Roy Waterhouse Steeplechasing

Transcription

1 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings Welcome to my analysis of the 218 Cheltenham Festival On this PDF I give you simply my analysis, and my handicap rating, of every horse that ran at the meeting. There s no need to duplicate the information that you already have, and can already get such as going, weight, race distances, grades and precise race names all it is, is just my take on events. Note Rating in square brackets [ ] a horse who didn t complete the race, but got far enough to suggest that the figure given is about what it would have run to Because I was at the track on the Friday, for those horses that I got to see in the paddock, their appearances are noted Table Of Contents click on a race to go straight to the page where my write-up starts Supreme Novices' Hurdle... 2 Arkle Chase... 3 Ultima Handicap Chase... 4 Champion Hurdle... 5 David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle... 6 National Hunt Chase... 7 Novices' Handicap Chase... 9 Neptune Novices' Hurdle... 1 RSA Insurance Novices Chase Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Queen Mother Champion Chase Cross Country Chase Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Champion Bumper JLT Novices Chase Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle... 2 Ryanair Chase World Hurdle Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase Trull House Stud Mares Novices Hurdle Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase Triumph Hurdle County Handicap Hurdle Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle Cheltenham Gold Cup Foxhunters' Chase Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle Grand Annual Handicap Chase Supreme Novices' Hurdle 1

2 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings Supreme Novices' Hurdle SUMMERVILLE BOY held up, mistake 2nd, headway and midfield 4th, further ground and rear of leading group 5th, niggled along at the top of the hill, still niggled but effort approaching 2 out, tracked leaders when mistake then lost footing on landing, set back around 3 lengths, turned for home in 7th with some 6 lengths to find, hard ridden, stayed on strongly approaching last and made up most of the ground, 2 lengths 3rd when mistake last, hard ridden, sustained effort under pressure to lead close home, going away at the line. Can't jump hurdles (needs fences) and clearly could do with a longer trip, so considering the mistakes at the last 2 and the stumble at the second last, the future's very bright. KALASHNIKOV chased leaders, pushed along after 4th, held place, moved upsides leader approaching 2 out looking to be going more comfortably than others, led jumping, sent for home, went 2 lengths clear home turn, stayed on, was closed on approaching last, the best jump, hard driven, headed close home, no extra final strides. Unlucky to be caught and a great run. MENGLI KHAN midfield, closer order and prominent after 4th, headway approaching 3 out, nudged along, tracked leaders going to 2 out, shaken up home turn, hard ridden, put under pressure approaching last, every chance jumping, hard driven, no more under pressure last 125 yards, stuck to task but lost ground on 1st 2. PALOMA BLUE prominent to midfield, mistake 1st, keen, headway 4th, moved comfortably and chased leader 5th, in close to 3 out, nudged along, ridden and outpaced after 2 out, looked held last, hard driven, stayed on up the hill and was closing on the 3rd last 15 yards. Could do well over 2m4f judged on the way he finished here. CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN prominent to midfield on inner, shuffled back to midfield when mistake 2nd, lost place and vigorously pushed along in midfield to rear 5th, well back 3 out, had 12 in front and around 8 to 1 lengths to find approaching 2 out, hard driven and outpaced under pressure approaching home turn, stayed on strongly approaching last and passed several, sustained effort under pressure to 5th up the hill, nearest finish. Safe to say that a longer trip is needed here. WESTERN RYDER midfield to rear, headway and midfield niggled along after 5th, pushed along after 3 out, keeping on when jumped big 2 out then hampered and forced to swerve right on landing, well outpaced approaching last, taken over to far side (inside) and stayed on, effort up the hill and stayed on strongly to pass a few, no impression on those ahead. Best work at the end after getting no luck in the run at the second last. LOSTINTRANSLATION midfield to rear, mistake 4th and pushed along away from it, held place to the top of the hill, moved comfortably 3 out and nudged along after, looked to have something to give approaching 2 out, hampered and forced to swerve markedly right on landing, hard ridden, well outpaced and well held home turn, hard ridden, stayed on one pace approaching last, passed a couple up the hill under a ride, stuck to task. This one's lack of pace was exposed immediately the incident at the second last happened - the jockey seemingly reluctant to get after him between three out and the next, perhaps thinking that he had something left - but has a future over around 2m4f. SHARJAH chased leader early, lost place and midfield to rear when mistake 2nd, a little ground and midfield 5th, out of his ground 3 out, at most nudged along approaching 2 out, jumped right, niggled along, stayed on and passed a few on inner turning in, hard ridden and sustained effort till flattened out nearing it and steadied into it, weakened under pressure and lost places, losing ground on the one in front at the post. His effort was short-lived, over at the last, and this one probably needs to be held on to for longer Supreme Novices' Hurdle 2

3 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings DEBUCHET SIMPLY THE BETTS GETABIRD US AND THEM KHUDHA SAXO JACK GOLDEN JEFFREY SLATE HOUSE DAME ROSE SHOAL BAY FIRST FLOW led to 1st, remained prominent, moved comfortably enough after 5th, pushed along after 3 out, held place to 2 out, hard ridden, put under pressure home turn, carried head to one side, not stay on, well held approaching last, weakened further under pressure up the hill. held up, pushed along after 3rd, struggling in rear of the main group at the top of the hill, left behind and largely left alone from 3 out, appeared to be tailing off when mistake 2 out, further behind last, made no contribution. chased leader, keen, led 1st, jumped right 2nd, was joined 4th, disputed it pair clear, definite lead after 5th, not fluent 3 out, was joined approaching 2 out, mistake and readily headed, looked heavylegged and wobbly, ridden and nothing coming off home turn, eased right off, tailed off. prominent, keen, pushed along and started to lose place after 5th, held on to the rear of the leading group 3 out, pushed along, blundered 2 out, weakened, looked heavy-legged, soon tailed off, trailed in. held up last and slightly detached early, not fluent 2nd, struggling in last pair approaching 5th, passed a couple at the top of the hill but not seriously ridden and still way back, tailed off when mistake 2 out, trailed in. held up rear, no headway when blundered 5th, vigorously ridden along in rear at the top of the hill, well tailed off when mistake 2 out, trailed in. held up, in last pair approaching 5th, pushed along at the top of the hill, well tailed off 2 out, trailed in. midfield, keen, mistake 2nd, made ground wide and rear of main group after 5th, at most nudged along approaching 3 out, not asked for significant effort until pushed along a few strides off 2 out, stayed on under a hand ride, outpaced home turn, driven approaching last, fading when fell heavily last. Would have finished around 4 lengths behind Debuchet. prominent, pushed along and lost place 3rd, midfield 4th, lost further ground and struggling in rear under a push at the top of the hill, eased right down and tailed off when pulled up before last. midfield to rear, raced outer, not fluent 3rd and nudged along away from it, mistake 5th and struggling, dropped rear by the top of the hill, eased down and pulled up before 3 out. chased leader, keen, mistake 2nd, ridden into 4th and disputed lead at that point, pair a little way clear, veered and jumped right 5th, vigorously ridden along away from it, raced wide after, held place but pushed along at the top of the hill, started to tire approaching 2 out and blundered/lost footing there, well held after, pushed along but looked tired and heavy-legged and continued to lose ground, tailed off when pulled up before last [133] Arkle Chase FOOTPAD BRAIN POWER raced 3rd, blundered 6th, 1st 2 were 2 lengths clear 7th, closed on them at the top of the hill before 3 out, loomed upsides Petit Mouchoir approaching home turn, soon led, not shaken up to draw clear between last 2, pushed out, ran on, readily. It was set up for him, but the style marks - with the exception of the mistake at the 6th were high. held up last, made a place by 4th, mistake 7th, niggled along 9th, closed on those ahead at the top of the hill, some 6 lengths off 1st 2 when mistake 3 out, pecked on landing 2 out, pushed along, in close to last, hard ridden, stayed on, took 2nd from the weakening Petit Mouchoir in the final strides, not the remotest impression on Footpad Arkle Chase 3

4 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings PETIT MOUCHOIR SAINT CALVADOS ROBINSHILL led 1st, reached for 2nd, headed 4th, led 6th, with Saint Calvados raced 2 lengths clear of the others 7th, led 8th, started to come back to those behind approaching 3 out, in close to it, headed home turn, hard ridden, no impression as Footpad drew clear, mistake last, weakened, caught for 2nd by Brain Power close home. Along with Saint Calvados he overdid the pace-setting, and is surely better than this. led, mistake 1st and headed, led 4th, headed 6th, with Petit Mouchoir raced 2 lengths clear of the others 7th, headed 8th, lost place after 1th, relegated to 4th and losing ground on 1st 3 by 3 out, tailed off from 2 out, continued to lose ground on them before and after last. Along with Petit Mouchoir overdid the front-running, and it's possible that this one needs to dominate. held up, mistake 2nd, not fluent 3rd, relegated to last by 4th, slow 5th and pushed along, slow 6th, tailed off 8th, further mistakes, trailed round, was over 2 fences behind when turning for home. This wasn't happening from a very early stage, and he was clearly underpriced at an SP of 66/ Ultima Handicap Chase COO STAR SIVOLA SHANTOU FLYER VINTAGE CLOUDS BEWARE THE BEAR SINGLEFARMPAYMENT YALA ENKI prominent, tracked leaders from 2nd, moved comfortably, chased leader approaching 17th, led 3 out, moved best when niggled along approaching home turn, more vigorously pushed along turning in, wandered under pressure after 2 out, led 2 lengths and the better jump last, hard driven, wandered a little up the hill, all out, was closed on, ridden out, just held on. Shaped as though this is as far as he wants to go, but who wouldn't in his position as he'd been on the sharp end throughout the race. chased leader, shuffled back a little final circuit but still remained prominent, steadied into and slow 16th, made ground and at most nudged along chasing leader approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, put under pressure approaching home turn, chased Coo Star Sivola turning in, hard ridden, steadied into and slow last, went left, hard driven, began to pick up last 15 yards, pair clear, closed on winner to the post but never getting there. disputed lead, led 3rd, headed 15th, in 3rd when vigorously pushed along before and after 17th, ridden after 3 out and still half a chance till outpaced turning in, steadied into 2 out, carried head to one side, hard ridden, was 5 lengths down last, jockey all over the place early on the run-in, hard driven, picked up last 15 yards and kept on, no impression on 1st 2. Needs the jockey to be at him throughout the race and this performance was above realistic expectations beforehand. chased leader, lost place and niggled along in midfield 4th, mistake 13th, losing further ground when mistake 15th, vigorously pushed along 16th, dropped to the rear and had at least 13 in front going to 3 out, ridden and picked a few off after 3 out, continuing to stay on when steadied into 2 out, some 15 lengths back last, stayed on strongly to go 4th up the hill, nothing finished faster and was closing on those ahead. Expect this one to be in headgear next time. midfield to rear, mistake 5th (water), midfield when mistake 12th, blundered 15th, vigorously pushed along at the top of the hill but kept on a bit going to 3 out, ridden and closed on leaders, chance of a place 2 out, couldn't go on between last 2, was held when in close and hit last, looked tired, faded and lost 4th up the hill. chased leader, disputed lead 2nd, mistake 3rd, chased leader, blundered 13th, shuffled back a little but remained prominent and still moved comfortably approaching 17th, pushed along after it, dropped to midfield going down the hill to 3 out, pushed along going to 2 out, no more after last Ultima Handicap Chase 4

5 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings RAMSES DE TEILLEE CASSE TETE EAMON AN CNOIC O O SEVEN COGRY MINELLA DADDY VIC DE TOUZAINE KNIGHT OF NOIR VICENTE SIZING CODELCO WAKANDA GOLD PRESENT midfield, lost ground and dropped to rear before 5th, headway and midfield approaching 1th, further ground and closing on leaders when mistake 13th, in touch in leading group when niggled along going down the hill to 3 out, beginning to struggle when mistake there, well held home turn, no more going to last. held up rear, mistake 1th, niggled along 14th, ridden into 15th, closing on those ahead when steadied into 16th, just about prominent 17th, pushed along at the top of the hill, chance of a place under a push after 3 out, beginning to fade in 6th when blundered 2 out, well held, not fluent last, took well-held 8th place on the line. disputed lead to after 1st, shuffled back but remained prominent, made ground wide to lead 15th, went 3 lengths clear 17th, was closed on and about to be headed when mistake 3 out, pushed along and held place to home turn, began to weaken after 2 out, looked tired after last, continued to lose ground and lost well-held 8th place on the post. held up, started a move and midfield 15th, gradually closing on leaders when blundered 16th, niggled along after 17th, looked held when pushed along after 3 out in midfield some 12 to 15 lengths back, well beaten 2 out, tailed off. prominent, mistake 1th, lost place and vigorously pushed along in midfield to rear 15th, reminders after 16th, no further impression, tailed off home turn, no more. midfield, pushed along approaching 16th where mistake, no impression when pushed along at the top of the hill, left alone from 3 out, allowed to complete in own time, well tailed off. Made no contribution. held up, raced outer, dropped to last and slightly detached when blundered 12th, pushed along after 16th, still pushed and struggling towards rear approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last. midfield to rear, mistake 2nd and dropped to last, pushed along away from 1th, hard ridden/reminders and struggling in rear 16th, tailed off going to 3 out, hopeless when pulled up before next. prominent, mistake 2nd and shuffled back to midfield, lost place and towards rear when niggled along after 1th, reminders in rear after 12th, blundered 13th and 15th, mistake 16th and pulled up after that. prominent to midfield on outer, pushed along and starting to lose place in midfield when mistake 15th, lost further ground and in rear approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before next. prominent, lost place and niggled along in midfield 11th, lost further ground and vigorously pushed along in rear 14th, tailing off when mistake 17th, soon pulled up. held up, headway wide and midfield 14th, niggled along after 17th, beginning to fade when steadied into 3 out, weakening and tailed off when pulled up before 2 out Champion Hurdle BUVEUR D'AIR MELON prominent, hit 2nd, tracked Faugheen at the head of the chasing group from 5th, mistake 3 out but moved upsides leader on the bit there, in close to 2 out but led there and immediately challenged by Melon, pushed along off home turn, stayed on, hard ridden after last, driven 15 yards out (whip used for the first time at that point), found more last few strides. Not the easy win the betting predicted, but good champions find a way. midfield, closer order approaching 3 out, no room on the inside and forced to switch just before a marker after 3 out, made further ground going comfortably and challenged Buveur D'Air 2 out, niggled along approaching home turn, every chance till one pace under a ride approaching last, stuck to task and not totally done with, arguably the better jump, hard driven, stayed on and every chance till one pace last 1 yards. Finding more than he sometimes does, hard to argue that he didn't put it in for this finish Champion Hurdle 5

6 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings MICK JAZZ midfield, headway on the bit 3 out and closer order, further ground 2 out and tracked leaders whilst yet to be shaken up approaching home turn, niggled along turning in, carried head high and outpaced, looked held jumping last, hung left, hard driven, no more last 15 yards. Confirmed his running in the Leopardstown race in which he was a shock winner, but didn't put it in when the jockey went for him approaching the last. IDENTITY THIEF chased leaders, shuffled back a little from approaching 3rd but remained prominent, mistake 4th and lost place/midfield, niggled along, outpaced under a push 3 out and rear of the main group, kept on a bit approaching 2 out, in close to it, pushed along and no impression home turn, started to stay on under a ride approaching last and challenged the 4th, took the place and kept on up the hill, no impression on 1st 3. ELGIN midfield, knocked down 5th and niggled along away from it, midfield but seemed poised approaching 3 out, not asked for an effort before 2 out, shaken up after it, pushed along and outpaced home turn, looked held when in close to last, faded, lost 4th up the hill, no more last 15 yards. It was worth a try, but he was outclassed in the end. FAUGHEEN sent on, headed after 1st, chased leader when mistake 4th, led 3 out and immediately pushed along and challenged by Buveur D'Air, weakened under a hand ride 2 out, well held approaching last, kept on to take distant 6th up the hill. Confirmation, if it were needed, that the best days of the Faugheen-machine are a memory. WICKLOW BRAVE held up last, started a move after 5th racing widest of all and travelled well into midfield approaching 3 out, seemed poised approaching 2 out, shaken up after it, hard ridden home turn, put under pressure, not stay on, looked well held and faded approaching last, continued to fade up the hill and lost 6th last strides. Everything was going swimmingly to the second last, then he came off the bridle and arguably declined to put it in. CH'TIBELLO held up, not fluent 2nd, nudged along after 3 out, shaken up after 2 out, put under pressure and not stay on home turn, carried head to one side and hung left, weakened further up the hill, made no contribution. JOHN CONSTABLE held up, little headway when niggled along still in rear after 3 out, still no ground when mistake 2 out, hard ridden, weakened home turn and detached last, tailed off jumping last. YORKHILL CHARLI PARCS held up, nudged along after 4th, hard ridden away from 5th, weakened, started to tail off 3 out, hopeless when pulled up before last. chased leader, a little keen, led after 1st, left clear 4th, was closed on approaching 3 out, headed there, weakened quickly, tailed off and tired when pulled up after home turn, eased to a walk David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle BENIE DES DIEUX held up, started a move and midfield after 7th, nudged along and tracked leaders approaching 2 out, mistake there, pushed along, turned for home in 3 lengths 4th, switched, initially outpaced under pressure, stayed on approaching last, the best jump, hard driven, stayed on to lead 15 yards out, driven out, all out, held on well last 5 yards. MIDNIGHT TOUR held up, headway and midfield after 7th, pushed along approaching 2 out, effort approaching home turn, tracked leaders under a ride turning in, sent to the front approaching last, in close to it, hard driven, went right under pressure, headed 15 yards out, stayed on under pressure, one pace last 1 yards David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle 6

7 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings APPLE'S JADE led, jumped right 1st, also jumped right 4th and a slight stumble on 154 landing, headed 6th, niggled along going down the hill to 3 out, drew upsides leader approaching 2 out, pushed along away from it, led home turn, put under pressure, headed approaching last, changed legs nearing it, jumped it 2 lengths down, hard driven, stayed on, changed legs again around 175 yards out, stuck to task but never getting to the 1st 2. Not the same Apple's Jade that is competitive when racing against geldings, that she changed legs both before and after the last suggesting that she was feeling something. INDIAN STREAM prominent, lost ground and niggled along in midfield approaching 6th, 147 dropped to rear and pushed along away from 7th, stayed on approaching 3 out where mistake, pushed along and outpaced approaching 2 out, lost place and jumped it last of the main group, hard ridden, stayed on under pressure to pass beaten ones approaching last, switched to avoid running in to the faltering La Bague Au Roi after last, driven out, no impression on those ahead. Another good run in this race, but another flat spot - not a first for this one - prevented her from finishing closer. JER'S GIRL prominent, tracked leaders approaching 6th, niggled along at the top 144 of the hill, pushed along approaching 2 out, steadied into it, outpaced, pushed along and no headway home turn, looked well held approaching last, left alone nearing it, hard driven with a chance of 4th after last, no extra last 175 yards. In a renewal of the Mares' Hurdle that was just as notable for who didn't perform as it was for who won, this usually reliable mare - who at her best might have been challenging for the runner-up spot - didn't give her running. MIDNIGHT JAZZ midfield, headway and prominent 3 out, hit that, pushed along, 143 outpaced approaching 2 out, in close to it, held place till fading rounding the home turn, ridden and no more approaching last, stuck to task, passed a beaten one late but no impression on those ahead. Not a bad note on which to finish her racing career, and she was due to start her new life as a broodmare with a visit to Telescope. LA BAGUE AU ROI chased leader, led 6th, ridden into 3 out, niggled along, headed home 143 turn, hard ridden, stayed on, still a chance when steadied into and blundered last, hard ridden, weakened, lost ground and places last 15 yards. Wasn't winning, but wouldn't have finished last had she not trashed the final flight, and over an inadequate trip where she was at the last was a more accurate representation of her merit (best is 149 with me over 3m). KAYF GRACE midfield, keen, fell heavily 5th. PRAVALAGUNA held up last, slightly detached last when hampered 5th, had caught up and was in touch when mistake 7th, niggled along and slightly detached last again going to 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out and left alone, tailed off when pulled up before last. National Hunt Chase RATHVINDEN held up, took off too early and blundered 11th, headway and midfield 17th, further good ground and prominent 2th, moved comfortably as edged closer to 1st 3 approaching 3 out, still on the bit home turn, moved best as loomed upsides 1st 2 between last 2 fences, led last, hard ridden, stayed on under pressure, 1st 2 now pulled clear, driven out, found more last 1 yards, going away at the line. A straightforward performance, travelled, only the one mistake on the way round (less than most), and found the necessary (whip ban was deserved though). MS PARFOIS prominent, disputed lead from 2nd, chased leader from 8th, tracked 1st 2 final circuit, moved comfortably and drew upsides 1st 2 approaching 3 out, went with leader and not asked for maximum effort until home turn, every chance when mistake 2 out, soon ridden and looked third best approaching last under a ride, hard driven, every chance last, put under pressure, stayed on well, 1st 2 pulled clear up the hill, one pace last 1 yards, went down with honours. We're overdue a mare winning the Grand National, and as this one is only 7, in say 22, this could be the one. There was only the one mistake on the way round and the future is very bright - she's too good for mares' races National Hunt Chase 7

8 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings SIZING TENNESSEE led, disputed lead 2nd, definite lead when jumped right 8th, mistake th, still moved comfortably at the top of the hill and approaching 3 out, not fluent and went right there, niggled along approaching home turn, still led 2 out, soon hard ridden, stayed on till headed last and mistake, weakened up the hill as 1st 2 went clear, was being closed on by the 4th last 1 yards. IMPULSIVE STAR prominent, tracked leaders when mistake 6th, mistake 9th, blundered th, chased leader final circuit, ridden at the top of the hill after 22nd, reminder approaching 3 out, pushed along approaching home turn and lost ground on 1st 2, left behind 2 out, no more, closed on well held 3rd last 1 yards. PYLONTHEPRESSURE dropped out last, mistake 1st, blundered 9th, mistake 12th, blundered th, headway and midfield 19th appearing to be travelling a little keenly, blundered 22nd, not asked for an effort and still moved comfortably approaching 3 out, blundered there, weakened, pecked on landing last, finished tired. This was one of the worst rounds of jumping in the whole history of steeplechasing. NO COMMENT held up towards rear, a little keen, mistake 9th, started a move and 9 midfield after 21st, pushed along at the top of the hill, jockey at pains not to get after him in earnest after 3 out, niggled along approaching home turn, finally shaken up and couldn't go on home turn, soon struggling, well held 2 out, left alone approaching last, tailed off. MOSSBACK sadly fell fatally 18th. KEEPER HILL held up, fell 6th. ALL KINGS DUEL AT DAWN REIGNING SUPREME LOFGREN CLONDAW CIAN ROBIN OF LOCKSLEY SHADES OF MIDNIGHT JURY DUTY prominent to midfield towards outer, was jumped across and mistake 1st, lost place and niggled along in midfield 7th, reminder after 11th, just about last and going worst of the field 14th, started to tail off from 16th, soon pulled up. chased leader, gradually shuffled back and midfield when mistake 11th, niggled along after 13th, a little ground when mistake 17th, a little headway and prominent 19th, jumped slowly 2th and lost place, reminder after 21st and struggling, pulled up after 22nd. prominent on outer, mistake 1st, slow 9th, ridden and lost place/started to tail off 19th, hopeless when mistake 22nd, pulled up after. midfield, mistake 9th, lost place and towards rear 13th, ridden and struggling 19th, mistake 2th, tailed off when pulled up after 22nd. prominent, mistake 19th (water) and hard ridden, became tailed off from 21st, appeared to be trying to pull himself up and managed to do so. prominent to midfield on inner, blundered 1st, midfield when blundered badly 17th, lost place quickly and pushed along in rear after that, refused 18th. prominent, niggled along when hit 18th then badly hampered, pushed along in midfield 19th, mistake 2th, lost ground, tailed off at the top of the hill, unseated rider 3 out (off camera). midfield, lost a few lengths and towards rear when mistake 8th, mistake 17th, headway and prominent 19th, niggled along at the top of the hill, ridden and stayed on approaching home turn but arguably going worst of the leading group, weakened turning in and soon well held, tiring when unseated rider 2 out. National Hunt Chase 8

9 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings Novices' Handicap Chase MISTER WHITAKER RATHER BE ROCKLANDER BARNEY DWAN IBIS DU RHEU JAMESON KAYF ADVENTURE ANY SECOND NOW BALLYHILL WESTERN MILLER midfield, shuffled back towards rear of the main group when nudged along after 13th, good ground travelling more comfortably approaching 3 out and tracked leaders, pushed along in 4 lengths 5th turning for home, hard ridden and stayed on from 2 out, not much room as jumped last 2 lengths down, able to challenge wide as the other 2 leaders stuck to the far side up the hill, hard driven, stayed on strongly under pressure, led close home. The Betvictor Gold Cup (old Mackeson/Murphys/whatever) is the logical place to start next season, but with the way he finished here and the ground he made up, he gave the strong impression that 3m would suit ideally. prominent, blundered 7th, shuffled back a few lengths and vigorously pushed along after 3 out, effort and chased leader home turn, pulled wide of Rocklander approaching 2 out, shaken up, stayed on, led last, put under pressure, sustained effort, was challenged 1 yards out, headed by Mister Whitaker a couple of strides from the post. A bit unlucky to be caught, but as with the winner the Betvictor Gold Cup presents possibilities early next season. tracked leaders, led 3rd, briefly disputed it with one other 13th, moved comfortably in narrow lead approaching 3 out, pushed along home turn, stayed on, maintained slight lead under pressure till headed last, faded up the hill but drew well clear of the 4th. Never easy to make most in one of these Festival handicaps and comes out of it with a deal of credit, jumping better than anything else all the way round, which was a great help. midfield, good ground and tracked leaders from 5th, chased leader approaching 3 out and every chance, pushed along and carried head to one side home turn, pushed along, every chance 2 out, hard driven, faded and hung after last, no more under pressure, weakened up the hill, no more. Found little. disputed lead to 3rd, shuffled back but remained prominent, not fluent 9th, made ground from the top of the hill, good ground to track leaders 3 out, held every chance when shaken up home turn, outpaced 2 out, put under pressure, keeping on when blundered badly last, lost ground, no more. Hasn't been the most consistent over fences, but here ran well for a long way although he wasn't closing on the 1st 3 when the mistake at the last ended what little chance he had left. held up, some ground and midfield when mistake 8th, shuffled back and last of the main group but not shaken up going down the hill to 3 out, pushed along approaching home turn, no impression under a ride before jumping 2 out in 6 lengths 7th, soon went 6th, kept on, made no ground, nearly lost 6th post. Did nothing quickly, and if this is as good as he is, as his pedigree contains no stamina influence, he doesn't appeal as one who's likely to improve. held up, niggled along approaching 8th, ridden along approaching 11th, pushed along away from 12th, ridden along with a lot to do 3 out, passed beaten ones and disputed 7th 2 out, no further impression under a drive, not fluent last, kept on up the hill and nearly got 6th. Had too much to do at all stages of the race, but there was a bit of late work. midfield, slightly closer order 7th, raced widest of all when mistake 12th, niggled along in rear of the main group at the top of the hill, hard ridden 3 out, stayed on till outpaced noticeably home turn, well held 2 out, no more before or after last. chased leaders, shuffled back a little but still prominent when mistake 12th, lost place approaching 3 out, hard ridden and reminders in rear approaching home turn, turned for home in 1 to 12 lengths 1th, ridden between last 2, lost further ground, tailed off. disputed lead till mistake 3rd, remained prominent, niggled along after 13th, ridden and lost ground/midfield going down the hill to 3 out, hard ridden and outpaced approaching home turn, looked tired between last 2, blundered last, tailed off Novices' Handicap Chase 9

10 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings TESTIFY prominent, chased leader from 5th, challenging leader when mistake 12 13th, hard ridden away from it, lost place, rear jumping 3 out, tailed off from home turn. LE ROCHER prominent, mistake 5th, lost place and rear 7th, brought down 9th. Was already struggling at the time. REPORT TO BASE sadly fell fatally 9th. LIVELOVELAUGH held up, fell 6th. DE PLOTTING SHED TYCOON PRINCE DEMI SANG CONRAD HASTINGS MARKOV held up, had made no ground when niggled along starting down the hill to 3 out, jumped it in midfield to rear, niggled along, faded approaching home turn, had dropped to rear of the main group when eased down and pulled up before 2 out, quickly stopped to a walk. midfield, mistake 8th, lost place and niggled along in rear 12th, blundered 13th and nearly came to a standstill, eased off and pulled up at the top of the hill. midfield on inner, lost place and rear when briefly pushed along after 8th, mistake 1th, jumped ponderously 12th and pulled up immediately. held up last, not fluent 1st, ponderous jump 2nd, overjumped 3rd, detached last 8th, tailed off 1th, some 6 lengths adrift going to 3 out, pulled up before 2 out. prominent to midfield, raced wide, blundered 1st, rear when pushed along after 4th, mistake 5th, pulled up after 7th. Neptune Novices' Hurdle SAMCRO BLACK OP NEXT DESTINATION SCARPETA DUC DES GENIEVRES midfield, took off too early and nearly landed on a flattened panel 3rd (thanks to Black Op, who'd just knocked it down), headway and prominent 6th, tracked leaders 3 out, mistake 2 out, loomed upsides on the bit home turn, pushed along once in line, stayed on, drew clear, led 3 lengths and the better jump last, driven out, wandered right and idled, stayed on well to maintain clear advantage last 15 yards. Only idling when in front, he's won this with a little in hand and should either go chasing next season or, if staying over timber, should be aimed at the Stayers' Hurdle. prominent, mistake 3rd flattening it, moved comfortably after 7th, niggled along after 3 out, ridden along and outpaced after 2 out, turned for home in 4th with 2 or 3 lengths to find, put under pressure, stayed on well going to last and went 2nd, blundered last, driven, stuck to task, pulled clear of the rest last 175 yards, no chance with Samcro. Looks a chaser on TV pictures and that'll be his job next season; the future's very bright. midfield, mistake 7th and lost ground, midfield to rear after, pushed along at the top of the hill, stayed on and midfield 3 out, outpaced going to 2 out still pushed, steadied into it, shaken up approaching home turn, put under pressure, stayed on and closed on those ahead approaching last, left alone nearing it, hard driven last 175 yards, ran on strongly last 1 yards and went 3rd last couple of strides. Shaped as though the trip wasn't far enough and expect this one to be campaigned over around 3m next season. led, headed 3rd and chased leader after, mistake 6th, disputed lead 3 out, pushed along, every chance 2 out under a ride, headed by Samcro home turn, put under pressure in 2nd approaching last, faded nearing it, kept on up the hill under pressure, lost 3rd post. held up rear, headway and midfield 5th, further ground going comfortably and prominent 7th, taken back a little, headway 3 out, effort delayed, pushed along 2 out with 3 lengths to find, outpaced home turn under a ride, chance of 3rd when steadied into last, no more up the hill, just kept on Neptune Novices' Hurdle 1

11 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings VISION DES FLOS AYE AYE CHARLIE GOWITHTHEFLOW BRAHMA BULL MIND'S EYE DIABLO DE ROUHET COOLANLY KNIGHT IN DUBAI AHEAD OF THE CURVE prominent to midfield, headway and tracked leaders approaching 5th, hit that, wandered a little nearing 3 out, moved comfortably though and disputed lead approaching 2 out, led jumping, ridden along, headed home turn, hard driven approaching last, faded, looked held jumping, driven, stuck to task till fading and losing ground on those ahead last 5 yards. Ridden positively, had little left to give when Samcro went on and weakened out of the frame in the end, but is probably a bit better than his finishing position would suggest. held up, a little ground racing wide and midfield approaching 7th, knocked down 3 out, hard ridden and faded, put under pressure approaching 2 out, well held jumping, hard driven and no impression before or after last. chased leader, led 3rd, hit 5th, pushed along after 3 out, held place, headed 2 out, hard ridden, faded approaching home turn, weakened under pressure straight, well back last, no more. midfield, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, soon rear, pushed along and almost last over 2 out, ridden, kept on before and after last, passed beaten ones, no impression on those ahead. Might prove less than genuine, seemed to be the first really struggling from the third last, then had a bit of running in him at the end. held up rear, passed a couple and travelled comfortably before in close to 3 out, pushed along away from it, midfield 2 out, went right under a hand ride approaching home turn, bumped rival, carried head high and to one side and not stay on home turn, hung left approaching last, weakened up the hill, eased off, tailed off. held up, niggled along in rear after 7th, started a move at the top of the hill and midfield approaching 3 out, niggled along, no further ground approaching 2 out, hard ridden after it and weakened approaching home turn, lost further ground approaching last, no more up the hill, tailed off. tracked leaders, a fraction slow 1st, mistake 4th and lost ground, mistakes 5th and 6th, pushed along and lost place 3 out, dropped rear going to 2 out, tailed off last. midfield to rear, lost place and rear when niggled along after 4th, still in rear and going worst of the field after 7th, detached last and pushed along going to 3 out, lost further ground from 2 out, tailed off by last. held up rear, mistake 3rd, niggled along before mistake 4th, lost further ground, tailed off when pulled up early on final circuit RSA Insurance Novices Chase PRESENTING PERCY held up, started a move travelling comfortably and midfield 4 out, looked poised 3 out, got a split between horses and chased leaders on the bit approaching home turn, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear between last 2, driven further clear up the hill, decisive. Put this away going to the second last really, and let's see how far up the ladder he gets. MONALEE prominent, a little keen, headway and chased leader from 7th, led 3 out, pushed along home turn and not going as well as Presenting Percy, headed and mistake 2 out, outpaced between last 2, 1st 2 well clear of the others, hard ridden, kept on, no impression on winner but decisively beat the rest. Seemed to run well, failing to quite get home up the hill yet seemed in a different league to the 3rd on the day; shaped as though around 2m4f would be his optimum. ELEGANT ESCAPE disputed lead, chased leader from 3rd, slow 4th and 11th, shuffled back a little there but remained prominent, vigorously pushed along going down the hill to 3 out but held place and every chance, hit that, pushed along, stayed on, hard driven approaching home turn, well outpaced, jumped 2 out in 1 lengths 5th, left 4th, hard ridden, took modest 3rd last, kept on. Going forward it's probably the Nationals (not Aintree yet) that will give him the best chance of winning next season RSA Insurance Novices Chase 11

12 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings BALLYOPTIC BLACK CORTON BONBON AU MIEL AL BOUM PHOTO DOUNIKOS ALLYSSON MONTERG FULL IRISH chased leaders, slow 6th and lost ground/midfield, niggled along and headway to be more prominent when ridden into 4 out, pushed along away from it, held a chance 3 out, outpaced and put under pressure approaching home turn, was 6th and some 12 lengths down turning in, ridden and kept on before mistake last, took 4th up the hill. Will need extreme trips next season. disputed lead, definite lead when mistake 3rd, hit 8th, mistake 12th, mistake 3 out and headed, vigorously pushed along and outpaced approaching home turn, left moderate 3rd last, lost further ground on 1st 2 between last 2, weakened and lost 3rd then 4th last 2 yards. midfield to rear, lost place and rear from 11th, nudged along at the top of the hill, lost ground on main group going to 3 out, niggled along and little impression approaching home turn, weakened, tailed off 2 out, trailing in when took a tired fall last. Arguably shouldn't have been asked to jump it - had ironically been sympathetically handled once unable to make inroads on the others, making no contribution to the race at any point. midfield, closer order when mistake 16th and set back a couple of lengths, good ground approaching 3 out and tracked leaders, ridden along home turn, outpaced, not getting to 1st 2 when steadied into 2 out and fell. Would have been beaten around 7 lengths, so would have battled 2nd place with Monalee. midfield, niggled along and lost ground 16th, soon more vigorously pushed along, weakened under a hand ride after 3 out, tailed off home turn, pulled up before 2 out. midfield, lost ground and rear approaching 8th, not fluent there, mistakes 12th and 14th, ridden in rear and going worst of the field after 4 out, tailed off after 3 out, eased down and pulled up before 2 out. held up last, lost place and detached 13th, tailed off and pushed along 15th, getting further behind when pulled up before 3 out Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle BLEU BERRY TOPOFTHEGAME BARRA WILLIAM HENRY THE ORGANIST held up rear, starting a move when short of room and not fluent 7th, good ground and midfield at the top of the hill, closing when mistake 3 out, plenty of cover and short of room 2 out, shaken up home turn, driven approaching last, closed on leader, at most a length and a half to find jumping last, hard driven, carried head to one side but stayed on strongly, led 15 yards out, held on well. prominent, raced wide, moved comfortably and chased new leader approaching 2 out, challenging when mistake there, disputed lead when pushed along home turn, stayed on, led a neck last, hard driven, soon joined, headed 15 yards out, hard driven, stayed on, one pace last 75 yards, went down with honours. This one is going to turn out a stayer, so was very much helped by the soft ground at this trip. midfield, niggled along 7th, at most nudged along as made ground to be prominent approaching 2 out, ridden into it, switched wide, niggled along home turn, stayed on straightening, caught a bump, sustained effort and a neck down when no stride last, hard driven, stayed on, no extra last 15 yards, stuck to task under pressure. tracked leaders, every chance moving comfortably when pecked on landing 3 out, soon niggled along, all over the place jumping 2 out, pushed along, stayed on, stumbled momentarily turning in, hard driven approaching last, one pace when steadied into it, hard driven, stuck to task up the hill but no further impression. Stuck to the task, but lacked the pace to pull the 1st 3 back after he was steadied into the last hurdle. held up, niggled along and a lot to do in rear of the main group approaching 3 out, pushed along, switched wide approaching 2 out for a clear run, stayed on and closed on leaders approaching home turn, had half a chance turning in, stayed on towards outer approaching last, outpaced, hard driven, no further impression, stuck to task till faded late and being caught by the next ones last 2 or 3 strides. Good run but unable to find more after probably using herself up to get from the rear to holding some sort of chance approaching the last Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 12

13 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings RED INDIAN BURBANK STOWAWAY MAGIC MISCHIEVIOUS MAX MOUNT MEWS FLEMCARA FIXE LE KAP JEANNOT DE NONANT VOIX DU REVE RIVER FROST LE BREUIL prominent to midfield, more midfield when mistake 4th and pushed along away from it, a little ground at the top of the hill, carried head to one side but kept on under a ride approaching 2 out, ridden and outpaced approaching home turn, came wide turning in, looked held in 5 lengths 8th approaching last, hard driven, kept on, made a place last 15 yards but essentially never nearer. Never seen with a chance, off the bit plenty early enough. tracked leaders, shuffled back a few lengths but still largely prominent when mistake 7th, moved comfortably when steadied into 3 out, niggled along approaching 2 out, short of room jumping, pushed along home turn, faded straightening, put under pressure approaching last, looked held as jumped it in 5 lengths 7th, hard driven, no further impression, stuck to task. prominent, chased leader from 5th, joined leader 3 out, soon led, ridden along 2 out, disputed lead, hard driven approaching last, stayed on, steadied into it and headed, immediately flattened out, wandered left, weakened markedly and passed by several up the hill, lost 2 places inside last 5 yards. Finished very weakly after holding every chance approaching the last. tracked leaders early, lost ground and nudged along in midfield approaching 4th, lost place and last when mistake 7th, struggling in last pair going when mistake 3 out, pushed along, raced wide and began to stay on nearing 2 out, headway and midfield starting home turn, no further impression approaching last, finished well last 5 yards but no impression on those ahead. Did a bit of late work, but essentially there was nothing happening from the home turn. tracked leaders, niggled along after 7th and lost a little ground though still remained prominent, pushed along and struggled to hold place approaching 2 out, hard ridden and faded approaching home turn, hard driven approaching last, weakened nearing it, well held jumping, no more. midfield, lost ground and towards rear approaching 4th, some headway and midfield 3 out, pushed along, little impression approaching 2 out, put under pressure with 11 or 12 horses in front approaching home turn, carried head to one side, no impression approaching last, went left and mistake, no more up the hill, was being closed on by the next one last few strides. prominent to midfield, niggled along approaching 3 out, outpaced going to 2 out, looked well held, switched inner to middle, mistake and bumped rival 2 out, unbalanced home turn, hard driven, no more approaching last, kept on a bit last 5 yards and was closing on the one in front. chased leader, not fluent 5th and nudged along away from it, tracked leaders when niggled along away from 7th, arguably going worst of the leaders at the top of the hill, pushed along approaching 3 out, started to lose place under a vigorous ride, midfield and dropping back approaching 2 out, hard ridden approaching home turn, had 12 in front and 8 lengths to find approaching last, continued to fade, no more under a ride up the hill, hung right (into the whip). An inadequate test for this one who appears to be devoid of any pace. midfield to rear, raced towards outer, pulled hard, headway after 7th, with leaders when mistake 3 out, held place to 2 out, pushed along approaching home turn, was bumped on both sides approaching last, readily weakened immediately that happened, quickly dropped away, well back jumping last, left alone last few yards. Failed to settle and no surprise that he dropped right away. midfield, pushed along and lost place at the top of the hill, left alone approaching 2 out, well back home turn, not knocked about turning in, left alone last 5 yards. This one doesn't seem to want to know any more. prominent to midfield, lost ground and midfield when niggled along 7th, mistake 3 out, pushed along, lost ground and left alone approaching 2 out, pushed along in rear turning in, no more before or after last Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle 13

14 218 Cheltenham Festival Analysis and Ratings BASTIEN midfield, niggled along 7th, struggling when mistake 3 out, pushed 116 along and dropped back further approaching 2 out, mistake there, turned for home in rear under a push, no more. ROYAL VACATION midfield, headway and prominent after 2nd, raced wide when niggled 119 along approaching 7th, ridden 3 out, kept on till lost ground nearing 2 out, well held turning in, no more before or after last. SPRINGTOWN LAKE led, keen, in close to 7th, was joined 3 out, readily headed, vigorously 114 pushed along approaching 2 out, weakened quickly approaching home turn, dropped right away. Did way too much from an early stage; not his running. GRACEFUL LEGEND held up, niggled along towards rear after 3rd, mistake 7th, little 14 impression when mistake 3 out, pushed along, made no ground approaching 2 out, turned for home in rear, no further impression before mistake last, or up the hill. C'EST JERSEY midfield, moved comfortably on inner approaching 3 out, unbalanced 1 after it, niggled along and no headway, if anything dropped back when wandered on the approach to and mistake 2 out, pushed along and no impression, looked heavy-legged as faded approaching last, no more, eased right down, tailed off. MAX DYNAMITE midfield, niggled along 7th, pushed along at the top of the hill on inner, 11 appeared to be going more comfortably for a few yards before mistake 3 out, pushed along, carried head high, faded, well held when mistake 2 out, pushed along, no more, weakened and left alone approaching last, eased right down, tailed off. DUSKY LEGEND midfield, fell 2nd. DIAMOND KING ABBYSSIAL AS YOU WERE held up, mistake 1st, as-good-as-brought down 2nd, pulled up immediately. held up, lost place and niggled along in last going down the hill to 3 out, weakened further, looked tired when tailed off 2 out, soon pulled up. Seemed to empty markedly. held up, lost ground and slightly detached last 5th, niggled along 6th, struggling in last 3 going to 3 out, dropping away when blundered and as-good-as-unseated 2 out, weakened further, jockey had a problem with the reins coming off home turn but was already tailed off anyway, pulled up before last. Queen Mother Champion Chase ALTIOR MIN GOD'S OWN midfield, niggled along and closer order to be prominent approaching 8th, pushed along and arguably going worst of the leading group after 3 out, pulled wide off home turn, chased Min 2 out, ridden, effort and led between last 2, steadied into last, hard driven, stayed on strongly to pull clear up the hill, decisive in the end. Min ran to form, so despite the fact that Altior doesn't seem to act round Cheltenham, he's ended up producing a career-best, top-drawer performance. held up, closer order travelling comfortably and tagged on to the rear of the main group approaching 1th, slightly hampered there, headway on the bit after 3 out and chased leader home turn, led going best 2 out, ridden, headed between last 2, hard ridden, rallied, every chance last, hard ridden and one pace up the hill, lost ground on Altior last 175 yards. Despite the fact that this is top-class form, he still lost 7 lengths on Altior from the last to the line, and put next to such as his narrow defeat of Simply Ned at Leopardstown (which the Stewards reversed), one should have reservations about Min in a finish. held up, niggled along 7th, headway 8th, midfield 9th, tracked leaders after 1th (got a clear run on the outer while others were hampered by Douvan's fall there), chased leader at the top of the hill, led after 3 out, pushed along approaching home turn, headed and hit 2 out, hard ridden and outpaced, went right last, stuck to task but no further impression on 1st 2. Has run well many times over the last couple of seasons in Grade 1s and has done so again Queen Mother Champion Chase 14