Our Cheat Sheet for today is available to download below. We also have some detailed reviews of our Cheltenham Shortlist runners.
THE ROAD TO CHELTENHAM - 12/11/22
11:50 Naas - 2m Cavan Developments Home Builders Supporting St Marys GAA Maiden Hurdle (5yo+)
We have one Cheltenham Shortlist horse in this contest.
ASHROE DIAMOND – ‘A talented Mare who took her form to new heights when winning the at Aintree on her final start. Set for a hurdle campaign this season and will probably be kept at 2 miles and aimed at the Mares.’
ASHROE DIAMOND (8/15) – I am excited to see this horse tomorrow as she seemingly has all the raw attributes to develop into a top hurdler. On paper, this looks like a deep maiden, so if she does come out on top, she will certainly deserve her place on our Cheltenham Shortlist. It is also worth noting that Willie is 16/43 with his hurdling debutants in Maidens at the track. Some of those winners have gone on to be incredibly precocious including: GENTLEMAN DE MEE, THE NICE GUY, and BRANDY LOVE.
QUOTE: I've been really delighted with her work. I started working her a bit ahead of the others and she's really pleasing me. I'd say she'll be one of the first horses out for us ahead of this winter. She jumps well and is doing everything right at home so hopefully we'll be going down the mares' novice hurdles path. 07-11-22
Advised Bet: ASHROE DIAMOND (8/15) – WIN
Bet Confidence: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
12:55 Naas – 2m Pre-Order @ IrishRacingYearbook.com Fishery Lane Hurdle (Grade 3) (4yo)
A fantastic contest and we have two Cheltenham Shortlist horses going to post.
FIL DOR – ‘No match for Vauban and multiple occasions last season but he’s still a quality animal who will no doubt win races.’
BRAZIL – ‘A progressive hurdler last season who probably has further scope for improvement. Clearly not top class but an interesting contender for handicaps throughout the season.’
FIL DOR (5/4) – This horse was a NR in the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal earlier in the month. Following that withdrawal, Gordon immediately identified this race as the target, and I think it’s on which will really play to FIL DOR’S strengths. Whilst BRAZIL will no doubt keep him honest, I just don’t think he has the gears to beat him.
BRAZIL (13/8) – Padraig has done a fantastic job with this horse and I still think there is more to come. If it wasn’t for the presence of FIL DOR, I think he would have this race in the bag but as it stands, I don’t think the 8lb he’s receiving will be sufficient to bridge the deficit in class between the two.
Advised Bet: FIL DOR (5/4) - WIN
Bet Confidence: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1:45 Chelteham – 2m (Old) From The Horses Mouth Podcast Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
We have one Basic Tracker runner in this contest.
BANBRIDGE (15/8) – This horse was impressive when winning the Martin Pipe at last year’s Festival. He returned last month over Fences and he certainly created a favourable impression. Overall, his jumping was slick but even when it wasn’t, the horse was smart enough to self-correct which in my book is always the mark of a smart one. I think he has a bright future. I think he will win this race tomorrow, and if he does, he’ll almost certainly be added to our Cheltenham Shortlist. I also expect PENTLAND HILL to get his NH career back on track and I he may prove to be the biggest danger to BANBRIDGE coming over the last.
Advised Bet: BANBRIDGE (15/8) - WIN
Bet Confidence: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
14:05 Naas - 2m Barberstown Castle Poplar Square Chase (Grade 3) (4yo+)
GENTLEMAN DE MEE – ‘Progressed rapidly last season and now looks to be a very exciting prospect. He missed Punchestown due to a respiratory infection but hopefully it was only a minor setback.’
GENTLEMAN DE MEE (3/10) – Clearly the odds about this horse suggest he should have this race at his mercy and whilst I think that’s correct, I won’t be piling in. At times his jumping can be a shade rusty, and Naas can be unforgiving at times. I would expect COEUR SUBLIME to at least give him some sort of race and there will be other days for us to back GENTLEMAN DE MEE at less prohibitive odds.
Advised Bet: N/A
Bet Confidence: N/A
2:20 Cheltenham - 2m4f (Old) Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
HAPPYGOLUCKY – ‘Missed last season due to injury but hopefully will be coming back bigger and stronger this year. He is exposed, has plenty of class, and has scope for further improvement.’
HAPPYGOLUCKY (14/1) – I still haven’t got over this horse finishing second at the Festival a couple of years back as we were in deep on him EW at big prices anti-post. He missed last season but he’s in good order at home and should have another fruitful campaign. This is very much a starting point though and with the trip looking on the sharp side, he’s probably one to just watch tomorrow with future races in mind over 3miles+.
Advised Bet: N/A
Bet Confidence: N/A
