Festive Feast

Two bumper cards today at Leopardstown and Newbury. A series of head to head clashes will make for exciting viewing but precarious punting. Nevertheless looking forward to seeing stirring duels involving Zaidpour/Hidden Cyclone, Big Zeb/Golden Silver, Hurricane Fly/Solwhit and across the water, Ghizao/Captain Chris and Punchestowns/Pride of Dulcote. This type of racing tends not to provide strong form lines but will doubtlessly entertain. Otherwise, I will be keeping a watching brief on Kakagh, Silent Picture (Limerick), Tavern Times, Our Girl Salley (Leopardstown), Megastar, Al Ferof and Accordingtojodie (Newbury).

To complete the day, a competitive Challow Hurdle can be added, while Big Bucks runs in the rearranged Long Walk Hurdle. He looked vulnerable momentarily in this last year but nothing should get near him today.

For punting purposes, there might be value to be had with a win double on Megastar & Our Girl Salley in their respective contests and I intend to have a sporting bet in the always frantic Paddy Power Chase, on Across the Bay (will relish the heavy going), stablemate of yesterday's hero, Pandorama.

enjoy and good luck...

Cheltenham Countdown Continues

As the festival approaches, time to look at the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The Champion Hurdles lacks clarity this time with reigning champion Punjabi showing little so far, despite winning handily on Saturday. It looks as if Barry Geraghty will opt for him in preference to Zaynar but neither look like winners.

Irish pair Solwhit and Go Native head the market with the former putting a string of Grade 1 victories together. He looks the most obvious candidate having showed the necessary resolve. Go Native has been knocked on that score but it would be prudent to remember that he did win a good Supreme last season battling on gamely after hitting front too soon. That form gives the improving Medermit a solid chance also, while it would be unwise to ignore Khyber Kim and Celestial Halo. At this stage, a difficult race to call but it would be nice to see Paul Carberry land one of the marquee races (assuming he gets there in one piece!).

On the other hand, Master Minded will win the Champion Chase and complete an historic 3 in a row. He demonstrated that he has recovered from injury at Newbury and surely he has to be the cornerstone of any betting strategy. Anyone in doubt, should refer to his devastating performance in the 2008 running!!

good luck and more anon...

Short Priced Favourites Abound

There is a plethora of short priced favourites in action today with little value to be found running against them, leading to a possible difficult day for layers. Big Bucks leads the charge in the Long Walk at Newbury and although he is up against some decent sorts, is impossible to oppose. Nicky Henderson runs 3 with burgeoning reputations; Dave's Dream , Quantitativeeasing and Finian's Rainbow who merit close scrutiny if not financial support. Finian's Rainbow runs in an interesting Challow with Manyriverstocross his main rival. Big Fella Thanks begins his Grand National preparations and should give Ruby an exciting spin. One other to note is Francois Doumen's Doctor Pat who won eyecatchingly at Sandown last time. He looks nicely treated again and should benefit from underfoot conditions.

At Leopardstown, both Solwhit and Voler La Vedette are equally hard to oppose and should win their respective races. Best bet of the day is Cooldine in the rearranged Lexus. He was very strong in the market before the fog suggesting he is race ready and with Paul Townend a very capable deputy for Ruby, he should go close.

enjoy....

Weekend Pointers

After an absorbing and interesting weekend's racing at Cheltenham and Punchestown, all roads now lead to the Cotswolds in March. The top performer of the past few days undoubtedly was Dunguib, whose facile victory over more experienced rivals was only surpassed by the high level of his collateral form lines. Wins by Quel Esprit, The Buscuit Club and Quadrillon augment recent good shows from Luska Lad, Some Present, Sweeps Hill, Rites of Passage and Morning Supreme. The 09 Festival Bumper is definitely worth careful scrutiny and suggests that Irish trained novices will carry all before them in the coming seasons. Greatly looking forward to the next installment in 2 weeks at Fairyhouse

Sizing Europe was sublime in victory on less than favourable ground, cruising round and jumping for fun. He looks to have a great chance in the Arkle providing he remains injury free and despite Tantaniano running well at Cheltenham, he is a great value at 7/1 ante post. While one star shone another was eclipsed when Hurricane Fly failed to pick up at the business end. He travelled well but apparently found little. While Solwhit is a top class hurdler and excuses can made on account of the sticky ground, connections and supporters alike must be a tad disappointed with the outcome.

Across the sea, Masterminded came a cropper at Cheltenham failing to concede weight to Well Chief. However he looked far from comfortable going left handed jumping out to the right on a quite a few occasions. It was a long way from his scintillating victory in 08 and perhaps something was amiss. Hopefully he will be back to his best for the Tingle Creek.

While essentially it was a reconnaissance mission over the past few days, on the punting front, I was disappointed with Chapoturgeon's untimely exit. It looked a sloppy error when he was travelling well although it is debatable if he would have foiled Tranquil Sea's triumph. However one to keep an eye on next time along with Poquelin.

cheers....