Best Of Bets

Category: Horse Racing

  • Cheltenham Countdown: Notes from weekend racing

    Cheltenham Countdown: Notes from weekend racing

    As the countdown to Cheltenham 2023 enters its final fortnight, festival fever is percolating nicely ahead of the opening race a week on Tuesday.

    On the back of this past weekend’s racing not only in the UK but across the Irish Sea, it was a Saturday of revelations.

    But what have we picked out that might influence our Cheltenham picks?

    Read on.

     

    Punters should stick to Scriptwriter

    One of the big fails of the weekend was Scriptwriter’s no-show in the Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.

    Backed at 6/4f, Milton Harris saw his 4yo struggle in the extra and somewhat unexpected rain that fell last Wednesday.

    Sticking with the field for most of the piece, Paddy Brennan laboured with the Irish gelding over the final fences, fading to sixth.

    Scriptwriter was an assumed close-to-a-sure-thing this weekend and now after successive losses has taken a hit the market.

    But it is worth observing a healthy dose of perspective.

    Even with less than fortnight until the festival, this could yet serve as a pivotal learning curve.

    Yes, the fashion of his defeat has seen his odds lengthened significantly in the SkyBet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but that shouldn’t deter an e/w bet.

    After all, though back-to-back defeats have been rather chastening, three wins on the spin beforehand are not be sniffed at.

    A full 66/1 with bet365 to open Cheltenham week, Scriptwriter could now be a something of a shot to nothing.

     

    Nusret earns glances for Boodles Juvenile

    With Scriptwriter’s misfortunes, it was JP O’Brien who celebrated his lone victory of the weekend with the impressive Nusret.

    Still a fairly short price for Saturday’s contest at 7/2, a second win of the term along with Daryl Jacob was punctuated by a wonderful leap over the last.

    So impressive a showing, the British 4yo saw his odds slashed for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

    It may be easy to tag along for the ride with this pick at Cheltenham, but his prior two wins have come at The Curragh and Punchestown.

    Nusret has shone on real Irish proving grounds.

    When the juveniles head out for the final race of opening day, this lively colt will fancy his chances.

    Currently third favourite at 7/1 with William HIll, it would be no surprise to see the price for Nusret shorten.

     

    Our Power delivers

    Not to blow our own trumpet, but Our Power was magnificent in the Coral Trophy.

    Having tipped up Sam Thomas’ season debutante, the gelding was smashed up in the markets and went off at 11/2.

    Pushed by an extremely game runner-up in Flegmatik, Sam Twiston-Davies made it three wins from four aboard the 8yo.

    Living up to his name to surge home over the final furlongs, Our Power was a cut above.

    The pressing question now however, is this: how might he fair in the Ultima Handicap Chase?

    Whilst The Goffer and Into Overdrive may be getting a good deal of Antepost attention, this horse has pluck.

    Looking to make it an English successive treble at Cheltenham, Our Power holds a healthy 16/1 punt with Ladbrokes.

     

    Zenta worthy of Novices’ gamble?

    Finally, across the Irish Sea at Fairyhouse meanwhile, one name who might now be finding her way onto our Cheltenham betslip is Zenta.

    A 4/9F winner in the Norman Colfer Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle, the 4yo was part of a Willie Mullins’ winning Saturday double in County Meath.

    Willie Mullins? Cheltenham? You got it.

    Over the four days in Gloucestershire, Mullins is expected to again romp to Leading Trainer.

    And, of his longer-shot prospects this year, this French filly could just be the ticket for punters.

    Third on debut on home French soil at Clairefontaine, Zenta has now picked up successful wins after a maiden victory at Auteuil.

    Taking the winning post on her first away trip with just three races under the belt, Zenta should be marked for the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

    Yes, the field is stacked in terms of opposition and yes, this is a big step up.

    Yes, Nicky Henderson’s Luccia is favourite and unbeaten in four races; nevertheless, this remains a very open 2m1f.

    Zenta’s current price is mighty intriguing though and a 20/1 shot with Betfair, now could be the time to jump – at the very least – to place.

  • BestBets: Coral Trophy and Eider Handicap

    BestBets: Coral Trophy and Eider Handicap

    Pinch yourself punters.

    There are just three weeks remaining until Cheltenham fever sweeps the country – nay globe – once more.

    This weekend sees one of the last chances for names to make a final statement ahead of the trip to Gloucestershire in mid-March.

    With race cards at Kempton and Newcastle in mind on Saturday, two Handicap Chases stand out from the crowd.

    As the Group 1 Coral Trophy Chase at Kempton headlines, the Vertem Eider then plays a more than able role as support act.

    So, as we continue our build-up to Cheltenham, here are our four weekend punts.

     

    15:00, Kempton, Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Group 1, 3m, 5yo+)

    In arguably the big race of the weekend, the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase in Surrey sees three front-runners already penned in for the Ultima at Cheltenham.

    However, one name yet to confirm his trip to the festival is Cap Du Nord.

    Having only recently made his debut at Cheltenham, Jack Tudor rode the somewhat startled 10yo home in flat last on New Years’ Day.

    A sizeable setback, yes, but the duos’ last two outings together have been significantly improved.

    With a runners-up spot behind Cooper’s Cross – also racing here – in the SkyBet Handicap at Doncaster last month, Cap Du Nord then won impressively last weekend at Ascot.

    A seven-length winner in the Swinley, the French gelding also comes into this as defending champ.

    So can Cap make it back-to-back wins on successive weekends?

    A 5/1 shot with Coral and Ladbrokes looks a good bet and it could also provide vital prep if the expected journey to Cheltenham emerges.

    Elsewhere in the going, we noted the three front-runners present here and of the trio set to go in the festival curtain-raiser, Our Power is pricking up our ears.

    Though this will be the first outing of the season for Sam Thomas’ gelding, the 8yo wrapped up last term in glowing fashion with Charlie Deutsch in the saddle.

    Winning the London Gold Cup at the end of October, Sam Twiston-Davies rode Our Power to a memorable win in the PaddyPower Silver Plate on this very same course.

    Could Our Power muscle his way to a second win at Kempton and an eighth career win?

    An 8/1 price with BoyleSports says yes.

     

    15:25, Newcastle, Vertem Eider Handicap Chase (Group 2, 4m1½f, 5yo+)

    Around 25 minutes afterwards, we switch north to Newcastle for a step down in class for the Vertem Eider but a contest which looks just as appealing for punters.

    Whilst most of the pre-Cheltenham field have assembled south of London, the in-form Eva’s Oskar has opted to stand out from the crowd here.

    An 8/1 winner of the Dahlbury at Cheltenham at the end of last year, the 9yo was unfortunate not to have had two wins up the hill having been beaten by Does He Know in the race prior.

    Sixth in at Sandown earlier this month but set for the Ultima also, Eva’s Oskar looks a very decent 9/1 with bet365.

    In the same race and for a slightly bigger price, we have also got our eye on Houston Texas.

    Winless in three, the Irish son of Dylan Thomas book-ended last season and the new term with wins at Carlisle at short odds.

    Rather going against the argument, in four previous forays to Newcastle, Houston Texas has yet to pick up a win.

    Yet, trainer Nicky Richards saw his own Aubis Walk absolutely bolt up to a 23-length romp a short trip away at Sedgefield on Thursday.

    Visibly bullish of the chances of another winner to come this weekend, eagle-eyed watchers of Sky Sports Racing may have noted a cause for optimism. 

    Here, Richards’ horse is bigger 16/1 punt with William Hill but with more than a hint of form to come.

  • Three to watch in the Grand National Trial

    Three to watch in the Grand National Trial

    Three to watch in the Grand National Trial

    With less than a month until the Cheltenham roar goes up, spring in this year’s National Hunt season is now in sight.
    Whilst a trip to Gloucestershire is now very much on the mind for trainers, jockey and indeed punters alike, it is also only two months until the Randox Grand National.
    As the first steps toward Aintree near then, this weekend sees the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase over 3m4½f at neighbouring Haydock Park.
    With the winner pocketing just shy of £57k a number rides may yet also be teasing a trip over the most famous horse race on the planet in April, so who are we looking out for in Saturday’s contest?

    Bristol De Mai

     

    In the first of Saturday’s picks to watch, Bristol De Mai may not have the best form to go on, but the veteran gelding’s record at Haydock is supreme.
    Though Nigel Twiston-Davies’ 12yo may not go in Aintree’s showpiece, another trip around the neighbouring Merseyside racecourse could bring further fortune.
    As a six-time former winner on the trip but with just one outing this season, this could be a final fling this year with the old monsieur looking to win big before retiring.
    With just one National appearance in 2021, three further runs in the Betway Bowl across Grand National weekend are already in the rear-view mirrors; that could again be his destination one more time.
    What better way to approach a trip to Liverpool than with an eye-catching journey at Haydock?
    Though three of the last six have resulted in being pulled up well off the pace, as marginal second favourite to compatriot Fontaine Collonges here, we think Bristol De Mai is a good 6/1 price with William Hill.

    Grumpy Charley

    As we glance slightly further down the racecard, for better value, Grumpy Charley might suit.
    After James Bowen took the reins at Warwick last month – when pulled up – Bryan Carver jumps into the seat here, where the last time he did, the Irishman rode Charley to victory at Newbury when moving up in trip on New Year’s Eve – the gelding’s fifth win but a first over increased distance.
    Carver has won with Grumpy Charley on four of those occasions, but of quiet caution, the only other time the pair have rode at Haydock was in December 2020.
    On that day, however, the 8yo was a massive 33/1 runner-up to Adrimel in the Introductory Hurdle.
    Though Grumpy Charley has a chequered record to say the least, trainer Chris Honour will be eyeing a strong contest for the British son of Shirocco here.
    A massive 66/1 price currently for the National when he goes likely again, as Noble Yeats sensationally proved in 2022, that need not be a factor.
    Nor should it be to go very well this weekend at 18/1 with PaddyPower.
     
     

    Snow Leopardess

    For our third and final pick, is it time for Snow Leopardess to show her colours?
    Though the next two races will shape whether the grey mare makes a second National appearance in April, having made her debut at Aintree last year, the now 11yo was pulled up early at a price of 10/1 where many punters had fancied her to do very well.
    A nine-time winner on the track, Snow Leopardess’ biggest win to date is surely the Becher in December 2021 at Aintree but has a potential bigger win in the locker.
    A 16/1 shot with bet365, if she performs this weekend, a return run out in the National looks likely after making the trip to Cheltenham for the Glenfarclas next month.
    Without a win this term in four, Snow Leopardess was in the shake-up coming home sixth in the Handicap Trial of that very race last month, but is now the time ready for this lady in waiting to make her move?

     

  • Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap 

    Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap 

    Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap 

    Today’s daily nap comes from Kempton at the 3pm in the name of Dorking Lad. 
    Top weight Dorking Lad is at his best on right-handed flat tracks and tackles 3m at Kempton Park for the first time after two very good efforts over sharper trips there. Gary Moore’s eight year old gelding was far from disgraced when staying on into third over just 2m 2f here on his reappearance.
    In fact, Dorking Lad scored himself in facile fashion here in a similar Class 3 event over 2m 4f and off 9lb lower than last in action. He absolutely bolted up by 15 lengths and could have had a more serious hike from the handicapper. Caoilin Quinn now takes the ride and a valuable 5lb off with his claim.
    Taking all of this into account and Dorking Lad looks rather attractive for this afternoon, especially with this longer trip.
    Odds: 9/2  
  • Thursday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Thursday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Thursday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Today’s daily nap comes from Ffos Las at the 4:53 race in the name of Envoye Special
    With some mixed fortunes during 2022 , Envoye Special ended the campaign no less than with three consecutive wins, which should be enough to forget the forth place in the 2m 5f hunting chase at Fflos 12 months ago.
    And with a new trainer in charge, Keiran Burke, a yard with 30% strike rate with its runners over fences this season, this nine year old Coastal Path gelding is the only horse with recent winning form in today’s line-up.
    James King takes the ride again after a win and two seconds from four starts aboard him.
    Odds: 11/4
  • Notes From the Dublin Racing Festival

    Notes From the Dublin Racing Festival

    Notes From the Dublin Racing Festival

    As the countdown to Cheltenham rolls on, last month’s Trials on the Gloucestershire course were followed hot on the heels by a trip across the Irish Sea to Leopardstown this past weekend for February’s traditional form pointer, the Dublin Racing Festival.
    Two days of racing saw movers and shakers across the board, so what did we learn from the 2023 edition?
    Galopin Des Champs primed for Gold Cup
    There is one big conclusion we can draw from the past weekend: Galopin Des Champs looks close to a shoo-in for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
    Romping to an eight-length win at Leopardstown, the 7yo now has three wins on the spin and seven in the last two years. During that time, the French gelding has failed to win on just one occasion; last year’s Turners’ where he fell at the last.
    To date, Galopin Des Champs’ only other Cheltenham trip was victory in the Handicap Hurdle the year before, so those that say he cannot perform on that particular turf would be wrong.
    To take the Gold Cup on March 17, the defending A Plus Tard stands in the way but with the son of Kapgarde yet to run this term, and with Noble Yeats and Ahoy Senor with more to prove, right now, we can only see Paul Townend as the winning jockey.
    Galopin Des Champs 7/4 with Betfair and SpreadEx to win the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.  
    State Man makes State ment
    Just how good is State Man?
    After storming away to the Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday by a victory margin of almost five lengths, Willie Mullins has trained yet another gem.
    An 11/4 winner of last year’s County Hurdle, the 6yo has blossomed into one of the finest of his age with the exception of perhaps one other: the mighty Constitution Hill.
    The big home hope of the festival and winner of the 2022 Supreme Novices’, taking on Nicky Henderson’s equine behemoth is the task now that awaits State Man in the Champion Hurdle and he has his work cut out.
    However, the nature of Sunday’s win was eye-opening. After blasting away from the turn here, could we see a spectacular duel up the hill at Cheltenham? If State Man is within a length of Constitution Hill with a furlong to go, the roar will be epic.
    State Man is 3/1 with Betfair to win the UniBet Champion Hurdle.
    Honeysuckle set for Mares’ Hurdle
    Perhaps the biggest loser at Leopardstown – if not a surprise – was Honeysuckle.
    Formerly unbeaten only weeks ago, the legendary mare recorded her second loss in a row and a first defeat in the Irish Champion Hurdle. Having won every single race since debuting in April 2018 and a British racing icon of recent times, the 9yo has now gone from 17-0 to 17-2.
    Beaten well for the second time, Honeysuckle’s participation in not only the Champion Hurdle but at Cheltenham was in serious doubt but Tuesday’s news that Honeysuckle will switch to the Mares’ Hurdle has brought a mixed reception.
    The general consensus, however, is Rachael Blackmore – herself off-kilter – will now have a better chance to compete. Not only that, but that contest is set up as one of the races of the festival.
    With runner-up to Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle last year, Epatante, defending champ Marie’s Rock – winner of her last four races including on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham – and a fast improving Love Envoi who has failed to win just once in eight career contests, the Mares’ is poised.
    In the case of Honeysuckle, as owner Kenny Alexander was keen to state, there was no pressure for her to run at Cheltenham after a stunning career but now given the nod for March 14, Honeysuckle’s many, many fans will be hoping for a fairy-tale swansong.
    Honeysuckle 9/4 to with bet365, William Hill and UniBet to win the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.  
    Mighty Potter the real deal
    As one famed horse approaches the twilight of her career, another’s burgeoning reputation continues to grow as Mighty Potter underlined his credentials after destroying the field in the Ladbrokes Novice Chase.
    Sent off at 11/10, Gordon Elliott’s gelding made it four wins in-a-row, with Davy Russell making a winning return to the Irish capital.
    This time last year, the 6yo was timing his trip to Cheltenham well with 2/3 wins on the card and after we tipped him to do well in the Supreme Novices’, Mighty Potter was, sadly for us, pulled up – behind a rampaging Constitution Hill. Since then, its been an unbeaten story.
    Though there remains a slight concern away from Irish shores, Mr. Potter could indeed be mighty in the Turners’.
    Mighty Potter 6/4 with Ladbrokes and QuinnBet to win the Turners Novices’ Chase.

  • Wednesday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Wednesday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Wednesday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Today’s daily nap comes from Southwell at the 3:40 in the name of Chosen Port.
    For anyone that has followed Olly Murphy’s stable at Southwell this season will agree that it’s paid off! Therefore, Chosen Port looks worth a wager in the extended 2m 4f Nares’ Novice Hurdle. Despite falling at the final hurdle at Leicester on her return to action, this mare is looking very strong and consistent.
    The daughter of Well Chosen won her Irish Point before moving to Murphy; and although still maiden under Rules, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Chosen Port was twice placed in bumpers including when third here in March 2021 and although things haven’t been exact on point since, her ability is there and we wouldn’t be surprised if she went all the way today.
    It’s also worth adding that Murphy’s yard is in excellent form courtesy of a 28% strike rate over the last 14 days.
    Odds: 11/4
    What Are Horse Racing NAPs?
    Our Daily Naps are our experts’ Best Bets from across all of today’s race cards in the UK and Ireland. The NAP, short for Napoleon, based on a card game named after the famous French general and emperor played in Victorian times, is a combination of the greatest value bet at the odds on offer and most likely winner
  • Tuesday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Tuesday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Today’s daily nap comes from Taunton at the 3:30pm race in the name of Hidden Beauty.

    Fergal O’Brian has his team in form with four winners from a dozen runners in February and today, the yard will unleash Hidden Beauty under a penalty in the extended 2m mares’ novice hurdle at Taunton. This sex-year old by Kapgarde won with plenty more in hand than the four-length margin of victory over re-opposing rival Passing Reflection when last in action at Doncaster less than a month ago.
    That display came after Hidden Beauty ran a fine fourth behind a couple of subsequent winners in Kateira and Fay Ce Que Voudras at Uttoxeter. A longer home straight on Town Moor played to her strengths when she cruised into the lead after jumping three out. Despite wandering about on the approach to the final flight, Hidden Beauty was already home and hosed so Paddy Brennan eased her down.
  • Cheltenham Festival: Will Honeysuckle Retire Before Cheltenham Festival or take on the Mares’ Hurdle?  

    Cheltenham Festival: Will Honeysuckle Retire Before Cheltenham Festival or take on the Mares’ Hurdle?  

    Cheltenham Festival: Will Honeysuckle Retire Before Cheltenham Festival or take on the Mares’ Hurdle?  

    Honeysuckle suffered only her second even defeat on Sunday in the Irish Champion Hurdle – her second loss on the bounce after an incredible run of 16 straight wins. However, the unfortunate recent results means that owner Kenny Alexander has ruled the 9 year old out of the Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle next month. Does this mean that the Mares’ Hurdle be Honeysuckle’s next race?
    With the risk of stating the obvious; horses can’t go on winning forever – unless, they are called Frankel. So even though it’s always sad to see a superstar horse, such as Honeysuckle, who has racked up a load of wins, losing a race, it’s inevitable  and something that will eventually happen more often than not.
    After winning her first 16 races, the Honeysuckle bubble burst at Fairyhouse at the start of December, when third in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, and even though many horse racing fans stuck with her on Sunday as she tried to win the Irish Champion Hurdle for a fourth time, it seems her invisibility powers are no longer after only managing second – beaten 4 3/4 lengths by the younger legs of State Man.
    And with two defeats on the bounce, it seems as that first defeat back in December wasn’t just a blip but instead, a sign that age is finally catching up with the 9 year-old Honeysuckle.
    Connections Rule Out Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle Defence
    Following Sunday’s defeat, her first at Leopardstown in five runs at the Dublin track, connections were quick to rule her out of the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, a race she’s won for the last two seasons.
    Therefore, a date with the classy Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle would not be fair for her at this stage of her career.
    Instead her owner Kenny Alexander was honest enough to say that there’s two options left for Honeysuckle – retirement or a tilt at the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – an easier option running against her own sex and a prize she won in 2020.
    Honeysuckle’s owner – Kenny Alexander told the Racing Post “We’ll definitely not be taking on Constitution Hill, that’s for sure,” was owner  emphatic reply when I asked him what was next for his legendary mare.
    “I would fear what would happen against Constitution Hill and we’ve no desire to go running around for place money. It’s up to Henry. If he wants to chuck it now, that’s okay. I’ve always said that we have to get her out safe and sound. Maybe the time has come.
    “If we go for Constitution Hill, the mare is so brave and Rachael doesn’t muck about – we’d run to win and I’d dread for anything to happen to her now. I don’t think we can beat Constitution Hill. I’m not sure anything can beat Constitution Hill.”
    “I would be prepared to go for the Mares’ Hurdle, but let’s talk to Henry and Rachael. I’ll leave it to them – whatever they say we’ll go with. She doesn’t owe us anything. I’d love to win another Mares’ Hurdle with her and go out in a blaze of glory, but I don’t want anything to happen to her now.”
    Honeysuckle 2/1: Cheltenham Festival 2023 Mares’ Hurdle
    The bookmakers reacted with this news by pushing Honeysuckle out to 20/1 for the 2023 Champion Hurdle, with State Man at 3/1, but shorten her up in the Mares’ Hurdle (Tues, 14th March) to 2/1.
    2023 Cheltenham Festival Mares’ Hurdle
    • Honeysuckle 2/1
    • Maries Rock 7/2
    • Epatante 4/1
    • Brandy Love 4/1
    • Love Envoi 9/2
    • Echoes In Rain 11/2
  • Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Friday Horse Racing: Daily Nap

    Today’s daily nap comes from Chepstow at the 3pm race in the of Ree Okka.

    This dual winning hurdler, trained by Harry Fry, has now been turned over at the short prices on all three starts over fences this winter. And following a less perfect performance in Ludlow, today represents an excellent opportunity to get off the mark under Jonathan Burke. Today’s track and ground – good to soft- should work really well for this 7 year old and having dropped back in trip this could really exploit a very attractive handicap mark.

    Odds: 9/2