Tom's Limerick selections

2.20 Illtakeitfromhere 7/2

2.50 Sir Harry Cash 11/2

3.25 Val De Ferbet 6/5

4.00 Beluckyagain 5/2 Nap

4.35 Touch The Eden 5/2

5.05 Luke's Benefit 7/1

5.35 Off The Mark 5/2 Nb

Daniels Kempton + Doncaster

SATURDAY MARCH 29TH

DONCASTER 

2.05- CUSTOM CUT 13/2 EW

3.50- TRES CORONAS 14/1 EW

KEMPTON

2.20- CONTRIBUTOR 3/1 (WON)

4.40- SET THE TREND 3/1

Daniels Dubai World Cup Night

SATURDAY MARCH 29TH

1:10- GODOLPHIN MILE 

VARIETY CLUB 5/1 (WON)

1:45- DUBAI GOLD CUP

SIMENON 6/1

2:25- UAE DERBY

LONG JOHN 7/4

3:03- AL QUOZ SPRINT

SHEA SHEA 11/8

3:41- GOLDEN SHAHEEN

REYNALDOTHEWIZARD 4/1

4:39- DUBAI DUTY FREE

JUST A WAY 7/2 (WON)

5:17- DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC

GENTILDONNA 9/2 (WON)

6:05- DUBAI WORLD CUP

BELSHAZZER 14/1 EW

Tom's 2yos To Follow List

I've wanted for awhile to do a blog post on two year olds. I love the challenge of trying to unearth the next superstar of the racing world. There is a lot of guess work in looking at two year old un raced types as no one really knows how good there going to be until the make the race course. Majority of them will be hyped through whispers from the yards. There's thousands of two year fillies and colts. Below is a list of 20 colts and 15 fillies, unfortunately some of them are still yet to be named. I will name them once they are named. Over the course of the season I'll put in there results under their names and hopefully some of these will go on and become classic contenders for 2015

I have picked so many of each because some still haven't been named and nominated for who's training them. If some are to be trained in other countries than Ireland and England. I'll put them onto another list at the bottom. Plus some might not make the track as a 2yo especially the ROTW brother as neother the Derby winner or their sibling brother madecthe course at 2.

Colts

Angel Vision  -  Oasis Dream  x  Islington   -  Sir Michael Stoute -  4th 


Hakka   -   Dansili  x  African Rose   -   Sir Michael Stoute - unraced


Eisenhower  -  War Front  x    Volga    -     Aidan O'Brien - unraced      


Crafty Choice  - Intikhab  x  Song Of Passion  -  Richard Hannon 4 wins from 6 starts


Flyball  - Proclamation  x  Bella Bertolini  -  Richard Hannon 1 win from 5 

Unnamed -  Galileo  x  Halfway To Heaven   - Aidan O'Brien


Unnamed -  Galileo x Love Me True -  Aidan O'Brien     Full brother to Derby winner Ruler of the World


Unnamed -  Galileo x Riskaverse  - Aidan O'Brien


Ol'man River -  Montjeu x Finscseal Beo - Aidan O'Brien - 2 wins from 2 starts, including group race


Clowance One  -  Oasis Dream  x  Clowance   -   Roger Charlton - unraced 


Elgin  -  Duke Of Marmalade  x  China Tea  -  James Fanshawe - Unraced 


Miro  -  Rock Of Gibraltar  x  Mission Secrete   -  James Fanshawe - Unraced 


Unnamed  -  Oasis Dream  x  Briolette  -  Godolphin


Unnamed  -  New Approach  x  Cheerleader  -  Godolphin


Algonquin  -  Archipenko  x  Alborado  - Jim Bolger - 1 win from 2 starts


Almohtaseb  - Oasis Dream  x  Cuis Ghaire  -  Roger Varian -  Unraced 


Unnamed -  Shamardal  x Deveron  -  Godolphin


Unnamed -  Blame  x  Rock Candy  -  Hamdan Al Maktoum ( owner )


Unnamed  -  New Approach  x  Gleam Of Light  -  Godolphin


Synodic  -  Henrythenavigator  x Seven Moons  -  Flaxman Stables Ltd  - 0 from 1

Fillies

Simply A Star  -  Giant's Causeway  x Cherry Hinton  - Aidan O'Brien 1 win and 4 places from 8 starts

Absorbing  -  Duke Of Marmalade  x  Sanctify   -   Aidan O'Brien - 0 from 3

Words  -  Dansili   x  Moonstone   -   Aidan O'Brien -  1 win from 1 start

Hawraa  -  Dansili  x  Bethrah  -   Dermot Weld - unraced 

Ghayaheeb  -  Dansili  x  Eshaadeh   -  John Gosden - Unraced 

Mosuo  -   Oasis Dream  x   Light Shift   -   Lady Cecil - unraced 

Yarrow   - Sea The Stars  -  Highland Gift   -   Sir Michael Stoute -  0 from 2 

Mouradh  -  Fastnet Rock  x  Olympienne  -  Sir Michael Stoute - unraced 


Midnite Ride -  Footstepsinthesand  x  Takaliyda  -  Richard Fahy - 0 from 3


Unnamed -  Galileo  x Alluring Park  -  Shk Al Thani (owner)


Lady Of Dubai  -  Dubawi  x  Lady Of Everest  -  Luca Cumani - 1 from 4, two places 


Unnamed  - Montjeu  x  Arbella   - Qatar Racing ( owner )


Allez Alaia - Pivotal  x  Cassandra Go -   Roger Charlton - unraced 


Unnamed  - Speightstown  x  African Skies  -  Mrs R G Hillen (owner)

Tom's Dubai world cup night

The magical world cup night is on Saturday 29th March. You won't see a near a spectacle anywhere in the world like you'll see on the opening ceremony.

World Cup night is the most valuable race meeting in the world with millions on offer to the victors of the prestigious races. Highlight of the night is the main event, the Dubai world cup race. Won by some of the greatest horses ever to have lined up. Won last year by the mighty Animal Kingdom.

Who'll take this years running???

It's not often you get to see European classic winners taking on classic winners from the other continents. That shows the draw this carnival has.

1.10 Godolphin Mile sponsored by Meydan Sobha - Variety Club 5/1

I think this horse is a super star. Yes Shuruq came and pipped him last time out but this will be ran at a faster pace and with the way this fella travels on the front( will stay further)  I believe he'll reverse the form with the filly. Could have been drawn better!

1.45 Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors - Simenon 6/1

The longer the distance, the better we see this horse go. Didn't put up much of a challenge against Cavalryman last time out but that was over a shorter distance. Stepping back up to the 3,200 m is a positive. Last time he ran over that distance he was only beaten 2 1/4 lengths in the Melbourne cup by Fiorente. There's nothing in the field of that quality. Willie Mullins wouldn't send him back here of he didn't think he had a chance.

2.25 UAE Derby sponsored by The Saeed and Mohammad Al Naboodah Group - Giovanni Boldini 3/1 + Sir John Hawkins 14/1 e/w

Giovanni Boldini ran his best race last time out when narrowly going down to Outstrip at the Breeders Cup. Big fan of Long John but I don't think he wants more than the mile. GB receives 4.5 kgs which is a massive weight to give away to a classy horse.

Sir John Hawkins, one of the best bred horses around. First time on AW but is definitely bred for it. Didn't really live up to the hype last term but hoping for a good show here. 14s I think is very big. Also receives all the weight from Long John. Trainer Aidan O Brien has won this race twice.

3.05 Al Quoz Empowered by IPIC - Shea Shea 6/4 + Joy And Fun 20/1

Shea Shea came back with a bang last time when narrowly beating Ahtoug here. Star trainer Mike De Kock said he will come ona lot for that run. Winner of this race last year before going off on his European travels. Loves it here.

Joy And Fun at 20/1 is huge value in my opinion. Second in this race last year when beaten less than a length. Not overly worked since then having ran only once when losing to Lord Kanalola, the superstar Japanese sprinter.

3.45 Dubai Golden Shaheen sponsored by Gulf News - Rich Tapestry 11/4 NAP 

Nowhere near the 12/1 he was last time out. He was super impressive when cruising into the race and then been asked to go win it he certainly did that. Faces most of them again here. If you look at his form closely you'll see a loss by second fav Sterling City. That day he was giving SC five pounds and was hampered at vital stages near the end. Don't see why he won't reverse placings with him especially been now on level weights.

4.40 Dubai Duty Free sponsored by Dubai Duty Free - Vercingetorix 13/2

One of the horses at the center of the team tactics fiasco. He would have won even if he had to come around Anaerobio. Pat Cosgrave just didn't have to make it so obvious. Enough talking about the negatives.

This horse has gone from strength to strength on every run. Faces his toughest test to date yet in this but I feel he'll be up to the challenge. Unbeaten in his career so far. Can get bored but can fight when he needs to. Will get the distance having won his two starts over course and distance. Will get towed into the race by anaerobio (no one mention the word pacemaker shhhhhhh).

Very surprised to see The Fugue in this race and not in either the Sheema classic or world cup. Don't think she'll be quick enough for this. Just A Way and Dank are two main dangers. This will possibly be the race of the night.

5.20 Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines - Magician 7/2

Was giving one of the greatest rides I've seen when coming from a different state to win the Breeders Cup Turf beating the Fugue. Doesn't have the services of Ryan Moore this time( rides Gentildonna) but Joseph won this race last year on I'll fated star St Nicholas Abbey beating Gentildonna comfortably. Magician in my opinion is the fastest horse in the race but he'll stay this trip all day long. I wonder what Festive Cheer is doing in this race.. Don't say it..

Magician will have to fight off an ageing Cirrus Des Angles, he himself a winner of this race and Gentildonna. The superstar mare from the all conqeroring Sunday Racing Company. Surprised she hasn't been whisked off to the breeding sheds already.

6.05 Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines - Ron The Greek 16/1 e/w

Have spent days trying to work out this race. So many questions to be answered!  I love Ruler Of The World and would be delighted if he won but will he act on the aw? Will Kieran Fallon remain unbeaten on Prince Bishop? All the Japanese horses form contradicts one another, who's actually the best? Is Sanshaawes a group 1 horse?

I've gone for Ron The Greek at a big price. Ran well enough on his only run on the aw and that was over a much shorter distance. Has some top American form beating Palace Malice two runs back over this distance. Beat superstar miler Wise Dan. Twice a distance winner. He would add to the US's good record in this race having won it with Curlin, Well Armed and most recently Animal Kingdom winning last year.

Sit back and watch a truly amazing race card.

Thanks for reading my post and feel free to comment and any of my picks whether you agree / disagree.

Tom.

Daniels Sunday Bets

SUNDAY MARCH 23RD

MARKET RASEN

3:00- WINTER ALCHEMY 9/2 *

5:00- THE GREY TAYLOR 10/3 *

WINCANTON

4:45- TIME TO THINK 11/4 *

CURRAGH

3:40- ODELIZ 5/1 *

4:40- SHIPYARD 15/2 EW + THATS PLENTY 20/1 EW

* LUCKY 15

Tom's Curragh selections

Finally the flat season has come back. This season has to the potential to be an absolute belter with so many stars from the 2013 season coming back along with southern hemisphere superstars coming to Europe for a campaign.

Curragh

2.10 Tally Ho Stud European Breeders Fund Maiden - Bwana 8/1 e/w 


2.40 Elusive Pimpernel Maidien - Aerialist 10/3 & Taggeen 33/1 e/w


3.10 Trinity Racing Society Handicap - Caprella 16/1 e/w 


3.40 Lodge Park Stud European Breeders Fund Park Express Stakes - Wannabe Better 3/1


4.10 Johnny Murtagh Lifetime Achievement In Racing Madrid Handicap - Third Dimension 10/1 e/w


4.40 WWW.Tote.com Irish Lincolnshire - Beacon Lodge 18/1 e/w & Cheval Rouge 25/1 e/w


5.10 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden - Alkasser 8/1 e/w & Spirited 25/1 e/w

Only playing small stakes today as there's a lot of unknown 

Tom's Rosehill selections

Race 1 Bacardi Maurice McCarten Stakes - Flamberge 19/5

Race 2  Apn Outdoor - Charge Missile 17/5

Race 3 The Other Woman Todman Stakes - Unencumbered 14/5

Race 4 Parramatta Leagues Reisling Stakes - Earthquake 4/5

Race 5 McGrath Agents Sky High Stakes - Diametric 19/5

Race 6 Highland Race Colour Stakes - Messene 21/10

Race 7 Coolmore Classic - Sharnee Rose 10/1 ew & A Time For Julia 14/1

Race 8 Randvet Stakes - It's A Dundeel 21/10 & Carlton House 10/1 ew

Race 9 Cellebrations Phar Lap Stakes - Guelph 21/10

Tom's Monday selections

Happy St Patricks Day

2.30 Wexford - Sardinia 6/1

3.05 Wexford - Ontopoftheworld 3/1

3.35 Wexford - Cordelia Belle 11/1

4.05 Wexford - Mrs Mac Veale 7/1

4.35 Wexford - Foritsa 4/1

5.05 Wexford - Boxer Beat 10/3

5.35 Wexford - Spirit Of Afection 11/2

1.45 Down Royal - Black Spot On 6/4

2.15 Down Royal - Lortzing 10/1

2.45 Down Royal - Tipped Up Harry 11/2

3.15 Down Royal - Bog Warrior 5/4

3.45 Down Royal - Mr Cosmopolitan 13/8

4.15 Down Royal - Davy From Milan 15/8

4.45 Down Royal - Rivieria Sun 2/1 Nap

Tom's Cheltenham day 4 selections

Day 3 got off to a crazy start. First the day was blanketed in fog and few murmurs about would they allow the,racing to go ahead on time. Thankfully they allowed it to ( wish they restarted it myself)  go off on time.

The JLT Novices Chase got the day under way and for what it lacked in opening talent like the previous two days,it made up for it in drama. Firstly Oscar Whisky and Mozoltov didn't even jump the first safely. Then Djackadam was a faller. Three of the field that did make it around in one piece fought out a great battle up the hill. Ap finally getting his name on a winner having fought off long time leader in Uxizandre and Double Ross.

The Pretemps was next up and what a finish that was!! For the second day in a row Dickie Johnson does the wonders for the blog getting Fingal Bay up in a photo finish. Some people say every race means the same to the jockey. Look at Darryl Jacob at the finish. and you'll see that wins here mean a tad bit more.

The Ryanair Chase was next up and I couldn't be more happier, not just because I backed him,  that Dynaste finally got his head in front at the festival. Had his heart broke many a times by Big Bucks and then seemed to throw in the towel all too often. Tom Scudamore gave him a perfect ride too.

The World hurdle = wow!!!! What a race. The old champ couldn't go with them but he has passed the torch onto two crackers. All the talk was about Annie Power and would she stay and despite Mick Fitzgerald saying otherwise,  yes she stayed the trip and very well. She just happened to find another Un tapped potential star in More Of That too good. He looks like he'll stay all day long too. As I said on twitter,  the racing world may lose Big Bucks and Hurricane Fly but with these two plus Vautour and Faugheen the racing world is in great hands. Can't wait for their next clash.. Unbelievable performances.

The Byrne Group Plate went the way of Ballynagour under a fine ride by Tom Scudamore( starting to repeat myself). This horse was all the,talk last year for been so well handicapped and today was his day to shine.

The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir rounded out another top days racing. Just like yesterday Robbie McNamara produces the goods. This time he led them on a merry dance on Spring Heeled, who led from pillar to post staying on very well top give him a double for the week.


On to todays action.


1.30 Jcb Triumph Hurdle

This was won in fantastic fashion by I'll fated Our Conor last season. Don't think there is anything of that quality in it this year. The horse I've gone with is CALIPTO ( 6/1 Ap) for Paul Nicholls . Think lad could be very good. Comfortably beat classy Actival when then franked that form when hosing up next time out. Calipto could be the horse to break Nicholls drought (no winners at the time of this post).

Win - Calipto 7/2



2.05 Vincent O Brien

This race is a minefield of a race with so many potentially very well handicapped horses in it. I've gone for two in this as I couldn't narrow it down to one. First is Diakali,  grade 1 winner in France,  his run last time out was too bad to be true and could be hard to catch if he gets a handy lead. The other one is Alaivan. One end of the weights to the other. Has been running ok this season without starring but has talented young apprentice on board and this wouldn't be Jonjo's first festival plot.

Ew - Diakali 20/1 & Alaivan 16/1


2.40 Albert Bartlett

Won last year by At Fishers Cross . The horse I've gone for here also won at the festival last year, Briars Hill. Has kinda gone under the radar due to the weapons Willie has this year. Has progressed really well since he started jumping obstacles. Has had the,stones backed off him for this too. Will love the pace this is ran at, will go on the ground, the step up in trip will be a help too.

Win - Briars Hill 11/10


3.20 Gold Cup

The main of event of the jump racing calendar. This race revolves around only two horses for me. First is the reigning champion BOBS WORTH. Can have his momentarily lack of knowledge of how to jump but when he gets it right he is a machine. Loves it around here. Multiple festival winner. It unbeaten at the track so the dreaded hill will have no fears. Jumps cleanly,  he wins.. Simples.. The second horse is FINAL INSTALMENT. Delighted he is finally getting to grace this magical jumps meeting having missed so many down to injuries. He put in the greatest round of jumping I've seen when winning last time out. Everyone was inch perfect. His jumping will give BW all he can handle here. And I think he'll go close. If BW could jump like LF then there would be no need for two selections.

Win - Bobs Worth 13/8 &  ew - Last Instalment 7/1


4.00 Foxhunters Chase

The amateurs gold cup.. Jane Mangan went so close in this last year when jumping the last with a clear lead only to be unshipped by Oscar Delta after the last. The horse I fancy is HARBOUR COURT . Very unlucky not to be undefeated having been brought down by a faller last time. Hopefully will have no effects of that tip and will run his race. Bolted up over course and distance on debut. Big chance.

Win - Harbour Court 4/1


4.40 Martin Pipe hurdle

My original ante post selections have gone in this race so I'm going with DON POLI. Would very well last time out and will stay further than this. Good jockey on board and trained by the master in Mullins. Good vibes about for this one.

Win - Don Poli 9/1


5.15 Grand Annual Chase

This is race that JP and Nicky Henderson always have a strong hand in. JP winning the last two years. This race is run in remembrance of Nickys father. Have gone with two horses in this to try end the festival with a winner. EASTLAKE,  course and distance winner who could be on a good weight and French Opera,  twice a runner up in this race in the past. Jockey had a good win earlier on at the festival

Ew - Eastlake 16/1 & French Opera 20/1


So that is it.. The end of a magical four days with some real highs and extreme lows. We've seen stars coming to the festival for their last time and we've seen the new lot stamp their names into people's minds and thoughts for the remainder of the season and for so on into the future. Hope you all have had a good week and found a winner or two a long the way. Thanks for taking the time to read my posts and hopefully they were more a help than a hindrance.

Thanks
Tom :)

Tom's Cheltenham day 3 selections

What a way to start day 2!! For anyone that doesn't watch Irish racing a new star was unveiled with a bang for them. For those that do watch knew to get all the early prices that were around.

The horse I'm talking abt was Faugheen. Jumps like a boat most of the time but has a serious engine. This race had deja vu wrote all over it for some people. A Mullins hotpot been backed like defeat wasn't an option as was Pont Alexandre last year. Unlike PA,  Faugheen delivered the goods in blistering fashion. I nearly swallowed my head when he clattered the third last but soon collected himself before powering up the hill to victory.

The RSA Chase was an epic battle over 3 miles which ended with O Faolains Boy just out lasting Smad Place to win. The race was full of jumping mistakes and thankfully all the horses and jockeys that fell got back home safely.

The Coral Cup proved another very close race with the festivals most unluckiest horse GET ME OUT OF HERE going down to WHISPER by a short head,  GMOOH has not lost four races at Cheltenham by about a combined distance of a length.

The Champion Chase all revolved around Sire De Grugy. Horse won won around Cheltenham before. Doesn't like going left handed. Jamie Moore never won one of the big ones. Well now you can check all those of the list. I got caught up in the stats about him and felt he couldn't do in this race. I was WRONG. And what a way to win it too. Dismantled them easily.

The Glenfarlcas cross country is one of my favourite races at the meeting. The only thing they don't jump is the hot dog stand. BALTHAZAR KING :) yet again proved his love for the place with an incredible win holding off Any Currency, barely..

The Fred Winter was as packed full of drama. Hawk High won at 33/1 beaten the Paul Nicholls runner Katgary who was hampered 2 out. That placing Costco punter the tote jackpot :/. The race was marred by the unfortunate death of Akdam who might have had the same stardom about him as poor Our Conor yesterday but his passing is still felt the same :( and the news that future champion jockey Bryan Cooper looks to have broken his leg.. Again.

The Weatherbys Champion Bumper went to the master that is Dermot Well with Silver Concorde and Robbie McNamara winning nicely from Ruby and Shaneshill. It was a 1-2-3-4 for Ireland in the race.

Gutted to hear Stack The Deck passed away in the bumper today. Have said it many a time that we should cherish every single horse whether their a global star or a maiden. 

On to todays

1.30 JLT Novices Chase

My winner of this race is Oscar Whisky. Loves it around Cheltenham whether jumping fences or hurdles. Has the man of the moment Barry Geragthy in the saddle. Didn't have the pace to win a Champion hurdle nor the,stamina to win a World Hurdle. Seems to have found his perfect trip in this.

Win - Oscar Whisky 6/1

2.05 Pretemps Network Final Hurdle

It was great to see FINGAL BAY come back with a win after been off the track with what seemed forever. Had the,world at his feet when beating star Simonsig as a novice. Yet to be out of the first two over hurdles. Will handle any ground. Big chance.

Win - Fingal Bay 5/1

2.40 Ryanair Chase

This race, just like the Queen mother has lost some of its razzmatazz with injuries and defections of some of the star entries. The horse I fancy for this is DYNASTE. Has some of the best form of this field. Likes Cheltenham. Gave up trying to beat Big Bucks. Wasn't beaten far by super star CUE CARD two runs back. Pipe is quietly confident.

Win - Dynaste 10/3

3.20 World Hurdle

This is the first time I've gone through this race in a long time and not selected BIG BUCKS when entered. This,race,should be a cracker. Ap McCoy may have picked the wrong horse in this. Ruby races against BB for the first time in this race with my selection, ANNIE POWER. Had entries to all the top races. Yet to run over 3 mile trip but all the indications that she'll get are there. Remarkably has won all ten races at the different tracks. Looks another star for the Ricci world domination squad.

Win - Annie Power 13/8

4.00 Byrne Group Plate

Not a race that that I'm getting very heavily involved in. Have gone with TAP night. Has been a tad unlucky in some of his runs this year. Did run very well in a good handicap last time out here and Geragthy takes the ride. Heard a few whispers that JP fancies this one and it's not as if the champ McCoy has ever chosen the wrong horse before cough* Jezki.

Win Tap Night 8/1

4.40 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir

Indian Castle (8/1 ante) thankfully runs in this rather the,festival Handicap on Tuesday. Never out of the first two including 4 wins, one of them here when beating classy Annacotty. Has won over this distance on the two times he ran it. Tough horse. Has top amateur rider on board.

Win - Indian Castle 5/1

Tom's Cheltenham day 2 selections

So the festival finally got going and what a start it was. Vautour got the meeting off with an unbelievable performance to silence some people that said all he is a hype horse. Next up was a real ding dong battle between Champagne Fever and victor Western Warhorse. WW out fought the previous dual festival winner. In the 3rd race it turned out to be another battle up the hill with thankfully  Holywell prevailing at a tasty price. The fourth race was the race of the day and I had it down to be the best of the festival. This race was mixed with the extremes highs and lows of the game we love. The highs were dual up the hill between the two McManus runners with Jezki out staying My Tent Or Yours with the very unlucky The New One coming up the hill like a steam train after been badly hampered. The lows and christ it was a sad state which I WON'T LIE BROUGHT MORE THAN ONE TEAR TO MY EYE when poor Our Conor lay on the ground with the vets unable to save the future champion after he fell badly. Sleep tight champ :( .

On a brighter note the queen that is QUEVEGA made history by winning her race for the 6th time in a row. She didn't look like she was going to get there but she has a heart of a lion and wore down her stablemate up the hill. Next up was the 4 miler. I love this race for some reason and after the extreme distance there was only a head between Midnight Prayer and Shotgun Paddy with the former winning. The last race proved to be another close fought running with very unlucky Attaglance been hampered at the last and then running on strongly to be beat half length by Present View

On to day two

1.30 Neptune Novice  Hurdle

Just like the Supreme,this race is packed full of potential champions of the future from both sides of the Irish sea. The horse I'm siding with here is another Mullins / Ricci / Walsh weapon to start the day. FAUGHEEN , he ran over 3 miles to get him to relax more and to fix his jumping. This horse has so much potential that it's scary. He destroyed JOSSE HILL by 22 lengths on debut and JH finished second behind super star VAUTOUR in the Supreme in the opening rac of the festival. He's unbeaten in four starts so far and it will take something special to stop him making if 5 out 5.

Win -Faugheen 9/4 -1st

2.05 RSA Chase

When I started looking through this race one thing jumped out at me. The favourite , BALLYCASEY is in the wrong race in my opinion . Would be much better suited to the shorter Ryanair. Never won over 3 miles before and I don't see that changing here. If he gets any shorter I will be laying him if he gets any shorter. My selection in this race is CORRIN WOOD. Has taken to chasing very well since his switch from hurdling. Unbeaten in his three chases beating promising chaser BLACK THUNDER last time out. Will handle the drying ground and stays further than this. Trainer Donald McCain has been very bullish about this ones chances.

Win - Corrin Wood 9/1 - u/p

2.40  Coral Cup

This race has a tendency to throw up a big priced winner and I believe this one to be the same. The added spice of Dunguib entering this race adds a touch of real class to this years renewal. Last years winner MEDINAS has decided to try him arm in the World Hurdle taking my ante post bet with him. Back to the drawing board has thrown up an interesting one in PARTY ROCK. Form hasn't been the best but has won on his only start at cheltenham and that was over course and distance. Notable jockey booking. Beat talented Creepy that day. Will handle the drying ground and there is loads of talk around my town about this one too.

Win - Party Rock 20/1 - u/p 

3.20 Queen Mother Champion Chase

This race used to be a real highlight for me over the four days but with out the appearance of the black aeroplane Sprinter Sacre is a huge loss not just for this race but for racing in general. Sire De Grugy is now the favourite but has never won at Cheltenham. I think there is real value to be had in this race and I believe HINTERLAND is good enough to be involved in this race. Trainer knows what it takes to win this race. Hinterland is a grade 1 winner and has ran very well here on his only three runs. One win,a second and a third .Good to see Noel Fehily keeps the ride too ride too which is a positive . Could be a real dark horse in this race.

Win - Hinterland 11/1 - Fell

4.00 Glenfarclas Handicap Chase

Another one of these extreme distance races that I LOVE. This race has every thing that you could ask for. Nearly four miles, packed with drama and all types of obstacles to jump. Enda Bolger has farmed this race in the past but it is another previous winner that I'm going with and thats BALTHAZAR KING. Two time course and distance winner and has a total of 6 wins at the track. Has been here so many times that there isn't a blade of grass that it hasn't seen. Is good form and loves this stamina test . Big chance.

Win - Balthazar King 6/1 - 1st

4.40 Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle

Had this originally line up for Guitar Pete to win and I believe his trainer has made a mistake going for the Triumph on Friday instead of this. I've gone for a horse that he beat very comfortably last time out in ORLILGO BAY. Was no match for GP that day but he was running on ground that he absolutely hated. Gets much better ground today . Beat reopposing Clarcam on debut comfortably. Didn't handle the soft going next time out. With the good weather spell drying the ground , the conditions will be to suit. Wasn't a bad animal on the flat either.

Win - Orliglo Bay 16/1 -3rd

5.15 Weatherbys Champion Bumper

This may come as a strange decision to go against the Willie Mullins battalion in a race that he has won four times on the last nine years,including the last two. Ruby surprised everyone by winning at 25/1 last year on Briars Hill ( favourite for the Albert Bartlett on Friday) . Bookies haven't made that mistake again here with pricing him up as favourite. The horse I've gone with is by another trainer who has won this race before. That horse is aptly named VALUE AT RISK. Winner of two out of his three bumper runs and in his one defeat,on debut, he ran a very good race going down by very talented VERY WOOD. On debut Value At Risk finished ahead of Western Boy who has gone onto greater things. Don't be surprised to see this one storming up the hill.

Win - Value At Risk 12/1 - u/p

Tom's Cheltenham day 1 selections

It's got to stage where I've had to do a new festival blog with at least 10 horses either not taking up their entries that I had them in for or have suffered injuries. The festival has already lost two stars in Sprinter Sacre and Cue Card not turning up, anymore would be an absolute disaster. Hope you all have a fantastic week racing and cherish all the horses,not just the ones you've backed.

Best of luck.

The fantastic four days racing starts with the grade 1 Supreme Novices Hurdle.

1.30 I'm a big fan of the favourite Irving but can't see him winning this race at all. Don't think he'd have the fight in him for a battle up the hill. I've sided with the Irish raider VAUTOUR 3/1 to get the week off on a good note. Arrived with alot of hype and has been able to back it up in many different ways. His best performances to date has to be the beaten he handed out to dual grade 1 winner THE TULLOW TANK and when fighting off talented WESTERN BOY in a great battle. Looks to have it all. A lot of excitement lies ahead with this one.

Win - Vautour 3/1,  each way selection - The Liquidator 20/1

Vautour - 1st,  The,Liquidator 12th

The Arkle is next up.

2.05 Not a fan of Champagne Fever for some reason. Won the Supreme very well last season but hasn't impressed since in my opinion. The horse that has stood out for me especially after his last run is TRIFOLIUM. He won the Irish equivalent in a hack. Smart jumper and will love the speed that this will be ran at. He beat a very good field in the Arkle and having course form (third in the Supreme on only start here) I can't see him not winning.

Win - Trifolium 6/1 - 3rd

2.40 Festival Handicap

Always a competitive race. First handicap race of the festival. Horse that really stood out for me in this field is HOLYWELL. In cracking form. Won at the festival last year before pushing world Hurdle winner Solwhit all the way at Aintree. Has nothing of that standard to contend with here. Really think it has a great chance.

Win- Holywell 12/1 -1st

3.20 The race of the week has to be the Stan James Champion Hurdle. So many divided opinions on this race and most of them revolve around the defending champion, HURRICANE FLY. In no other sport would you find a champion that majority of people are trying to find faults and holes in. " he's too old ",  "won't handle the new pretenders" and "what has he really beat". Been 11 this might be the last time see this great horse at the festival and if he was to win this for his 20th,  yup world record 20th grade one race I will cry. This would be his greatest win in my opinion and then it would shut up all his nay sayers and critics once and for all.

Hurricane Fly 5/2 -4th

4.00 They have finally moved this race time so people can get to see the super mare QUEVEGA. The queen of Cheltenham,  going for her sixth win in this race. There should be nothing at all in this race to give her any trouble whatsoever. Few rumours that,this might be her last festival as well. Sit back and watch history

Win - Quevega 4/6 -1st

4.40 National Hunt Chase

In my opinion you'd have,to be,a,brave sole to back Foxrock at 11/4 over a mile more than he's ran before at a track he's never ran at. I could be,absolutely wrong about him but I'd rather lay him than back him. I've backed two in this race ( not including my two ante post nrs)SHOTGUN PADDY 9/2 is the first one. Not the greatest of prices for a race like this but at least has won over a distance even further than this last time out. Big plus is the jockey booking of star apprentice Derek O Connor. Second is MERLINS WISH 40/1 another to have won over extreme distances on two occasions in lessers race but still had the stamina to do so. Won't want it to dry out any more.

Win - Shotgun Paddy 9/2 - 2nd, ew - Merlins Wish 40/1 - fell laying -Foxrock 11/4 - lay won

5.15 Rewards4racing Novices Chase

Tricky race to end day one with a couple of potential well handicapped horses in here. There's definitely value to be had in this is  race as the favourite is near enough to double figures in price.  Have gone for Attaglance. Not the most frequent winner but often runs a good race. Ran a creditable race ib fourth over course and distance in the back end of 2013. Previous course and distance winner, albeit over hurdles but he does know what it takes to win at the festival. Trainer has been known to throw up a big price winner here too.

Win - Attaglance 14/1 - 2nd

Super Saturday

Flemington - prices are from Bet365 starts 1.10am

Race 1 CLEAR TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes - Ygritte 2.8 - won her trial comfortably. Wob race debut in good style. Next up was a group 3 where she was beaten a length by talented Mossfun. By sire of the SNITZEL. 2nd

Race 2 CLEAR Miss Security Stakes - Gregors 4.6 - Has contested some of the top races down under. Not beaten very far when fourth to below mentioned Lankan Rupee. Was 2 lbs overweight that day too. 2nd

Race 3 CLEAR Henry Bucks Sires' Produce Stakes - Marcado 3.2 - won nicely on debut in a listed despite a bad start. 3rd

Race 4 CLEAR Schweppeverscence Trophy - Bonaria 3.4 - Group 3 winner, in doing so beat a couple of these. Always seems to run a big race and this looks like no different. Two time course and distance winner. 1st

Race 5 CLEAR TAB Kewney Stakes - Solicit 2.0 - very talented filly. Won last time out over course and distance in a group 3 very comfortably. Has tendency to jump awkwardly at the start but has shown the talent and the fight to get back into her races. Second favourite for the Australian Oaks. 1st

Race 6 CLEAR Newmarket Handicap - Lankan Rupee 4/1 - speedball!! Multiple group winner and last time out show real speed to win the group 1 Oakleigh plate. Taken on the best Australia has to offer here but has the class to prevail. 1st

Race 7 CLEAR Darley Australian Cup - Shamus Award 4/1 - Cox Plate winner and recently became first horse to back it up in Australian Guineas. Had Fiorente behind when winning the Cox Plate. 6th

Race 8 CLEAR Incognitius Blamey Stakes - Setorius 2.9 - touched off by star Sprinter Moment Of Change last time out over 7f, will appreciate the step back up to a mile. 2/3 over the distance. 3rd

Race 9 CLEAR Super Saturday Stakes - The United States 7.0 - very surprised to see this one sold out of Coolmore. Bog fab of this horse. Very good temperament and not only has he good speed he has will stay further than this. One to keep an eye on for the rest of the season. 4th

Meydan - prices are from William Hills as of 5.33pm

1.10 Al Bastakiya - Emirates Flyer 15/8 - has best form in the race. Raced against some of the best Europe has to offer and was only beaten by star Long John last time out. Nothing of that quality in this. 2nd

1.45 Meydan Sprint - Shea Shea 13/8 - South African speed ball. Course and distance winner. Ran very well with out winning in Europe last season. Had the measure of European conqueror Sole Power here last term and looks set to do so again. SP doesn't seem to enjoy the course. 1st

2.25 Mahab Al Shimaal - Rich Tapestry 12/1 - Not a prolific winner having only passed the post in front once but that win was in a group 2 in Hong Kong. Off for a few months so should be fresh and has a good draw.. Soft Falling Rain 10/3 was one of the stars of the carnival last year. Winning at multiple distances. Grade 1 winner of the distance in his native SA. Didn't take to the European leg of his season,  ending up with been eased on heavy ground last time. Nothing like that to deal with here and hopefully the star from 2013 turns up. Entitled to need this and has a bad draw. From his draw he will be finishing like a train. One for in running backers. RICH TAPESTRY - 1st

3.00 Burj Nahaar - Variety Club 5/4 - anyone that reads my blog knows that I love this horse. Truly a champion. Took to unknown conditions as if he ran on it all his life. Gets any distance. Star!! 2nd 

3.35 Dubai City Of Gold - Battle Of Marengo 14/1 - Last chance for this fella. Another switch of yards but in my opinion a better move for him to David Simcocks. Forget his last run on aw. A more positive run like when he made the pace in the derby should see him in better light.

4.10 Al Maktoum R3 - Prince Bishop 5/1- was pretty useful in France. A good winner last time out under Kieran Fallon. Fallon is two for two on him and looks certain to be in the thick of things again. 1st

4.45 Jebel Hatta - Vercingetorix 2/1- like Variety Club,  Vercingetorix can do it all. Will give your heart a few extra beats when he gets to the front as he gets bored but always seems to tough out win after win. 1st 

Warwick 

4.40  Chipping Norton Stakes - Boban 4.5 1st

6.00 Surround Stakes -  Guelph 5.8 8th

Santa Anita

11.30 Frank E. Kilroe Stakes - Za Approval 7/2

11.59 Santa Anita Handicap - Mucho Macho Man 7/4

Tom's Monday selections

5.15 Kempton - Peace Seeker 5/1 Nap

Had been running very well legend last seen and in much better company too. Dropping back down to two classes to class 4 should see this one right in the mix. Last two runs in C4 have resulted in wins albeit on turf but is a dual course and distance winner here at a that he performs at very well. Wasn't beaten very far over course and distance in class 2 company when last here. Only once out of the first three and that was over 7f. Handy draw also.

4.15 Kempton - Shalambar 15/8 Nb

Bolted in over course and distance last time out. Gone up 6lb for that win but the way he won that race I believe that extra rise will be no problem. 4 time winner around here. Very good jockey on board, I'd be disappointed if not upto winning this.

Daniels Cheltenham Antepost

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2014

DAY 1

1.30- SKY BET SUPREME NOVICE HURDLE

WIN BET - IRVING 9/4 (UP)

2.05- RACING POST ARKLE CHALLENGE

WIN BET - TRIFOLIUM 5/1 (3RD)

2.40- FESTIVAL HANDICAP CHASE

EW BET - TIME FOR RUPERT 12/1 (UP)

3:20- STAN JAMES CHAMPION HURDLE

WIN BET - THE NEW ONE 3/1 (3RD)

4:00- OLBG MARES HURDLE

EW BET - HIGHLAND RETREAT 14/1 (UP)

4:40- NATIONAL HUNT CHASE

EW BET - MIDNIGHT PRAYER 9/1 (WON)

5:15- NOVICE HANDICAP CHASE

EW BET - ATTAGLANCE 14/1 (2ND)



DAY 2


1:30- NEPTUNE INVESTMENT NOVICE HURDLE

WIN BET - FAUGHEEN 11/4 (WON)


2:05- RSA CHASE

EW BET - CARLINGFORD LOUGH 9/1 (UP)


2:40- CORAL CUP HANDICAP

EW BET - UN TEMPS POUR TOUT 12/1 (NR)
EW BET - PARTY ROCK 20/1 (UP)


3:20- QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

WIN BET - SIRE DE GRUGY 3/1 (WON)


4:00- GLENFARCLAS CROSS COUNTRY

WIN BET - BALTHAZAR KING 9/2 (WON)
EW BET - SIZING AUSTRALIA 14/1 (UP)


4:40- FRED WINTER HANDICAP 

EW BET - KATGARY 9/1 (2ND)
EW BET - ASTRE DE LA COUR 25/1 (UP)


5:15- CHAMPION BUMPER

EW BET - MODUS 10/1 (UP)



DAY 3


1:30- JLT NOVICE CHASE

EW BET - OSCAR WHISKEY 7/1 (UP)


2:05- PERTEMPS NETWORK HURDLE

EW BET - FINGAL BAY 7/1 (WON)


2:40- RYANAIR  CHASE

WIN BET - BENEFFICIENT 9/2 (UP)



3:20- WORLD HURDLE

WIN BET - ANNIE POWER 15/8 (2ND)


4:00- BYRNE GROUP PLATE


EW BET - SEW ON TARGET 16/1 (UP)


4.40- FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE

EW BET - CAUSE OF CAUSES 6/1 (2ND)
EW BET - OUR FATHER 20/1 (UP)



DAY 4


1:30- JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

WIN BET - CALIPTO 5/1


2:05- VINCENT O'BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP

EW  BET - ALAIVAN 12/1


2:40- ALBERT BARTLETT 

WIN BET - KINGS PALACE 3/1


3:20- GOLD CUP

WIN BET - SILVINIACO CONTI 3/1


4:00- CGA FOXHUNTER CHASE

EW BET - OSCAR DELTA 8/1


4.40- MARTIN PIPE HANDICAP

EW BET - DON POLI 20/1


5:15- JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHASE 

EW BET - NED BUNTLINE 10/1