Cheltenham Festival 2011 Preview: Day Two
Cheltenham Festival 2011 Preview: Day Two
Wednesday's highlight is theChampion Chase withBig Zeb looking to retain his title. The Irish raider lost little in defeat behind Golden Silver in the Tied Cottage last time where he may well have hit the front too soon; there is little doubt that jockey Barry Geraghty will be playing his cards as late as possible.
The enigmatic dual former winnerMaster Minded is vying for favouritism having looked back to his best this term. Still only an 8-y-o it would be some feat if he were to regain his crown and join the great Badsworth Boy who won the race in three consecutive years for the Dickinson family back in the early 80s.
The ground may have gone againstGolden Silver who would appreciate the heavens to open but he should not be underestimated given he has won six of his last eight starts. That said he was beaten 35L by Big Zeb on good ground in the corresponding race last year and he does look ground dependent.
Last year's Arkle winner Sizing Europe has had a poor season with connections seemingly convinced he was a Gold Cup horse. Unfortunately he wouldn't stay three-and-a-quarter miles in a horsebox but it is still something of a surprise that he doesn't have an entry in the intermediate 2 m 5f Ryanair. He has much to prove but has attracted plenty of money in recent days.
Chicago Grey has been market leader for the 4mNH Chase since we began betting on the race. He looks a doubtful stayer as does Kerry National winnerAlfa Beat who will have his ground and who has been the subject of sustained support since the weather forecast suggested a largely dry Festival.
Oscars Well looked a potential star at Leopardstown last time and will take some beating in theNeptune Novices' Hurdle for Jessica Harrington but he is a very short price for one who has yet to show he can handle faster ground than he has been encountering in Ireland this winter.
In a recent Festival preview in Ireland sources close toFirst Lieutenant compared the horse most favourably with their dual Festival winner Weapons Amnesty which is praise indeed and there is likely to be plenty of support for the horse given, as a son of Presenting, he should appreciate the better ground.
So Young has also been gambled on in recent days for Willie Mullins and he is now sharing favouritism with Oscars Well. One thing is for sure the Irish have a very strong hand in the raced and an Irish 1-2-3 is not out of the question.
Time For Rupert is many peoples' Festival banker in theRSA Chase and the form of his last win was given a significant boost by the success in the Racing Post Chase of Quinz who finished third behind Paul Webber's charge previously. He hasn't finished out of the first two in his five runs at the track and he could be a big player in next year's Gold Cup.
Aiteen Thirtythree is likely to take his chance despite the fact that he would prefer more ease in the ground than he is likely to encounter. He could be called the winner from a long way out at Newbury last time, however, with his fast slick jumping a big asset. If there are any chinks in the favourite's armour then the Nicholls' trained runner could be the one to exploit. There are some reports that suggest he will not run unless the word soft appears in the official going description with the alternative being put away for a crack at the Hennessy in the autumn.
Quel Esprit and the enigmatic Mikael D'Haguenet are the two Willie Mullins runners but for all his class it must be noted that the latter remains a maiden over fences. Gordon Elliot'sJessies Dream will love the ground and although he may have been fortunate to beat Mikael D'Haguenet at Fairyhouse before Xmas he is another Irish raider with very strong claims.
For Non Stop is likely to start favourite for theCoral Cup as a result of some upbeat reports from trainer Nick Williams. You may remember the horse was very well backed at Cheltenham earlier in the season but ran into Grand Crus. He will be unlucky to run into another so well treated horse at the Festival althoughCall The Police has been backed as if defeat is out of the question and could be another winner for Willie Mullins who looks to have a very strong team fit and ready for Cheltenham Festival.
Knight Pass representing Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex is reported in rude health ahead of theChampion Bumper. The selection has barely come off the bridle in winning at Sandown and Southwell and has oozed class in both starts. Cinders And Ashes represents Donald McCain and he is reported to be working the house down in Cheshire.
Allure of Illusion off the track since making a winning debut at Killarney back in August looks to be the principle hope of Willie Mullins butRaise The Beat could be the leading Irish contender with the ground coming right for this dual fast ground winner last year. Importance of USDA in the developing countries Holiday Villas – Rental Accommodation for Temporary Visit Rental Villas – Get your own property from the Sale to Start Income Spend the Holidays in Rental Villas Villas – You can Have your Own Property Benidorm As A Spectacular destination On The Costa Blanca Use Your Own Celebrity Engagement Rings A Comparison in Terms and Application for Drugs and Biologics Forget Doing This with your Vietnam Ethnic Tours , Do This Do you want enjoy Relaxed stay in Three Star Hotels in Delhi Renew Your Spirit in South India with Kerala Backwater Tours Using Classic Vietnam Tours Sim free mobile phones - Take no chances while travelling