cheltenham festival 2014
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CHELTENHAMFESTIVAL
2014
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Willie Mullins is a name that strikesfear into the hearts of bookies eachMarch as his stable of superstarsdescend on the CheltenhamFestival for the finest four days ofNational Hunt racing in the calendar.
At the time of writing, Mullins hasthe ante-post favourite or secondfavourite for 11 of the 13 biggestraces run during the Festival. As aresult, punters have been piling intothe multiples and well be keepingour fingers crossed one of his bighopes like Vautour, Hurricane Fly orQuevega gets turned over.
And dont worry too much if yourbest wagers get beaten. We areoffering all our punters 10% back onstaked bets as a free bet the nextday throughout the Festival.
Nicky Henderson and Paul Nichollswill be leading the British charge,
with two of the best chasers intraining set to go head-to-head inFridays feature, the CheltenhamGold Cup.
Will Bobs Worth, trained byHenderson, become the first horsesince three-time hero Best Mate toland successive renewals in this blueriband event? Or will NichollsSilviniaco Conti, still travelling wellwhen falling last year, follow in thefootsteps of his legendary formerstablemates Kauto Star andDenman by capturing the prize?
Here at Genting Bet well be takingon Nicholls by refunding bets on anyhorse that finishes second to one ofhis winners throughout the week.
In order to arm yourself with all the
key trends and stats, weve puttogether this handy pocket guide. Italso contains quotes from those inthe know including Channel 4sGraham Cunningham.
So, without further ado, let battlecommence!
View fromtheTradingFloor
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GRAHAM
CUNNINGHAM'S
INTRODUCTION
If bookmakers have done their sumsright, this year's CheltenhamFestival revolves around three kingsof jump racing.
Of course, there is nothing newabout Nicky Henderson, PaulNicholls and Willie Mullins heading tothe Cotswolds loaded with strongchances.
But nothing that has gone before can
compare with what 2014 promises.
A canter through the ante-postmarkets reveals that the big threeare responsible for eight clearfavourites and one joint-favourite inthe top 10 Festival contests.
But things are seldom that simplewhen it comes to the mostunforgiving jumping arena of themall.
Things certainly haven't goneaccording to script for Hendersonthis season and it's a measure of
how capricious jump racing can bethat two of his three Festival kingsof 2013 Sprinter Sacre andSimonsig will be on the sidelines
and sorely missed this time around.
Nicholls has exploited theopportunity with typical efficiencyto forge clear in the race to regainhis champion trainer title, while
Mullins has generally adopted astrict "name, rank and serialnumber" mentality as he marshalsthe single strongest Irish raidingparty ever to head to Cheltenham.
The fun starts with the timelesssporting scenario of an ageingsuperstar battling to stave off aposse of vibrant young thrusterswhen the Mullins-trained HurricaneFly bids to win his third ChampionHurdle on Tuesday 11th March.
Sprinter Sacre's absence fromWednesday's Champion Chase hasleft the door open for a posse of
hopefuls headed by Sire De Grugy,while the Nicholls-trained Big Buck'sis another legend of jumping whowill divide opinion sharply when hebids for an astonishing fifth WorldHurdle on Thursday.
Friday sees Henderson's Bobs
Worth lay a flawless Cheltenhamrecord on the line against old rivalSilviniaco Conti and Last Instalmentin the Gold Cup, but the puntingpossibilities during Festival weekare endless.
The markets suggest the big three
are in for a bonanza. But there areplenty of others to note. And, with alittle luck, a few of this bunch will puttheir names in lights, too.
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Distance
1.30 Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle Race 2m 5f
2.05 RSA Steeple Chase 3m f
2.40 Coral Cup Hurdle 2m 5f
3.20 BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 2m
4.00 Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase 3m 7f
4.40 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race 2m f
5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper 2m f
Tuesday11/03/2014
TheSchedule
Wednesday12/03/2014
1.30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle Race 2m f
2.05 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase 2m
2.40 Festival Handicap Steeple Chase 3m f
3.20 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 2m f
4.00 OLBG Mares Hurdle Race 2m 4f
4.40 144th Year of The National Hunt Steeple Chase 4m
5.15 Rewards4Racing Novices Handicap Chase 2m 4f
Distance
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Distance
Distance
1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f
2.05 Vincent OBrien County Handicap Hurdle Race 2m 1f
2.40 Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Race 3m
3.20 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Steeple Chase 3m 2 f
4.00 CGA Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2 f
4.40 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle Race 2m 4 f
5.15 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 2m f
1.30 JLT Novices Chase 2m 4f
2.05 Pertemps Network Final 3m
2.40 Ryanair Steeple Chase 2m 5f
3.20 Ladbrokes World Hurdle Race 3m
4.00 Byrne Group Plate 2m 4f
4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase 3m1 f
5.15 St Patricks Derby 1m 5f
Thursday13/03/2014
Friday14/03/2014
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Brave Inca7/2f
5/1
10/1
15/1
20/1
25/1
30/1
35/1
40/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Ebaziyan40/1
WINNING STARTING PRICE
1:30pm
Tuesday 11th March
Sky Bet SupremeNovices Hurdle
2 Miles 1/2 Furlong
Champagne Fever (centre) draws alongside My Tent Or Yours 12 months ago.
FAVOURITES
Only 3 favourites have won in the last22 renewals
FORM
15 of the last 17 winners won last time
out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
The Irish have won 8 of the last 13runnings
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
He might be an embryo chaser, but he has looked as good as any novice
about over hurdles and was impressive at Leopardstown, where his jumping
was fast and slick.
Ruby Walsh, rider of Vautour
He was very free early on at Punchestown, so to come to the last pulling
double was quite something. He should settle better with a faster pace. Hehas so much speed.
Willie Mullins, trainer of Wicklow Brave
A smart bumper horse and he is looking even better over hurdles. Only the
tiring ground beat him at Kempton, and he came back with a bad scope, so
that was some performance.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Josses Hill
The party starts with the prospect of a Mullins versus
Nicholls showdown as VAUTOUR and Irving lay their
unbeaten hurdling records on the line. Irving's turn of foot
was seen to striking effect again at Kempton and good
ground might suit him even better, but Vautour's highcruising speed and bold jumping left a deep impression at
Leopardstown and he might just shade it.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
6
7
5
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
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Well Chief9/1
2/1
4/1
6/1
8/1
10/1
12/1
14/1
16/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
2.05pm
Tuesday 11th March
Racing PostArkle
2 Miles
Simonsig justied odds-on favouritism last year.
FAVOURITES
Last 23 winners have started at 11/1 orshorter, but only 5 favourites won
FORM
25 of the last 27 winners nished in the
top 2 last time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
N Henderson and B Geraghty have wonlast 2 renewals
Simonsig8/15
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
He is very genuine, and, having won his rst three over fences, he might
have needed his comeback run in the Game Spirit at Newbury, where the
ground beat him.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Dodging Bullets
He had the class to nish third in the Supreme (2012), but chasing was
always going to be his game. Hes been right back on song and jumpedfantastic in the Irish Arkle.
Charles Byrnes, trainer of Trifolium
Rock on Ruby must have the ground good or faster. He always comes alive
in the spring and has plenty of top-level experience, so Im not worried that
he has only run the twice over fences.
Harry Fry, trainer of Rock on Ruby
Champagne Fever topped my shortlist initially but is short
enough having been off since a Leopardstown defeat in
December. Dodging Bullets is a player despite being pipped
at Newbury, but TRIFOLIUM has Festival form and is
thriving over fences. Pinpoint jumping hallmarked his Grade1 Leopardstown win and the presence of young star Bryan
Cooper on top is an added plus.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
6 5
87
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Hardy
Eustace33/1
5/1
10/1
15/1
20/1
25/1
30/1
35/1
40/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
3.20pm
Tuesday 11th March
Stan JamesChampion Hurdle
2 Miles 1/2 Furlong
Hurricane Fly skips over the last hurdle on his way to victory last season.
FAVOURITES
19 of the last 23 winners started in rst5 of the betting, with 8 favouritestriumphing
FORM
25 of the last 30 winners won last time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
W Mullins and N Henderson have won 4of the last 5 renewals between them
HurricaneFly
13/8
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
People talk of him being better at Leopardstown and, though he has twice
won the Champion at Cheltenham, I blame myself for him not having shown
his customary brilliance. He is a great horse, and hopefully he can put on a
real show this time. Ruby Walsh, rider of Hurricane Fly
He will need to improve again to beat The Hurricane, but he denitely gives
me the feel of a potential winner. It was important that he had that prep onthe all-weather as he can be free and it would have been a risk having no race
since Christmas. AP McCoy, rider of My Tent or Yours
The Irish Champion developed into a sprint, which did not suit him, but we
have closed the gap on Hurricane Fly this season and, if he improves as much
as he did last spring, he is well capable of turning the tables.
Barry OConnell, owner of Our Conor
Can Hurricane Fly join the greats aged 10? Of course he
can. But is he value at 3-1? Not against this dangerous new
crew, he isn't. My Tent Or Yours will travel like a dream and
The Fly's stablemate Annie Power is well worth a saver if
she runs, but OUR CONOR looked a potential champ whendestroying his Triumph Hurdle rivals last year and is ready
to peak after making the Hurricane work hard in the Irish
Champion Hurdle.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
6 5
87
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2.40pm
Festival HandicapSteeple Chase
23 of the last 28 winners
have carried less than 11st
Just 2 favourites have won
since 1977
4.00pm
OLBG MaresHurdle Race
Quevega is going for her
sixth straight win in the
race no horse has ever
won 6th races at theFestival
Quevega has been
favourite for all 5 of her
wins
4.40pm
144th Year of TheNational Hunt
Steeple Chase Ireland won no renewals
between 1999 and 2010
but has won 2 of last 3
Only 2 winners since 1981
have been aged 10 or older
5.15pm
Rewards4RacingNovices Handicap
Chase 7-year-olds have won 6 of
the 9 renewals
8 different jockeys have
won the 9 runnings
KEY TRENDS (Remainder of Day One)
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Simonsig2/1
4/1
8/1
12/1
16/1
20/1
24/1
28/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
1.30pm
Wednesday 12th March
Neptune NovicesHurdle
2 Miles 5 Furlongs
The New One on his way to recording a comprehensive win last season.
FAVOURITES
Have won 10 of the last 23 runnings
FORM
14 of the last 16 winners had run in aGraded race before
TRAINER / JOCKEY
W Mullins and N Twiston-Davies (both2) only trainers to have won race morethan once in last 15 runnings
Massini's
Maguire20/1
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
He is unbeaten and a lot easier to handle than last year, when he proved
difficult to keep sound. We think he is very good.
Ruby Walsh, rider of Faugheen
I have never had a better bunch of novice hurdlers, and this fellow is right up
there with the best. He was impressive on Trials Day and is exciting.
David Pipe, trainer of Red Sherlock
He had the class to run Melodic Rendezvous to three parts of a length rst
time over hurdles, and he is as good as any novice in the yard.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Royal Boy
Heard this one before? The Mullins-trained FAUGHEEN is
unbeaten with a huge reputation and set to go off hot
favourite in the Ricci colours. It didn't work out for Pont
Alexandre in last year's Neptune, but Faugheen has crushed
everything in his path. It will be surprising if he isn't a majorplayer, with David Pipe likely to provide some of the
sternest opposition via the unbeaten Red Sherlock and
exciting French recruit Un Temps Pour Tout.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
65
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
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17/35
RuleSupreme25/1
5/1
10/1
15/1
20/1
25/1
30/1
35/1
40/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
2.05pm
Wednesday 12th March
RSA Chase
3 Miles 1/2 Furlong
Lord Windermere (2nd-left) battles his way to victory last season.
FAVOURITES
3 of last 10 favourites have won butnone of the last 4
FORM
Last 49 winners had run in the calendar
year
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Only 6 Irish victories since 1985 (but 4of last 5)
Denman6/5
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
He has not been the easiest to train, so therefore lacks a bit of experience.
But he is great leaper with a big engine and I would not swap him.
Ruby Walsh, rider of Ballycasey
He does not take too much racing, so he badly needed the match-practice,
and his prep-race at Newbury could not have gone better.
Alan King, trainer of Smad Place
Stamina is his strong suite, and hed have a strong each-way chance. He was
running a cracker against Ballycasey last time when I got knocked out of the
saddle.
AP McCoy, rider of Carlingford Lough
A brave stayer who jumps economically is what's needed
here given the likely presence of trailblazers like Annacotty
and Corrin Wood. Ballycasey and Smad Place score well in
both categories and head the market on firm foundations,
but MANY CLOUDS has caught the eye all winter with hisaccurate fencing and appeals as a very live longer priced
each way option for Oliver Sherwood.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
8
7
5
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
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2/1
4/1
6/1
8/1
10/1
12/1
14/1
16/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
3.20pm
Wednesday 12th March
BetVictorChampion Chase
2 Miles
Sprinter Sacre was simply too good for his rivals 12 months ago.
FAVOURITES
12 of last 15 winners started at 5/1 orshorter, but only 4 favourites obliged
FORM
14 of last 21 winners had won at the
Festival before
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Since 2003, B Geraghty and R Walshhave won 8 renewals between them
SprinterSacre
1/4
Newmill16/1
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
Weve only seen him once this season because he had a bad tracheal wash.
He travelled like the best horse at Sandown, but tired very quickly. When
home his potassium levels were all wrong. Weve tinkered with his minerals
and hopefully Im not saying for certain itll make the difference.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Captain Conan
His best form has been on right-handed tracks, but this is only his secondseason over fences and he is almost the complete package, so we have to
give it a go.
Gary Moore, trainer of Sire de Grugy
He has won four of his last ve and I probably made a mistake in holding him
up when he got beat in the Paddy Power. He is best rolling along.
Ruby Walsh, rider of Arvika Ligeonniere
Shades of Hamlet without the Prince after Sprinter Sacre's
withdrawal and much revolves around how keen bookies
are to take on SIRE DE GRUGY. Expect support for several
rivals notably Arvika Ligeonniere and Benefficient but
Sire De Grugy looked better than ever when bolting up atAscot. One theory suggests that he isn't suited by
Cheltenham. I don't buy that and his credentials look very
solid indeed.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
6
11 5
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
78
9
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2.40pm
The Coral CupHurdle
Only 1 favourite has won
since 1994
No horse rated 148+ haswon this race
4.00pm
Glenfarclas CrossCountry SteepleChase
Ireland has won all but 1 of
the 9 runnings
Enda Bolger has won 4 ofthe 9 and has had 3
seconds
4.40pm
Fred WinterJuvenile Handicap
Hurdle No trainer or jockey has
won this more than once
Fillies have won 4 of the 9
runnings
5.15pm
WeatherbysChampion Bumper
5-year-olds have won 14 of
the 21 races
Willie Mullins has won 8 of
the 21 runnings
KEY TRENDS (Remainder of Day Two)
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2/1
4/1
6/1
8/1
10/1
12/1
14/1
16/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
2.40pm
Thursday 13th March
Ryanair Chase
2 Miles 5 Furlongs
Cue Card registered a second win at the Cheltenham Festival in this contest last season.
FAVOURITES
Only 2 have won
FORM
7 of the 9 winners (and 7 runners-up)had previously won at Cheltenham
TRAINER / JOCKEY
AP McCoy and R Walsh have both won 2of the 9 runnings
AlbertasRun
14/1
Fondmort100/30
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
We have been trying to ride him as a stayer and he showed in the King
George that he isnt one. This is his race and on good ground hed be a
player.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Al Ferof
Michael OLeary [boss of Ryanair] has never managed to win his own race,
but this fellow ticks all the right boxes and would have a right chance.Mouse Morris, trainer of First Lieutenant
He won the Jewson there last year, so we know he likes the track and we
have kept him fresh since he landed the Paddy Power over Christmas.
Tony Martin, trainer of Benefficient
First Lieutenant was a gallant second last year but his
record of 1-12 at this level is worrying. Forgiveness is also
needed for a couple of his main rivals, but it could prove
worthwhile for the dashing greys Al Ferof and DYNASTE.
Al Ferof got stuck in a bog at Newbury, while Dynaste hurtback muscles in the King George. Expect much better here
and Dynaste's fine second to Cue Card at Haydock makes
him a strong each way hope.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
8
11
9
AGE
LAST 9 YEARS
(only 9 renewals)
67
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25/35
2/1
4/1
6/1
8/1
10/1
12/1
14/1
16/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
3.20pm
Thursday 13th March
Ladbrokes WorldHurdle
3 Miles
Solwit (nearest camera) wont be back to defend his crown this year.
FAVOURITES
6 of last 11 favourites have won (BigBucks 3 times)
FORM
Only 8 horses outside rst 4 in the
betting have been placed since 2002
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Courtesy of Big Bucks, Nicholls is theleading trainer in race (4 wins)
Solwhit17/2
Big Bucks5/6
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
He is 10kg lighter for his comeback run in the Cleeve, in which he just got
tired from the last. He was stiff for a week afterwards but looks magnicent
now.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Big Bucks
He was still not right in the Long Walk and I should not have asked him so
many questions, but the Cleeve was much more encouraging and he is on theway back.
AP McCoy, rider of At Fishers Cross
He ran his best race against The New One there last year, and his win at
Naas last time has put him spot on.
Mouse Morris, trainer of Rule the World.
Is Big Buck's the horse he used to be as he bids to win this
for the fifth time? Probably not. Will Mullins end up running
the deeply impressive ANNIE POWER here? Probably. Will
JP McManus rely on At Fishers Cross or the exciting More
Of That? Pass. Big Buck's will raise the roof if he defiesFather Time. But can he really concede 7lb to Annie Power
aged 11? I doubt it.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
6
8
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
7
9
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1.30pm
JLT NovicesChase
Ireland has won all 3
runnings
All 3 winners had run at
Cheltenham previously
2.05pm
PertempsNetwork Final
7of last 10 winners have
carried 10st 9lb or less
The last 10 winners have all
been double-figure prices,including 2 priced at 50/1
4.00pm
Byrne GroupPlate
Only 2 winning favourites
since 1981
16 of the last 18 winners
have carried 11st or less
4.40pm
Fulke Walwyn KimMuir Challenge Cup
Handicap SteepleChase
Greasepaint was the last
Irish winner in 1983
11 of the last 16 winners
have been double-figure
prices
KEY TRENDS (Remainder of Day Three)
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Countrywide
Flame33/1
5/1
10/1
15/1
20/1
25/1
30/1
35/1
40/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
1.30pm
Friday 14th March
JCB TriumphHurdle
2 Miles 1 Furlong
Not even the rain could stop the celebrations after Our Conors victory last year.
FAVOURITES
Won just 1 of last 12
FORM
Only 2 of last 16 winners hadnt wonlast time out
TRAINER / JOCKEY
N Henderson has won a record 5Triumphs
DetroitCity7/2
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
Three out is a mile from home on the New Course, so you need a real
grinder, and that is what this fellow looked at Leopardstown. He has
improved for the visor and jumps, travels and stays.
Dessie Hughes, trainer of Guitar Pete
We would have been distraught if he had been beaten on Trials day in March
as we think he is above-average. That form is as good as any, and he looksjust the right type for the race.
Nick Williams, trainer of Le Rocher
I loved this horse when I saw him at Auteuil even before he ran, and, though
he is not what I usually look for in a Triumph candidate, being Flat-bred, he has
twice delivered at Newbury. The softer the ground the better.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Calipto
Guitar Pete looks the best of the Irish, but two British
geldings sourced in France are the pair to focus on in the
juvenile championship. Le Rocher scores heavily on course
form and stamina after a runaway January win, while
CALIPTO has abundant potential after cruising to twoNewbury wins. Le Rocher's chance will look even stronger
if it stays wet, but Calipto is improving fast and gets a
narrow vote.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS
Contest restricted
to 4-year-olds
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31/35
Best Mate8/11
2/1
4/1
6/1
8/1
10/1
12/1
14/1
16/1
SP
Year2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
WINNING STARTING PRICE
3.20pm
Friday 14th March
BetfredCheltenhamGold Cup3 Miles 2 1/2 Furlongs
Bobs Worth clears the last on his way to an emphatic victory 12 months ago.
FAVOURITES
Have won 7 of last 12
FORM
Since 1994 75 of 77 horses beaten inthe race before have been beaten again
TRAINER / JOCKEY
Ireland has had just 1 placed runnersince 2006
Synchronised
8/1
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ENGLAND v IRELAND
WHAT THE CONNECTIONS SAY(Weve sent Geoff Lester out to speak to some of the leading connections)
Leopardstown would not have been his track, nor his ground, yet he showed
he was more than just a galloper in the Lexus, and he is unbeaten around
Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson, trainer of Bobs Worth
He was going ominously well last year when tipping up three out and would
have nished rst or second. He has not stopped improving and has a bigchance.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Silviniaco Conti
He was absolutely perfect when we checked him out this morning [10th
February]. His legs are good and I couldn't be happier with him. He'll have an
easy week or 10 days now before we gear him up for Cheltenham.
Philip Fenton, trainer of Last Instalment
It's all about price with Bobs Worth. Henderson's hero is 3-
3 at the Festival, 5-5 at Cheltenham and 9-9 when he has
put his nose in front over jumps. They are formidable stats
by any standards, but SILVINIACO CONTI was cruising
when he fell three out last year and looked better than everwhen outstaying Cue Card in the King George. This will
settle all the arguments, but Conti looks the marginal value
call.
GRAHAM CUNNINGHAM'S VERDICT
7
6
9
AGE
LAST 10 YEARS8
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1. Which trainer famously had the first five home in the 1983
Cheltenham Gold Cup?
2. What is the only horse to have ever won both the Champion Hurdle
and the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
3. Hurricane Fly is out to become the first 10-year-old to win the
Champion Hurdle since whom?
4. With which horse does Quevega currently share the record of five
Festival wins with?
5. The 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup was won by a 100/1 shot. Name
the horse.
6. Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth has won at the
Festival for the last three years, taking three different races. Name
the only other horse to have accomplished this feat.7. Which trainer holds the Festival record for most wins in an
race with eight?
8. Nicky Henderson has trained a record 50 Festival winners. Which
horse took him to the landmark number?
9. Name one of the four Triumph Hurdle winners to subsequently win
the Champion Hurdle.
10.Which horse gave Ruby Walsh his last Festival winner over fences
back in 2009?
CHELTENHAM QUIZ
1.MichaelDickinson2.DawnRun3.SeaPigeon4.GoldenMiller5.NortonsCoin
6.Flyingbolt7.WillieMullins(ChampionBumper)8.BobsWorth9.ClairSoleil,PersianWar,
Kribensis,Katchit10.KautoStar(GoldCup)
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2.05pm
Vincent OBrienCounty HandicapHurdle Race
Ireland has won 6 of last 7
renewals. Brothers Willie
and Thomas Mullins havewon 3 of last 4 between
them
17 of the last 22 winners
have carried less than 11st
2.40pm
Albert BartlettNovices HurdleRace
6-year-olds have won 5 of
last 7 renewals
AP McCoy has won this 3times
4.00pm
CGA FoxhunterSteeple Chase
Challenge Cup
Only 2 of last 23 winners
were older than 10
23 of the last 28 winners
had won last time out
5.15pm
Johnny HendersonGrand Annual
Steeple ChaseChallenge Cup
13 of the last 14 winners
carried less than 11st
Only 1 horse older than 9
has won since 1997
KEY TRENDS (Remainder of Day Four)
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