1:30 Cheltenham (Tuesday, 12th March) Free Horse Racing Tips

1.30 – William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle 

My Tent or Yours is clearly a worthy favourite in this and could be very good indeed. He's absolutely miles clear on Timeform ratings (significantly more than Sprinter Sacre against his rivals in the Queen Mother at 1/4). You could therefore argue that 7/4 is a decent price. The difference here is, of course, that this race has a number of unexposed horses running who could be as good or even better than My Tent or Yours. If you have a look at the horses that have run in this race in recent years you'll see some very smart horses have taken part and not won. Horses like Sprinter Sacre, Darlan and Oscar Whiskey. You'll notice they were also all trained by Nicky Henderson. It would be very unusual if there wasn't a horse or two in this able to challenge My Tent or Yours and as this is the first race of the festival it's best not to get too involved. The Irish challenge this year looks particularly strong and they've won five out of the last ten renewals. Jezki has won two Grade 1's and has a good chance but I prefer the chances of Un Atout at a bigger price of 7/1. He's absolutely hacked up in two races this season and whilst these races were of lower quality he beat Art of Logistics easily who came out and beat Waaheb next time. You shouldn't read too much into collateral form but it does put him well up there with Jezki. Dodging Bullets deserves a mention; beaten 7 lengths by Darlan last time and previously beating River Maigue giving weight away are smart performances. I think he'll run a good race but he looks a little exposed and it's difficult to see him improving as much as some of the others. Puffin Billy travels really well in his races but had a slight tendency to jump out his right in his last race; that won't help round Cheltenham although it could be because he was carrying an injury last time. 14/1 is a tempting price. William Hill are paying out 5 places ew.

Un Atout 1 pt e/w - 7/1 (with William Hill) 4th

Puffin Billy 1 pt win 14/1 5th 

Great couple of selections - both place with William Hill enhanced places

How Do I Use William Hill's C50 Promotion?

2.05 – Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase

This looks like a two horse race between Simonsig and Overturn. Overturn was very high class on the flat and over hurdles and won his chases well. It's fair to say those chases were at a much lower level than Simonsig who's won a couple of Grade 2's. Simonsig has generally raced over further and you can argue that Overturn might be too speedy for him. Simonsig has a high cruising speed and I can see Overturn setting up the race for him. Overturn will also have soft ground to contend with which he has avoided for most of his career (only raced on it four times). Arvika Ligeonniere is a front runner who jumps to the right and fell last time. He and Overturn will battle for the lead and Simonsig should cruise past them without too much trouble. None of the other horses in the race are likely to get a look in. Ladbrokes are giving you your money back, up to £25, as a free bet if Simonsig loses. Simonsig is unbeaten in his last five races and is taken to extend that to six today.

Simonsig 2 pts win - 4/7 1st

Not as easy as we thought, but a solid win after pulling too hard

2.40 – JLT Specialty Steeple Chase (A Handicap)

I thought Midnight Chase represented a good chance on Good ground but now the rain has come I'll have to look elsewhere. Fruity O'Rooney acts on the track, goes on any ground and never runs a bad race. His mark of 139 is the same as his second here back in January and we should get a decent run for our money. His price has contracted somewhat in the last few days but 10/1 is a reasonable price.

Fruity O'Rooney 1 pt win - 10/1 5th

Ran well after making a terrible mistake.  

I would like to thank Sean Kelsey for his superb analysis, the author of this post. 

3:20 Cheltenham (Tuesday,12th March) Free Horse Racing Tips

3.20 – Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

Hurricane Fly is not much value at around 2/1. He beat Binocular and Thousand Stars on heavy ground last time. Binocular doesn't go on that ground and was never ridden to get into the race. Thousand Stars is a 2 and a half miler and has only won once in a Grade 1 in 15 attempts. Prior to that, Hurricane Fly beat Unaccompanied and Thousand Stars again. I think people have forgotten that back in November Go Native looked to have Hurricane Fly beat before falling at the last. I think everything will have to go right for him to win and he's up against some serious challengers in Rock On Ruby, Zarkandar and Grandouet. I've backed Rock On Ruby already at 10/1 before he ran this season. At his current price I won't be topping up but his first run this season in the International was in heavy ground conceding weight and can be excused. Next up he looked as if he would be beaten by Darlan but we'll never know. I think his price is about right and he'll run a good race. I was a bit disappointed by Grandouet in the International; the race was run to suit and it looked like he would pick up and win. Maybe the ground beat him that day, his sires progeny certainly have a better record on better ground. Zarkandar is my idea of the most likely winner. The way he battled in the International was exactly what you want in a race like this. My only reservation is his jumping is sometimes a little sloppy. The value on Binocular has all gone now and soft ground won't help his cause but you can forget his last run in the heavy and look at last years Champion Hurdle. He wasn't far away and looks closely matched to Hurricane Fly at a much bigger price. Out of the others; Countrywide Flame doesn't look quite good enough but I can see a possibility of him reversing the form with Rock On Ruby on softer ground and has an each-way chance. Cinders and Ashes is the potential dark horse in this - this seasons runs have been too bad to be true - is this due to the heavy ground or has he regressed? I'd have to side with the latter.

Zarkandar - 2 pts win - 7/2 4th

Great battling display and just out-battled at the finish

I would like to thank Sean Kelsey for his superb analysis, the author of this post. 

1:30 Chelteneham (Tuesday, 12th March) Supreme Novices' Hurdle ****** 5 Places With William Hill ********

The William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle Grade 1 open to horses aged four years and older run over 2m 110y with eight hurdles to jump. At present the going is soft. The first race of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Get ready to be greeted by the ''Cheltenham Roar''. 

Originally called the Gloucestershire Hurdle it was first run in 1946 where the race was split in two or three divisions. Vincent O'Brien dominated this race in the mid-to-late 50s. However, its first running as an individual event saw Noble Life win in 1972, trained by Christy Grassick & ridden by Stan Murphy. Other notable successes included Flyingbolt (1964), L'Escargot (1968), Bula (1970) & the ill-fated Golden Cygnet (1978) who was trained by Edward O'Grady  and described by Vincent O'Brien as ''the best horse I've ever seen''.  

More recent victories have seen Brave Inca (2004), Go Native (2009) & Menorah (2010). Last year's winner Cinders And Ashes won at odds of 10/1, trained by Donald McCain & ridden by Jason Maguire, staying on strongly on the flat to win by one and a quarter lengths. 

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle is run at a fast and furious pace, which tends to be the norm at this big National Hunt Race meeting. The race attracts a large number of entrants and therefore experience of competing in big fields before Cheltenham is often of paramount importance.     

Twelve horses have been declared. 

My Tent Or Yours, trained by Nicky Henderson, has A P McCoy booked to ride. This horse will be the focus of many punters hoping to get off to a flying start. This six-year-old bay gelding - owned by legendary pro gambler J P McManus - will start a hot favourite. This son of Desert Prince was purchase for just £12,000 at the age of three. He won his only start at four when cantering clear at Ludlow in a National Hunt Flat Race. Never out of the first two on all starts, he has excelled with recent victories at Ascot, Huntingdon & Newbury. The latter two successes have seen sparkling displays. He wasn't extended to win the Red Mills on soft ground. Then a truly impressive display in the Betfair Chase captured the imagination.  

Henderson will be hoping for better fortunes because you have to go back to 1992 to find his last winner - Flown, who was ridden to victory by Jamie Osborne. His only other win came in 1986 with River Ceiriog.

Without question My Tent Or Yours is the horse to beat. 

Henderson also fields River Maigue, a relatively fancied horse. On recent form he looks held by Dodging Bullets.  

It is important to note that for all My Tent Or Yours ability this has proven a tricky race for favourites to win. Only four have found success in the last twenty years. Also, an average starting price of 14/1 details that not only do favourites often lose - big priced horse may have their day. In 2007 Ebaziyan won at odds of 40/1.  These statistics give good reason why backers are often tempted by each way value.

Paul Nicholls is no stranger to success at the Cheltenham Festival nor the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Many punters remember Noland winning in 2006, beating Staw Bear in the last few strides. And the exquisite hold-up tactics of Ruby Walsh on Al Ferof who won in 2011. 

Dodging Bullets is their sole representative. This bay gelding, a son of Dubawi, was bred by none other than L Dettori. This horse has been kept busy over the last two seasons. He raced in Ireland on the Flat as a three-year-old, trained by Andrew Oliver, then started his hurdling career at Kempton. He has a liking for Cheltenham with two success at the end of last year over course and distance. His most recent effort in the Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) saw a gallant third place. 

Cheltenham guarantees top-class Irish challangers. In fact, this race has been won ten times in the last eighteen runnings by such horses. One particularly well touted for this year's event is Jezki. Trained by Jessica Harrington, J P McManus is the lucky owner with a strong hand with this gelding and the favourite racing in his familiar green and yellow hooped silks. This son of Milan has done little wrong in his four-year-old career: racing eight times, winning six times, both recent starts at Grade 1. Jezki is likely to be held up just off the pace and finish with some effect. He's been well backed and a live chance.

Willie Mullins won this race in 2007 with Ebaziyan, ridden by Davy Condon. He has three horses entered Champagne Fever, Pique Sous & Un Atout. 

The latter is unbeaten in three starts. This son of Robin De Champs has brushed aside his opponents with contempt. An odds on winner on each start, you couldn't help but be impressed. However, this is a huge step up in class. In his favour, Mullins has a huge string of horses and this five-year-old is clearly held in some regard. The betting indicates this lightly race horse could be a superb talent. 

I've heard a good word for Cheltenian. After winning a point to point,  this ex-Irish horse was sold out of Liz Doyle's yard for £210,000. This son of Astarabad made a winning return at Kempton for Philip Hobbs. Thereafter, he showed class to win a valuable Cheltenham bumper despite sustaining an injuring mid race. Powering up the Cheltenham hill, he beat nine graded winners in a stylish display. Off course for over 700 days, he made a belated appearance at Doncaster this February. This bay gelding traveled easily, holding a clear advantage in the home straight. However, he tired in the closing stages and a poor jump at the last proved costly as he was headed on the line. That race will do him the world of good and improvement should be expected. This course winner looks overpriced at 20/1 and value for a small each way bet.  

Conclusion: The Supreme Novices' Hurdle sees the start of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival. Many punters will not be able to prize their eyes or their money away from My Tent Or Yours. He will be a tough horse to beat - an outstanding individual. If there is one concern it could be his keen-running style. However, his last performance was pure class. Cheltenham has often proven to be a stiff test for many a good horse. From a statistical point of view Henderson's charge needs to buck problematic trends. Point blank - favourites struggle to win this race. In fact, just two market leaders have won in the last eighteen years.  Make no mistake My Tent Or Yours will be a tough nut to crack. However, priced at such short odds, many backers will be searching for each way value. William Hill sponsor this race and give value hunters a great offer with 5 places (1/4 odds).  This is also coupled with their new C50 offer which is a free match bet up to £50 for new account. 

Here are a few pointers worth keeping in mind.

• Thirteen of the last eighteen winners have won on their last start.
• Don't be put off by horses making their Cheltenham debut. Twelve of the last eighteen winners have never run at Prestbury before. 
• Pay particular attention to changing ground conditions. If the ground is fast take note of horses with Flat breeding, if the rain falls you may need horses with plenty of stamina.
• J P McManus sets the standard with the first and second favourite.
• Jezki has been well supported and the Irish raiders should always be feared.
• Jessica Harrington's gelding looks a sterling each way bet.  

''Get ready for the Cheltenham Roar''

Cheltenham Value: Part 2

Tuesday

5.15 Pulteney Land Investments Novices Chase

Kapga de Cerisy looks an interesting runner in this. He's entered in two other races later in the week but this would appear to be the easier task of the three given this is a novices race. Quite highly tried as a hurdler he ran in a Grade 1 at Chepstow and in the Fred Winter here last year, running quite well until being outpaced. This longer trip should be more to his liking. He's won his last two races at Sandown, fairly powering away. Last time he beat Fago who was quite well fancied for the Arkle at the time. If you believe that form then he looks fairly treated off his mark. He seems to go on any ground and jumped well on his penultimate start. Last time his jumping was not great but I'm hoping a slightly longer trip and more spaced out fences will be more to his liking. 20/1 is a standout price with Boylesports.

Kapga de Cerisy 1 pt ew 20/1 Boylesports NRNB

Wednesday

2.05 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle

Whispering Gallery has entries in four races at the Cheltenham Festival and whilst his World Hurdle entry is probably a bit ambitious; this, the Supreme and the Albert Bartlett are realistic. Given he's won over 2 miles on the flat you'd think he'd prefer the longer races if the rain stays away. He's a Group 3 winner on the flat in Dubai - where he's finished in front of Opinion Poll twice. Winner of his only two hurdle races in good style he could be top class. He never came off the bridle in those two races but on the flat he found plenty and I feel the Cheltenham hill will suit him if he's in contention coming to the last. He will go on any ground and at a price of 20/1 is worth an interest with Bet 365 NRNB and Best Odds Guaranteed.

Whispering Gallery 1 pt ew 20/1 Bet365 NRNB BOG

Friday

4.40 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

This race has 196 entries and the bookmakers aren't going any bigger than 66/1 on any of them. Not the obvious place to start looking for value! Barbatos was a course and distance winner on New Years Day last year. It was a good race and the horses from it have come out and won 13 times from 62 runs since. Barbatos was not seen out again last season due to injury and made his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham at the end of January. It was his first run for over a year, on unsuitably heavy ground and over an inadequate trip. Despite that, he was only beaten 25 lengths. This longer trip and better ground should enable him to work with a mark of 138 which looks fair. 33/1 with Bet 365 NRNB and Best Odds Guaranteed seems a decent price.

Barbatos 1 pt e/w 33/1 Bet365 NRNB BOG

Cheltenham Festival 2013: HCE Has It Covered

High Class Equine is known for specialising within two-year-old horse racing. In fact, we are top ranked on Gooogle. We didn't get to that position by resting on our laurels. The stars of our equine world come in all shaes and sizes - flat & jumps. However, what about the Cheltenham Festival? You didn't think we would miss out?We are chomping at the bit to be part of this true racing spectacular. This superb meeting captures the heart of racing in a way that even Royal Ascot cannot achieve. It's getting closer by the day. HCE is pleased to announce that it's going to be the focus of our attention. Firstly, we have a superb guest blogger lined up in Sean Kelsey who will cover the festival - start to finish. Our man knows his stuff and writing exclusively for us. This information will not be found anywhere else on the net. I'm looking forward to learning from his insight. He will be at the festival so he takes his racing seriously.  

For further insight I would suggest you take a look at the Cheltenham Festival Bulletin. This publication comes from fellow blogger Ian Dykes who runs Wayward Lad. I purchased it last year and it certainly paid its way. 

We will be promoting our Cheltenham Festival to the max and expecting page views of 1,000+ a day. HCE is rolling up its sleeves to get stuck into the National Hunt. We love it. Join us for this incredible racing spectacular. Be part of the action. 

Sacre confirms dominance of two-mile chase division

As anyone who has followed horse racing for any length of time knows perfectly well that there is no such thing as a certainty in this highly unpredictable and thrilling sport.

But at this stage there will be very few people who bet on racing prepared to go against the majestic Sprinter Sacre after the champion-elect put up another awesome performance at Cheltenham recently to strengthen his stranglehold on the ante-post market for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the March 13 showcase event having appeared to a great degree to have been conceded by many in the sport to him with fully six weeks to go before the big race itself.

Of course there is no certainty that Sprinter Sacre will even make the starting line-up as even the best of athletes are vulnerable to last-minute hitches and unexpected injuries. If he arrives at the Festival though in top order it is hard to see anything getting within shouting distance of the horse that a growing number of seasoned observers suggest could be the best at the distance in more than a generation.

The current top-priced 2/5 ante-post favourite in the Cheltenham betting odds glided around Prestbury Park on January 26 as if he was out for morning exercise, Nicky Henderson’s imposing seven-year-old oozing class as he tracked the leaders before coasting through to take up the running before the seventh fence. From then on it was very much a case of who would be second – for the record, Mad Moose achieved the feat some 14 lengths behind the winner – as Barry Geraghty’s mount drew clear from the third last to win the Grade 1 Victor Chandler Chase in simply stunning fashion.

Unbeaten in all seven starts over fences and the winner of 11 of his 13 career outings, it can honestly be said that the gelded son of Network has never really had a serious race over the larger obstacles and has never won by less than six lengths. His last defeat came when third to Al Ferof in the 2011 Stan James Supreme Novices Hurdle, but since switching to chasing his only real dangers have been the fences themselves.

His stable companion and current champion chaser Finian’s Rainbow has barely warranted a mention in the build-up to the big race, but the fine performer (currently a 10/1 shot) could easily give Henderson a famous one-two in a race he also won in style some years back with the hugely popular Remittance Man.