The thrill of speed had very little do with this race but a packed crowd, sodden by heavy rain earlier in the day, roared its appreciation as the 11-4 favourite came home in front. Bobs Worth gave a second Gold Cup in three years to his trainer, Nicky Henderson, and also a second to his jockey, Barry Geraghty, who won on Kicking King in 2005.

Long Run, Henderson’s previous winner, set what seemed a strong pace but was still in front at the turn for home. He was tracked throughout by the other big names in the race, Sir Des Champs, Silviniaco Conti and The Giant Bolster, with Bobs Worth behind them. The others were gradually left behind, almost exactly in the order suggested by the betting.

The race developed quickly down the hill on the final circuit as Bobs Worth appeared to be getting left behind, hitting a high of 9-1 in-running on Betfair. Silviniaco Conti, on the other hand, was travelling well until taking a slithering fall at the third-last.

Long Run and Sir Des Champs appeared set to fight out the finish, but Bobs Worth gradually clawed back the deficit from the turn for home until he led on the run to the last, throwing in impressive leaps at the final two fences. Sir Des Champs briefly looked like renewing his challenge on the run-in but could find no more. Long Run kept on bravely for third.

“He’s game as a lion, he loves the job,” Geraghty said. “We had faith in the horse and Nicky knew he’d have him fit enough for the day, he didnt need a prep-run.

“The ground was turning softer than ideal for my fella, I had to nurse him through it. I had to nurse him from the fourth or fifth-last fence, really.”

“He’s a thorough professional and Barry knows him well,” Henderson said. “I don’t think the rain helped us a lot.”

Asked if he was concerned when the horse appeared to be toiling on the run to the third-last, the trainer replied: “I think Barry was just trying to hold onto something, because we know he comes up the hill.”

Bobs Worth is now unbeaten in five runs at Cheltenham and has won a Grade One race at three consecutive Festivals.

Earlier, McCoy had achieved his long-awaited first success of this Festival on At Fishers Cross in the Albert Bartlett. The winner’s enclosure was an especially emotional place afterwards, as the horse’s owner, JP McManus, is a longstanding employer and friend of the jockey J T McNamara, who suffered two fractured vertabrae in his neck in a race on Thursday.

McManus described McNamara as “a lovely, lovely man”, while McCoy and the winning trainer, Rebecca Curtis, also spoke movingly of their hopes that he would recover.

The opening Triumph Hurdle was won in astonishing style by Our Conor, trained by Dessie Hughes, who was impressive enough to be quoted at 5-1 for next year’s Champion Hurdle.

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

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Cheltenham Gold Cup Tips 2013

3-20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup 2013

This is the blue riband of National Hunt Racing, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. It has been won by some greats down the years and in recent times they include DENMAN and KAUTO STAR. Imperial Commander is now out and the sad demise of Synchronised, last year’s winner, means the only previous winner in this field is Long Run. This is the most wide open Gold Cup seen for sometime.

TRENDS- POSITIVES:

· 13 of the winners in the last 15 renewals had a previous run at a past Festival, which is 9% better than expected and 10 winners had either won or placed in a past Festival race from 103 runners, that’s 7% better than expected. Neither of those are massively strong statistics since past festival form horses are over bet, but it can’t be ignored when narrowing the field. · 8 of the last 15 ran in a Grade 1 race last time out from just 51 runners, which is 49% better than expected. · Irish Breds have won 12 of the 15, 34% better than expected. · If we add in Grade 2 last time out then 13 of the 15 ran in a Grade 1 or 2 last time out, 30% more than expected. · 12 of the last 15 were in the top 3 in the betting. · 10 of the last 15 ran at exactly 3 miles last time out · Horses winning last time out won 8 of the last 15 renewals.

A field of 11 horses contest the 2013 Gold Cup, competitive but there is no one stand out horse, all have questions to answer. These are the horses I see as the main players.

BOBS WORTH, cky Henderson thinks a huge amount about Bob’s Worth. Bred by his jockey Barry Geraghty it would be an extra special win for him. He comes here with just one run under his belt this season although that was a 3 ¼ length beating of Tidal Nay in the Hennessy Gold Cup, his Cheltenham record reads 1-1-1-1. Henderson’s record with horses at Cheltenham is second to none. Off a long rest is not no good. Bobs Worth is the favourite and rightly so!

SIR DES CHAMPS, also has an unbeaten Cheltenham and Festival but his form this year is not good enough to land this. Would need to improve on what we have seen.

SILVINIACO CONTI is the big hope and the up and coming chaser to fill the boots of Denman and Kauto Star. Nicholls is bullish and what he has done this season puts him in the mix. Could give Bobs Worth a race.

LONG RUN bids to regain his crown but vibes are not good. Cheek Pieces will be worn and he doesn’t look the horse of old. Won the King George, yes, but just, and should be not match for Bobs Worth or Conti.

Of the outsiders the each way play in the race is THE GIANT BOLSTER 14/1. David Bridgewater is a hard worker and he has trained this horse to get 100% out of it. If you put 100% in you reap what you sew. Placed in a Gold Cup already he has a real chance at value odds.

For me the outstanding two horses are BOBS WORTH and SILVINIACO CONTI. A pro bet would be to Dutch the two. Put a gun to my head and I will go for Bobs Worth

BOBS WORTH WIN @ 11/4

THE GIANT BOLSTER EW @ 14/1

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1-30 JCB Triumph Hurdle (Juvenile Grade 1) (4-yo) 2013

One of my favourite races of the Festival, usually unearths a high class horse for the future and it has traditionally paid to follow Nicky Henderson in this. Some interesting stats;

· Last time out winners are 11 from 15,
· Prominent runners have won 9 of the last 15
· 11 of the 15 had a run in the last 42 days
· 10 of the 15 could be found in the first four in the betting.
· 7 of the 15 raced in a Class 1 race last time out from just 93 runners
· CAUTION: Horses returning after a break of more than 42 days have only won 2 of the last 15 renewals from 89
· Held up runners have won 3 from 15 from 163 runners

I did read one preview saying that four year olds had a 100% record in this race! This is a very good renewal of the Triumph. I have a short list of TWO exceptional contenders; ROLLING STAR and OUR CONNOR. Bristish v Irish. There is very little between them according to my ratings with the marginal preference being for the Nicky Henderson trained ROLLING STAR. We last saw him at Cheltenham beating Irish Saint and he looked mightily impressive. He went down as the Triumph Hurdle horse and I still think he is the best. Our Connor is respected and the smart bet is to Dutch them both. But preference is for Rolling Star at 4/1.

MAX BET WIN ROLLING STAR 4/1 

2-05 Vincent O Brien County Handicap Hurdle

This is a minefield of a handicap, with 28 runners and if you find the winner of this you will be richly rewarded. Sounds easy, it is nothing of the sort! My tentative bet here is an each way (small stakes only) on RANJAAN for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh who have had a contrasting Festivals so far. This is somewhat speculative as I think the horse will appreciate the better ground. We have had heavy going most of the season and the better ground combined with a favourable mark could give us a decent run.

RANJAAN EW 16/1

2-40 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

Only eight running’s of this race to day so little can be learned from the statistical trends;

· All 8 winners raced in a Class 1 race last time out, that’s from just 60 runners
· The top 5 in the betting have won 7 of the 8 renewals.
· 7 of the 8 winners were 1st or 2nd last time out.

That’s not really of much help! I have three in the ratings that are on the short list;

· AT FISHERS CROSS- 100
· BALLYCASSEY- 96
· AFRICAN GOLD 92

The form of AT FISHERS CROSS could hardly look any better. Beating The New One last time out and he is my firm bet here. FRICAN GOLD also has had his form franked at Sandown on Saturday and at 13/2 is a great bet each way.

AT FISHERS CROSS WIN 11/4

AFRICAN GOLD  EW 13/2

3-20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

This is the blue riband of National Hunt Racing. The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. It has been won by some greats down the years and in recent times they include DENMAN and KAUTO STAR. Imperial Commander is now out and the sad demise of Synchronised, last year’s winner, means the only previous winner in this field is Long Run. This is the most wide open Gold Cup seen for sometime.

TRENDS- POSTIVES:

· 13 of the winners in the last 15 renewals had a previous run at a past Festival, which is 9% better than expected and 10 winners had either won or placed in a past Festival race from 103 runners, that’s 7% better than expected. Neither of those are massively strong statistics since past festival form horses are over bet, but it can’t be ignored when narrowing the field.
· 8 of the last 15 ran in a Grade 1 race last time out from just 51 runners, which is 49% better than expected.
· Irish Breds have won 12 of the 15, 34% better than expected.
· If we add in Grade 2 last time out then 13 of the 15 ran in a Grade 1 or 2 last time out, 30% more than expected.
· 12 of the last 15 were in the top 3 in the betting.
· 10 of the last 15 ran at exactly 3 miles last time out
· Horses winning last time out won 8 of the last 15 renewals.

A field of 11 horses contest the 2013 Gold Cup, competitive but there is no one stand out horse, all have questions to answer. These are the horses I see as the main players.

BOBS WORTH, cky Henderson thinks a huge amount about Bob’s Worth. Bred by his jockey Barry Geraghty it would be an extra special win for him. He comes here with just one run under his belt this season although that was a 3 ¼ length beating of Tidal Nay in the Hennessy Gold Cup, his Cheltenham record reads 1-1-1-1. Henderson’s record with horses at Cheltenham is second to none. Off a long rest is not no good. Bobs Worth is the favourite and rightly so!

SIR DES CHAMPS, also has an unbeaten Cheltenham and Festival but his form this year is not good enough to land this. Would need to improve on what we have seen.

SILVINIACO CONTI is the big hope and the up and coming chaser to fill the boots of Denman and Kauto Star. Nicholls is bullish and what he has done this season puts him in the mix. Could give Bobs Worth a race.

LONG RUN bids to regain his crown but vibes are not good. Cheek Pieces will be worn and he doesn’t look the horse of old. Won the King George, yes, but just, and should be not match for Bobs Worth or Conti.

Of the outsiders the each way play in the race is THE GIANT BOLSTER 14/1. David Bridgewater is a hard worker and he has trained this horse to get 100% out of it. If you put 100% in you reap what you sew. Placed in a Gold Cup already he has a real chance at value odds.

For me the outstanding two horses are BOBS WORTH and SILVINIACO CONTI. A pro bet would be to Dutch the two. Put a gun to my head and I will go for Bobs Worth

BOBS WORTH WIN @ 11/4

THE GIANT BOLSTER EW @ 14/1

For me the festival is more or less over after the Gold Cup. The last three races are an amateur riders race and the Pipe and Henderson races where they throw plenty at them. These are the picks for the last three races;

4.00 CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup

He may be a veteran but Chapoturgeon is a festival favourite. He looked to have retained plenty of his old ability when last seen winning at Newbury. Still part owned by former trainer Paul Nicholls and he could yet provide Nicholls with some festival glory. 9/2 is not the best price but he has the credentials to win this.

CHAPOTURGEON EW @ 11/4  

4-40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle

This is the Martin Pipe race and it is quite obvious that son David Pipe would love to win it. Usually he would fire many bullets at this race, but today he fires one, the four timer seeking GEVREY CHAMBERTIN. There is no doubting his credentials and the only worry is the rise in the weights. However the fact that Pipe fires only one at this prize he really wants to win is a big tip in itself!

GEVREY CHAMBERTIN EW 9/2

5-15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup

Like the Pipe race Nicky Henderson would love to win the race named after his father. Unlike David Pipe, Nicky Henderson fires six bullets at this target! I think it is a strong possibility he will hit the target and the horses I like are the classy Petit Robin and French Opera. Both have been high class horses in their time and if they recapture just a small amount of their past form then they will play a massive role in this. 20/1 each way each of two is not a bad bet!

PETIT ROBIN EW  20/1
FRENCH OPERA EW  18/1

Cheltenham Tips for Friday, Gold Cup Day 2013 by Carl Harris is a post by Cheltenham Festival appeared first on Cheltenham Festival 2013, Tips, Odds, Betting.

Wednesday was VERY good with Back In Focus and The New One Landing Max Bets. Sizing Europe without Sprinter Sacre at Evens made it a clean sweep of the Max Bets. Hadrians Approached and Master of the Sea were placed ew and also collected.  Thursday  Going:  GOOD TO SOFT / SOFT IN PLACES

1-30 JEWSON NOVICE CHASE

Dynaste is a MAXIMUM BET and is my best bet of the week. I can not see this beaten. He has been sensational this year and David Pipe has elected for this as opposed to the RSA Chase. Captain Conan would have been a good favourite had Dynaste gone for the RSA but with Dynaste in the race I can see now other outcome other than a convincing Dynaste Win.

DYNASTE is a MAXIMUM BET take 7/4 early!

2-05 PERTEMPS FINAL

We go from a relatively easy race to kick off to anything but, this is an ultra-competitive handicap with only 13 pounds between all 24 runners.  There are plenty with solid claims here, infact you could back half the field and still not find the winner. Therefore I advise playing it small in this race but I do like the market leader here

Sam Winner (Win) trained by Paul Nicholls is a six year old who was smart over hurdles as a juvenile and came back after a year off to beat Peddlers Cross in a jumpers bumper. That was his second run back and I am hoping that he is lining up here on a fair mark. Certainly man of the moment Ruby Walsh is a big plus from the saddle. 4/1 is not huge but he looks to tick more boxes than most.

SAM WINNER, WIN BET 4/1

2-40 RYANAIR CHASE

Slight disappointing renewal of this, expected better in the build up to this.  I have looked at this every which way and have looked for reasons to oppose Cue Card. I say that because I am not a fan of the horse, or the jockey, but I keep coming back, by default to Cue Card.

His most credible rivals are First Lieutenant and Riverside Theatre. I am never one to discount Nicky Henderson’s horses but I think this will be a tough task for Riverside. So the question is whether First Lieutenant will beat Cue Card and I think that Cue Card may have too much speed for him and am siding with the Joe Tizzard Cue Card.

CUE CARD WIN BET 10/3

3-20 THE WORLD HURDLE

Usually this is a simply one line preview, in so much as Big Buck’s has dominated this event and always wins. However for the first time in a while we have a competitive world Hurdle. The main line of form here is the race where REVE DE SIVOLA beat OSCAR WHISKY at Cheltenham on Heavy going. The ground will be better and suit Oscar Whiskey and I think he will turn that about and is the most likely winner!

I am backing OSCAR WHISKY to win here and having an each way bet on one of my favourite horses in training, GET ME OUT OF HERE (ew). This is somewhat speculative, but this horse has plenty of ability and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gives the principals something to think about.  Decent value each way bet

OSCAR WHISKY WIN BET 4/1,

GET ME OUT OF HERE ew 11/1

4-00 BYRNE GROUP PLATE

HUNT BALL. This time last year Hunt Ball was talked about as a Gold Cup horse. He was mightily impressive. He hasn’t had a great year (like many of us) mainly due to the bad going. On better ground, in the Grade 3 Handicap I am very strong on this one; the forgotten horse!

HUNT BALL. 7/1 Each Way Bet. 

4-40 AMATEUR HANDICAP

GALAXY ROCK. EACH WAY on Galaxy Rock is the only bet I will be having but not to any major stakes. The ground has come right for him and we know he goes round Cheltenham well. In fact regulars will remember him last year bolting up at Cheltenham under McCoy.

Galaxy Rock EW @ 14/1

Good Luck!

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Cheltenham Tips Day 3 Thursday World Hurdle 2013

With the heavy Irish contingent that flock to Cheltenham each year, it was only fair to reward them with a sensational card on St Patrick’s Day. The main Irish hope of the day looks set to come in the opener as Aupcharlie aims to help raise the Guinness fund for the rest of the day by Josh Bradley

1.30pm Jewson Novices’ Chase

Both renewals of the Jewson Chase have been won by Ireland, and they will be hoping for the same again to kick-start St Patrick’s Day in the best way possible. Aupcharlie holds the best claims from across the sea and connections will be hoping that current favourite Dynaste opts to go for the RSA as opposed to the slightly easier task of the Jewson. He hasn’t been out of the first two this season, and looks set to put in a bold performance once more, however he could run in to a potentially classy sort in the shape of Tom George’s Module. The 5yo has transferred his hurdle form to chases remarkably well and has won every race he has managed to complete. He will face stiff opposition, but with the added bonus of having Paddy Brennan in the saddle, as well as already having course form, he 8/1 looks a safe each-way bet.

He will have to take on the well fancied Captain Conan (if he sidesteps his RSA engagement) but looks to have the measure, as Captain Conan’s jumps often leave a lot to be desired, and he never looks as though he has much left in the tank coming in to the end of the races. Argocat offers the best pieces of flat form, coming over from Ireland, however he has had a mixed jumping career, and it would be a massive risk to get stuck into him, especially if he is not on a going day.

Module (e/w) @ 12/1  

2.05pm Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle

The 2011 Triumph Hurdle fourth Sam Winner returns to this year’s festival to have another crack at a big hurdle prize following a failed attempt of a chasing career. He never managed to complete the course over fences, so has been brought back to the smaller obstacles. He fits the trend of being trained in GB (10 of last 12 have won) and also not running in last year’s festival (5 of last 8 also didn’t). He oozes class on his day, and if Paul Nicholls has managed to get the horse anywhere near his former ability, he should be far too good for the rest of them.

Shutthefrontdoor and Close House offer some stiff opposition and should both be close, come the finish. However Sam Winner enjoys the Cheltenham hill, and should have just enough class to see them off. The danger looks set to be Gevrey Chamberlain who is aiming to fulfil the potential many thought he would, after winning his Bumper by 30l He has managed to notch up three more wins since then but is yet to be tested in a competitive encounter. This is his first test, and the 12/1 will be far too big to resist for many. He could be an extremely good thing and will have his fair share of supporters on the day, but it could pay to side with the class act of Sam Winner.

Sam Winner (win) @ 9/2 

2.40 RyanAir Chase

Cue Card is the headline name in the Ryanair chase, after opting to swerve a potential clash with Sprinter Sacre in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Clive Tizzard’s gelding has had an impressive season minus the King George, and comes into the race in top form after destroying the field in the Ascot chase last time out. He has incredible flat speed and rarely puts a foot wrong over jumps, however will be facing an incredibly tough opponent in the gritty First Lieutenant. Mouse Morris’ 8yo has been placed in his last three races, all Graded affairs and finished a close third behind Gold Cup favourite Bob’s Worth. However he looks set to be one of those ‘nearly horses’ who are consistently brilliant, but always find one or two better.

In this instance it could well be Albertas Run, the forgotten horse that hasn’t ran since last April. He has run this race twice and finished runner up once, in only three runnings. He has been kept fresh by Jonjo O’Neill and with Champion Jockey Tony McCoy on board, you are guaranteed a good run for your money. This means the 16/1 looks potentially massive for such a consistent sort, in this race. Riverside Theatre, Menorah and Champion Court all have solid each-way claims, but are very hit and miss, and it could pay to side with the consistent Albertas Run.

Albertas Run (e/w) @ 4/1 

3.20pm The Ladbrokes World Hurdle

With Big Buck’s unavailable to go for his fifth consecutive World Hurdle, Oscar Whisky has stepped into his hoof-prints and will be aiming to land his first. Nicky Henderson’s classy hurdler has already racked up ten career wins, but will be aiming to improve on his run in last year’s race when finishing a disappointing fifth when well fancied. His preparations for this race have been good, going down by a neck to other World Hurdle fancy Reve De Sivola, on ground that didn’t suit, so he can come into the race full of confidence. Reve De Sivola is challenging for favouritism after landing back to back victories, firstly in the Long Walk hurdle, and then the Cleeve Hurdle, a similar route that the imperious Big Bucks used to take.

However this was on very soft ground which is unlikely to turn up at Cheltenham, so you would have to fancy Oscar Whisky to be able to revere the placing. The danger lies with Bog Warrior who has always threatened to be a high class hurdler but never delivered on the big stage. He now has everything in his favour, solid preparations and the step up in trip he has been desperately seeking. Grand Crus and Peddlers Cross return to hurdling after stints chasing and could cause many problems if regaining their old form, but seem very risky propositions against the experience of Oscar Whisky.

Oscar Whisky (win) @ 7/2 

4.00 pm Byrne Group Place (Handicap Chase)

Hunt Ball will have his fair share of supporters at 7/1in the Byrne Group Plate, following Anthony Knott’s decision to miss the Gold Cup to have a crack in a slightly easier race. He raised the roof when landing a race at the meeting last year and will surely do the same for eccentric owner Mr Knott, who is sure to have had a decent wager on his gelding. He has been placed behind two classy sorts so far this season, but that form doesn’t look strong enough to have a serious bet on him. He is a likely improver still, but can’t be viewed as a safe bet.

Neither can favourite Ballynagour from David Pipe’s stable, but following his wide-margin win on his sole start under rules, he has the potential to be anything His weight of 10st 7lb could be completely underestimating how good he actually is and he has the potential to be the ‘good thing’ of the festival. For me the 5/1 on offer looks big enough to tempt me, and it could prove to be an incredible bet. If Walkon from the Alan King stable returns to any sort of form, he will be good enough to challenge for the placing and is sure to receive decent support the closer it gets to the race.

Ballynagour (win) @ 9/2 

4.40pm Fulke Wakwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

The finale of St Patrick’s Day is the Kim Muir, and it looks as though it will be going the way of the English. Super Duty is the current 6/1 favourite for Donald McCain and the 7yo is sure to be in warm order after a brilliant win at the course in December. Course form is key and he could be many punters’ ‘get out of jail’ card if the day hasn’t gone their way. He has the consistency to mix it in these sort of races and he is rated 142, which is positive as there of the last four winners have been rated between 139 and 142.

Jason Maguire is always reliable in the big events, and he looks a solid bet to round off what could be a brilliant day for decent-priced favourites. He will have to be wary of Cantlow and Frisco Depot however, as they enter the race in top form. But if Opening Batsman manages to deal with the hefty burden of 12st 1lb he could be the one to cause Super Duty the most problems.

Super Duty (e.w) @ 6/1 

5.15 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 7f

Arabella Boy comes into the race looking like a worthy favourite, following his win in the Punchestown Cross-Country Chase last time out. He put his unfortunate unseating at Cheltenham behind him, and put in an exemplary round of jumping and also managed to put to bed any lingering stamina doubts.

Nina Carberry is a veteran over the cross-country fences, and there are very few who ride it better. She will be able to drop in her mount and let his exuberant jumping take centre stage, and with last year’s winner Balthazar King not returning to defend his crown, she will be even more confident of coming home in front. The 8yo is extremely consistent, and if he manages to complete the race he will be bang there, meaning the 4/1 looks a solid bet.  Uncle Junior must be respected but looks to have too much weight, carrying 11st 12lb, whilst Outlaw Pete will go off a short price, but must keep on an upward curve if he is to mount a serious challenge.

Arabella Boy WIN@ 9/2 with Coral – Free £50 bet 

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Our Cheltenham Tips are Winning On Day 2 is a post by Cheltenham Festival appeared first on Cheltenham Festival 2013, Tips, Odds, Betting.