Wednesday, March 9, 2005

GREAT ENTRIES FOR THE UltimatePoker.com 2000 GUINEAS AND THE UltimatePoker.com 1000 GUINEAS

In the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas, the opening classic of the 2005 season run up Newmarket's famous Rowley Mile on Saturday, April 30, Godolphin is responsible for 18 of the 89 entries (up from 84 in 2004) including Shamardal, brilliant winner of all his three starts in 2004 when trained by Mark Johnston, including the Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October.

Godolphin's hand is further strengthened by the presence of Dubawi, a son of Dubai Millennium and also unbeaten in three 2004 starts including the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, as well as whole host of unexposed performerswith trainer Saeed bin Suroor. Godolphin, based in Newmarket during the summer and Dubai in the winter, won the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas with Mark Of Esteem in 1996 and Island Sands in 1999.

Godolphin's great rival Aidan O'Brien is also seeking his third success in the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas and has11 entries, headed by Oratorio, triumphant in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere at Longchamp before going on to finish runner-up to Shamardal in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes, and the well-regarded Leopardstown maiden winner Grand Central. Other leading contenders from the Coolmore team, which recently signed Keiren Fallon as retained jockey, could include Ad Valorem, undefeated in three starts as a juvenile including the Group One Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, the highly-promising Footstepsinthesand and Tiger Dance, a facile winner on his only start last season and a full-brother to the "Iron Horse" Giant's Causeway.

No current trainer has a better record in the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas than Sir Michael Stoute, who is seeking his sixth success in the classic. This year the master of Freemason Lodge in Newmarket has three to choose from - Rob Roy, an impressive winner on his only start at Newmarket last season, Santa Fe, victorious at Ascot last season, and Master Of The Race, second on his only start at Newmarket in 2004.

Last season saw the combination of owner Hamdan Al Maktoum and trainer Barry Hills combine for victory with Haafhd. This time the same team is represented by Etlaala, an impressive scorer in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster before running disappointingly when favourite for the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

Other significant entries include the unbeaten Motivator, trained in Newmarket by Michael Bell and triumphant in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last season, while hopes of the first Royal classic winner since Dunfermline in 1977 lie with the Queen's Forward Move, trained by Richard Hannon and a five-length winner on his second start in a Newmarket maiden in September.

Carlos Laffon-Parias provides two of the three French-trained entries in Kavafi and Laverock, third in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud in November. The third French possible, Walk In The Park, is supplied by John Hammond and finished third in the Group One Criterium International at Saint-Cloud in October.

In the UltimatePoker.com 1000 Guineas, Godolphin has 12 of the 78 entries (up from 74 in 2004) including Suez, a Listed winner at Salisbury and runner-up to Brian Meehan's Magical Romance in the Group One Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket last season when under the care of Michael Jarvis.

The current market leader for the second of Britain's five classics, run on Sunday, May 1, is the brilliant French filly Divine Proportions. Undefeated in five starts last season, including the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville where she defeated the colts and in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp, she represents owners the Niarchos Family and trainer Pascal Bary, who saw Six Perfections finish an unlucky second to Russian Rhythm two years ago.

Russian Rhythm's trainer Sir Michael Stoute, also successful with Musical Bliss in 1989, has five to choose from in 2005 in the form of Discuss, Echelon, Read Federica, Newmarket maiden scorer Tomoohat and Shanghai Lily, who also represents Russian Rhythm's owners Cheveley Park Stud and was undefeated in two starts last season, both at Newbury.

The UltimatePoker.com 1000 Guineas is the one classic to still elude Aidan O'Brien and Ireland's champion trainer has entered six this time round, including Silk And Scarlet, heroine of the Group Two Debutante Stakes at the Curragh last season. However, the Coolmore team's best chance of success could be with the David Wachman-trained Damson, successful in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2004 as well as the Group One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh where she proved too strong for the colts. However, she had to settle for third place behind Magical Romance and Suez in the Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes.

Other leading contenders include Playful Act, owned by the Sangster Family and trained by John Gosden. She won three of her four starts in 2004, including the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster and the Group One Fillies' Mile at Ascot, while trainer Mark Johnston, successful with the great Attraction in 2004, has a trio entered including Starchy, a six-length victor on her sole start at Nottingham last season.

Michael Prosser, Newmarket's Clerk of the Course, commented: "The numbers are up in both races and the quality is outstanding. We couldn't have asked for anything better."

He added: "So many fascinating questions spring to mind. Will Godolphin's phenomenal array of three-year-old talent bag them a spectacular Guineas double? Can Kieren Fallon clinch a classic victory for his new boss, Aidan O'Brien, at the very first attempt? Is Motivator going to emerge as a superstar in the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas? Will Divine Proportions come over from France to try to avenge the 2003 defeat of Six Perfections in the UltimatePoker.com 1000 Guineas? I, for one, can't wait to get the answers."

UltimatePoker.com 2000 GUINEAS

Class 1, Group 1, £320,000 Total Prize Fund. One Mile, Newmarket, Saturday, April 30, 2005. For 3yo entire colts & fillies. Weights: colts 9st; fillies 8st 11lb. Entries closed March 2, entries revealed March 9 (89 entries), forfeit stage April 19, five-day confirmation stage April 25, £25,000 supplementary entry stage April 25. Final declaration stage 10.00am, April 28. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, March 8. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
2120- ACTIVE ASSET (IRE) 3 aAIM Racing Syndicate Mick Channon
111- AD VALOREM (USA) 3 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
212- ALBERT HALL 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
12011- ANDRONIKOS 3 Constantinos Shiacolas Paul Cole
212- ARMY OF ANGELS (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- BELENUS (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
124- BLUES AND ROYALS (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
321434- CAPABLE GUEST (IRE) 3 John Guest Mick Channon
21- CAPE GREKO 3 Holistic Racing Ltd Andrew Balding
22140- CAPTAIN HURRICANE 3 The Comic Strip Heroes Peter Chapple-Hyam
1- CENTAURUS 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
0-(2) COEUR COURAGEUX (FR) 3 Classic Racing I David Flood
142- COUGAR CAT (USA) 3 Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier & Betty Moran Aidan O'Brien IRE
12202- COUNCIL MEMBER (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
21102- CRIMSON SUN (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(1)1(1)314- CUPID'S GLORY 3 Hesmonds Stud Sir Mark Prescott
1- DARING RANSOM (USA) 3 R Bates Newton Jeremy Noseda
101- DARK CHEETAH (USA) 3 Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier & Betty Moran Aidan O'Brien IRE
31- DAVID JUNIOR (USA) 3 Roldvale Limited Brian Meehan
11245- DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT (IRE) 3 Harry Dobson Jim Bolger IRE
011- DIKTATORIAL 3 Tweenhills Thurloe Andrew Balding
601- DREAM TONIC 3 Billy Parish Mick Channon
(2)-(0) DUBAI DREAMER (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
111- DUBAWI (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1126- EARLY MARCH 3 Khalid Abdulla Criquette Head-Maarek FR
0- EBTIKAAR (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
4- ECHO OF LIGHT 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
11640- ELLIOTS WORLD (IRE) 3 Atlantic Racing Limited Mark Johnston
61- ESQUIRE 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
31- ETIJAHAAT (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Dermot Weld IRE
110- ETLAALA 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
(2)-(0)(3) EXCUSEZ MOI (USA) 3 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Clive Brittain
FARDI (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
11- FOOTSTEPSINTHESAND 3 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
21- FORECOURT (IRE) 3 Painestown Syndicate Charles O'Brien IRE
21- FORWARD MOVE (IRE) 3 The Queen Richard Hannon
415511- GALEOTA (IRE) 3 John Lazzari Richard Hannon
1- GRAND CENTRAL (IRE) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
HADDAAF (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
03- HAWKES BAY 3 Clare Heath Mark Tompkins
HAYYANI (IRE) 3 Aidan Ryan Kevin McAuliffe
123- HENRIK 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
211234- ICEMAN 3 Cheveley Park Stud John Gosden
112- INHABITANT 3 Khalid Abdulla Criquette Head-Maarek FR
011- KAMAKIRI (IRE) 3 Michael Pescod Richard Hannon
(2)(1)-(1)(4)(0)(4) KANDIDATE 3 Tony Richards Clive Brittain
13- KAVAFI (IRE) 3 L Marinopoulos Carlos Laffon-Parias FR
62123- KING MARJU (IRE) 3 Bryan Fry Peter Chapple-Hyam
1- KING OF LOVE 3 Mick Doyle Mark Johnston
10216- KINGS QUAY 3 John May Richard Hannon
313- LAVEROCK (IRE) 3 Maktoum Al Maktoum Carlos Laffon-Parias FR
2- MASTER OF THE RACE 3 Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
03- MINERAL STAR (IRE) 3 Mineral Star Partnership Mark Tompkins
223031- MISTER GENEPI 3 Mike Caddy & Brian Moss William Muir
1143- MONTGOMERY'S ARCH (USA) 3 Franconson Partners Peter Chapple-Hyam
11- MOTIVATOR 3 The Royal Ascot Racing Club Michael Bell
221- MUNADDAM (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
42- MUSEEB (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
123252- MYSTICAL LAND (IRE) 3 Sheikh Mohammed John Gosden
012112- ORATORIO (IRE) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
123- OUDE (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
(2)(1)(1) PAROLE BOARD (USA) 3 H E Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Mazin Al Kurdi UAE
0(3)(1)-(1)(1)(1) PARTY BOSS 3 Michael Clarke Clive Brittain
154161- PIVOTAL FLAME 3 R L Bedding Eddie McMahon
1335- PROPINQUITY 3 Caryl Harris Walter Swinburn
3021- RAIN STOPS PLAY (IRE) 3 John Livock Bloodstock Limited Mick Channon
RAYDAN (IRE) 3 H H Aga Khan John Oxx IRE
054112- REBEL REBEL (IRE) 3 Six Star Racing Neville Callaghan
2132- REBUTTAL (USA) 3 P Minikes Brian Meehan
1- ROB ROY (USA) 3 Philip Newton Sir Michael Stoute
123335- RUSSIAN BLUE (IRE) 3 Sangster Family & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
20(1)3-(6) SAFSOOF (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
514- SANTA FE (IRE) 3 The Celle Syndicate Incorporated Sir Michael Stoute
21114- SATCHEM (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
111- SHAMARDAL (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
21- SHOWDANCE (USA) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
103- SOLENT (IRE) 3 Mrs J Wood Richard Hannon
16-(1)(1) STAGELIGHT (IRE) 3 Fieldspring Racing Jeremy Noseda
0- STORM BREAKER (IRE) 3 Noel Furlong Noel Furlong IRE
STORMY LOVE (IRE) 3 Mick Doyle Mark Johnston
10- SUBPOENA 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
2- TARRAMAN (USA) 3 Abdullah Saeed BelHab Mark Johnston
1- TASDEED 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- TIGER DANCE (USA) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
5160-(0)(0) TONY JAMES (IRE) 3 Tony Richards Clive Brittain
3- TRAGEDIAN (USA) 3 Maktoum Al Maktoum John Gosden
01- TUCKER 3 Ray Richards David Elsworth
6- VICTORY DESIGN (IRE) 3 Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Jeremy Noseda
33213- WALK IN THE PARK (IRE) 3 Michael Tabor John Hammond FR

89 entries
19 UAE-trained
15 Irish-trained
5 French-trained


Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas

18 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (1999 Island Sands, 1996 Mark Of Esteem)

11 Entries
Aidan O'Brien IRE (2002 Rock Of Gibraltar, 1998 King Of Kings)

5 Entries
Richard Hannon (1990 Tirol, 1987 Don't Forget Me, 1973 Mons Fils)

4 Entries
Clive Brittain (1991 Mystiko)
Mick Channon
John Dunlop
Mark Johnston (1994 Mister Baileys)

3 Entries
Peter Chapple-Hyam (1992 Rodrigo De Triano)
John Gosden
Jeremy Noseda
Sir Michael Stoute (2001 Golan, 2000 Kings Best, 1997 Entrepreneur, 1988 Doyoun, 1985 Shadeed)

2 Entries
Andrew Balding
Criquette Head-Maarek FR
Carlos Laffon-Parias FR
Brian Meehan
Mark Tompkins

1 Entry
Michael Bell
Jim Bolger IRE
Neville Callaghan
Paul Cole
David Elsworth
David Flood
John Hammond FR
Barry Hills (2004 Haafhd, 1979 Tap On Wood)
Mazin Al Kurdi UAE
Kevin McAuliffe
Eddie McMahon
William Muir
Charles O'Brien IRE
John Oxx IRE
Sir Mark Prescott
Walter Swinburn
Dermot Weld IRE (2003 Refuse To Bend)


UltimatePoker.com 1000 GUINEAS


Class 1, Group 1, £320,000 Total Prize Fund. One Mile, Newmarket, Sunday, May 1, 2005. For 3yo fillies. Weights: 9st each. Entries closed March 2, entries revealed March 9 (78 entries), forfeit stage April 19, five-day confirmation stage April 25, £25,000 supplementary entry stage April 25. Final declaration stage 10.00am, April 29. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Tuesday, March 8. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age Owner Trainer
21- ALMANSOORA (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
ALSHAMATRY (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
01- AMALIE (IRE) 3 Saeed Manana Clive Brittain
0- ANISSATI 3 Mohammed Al Shafar Clive Brittain
2443- ARBELLA 3 Caryl Harris Walter Swinburn
3- ART EYES (USA) 3 Matthew Green David Elsworth
4101- BAHIA BREEZE 3 F Nowell Rae Guest
43- BAHJA (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Gosden
21- CAPE COLUMBINE 3 Mrs R F Lowe David Elsworth
10111- CENTIFOLIA (FR) 3 S Berland Robert Collet FR
15- CHEROKEE (USA) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
2- CLEAR IMPRESSION (IRE) 3 Sangster Family Peter Chapple-Hyam
CRIMSON YEAR (USA) 3 Sheikh Marwan Al Maktoum Clive Brittain
11113- DAMSON (IRE) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor David Wachman IRE
1- DESERT MOVE (IRE) 3 Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
2- DISCUSS (USA) 3 Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute
11111- DIVINE PROPORTIONS (USA) 3 Niarchos Family Pascal Bary FR
5-(1) DUBAI ESCAPADE (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
10- ECHELON 3 Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute
61030-(0) EXTREME BEAUTY (USA) 3 Dr Ali Ridha Clive Brittain
14523- FAVOURITA 3 Wyck Hall Stud Clive Brittain
10- FEN SHUI (UAE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
FORMAL APPROVAL (USA) 3 Sangster Family Mark Johnston
051- FULL MOON TONIGHT (USA) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
011314- GOLDEN LEGACY (IRE) 3 Noel And Glen Devlin Richard Fahey
21- HALLE BOP 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
6-(4) HASHIMIYA (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
11100- JEWEL IN THE SAND (IRE) 3 Sand Associates Richard Hannon
116- JOINT ASPIRATION 3 Ridgeway Downs Racing Mick Channon
(2)(1)- KAREN'S CAPER (USA) 3 Stonerside Stables LLC John Gosden
1- KITTY O'SHEA 3 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
2- LADEENA (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
1- LAST RHAPSODY (IRE) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
LOOK HERE'S MAY 3 S L Edwards Eddie McMahon
6251- LOVE THIRTY 3 John Livock Bloodstock Limited Mick Channon
61- LOYAL LOVE (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
0120- LUAS LINE (IRE) 3 Evie Stockwell David Wachman IRE
1- MAGGIE JORDAN (USA) 3 Andy Smith Brian Meehan
41611- MAGICAL ROMANCE (IRE) 3 Con Wilson Brian Meehan
121321- MAIDS CAUSEWAY (IRE) 3 Martin Schwartz Barry Hills
MIN ASL WAFI (IRE) 3 Jaber Abdullah Mick Channon
424(0)- MONA LISA 3 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
01312- PENKENNA PRINCESS (IRE) 3 Mrs H M Chamberlain Ralph Beckett
01220- PICTAVIA (IRE) 3 Maktoum Al Maktoum Jim Bolger IRE
2111- PLAYFUL ACT (IRE) 3 Sangster Family John Gosden
313425- PORTRAYAL (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
QAADMAH (IRE) 3 Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Michael Jarvis
1126- QUEEN OF POLAND 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- READ FEDERICA 3 Mrs R J Jacobs Sir Michael Stoute
116- SALAMANCA 3 Wood Street Syndicate Sylvester Kirk
2132- SAOIRE 3 Joseph Joyce Frances Crowley IRE
1014-(1) SATIN KISS (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
1- SAYWAAN (USA) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
11- SHANGHAI LILY (IRE) 3 Cheveley Park Stud Sir Michael Stoute
15- SHOHRAH (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Marcus Tregoning
0(4)- SIGN OF LUCK (IRE) 3 Mohamed Obaida Clive Brittain
2110- SILK AND SCARLET 3 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
SIMPLY SUNSHINE (IRE) 3 Dr D B Davis David Elsworth
4331- SINGHALESE 3 Paul Dixon Jamie Osborne
62615-(5) SLIP DANCE (IRE) 3 M McLoughlin Eamon Tyrrell IRE
001112- SOMETHING EXCITING 3 Setsquare Recruitment David Elsworth
1- SONGTHRUSH (USA) 3 Catherine Corbett & Chris Wright Paul Cole
6321- SQUAW DANCE 3 Tony Hirschfeld & D Scott William Haggas
2- STAGE SCHOOL (USA) 3 Sheikh Mohammed Mark Johnston
1- STARCHY 3 Maktoum Al Maktoum Mark Johnston
3211- STELLA BLUE (FR) 3 Ecurie Stella Maris Pascal Bary FR
53305- SUBYAN DREAMS 3 Five Horses Ltd Peter Chapple-Hyam
112- SUEZ 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor UAE
23- TAHRIR (IRE) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Barry Hills
4- TEEBA (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum John Dunlop
2312- TITIAN TIME (USA) 3 Lady Bamford & The Sangster Family John Gosden
1- TOMOOHAT (USA) 3 Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute
435360- UMNIYA (IRE) 3 Kuwait Racing Syndicate Mick Channon
1200- VALENTIN (IRE) 3 Valerie Hubbard & A J Ilsley Richard Hannon
0132- VIRGINIA WATERS (USA) 3 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
(1) VISTA BELLA 3 Sheikh Mohammed Michael Jarvis
11- WHAZZAT 3 Bill Gredley Barry Hills
505032- WORD PERFECT 3 Jean Turpin Mick Easterby

78 entries
12 UAE-trained
10 Irish-trained
3 French-trained


Breakdown of Entries by Trainer with Past Successes in the UltimatePoker.com 1000 Guineas

12 Entries
Saeed bin Suroor UAE (2002 Kazzia, 1998 Cape Verdi)

6 Entries
Clive Brittain (1993 Sayyedati, 1984 Pebbles)
Aidan O'Brien IRE

5 Entries
Mick Channon
Sir Michael Stoute (2003 Russian Ryhthm, 1989 Musical Bliss)

4 Entries
David Elsworth
John Gosden (2000 Lahan)

3 Entries
Barry Hills (1978 Enstone Park)
Mark Johnston (2004 Attraction)

2 Entries
Pascal Bary FR
Peter Chapple-Hyam
John Dunlop (1991 Shadayid, 1990 Salsabil, 1980 Quick As Lightning)
Richard Hannon
Michael Jarvis (2001 Ameerat)
Brian Meehan
Marcus Tregoning
David Wachman IRE

1 Entry
Ralph Beckett
Jim Bolger IRE
Paul Cole
Robert Collet FR
Frances Crowley IRE
Mick Easterby (1977 Mrs McArdy)
Richard Fahey
Rae Guest
William Haggas
Sylvester Kirk
Eddie McMahon
Jamie Osborne
Walter Swinburn
Eamon Tyrrell IRE

VERY REVEALING CHELTENHAM UPDATES FROM CASHMANS PREVIEW NIGHT

However he was not as complimentary on Royal & Sun Alliance Chase contender Cornish Rebel. He stated "when Best Mates mother was dishing out the brains, Best Mate got them all and this fella and Inca Trail got none!". He went on "when this fella hits the front, he wants to go anywhere but forward!". He does forecast the winner hailing from Nigel Twiston-Davies yard. "If Lord Of Illusion runs, all he'll do is give Ollie Magern a good lead. If he (Lord Of Illusion) does run, Ollie Magern will win".

However not everyone was a fan of Ollie Magern. Terry Biddlecombe said "I think they've gone to the well too many times with the little horse and I really like Comply Or Die". Barry Geraghty rates Trabolgan as the winner "he made a desperate mistake at Kempton and Nicky's horses were not running well at the time. I think he'll turn around the form with Ollie Magern at Cheltenham".

On the subject of the Champion Chase the riders of the market leaders Geraghty and Walsh both praised each others mounts but ultimately agreed, that Moscow Flyer might prevail. Geraghty said "Azertyuiop blew the house down after his Newbury win and was carrying a bit of weight that day. However, if my fella is in the same form as he was in the Tingle Creek, he should hold him". Walsh said, "Moscow Flyer was unbeatable that day at Sandown. If he's in that kind of form next week, I'll be struggling". Jessie Harrington joined in on the phone indicating she was very happy with Moscow Flyers build up this year and said "whoever gets the best run will win it. I think the handicapper's got it right, there's only a few pounds between them". Terry Biddlecombe said "I adore Well Chief but he made a very bad mistake at the cross fence last time out. If he jumps well, I think he may do them for foot at the end". Heneritta Knight plumped for Moscow Flyer labelling him "the most wonderful horse in racing".

Noel Meade also joined in a phone conversation with an upbeat bulletin on Harchibald who he said is "jumping out of his skin". "We've found nothing amiss with him since his disappointing gallop. We'll take him for a short breeze on Friday or Saturday and if we're happy and he scopes clean, then he'll go". He also said he and Paul Carberry have yet to come to a conclusion over which race to run Wild Passion in with a choice of either the Supreme Novice or Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle. However he said "at this stage the Supreme Novices looks the easier option, and that's the way we're leaning".

While the panel concluded the Champion Hurdle was probably going to be fought out by Back In Front and Hardy Eustace with Rooster Booster the each-way selection, Barry Geraghty made it clear he was more than happy with Macs Joy. He said "everyone says Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca will improve from Leopardstown, but they'll have to improve a lot because my fella was hard on the bridle going to the second last and the boys were off it. That was on soft ground and my fella will be even better on faster ground".

On Kicking King, Barry Geraghty revealed that he's "mad well". "Tom (Taaffe) called me and said he's been riding the horse himself and he's in great form. He'll do a bit on Thursday morning and decide then if he'll go to Cheltenham. If he does run and is somewhere near his form at Kempton, he'll be bang there". However, Terry Biddlecombe did not agree saying "I don't think he'll get the trip".

Heneritta Knight revealed why the Gold Cup will cost her dearly this year. "It's a most competitive race this year and its going to cost me dearly as I'll be backing seven in the race. I always back all the ones I think are dangers!" She went on to say "Matey's had a long course of antibiotics and hopefully that's given him the immunity he needs to fight off any infections. At this stage, I could not be more pleased with him".

The naps for the Festival from Cashmans guests are as follows:

Barry Gearghty – Macs Joy (Champion Hurdle)
Ruby Walsh – Sleeping Knight (Foxhunters)
Michael Hourigan – Spotthedifference (Cross Country Chase)
Heneritta Knight – Moscow Flyer (Champion Chase)
Terry Biddlecombe – Well Chief (Champion Chase)
David Casey – Brewester (Brittania Insurances Novices Hurdle)
Conor O'Dwyer – Justified (Supreme Novices Hurdle)
Dessie Scahill (M.C. on the night and Race Commentator) - Brewester (Britt. Insurance's Novices Hurdle)

The Cashmans Cheltenham Preview was held at the Rochestown Park Hotel last night (Tues 08th).

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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