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March 2008 Entries

Cheltenham ‘08 - Day 1

It’s that time of year again when the five quid flutter on the nags turns into a £40 Yankee and a fist full of place pots. The time where all your problems fly out of the window and your prepared to sit in the cold with no heating, shouting at the wireless for your horse, egging on him/her for that little extra up the famous Cheltenham hill.

The richest and most anticipated U.K. meeting of the year looks all set to be a battle against the elements. Early reports are that the storms will pass the venue before the opening race but this will affect the running and the types of horses who are now being viewed as potential champions. I feel if the running stays soft through the meeting a few surprises will pop up and line the bookies pockets even more.

The whole meeting is geared up for the big ‘Gold Cup’ clash, with two stable mates Denman and Kauto Star going head to head and having punters and tipsters 50 / 50 throughout the board.

I will run through a few of the races I’ve taken a look at and some of the horses I’m looking to put in a back for the festival.

Day 1

The opener of this festival as always is the Supreme Novices Hurdle with the 50,000 strong crowd letting out the all famous roar to send the first set of runners on their way. The strong Irish contingent will all be keeping a close eye on their main hope Captain Cee Bee in the opening race. A very strong contender from Ireland, comes off the back of 2 out of 2 wins and with a strong team behind him lead by his owner J P McManus, this horse will be well prepared for the battle ahead. Floating around at a nice price, I can’t see much else in the field to really get excited about.

One of the biggest attractions of Day 1 at the festival is the Grade 1 race, the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase. It is very hard to look passed the heavily backed favourite Noland. He runs with class and it really does not look like he can be caught in this race. However I have always kept an eye on the Irish entry, Clopf. He will require a good ride and may need a little help up the hill but a horse that has always rides with his head up, ears pinned back and looks the type that will not let themselves be left behind the front pack.

The other main attraction for day one is the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy and this year is hopefully one of the tightest races of the festival. Much of the money and tips are heading in the way of Sizing Europe and this horse was at the top of my list for a long time, but many of the horse’s just behind in the betting can give this champion a good run. Sublimity and Osana will fancy their chances if they can keep up with the early pace and with outsiders Straw Bear and Blythe Knight have both won their share of large races. I still see Sizing Europe as the main horse and the one to beat in this race but an outright win bet on him may have you on the edge of your seat as there are a few contenders to worry about.