Five tips for Cheltenham

Five tips for Cheltenham


Michael Duffy

Cheltenham is now a mere 21 days away and on Tuesday, March 9, The Mayo News will be doing our very best to mark your card for all the big races when we host Mayo’s only preview night in the Mill Times Hotel in Westport.
Virtually all the big guns have now run their last races before heading for the Cotswolds. So now is the time when a lot of people sit down and do a combination bet, hoping that Festival 2010 will be one that will makes them a small fortune. Here are our five to watch.

1 Loosen My Load
Dunguib is likely to start the shortest-priced favourite ever for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, so most will be seeking a bit of value rather than putting all their eggs in one basket so early in the festival.
My each-way selection is a strapping six-year-old from the Henry De Bromhead yard. Loosen My Load has won four of his five races and, crucially, he has course experience, having beaten the talented Some Present quiet easily at the November meeting at Cheltenham. He runs in the Sizing Europe colours of Alan Potts and provided the ground is not on the fast side, I think he could be the one to give Dunguib something to think about.

2 Sizing Europe
The Potts family could have some start to the festival, as I feel Sizing Europe is still the one to beat in the Arkle. Captain Cee Bee and Somersby have been all the rage of late, but Sizing Europe has done all asked of him over fences so far, and I feel there are still bundles of improvement in him.

3 Punchestowns
The Royal and Sun Alliance Chase has the look of a top-quality race this year. Long Run, Diamond Harry, Weapons Amnesty and Pandorama are likely to turn into genuine Gold Cup contenders in years to come. However, they will all have to bring their ‘A game’ to Cheltenham on St Patrick’s Day if they are going to defeat Nicky’s Henderson’s Punchestowns. This beast is a magnificent jumper and possesses a high cruising speed, which will come in useful in what will likely be a big field. 3/1 looks skimpy at present but it could look real value turning for home on March 17.

4 Tidal Bay
Big Bucks, like Dunguib, is one for multiple bets at present but I think a real viable alternative in the World Hurdle is the rejuvenated Tidal Bay. Howard Johnson’s nine-year-old has a much better record over hurdles, despite the fact he is an Arkle winner. 8/1 is a cracking each way price.

5 Jy Vole
Finally, we go for one at a big price. The Ryanair Chase is an open looking race and it would not surprise me to see Willie Mullins’ talented mare Jy Vole giving it a right go, if there is a bit of cut in the ground.
She can be a bit enigmatic but on her day she is very good and she looked in rude health when hammering a small but select field at Gowran Park last time out. 25/1 is available in most places.