1.30
JCB Triumph Hurdle
The
top three in the market look a cut above the rest in this. Our Conor
represents Ireland and has a tall reputation. He beat a couple of
good horses at Fairyhouse in a grade 3 and then beat Diakali in a
Grade 1 at Leopardstown. That sets the standard. Far West has got
valuable course winning form but it doesn't look quite up to the
level of Our Conor. Rolling Star beat the smart Irish Saint last time
who followed up in a Grade 2 at Kempton. Cases can be made for all
three but Our Conor may be a bit special.
1
pt win Our Conor 4/1 1st
What a great performance from Our Conor. Cruised to the lead. I actually used my William Hill C50 match bet on this tip and won £200. So it proves what these free bets are worth. Excellent tip from Sean. Brilliant.
What a great performance from Our Conor. Cruised to the lead. I actually used my William Hill C50 match bet on this tip and won £200. So it proves what these free bets are worth. Excellent tip from Sean. Brilliant.
2.05
Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
Cotton
Mill is an easy selection for me in this. Raised five pounds for his
second to My Tent or Yours in the Betfair Hurdle he should have the
class to see this through. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't put in
a bold show.
2
pts win Cotton Mill 7/1 Unp
Bryan Cooper is in flying form. Brilliant to see the young Irish jockey making a name for himself. Quite amazing.
Bryan Cooper is in flying form. Brilliant to see the young Irish jockey making a name for himself. Quite amazing.
Visit our friend's website Bet-N-Tip
2.40
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
At
Fishers Cross has valuable course winning form beating the very
useful The New One and Coneygree last time. That sets the standard
and his main opponent in Ballycasey who's untried at this slightly
longer trip. At Fishers Cross has the form in the bag and can outstay
them all up the hill.
2
pts win At Fishers Cross 9/2 1st
Great win for McCoy, traveled well, and At Fisher's Cross ran off up the hill. Great tip from Sean Kelsey who gave this horse to me earlier in the week at 9/2. The highs and lows of racing with J T McNamara injured and thoughts of Campbell Gillies. Poignant words from McCoy.
Great win for McCoy, traveled well, and At Fisher's Cross ran off up the hill. Great tip from Sean Kelsey who gave this horse to me earlier in the week at 9/2. The highs and lows of racing with J T McNamara injured and thoughts of Campbell Gillies. Poignant words from McCoy.
3.20
Cheltenham Gold Cup
A
fascinating renewal of the Gold Cup. Bobs Worth probably sets the standard on his win
in the Hennessey. Not seen since then he goes well when fresh and is
unbeaten in four runs at the track. That counts for a lot but one
thing the pundits appear to have missed is that he's never run on
soft ground let alone won on it. This may be a coincidence of course
but it does prevent me backing him with confidence if it is still
really soft on Friday. Sir Des Champs has another great record at the
track (unbeaten in two) but has beaten twice this year. One of my
favourite horses, I've never really thought of him as being quite
good enough to win a Gold Cup. Long Run will attempt to win back his
crown. He's stepped up on his form last season and showed great
resolve in getting up to win the King George at Kempton. Soundly
beaten by Silviniaco Conti at Haydock I'd be surprised if he reverses
that form. Silviniaco Conti is an improving horse and won easily last
time at Newbury. He's never won at Cheltenham but was placed in a
(very good) hurdles race and I don't have any concerns that he won't
act on the track.
2
pts win Silviniaco Conti 9/2 Fell
Silviniaco Conti was going well when falling three out. Great finish from the little terrier Bobs Worth. A superb winner.
Silviniaco Conti was going well when falling three out. Great finish from the little terrier Bobs Worth. A superb winner.
4.00
Foxhunter Chase
A
hunter chase with amateur riders. No bet for me.
Couple of tips from our Twitter friends:
Tricky Trickster (themastarata)
Salsify (Martindawn)
Couple of tips from our Twitter friends:
Tricky Trickster (themastarata)
Salsify (Martindawn)
Salsify wins but what cruel luck for Oscar Delta and Jane Mangan. How sad for the youngster to be denied what looked to be a winning ride.
4.40
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap
Too
many runners still entered and very difficult however I have backed
Barbatos in case he's goes here instead of the Coral Cup.
No
bet.
5.15
Grand Annual Chase
A
two mile handicap chase that Nicky Henderson will be keen to win. If
the ground dries out a bit by Friday I'd be interested in French
Opera at around 25/1. He's seems to have held his form and has been
dropped a few pounds by the handicapper. He has a good record at the
track and looks a little overpriced.
1
pt ew French Opera 25/1. Unp
I would like to thank our guest blogger, Sean Kelsey, for his great posts. Much appreciated.