Best Of Bets

Category: Horse Racing

  • Only Fools Love Horses: Easter Weekend Racing Preview

    Only Fools Love Horses: Easter Weekend Racing Preview

    This week’s Only Fools Love Horses YouTube video is sponsored by us over here at BestofBets.com, a video that covers racing action from top to bottom over the Easter period.

    Ash Symonds, Harry Beard, and Lee Gibson take a look at the all-weather finals that are taking place at Newcastle on Friday before moving onto the ITV Racing action from Musselburgh for the Queen’s Cup Heritage Handicap in Scotland.

    Here’s why you should watch the channel, from Ash.

    If you aren’t familiar with us Only Fools Love Horses lads, we are three enthusiastic racing fans who have been doing YouTube for just over a year and our big Cheltenham Festival Preview had some brilliant guests that included Upping The Ante’s Johnny Dineen, Emma Nagle from Irishracing.com, and Paul Callaghan from The Irish Field.

    Our big aim is to try and get a new audience into horse racing because this is a sport that we love and a sport that we hope others can begin to enjoy.

    This week, Harry has a massive 50/1 fancy in the feature race on Saturday, Lee has set his eyes on Leopardstown as a certain Allegorie De Vassy could be making her first start since the Cheltenham Festival and I’ve made a strong case for an ex-Aidan O’Brien sprinter in the Scottish Sprint Cup that could still be unexposed.

    Moving on to Sunday and it’s full steam ahead to the Grade 1 action at Leopardstown as I’m still keeping the faith in the market leader for the very competitive Honeysuckle Mares’ Novice Hurdle whilst also sharing an interesting each way angle into the race at a massive 20/1.

    Finally, the trio of us have a good look at the €500,000 Boylesports Irish Grand National that headlines the bank holiday weekend. The team throw up double-figure prices left, right, and centre and Lee gives a good word for an 80/1 shot that could outrun its odds in a big way.

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    Make sure to check out the video, like, comment, and subscribe and use the link in the description to check out our exclusive Grand National page at BestofBets.com to see brilliant analysis and tips ahead of Aintree.

  • Irish Grand National Weekend: Ante-post analysis

    Irish Grand National Weekend: Ante-post analysis

    For the opening week of my ante-post column for BestofBets.com, I’m happy with how things turned out with the Irish Grand National just around the corner.

    Saga wasn’t declared – but if anyone followed me on my Twitter (@ASymondsJourno) they would have found the Lincoln winner with Migration -, Sleeping Lion ran okay but couldn’t get past fifth, and Fast Response, put up at 12/1, went off the 4/1 joint-favourite and finished second to Vadream.

    All in all, a fair weekend.

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    With this in mind, while many will be on Easter egg hunts all weekend, I have been on the hunt for a few ante-post winners and I have a few horses leading the line.

    However, I did take a deep look into all of the action over on the latest Only Fools Love Horses video, which was sponsored by BestofBets.com.

    So, let’s dive in.

     

    All hail the King

    HORSE: King Of Bavaria

    RACE: tote World Pool Scottish Sprint Cup (Saturday, 3:00)

    PRICE: 12/1

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    This is a very nice race and I’ve had to wait until Wednesday to pull the trigger as he was entered for the all-weather finals at Newcastle, however, connections have not declared him, and it looks like they are set to run him on the turf up at Musselburgh instead.

    With 6-10mm of rain predicted across Wednesday and Thursday, the already Good to Soft ground could end up being soft by the time racing starts.

    With that in mind, KING OF BAVARIA looks to be unexposed off a mark of 97 for Michael Appleby.

    The former Aidan O’Brien gelding was a $300,000 yearling and sold to Craig & Laura Buckingham for one-sixth of that price four months ago.

    For the master of Ballydoyle, he won his first two starts on the track on soft ground and ran a good race in defeat when looking a bit green in the Listed Committed Stakes at Navan behind New York City, Cadamosto, and Straight Answer, all horses who are rated between 105 and 110.

    Following an average autumn in handicaps over in Ireland and one appearance in the Group 3 Renaissance Stakes, he moved over to the UK this winter.

    Two conservative runs at Southwell and Lingfield preceded a nice run over six furlongs last time out at Newcastle off Saturday’s handicap mark and a return to five furlongs on turf should see him at his best.

    For reference, he won a Naas handicap on heavy ground on his second start off a two-pound lower mark and he looked impressive then, so for this former 105-rated gelding, I hope he can be competitive on Saturday.

     

    Grand price in the National

    HORSE: Champagne Platinum

    RACE: Boylesports Irish Grand National

    PRICE: 33/1

    There are two horses heading my fancies for the Irish National, both at varying ends of the handicap.

    The main selection is CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM for Enda Bolger in the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus.

    Having finished a staying-on eighth last year off a three-pound lower mark, this nine-year-old ran a super race behind a trio of Gigginstown horses in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February.

    The ground is set to be very testing at the Irish track on Monday and this gelding has good form in softer conditions having finished second to Death Duty last year off a one-pound higher mark after beating Ain’t That A Shame, the now 146-rated horse, in a beginners’ chase the start before.

    All of the reasons mentioned above would point to a big run, it’s a competitive race, but I’m willing to side with the gallant grey for the €500,000 contest.

    However, flying the flag for the British in the race, 25/1 about ROYALE PAGAILLE is extremely interesting to me.

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    What are the defining factors that this Venetia Williams-trainer nine-year-old needs? A marathon trip. Check. Bottomless ground. Check. A handicap. Check.

    Believe it or not, Royale Pagaille’s official mark of 160 is his lowest handicap rating for two years and having bolted up in the 2022 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase on soft ground off 163, he looks to be well-in.

    A 16-length victory in the 2021 renewal of the formerly mentioned Peter Marsh off just a four-pound lower rating on heavy ground also reads extremely well and he holds a 100% record in handicaps, a stat that not many horses can reel off.

    I wouldn’t put anyone off backing both horses each way at 33/1 and 25/1 respectively, and the more I look at it, the more I’m getting excited about the latter.

  • Four To Follow The Flat Is Back

    Four To Follow The Flat Is Back

    Oliver Holmes tipped a short-priced winner in last week’s Four to Follow. This week, he’s hoping to give Best of Bets’ viewers a bigger-priced winner on the flat at Doncaster.

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    1:50 – Brocklesby Stakes – Sankari @ 12/1 (General)

    The traditional curtain-raiser is a two-year-old race that is a complete guessing-game, but looking at the breeding of the horse can give some clues. The current favourite may be owned by Amo Racing, but Valadero is by Starspangledbanner, who was better over firmer ground. Given the softer ground on Saturday, it’s worth taking on the favourite. Recent trends suggest that soft ground gives an advantage to horses drawn low, and one that catches the eye is Sankari for Jason Hart and John Quinn, responsible for high-class sprinter Highfield Princess. Sankari is by the talented Ribchester, who broke the Queen Anne record over fast ground, but has plenty of soft ground form to count for too, so I expect over time for this horse to do the same. He’s a nice price at 12/1 generally.

    There isn’t a real each-way shout, but if I had one it would be Go To Work. Rossa Ryan is a highlighted jockey booking, and is currently operating at a 25% strike rate. Out of Inns Of Court, who is being talked about as a possible leading sire for the season, Go To Work should be able to get soft ground. 22/1 is generally found.

    2:25 – Spring Mile Handicap – Baltimore Boy @ 7/1 (General)

    A tricky handicap, but the consolation race for the Lincoln always provides some good clues for the big race. As mentioned before low draws should have the advantage. But in a big field like this, any draw that’s near to a rail will benefit. Baltimore Boy is drawn five, and is a relatively unexposed horse. Four runs on the all-weather, before turning to the flat at Ascot at the back-end of last season. He dwelt in the stalls, but produced an eye-catching run, nearly collaring Raising Sand on the line, but couldn’t quite catch-up. Softer ground will be beneficial and provides decent value at 7/1 generally.

    An each-way play has to be last year’s winner Arthur’s Realm. Only eight turned up that day, so this will be a sterner test. But with the ground soft, he has a good advantage. His mark has always been around the high 80’s-90 mark, so shouldn’t be a problem. He also has up and coming jockey Oisin Orr, who I have a lot of time for. He’s drawn on the stand side rail, which won’t hinder his chances and is a nice play at 10/1 with BetVictor and William Hill.

    3:00 – Cammidge Trophy – Asjad @ 4/1 (BetVictor, William Hill)

    Ratings go out of the window for races like this. Commanche Falls and El Caballo should be fighting it out. But one hates the ground, and the other loves the tapeta. So it makes sense to go elsewhere. Asjad is one who sticks out on ratings and ground. Last two starts on soft ground have come over course and soft ground, producing a narrow win and a narrow second. The first time out record for Asjad is exemplary too, winning three out four times after a 50+ day break (the other was a second). To take on the favourite he’s a good 4/1 generally.

    Another I like was talked up on Ash Symonds’ ante-post preview. Fast Response will love the ground having won on heavy last time out over C&D. His performance in these conditions will suit him massively, and a wide draw will suit as well. He’s shortened throughout the week but still a good 9/1 with BetUK.

    3:35 – The Lincoln – Wanees @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    Wanees produced a good run on his last start in a handicap up at Haydock and has been kept fresh since. For that run, he’s only been raised 3lbs, which he should more than handle. Jim Crowley produced winner after winner on a Saturday last season for the Shadwell operation. A wide draw, and with a good ability on soft ground, he’s the one to take out of the principals at 9/1 with William Hill.

    The each-way shouts start with the second behind Wanees in the Haydock race, Montassib. He looks versatile over all sorts of ground, but has had a very steady rise through the handicaps puts him in good stead for this race. Another horse who is drawn wide for this race is a positive too, and William Haggas is always a trainer to follow throughout the season. Best price is 14/1 with BetVictor.

    Empirestateofmind is another I can’t ignore. How many times can a horse come second? Four times he finished runner-up last season, but it shows he’s a progressive horse. Rated at 99, the 5lb claim from Taylor Fisher will help and conditions shouldn’t be too bad. The draw is a negative, however, as he’s drawn right in the middle of the track. Best price 16/1 with BetVictor.

    One more, for those who want to take advantage of extra places with their bookmaker, I like is Toshizou. A recent purchase by the Roger Fell stable, from Joseph O’Brien, looks to have more under his belt than shown. He finished fifth behind Saltonstall, who was runner up in the Irish Lincolnshire last week. The form backs up from the other horses in that race. And, once upon a time, raced fourth behind a certain Kyprios. Horses first time out under Fell, sometimes go under the radar. Long-shot at 33/1 with BetVictor.

    As always, the very best of luck!

  • Lincoln Handicap Weekend: Ante-post analysis

    Lincoln Handicap Weekend: Ante-post analysis

    Hello all!

    For those of you who may have missed this, I began writing for BestofBets just before and during the Cheltenham Festival, and having put on a flawless display of handicap fancies throughout the week (they all lost), Bestofbets has brought me back to redeem myself with my weekly column previewing the weekend’s racing from an ante-post perspective.

    Now, in my defense, four of the horses picked up each-way money with online bookmakers, but still, a disappointing effort nonetheless at jump racing’s Olympics.

    And what a week to bring me back as it’s the start of the flat season proper with Doncaster’s Lincoln Handicap taking centre stage.

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    I can’t wait for the flat season, not because I hate the jumps (I am actually a jumps man through and through), but as with every new season, the excitement of seeing what these horses can do on the big stage is a feeling that can’t quite be described.

    So, without any more delay, here are three horses I’m keen on for the Lincoln weekend beginning Saturday, April 1st.

     

    Quick into stride

    HORSE: Fast Response

    RACE: Pertemps Network Cammidge Trophy Stakes (3:00 Doncaster)

    PRICE: 14/1 with William Hill

    It’s only taken me until the third race of the turf season to nail my colours to the mast and those colours happen to be the black and white of Nick Bradley Racing as FAST RESPONSE is of good interest to me.

    The four-year-old Fast Company offspring is one of three fillies in the line-up, so she receives a five-pound allowance from the boys, however, having won a Listed race after August 31st, 2022, she has a three-pound penalty on top of that.

    Looking closer at her last run, she was very good on heavy ground over course and distance to win by two lengths.

    She was officially nine pounds wrong at the weights the third, Art Power, and 12 pounds wrong with Commanche Falls, the fifth who reappears here, because of her three-year-old and fillies allowances.

    She has yet to lose on ground slower than soft from her four runs in the conditions with one of those occurring on just her second start, a Winsdor maiden over six furlongs when she beat El Bodegon, now trained by Chris Waller, who was a Grade 1-winning juvenile.

    All form points to her and at 14/1, I will be siding with her.

     

    For King and country in the feature

    HORSE: Saga

    RACE: Pertemps Network Lincoln Handicap (3:35 Doncaster)

    PRICE: 14/1 with William Hill

    John & Thady Gosden’s SAGA is a horse I have had a mixed relationship with over the last season as I was an unfortunate backer of his when he was second by a head in the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last year.

    It maybe wasn’t Frankie Dettori’s finest ride that day, but he was still brandished with an eight-pound hike in the weights for his next run, the Porsche Handicap, where he was eighth.

    Following a mediocre Clipper Logistics run and a promising run behind Algiers, the now Dubai World Cup runner-up, at York in October, the four-year-old is now down to a mark of 102 and has the brilliant Benoit De La Sayette claiming three pounds off his back, so on Saturday, he will effectively only be two pounds higher than his Royal Ascot second.

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    The softer conditions at Doncaster for the Lincoln may not be to his absolute liking, but the team at Clarehaven Stables in Newmarket has given him a gelding operation over the winter and his form from last season to run into three eventual Guineas winners in Maljoom, Coroebus, and Modern Games reads very well.

    I’ll be in his camp for the feature.

    However, and this is a big however, if ISLA KAI gets into the race (he currently needs nine to come out ahead of him to get a run) then I will also be backing him.

    He loves softer conditions and is down to a mark of 92 – he is good first time out and if he gets a run, 40/1 is massive about this Nigel Tinkler five-year-old.

    If he doesn’t get a run, he will most likely take in the Spring Mile (the Lincoln consolation race) earlier on the card and I will be backing him for that race as soon as markets open after declarations.

     

    All-weather action

    HORSE: Sleeping Lion

    RACE: Racing TV Queen’s Prize Handicap (3:15 Kempton)

    PRICE: 12/1

    My final thoughts come from the decent action at Kempton on the all-weather and SLEEPING LION looks to have a good chance off a mark of 99.

    This eight-year-old beat Roberto Escobar, Nayef Road, and Earlofthecotswolds last year in an All-Weather Championship Qualifier over course and distance when wrong at the weights with Nayef Road by nine pounds and Roberto Escobar by five pounds.

    Harry & Roger Charlton’s gelding had a good reappearance at Kempton last month to blow the cobwebs off when he wasn’t fancied so back into handicap company off 99, I think he has the chance of running a big race.

  • Tips: Four To Follow

    Tips: Four To Follow

    Oliver Holmes brings Best of Bets’ a brand-new weekend tipping column, where he picks four horses from across the racing action each Saturday. Today, he’s going all over the world to bring you four horses, from the four biggest meetings.

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    14:40 – Newbury – Royale Dance @ 17/2 (Betfair, BetVictor)

    This Mares’ Novice Handicap Hurdle is always a tough race to find a winner, but Harry and Dan Skelton are always one to be with for the big races on Saturday. They run Royale Dance, who has never finished outside the top two in her career. The winner of her last race finished second by a head on her next start. She’s only been put up four pounds, and in the context of the race she looks a really good bet at 17/2 with Betfair and BetVictor.

    15:00 – Kelso – Bonttay @ 9/4 (BetUK)

    Another Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, but it seems a little simpler with Bonttay at the top of the shop. Better ground than soft seems to suit her, as does a two-mile trip. The cheekpieces are on for the first time, to help her jumping. Given that it is a two-mile trip, and given her past and the cheeckpieces now, she should class the field. Give a mention to the trainer Fergal O’Brien who’s had a magnificent season, and does well with first time headgear. The favourite’s best price is 9/4 with BetUk. Walk of No Shame also makes each-way appeal for the O’Neills at 11/1 with BetVictor.

    15:25 – Curragh – Comfort Line @ 18/1 (William Hill)

    The current ground over in Ireland is soft to heavy, which opens the race wide open. Low draws are favoured over the mile trip at the Curragh. Occupying an inside stall is Comfort Line, running for Adrian McGuinness for the first time. Last season he came second from an extremely high stall off a mark of 84, with a claimer taking 7lbs off. He’s now at a mark of 85, and there’s form for him over soft/heavy ground. It looks like there could be a winner at a price for this year’s renewal and Comfort Line is 18/1 with William Hill. Look out for Current Option and Maud Gonne Spirit for each-way selections.

    16:45 – Meydan – Vela Azul @ 11/1 (Boylesports, BetUK)

    The Japanese have had a stellar Winter in the big races, notably winning the Saudi Cup with Panthalassa. But it’s Vela Azul, who is the best rated horse in the Dubai World Cup at 122. He came 10th on Christmas Day, losing to the supremely talented Equinox. The drop down in trip should suit him better. But he is a Grade One winner, beating the talked up Shahryar in the Japan Cup last November. Best rated horses are worth a try at a big price, and Vela Azul is 11/1 with BetUK and Boylesports.

    I’m also very sweet on another Japanese horse in the feature race in Dubai, Geoglyph. The trend shows that four- and five-year-olds have a very good record in the race, and Geoglyph is the highest rated out of all the younger horses in the race. He came fourth in the Saudi Cup, and didn’t lose by much. His best form comes over 10 furlongs, and beat Equinox last April. He’s drawn right in the middle, so should be an interesting each-way angle at 14/1 generally.

  • Dubai World Cup: BestofBets for Meydan

    Dubai World Cup: BestofBets for Meydan

    Fresh off the bat from Cheltenham, the year’s marquee racing calendar this weekend moves to the UAE and the 2023 Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

    As the $30.5million meeting brings together the best spritely 3yo+ sprinters on the flat, Saturday’s eight contests are headlined by the $12m Dubai World Cup itself.

    So who have we at BestofBets got our eye on in the desert this weekend?

    Neil Leverett has been casting his eye across the desert plains.

     

    *All times GMT

     

    Siskany (12:40, Dubai Gold Cup, 2m)

    Quite frankly, in any flat race anywhere on planet racing right now it would be rude not to back the Charlie Appleby-Will Buick team.

    Siskany should deliver.

    Currently 7/2 favourite with William Hill over 2m on the Turf, the son of Dubawi has won both Al Khail and Nad Al Sheba Trophies on his two trips here.

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    Simply put, Siskany loves Meydan.

    Winner of the Godolphin Stakes last September at Newmarket also, the 5yo looks poised to add to his glittering collection.

     

    Danon Beluga (15:10, Dubai Turf, 1m1f)

    The highlight of last year’s meet was the wave of success for Japanese racing and that could continue 12 months on with Danon Beluga.

    Trained by Noriyuki Hori, the 4yo colt here makes his first outing outside of Japan.

    Though winless since his debut in Tokyo some 13 months, it is interesting to note the same 1m1f winning distance.

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    So not only should the dirt suit but the trip also.

    Frankie Dettori rides the defending Lord North for John and Thady Gosden, but Danon Beluga could be a shrewd punt.

    After last year’s dead heat between the aforementioned 7yo and Panthalassa, there has been a Japanese-trained winner of this race in four of the last six years.

    Danon Beluga is a decently-priced 13/2 shot with BoyleSports.

     

    Algiers (16:35, Dubai World Cup, 1m2f)

    As the action builds to a climax at Meydan, the Dubai World Cup is tentatively billed as Ireland vs the United States.

    With the defending champ Country Grammar and Algiers the front-runners, we are however, leaning to the latter taking the desert crown.

    A certain L Dettori may be looking to make history on his final race in Dubai, but the Crisford’s 6yo is a dominant figure.

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    Whereas Country Grammar has taken victory in just one of his last five, Algiers’ last two wins have come at Meydan over a similar trip.

    The Irish gelding may have only been eighth in last year’s Godolphin Mile, but will be in no mood for Dettori’s sentimental farewell; nor will James Doyle.

    Having leapfrogged Country Grammar in the antepost betting, Algiers is now the marginal favourite at 7/2 with Betfred.

  • Notes from Cheltenham: Early Grand National impressions

    Notes from Cheltenham: Early Grand National impressions

    The Cheltenham Festival 2023. Oh what a grand week its was.

    In a glorious 45-minute period on Day 1, Constitution Hill confirmed his utter dominance before Honeysuckle then completed an emotional swansong.

    Galopin Des Champs was then the cherry on a rather tasty cake in the main event, finally proving his class with Gold Cup glory.

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    So, as the turf settles on another epic trip to Gloucestershire, eyes now glance – on the National Hunt calendar at least – north to Merseyside.

    With the Randox Grand National less than a month off, as it stands, 73 names are currently pencilled for a date  on April 15 in Liverpool.

    But who will make the grade for the final 40?

    For many of Cheltenham’s protagonists, last week would have been crucial prep for the trip to Aintree so what can we take from this year’s Festival?

     

    Corach Rambler catapults into box seat

    On a week of champions returning to defend their respective crowns, it was almost an instant replay for Corach Rambler.

    Staging another late surge to pip Fastorslow in the Ultima, Lucinda Russell’s 9yo retained by a neck.

    Having seen his odds slashed for the Grand National, Corach Rambler is now the 7/1 favourite with BoyleSports.

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    Though the son of former Jersey Stakes winner, Jeremy, has only one prior trip to Aintree, with it came victory in the 2021 Jewson Handicap.

    His staying ability proven, the chief concern over 4m2f though, is that the National distance is over a mile further than any of his trips to date

    That, and his now likely handicap.

     

    Noble Yeats a stayer

    Staying the trip is something Noble Yeats has not only passed but done so with flying colours.

    Last year’s sensational National winner may have been unable to achieve a rare Gold Cup double, but Emmet Mullins remains a force next month.

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    An 8/1 SP at the off before last Friday’s contest, the now 8yo finished well to take fourth.

    Showing the same pure racing pedigree that saw him overcome Any Second Now last spring, Noble Yeats is very much in the shake-up to defend.

    Only the mighty Tiger Roll has won back-to-back Nationals since the 1970s, but 10/1 with William Hill looks early value.

     

    National may Work for Delta

    Looking at the last of the three frontrunners for next month, Delta Work boosted his Aintree hopes in again winning the Glenfarclas.

    The 10yo of Gordon Elliott could now be at the perfect age for a race of this magnitude, having come third last time out.

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    Now amongst the best around for staying, five of Delta Work’s age have entered the winner’s circle at Aintree.

    Make no mistake, the French gelding could follow in the steps of Neptune Collonges and more recently, Pineau De Re at 12/1 with 888sport.

     

    Could Envoi Allen capture greatness?

    What of Envoi Allen? Could the Cheveley Park 9yo now carry a stunning win from the Ryanair into a debut Grand National outing?

    Finishing ahead of Shishkin, Rachael Blackmore picked up the second of her two big wins of the week.

    So could we now see a reunion in a race she made history with on Minella Times two years ago?

     

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    Favouring the 2m4f trip, plans could yet be thwarted into 4m territory but Henry De Bromhead may yet be persuaded to ride the wave of emotion.

    A current 33/1 shot with PariMatch, Envoi Allen is yet capable of another thrilling marquee ride.

     

    Hewick may turn heads

    Finally, of the relative unknowns who impressed at Cheltenham, Hewick was a real eyebrow-raiser.

    Bolting up in the Gold Cup with Jordan Gainford, the Irish gelding went an impressive trip.

    Indeed, positioned second with two to jump, had it not been for a heavy fall at the penultimate hurdle, Hewick was on course to place at the very least.

    Having come through a nasty landing unscathed, it could well worth be keeping and eye on his training over the coming weeks.

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    Perhaps a little too green for the ultimate test of endurance, that factor could yet prompt TJ McDonald to reconsider such a tough entry.

    With that said however, Hewick is already a National winner; taking the US equivalent at Far Hills last October.

    That was a far shorter trip over 2m5f but nevertheless, it would be no surprise if given another lower weight, Hewick were to figure at a big price.

  • Galopin De ‘Champion’ in Gold Cup

    Galopin De ‘Champion’ in Gold Cup

    A new age of staying chasers has been cast on horse racing as Galopin Des Champs put in a superb display of equine brilliance to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

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    Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old locked horns with King George-winner Bravemansgame up the famous Cheltenham hill in the blue-ribboned event, but it was the younger competitor who came out on top in a classic renewal of the £625,000 event.

    Having infamously fallen at the final fence in last year’s Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase when clear favourite, something that was described as a “fright” by jockey Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs built on his Irish Gold Cup victory from last month on the biggest stage of them all, running to a ‘Racing Post Rating’ of 184 and being given Timeform rating of 181.

    “We elected him as our Gold Cup horse where as Al Boum Photo sort of happened,” explained Mullins. “With this fellow we thought he was good enough and that puts you under pressure until the actual day when it has happened and now it has happened.”

    “I didn’t realise what pressure I was under. I’m absolutely delighted for Audrey and Greg Turley and for Paul (Townend), who was under huge pressure to, but he gave him a peach of a ride. He had the confidence to drop him in and come through.

    “I just said to him I think you are on the best horse and the fastest horse so as long as he doesn’t get running with you. He said he will tuck him in somewhere and put him to sleep and he did.

    “It just worked out and he give him a brilliant cool ride. We thought that (it was going to be a true test) as everyone was questioning his stamina.”

    It wasn’t all plain sailing for the clear odds-against favourite on the day, however, as he was out of rhythm in the early stages of the race and he dragged his hind legs through a few fences.

    Legendary jockey AP McCoy described the ride Paul Townend gave the Galopin Des Champs as “brilliant a ride as I have ever seen” on ITV Racing and the winning rider had similar comments to share regarding the difficulty of the race.

    “It was messy for me – I couldn’t get a clean passage early, and he started jumping in the air a little bit, but when I got a bit of room, in fairness to him he came back into a rhythm with me and was very, very brave,” the Irish champion jockey said.

    “I think he got me out of a fair hole, to be honest – I was a lot further back than I wanted to be, but it was just the ride I had to give him.

    “He missed one of the fences coming down the hill, and I thought that was going to put me on the back foot a bit again, but no, straight back on the bridle for me. I don’t think the horse understands how good he is, to be honest.

    “I was happy that when I grabbed hold of him and he picked up for me again, got straight at the last and galloped all the way up the hill and through the line. There’s no doubting his stamina now, anyway.

    “He’s matured, he’s grown up, he’s a bit older, a bit wiser [than last year], and I suppose he surprised me how well he settled the first day [his seasonal debut] at Punchestown, and then going to Leopardstown, I was half-afraid to light him up to see what would happen, but I did away from the stands that day and he came back underneath me after a big jump, so he’s just the full package now.”

    Friday’s success adds to the victories in 2019 and 2020 with Al Boum Photo for the ‘Master of Closutton’ and he feels there could be some more improvement to come from the hugely exciting Galopin Des Champs, as he said: “I think so (on seeing more improvement) as he is only seven and horses do improve until they are eight or nine – I’d like to think there is a little bit of improvement there.”

    As for the second, Bravemansgame, he truly lived up to his name as he was a willing partner in what will be known as a classic duel between two masterful horses.

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    Despite finishing second, trainer Paul Nicholls was extremely pleased with the effort, as he said: “What can you say, I’m just super proud of him and everything went right. He jumped well and he travelled well and I could just see Galopin stalking him a little bit. We wouldn’t do any different.

    “I hate coming second, you know me, but I can’t be anything but proud of the horse. He ran a blinding race and we’ll give it another go next year.

    “We’ll see about Aintree – he had a hard race – and the only places he’ll run are Punchestown and Aintree, but we’ll play it by ear and see how he is. If he didn’t run again this season it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but he’s only run once since Christmas so we could go to Aintree.

    “He’s a young horse, so three or four runs a year is plenty and if we don’t run again we’ll go Charlie Hall, King George and again here next year.”

  • Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Handicaps

    Cheltenham Gold Cup Day Handicaps

    It’s the final day of the greatest show in the world and the Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage in a week that has seen incredible performances, heartfelt stories, and joyous crowd affection.

    And if you still need some help with those pesky handicaps on the final day of the Festival, Ash Symonds of Bestofbets is here to help.

    FRIDAY – County Handicap Hurdle

    The County Hurdle is a race I struggle to work out sometimes – last year I couldn’t see the obvious staring me right in the face and even before that I missed the train Dan Skelton of winners.

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    Skelton has a nice hand with Pembroke this year, certainly a horse that fits the progressive style, and has course form.

    However, I’d be willing to take a different British horse with a similar profile, and that would be GIN COCO at 10/1. This is a horse I have liked since last season having finished second at the Punchestown Festival in April 2022.

    Since then, an easy novice hurdle win in October started his season well, but it’s his Greatwood Hurdle second that really took me back.

    Personally, I didn’t like his trip through the Greatwood – he was a bit too far back, was rushed along (using up plenty of energy) down the Cheltenham hill, and had to come wide around I LIKE TO MOVE IT, a horse who has since won the Kingwell Hurdle and improved 15 pounds, when trying to make his winning run.

    I think when ridden a touch more prominently on the new course, which should suit a tonne better, he could be very dangerous.

    I’ll also give a shout to another British runner in the field and that’s MILKWOOD for Neil Mulholland.

    This is simply because he is handicapped to be very competitive based on his old form.

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    Let me read you off a list: he was third in the 2021 renewal of this race off 140, won the Scottish Champion Hurdle off 142, was second in a Galway Hurdle off 147 to the very good Saldier, and was second in the most recent Welsh Champion Hurdle off 148.

    Following a fairly average run in the Elite Hurdle in November and a decent performance over the wrong trip in February off the back of a 102-day break, the handicapper has given Milkwood a chance off 141 in this year’s County Hurdle, a race that doesn’t look to have a standout performer.

    He is a fiercely good traveler into his races and Mulholland is a brilliant target trainer, so if he continues to run in this rich vein of form, he could be right there at 33/1.

    And to complete the trio of County Hurdle horses, it could be a first Festival success for trainer Richard Spender as at 20/1, WONDERWALL could cause a small upset.

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    His bumper form with Knappers Hill from December 202 reads very well and he was seven seventh in the 2021 Champion Bumper behind Sir Gerhard.

    Fast forward to January 2022 and he beat City Chief while showing plenty of speed at Doncaster and was running a very good race behind Elle Est Belle a month later at Huntington before falling.

    Following a respectable effort behind Sebastopol and Stage Star, the now Turners Novices Chase winner, at Newbury over fences, he returns back to two miles and hurdles off a mark of 134.

    He could be very dangerous if on song at a course he shouldn’t have any issues with.

     

    FRIDAY – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

    The Martin Pipe. The race that caused a mass sing-song before flag fall 12 months ago, and the final piece of the puzzle for Ireland to complete their clean sweep on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival last year.

    The horse who has been at the top of my list for a while is IMAGINE for Gordon Elliott, a trainer who loves to have a winner in this race.

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    The five-year-old Montmartre gelding has been running into nice horses all season: Hunters Yarn and Inothewayurthinkin are the main two. The former is a Supreme hope for Willie Mullins and Imagine actually reversed the form with the latter on his most recent start.

    Coming into this race off a British mark of 139, Elliott highlighted this horse as one of his main handicap fancies of the week at the recent Cheltenham Festival Handicap Weights Lunch, so at 6/1, he has all the capabilities to go close.

    His stable and owner mate FIRM FOOTINGS could be the one overpriced at 20/1 in the field.

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    Having run into Deep Cave and Grangeclare West this season, the British handicapper has left him on a mark of 134 which could be very lenient.

    He won over the wrong distance last time out and a return to 2m4f should suit well with the mustard Shane Fitzgerald on board to do the steering.

  • Cheltenham Day 4: Selections and Naps

    Cheltenham Day 4: Selections and Naps

    It’s not been the greatest week of tipping, but BestOfBet’s Oliver Holmes is giving it one last go to win big on Gold Cup day at Cheltenham.

    NAP: STATTLER – Gold Cup – 14/1 William Hill

    I love Stattler. He took the eye on New Year’s Day when he rallied, but failed to beat Minella Indo at Tramore. He finished way behind Galopin Des Champs last time out, but Leopardstown isn’t a stayers’ track, and the Irish Gold Cup fell apart. The ground will be deep at Cheltenham, and I think there’s enough doubts to Galopin’s name, and Stattler can stay on remorselessly.

    E/W BET: Magic Daze – Mares’ Chase – 10/1 Boylesports

    There’s been a lot of talk about this mare in the preview’s circuit, and with good reason. She’s been consistent this season, and has run at the track twice. She was disappointing in last year’s Arkle, but finished second in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle in 2021. She can handle soft ground fine and she’s worth a shot.

    Handicap Best: Cool Survivor – Martin Pipe – 5/1 BetUK

    Novice’s do really well in this race and Cool Survivor has been on my watchlist for a while. He brings Graded form, although they haven’t worked out great. But he seems to be chucked in here and the soft ground helps him. Sam Ewing deserves a Festival winner, and, along with Michael O’Sullivan, he’s a name to look out for in the future.

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    Selections:

    13:30 – Blood Destiny

    14:10 – Pembroke (Path D’Ouroux e/w)

    14:50 – Favori De Champdou (Sandor Clegane e/w)

    15:30 – STATTLER (NAP)

    16:10 – Vaucelet (No Bet)

    16:50 – Impervious (MAGIC DAZE E/W)

    17:30 – COOL SURVIVOR (Iroko e/w)

    The very best of luck!

    For more information and in-depth coverage, please head to Best of Bets’ Cheltenham Specials where you will find extensive coverage of all of today’s horse racing from the 4th and final day of Cheltenham.