blonde poker forum

2 weeks until Cheltenham Eve, so thought it might be time to get a thread started...

Not going myself, but I'm pretty sure there will be a fair few Blondes on the premises at varying points during the week, and hopefully everyone will be getting the lot!

First day could be an Irish benefit, with all Mullins' monsters travelling over, and I can't wait to see if Faugheen & UDS are the real deal!

Has the Clerk started watering, yet?

Hendo had a preview day yesterday, and with so many of his stars on the sidelines

Beat That
Finians
My Tent
Simonsig
Captain Conan

and stars like

Sprinter
Bobs Worth
Blue Fashion

all with big question marks next to them, you have to wonder what he is doing in their training regime that makes them all so fragile. Its not a recent phenomenon either.

Cant recall any other trainer with so many similar issues, it cant just be bad luck surely?!

Has he tried seeking advice from Arsene?

Do you think he does a Wenger, when he tells the owner their horses are out for a year or so...."Honestly Your Maj, I didn't see him run into a barbed wire fence, but keep paying the bills"?

Full festival preview has just started on RUK, with Steve Mellish, Mark Howard, Lydia Hislop, and some other bloke.

Love it when people like Nevo say Josses Hill is a terrible bet.

If you watch his races, the quicker the pace the better he gets, and he is usually jumping best at the end.

I had a lump on UDS, for this, after he won the Irish Arkle, but the more I watch the flatter his jumping looks and it will be heart in mouth stuff. I can actually see Josses being a safer conveyance if he jumps the first couple ok.

I have seen plenty of his types come good at the festival, and its very much a 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 etc as you count the fences down for both of them. With all the offers around, again this has to be played with an outsider to get you money back(especially if your cat/granny/brother and dead Aunt have accounts intact! ;)). Anyone else fancy anything to beat the fav?



Sure I heard a fact that Faugheen covered the same patch of ground from where Our Connor hampered New One to the finish, quicker than The New One. As he had also covered an extra 5f and was a novice, that little stat, helped me sleep a little easier too.

I think he wins easily, and to an untrained eye, his jumping has gotten better over time.

If he does tip up, as long as it's not Vibrato Valtat, I'm not worried.

You might be right about Josses Hill Adz, but he does seem to make one or two mistakes every race. Surely not getting away with that in this company?
Sgt Reckless is quoted for this race. His run in last year's Supreme was eye-catching, given he was stuffed out the back until two out. Seemed to jump well on his one chase outing. Any view?

FWIW

I mentioned earlier on in the season I thought John Ferguson understood the NH season better this year and was plotting the course of his course more towards a proper Cheltenham campaign.

I think he has a nice crew assembled and i shall be having some random yankee/super yankees for small beer. Just in case!

Hi Neil

Yes. I keep hearing his name mentioned, quietly, in corners!

I'm worried he has only had the one go over fences, but the quicker the ground rides the more he moves up the list of viable alternatives. Is Channon in form btw?

I'm assuming you knew the answer to this (I didn't, obviously).
Just looking for a decent EW in the race. Un De Sceaux is clearly the most likely winner, but just much too short for me.

Genuinely don't know mate.

AW takes a back seat these last few weeks before Chelts and not seen him have any NH runners, so I honestly don't know. Wasn't a dig at the selection, and I agree. I can't look at myself in the mirror(I know, I know) for having such a big bet on a shorty, and will be happier with a decent cover bet on board!

Seen Smashing chucked up a few times, which is a nice big price.

You can see why Nevo now has to assume the Tom Lee role on RUK these days.

Bet he does way less work on this than Howard, Mellish or Hyslop

I like court minstrel, as long as its good ground. (dont know if the horse has had a problem, last time out was inexplicably run on ground it would hate and not seen since, but did the same last season to good effect)

Shame they couldn't have done it as a trio... Maybe they need him there to make the others look even better :D

I got his book from a charity shop the other week (10p, signed. Didn't see any unsigned ones for 20p) and really didn't know what to make of it. Did he go to the trouble of publishing a book just to put everyone away or is he really like that?

Some cracking ew races with these Muliins' shorties and I've had some Vibrato Valtat. Textbook example of that cliché 'progressive' and he at least follows UDS in, doesn't he? Adz, Nicholls is said to have 'tinkered' with him this year. Any idea what that means - wind op?

Not sure mate. It seems that wind ops are Nichols M/O. He does look the rock solid ew bet to nothing of the meeting doesn't he?

I have spat my dummy out with him as I thought he was my early cert for the Grand Annual back before Xmas, but he has sadly proved me overly right, by being too good for the GA!


As for Nevo. I read both his books and at the time thought, what a boy, good lad etc. Not so sure now. Just something about him I'm not sure about. He has looked v uncomfortable in this company tonight, I thought.

I always suspected that she was a bloke ;)

Ha, I've never suspected that...

Zarkandar looks an equally rock-solid EW punt for the WH.

She is a bit plump(hark at me!) but quite pretty close up, I think. Not that I have ever been THAT close obv.

Would be a great night in the sack, as she talked racing stuff to get me going!! ;ashamed; ;D

Don Cossack currently 4-1 online with the Tote when best available id 3-1.

Im a Ma Fuille man, but have taken up the option to cover at that price after Cue Card now out.

Wonder if that'll turn Mullin's head...

C4 Racing

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz6cC7LYk_Q

sorry im late to the party boys, so out of the loop this year, been grind grind grind,
wondering if anyone can get on small with boyles? if so would be really handy.

Everyone can get on small with that firm! How small you talking??? Hope everything good trigg. You down there at all next week? Will be there tues and Thursday if you fancy a beer in the betfair tent.

Pm me your Boyles stuff I will get you on

Yeah, I can get on very small, and I mean 'very', so prob not much good :D

I can get on smaller than Marky .  £0.00 my limit

will be there, tues and weds mark, catch ya there, sent pm cheers

pretty vulgar and id never ever cheer a horse falling but has anyone seen firms pricing up un de sceaux and faugheen falling?

For UDS, isn't that the lay button on Betfair?

I'm guessing would be bigger to back not to complete
Will take some 7/2 not to complete if anyone wants to lay
And 9/2 faugheen not completing

Mullisn was effusive about Vautour in his pre-cheltenham gallop, then on racinguk yesterday...comparing it favourably to faugheen etc

at 5/2 for the JLT is it a good thing?

will it go off shorter?

is it one of your cheltenham bankers?

Is this a chirp?

I wouldn't mind some of fred's 4/1 to win any race at the festival.

I think 5/2 is a little short and wouldn't be surprised to see it go off ~3/1, but that will surely be dependant on how many winners Mullins has racked up during the first couple of days.

Not exactly a banker for me but might well be a selection.

not a chirp, just trying to do some newspaper competitions and wondering if it was a banker

Pretty sure Fred has him to win any race at 9/2.

8 left in the champ hurdle.  How likely all 8 run?  just thinking of getting the 1/4 1,2,3 now nrnb as every horse is ew value anyway.  If there are 1 or 2 nr's then 1/4 123 is a gift.  Anyone got any thoughts?

Ladbrokes gone 10/3 the new one today for example (so 5/6 a place when its 1/2 a place on bf) and that assumes all 8 run if it cuts up to 5 or 6 runners then it's a massive freeroll betting early.

same question put another way

is there anything outside the top 4 that can get in the frame?

faugheen wins, 2 of fly/jezki/new one place.....which is the live outsider?

thanks

glens melody 4/1 is a steal (cant imagine not taking bitofapuzzle and caroles spirit e/w aswell).

Have a load of artic fire at 25/33s and the fly at 20s, was seriously hoping one of the big three didnt contest but delighted the numbers overall are falling apart.

artic fire has close form with jezki and HF and solid enough at cheltenham.

The obvious outside the 4 pick is Arctic Fire.

Not far behind the some of  principles several time this year, and touted by Mullins as the future, he is also deemed better on a faster surface, but any recommend feels a bit "miss the boat"y as he was 33s not long ago.

had 2 bets yesterday, some plan 50/1 e/w for supreme and doing fine 20/1 for the 4miler, getting more excited now

My bet of the meeting is Current Event in the Foxhunters on Friday. Been laid out for this for a few months now, and had a little bit on at 16s when word first got to us. Still plenty of 8/1 about in what I would say isn't that a competitive renewal this year, and connections fully expect this to have an outstanding chance of winning this year. Looking forward to this festival more than previous years, got some nice ante post vouchers that hopefully will be reward for having the balls to get on back in December and January. Fully expect to come last in the tipster competition though.

Looking forward to seeing Coneygree amongst others, what do folks think about taking a shot at Gold Cup v. RSA and specifically the 12-1 e/w NRNB for GC  ?

A mate of mine owns a 12th share. Even at this late stage he doesn't know what will happen!!

I think regardless of age and frailty he should go RSA.

Its a wide open Gold Cup, but a strong one, i think. The RSA looks to be rather shallow by comparison. That said, in terms of times and horses he has beat, he deserves his seat at the top table.

Not sure i should mention the tiny 50-1 voucher on RSA which also sways me.... ;)

Any idea of riding plans ? , was impressed with the horse at Musselburgh when a young lass was on board, think Megan Nichols was the jockey before that.The favourite looks pretty solid to me and salsify made a nice return to action recently.

Thoughts

2015 Cheltenham Festival Top Trainer Match Bet
Selection   Price
Willie Mullins    4/5
Paul Nicholls & Nicky Henderson    EVS

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281619593768?
ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I'm on the 2 you mentioned, micky.

Dinner in Brum is on you if he wins the RSA then ;)

Thomas Crapper in the novice handicap chase on Tuesday.  Currently 10/1 joint fav,would be surprised if this didn't go off around 7/1, loves it round Cheltenham.

Thoughts on this?
http://community.betfair.com/cheltenham2011/go/thread/view/113609/30414161/joci-clubs-2015-cheltenham-festival-trends-analysis#flvWelcomeHeader

First thing I do each year as prep is to order Paul Jones trends analysis.

In the end though too much analysis makes your head spin. I used to be religious in following the numbers like this guy, but there is no real answer. Just gotta do as much watching yourself, on top of the reading and listening.


This guy will no doubt pull a few rabbits, but as ever, which ones!

Got No idea at the minute. A miss Frost rode her at Musselburgh, and she won well under a big weight. That was the prep race for the foxhunters, and she had won her previous 5 points/rules races previously. Harry Derham had previously had the rides before, so be interesting to see who takes the reins. Owners are apparently very bullish about its chances however. Still think 8/1 could be a steal on the day.

Heartening to see someone else backing this.

Have thought for a while that 50/1 is a little generous.

gonna be one hell of a frantic pace in the QM with special tiara and champagne fever, cant help thinking somersby might grab 3rd

has anyone seen any decent preiviews on you tube, or written reports from any? seem to be thin on the ground this year

There's a BoyleSports one with Davy Russell, Gordon Elliot and Ted Walsh on YouTube, which is ok. It's in separate pieces so is a bit fiddly to get through.

Betfair aren't having one this year, which is a shame.

Couch always makes me chuckle...


I followed a few on twitter, and will have a look for the links when I'm back on my PC.



https://soundcloud.com/emmet-kennedy/patrick-mullins-cheltenham-special

Good podcast with Mullins Jnr as a guest.

Hi Mr T,

There are a bunch of previews here, not sure if they meet your criteria for "decent".

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=65073.0


Sean Boyce, Neil Channing, Michael Shinners & Dave Ord shooting the breeze about various races at Cheltenham. They relate all sorts of stuff, some of which may be interesting to you.

Final Furlong Guys are on ATR at 21:15 tonight.

Not sure what for exactly, but guessing it's some form of Chelts chatter.

PM sent to some passwords protected stuff mate

Everyone writing off The New One.

They will be made to pay.

When he wins the World Hurdle :)

It's not a very big price for a horse that's been written-off.

I'd deffo have to play @ 4/1.

I know what you are saying but I get the preview evening shite sent through to me every morning and literally every expert, jockey, trainer has claimed he will be tapped for toe. We'll see.

if you were offered Evens each of two Mullins versus Nicholls/Henderson in a festival winner match, you'd take Mullins?

i would take mullins 100%

Looks very close to a flip based on the special markets for these trainers.

Nicholls/Henderson for me. Think it's a cracking bet, personally. A way of laying off some of the Mullins festival acca exposure?

Mulllllins

(https://bendingthebubble.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/maths.jpg?w=529)

I dont have the facts to hand but Nichols campaigns his Chasers honestly during the season, and recognises that a fistful of Saturday wins, whilst not as prestigious as a Cheltenham winner, pays the bills and keeps him in the spotlight all year. If wouldn't be surprised to see him draw a blank in the Chase handicaps. Heart of hearts, im not sure his top chasers are champions
I quite fancy a couple of his novice hurdlers in the Pipe/FW etc and they have been campaigned more sparingly, so I could see him have a couple.

Hendo has almost been eggs in one Cheltenham basket this year, and he must be a very happy man seeing the sun shining at the moment. However, we don't really know if this supposed "better ground" horses will actually improve for the ground.


Mullins
Douvan/UDS/Faugheen/Annie Power/Canyon/Outlander/Hercules/Poli/Fever/Bordoni/Pylon/Vautour/Ballycasey/Briar Hill/Djakadam/Boston Bob/Kalkir/PP

and I didnt even bother to think about the handicaps.

Even trying to be objective, its a bit of a no brainer.

Walsh confirmed to ride Faugheen.
Huge surprise...

Why?  Why wouldn't he ride the horse most likely to win when he has the choice?

I meant it's not a huge surprise. I had read an article saying he was waiting till the last moment to decide which I thought was pointless.

Not really...

If it had absolutely pissed down with rain all week, he would have likely gone the other way.

Good point Adz but I fancy Keltus in the Novices race on the Tues. 4th at fest last year, non trier at Newbury lto, lightly campaigned, nice mark. Has had a few of my pennies @ 16s.

Baldie offered 20/1 the "big four" of Mullins win on Tuesday.

Very fair I thought.

At current Betfair prices it is a 16/1 acca, but if the first two win, Faugheen must start odds on and if that wins, Annie Power will be off the boards as the big bookmakers run for cover.

Alice Plunkett, or Jeremy Kyle?

It's like being asked if you want to be shot, or stabbed...

needs to be the cat for cheltenham

LOL. Not wrong.

Why C$ have have to play it down to the lowest denomination I don't know. It's like racing has to be all twee and nice and happy.

Give us some bloody experts FFS.

One of the few times I am glad I'm actually at the races.

Double painful if you're knocking it in as well!

Spare a thought for us, while you're hobnobbing down there ;)

Anybody any thoughts on a live outsider in the world hurdle?  With ror now out . Not keen on the first two in the market, inching towards each way bets on see you at midnight and jetson

Don't remind me... Was on RoR at 50s :/

On SDR and the Pipe Horse at big prices.

Did have a few quid on See You At Midnight after what I thought was a good first run, in the Cleeve.

see you at midnight is trained locally to me ( played cricket against his trainer back in the day) so it's one of those sentimental bets that I shouldn't really do 😀

I think we all have one or 2 horses like that :)

Finding this one of the toughest to call... Definitely some value to be had.

Been on Seeyouatmidnight for a while (I'm convinced he's overpriced in what is a fairly weak race for the level).

Also got little bits on Monksland and Briar Hill using other people's brains.

Remember to enter the tipster competetion! 33 in so far, aiming for 50 which will give over £1,000 in the pot. With punters like Tikay and myself involved there is guarenteed value!!

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=65056.0

I love the Festival as one of the highlights of the year.
 
However, year on year, I dislike the Irish trainers more and more that seem hell bent on tucking punters up by suggesting certain horses are going one way, when they are clearly not.


Willie Mullins clearly can't lie straight in bed, he is so bad each year at "tuckupatry". But a new low was reached when yesterday Very Wood was told to the press to be running in the RSA, only for today to be declared in the National Hunt Chase.

Disgrace scenes.

When are all the races finalised/declared?

The main races, 48 hours before but the rest by 11.30 each day 24 before.

So Tuesday decs out now along with the Queen Mum on Weds

Ty

ill be in cheltenham this evening watching the footy and having a fair old slurp, if anyone wants to join us, lmk

Double slowrolled with Wounded Warrior...

Three kingdoms ew value in the arkle ?

Any of you get on?  At this rate it will go off shorter

Whisper @ 12/1

Might as well put me nads on the block before I pop off for the week. In order of preference each race.

1.30  Jolyalan/Seeding/Some Plan ews

2.05  Smashing/Josses Hill/Gods Own ews

2.40 Barrakilla/Theatre Guide/No Planning ew

3.20 Faugheen

4.00 L'unique/Polly Peacham/Glens Melody ews

4.40 The Job is Right/Doing Fine ew/ Cause of Causes win

5.15  Thomas Crapper/Killala Quay/ Stellar Notion. ew

GL chaps.

Shaneshill race 1 . Grossly underestimated ability imo. Just watch last years bumper on similar ground. Race run in great time and most importantly he runs up that hill !

Bred by Kings Theatre running back on the quicker surface over a no doubt fastly run 2 miles, should see improved jumping & Trainer did a similar campaign with champagne fever  this ones a great bet at 12s  to make top 3 finish. Win only for me gotta be confident !  good luck :)

Done most of my punting antepost, so will seem like a cheap day today, even when I brick :D



13:30

5pts L'Ami Serge @ 10/1
2pts Qewy @ 33/1
1pt Bentelimar @ 50/1


Backed Jollyallan on Hills moneyback up to £25 offer if you lose



14:05

1pt Smashing @ 33/1 (EW)

Backed Clarcam e/w @ 18/1 today



14:40

2pts Pendra @ 14/1
2pts Gallant Oscar @ 14/1



15:20

1pt Hurricane Fly @ 33/1 (EW)


Done Jezki E/W @ 6/1 today



16:40

2pts Doing fine @ 20/1
2pts Perfect Gentleman @ 20/1



17:15

2pts Keltus @ 12/1
2pts Killala Quay @ 16/1

Hope everyone's getn the lot, thought UDS was the most impressive so far although obv was expected.

I don't believe that last jump!  Seriously, how does he not get that jump right?

Unbelievable sport.

considering driving my car into the canal!

Because it cost me about a grand, and Cute about 7...

:D



Love the game!

Sobering to think if the books hadn't thrown money at me with Douvan and Faugheen I'd be looking at an even bigger stinker.

But congratulations to Rich Ricci who having won his first championship race at Chelttenham must be only -90% ROI on his investment. (There. That's made me feel better).

I swerved all the Mullins shorties except one.

Guess which one I backed?

I am a pile of poo.

I have a huge problem with Rich Ricci and it eats away at me

He, along with a number of other senior bankers around the world, in their strategies at investment banks was in part responsible for the credit crunch that caused millions of people financial problems, lost jobs etc

Under his various contracts  by the time he was relieved of his duties in mid 2013 he had cleared over £200m in salary and bonuses and share options

theses were due to him under those contracts with no redress for poor strategy etc, and thats fair enough

so he has spare time on his hands and invests gazillions in racing, changes the competitive dynamic of the sport but he's still the investment banker that was part of the problem Western economies faced 2009-13

doesn't sit too well with me at times

I bet them all because Ladbrokes went crazy apeshit but it doesn't feel like gambling. More like being given the first one free because they'll be back for more. :/

Barclays couldn't have taken the risks they did, that resulted in them paying the bonuses they did, without the knowledge that they were too big to fail. I feel part of his victories because ultimately they were bought with UK taxpayers' bailout money.
http://qz.com/75884/ten-things-to-know-about-rich-riccis-rise-to-riches/ (http://qz.com/75884/ten-things-to-know-about-rich-riccis-rise-to-riches/)

A few nice binks there Adzy, wp.

the lender of last resort argument is of course right, but along the way the move to part-puiblic ownership has seen 60,000 job losses in Barclays alone


anyway, we digress.

A less generous man than me, one who was tilting because they'd got their money in ahead and still done it, would hope he gets monstered by the Mail tomorrow: 'The Fat Cat Who Buys Champions With Your Money (but won't have them trained in Britain).' :D

WP with Gods Own, adz.

Annie I'm not your daddy ffs

I've got an offer from betfair. Bet £50 on any horse race today get money back as a free bet if it loses.

Who would you reccomend? Don poli?

I'll be backing many clouds with free bet if it loses

That was some performance...

Really looking forward to this next one, COME ON SPRINTER SACRE

Good man :)up

who? lol

Nice run from Shaneshill on opening day.
Today i like RAWNAQ in the 4pm.
Ran well here before as a hurdler on its only run at cheltenham in a decent race that has thrown up loads of good winners since.
 This one loves the faster surface and is nicely flat bred so hopefully has the speed to burn em all off up the hill.Young horses with a lower weight do well in this race. Big price for a small yard and is only a novice but novices have won this race before.  Theres plenty in this race need soft ground and further.

 25/1 EW 5 plcs the way to go good luck !

Both my antepost bets came out of this, so I had a few quid on this one last night. Hopefully we're collecting :)

Hopefully?

When I was working for John Kirkland, & a contract went badly wrong, & I'd lost a shed-load of money on a Contract, I had to go see him, & explain why.

I'd waffle for 10 minutes, bla bla, excuse excuse, then end with "....so hopefully we'll get it back."

He'd explode.

Hope? HOPE? Don't give me that hope shit, hope is for churches. I want my money back, not ******* hope.


Err, yes John, you are right John.

I bloody know I am, now bugger off & sort it you big daft sod. And stop sulking like a big girl.

Love that man, few men I admired more. Didn't half give me some bollockings though. 

I call the cheltenham hill "Hope"

"hopefully he gets up there"

say it every race lol  :)

Sounds like a good fell, that John :)

A bollocking never hurt anyone, not that I've ever been subject to many, obv...


Isn't it just!

I wasn't on it but that was a bit special.

Very!

Backed 2nd to win there but was shouting for McCoy lolz, can't not have one winner this week, great ride and much deserved.

Amazing scenes, I must be going soft, I'm welling up here.

Me too... I was on Ma Filleule at 25/1 :D

Ma Feuille and Don Cossack here.

Still cheered the miserable gooner home.

You've all gone soft.

I love McCoy, but like Marky I cried, but for the wrong reasons. :'(

Don't worry. I'll be back to shouting at the screen when they all move over to let him win the Grand Annual.

Yeah, with an 8-1 Ned Buntline voucher I was hoping he'd be winless going into that. I just had the 12s Ma Filleule: half the tears ;)

Seems like a huge front running bias as the ground dries up.

Champion Court, Hunt Ball, Attaglance, Monetaire and Buywise. Combination fcs and tcs in th next.

Attaglance, CDB and Burn and Turn.

Was on Zarkandar @12/1 FML  :'(

Really odd, dead, ground like came out from under the covers at Newbury when Josh Moore nicked the Schweppes off the front.

First two days of Chelts went badly, decided I needed to up my game and get in a proper routine.
Lucky Pants on, Full English and pint of Guinness in lucky pub - and voila punting much improved.

Don't want to fuck it up and risk leaving it too late for next year, I want to rent a really good place for Cheltenham next year, any ideas?

I really liked the look of Top Notch last time, travelled and jumped superbly.

It was only when I heard that they were thinking of Aintree rather than The Triumph as they have such a strong array of juveniles that I held off from helping myself to the 16/1 which was available.

Still might have to bite the bullet and go in @ 10/1EW

The Milky Bars are on me

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGcIUitNlGQ

Good day yesterday, Keith?

:D

He's just edited out how much of a hole he's got into with the Mullins horse in the Gold Cup. 

What price were you on at Camel?

Triumph - Hargam, Beltor & Dicosimo  @ 16/1

County Hurdle - Game Changer & Rich Coast @ 20/1

Albert Bartlett - No More Heroes @ 14/1 & Martello Tower @ 16/1

Gold Cup

Silvianaco @ 20/1
Many Clouds @ 60/1
Road To Riches @ 33/1
Coneygree @ 33/1


Lord Windermere will probably hack up now...


Foxhunter - Salsify @ 14/1 & Paint the Clouds @ 8/1

Grand Annual - Ned Buntline @ 8/1 & Blood Cotil @ 9/1

You've got some juicy prices there, Marky, good luck.

Thanks, I've been quite lucky that most of my AP stuff got there.

It feels like a win if you get a run :D


Just had a look and got some deadwood from today, too...

Windsor Park  @ 25/1    BFSB   AB
Golden Doyen @ 25/1   BFr    Triumph
Vercingetorix  @ 20/1   Win   Triumph
Al Ferof         @ 33/1   RB     GC
Alderwood     @ 20/1    SJ   Grand Annual

Good luck today everyone, although I have a few ante post tickets in the gold cup by far the most important is Many "Adz" Clouds, special thanks to the man for all the ante post stuff. If today goes according to plan then Vegas for next year is paid for (this year was paid for by Douvan, Faugheen and Vatour, actually sounds quite good - Vegas sponsored by Mullins and Ruby)

Good luck everyone.

Wow watching the piece on Davy Russell is quite emotional.

Cutthroat mob those O'Leary's but I suppose you can't blame them, given the amount of dough they pump into the game.

Handled it well, and worked out alright for him.

Betvic insta bet have got Conti at 4/1 max £10 if anyone wants it. Next 3 mins. 4.5 on bf

they have been doing it all week but if you having a bet on the gold cup 888 are best price on every horse.

joint best anyway.

Watching who Gigginstown gave him the boot for - even more so. I can't be having Cooper away from steering jobs in Ireland.

they are 40/1 Houblon Des Obeaux and its 34 on bf.

Djackadam's a big drifter on betty currently 14.

 I think its worth mentioning just how good this years festival was. Some of the winners were just awesome.
Vautour comes to mind , some of the best jumping ive seen from a novice. Hes a beast. Looking forward to seeing him in the grade 1 staying chases next season.
Hard not to be impressed by Coneygree in the gold cup. Rarely will you see one make all in the gold cup, never mind one that is still a novice and has only jumped fences in public 3 times before.
Dour stayer Don Poli surely ideally suited by next years gold cup.

 I really hope these 3 meet in the next year.

Few county hurdle winners will ever win by as much as 8 Lengths. Wicklow Brave a quirky sort with obvious huge potential.

Plenty of exciting novice hurdlers to look forward to next season Douvan Peace & Co Killultagh Vic Shaneshill i will be following with interest.

Sad to see Mccoy clearly tilted throughout the week being constantly reminded it was his last festival riding.

Would echo all of this.

I certainly think McCoy is showing the pressure of expectation too, and he just seems a couple of notches below his usual standard.

I thought the Wicklow Brave run was pretty disgraceful tbh. Tailed off at Sandown at the weekend with Ruby not trying an inch and then as impressive as any winner, and not a word said. Pretty sure if this had been some small outfit, cries of cheat would still be echoing around the Cotswolds.

To you Tree, and anyone else that wants to reply, but given the following list of horses, where would you run them, next year at the festival, that is best for the horses chances, and OWNERS, not to suit Mullins?!


Douvan
Annie Power
Vautour
Champagne Fever
Faugheen
Dom Poli
Un De Sceux
Arctic Fire
Djakadam


and then maybe put where you think where they will run, because it suits Mullins!!

First thing I'd do is give Annie a pair of Richie Rich's sunglasses...



Douvan - Arkle

Annie Power - World

Vautour - Gold Cup

Champagne Fever - Champion Chase

Faugheen - Champion Hurdle

Dom Poli - Gold Cup

Un De Sceux - Champion Chase
 
Arctic Fire - Champion Hurdle

Djakadam - Gold Cup


Not sure the Champion Chase is best for Champagne Fever, but the other alternative is to leave him in his box...

Thought Arctic Fire did well to get so close, considering it looked like Ruby rode the race to suit him.

Be good to see Djakadam & Don Poli bang heads.

lol

one of champagne fever/vautour will go for the ryanair, apart from that the rest sort themselves? (assuming all get there injury free)

I think Marky is doing Mullins' job for him. Annie Power should have run in the Champion last year (was the best horse on ratings) and this year ( clearly a lot better than the other mares until the fall.  It would be a real shame if she never gets her chance to show that she could have been Champion.

I suspect Marky is pretty much on the money.

I would love to see Vautour take on UDS in the Queen Mum. The speed and technique he showed in the JLT was superb, and he deserves to be recognised as a true great rather than "accomodated" to avoid UDS. What a race that would be.

Tom Segal hacked Doob's account :)


I'd guess it will be Champagne Fever, unless Vautour doesn't stay in the KG

Much as I think Vatour was the most impressive winner of the week, I can't imagine he'll stay 3m 2f if Coneygree is in the field streching them to their limit.

Especially as owner/trainer have Djakadam and trainer has Don Poli.

I'd love to see Vatour run in the Champion Chase myself.

Glens Melody retired to stud, so I guess that makes the World Hurdle even more unlikely...

King George should be good next year, whatever happens!