo O’Neill, who himself won the Gold Cup as a jockey aboard Dawn Run in 1986. “He came home and he just wasn’t right and took a long time to recover. I can’t tell you everything, because I’ll give all my secrets away, but he wasn’t right.”

McCoy, whose only previous success in the race came 15 years ago aboard Mr Mulligan, showed his delight as he punched the air all the way back to the winner’s enclosure.

“It was always going to be the case that he might get a bit outpaced and might get into a bit of trouble, but he’s got so much heart,” he said. “Whatever he’s got in class, he’s got so much more in heart. Like me, he’s not a looker, but he’s got more will to win than any other horse I’ve sat on.

“It’s the big races like these that everyone wants to win and I’ve been lucky enough to do it now for JP in this race, the Champion Hurdle and the Grand National. Jonjo was happy and confident and I knew he’d run a big race. People give Jonjo a bit of stick and think that it’s a closed shop at Jackdaws Castle but he’s come here with a few and won three races now this week and I don’t think he gets the recognition he deserves.”

David Bridgwater, trainer of the runner-up, was also celebrating the performance of his charge.

“I’ve put my cock on the block with this horse this season and I told everyone I knew he was good enough to run a big race,” he said.

An unprecedented round of applause had broken out in the stands as Walsh dropped Kauto Star out of the race and trotted him back to the unsaddling area, before watching the climax of the race on the adjacent big screen.

Owner Clive Smith said that there would be no immediate decision over the future of Kauto Star, although he made it clear that he was pleased with the decision of Walsh to pull the horse up rather than persevere.

It was only an hour earlier that McCoy had belatedly broke his duck for the Festival when forcing 20-1 chance Alderwood home in the County Hurdle.

The champion survived interference on the final bend which nearly brought his mount down, gathered the winner together and brought him back to challenge and defeat Edgardo Sol by three-quarters of a length.

Winning trainer Tom Mullins was celebrating his first Festival victory.

“We’ve had a few chances over the years, but I was beginning to think I’d never be able to match Willie (his brother) and my father (Paddy) so this is just brilliant,” he said.

Northern stables have traditionally struggled at the Festival in recent years, but Countrywide Flame supplemented the Coral Cup success earlier this week of the Malcolm Jefferson-trained Cape Tribulation.

An unconsidered 33-1 chance, Countrywide Flame came from a long way off the pace to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle. One of the first to be asked a question by jockey Dougie Costello, he ate up the ground in the closing stages and won going away, beating Hisaabaat by three lengths.

“I expected him to run a good race as he’s never run a poor race over hurdles yet, but I didn’t think he would win,” said Quinn.

“He’s very tough and hardy and stuck at it really well. He’s not very big, and got buffeted about, but he jumped brilliantly.

“I’m delighted to have another winner for the north, I was delighted for Malcolm (Jefferson) on Thursday and I’m delighted for myself today. He’ll go to Aintree now.”

Lucinda Russell became the first Scottish trainer to taste victory at the meeting for 10 years when Brindisi Breeze delivered a high-class performance to floor well-backed favourite Boston Bob.

It was jumping which won the day for the 7-1 chance, as he met every hurdle on the perfect stride, repeatedly taking ground out of his rivals.

Despite showing far less fluency, Boston Bob looked as if he might peg back the leader on the run to the final flight, but another flying leap under Campbell Gillies sealed success for Brindisi Breeze.

“I was getting ready for people to can Campbell for going too soon, but they just kept jumping and galloping and he’s such a genuine horse,” said Russell, whose partner Peter Scudamore is far more familiar with Cheltenham Festival glory from his days in the saddle.

“He’s a real athlete. He had his ears pricked the whole way round.”

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010

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To remind you of the Gold Cup horses, we’ve included our summary below and don’t miss the £150 free bet offer from Ladbrokes, it ends today. Good luck!

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No.	Colours	Horse	Form	Approx. Odds	Bet	Age	Trainer	Jockey	Rating
7		Long Run	11-221	7/4		7	Nicky Henderson	Sam Waley-Cohen	182
The current champion who needs to prove he can come back and defend his crown, as the doubters are definitely out in force. Not the sexiest of horses in the line up but seems quite a stuffy type and can only improve with Racing. I was lucky enough to see him at Newbury after his latest win and between then and seeing him again at Seven Barrows, he’d improved so much. He looks as if he’s peaking at the right time so be warned especially with the Henderson team on fire!!
5		Kauto Star	33-P11	4/1		12	Paul Nicholls	Ruby Walsh	183
What can I say about this superstar?! Well in my opinion I’ll be very lucky in my lifetime to see another like him, as he simply has it all. Paul Nicholls must feel so lucky to be handling one of the best Chaser’s of all time and the way he has bounced back this year is not only a credit to the horse but the staff down at Ditcheat. If he rocks up at Cheltenham on Friday you can be rest assured Paul will have him where he wants. For what it’s worth I think if he wins this year’s Gold Cup it will be Paul’s greatest ever training performance – by a mile!! Tip to Win
1		Burton Point	21/2-2	7/1		8	Nicky Henderson	Barry Geraghty	166
There was plenty of stable confidence in this son of Bob Back on his return to the track at Newbury last time out after a lengthy absence, where he was in receipt of 10lbs from his stable companion Long Run and certainly did not let his supporters down. If Nicky can derive some more improvement which there is no reason why he can’t then he’s right there in the mix. In fact he could be the one that causes a major upset.
8		Midnight Chase	15-F31	10/1		10	Neil Mulholland	Dougie Costello	163
Would be great for connections if he can land this contest but I personally feel he’ll set the pace and get found out when the main protagonists turn the tap on and start to race down the hill. If he finishes in the frame all involved with the horse would be over the moon.
14		Weird Al	18P-13	11/1		9	Donald McCain	Jason Macguire	164
Probably just short on class at this level but is a sound jumper and will give you a good run for your money. If he gets a clear round he will be doing all his best work at the finish and could sneak a place. He could be worth looking at for this year’s Grand National as he’s just the type to go well in a race of that nature.
10		Synchronised	3-P731	10/1		9	Jonjo O’Neil	Tony McCoy	167
Have to doubt his participation especially as the ground could be on the quick side even though he’s been declared, so if he lines up his chance must be respected as he has been handled impeccably by connections. Could be another to cause an upset and will be staying on up the hill when others are faltering.
9		Quel Esprit	F-B111	20/1		8	Willie Mullins	P Townend	160
Took a tumble last year when travelling well in the RSA Chase and even though he has plenty of 1’s next to his name, I genuinely feel he’ll get found out in this company. Saying that he has a touch of class so could be one for hitting the frame at decent odds.
15		What A Friend	24P-33	25/1		9	Paul Nicholls	Daryl Jacob	165
Now a horse who could actually run a massive race under what looks ideal conditions, so it may be worth looking at the market w/o Long Run and Kauto Star in the field, as he’s currently trading at 14/1 with Bet365 ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places which looks outstanding value in my book considering they go 16/1 with those two in the field. Get on now each way as even if he finishes 5th we will be picking up.
4		Diamond Harry	P/1-45	33/1		9	Nick Williams	Noel Fehily	160
A horse with so much ability who has just seemed to lose his way and I’m not sure ground conditions will play to his strengths, as he’s quite a fragile type. Noel Fehily is in the saddle and will be hoping to spring another surprise but I’m not convinced myself.
3		China Rock	34P-45	50/1		9	M F Morris	A E Lynch	152
Now this horse could be the fly in the ointment as I know connections have been training him for one day – today. He may be short of top class but has a heart and will battle all the way to the line, so at a tasty 40/1 with Paddy Power ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places without the front two it looks worth getting involved.
13		Time For Rupert	5-2514	50/1		8	Paul Webber	Denis O’Regan	153
Looked the real deal last season but has just been found wanting at the top level and again he’s a horse I could not be with in this line up.
2		Carruthers	49-31P	66/1		9	Mark Bradstock	Mattie Batchelor	151
Last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner and if he can land this event then there will not be a dry eye in the house but I feel the horse and connections have had their day in the sun. He definitely falls short in this grade but he will be up there from the off and making sure it’s a proper gallop.
11		The Giant Bolster	4U7214	66/1		7	David Bridgwater	Tom Scudamore	160
No disrespect to connections but I love this horse yet running him in a Gold Cup is ridiculous. He’s a gorgeous mover and could pick up a bit of prize money but I’m convinced there would be suitable targets but as I stated earlier you only get one Cheltenham Gold Cup.
6		Knockara Beau	02632	100/1		9	George Charlton	Jan Faltejsek	147
A gorgeous horse who always gives his running, probably another short of top class but will be doing all his best work at the finish but I can’t see him bothering the main protagonists.
12		The Midnight Club	16-B43	100/1		11	Willie Mullins	D J Casey	145
Now an interesting horse and could be this year’s Grand National winner, so if he can pop round and finish 5th or 6th I would be very happy with that and he could head to Aintree as one of the fancied ones. At the time of writing he’s 33/1 with Ladbrokes and Stan James and they may look very big on the day considering he went off favourite for the race last year.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds from bet365: 15-8 Long Run, 7-2 Kauto Star, 13-2 Burton Port, 11 Weird Al, 12 Midnight Chase, 14 Quel Esprit, Synchronised, 20 What A Friend, 33 Diamond Harry, 40 Time For Rupert, 50 China Rock, Carruthers, 66 The Giant Bolster, 80 Konockara Beau, The Midnight Club

Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners 2012

So we come to the main event of the week the 2012 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup and 15 head to post. I have to say this year’s renewal looks one of the best for some time and it’s time for the talking to stop.

So who are you with LONG RUN or the Star KAUTO STAR or perhaps even a new kid on the block?! Well I’m going to plump for my favourite horse of all time KAUTO STAR, even though confidence has been slightly dented in the build up to the big day. I think Long Run is the main danger but here are my thoughts on the field.

No.	Colours	Horse	Form	Approx. Odds	Bet	Age	Trainer	Jockey	Rating
7		Long Run	11-221	7/4		7	Nicky Henderson	Sam Waley-Cohen	182
The current champion who needs to prove he can come back and defend his crown, as the doubters are definitely out in force. Not the sexiest of horses in the line up but seems quite a stuffy type and can only improve with Racing. I was lucky enough to see him at Newbury after his latest win and between then and seeing him again at Seven Barrows, he’d improved so much. He looks as if he’s peaking at the right time so be warned especially with the Henderson team on fire!!
5		Kauto Star	33-P11	4/1		12	Paul Nicholls	Ruby Walsh	183
What can I say about this superstar?! Well in my opinion I’ll be very lucky in my lifetime to see another like him, as he simply has it all. Paul Nicholls must feel so lucky to be handling one of the best Chaser’s of all time and the way he has bounced back this year is not only a credit to the horse but the staff down at Ditcheat. If he rocks up at Cheltenham on Friday you can be rest assured Paul will have him where he wants. For what it’s worth I think if he wins this year’s Gold Cup it will be Paul’s greatest ever training performance – by a mile!! Tip to Win
1		Burton Point	21/2-2	7/1		8	Nicky Henderson	Barry Geraghty	166
There was plenty of stable confidence in this son of Bob Back on his return to the track at Newbury last time out after a lengthy absence, where he was in receipt of 10lbs from his stable companion Long Run and certainly did not let his supporters down. If Nicky can derive some more improvement which there is no reason why he can’t then he’s right there in the mix. In fact he could be the one that causes a major upset.
8		Midnight Chase	15-F31	10/1		10	Neil Mulholland	Dougie Costello	163
Would be great for connections if he can land this contest but I personally feel he’ll set the pace and get found out when the main protagonists turn the tap on and start to race down the hill. If he finishes in the frame all involved with the horse would be over the moon.
14		Weird Al	18P-13	11/1		9	Donald McCain	Jason Macguire	164
Probably just short on class at this level but is a sound jumper and will give you a good run for your money. If he gets a clear round he will be doing all his best work at the finish and could sneak a place. He could be worth looking at for this year’s Grand National as he’s just the type to go well in a race of that nature.
10		Synchronised	3-P731	10/1		9	Jonjo O’Neil	Tony McCoy	167
Have to doubt his participation especially as the ground could be on the quick side even though he’s been declared, so if he lines up his chance must be respected as he has been handled impeccably by connections. Could be another to cause an upset and will be staying on up the hill when others are faltering.
9		Quel Esprit	F-B111	20/1		8	Willie Mullins	P Townend	160
Took a tumble last year when travelling well in the RSA Chase and even though he has plenty of 1’s next to his name, I genuinely feel he’ll get found out in this company. Saying that he has a touch of class so could be one for hitting the frame at decent odds.
15		What A Friend	24P-33	25/1		9	Paul Nicholls	Daryl Jacob	165
Now a horse who could actually run a massive race under what looks ideal conditions, so it may be worth looking at the market w/o Long Run and Kauto Star in the field, as he’s currently trading at 14/1 with Bet365 ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places which looks outstanding value in my book considering they go 16/1 with those two in the field. Get on now each way as even if he finishes 5th we will be picking up.
4		Diamond Harry	P/1-45	33/1		9	Nick Williams	Noel Fehily	160
A horse with so much ability who has just seemed to lose his way and I’m not sure ground conditions will play to his strengths, as he’s quite a fragile type. Noel Fehily is in the saddle and will be hoping to spring another surprise but I’m not convinced myself.
3		China Rock	34P-45	50/1		9	M F Morris	A E Lynch	152
Now this horse could be the fly in the ointment as I know connections have been training him for one day – today. He may be short of top class but has a heart and will battle all the way to the line, so at a tasty 40/1 with Paddy Power ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places without the front two it looks worth getting involved.
13		Time For Rupert	5-2514	50/1		8	Paul Webber	Denis O’Regan	153
Looked the real deal last season but has just been found wanting at the top level and again he’s a horse I could not be with in this line up.
2		Carruthers	49-31P	66/1		9	Mark Bradstock	Mattie Batchelor	151
Last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner and if he can land this event then there will not be a dry eye in the house but I feel the horse and connections have had their day in the sun. He definitely falls short in this grade but he will be up there from the off and making sure it’s a proper gallop.
11		The Giant Bolster	4U7214	66/1		7	David Bridgwater	Tom Scudamore	160
No disrespect to connections but I love this horse yet running him in a Gold Cup is ridiculous. He’s a gorgeous mover and could pick up a bit of prize money but I’m convinced there would be suitable targets but as I stated earlier you only get one Cheltenham Gold Cup.
6		Knockara Beau	02632	100/1		9	George Charlton	Jan Faltejsek	147
A gorgeous horse who always gives his running, probably another short of top class but will be doing all his best work at the finish but I can’t see him bothering the main protagonists.
12		The Midnight Club	16-B43	100/1		11	Willie Mullins	D J Casey	145
Now an interesting horse and could be this year’s Grand National winner, so if he can pop round and finish 5th or 6th I would be very happy with that and he could head to Aintree as one of the fancied ones. At the time of writing he’s 33/1 with Ladbrokes and Stan James and they may look very big on the day considering he went off favourite for the race last year.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds from bet365: 15-8 Long Run, 7-2 Kauto Star, 13-2 Burton Port, 11 Weird Al, 12 Midnight Chase, 14 Quel Esprit, Synchronised, 20 What A Friend, 33 Diamond Harry, 40 Time For Rupert, 50 China Rock, Carruthers, 66 The Giant Bolster, 80 Konockara Beau, The Midnight Club

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This is the big race of the week, and its fascinating! There are so many ifs and maybes here, but this is my view and this is what I will be doing. This is between LONG RUN and KAUTO STAR who all things been equal, and combined winners of three Gold Cups are better than these by miles. Now come the buts…

• Long Run has looked a shadow of his former self, or he has been beaten by Kauto Star back to his bets
• But Kauto has been the subject of an injury scare.
• He has however come out of it fine and I think its wasn’t as serious as the media have made out, just a view.

The sensible bet is a dutch bet on Kauto Star and Long Run (ie back both) but in my view Kauto Star will regain the Gold Cup and is a great EW price now at 4/1+. Midnight Chase is the best outsider of the rest. I have to admit my heart is behind Kauto and I will cry like a baby if he wins it! Love the horse and there may be another chapter in the wonderful Kauto Star story!

Summary:

KAUTO STAR to Win the Gold Cup at 4/1 with Bet365, 

MIDNIGHT CHASE Each Way at 10/1 with Bet365

No.	Colours	Horse	Form	Approx. Odds	Bet	Age	Trainer	Jockey	Rating
7		Long Run	11-221	7/4		7	Nicky Henderson	Sam Waley-Cohen	182
The current champion who needs to prove he can come back and defend his crown, as the doubters are definitely out in force. Not the sexiest of horses in the line up but seems quite a stuffy type and can only improve with Racing. I was lucky enough to see him at Newbury after his latest win and between then and seeing him again at Seven Barrows, he’d improved so much. He looks as if he’s peaking at the right time so be warned especially with the Henderson team on fire!!
5		Kauto Star	33-P11	4/1		12	Paul Nicholls	Ruby Walsh	183
What can I say about this superstar?! Well in my opinion I’ll be very lucky in my lifetime to see another like him, as he simply has it all. Paul Nicholls must feel so lucky to be handling one of the best Chaser’s of all time and the way he has bounced back this year is not only a credit to the horse but the staff down at Ditcheat. If he rocks up at Cheltenham on Friday you can be rest assured Paul will have him where he wants. For what it’s worth I think if he wins this year’s Gold Cup it will be Paul’s greatest ever training performance – by a mile!! Tip to Win
1		Burton Point	21/2-2	7/1		8	Nicky Henderson	Barry Geraghty	166
There was plenty of stable confidence in this son of Bob Back on his return to the track at Newbury last time out after a lengthy absence, where he was in receipt of 10lbs from his stable companion Long Run and certainly did not let his supporters down. If Nicky can derive some more improvement which there is no reason why he can’t then he’s right there in the mix. In fact he could be the one that causes a major upset.
8		Midnight Chase	15-F31	10/1		10	Neil Mulholland	Dougie Costello	163
Would be great for connections if he can land this contest but I personally feel he’ll set the pace and get found out when the main protagonists turn the tap on and start to race down the hill. If he finishes in the frame all involved with the horse would be over the moon.
14		Weird Al	18P-13	11/1		9	Donald McCain	Jason Macguire	164
Probably just short on class at this level but is a sound jumper and will give you a good run for your money. If he gets a clear round he will be doing all his best work at the finish and could sneak a place. He could be worth looking at for this year’s Grand National as he’s just the type to go well in a race of that nature.
10		Synchronised	3-P731	10/1		9	Jonjo O’Neil	Tony McCoy	167
Have to doubt his participation especially as the ground could be on the quick side even though he’s been declared, so if he lines up his chance must be respected as he has been handled impeccably by connections. Could be another to cause an upset and will be staying on up the hill when others are faltering.
9		Quel Esprit	F-B111	20/1		8	Willie Mullins	P Townend	160
Took a tumble last year when travelling well in the RSA Chase and even though he has plenty of 1’s next to his name, I genuinely feel he’ll get found out in this company. Saying that he has a touch of class so could be one for hitting the frame at decent odds.
15		What A Friend	24P-33	25/1		9	Paul Nicholls	Daryl Jacob	165
Now a horse who could actually run a massive race under what looks ideal conditions, so it may be worth looking at the market w/o Long Run and Kauto Star in the field, as he’s currently trading at 14/1 with Bet365 ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places which looks outstanding value in my book considering they go 16/1 with those two in the field. Get on now each way as even if he finishes 5th we will be picking up.
4		Diamond Harry	P/1-45	33/1		9	Nick Williams	Noel Fehily	160
A horse with so much ability who has just seemed to lose his way and I’m not sure ground conditions will play to his strengths, as he’s quite a fragile type. Noel Fehily is in the saddle and will be hoping to spring another surprise but I’m not convinced myself.
3		China Rock	34P-45	50/1		9	M F Morris	A E Lynch	152
Now this horse could be the fly in the ointment as I know connections have been training him for one day – today. He may be short of top class but has a heart and will battle all the way to the line, so at a tasty 40/1 with Paddy Power ¼ odds 1, 2 and 3 places without the front two it looks worth getting involved.
13		Time For Rupert	5-2514	50/1		8	Paul Webber	Denis O’Regan	153
Looked the real deal last season but has just been found wanting at the top level and again he’s a horse I could not be with in this line up.
2		Carruthers	49-31P	66/1		9	Mark Bradstock	Mattie Batchelor	151
Last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup winner and if he can land this event then there will not be a dry eye in the house but I feel the horse and connections have had their day in the sun. He definitely falls short in this grade but he will be up there from the off and making sure it’s a proper gallop.
11		The Giant Bolster	4U7214	66/1		7	David Bridgwater	Tom Scudamore	160
No disrespect to connections but I love this horse yet running him in a Gold Cup is ridiculous. He’s a gorgeous mover and could pick up a bit of prize money but I’m convinced there would be suitable targets but as I stated earlier you only get one Cheltenham Gold Cup.
6		Knockara Beau	02632	100/1		9	George Charlton	Jan Faltejsek	147
A gorgeous horse who always gives his running, probably another short of top class but will be doing all his best work at the finish but I can’t see him bothering the main protagonists.
12		The Midnight Club	16-B43	100/1		11	Willie Mullins	D J Casey	145
Now an interesting horse and could be this year’s Grand National winner, so if he can pop round and finish 5th or 6th I would be very happy with that and he could head to Aintree as one of the fancied ones. At the time of writing he’s 33/1 with Ladbrokes and Stan James and they may look very big on the day considering he went off favourite for the race last year.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Odds from bet365: 15-8 Long Run, 7-2 Kauto Star, 13-2 Burton Port, 11 Weird Al, 12 Midnight Chase, 14 Quel Esprit, Synchronised, 20 What A Friend, 33 Diamond Harry, 40 Time For Rupert, 50 China Rock, Carruthers, 66 The Giant Bolster, 80 Konockara Beau, The Midnight Club

We understand that the pricewise tips from the racing post are as follows for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day courtesy of http://tipsterform.com/tom-segal-2012

2.05 Olafi 1pt 14/1,

3.20 Synchronised 1pt 14/1,

4.40 Toner Douderies 1pt 8/1

4.40 Grandads Horse 1pt 25/1,

5.15 Slieverdagh 1pt 14/1

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In-Play Betting and Enhanced Place Terms You can bet as the race unfolds at bet365 using our fantastic In-Play section, with markets including Race Winner and Match Betting available throughout the Festival.

To ensure you get the best each-way value, we will also be offering enhanced place terms on selected races during the four days.With great offers, In-Play betting and fantastic Live Streaming, bet365 is the best place to enjoy this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Kauto Star is our tip to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2012

Yesterday 4 out of 5 tips were winners, 3 Wins at 7/2, 5/1 and 5/6 and 1 Each Way at 8/1, we are in great form.  Don’t forget our 50/1 winner from Wednesday and winners on Tuesday.

Day 4 At Cheltenham, Friday 16^th March 2012, Gold Cup Day Tips

Its been a long week but a great week, here is the last day, but the BIG DAY of the Cheltenham Festival!

KAUTO STAR TO WIN THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP AND A PLACE IN HISTORY!

1:30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

Nicky Henderson has a terrific record here in the Triumph and his horses are flying, so first stop is to look at the Henderson runners! As he doesn’t have any we need to get to work!

Stats…of last 10 winners;

• 8/10 won last time out
• 5/10 were first or second in the market
• 9/10 have won 50% of hurdle races
• 6/10 ran at Kempton or Sandown on last run
• 8/10 held up off the pace BUT their has been a bias to front runners this week

On form GRUMETTI has looked the real deal, but was beaten, only to be given the race in the Stewards at Cheltenham by PEARL SWAN.  For me the shortlist is

• Baby Mix – would have been a strong bet but disappointed at Cheltenham and finished last, big blot on his copy book
• Grumetti – looks solid but has had interrupted prep and was beaten by Pear Swan
• Pearl Swan, beat Grumetti but stewards said unfairly
• Balder Success – unbeaten BUT Thornton has chosen Grumetti.
• Two from three is a Dutch bet, PEARL SWAN and BABY MIX, fear Grumetti

If Baby Mix runs to his best he will win, but note the word “IF” – tough race.

Summary: BABY MIX Win 6/1 with Bet365, plus free bet on next Channel 4 race, see Bet365 offer on their site.

2:05 Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Gosh! Where do we start. This is as tough as it gets and in these races, like the other day when we got a nice 50/1 in to 40/1 winner. Two at a price, small bets, for me are;

• Magnifique Etoile for Charlie Longsden Each Way and…
• Snap Tie for Philip Hobbs. This could be very interestng! He has not raced for 882 days, but he is high class at his best and they run first time here…Hmmm..

 Snap Tie made a successful chasing debut in novice at Cheltenham only outing in 2009/10: not seen since due to tendon and suspensory injuries. A high class horse and could pull it off here! Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson are no fools, so there has to be something in it!

Summary: SNAP TIE NON RUNNER, MAGNIFIQUE ETOILE Each Way 22/1 with Bet365

2:40 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 1)

No need to mess about here.  The horse I have been desperate to back at Cheltenham runs today here and that horse is BOSTON BOB. Willie Mullins had a winner on Thursday with Sir DesChamps (advised by us and won 3-1) and also won the bumper so is in good form. I will not mince my words, MAX BET Boston Bob. Here is what Timeform say about the horse; 3 starts over hurdles, namely maiden at Navan in November, Grade 1 Navan Novices’ Hurdle (beat Mount Benbulben 4½ lengths) in December and Grade 2 Synergy Security Solutions Novices’ Hurdle at Leopardstown in January: beat Lyreen Legend 2¼ lengths in 11-runner event for latest success, jumping fluently held up and leading before last: will stay 3m: top-class prospect Will be too good for them.

Summary: BOSTON BOB Win, 6/4 with Bet365

3:20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

This is the big race of the week, and its fascinating! There are so many ifs and maybes here, but this is my view and this is what I will be doing. This is between LONG RUN and KAUTO STAR who all things been equal, and combined winners of three Gold Cups are better than these by miles. Now come the buts…

• Long Run has looked a shadow of his former self, or he has been beaten by Kauto Star back to his bets
• But Kauto has been the subject of an injury scare.
• He has however come out of it fine and I think its wasn’t as serious as the media have made out, just a view.

The sensible bet is a DUTCH BET on Kauto Star and Long Run (ie back both) but in my view Kauto Star will regain the Gold Cup and is a great EW price now at 4/1+. Midnight Chase is the best outsider of the rest. I have to admit my heart is behind Kauto and I will cry like a baby if he wins it! Love the horse and there may be another chapter in the wonderful Kauto Star story!

Summary: KAUTO STAR to Win the Gold Cup at 4/1 with Bet365,  MIDNIGHT CHASE Each Way at 10/1 with Bet365

4:00 Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup

Usually I would not be interested in this but as you know we have already put up CLOUDY LANE at 11/1. Much shorter now, but we feel strongly this is a good bet. If you are on at 11/1 you have some value, it’s still good value backing at 6/1.

Summary: CLOUDY LANE Win 6/1 with Ladbrokes

4:40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

This is a major puzzle to solve! David Pipe is playing the numbers game, shooting so many bullets in order to win the race in his father’s name. Honestly I am stumped and will not be betting in the race. If you forced me to give you one I would suggest that BOCCIANI has a good chance with a very good jockey aboard and a trainer who deserves a festival winner.

Summary: Small Each Way on BOCCIANI at 40/1 with Betvictor

5:15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3 Handicap)

Named after Nicky Henderson’s father. He too is desperate to win the race and is unloading plenty of ammunition! Again this is a nightmare to call and is a bit after the Lord Mayor’s show. Again if you forced a bet out of me I would suggest that this will go to Nicky Henderson, but with which one? Well I will go with TANKS FOR THAT, but only small.

Summary: Small Each Way on TANKS FOR THAT, 16/1 with Paddypower

And that’s it for Cheltenham for 2012. Hope you have been happy with the guide and we gave value for money!

• Long Run has looked a shadow of his former self, or he has been beaten by Kauto Star back to his bets
• But Kauto has been the subject of an injury scare.
• He has however come out of it fine and I think its wasn’t as serious as the media have made out, just a view.

The sensible bet is a dutch bet on Kauto Star and Long Run (ie back both) but in my view Kauto Star will regain the Gold Cup and is a great EW price now at 4/1+.  I have to admit my heart is behind Kauto and I will cry like a baby if he wins it! Love the horse and there may be another chapter in the wonderful Kauto Star story!

Our Tip: KAUTO STAR to Win the Gold Cup at 7/2 with Bet365

//

Kauto Star will line up at Cheltenham to win his third Gold Cup

Cheltenham racecourse is full of ghosts, the spirits of the great horses of the past. The heroes of the festival meeting – Arkle, Golden Miller, Dawn Run, Best Mate – are even physically still here, in the form of statues. This afternoon, when the 12-year-old Kauto Star lines up to try to win his third Gold Cup, he will be running against not just the current crop of equine wannabes, but these legends of the past.

In the bookshop next to the statue of Arkle, there are two books at the front of the display: Sean Magee’s Arkle: The Story of the World’s Greatest Steeplechaser; and Jonathan Powell’s Kauto Star and Denman: The Epic Story of Two Champions Who Set the Racing World on Fire. Those titles are instructive: Arkle is the untouchable; Kauto Star has been seen as part of a double act with his stable companion at trainer Paul Nicholls’ west country yard.

Until now, that is. For with Denman retired and Kauto Star battling back from an indifferent season last year to win two big races at the end of 2011 to add to his many other triumphs, he has at last won the hearts of racing aficionados and now has the chance to make a play for the broader public stage by becoming the first 12-year-old to win steeplechasing’s championship race since 1969. “Let’s hope he wins,” says the woman in the bookshop, “because then he will be immortal, won’t he?”

Some pundits dismiss this cross-generational rivalry. “After a while it gets a bit tiring to keep harking back,” says Lydia Hislop, a presenter on cable channel Racing UK. But others are prepared to play the generation game, and Andy Clifton, head of communications at Cheltenham, says something quite startling. “Our view is that if he wins this year we can bury those words ‘best horse since Arkle’ that are always trotted out. Kauto Star will be the best steeplechaser of all time – for longevity, talent and versatility.”

The fact he had to share the limelight with Denman is not the only reason it took so long for the public to latch on to him. Racing relies on romance to reach beyond its niche audience, and the Kauto Star story has lacked that intangible quality. His owner, Clive Smith, is a millionaire who made his money developing golf courses, and golf course development lacks magic compared with, say, Red Rum, who was trained on the sands of Southport by a man who was a second-hand car salesman.

Also, Kauto Star is a bay – a rusty-brown colour, though with a striking white blaze down his nose – rather than a grey, which casual followers of racing instantly identify with. Being a grey was the making of Desert Orchid in popularity terms when he thrilled millions in the 1980s. People tended to love him, whereas Kauto has mostly been admired.

“It took Kauto Star an unusually long time to chisel his way into the nation’s affections,” says Nick Luck, Channel 4 racing’s anchorman. “It’s not a story that had romance until late in the day, but it does now. People have appreciated that he has redefined what a horse can do. That’s in part down to his trainer, but it’s also down to his innate ability, toughness and constitution.”

Sheer longevity has won the day. “It’s his seventh consecutive [Cheltenham] festival,” says BBC racing presenter Clare Balding. “Just to be fit and hardy enough to come here seven years in a row is amazing. It’s like Federer and Nadal. You want to see them again and again and again. You never get bored with it. Just the fact he’s coming here will put thousands on the gate and make a huge difference to the impact of the race.”

Kauto Star was bred at a small stud farm deep in western France. His sire, Village Star, has never produced another racehorse of note and was eventually packed off to South Africa. His dam, Kauto Relka, has produced two other good horses, including Kauto Stone, which had a first fence fall at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

Kauto Star ran well over hurdles – smaller obstacles than the brush fences horses tackle when they go steeplechasing – as a three- and four-year-old, and was being tracked by bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley, who was looking for a horse for Smith.

“He won a big race at Auteuil, the jumps track in Paris,” recalls Bromley, “and that franked him as about the best four-year-old gelding in France over hurdles. Although he was 30-1 for that race, I took the view it wasn’t a fluke. He’s a tall, narrow, athletic horse, lithe and nimble on his feet. I couriered a videotape to Clive and said there’s a window on [buying] this horse. Clive was impressed, and we worked very quickly and got a deal done.”

Kauto’s French trainer and part-owner Serge Foucher had been desperate to keep him – the horse had been nicknamed “L’Extraterrestre”, so high was his domestic reputation – but in the end money talked, as it usually does in racing.

Kauto – Smith pronounces it Cor-to as in auto, but plenty of people prefer Kay-toe – cost €400,000 (£335,000), a vast sum at the time for a horse that could not be bred from (almost all jump horses are gelded, in part to calm them down but also because jumping fences can be tough on trailing appendages). Smith was taking a huge punt, but it paid off handsomely as Kauto went on to win more prize money than any horse in National Hunt history.

“It took a while to get to know what he wanted,” says Nicholls. “He was always very good, but almost a bit too enthusiastic.” He had a crunching fall in the Queen Mother Chase at Cheltenham in 2006, and tended to make last-fence blunders that almost cost him races. It may be his concentration can wander. “I remember when he first ran in the Betfair Chase in 2006,” says Smith, “there was a huge barrage balloon on a long wire about 80 yards up. Kauto was fascinated by this and couldn’t take his eyes off it. He’s interested in everything.”

Kauto and Denman have adjoining boxes in Nicholls’ yard, but contrasting personalities. Kauto, says Hislop, presents his head to the world; Denman his arse. “Denman is a thug,” Hislop says, “whereas Kauto Star you would take to meet your mum.”

“When photographers come to the stables, Kauto says ‘I’m ready for a photograph’,” explains Smith. “He’s very docile, and has always been very soft with me” – although Clifford Baker, Nicholls’ head lad who rides Kauto Star in training every day, adds he can give you a nip when he feels like it.

Baker probably knows Kauto Star better than anyone. “He’s placid, steely, bright, and always looking around to see what’s going on,” he says. “He’s kept his enthusiasm, which is second to none. Other horses can lose interest later in their careers, but he loves it all – he loves to race, he loves to gallop at home, he loves the whole package. He’s a star and he knows he’s very good.”

Whether he really does know what he’s achieved is a moot point. The Guardian’s racing correspondent Greg Wood takes a sternly rationalist line, arguing that he won’t realise a sell-out crowd of nearly 65,000 has come to Cheltenham to see him today. But those close to him insist he knows it’s race day. He had a 10-furlong gallop on level ground and a half-mile canter up the hill next to Nicholls’ yard on Wednesday, a light workout yesterday, and will this morning make the short trip to Cheltenham for his date with destiny.

After the succession of deaths at Cheltenham this week, which has again put equine safety in the spotlight, do his connections ever fear the horsebox might come back empty? “You don’t think like that,” says Baker. “If you did, you’d never race. These horses were bred to be run, and he loves it. He’s intelligent enough to tell us when he doesn’t want to race any more.”

Will he retire after this Gold Cup? “Whatever happens, we’re not going to say he’s retired,” says Smith. “We’ll put him out to grass for the summer. He’ll tell us when he wants to retire, but I definitely don’t want him to go on, to collapse on the racecourse like Best Mate or to break his neck in a race like Dawn Run. We want him to have a long and happy retirement. We haven’t decided what we’re going to do when he retires, but probably Clifford will continue to ride him out to keep him interested and involved.”

Kauto had a bad fall while schooling at home three weeks ago, and getting him to the track today is an achievement. “I’m just proud he’s going to be here,” says Nicholls. “On his form this year he’s got a big chance, but I’m not expecting him to win because that would be an awesome performance. Win, lose or draw he’ll get one of the biggest cheers of the day.”

He will start at odds of around 4-1. That means the odds-setters think he has a one in five chance of winning. Bookmaker Colin Bagley says he will be opposing him (“laying” him in bookie parlance) this afternoon, keeping his odds relatively generous to lure in more backers because his judgment tells him Kauto Star is unlikely to win. “I think it’s a bridge too far,” says Bagley, “but I swear to you if he jumps the last 10 lengths clear, I will cheer.”

The cheering if he does win will be phenomenal. “One of the problems about being a pundit,” says Hislop, “is you analyse hard form, so you ask yourself whether we are taking Kauto Star to be exactly as good as he was before. I’m sure he’s not as good as he was at his peak. But the racing fan in me will be screaming and crying for him to win. I promise you I will be crying – I’m almost crying now – if Kauto Star has a chance of winning as they come up the hill.”

Pocket profile

Born 19 March 2000 on a small stud farm in western France

Career Two years in hurdle races in France before being bought for €400,000. Moved to Paul Nicholls’ stable in Somerset. Has won the King George VI Chase at Kempton a record five times and the Betfair Chase at Haydock four times. The only horse to have regained the Cheltenham Gold Cup, winning in 2007 and 2009. Has won 16 grade one races and almost £3.5m in prize money. At 12, he is near the end of his racing career

High point Regaining Gold Cup in 2009, beating stable companion Denman, who had won the 2008 race by 13 lengths

Low point Falling four from home when favourite in the 2010 Gold Cup when favourite to win for the third time

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Barry Geraghty celebrates on Riverside Theatre at Cheltenham, a success that landed one of Nicky Henderson's lads a fortune.

A stable worker from Lambourn has gone into hiding after apparently landing the bet of a lifetime, winning a sum that rumours suggest was approaching £1m. The “lad”, an Irishman in his late 40s who works for the trainer Nicky Henderson, placed his wager months ago, picking out five horses from his employer’s yard, all of which have won at his week’s Festival, netting him a life-changing sum.

The news was broken through Twitter last night by Clare Balding, broadcasting from the Festival for BBC Radio 5 Live. “The lad who looks after Finian’s Rainbow had a 5-timer on Nicky Henderson winners & has won £1 million!” she tweeted. “Says he’ll still be at work tomorrow.” Others on Twitter later named him as Conor Murphy.

Reporters scrambled to contact the lucky punter, who is thought to have remained at Henderson’s Seven Barrows stable on Thursday while the final runner in his bet was competing here. He was apparently contacted by phone by Sky but did not wish to be quoted and flatly refused the offer of an interview.

In ordinary circumstances, the bookmaker in such a case would attempt to make as much as possible from the related publicity. However Bet365, which is believed to have laid the bet, takes a different approach.

“We’re pleased for all our customers who’ve had a winning day today but we don’t discuss individual accounts,” said the spokesman, Pat Cooney. “This one particular customer’s had an extremely good time of it,” he added, but refused to confirm any details.

The bet got off to a flying start on Tuesday when Sprinter Sacre was an easy winner of the Arkle Trophy at odds of 8-11. It stayed alive through Wednesday when Simonsig (2-1), Bobs Worth (9-2) and Finian’s Rainbow (4-1) landed a series of top-class races and finally came to fruition on Thursday when Riverside Theatre (7-2) won the Ryanair Chase.

Had the bet been placed at those odds on Monday, to the £50 stake the lad is believed to have risked, his return would have been a mere £32,050. But his bet was placed towards the end of last year, when the odds on offer were much bigger.

David Williams of Ladbrokes estimated that at that time Sprinter Sacre would have been around 7-1, Simonsig 20-1, Bobs Worth 6-1, Finian’s Rainbow 12-1 and Riverside Theatre 16-1 for accumulated odds of 259,895‑1. An especially clever feature of the bet is that it anticipated Simonsig would run in the Neptune Novice Hurdle, as he eventually did, at a time when most people expected him to take part in a different race at the Festival.

Contacted as he was leaving the racecourse, Henderson said: “It’s absolutely wonderful. He’s the nicest, kindest, gentlest man and he rides Finian’s Rainbow every day. He’s got more confidence in me than I have and he obviously took a rather strong view, before Christmas, I gather.”

Asked if he expected the lad in question to turn up for work on Friday, Henderson laughed and replied: “He’d better.”

It has been a sensational week for Henderson, whose six winners have taken his career total of Festival winners to 45, five clear of the previous record. His four winners on Wednesday was unprecedented for one day at the Festival and there may be better to come.

He sends another 13 horses to Cheltenham today, including the favourites for two races, one of which is Long Run in the Gold Cup, the most important race of the week.

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