Stan James Champion Hurdle 2014 Archives

Previews of the Festival Championship Races

March 4, 2014 by Stephen Smith Leave a Comment

Feature photo by Kerry Hendry of Love The Image Stephen Smith takes a look at the big races on each day of Cheltenham Festival 2014. We start off with a look at the big race on Tuesday 11 March, which is a hurdle race over 2 miles.

Stan James Champion Hurdle

In what promises to be the race of the Festival, Hurricane Fly seeks to repeat last year’s triumph and win a third Champion Hurdle crown. Willie Mullins promises to have his charge primed for the Tuesday showpiece, but many argue that they stare down the barrel of a who’s-who of new hurdling blood. Favouritism is shared with The New One, the precocious 2013 Neptune winner who aligns genuine two mile speed with a proven ability to power up the Cheltenham hill. Amid a season of setbacks, Nicky Henderson concedes his best chance across the festival may constitute the impressive My Tent or Yours. After defeating The New One this season, the 7/2 currently available is certainly tempting, with last year’s second behind Champagne Fever doing little to diminish this season’s credentials. However preference is for the talented Our Conor, so impressive in securing the 2013 Triumph Hurdle in blistering fashion. Whilst the form of that race hasn’t been covered in glory this term, the progression in his Irish performances shows enough promise to believe a reversal with Hurricane Fly is inevitable. Jezki has done little to convince he’s of the class to line up here and can be dismissed. Depending on conditions, Melodic Rendezvous could arrive on the scene but would require bottomless ground. Selection – Our Conor – 9/2 (Win) Next up is Ladies Day where off the track the brave and beautiful ladies will compete for the title of the ‘Most Stylish Lad’ and a first prize of £5000 of Joules vouchers. On the track the big race is a chase run at a furious pace over 2 miles.

BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase

With Sprinter Sacre being rested until next season, Gary Moore’s Sire De Grugy is in pole position to pick up the considerable pieces on offer. Entering the race with a RPR of 174, it would appear that there’s no better two-miler in the country at the moment. Holes in his candidacy become gaping chasms under scrutiny. headlined by a defeat to Kid Cassidy in November, a horse who would surely have too much to find to win here. Ante Post gamblers have a few curveballs to negotiate here. Al Ferof’s disappointing comeback season has saw hints he could arrive here – heavy ground permitting. Connections of 2011 winner Sizing Europe are suddenly enthused by Sprinter Sacre’s withdrawl, but is the ability still there? No. The classiest animal in the race comes in the form of Willie Mullins Arvika Ligeonniere. The 11/2 on offer would be far shorter if his form went left-handed, but he’s oozed style and class too often not to contend here. Selection – Arvika Ligeonniere – 11/2 (Win) On Thursday, it’s the long distance hurdle Championship in which Big Bucks aims to win for an astonishing 5th time.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle

If the Champion Hurdle promises to be the race of the Festival, the showdown between Big Bucks & Willie Mullins champion-elect Annie Power won’t be far behind. After last year’s open renewal won by Solwhit, the 11 year old Big Bucks has it all to do to claim a historic fifth crown. With defeat tasted in his comeback, connections are still bullish on Paul Nicholls ability to get the great horse back to his imperious best. Regardless of the 2/1 being short, he could be 20/1 and opposable. He’s simply not demonstrated his ability and can’t be backed. But is Annie Power the heir apparent? Not for me. She’s beaten Zarkander twice this season, utilising a mares allowance. Those victories weren’t impressive enough to hand her the title, and has she peaked already? Memories of Pont Alexandre loom large and we should look elsewhere for the winner. A positive word is had for Rule The World, so impressive last year but has too much to find in this company. My idea of the winner is the horse described by some as the biggest disappointment of this season – At Fishers Cross. Rebecca Curtis has brought the horse back from a shaky start by beating Big Bucks in the Cleeve Hurdle, and has aimed the horse towards this race all year. The 6/1 is far too short considering his earlier season form, but the bookmakers sense the animal’s class. Selection – At Fishers Cross – 6/1 (Win) On Friday, it’s the week’s showpiece event and climax to the meeting where the best chasers from England and Ireland do battle to take the crown in Jump Racing’s Blue Riband event.

BetFred Cheltenham Gold Cup

Dubbed as the ‘cash machine’ by Cheltenham backers, Nicky Henderson looks to guide Bobs Worth to a second consecutive Gold Cup – and a sixth Cheltenham win on the bounce. Putting a disappointing Betfair Chase behind him, Henderson’s charge returned to form with a resounding Irish Lexus victory, seeing his price tumble into today’s 7/4. An out and out Cheltenham horse, bookmakers dread the consequences of a successful defence. The winner of an Albert Bartlett, RSA Chase and Gold Cup, it’s only the brave who would desert such a reliable animal. Braver still as this year’s renewal lacks the firepower of the last six years. With the withdrawals of Sir De Champs and Cue Card, Dynaste’s preference to go back in trip and Long Run’s capitulation, only Silviniaco Conti lays down a serious challenge. The King George winner dug deep to overhaul Cue Card that day, and while the Nicholls horse has no Cheltenham form, he lacks the obvious flaws that every other rival has. For me, Silviniaco Conti is the likely winner, but at a short 3/1 it’s a gamble which I won’t be making. Value lies elsewhere in a race that’s cutting up badly. Last week’s performance by Captain Chris has given hope that he’s the best he’s ever been. Groans are heard from those who remember his recent left-handed form, but the horse is an Arkle winner and has earned his RPR of 170. His price is being trimmed all the time, and the 14/1 available today is great value to finish on the premises. Selection – Captain Chris – 14/1 (E/W)

Cheltenham Festival 2014: Champion Hurdle Preview and Ratings

February 13, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Whilst some have suggested that Hurricane Fly does not show his best form at Cheltenham, the ratings and odds suggest otherwise. His highest RPR is 173, which he has achieved at Leopardstown, Punchestown, and Cheltenham. His best speed figure (on my ratings) was achieved when third in the 2012 Champion Hurdle. My figures suggest he has to find 5lb from his last run to achieve a similar RPR figure recorded last March. Given Willie Mullins upbeat comments on his progress this season, that appears achievable. MTOY and The New One are closely matched on running at Kempton Park over Christmas. Even allowing for The New One’s mistake at the last, I feel MTOY can come out on top. I believe the Old Course will suit the Henderson horse better than The New One. In addition, experienced paddock-watchers felt MTOY was still not at full-fitness on Boxing Day. It looks likely there will be a good pace if Un De Sceaux takes his chance though one wonders if Thousand Stars entry is there for the same purpose. Jezki needs to find improvement and looks held on this seasons form. He will have his work cut out to reverse 2013 Supreme Novices hurdle form with MTOY. Our Conor can improve his figure. His trainer has been upbeat over his progress since Leopardstown in late December. The last five-year-old to win the race was Katchit in 2008. I believe that was a sub-standard affair displayed by his RPR of 165, some 8lb below “The Fly’s” best figure. Prior to 2008, See You Then was a five-year-old winner in 1985. Annie Power is the subject of much speculation. Unbeaten throughout her career and impressive in horrific conditions at Cheltenham in January, her 7lb mares’ allowance may play an integral part in the outcome of her chosen race. Whilst she stays two and a half-miles, her breeding does not scream out and out stayer. Therefore, at this stage the Champion Hurdle would appear the ideal race, though the “Mares’ Only” race is over two and a half-miles. It should not be forgotten she is in different ownership to “The Fly,” Quevega, and Un De Sceaux.Un De Sceaux is also unbeaten. He is a wonderful sight in full flow, hurdling and galloping his rivals into submission. Yet to be challenged in a race, he is hard to assess. There is no doubt he is close to top-class, though Cheltenham will be a new and different test. Despite appearing to relish soft/heavy ground, he won an AQPS race on good to soft; his sire gets good ground

Updates

Annie Power bolted up at Doncaster without improving either her Timeform or RPR figure. This was her third win in the UK. The furthest she has gone is two and a half-miles and she does not look devoid of speed suggesting the Mares Hurdle may come into play along with the Champion Hurdle. Annie Power tends to race with the choke out leading one to suggest at this stage of her career one the shorter trips may prove the way to go. With Quevega pleasing at home and the race seemingly up for grabs, a shot at the World Hurdle may be on the cards. Her form in the Punchestown version of the World Hurdle is rock solid.

Hurricane Fly completed his third win in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. The race clocked a time just under two seconds slower than the maiden hurdle. Despite an untidy jump at the last flight, “The Fly” found enough reserves to hold off the persistent challenge of Our Conor. The latter is improving all the time (experienced paddock-watchers felt the horse was still short of full-fitness) but may lack the strength for a Champion Hurdle at this stage of his career. However, it is worth noting he improved his best juvenile RPR by 14lb when successful in the Triumph Hurdle. Jezki is not going to improve into a dangerous opponent until he settles in his races. A strong pace will help him, though it will not inconvenience others in the race.

If Un De Sceaux and Thousand Stars turn up for the fun, a strong pace looks likely. Last year there was a strong pace in the early stages with Rock On Ruby, (wearing blinkers for the first time) making the running. Compared to the 2012 renewal, a five-second slower time was clocked from the third last to the winning post. Having taken an age to get into full-stride, the pace collapse clearly suited “The Fly.” One hopes there will be a strong, even, pace from the start. Looking at the ratings below improvement is needed to match “The Fly’s” 2013 figure. However, if he dips below that figure, the race appears up for grabs. All other figures were achieved were 2014.

HURRICANE FLY (2013)	168	174
MY TENT OR YOURS	165	169
THE NEW ONE	163	169
JEZKI	163	167
HURRICANE FLY	162	172
ANNIE POWER (+7lb mares allowance)	158	164
OUR CONOR	158	164
MELODIC REDEZVOUS	157	159
P’TIT ZIG	154	158
UN DE SCEAUX	158	164

Tuesday’s big race: Champion Hurdle Preview

February 10, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Champion Hurdle 2014

	FSF*	FORM
HURRICANE FLY (2013)	168	174
MY TENT OR YOURS	165	169
THE NEW ONE	163	169
JEZKI	163	167
HURRICANE FLY	162	172
OUR CONOR	158	164
MELODIC REDEZVOUS	154	157
P’TIT ZIG	154	158

* FSF is a unique form and speed rating.

Following Grade One wins at Punchestown and Leopardstown, Hurricane Fly completed his third win in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the latter course. The race clocked a time just under two seconds slower than the maiden hurdle. Despite an untidy jump at the last flight, “The Fly” found enough reserves to hold off the persistent challenge of Our Conor. Whilst some have suggested that Hurricane Fly does not show his best form at Cheltenham, the ratings suggest otherwise. His highest RPR is 173, which he achieved at Leopardstown, Punchestown, and Cheltenham. His best speed figure (on my ratings) was achieved when third in the 2012 Champion Hurdle. My figures suggest he has 5lb to find from his last run to achieve a similar RPR figure recorded last March. Given Willie Mullins upbeat comments on his progress, that appears achievable.

Our Conor is improving all the time (experienced paddock-watchers at Leopardstown felt the horse was still short of full-fitness). At five-years he may lack the strength for a Champion Hurdle. However, it is worth noting he improved his best juvenile RPR by 14lb when successful in the Triumph Hurdle. Whilst some have crabbed the form of that win, it is worth noting the second, third, and fourth are now on official marks of 148, 150, and 152. Having won by fifteen-lengths and upwards, Our Conor’s official mark of 161 is almost certainly lower than he can achieve. If Cheltenham does “Light his fire,” he cannot be left out of final calculations. Jezki needs to find improvement and looks held on this seasons form. He is not going to improve into a dangerous opponent until he settles in his races. A strong pace will help him, though it will not inconvenience others in the race. In addition, this year’s form suggests he will have his work cut out to reverse 2013 Supreme Novices hurdle form with My Tent Or Yours. Jezki wears a hood for the first time. MTOY and The New One are closely matched on running at Kempton Park over Christmas. Even allowing for The New One’s mistake at the last, I feel MTOY would have come out on top. Experienced paddock-watchers felt MTOY was still not at full-fitness on Boxing Day. In addition, the Old Course will, I feel, suit the Henderson horse better than The New One. The New One’s supporters insist he will prove the strongest of the pair up the hill. Based on last year’s Supreme that is a valid argument. However, MTOY is a stronger horse this time round, while a recent outing in a “Jumpers Bumper” will have taken the fizz out of him. He is also, in my opinion, a better jumper of hurdles. The fact JP’s team have supplemented Captain Cee Bee, suggests MTOY will have the pace he needs to settle into a good rhythm. Indeed one could read into that they consider stamina not to be an issue. A Thousand Stars presence means a strong pace is likely. Last year there was a strong pace in the early stages with Rock On Ruby, (wearing blinkers for the first time) making the running. Compared to the 2012 renewal, a five-second slower time was clocked from the third last to the winning post. Having taken an age to get into full-stride, the pace collapse, clearly suited “The Fly.” One hopes there will be a strong, even, pace from the start. Looking at the ratings above, improvement is needed to match “The Fly’s” 2012/13 figure. However, if he dips below that figure, the race appears up for grabs. Selection: My Tent Or Yours

Cheltenham Festival 2014: Day One Preview

February 10, 2014 by Jonathan Pollinger Leave a Comment

Cheltenham has many festivals but it’s the four days of Jump Racing in March that is known as ‘The’ Festival. Thousands of people from all walks of life enjoy the heady cocktail of sport, atmosphere, emotion and action. The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is always a thrilling one as the anticipation of the excitement to come climaxes with a huge roar as the meeting gets underway with the Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle. Months and months of questions about which horses are going win, who’s going to ride the fancied runners and most importantly, who’s going to win are finally going to be answered at Prestbury Park. The Skybet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 2014 The first races of the Festival is sure to get the meeting off with a bang with runners going hell for leather around the 2 miles course. Following his victory at Kempton Park in the Dovecote Novices Hurdle, Irving is a hot favourite for this race at around 2/1. Ireland’s Champion Trainer, Willie Mill is putting up a strong challenge though and could run three horses, Vautour, Wicklow Brave and Valseur Lido. William Hill are offering each-way terms of 1,2,3,4,5 in this race plus bet £25 and receive a £50 free bet (TODAY ONLY). Free bet is for new customers only. BET NOW. The Racing Post Arkle Chase 2014 Another fast and furious race but this time for young chasers running over 2 miles, the Arkle is always a great spectacle. Fast and accurate jumping is the key to taking victory as a single mistake can put a runner out of contention. The favourite is Champagne Fever, who bids to follow up his win in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last year. However, there are lots of challengers led by Trifolium, who like the favourite, has good form in Ireland. English horses worthy of note are Dodging Bullets trained by Paul Nicholls and Rock On Ruby, a former inmate of Paul Nicholls, now trained by Harry Fry. The Stan James Champion Hurdle The highlight of the Day 1 is the Stan James Champion Hurdle and this year’s race is the most competitive for years. Challenging for favouritism at around 3/1 are defending Champion Hurricane Fly from Ireland, who bids to win the race for the third time, and local challenger The New One, who won the Neptune Investments Novices Hurdle on the Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival last year. Other horses to consider are My Tent or Yours who’ll be ridden by Champion Jockey Tony McCoy and last year’s easy Triumph Hurdle winner, Our Connor. OLBG Mares’ Hurdle This event has been dominated by the amazing mare Quevega, who is going for an astonishing and record breaking sixth straight victory in the race. She’s a red hot favourite at 4/5 and is in a different league to her rivals. The Mares Hurdle as the name suggests is restricted to mares and is run over 2 and half miles. It’s fairly new on the scene with the first running taking place in 2008. Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is a fantastic and exciting day of sporting competition which sets the tone for the rest of week. England v Ireland, Bookies v Punters – who’s going to come out on top? Finally, not forgetting the 30 day countdown for the Grand National has started and the favourites are already announced, we’re definitely looking forward to the biggest two months in the horse racing calendar, who are you going to back this year? Let us know in the Comments below. For tips throughout Cheltenham Festival week, join our Community for just £6 per month! JP

Cheltenham Clues – Champion Hurdle – Ratings and Preview

January 16, 2014 by Graham Richards 1 Comment

Cheltenham Clues

Champion Hurdle – Ratings and thoughts

	FSF	FORM ONLY
HURRICANE FLY	168	174
MY TENT OR YOURS	165	169
THE NEW ONE	163	169
JEZKI	163	167
ZARKANDAR	160	165
OUR CONOR	159	165
GRANDOUET	159	164
ANNIE POWER	158	164
P’TIT ZIG	154	159
UN DE SCEAUX	153	157
MELODIC RENDEZVOUS	153	155

Whilst some have suggested that Hurricane Fly does not show his best form at Cheltenham, the ratings suggest otherwise. His highest RPR is 173, which he has achieved at Leopardstown, Punchestown, and Cheltenham. His best speed figure (on my ratings) was achieved when third in the 2012 Champion Hurdle. My figures suggest he has to find 5lb from his last run to achieve a similar RPR figure recorded last March. Given Willie Mullins upbeat comments on his progress this season, that appears achievable.

MTOY (My Tent Or Yours) and The New One are closely matched on running at Kempton Park over Christmas. Even allowing for The New One’s mistake at the last I feel MTOY can come out on top. I feel the Old Course will suit the Henderson horse better than The New One, while experienced paddock-watchers felt MTOY was still not at full-fitness on Boxing Day. It looks likely there will be a good pace on whether it be Un De Sceaux or a Twiston-Davies pacesetter.

Jezki needs to find improvement and looks held on this seasons form. He will have his work cut out to reverse 2013 Supreme Novices hurdle form with MTOY.

Our Conor can improve his figure. His trainer has been upbeat over his progress since Leopardstown in late December. The last five-year-old to win the race was Katchit in 2008. I believe that was a sub-standard affair displayed by his RPR of 165, some 8lb below The Fly’s best figure. Prior to 2008, See You Then was a five-year-old winner in 1985.

Annie Power is the subject of much speculation. Unbeaten through her career and impressive in horrific conditions last time out, her 7lb mares’ allowance may play an integral part in the outcome of her chosen race. Whilst she stays two and a half-miles, her breeding does not scream out and out stayer. Therefore, at this stage the Champion Hurdle would appear the ideal race, though the OLBG Mares Hurdle race is over two and a half-miles. It should not be forgotten she is in different ownership to The Fly, Quevega, and Un De Sceaux.

Un De Sceaux is also unbeaten. He is a wonderful sight in full flow, hurdling and galloping his rivals into submission. Yet to be challenged in a race, he is hard to assess. There is no doubt he is close to top-class, though Cheltenham will be a new and different test. Despite appearing to relish soft/heavy ground, he won an AQPS race on good to soft while his sire gets good ground performers, as does the sire of his dam.