Hey hey what do you say, had me a woman she flew away, hung on to the nearest star, miss her a lot, well there you are!
So let’s start with a look ahead to the Cheltenham Festival. On Sunday, we see the Irish Hennessey meeting at Leopardstown. This is a fantastic meeting and always provides some festival clues. The Tullow Tank should win and head to Cheltenham in great form, though we still don’t know which race, so we can’t back him at the moment. However, I think that there are 2 horses that we should be backing both on Sunday and to run well at Cheltenham.
First up is Plinth, who is 14s with Ladbrokes for the Triumph Hurdle. Now I don’t understand how Ivan Grozny is half this horse’s price after Plinth put him in is place at Leopardstown earlier. Anyway, that has opened the door of opportunity for us to step in and help ourselves. So do it! Secondly Last Instalment is due to run in the big race, the Irish Hennessey. 2 seasons ago, this horse was the dogs, and then got injured, probably his dogs! But before the injury, he was definitely the best novice in Ireland, putting First Lieutenant firmly in his place over 3 miles here. He ran with a lot of enthusiasm on his first outing at Naas and will have improved for that run. So let’s assume he can put First Lieutenant and Tidal Bay to the sword here, what price will he be for the Gold Cup? I can tell you he won’t be the price he is now! So let’s get down to Ladbrokes and steal the 50s on offer. And don’t forget that Ladbrokes are offering Non Runner – No Bet on all festival races, so if the unthinkable happens and they don’t turn up at Cheltenham then you get your money back. What more do I have to say to convince you?
Rock on Ruby did all that could have been expected on Thursday with another competent round of jumping at Doncaster. The press pack seem to be wanting to write him off, as do lots of expert punters. Well good for them I say. This is a horse who loves Cheltenham, who will improve with better ground and will be fully prepared to run for his life. If you have backed him, like I have, then do not fear, as Batman said “Ooh we’ve got a live one here.” Onwards and upwards in my book.
Not really thrilled with todays racing if I’m honest but there is the small matter of the Betfair hurdle and I think that Vendor looks the answer to this particular puzzle. 2 great wins over course and distance on soft/heavy ground shows he is suited to this test. After having treatment for all his problems, this horse has the capability to climb the handicap and looks on a good mark to start with. He went off at only 3/1 in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham 2 seasons ago, so clearly he is held in some esteem by A. King and co. So he will carry the Valentines money and depending on the result, TGL will be bathing in Champagne or drowning her sorrows! Poor TGL.
Newbury 15.35 Vendor 10s with Ladbrokes
Ante Post – Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle – Plinth 14/1 – NRNB with Ladbrokes
Ante Post – Cheltenham Gold Cup – Last Instalment (ew) 50s – NRNB with Ladbrokes
