STAR NOVICE CHASERS BID TO CONTINUE IN DISTINGUISHED FOOTSTEPS
MEETING - The 2007 Festival
DATE - Tuesday to Friday, March 13 to 16, 2007
ADMISSION PRICES - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - Club £65, Tattersalls £35, Best Mate £20. Friday - Club £80, Tattersalls £50, Best Mate sold out.
With recent winners such as Voy Por Ustedes, Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop, Well Chief, Flagship Uberalles, Star De Mohaison, Florida Pearl and Looks Like Trouble, Cheltenham’s two championship novice chases - The Irish Independent Arkle Chase and Royal & SunAlliance Chase - have an outstanding record at producing future stars and this year’s contests, for which entries are revealed today, look again to be brimming with talent.
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE, a highlight of The Festival’s first day, has 43 entered including last season’s JCB Triumph Hurdle runner-up Fair Along, who is unbeaten in his three outings over fences for trainer Philip Hobbs. David Pipe - whose father Martin trained four of the last nine winners of the two-mile contest - could add to the family record with Buena Vista or Pablo Du Charmil, who both have a 100 per cent record in chases. The Howard Johnson-trained Lennon is another with a faultless career to date over fences while Nicky Henderson - who boasts three Irish Independent Arkle Chase victories so far - has two entries, Stan James Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase scorer Jack The Giant and All Star, who made a stylish winning chasing debut at Ascot in November.
Alan King, who saddled Voy Por Ustedes to victory last year, has entered My Way De Solzen - who could opt for the longer Royal & SunAlliance Chase - and Howle Hill, winner of both his novice chases. Paul Nicholls, successful in 1999 with Flagship Uberalles and four years later with Azertyuiop, has six chances of a third success. Opera Mundi, a winner at Newbury on Wednesday, Natal, Good Spirit, Phar Bleu, Turko and Twist Magic make up his team. The 10 Irish-trained entries include Gemini Baby and Callow Lake from Jessica Harrington’s stable as well as last year’s Coral Cup hero Sky’s The Limit, trained by Edward O’Grady.
There are 73 entered in the ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE, run on Wednesday, March 14, with Denman, trained by Paul Nicholls, currently heading the ante-post betting after his three successes this season. Nicholls, successful in 2006 with Star De Mohaison, has also entered Opera Mundi, Turko, Be Be King and Gungadu in the extended three-mile event. Ungaro, winner of the Grade One Feltham Novice Chase at Kempton for trainer Keith Reveley, Dom D’Orgeval, who scored on his debut for trainer David Pipe at Fakenham last week and the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Don’t Push It, winner of the boylecasino.com Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on December 9, are other notable entries.
A joint-record 28-strong entry from Ireland includes Charles Byrnes’ stable star Cailin Alainn, whose last two novice chase victories have come in Grade One company, as well as Schindlers Hunt and Hear The Echo, who filled the first two places in the Grade One Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown on December 26.
Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham’s Managing Director, said: “Both The Irish Independent Arkle Chase and Royal & SunAlliance Chase boast outstanding records at producing future contenders for championship honours at The Festival and this year’s entries for the two races include a string of talented performers from both sides of the Irish Sea that should hopefully continue that tradition.”
TICKET UPDATE
Edward Gillespie added: "Tickets are selling very well for all four days, and remain available, other than for the Best Mate Enclosure on Friday, March 16, totesport Gold Cup day. However, there is now limited availability of Tattersalls Enclosure tickets for that day, and we expect to sell those tickets in the next couple of weeks."
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2006
ANALYSIS OF ENTRIES
NUMBER OF ENTRIES
IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
43, 57, 48, 42, 47, 57, 51, 47,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
58, 51, 46, 30, 30, 28, 29.
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
73, 91, 61, 64, 72, 82, 61, 84,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
88, 75, 81, 61, 54, 65, 43.
IRISH-TRAINED ENTRIES
IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
10, 19, 17, 12, 17, 15, 12, 9,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
17, 11, 6, 8, 7, 4, 5.
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
28, 28, 17, 19, 20, 24, 11, 12,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
16, 13, 7, 10, 8, 14, 6.
Irish-trained successes at The Festival
2006-10
2005-9
2004-4
2003-6
2002-5
2001-Cancelled
2000-3
1999-5
1998-4
1997-3
1996-7
1995-4
1994-3
1993-6
1992-2
1991-2
1990-2
1989-0
1988-1
1987-1
1986-4
1985-2
1984-4
1983-5
1982-6
1981-3
1980-4
1979-5
1978-6
1977-7
1976-5
1975-5
1974-5
1973-3
(10 winners last year was a record although the new four-day Festival (introduced in 2005) had 24 races compared to 20 in past years. The previous record for the three-day Festival was eight wins in 1958, when races were divided.)
HORSE ENGAGED IN BOTH THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHASE & THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
Another Promise
Don’t Push It
Mr Pointment
My Way De Solzen
Opera Mundi
Oran Climate
Stoway
Turko
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY
Class 1, Grade One, Total Prize Fund £170,000, 2.35pm, Cheltenham, Tuesday, March 13, 2007, two miles. For novice 5-y-o & upwards, two miles. Weights:
5-y-o 11st 2lb; 6-y-o & upwards 11st 7lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries
closed January 17, entries revealed January 22 (43 entries), forfeit stage
February 20, six-day confirmation stage March 7, final declaration stage
10.00am, March 12. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to
and including the racing of Thursday, January 18, 2007. May not include some
overseas form.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
150r5-1 ALL STAR (GER) 7 Lynn Wilson, Nick Wilson, Martin Landau Nicky
Henderson
4-11F21 ANOTHER PROMISE (IRE) 8 Geoff Hubbard Racing Ferdy Murphy
53162/-2 ANYPORTINASTORM (IRE) 9 Mrs P Duffin Tom Mullins IRE
240-143 BLUEBERRY BOY (IRE) 8 Joseph Keeling Paul Stafford IRE
2016-21 BRIAREUS 7 Miss E J Lambourne Andrew Balding
2336-11 BUENA VISTA (IRE) 6 Matt Archer & The Late Jean Broadhurst David
Pipe
2-221U4 CALLOW LAKE (IRE) 7 Coirle Forde Jessica Harrington IRE
2400-62 CHIEF YEOMAN 7 B Moore & E C Stephens Venetia Williams
14004-0 DESERT AIR (JPN) 8 Belinda Harvey David Pipe
3/11-121 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) 7 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
2/00206- DUSKY WARBLER 8 Mike Charlton And Rodger Sargent Gary Moore
3022-55 FAASEL (IRE) 6 Jim Ennis Nicky Richards
0-03111 FAIR ALONG (GER) 5 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs
36110//1- FLYING FALCON 8 Burnt Toast Venetia Williams
F131-12 KILLAGHY CASTLE (IRE) 7 Valda Embiricos Nick Gifford
4/2212-2 KINGKOHLER (IRE) 8 Jo Champion, H Morgan, E Barlow Kevin Morgan
401-111 LENNON (IRE) 7 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson
1415-12 MR POINTMENT (IRE) 8 Stockton Heath Racing Charles Egerton
12-2121 MY WAY DE SOLZEN (FR) 7 B Winfield,A Longman,J Wright & C Fenton
Alan King
61-1214 NATAL (FR) 6 Monica Hackett Paul Nicholls
221U-11 OPERA MUNDI (FR) 5 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
0-34451 ORAN CLIMATE (IRE) 7 Kevin Smith John Brennan IRE
2U0-111 PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) 6 Joe Moran David Pipe
31-3 PASAGAI (FR) 5 Irvin Naylor Chris Bealby
46403-1 PHAR BLEU (FR) 6 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
22212-12 PRIVATE BE 8 David and Daphne Walsh Philip Hobbs
501-P14 RASHARROW (IRE) 8 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
30-3521 REGAL HEIGHTS (IRE) 6 Janet Heler Donald McCain Jnr
22F2F4 RIGHTS OF MAN (IRE) 8 Mrs A McCarthy Davy Fitzgerald IRE
6-32331 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE (FR) 8 John Webb Steve Gollings
130-336 SKY'S THE LIMIT (FR) 6 Raymond Rooney Edward O'Grady IRE
31/32-123 STOWAY (FR) 5 Tony & Jeni Fisher Alan King
3-00141 TIDAL FURY (IRE) 5 Twelfth Night Jonathan Jay
544/-012 TROUBLE AT BAY (IRE) 7 Nigel Bunter Alan King
652-112 TURKO (FR) 5 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
153P-12 TWIST MAGIC (FR) 5 Barry Fulton Tony Hayward Michael Lynch Paul
Nicholls
3/13-315 VINTAGE TREASURE (IRE) 8 Gigginstown House Stud Charles Byrnes IRE
00/44/-1F YOUNG DESPERADO (IRE) 9 G A Murphy Robert Tyner IRE
43 entries
10 Irish-trained
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY CHASE - Analysis
Philip Hobbs’ exciting chasing recruit Fair Along is among a cracking 43-strong entry for the £170,000 Grade One Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy, run over two miles at Cheltenham on Tuesday, March 13, the first day of The Festival 2007.
Having finished an excellent second behind stable companion Detroit City in the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival last year, the five-year-old has made a big impact over fences this term, winning all three starts, including a nine-length defeat of Natal, trained by Paul Nicholls, in the Grade Two Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham over two miles on November 12.
Private Be could also represent the Hobbs stable. He produced a grand effort on his chasing debut at Newbury on January 17, keeping on well to come home four lengths behind the Paul Nicholls-trained Opera Mundi.
Nicholls, who landed The Irish Independent Arkle Chase in 1999 with Flagship Uberalles and again in 2003 with Azertyuiop, has six entries in total.
Phar Bleu, who scored on his chasing debut at Plumpton on January 7, Turko, successful in the Grade Two totepool Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Wincanton on November 4, impressive Fakenham scorer Twist Magic and Good Spirit, third on his first try over fences at Warwick in October, complete the Ditcheat sextet.
The Alan King-trained My Way De Solzen, top class over hurdles and victorious in the Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle at last year’s Festival, has made an impressive start to his chasing career. He recorded a facile win last time out in the Grade Two Aquanti Group ‘Dipper’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, coasting home by 17 lengths from Turko.
King, who sent out Voy Por Ustedes to victory in 2006, is also responsible for French recruit Stoway, third to Private Be and Opera Mundi on his first outing in Britain, and the useful ex-Flat performers Howle Hill and Trouble At Bay.
Nicky Henderson has the best record of any current trainer in the Arkle, having scored with Remittance Man (1991), Travado (1993) and Tiutchev (2000). His two entries this year are Jack The Giant, gritty winner of the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27, and All Star, who made a winning start over fences at Ascot in November.
Martin Pipe loved to win The Irish Independent Arkle, landing the prize four times, and son David will be trying to follow in his father’s footsteps with his first Festival runners. He has entered the trio of Buena Vista, unbeaten in two runs over fences this term, 2006 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle scorer Desert Air, and Pablo Du Charmil, who completed a hat-trick at Warwick on December 31.
Nick Gifford, whose father Josh trained 1990 scorer Comandante, will be hoping Killaghy Castle can provide another Festival success for the family.
Briareus, trained by Andrew Balding, stayed on well to land a first chase success in the Grade Two Scanmoor Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot on December 15, a race in which Royal Shakespeare, trained by Steve Gollings, finished third, one place ahead of Len Lungo’s Rasharrow.
Nicky Richards has a fascinating contender in Faasel, second in the 2005 JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham but yet to jump a fence in public, and Howard Johnson looks to have a crack chaser on his hands in Lennon, who made it three chase wins in a row with a nine-length defeat of Kevin Morgan’s Kingkohler at Catterick last month.
Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, followed a close second to the high-class Denman with a length and three quarter defeat of Charles Egerton’s Mr Pointment at Cheltenham in the boylecasino.com Novices’ Chase on December 9, while Jonathan Jay’s Tidal Fury, a Grade One winner over hurdles in France, has landed two of his three starts over fences to date.
Donald McCain could try and notch a first Festival winner with Regal Heights, who got off the mark over fences when beating King Revo by two and a half lengths at Newcastle on January 5, Gary Moore has entered Dusky Warbler, an excellent third in the 2005 Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham but untried as yet over the larger obstacles, and Chris Bealby could run French hurdle scorer Pasagai, third on his British debut over fences at Uttoxeter on December 15.
Both Chief Yeoman, short-headed on his chase debut by Buena Vista at Hereford on January 11, and Flying Falcon, who has yet to appear over fences, could turn out for Venetia Williams, and Ferdy Murphy has entered Another Promise, a nine length winner over two and a half miles at Newcastle on December 16.
The great Moscow Flyer gave the Irish their last success in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2002, and his trainer, Jessica Harrington, has a couple of contenders this year in the shape of Callow Lake and Gemini Lucy, although both would need to improve on their runs behind Paul Stafford’s Blueberry Boy in the Grade Two Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown on November 19, a race in which Rights Of Man, trained by Davy Fitzgerald, fell early on.
Edward O’Grady, who sent out Ventana Canyon to lift the prize in 1996, has entered 2006 Grade Three Coral Cup hero Sky’s The Limit, while champion Irish jump trainer Noel Meade relies on Khetaam, although he fell on his last outing in a beginners chase at Leopardstown on January 14, won by the John Brennan-trained Oran Climate.
Young Desperado, who fell when still in contention in the Grade One Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, is a possible runner for Robert Tyner, Anyportinastorm, who returned from a two-year absence with a good second at Tramore on January 1 is Tom Mullins’ only entry, and the lightly-raced Vintage Treasure, impressive when taking a two-mile and one furlong contest at Limerick on December 26, is entered for Charles Byrnes.
Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy
6 Entries
Paul Nicholls (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop)
Class 1, Grade One, £170,000 Total Prize Fund. 2.35pm Cheltenham, Wednesday,
March 14, 2007. For novice 5-y-o+, three miles and half a furlong. Weights:
5-y-o 10st 8lb; 6-y-o+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Entries closed
January 17, entries revealed January 22 (73 entries), forfeit stage February
20, six-day confirmation stage March 8, final declaration stage 10.00am,
March 13. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and
including the racing of Thursday, January 18.
Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
111-114 ACCORDING TO JOHN (IRE) 7 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Richards
31-F112 ACES FOUR (IRE) 8 The DPRP Aces Partnership Ferdy Murphy
406-22U ALEXANDER TAIPAN (IRE) 7 Noel O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE
211 AN ACCORDION (IRE) 6 Brian Kilpatrick David Pipe
4-11F21 ANOTHER PROMISE (IRE) 8 Geoff Hubbard Racing Ferdy Murphy
34-3103 ANOTHERCOPPERCOAST (IRE) 7 Eileen Queally Paul Roche IRE
60-F160 SOME LEGEND (IRE) 7 Tir Conaill Syndicate Edward O'Grady IRE
01-1113 STANDIN OBLIGATION (IRE) 8 David Johnson David Pipe
31/32-123 STOWAY (FR) 5 Tony & Jeni Fisher Alan King
652-112 TURKO (FR) 5 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls
165-111 UNGARO (FR) 8 Sir Robert Ogden Keith Reveley
213-126 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 7 J P Dunne Philip Fenton IRE
221-P34 WEE ROBBIE 7 P H Betts (Holdings) Ltd Nick Gifford
111115 YES SIR (IRE) 8 Ms Y M Hill Peter Bowen
73 entries
28 Irish-trained
1 French-trained
Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the Royal &
SunAlliance Chase
5 Entries
Paul Nicholls (2006 Star De Mohaison)
David Pipe
Nigel Twiston-Davies (1993 Young Hustler)
4 Entries
Ferdy Murphy
3 Entries
Alan King
Willie Mullins IRE (1998 Florida Pearl & 2004 Rule Supreme)
Edward O’Grady IRE
2 Entries
Peter Bowen
Jessica Harrington IRE
Philip Hobbs (2003 One Knight)
Dessie Hughes IRE
Henrietta Knight (2000 Lord Noelie)
Noel Meade IRE
John Murphy IRE
Charlie Swan IRE
Venetia Williams
1 Entry
Robert Alner
John Brennan IRE
Charles Byrnes IRE
Thomas Cooper IRE
Michael Cunningham IRE
Thierry Doumen FR
Brendan Duke
Charles Egerton
Philip Fenton IRE
Joe Fox IRE
Tom George
Nick Gifford
Milton Harris
Michael Hourigan IRE
Howard Johnson
Charlie Longsdon
Carl Llewellyn
Donald McCain Jnr
Mouse Morris IRE
Tom Mullins IRE
Seamus Neville IRE
Jonjo O’Neill
John Quinn
Keith Reveley
Nicky Richards
Paul Roche IRE
Tom Taaffe IRE
THE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE - Analysis
The Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase is the championship event for three-mile novice chasers and this year’s renewal has attracted a high-class 73-strong entry. As in 2006, Irish trainers are responsible for 28 of those engaged while France has one possible contender.
Paul Nicholls, successful in 2006 with Star De Mohaison, has five entries, the same number as David Pipe and Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Nicholls’ quintet is headed by current market leader Denman, runner-up in what is now the Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Festival and unbeaten in three starts over fences this term.
Denman defeated the Carl Llewellyn-trained Snakebite on his most recent start in the Grade Two Stan James Berkshire Novices’ Chase at Newbury in November, having previously beaten subsequent winners Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, and the Alan King-trained Il Duce in the Jim Brown Memorial Novices’ Chase at The Open in November.
Nicholls could also saddle Turko, winner of the Grade Two totepool Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Wincanton, as well as Warwick novice chase winner Gungadu, Grade Two-winning hurdler Be Be King and Opera Mundi, winner of both his completed chase starts and racing for last year’s winning owner Sir Robert Ogden.
As well as Il Duce, Barbury Castle trainer King has entered Stoway and last season’s Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle victor My Way De Solzen, who was second to Irish Independent Arkle contender Fair Along at Sandown in December, before slamming Turko in the Grade Two Aquanti Group “Dipper” Novices’ Chase over two miles, five furlongs at Cheltenham on January 1.
Keith Reveley has saddled Ungaro to a hat-trick of wins so far this term, culminating with the Grade One Stan James Feltham Novices’ Chase over three miles at Kempton on December 26, in which Boychuk was second and Knowhere, According To John and Yes Sir were well held.
The Hobbs-trained Boychuk had Gungadu and the Nick Gifford-trained Wee Robbie behind when landing the Grade Two Unicoin Homes Novices’ Chase at Newbury.
Pipe’s team includes Dom d’Orgeval, a high-class hurdler who made a winning start to his chasing career for his new trainer over an extended three miles at Fakenham on January 15, as well as An Accordion, the smart 11-year-old Classified, Standin Obligation and Over The Creek.
Twiston-Davies, successful in the race with Young Hustler in 1993, could rely on the useful Knowhere, Stratford novice chase winner Best Profile, Irish Raptor, Jeremy Cuddle Duck and Patman Du Charmil.
County Durham trainer Howard Johnson has entered the well-regarded Royal Rosa, who was no match for seasoned rivals when third on heavy ground at Haydock on December 30, but previously defeated the Ferdy Murphy-trained L’Antartique at Wetherby.
Murphy’s promising charge subsequently landed a beginners’ chase at Bangor in December and is one of four entries for the Middleham handler, along with wbx.com Rehearsal Chase runner-up Another Promise, Aces Four and King Of Confusion.
Henrietta Knight saddled Lord Noelie to victory in 2000 and has two entries in Aztec Warrior and Glasker Mill, while Venetia Williams has entered Fair Question and Heez A Dreamer.
The Donald McCain-trained Cloudy Lane had a three-mile novice chase at Newcastle seemingly in the bag on January 5, until he blundered badly at the last and had to settle for second.
The Peter Bowen-trained Blue Splash defeated Dream Alliance and Miko de Beauchene at Exeter on New Year’s Day, while Openide gave trainer Brendan Duke a Grade Three success in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Like-A-Butterfly Novice Chase at Tipperary in October.
Mr Pointment, trained by Charles Egerton, was fifth to Nicanor in what is now the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival and has won one of two starts over fences, while the Charlie Longsdon-trained Kerstino Two defeated Preacher Boy over an extended three miles at Sandown on January 6. The home defence is completed by Character Building, Good Citizen and Saint Godegrand.
The strong Irish entry is headed by the Charles Byrnes-trained Cailin Alainn. The eight-year-old mare is unbeaten in four starts over fences, winning the three-mile Grade One Powers Whiskey Novice Chase at Leopardstown on December 28, from Patsy Hall, with Anothercoppercoast, Mattock Ranger, Moss Bank, Gazza’s Girl and O’Muirceartaigh behind.
Cailin Alainn previously landed the Grade One Ballymore Properties Drinmore Novice Chase in which she defeated the Dessie Hughes-trained Schindlers Hunt by three-quarters of a length.
Schindlers Hunt went on to land the Grade One Durkan New Homes Novice Chase over two miles, one furlong at Leopardstown on December 26, by 10 lengths from the Mouse Morris-trained Hear The Echo, who in turn held Justpourit, trained by Hughes, when winning the Grade Two Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase at Leopardstown on January 14.
Sky’s The Limit won the Grade Three Coral Cup at The Festival in 2006 for trainer Edward O’Grady, but is yet to win in three outings over fences this term. O’Grady’s three-strong entry also includes Some Legend.
Charlie Swan has entered Grade Two Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase winner One Cool Cookie along with Oodachee, while Oran Climate, victorious over Ballytrim in a Leopardstown beginners’ chase on January 14, could represent trainer John Brennan.
The Tom Taafe-trained Merdeka was a Grade Two winner over hurdles last term and broke his duck over fences at Limerick in December, while the Jessica Harrington-trained Knight Legend found only Briareus too good in a Grade Two novice chase at Ascot on December 15, before easily landing a two and a half mile contest at Punchestown on January 13.
John Murphy tasted Festival glory last season with Newmill in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the handler is two-handed here with smart mare Lala Nova and the maiden Crossbarry Boy.
The Joe Fox-trained Eurochancer defeated Justpourit at Navan in November, while the Tom Mullins-trained Chelsea Harbour prevailed in a two and a half mile handicap chase at Navan on January 7.
Vic Venturi was a high-class novice hurdler last term for Philip Fenton and, although no match for Cailin Alainn when sixth in the Ballymore Properties Drinmore Novice Chase, the seven-year-old has shown smart form over fences, winning the Grade Three Hartmann Jewellers Ballybrit Novice Chase at Galway in October.
The Irish challenge is completed by the Tom Cooper-trained Haydens First and Anshire Tower from Seamus Neville’s yard, along with the Noel Meade-trained Back To Bid, who has failed to reproduce his smart bumper and novice hurdle form in four runs over fences.
The French-trained entry is Moncadou from the Lamorlaye yard of Thierry Doumen. The seven-year-old landed a Grade Three handicap hurdle at Auteuil in May before finishing a length and a half second to Pretty Star on his British debut in the Bathwick Tyres Beginners’ Chase over three miles at Newbury in December.
TIME CAPSULE TO BE BURIED AT DONCASTER RACECOURSE
To mark yet another momentous stage of the £32-million redevelopment at
Doncaster Racecourse, a time capsule containing memorable artefacts from the
historic racecourse will be buried at the home of the St Leger.
Channel 4 Morning Line viewers and racing fans across the country will be
invited to email their favourite St Leger memories as well as suggestions
for items to go into the time capsule. Emails should be sent to:
competition@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
The actual burial ceremony will take place at Doncaster in the presence of
11 times champion Flat jockey Pat Eddery and other invited VIPs from the
world of racing, just prior to the Lincoln meeting on Tuesday, March 27. The
William Hill Lincoln takes place on Saturday, March 31, at Newcastle,
returning home to Doncaster in 2008.
The building work has remained on schedule since it began in January, 2006,
with the Town Moor course set to open for racing on August 17 with the Grand
Opening Ceremony taking place on Wednesday, September 12, the first day of
the four-day Ladbrokes St Leger Festival.
Tickets for the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival 2007 and all other racedays go
on sale on Thursday, February 1. They can be purchased on-line at www.doncasterracecourse.co.uk or by
telephone: 01302 304200.
Adam Waterworth, Managing Director at Doncaster, said: "We thought it was
important to mark the construction of our new grandstand by celebrating the
great history of Doncaster with a time capsule.
"Local schools are getting involved by coming up with things that represent
Doncaster today, and we want racing fans to let us have their favourite
moments at Doncaster, which we will also include in the capsule.
"The place is really taking shape, and with tickets going on sale next week,
everyone at the course now just wants to get to August so racegoers can
start enjoying this fantastic new stand."
NEPTUNE COLLONGES PRIMED FOR LETHEBY AND CHRISTOPHER CHASE - DALY PONDERS CHELTENHAM TARGETS FOR BILLYVODDAN AND MIGHTY MAN
Meeting - Festival Trials Day
Date - Saturday, January 27, 2007
Admission Prices - Club/Tatts £20; 16-24 £12; Best Mate £8
Champion jump trainer Paul Nicholls revealed today that Neptune Collonges is bang on target for the £100,000 Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase (2.45pm), run over three miles, one and a half furlongs at Cheltenham this Saturday, January 27, Festival Trials Day.
The progressive six-year-old, a fine second to Our Vic in the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on his seasonal return, took the valuable Rehearsal Chase over three miles at Newcastle on November 25 under top weight, but failed to get competitive back over hurdles last time when sixth to Mighty Man in the Grade One BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 16.
Nicholls said today: "Neptune Collonges definitely runs at Cheltenham on Saturday in the Letheby & Christopher Chase.
"In hindsight I wish I hadn’t run him at Ascot last time - looking back I don’t think it was such a good idea to go over hurdles, but he didn’t have too many options over Christmas. He just didn’t run any kind of race that day, but this has been his target ever since.
"He’s fresh, well, and in good order. He’s in decent form and the testing ground will definitely be in his favour."
Although Our Vic gave 12lb and a seven-length beating to Neptune Collonges in the Charlie Hall Chase, the latter’s trainer is not afraid to take on the winner again, whilst acknowledging that turning the tables would not be easy.
Nicholls continued: "Saturday is a different day on a different track and we live in hope. Our Vic was very impressive at Wetherby, but our horse needed the run that day, as he was much more effective the next time at Newcastle. We are ready to take them all on.
"He’s in the totesport Gold Cup, and with his rating there is not much else for him to go for, as he hasn’t got an entry in the Aintree National.
"It’s going to be a very tough race on Saturday, and I’m not confident, but Neptune Collonges is very well and the ground will suit, so you never know. Ruby Walsh will ride him."
A total of 14 entries have been received for the Letheby & Christopher Chase, including Our Vic, Paddy Power Gold Cup victor Exotic Dancer, Coral Welsh National hero Halcon Genelardais and top Irish novice Cailin Alainn from the Charles Byrnes stable.
Henry Daly is keeping a close eye on the weather before deciding whether to let Billyvoddan and Mighty Man take their chances at Cheltenham this Saturday.
Billyvoddan, who is entered in both the Letheby & Christopher Chase and the £55,000 Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase (3.55pm) over two miles and five furlongs on the same card, returned to form in spectacular fashion last time out when taking the BGC Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot on December 16 by 12 lengths, when the application of blinkers clearly worked the oracle.
Daly said today: "It all depends on what the ground is like for Billyvoddan. If it is no better than soft ground then he will not run - it would need to dry out for him to take his chance.
"He ran very well last time with the blinkers on - they just made him concentrate on the job in hand and clearly had the desired effect. That win was over three miles but I’m not sure what his best trip is - I would say the ground is the most important factor with him.
"Billyvoddan has come out of the Ascot race well. He is in good order and ready to run and I hope we can get him out, but we’ll just have to see. Whether or not Leighton Aspell keeps the ride depends on if Richard [Johnson] is available."
Mighty Man, third in Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle at last year’s Festival, could be in line for a mouth-watering clash with the unbeaten Black Jack Ketchum in the £60,000 Grade Two Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle (2.10pm), which has attracted a high-class entry of 15.
The seven-year-old followed a fine second to Hardy Eustace in the Grade Two Coral Ascot Hurdle in November on his seasonal return with a gritty success in the Grade One BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 16, defeating Lough Derg by a length and a quarter.
Daly continued: "Mighty Man’s participation is also entirely dependent on the ground, as he does not like it testing.
"Richard [Johnson] got off him after Ascot last time and said that he hated it - he said he won despite the ground and not because of it.
"He’s fine after the race though and in good order, but he just wants better ground - I think good going suits him best."
Admission prices for the fabulous day’s racing on January 27 are Club and Tattersalls combined £20 with 16-24-year-olds paying £12 and the Best Mate Enclosure £8. The Best Mate package is £25 and the Rooster Booster package £46, both of which need to be booked in advance.
Cheltenham’s going remains heavy on both the hurdles and chase courses after 1mm of rain fell overnight. The forecast is for significant overnight frosts up to Friday, although the entire racing area has been covered with frost sheets for protection.
SKY BET CHASE ON RAMBLING MINSTER’S AGENDA
EVER PRESENT AND CLOUDY LANE COULD LINE UP FOR SKY BET CHASE
LATEST GOING REPORT
Trainer Keith Reveley is keeping one eye on the weather ahead of Rambling Minster’s bid for the £60,000 Sky Bet Chase (2.20pm) at Southwell on Saturday, January 27, the highlight of a quality six-race card sponsored exclusively by the Harrogate-based betting organisation. This is the second year that the contest has been run at Southwell and it is set to return to its regular home, Doncaster, in 2008 after that course has undergone a £32-million redevelopment.
The Listed handicap chase, run over three miles and half a furlong, has attracted a 33-strong entry.
Reveley revealed today about the 8/1 second-favourite with Sky Bet (see below for further odds): "The plan is to run Rambling Minster in the Sky Bet Chase. I wouldn’t be too keen if it was absolutely bottomless ground, so I’ll see what the course is saying later in the week. I know the ground will be soft, it’s just a case of how soft. He’s not a horse who wants very heavy ground so I’d be worried if more rain came in by the end of the week."
Rambling Minster won on his chasing debut at Catterick in January, 2006, but was not seen again until October 29, when he finished fourth to the high-class Monet’s Garden over two and a half miles on testing going at Carlisle.
The nine-year-old ran a fine race on his latest outing at Kelso on December 3, staying on late to get within a length of the tiring Ever Present over three miles and a furlong on heavy ground.
Reveley reported: "Rambling Minster’s always been a decent horse. Unfortunately, he won his beginners’ chase last year and then picked up a slight injury, so he missed the rest of the season.
"He’s had a couple of runs over fences and ran a nice race last time at Kelso on ground that wouldn’t really suit him. It rained all day and went very heavy and he performed very well.
"He’s in good form and the Sky Bet Chase is the type of race I’d like to go for with him. I just need the weather to keep dry during the week.
"He’s a decent staying handicapper and we’ll just take one race at a time. I’m hoping that, come the spring, if the ground does dry up, then that would be the time of year for him."
Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards is considering reopposing Rambling Mister with his Kelso conqueror, Ever Present (10/1), who is bidding for a four-timer over fences.
The lightly-raced nine-year-old showed progressive form in completing the hat-trick at Kelso last time, when he jumped exuberantly and took a commanding lead before tiring close home in the testing conditions to finish a length clear of Rambling Minster.
Richards said today: "Ever Present has been entered in the Skybet Chase at Southwell and he’s in at Cheltenham as well so, if he’s to go anywhere, I’ll have a look and make a decision as the week goes on.
"You have to weigh everything up in this job and I’ll have a look at the opposition before committing to anything.
"He’s a horse going the right way and he seems fine at present. We’ll take it race by race with the handicapper. How far he goes up the ladder is anyone’s guess.
"He’s quite a keen horse so I don’t think he’d want much further than three miles. He handles soft ground but I think he wants a bit of half-decent ground.
"He’s a grand horse and he’s very genuine. He wins his races and he’s a great horse for any trainer to have - that’s what every trainer is looking for."
Donald McCain may send the exciting Cloudy Lane (11/1) to Southwell for the Sky Bet Chase as he seeks compensation for the progressive seven-year-old’s last fence fall at Newcastle on January 5.
The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding had his rivals beaten when blundering at the last and handing Numero Un De Solzen a fortunate victory in the three-mile contest on soft ground, but had previously scored a four-length triumph over that rival at the same course and distance.
McCain reported today: "Nothing has been decided as to whether he goes for the Sky Bet Chase or heads to Cheltenham or Kelso. We’ll see how he is later in the week and then speak to Mick Meagher, Mr Hemmings’ racing manager, and then we’ll make a decision.
"The horse is fine and is working well and ready to run. He didn’t have a race when he made the mistake at the last at Newcastle so it’s just frustrating. He would have had a nice scoot round and picked up another prize, which would’ve been grand, but he has come back fine and he’ll be ready for the weekend, wherever he goes.
"We think he’s a little bit better on better ground but he has won plenty of races on heavy ground so it’s much of a muchness to be honest. We’ll just see what the opposition looks like and play it by ear.
"Cloudy Lane has been a star for me. He’s the first horse Mr Hemmings has sent me and everything we’ve asked him to do he’s gone and done. He’s going the right way over fences - obviously he was a bit unfortunate last time - so we just want to keep progressing."
The Sky Bet Chase entry also includes the James Fanshawe-trained Reveillez and the Nicky Henderson-trained Copsale Lad, who filled the first two places in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last term, Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase third New Alco, the David Pipe-trained It Takes Time and Whispered Secret, Iris Royal, Rosses Point, Mount Clerigo and Coral Welsh National runner-up Mon Mome.
GROUND
Jon Pullin, Clerk of the Course at Southwell, reported today: "We are currently heavy and soft in places. The forecast is for colder temperatures with rain and drizzle over the next couple of days and we’ll be monitoring how much rainfall we get.
"There is a risk of frost for the next couple of nights but hopefully nothing too close to Saturday."
LATEST SKY BET PRICES
Mon Mome 7/1
New Alco 8/1
Rambling Minster 8/1
Rosses Point 8/1
Novic 9/1
Ever Present 10/1
Cloudy Lane 11/1
Sharp Belline 12/1
Simon 12/1
Umbrella Man 12/1
Nadover 14/1
Reveillev 14/1
Copsale Lad 16/1
Ardaghey 18/1
Whispered Secret 18/1
Florida Dream 18/1
Iris Royal 18/1
Kasthari 18/1
Little Big Horse 20/1
Lady Of Scarvagh 20/1
Mount Clerigo 25/1
Herecomestanley 25/1
It Takes Time 25/1
Each Way terms: 1/4 of odds for 1st 4 places
BONUSPRINT.COM ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATE
The Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships are firmly established and, as the 2006/07 competition reaches half-way, the exciting race for honours is intensifying.
The 2006/2007 Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships are contested from November 6, 2006 to March 24, 2007, at Britain’s four all-weather racecourses, Lingfield Park, Southwell, Wolverhampton and Kempton Park.
A glance at the leading trainers in the Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships attest to the increased competition and improved quality of runners on the all-weather circuit in recent times, with Classic-winning trainers such as Mark Johnston, Richard Hannon, Clive Brittain, William Haggas and Sir Mark Prescott regularly taking advantage of generous prize money.
The Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships offer a total of £80,000 in prizes, with £16,000 split between the stable staff of the top four trainers at the close of competition. The champion trainer collects a generous prize of £15,000, with an additional £7,500 going to his or her staff.
The Bonusprint.com All-Weather champion jockey receives £12,000, while the runner-up takes £6,000, the third £4,000 and the fourth £2,000.
After training two winners at Lingfield on Saturday, Richard Hannon has taken the lead in the Bonusprint.com All-Weather Trainers’ Championship with £106,951 in prize money and 12 winners, while Mark Johnston is currently in second place having accrued £105,159 and 25 winners at a superb strike-rate of 36%. Clive Brittain is third thanks to collecting £93,871 and 12 successes.
Brittain’s biggest victory of the campaign so far came when Group Three winner Hattan captured over £11,000 in winning the pontinsbingo.com Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton on January 5, ahead of a tilt at the Dubai Racing Carnival.
Hattan’s victory once again highlighted the quality of all-weather racing, with the five-year-old having finished runner-up to Cherry Mix in the Group One Premio Roma in November prior to lining up at Wolverhampton.
Renowned holiday and leisure company Pontins is the leading sponsor of races at Britain’s all-weather tracks during the 2006/2007 winter season.
The Bonusprint.com All-Weather Jockeys’ Championship looks like going down to the wire, with the top four riders within nine winners of each other.
Brett Doyle is enjoying a great run of form since returning to Britain in October following a stint riding in the Far-East, and leads the current standings with 32 winners. He enjoyed a four-timer on the John Best-trained Hurricane Spirit in November and December.
Hot on his heels is Joe Fanning, who is reaping the rewards of the excellent form of the Johnston string, with 18 of his 26 winners coming aboard horses trained by the Middleham trainer.
Eddie Ahern took the title last year and is currently in third place with 24 wins, while Neil Callan has also ridden 24 winners.
James Doyle is well placed as he attempts to secure the Bonusprint.com All-Weather Champion Apprentice title, which carries a first-prize of £6,000 and £2,000 for the runner-up.
Doyle, the son of trainer Jacqui Doyle, has 21 successes on the board, five more than his nearest rival Daniel Tudhope (16), but with Greg Fairley (14), Adam Kirby (12) and Duran Fentiman (12) also within striking distance, an exciting second half of the campaign appears to be on the cards.
The Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships climax on Saturday, March 24, with a highly-competitive card at Lingfield Park, which features the Group Three Winter Derby and has received a boost with the news that the £26,000 Hever Sprint Stakes has been awarded Listed status. In total, Winter Derby Day can now boast prize money in excess of £250,000.
The world-class speedster Les Arcs, trained by Tim Pitt, won the five-furlong contest last term before going on to land the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group One Darley July Cup, to end the year as the top-rated British-trained sprinter.
The Hever Sprint Stakes is one of three promoted or new Listed contests at Lingfield Park, the other two being the £26,000 Winter Derby Trial Stakes - formerly a conditions event - and the £26,000 Cleves Stakes, which is a brand new contest over six furlongs.
The Winter Derby Trial Stakes and the Cleves Stakes are staged on Saturday, February 24.
Grand Passion took the 10-furlong Winter Derby Trial Stakes for the second time in 2006, having also succeeded in 2004, and Geoff Wragg’s charge subsequently finished runner-up to Sri Diamond in the Group Three Winter Derby itself.
The 2005 renewal was won by that year’s all-weather Horse of the Year, Eccentric, who went on to land the Group Three Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor that summer, as well as the Grade Three Fayette Stakes at Keeneland, USA, in October, 2006.
For further information on the Bonusprint.com All-Weather Championships, please go to www.theawc.co.uk
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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