GOING: Standard
for the best odds go to www.BritOdds.com
BP= the best price at the time of writing
1(1) 0005-3 Jagger Gerard Butler 8-9-11 Tom Queally
Globe-trotting gelding who hasn’t really scaled the heights of his former glories this winter. Staying-on third over 11 furlongs last time and possibilities in low grade contest off same mark of 85. Has won off 101 and 94. Stays the trip. But has only won four from 34. Trainer in form. BP= 4/1
2(9) 2/3-33 Masked Ralph Beckett 7-9-08 Seb Sanders
Hat-trick of third places on Polytrack this winter and went close when held up over two miles on latest start. Stronger pace should suit but 2lb rise puts him on highest ever mark. Has only won once from 13 starts. BP= 5/1
3(2) -23131 Bentley Brook Paul Blockley 6-9-06 Fergal Lynch
Winner on first start over this trip in weak handicap at Southwell on latest start. Has been in form in lesser company and warrants respect, having now won four at Sothwell since December on Fibresand which is deeper than this Polytrack. And 8lb rise in weights makes him vulnerable against stronger opposition. BP= 8/1
4(6) 22-556 Pass The Port Derek Haydn Jones 7-9-04 Jamie Spencer
Never threatening sixth over course and distance on Valentine’s Day. Interesting jockey booking but surprise that trainer is persevering with longer trip and 2lb drop in weights offers little encouragement. BP= 12/1
5(3) 080-66 Bazart Karl Burke 6-9-03 Fergus Sweeney
Ran in Cambridgeshire and November Handicap last season, so trainer must hold him in high regard. That said, has only beaten two horses home in three starts on an all weather surface and probably best avoided despite attractive handicap mark on best form. Trainer in form. BP= 66/1
6(4) 2-2511 Motarjm Hugh Collingridge 4-9-02t Chris Catlin
Dual course winner over two furlongs shorter on last two starts, scoring comfortably on both occasions. 8lb higher for last victory and couldn’t be sure that step up in distance will allow enough improvement to overcome rise against some fair performers. BP= 9/2
7(5) 43-325 Oakley Heffert Richard Hannon 4-8-12b Richard Hughes
Consistent sort who kept knocking on the door in 10-furlong handicaps at Lingfield. Didn’t cut over hurdles on latest appearance and trainer could be running out of ideas trying this new trip, which horse hasn’t been crying out for. BP= 12/1
8(7) 520-16 Casual Affair James Bethell 5-8-10 Jimmy Quinn
Denied a clear run when attempting to follow up 12-furlong handicap success here on latest start at Kempton. Runs off same mark and should go close if not encountering traffic problems. Has good turf form over this distance. BP= 7/2
9(8) 2/1V4- Crazy Bear NON RUNNER
SUMMARY
CASUAL AFFAIR is the obvious choice and seems very good value.
THE IRISH FIELD ANNOUNCES TWO MAJOR SPONSORSHIPS
The Irish Field, Ireland's leading racing, breeding and equestrian publication, has announced today that it will extend its sponsorship of the final Irish Classic of the season, The Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh, for a three-year period.
Committed to the race for 2008, the paper will now support the race up to and including the 2011 running. Since The Irish Field took over sponsorship, the Classic has been won by Vinnie Row for a third and fourth time (2003 & 2004), Collier Hill (2005), Kastoria (2006) and Yeats (2007).
Commenting on the new deal, The Irish Field's Managing Editor Leo Powell said: "The opportunity to support this great race was initiated by the late Michael Osborne when The Irish Field was acquired in 2003 by the Agricultural Trust.
"The profile of the Classic and the high quality of the winners has encouraged us to commit to the race for a further period, during which time we also look forward to seeing the Curragh racecourse redevelopment take place."
Paul Hensey, Manager of the Curragh, welcomed the news of The Irish Field's new contract: "We are delighted with this news.
"The Irish Field is a great vehicle for us to promote racing and the team at the paper is always so helpful in that regard.
"We were also pleased to see new record figures in recent weeks for the paper and congratulate everyone involved on its continued growth."
The Irish Field also reveals today that it is to sponsor the weigh room catering area for jockeys at Punchestown.
The sponsorship begins with the five-day festival starting on Tuesday, April 22. Punchestown is one of the major racecourses to pioneer the provision of nutritious food for jockeys.
In association with the weigh room sponsorship, The Irish Field will also sponsor a race on Saturday, November 15 and provide a Winter Season leading rider award.
Leo Powell said: "We are great fans of jockeys in the tough sport of National Hunt racing and have written much in the newspaper about the issues concerning their welfare.
"This is a good link up for us and I know that it will be welcomed by the riders."
For Punchestown Racecourse, Racing Manager Richie Galway added: "The course is delighted to provide this facility for jockeys and we thank The Irish Field for coming on board to sponsor it."
LAUNCH OF SKY BET CHELTENHAM CLUB
Sky Bet is delighted to announce the launch of the Sky Bet Cheltenham Club, which brings amazing offers and concessions to all Sky Bet Customers over the four days of the Cheltenham Festival - Tuesday, March 11 through to Friday, March 14.
* FREE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP BET*
Any Sky Bet client who is out of luck over the first three days of The Festival will receive 25% of stake money on any losses back as a FREE bet in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.
* PRICEWISE GUARANTEE IN OPERATION EACH DAY OF THE FESTIVAL *
Once again, the Racing Post Pricewise guarantee will operate on each day of The Festival, meaning that Sky Bet promises to hold prices on all Pricewise races from 8.30am each day. This concession will last for one hour for customers using the interactive red button facility, 30 minutes for telephone customers and 15 minutes for online customers.
* 110 PER CENT BOOK ON SELECTED RACES *
Sky Bet will be offering a 110 per cent book on selected races on each day of The Festival, meaning customers will receive the very best value. Each-way terms are 1/4 the odds on ALL races with enhanced place terms offered on selected races.
* totepool CASHBACK *
For any customers who wish to make use of totepool bets (totejackpot, toteplacepot) Sky Bet will be offering these at a discount of 15 per cent (10 per cent for toteexacta bets).
* WATCH ALL CHELTENHAM RACES LIVE AT skybet.com *
Those unfortunate enough not to be able to watch the races live or on television need not fret as anyone who has a bet with Sky Bet on any Festival race will be able to watch the race in question on their PC. The minimum stake to use this service is just 10 pence. At www.skybet.com customers will also be able to access all the latest statistics, form, video previews and results.
* WIN A 32" SONY TV & LOTS OF OTHER GREAT PRIZES IN DAILY TIPSTER COMPETITION *
Customers also have the chance to win some fabulous prizes without having to risk a penny in the daily tipster competition. The competition, accessible through www.sportinglife.com, requires customers to select a horse in each Cheltenham race that day and a fantasy £1 bet will be placed on each of these.
Prizes will be offered on a daily basis with a £200 free bet up for grabs while the customer lucky enough to come out on top over the four days of The Festival will win a 32-inch Sony TV, Sony home cinema system, Sky HD Box and 12 months subscription to top entertainment package, Sky World.
* FREE BET GIVEAWAY *
Anyone placing a bet of £5 or more before The Festival starts will qualify for Sky Bet's fantastic free bet giveaway. Free bets will range between £5 and £500 and will be added directly to customers' accounts.
Keep an eye on your account, as free bets must be redeemed by 6.00pm on the same day they enter a customer's account.
Finally, anyone who opens a new account with Sky Bet before March 15 will have their opening bet matched by Sky Bet with a free bet of your choice up to the value of £50. Just quote the promotion code "Club".
All existing account holders automatically qualify for the benefits of the Sky Bet Cheltenham Club. New customers can register online at www.skybet.com, by telephoning 08000 724 777 or by pressing the red button when watching any Sky channel.
* EACH-WAY TERMS *
Each-way terms are 1/4 the odds on ALL races with enhanced place terms offered on selected races.
*PLACE ONLY BETTING*
For the first time, Sky Bet will be offering place only betting on all races from the Cheltenham Festival. The place only market will be available on the day of the race up to the first show from the course.
Dale Tempest, Sky Bet PR Director, commented: "Sky Bet has always been at the very forefront of innovation in the betting industry and with the launch of the Sky Bet Cheltenham Club we hope to bring our customers an unrivalled Festival service during the best four days of jump racing in the world."
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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