Elegant Lord on his way to winning his racecourse reappearance at Leopardstown
Elegant Lord on his way to winning his racecourse reappearance at Leopardstown
Cheltenham Preview:
Supreme Novices' Hurdle- His Song(4-1), beaten only by Istabraq in his short career, this massive chestnut holds outstanding claims for the opening race as his rivals falter. Dawn Leader could only manage 3rd place at Ascot midweek, Mr.Markham went down to French Holly, and Pat Flynn's mare French Ballerina (rated 107 on the flat) missed her Leopardstown engagement due to a bruised foot. She has only ever won a maiden hurdle and was well beaten by His Song at Christmas
Arkle Chase- the English contingent appears to have good strength in depth notably with Champleve for last years winning connections (Pipe/McCoy/Johnson) but if Noel Meade gets Dardjini (6-1) there in one piece his Leopardstown form on Boxing Day should be good enough. A decision on his participation is expected next week.
Champion Hurdle- Istabraq(7-2) pleased Charlie Swan in a Friday workout and according to Aidan O'Brien has just gone into proper training. Shadow Leader disappointed once again at Sandown last week (beaten 6 lengths by Master Beveled) and Dato Star may not even run unless the ground comes up soft which looks unlikely. The opposition looks thin on the ground to Irelands first Champion Hurdler since Dawn Run in 1984.
Kim Muir Chase- Papillon has already posted a victory over the course and with Ruby Walsh, the best amateur jockey we've seen in years, in the saddle they should prove hard to beat.
Gold Card Hurdle- Tom Foley has an able Cheltenham substitute for Danoli in Go Now, a good staying hurdler who also holds an entry in the Stayers Hurdle.
Sun Alliance Hurdle- French Holly will be hard to beat with improved hurdling and he is more experienced than Sarsfield The Man who should give his new Northern Irish owner(Gary Toal-bookmaker), a good run for his money.
Champion Chase- Ask Tom(3-1) overcame illness to beat the novice Kadastrof on Saturday but it is significant that Richard Dunwoody has rejected One Man to ride Klairon Davis for Arthur Moore. He appears to be coming back to his best and has an excellent chance of regaining his crown.
Sun Alliance Chase- Florida pearl maintained his unbeaten record with a good display of jumping to overhaul Boss Doyle at Leopardstown. Willie Mullins assures us there are no stamina limitations and his nearest seemingly Escartefigue who needs soft ground and doesn't act up the Cheltenham hill, this massive horse could compensate for Harcon's defeat in the race a few years ago.
National Hunt Chase- Lucky Town has been laid out for this 4 miler by Enda Bolger and Ruby Walsh will ride. He came in for some hefty support (10-6) after an impressive point-to-point victory. JP McManus won this race with Front Line and this one could become an Irish Banker.
Mildmay Chase- All the aces was second in this race last year for JP McManus and Jonjo O'Neill and showed he was close to his best with a good second when unfancied on his recent reappearence.
Festival Bumper- Ireland have only failed to collect this race one year since its inception and Joe Mac should continue the run. The manner and subsequent form of his debut Leoardstown win plus his reputation suggest he is the best bumper runner this year. Francis Flood's To Your Honour could follow him home.
Day three preview next week.
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