Follow The Money at Cheltenham: Bets for the Ryanair, World Hurdle and Byrne Group Plate

"First Lieutenant is yet to win this season, but has run some excellent races in defeat where he finished third in the Hennessy and was narrowly beaten in the Lexus Chase over Christmas at Leopardstown."

Back First Lieutenant @ 3.55/2 Cheltenham 14:40 

It's back to the Cheltenham Festival for the Follow The Money team...

Our first selection is in the Ryanair Chase at 14:40 where First Lieutenant has been well supported from 3.8514/5 in to 3.55/2. This will be the third visit to the Festival for the Mouse Morris-trained runner and he has a decent record here, having won the Neptune Novice Hurdle in 2011 and finishing runner-up to Bobs Worth in last year's RSA Chase.

First Lieutenant is yet to win this season, but has run some excellent races in defeat where he finished third in the Hennessy and was narrowly beaten in the Lexus Chase over Christmas at Leopardstown. He has been given a break since that race unlike main market rival Cue Card, whose form suggests he is best fresh. With only 26 days since Cue Card's win at Ascot we have to oppose him. Davy Russell is back on board First Lieutenant, who looks to have an outstanding chance of giving Michael O'Leary his first winner in the race he sponsors.   

Next we move to the World Hurdle at 15:20 where Smad Place has been heavily backed from 16.5n/a in to 10.09/1. Alan King's runner was third in this race last year (beaten nine lengths by Big Buck's) but his two efforts this year are not so impressive - he was well beaten by Tidal Bay at Wetherby and ran slightly better in the Long Walk Hurdle where he finished second. The ground was heavy on both occasions and he will certainly appreciate today's quicker surface. With doubts over Oscar Whisky's stamina and the ground perhaps being against Reve De Sivola, this year's contest has an open look to it and the market support suggests this six-year-old could spring a surprise. 

The negative for today comes in the Byrne Group Plate at 16:00 and it is the David Pipe-trained runner Ballynagour who is weak in the market and has drifted out to 6.05/1 from 4.67/2. An impressive winner last month at Warwick on his initial start for the Pipe stable, he has some solid French form and it is possible he is still ahead of the handicapper. In a competitive race however, his odds look short and with the hefty raise in the weights punters are happy to take the favourite on today. 

Recommended Bets
Back First Lieutenant @ 3.55/2 Cheltenham 14:40 
Back Smad Place @ 10.09/1 Cheltenham 15:20  
Lay Ballynagour @ 6.05/1 Cheltenham 16:00 

There are no comments on this article.

Amazon Watches Center

Nick Shiambouros' Ryanair Steeple Chase 80/20

80/20 / Nick Shiambouros / 15 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Nick Shiambouros explains why he's backing a certain gelding to complete a Ryanair hat-trick on Thursday afternoon...

Today's 80/20 is Albertas Run in the 14:40 at Cheltenham. This gelding beat Pure Faith at Aintree last October. He made all the running and found plenty on the run-in to win with something to spare. He has won this race for the past two years and I believe he has a super chance of making it three in a row. He should go close at a decent price. At present he is trading at [10.5] on the exchange.

Nick landed the place portion of his bet on Tuesday - can he go one better today?...

Nick takes his win and place bet to the biggest jumps festival in the world and he's picked a big priced runner in the opener......

A winner would be a Delight-ful way to kick the week off...

Amazon Watches Center

Follow The Money: Captain Chris to cause Ryanair upset?

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 15 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

"Captain Chris has had significant support to move from [16.5] in to [12.0]."

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Cheltenham, Towcester and Hexham.

Our first race is the 14:40 at Cheltenham where Captain Chris has had significant support to move from [16.5] in to [12.0]. On the face of it he has it all to do after a poor run in the Argento here in January. However, he had some classy types behind him (including yesterday's Champion Chase victor Finian's Rainbow) when winning last year's Arkle impressively. He obviously has talent in abundance, with the trip and ground expected to suit. If all is well, and the signs in the market suggest that they are, he could run a huge race at a tasty price.

For our next selection we go to the 15:05 at Towcester where there has been an early move for Marodima. Course form can be significant round this most punishing of tracks, and Marodima has the all important CD letters by his name. He has been running in better races than this, albeit over the bigger obstacles, but his hurdling form is also decent. He is also a multiple winner on all types of going and is best seen at this trip. Punters seem to have latched on to this one with an air of confidence backing from [3.65] in to [2.58] so the obvious recommendation is a back bet.

Our lay of the day can be found in the 15:35 at Hexham where Mr Woods has been drifting from [2.86] out to [3.75]. He has won his last two runs on heavy ground so is obviously in good form. However, this will be his third run in a week, with today's trip over a marathon 4 miles. His last try at this trip came here in November on soft ground, and he finished well down the field that day. It seems the market, while not totally dismissing his chances of the hat-trick, obviously didn't want to side with him at the skinny prices offered earlier. His latest exertions may well catch up with him today so the recommendation is a lay.

Recommended Bets
Back Captain Chris @ [12.0] Cheltenham 14:40
Back Marodima @ [2.60] Towcester 15:05
Lay Mr Woods @ [3.70] Hexham 15:35

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Cheltenham, Huntingdon and Southwell....

The Follow The Money team aren't fixated by Cheltenham, making just one pick from the Festival's first day offerings and including runners at Sedgefield and Southwell instead. Winners are winners, of course, so will their tactics prove successful?...

Today's Follow The Money selection can be found at Plumpton, Stratford and Taunton....

Amazon Watches Center

Ryanair Chase News: Nolan hoping wind op has worked for Prince

Latest News / Timeform / 06 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Noble Prince winning last year

"...only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful..."

Trainer Paul Nolan has stated that he is pleased with leading Irish fancy Noble Prince's preparation for the Ryanair with the horse having had a breathing operation since his last start...

Noble Prince ran to a Timeform rating fo 152 when landing the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival 12 months ago, but has improved since and was one of a small team taken by the trainer to the Curragh for a workout at the beginning of the week.

Nolan reported that Noble Prince had pleased the trainer when working over ten furlongs on grass.

He also added the the current [6.4] joint favourite for the Ryanair Chase seems very well and he has been without any setbacks.

The aforementioned breathing operation was a firing of the palate carried out by vet Ben Brain, which Nolan explained wasn't major surgery, and the horse apparently came out of the operation well.

However, the handler said only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful with regards improved performance.

Tony McCoy rode Noble Prince to victory last year but he's likely to be required to partner [10.0]-shot Albertas Run for Jonjo O'Neill, leaving Nolan unsure as to who will come in for the ride.

...........
Timeform TV Focus made 138 points profit (at Betfair SP) in year one. Get the expert view on the big races at Cheltenham with TV Focus. Find Out More!

Owner Andy Stewart admits owning Big Buck's has become a "nervous responsibility" as his bid to win the World Hurdle for a fourth time draws ever closer....

JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Grumeti has suffered a minor setback, but connections fully expect him to make the line-up next week.......

Jockey Robbie Power is ticking down the days before next week's Cheltenham Festival....

Amazon Watches Center

Ryanair Chase News: Nolan hoping wind op has worked for Prince

Latest News / Timeform / 06 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Noble Prince winning last year

"...only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful..."

Trainer Paul Nolan has stated that he is pleased with leading Irish fancy Noble Prince's preparation for the Ryanair with the horse having had a breathing operation since his last start...

Noble Prince ran to a Timeform rating fo 152 when landing the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival 12 months ago, but has improved since and was one of a small team taken by the trainer to the Curragh for a workout at the beginning of the week.

Nolan reported that Noble Prince had pleased the trainer when working over ten furlongs on grass.

He also added the the current [6.4] joint favourite for the Ryanair Chase seems very well and he has been without any setbacks.

The aforementioned breathing operation was a firing of the palate carried out by vet Ben Brain, which Nolan explained wasn't major surgery, and the horse apparently came out of the operation well.

However, the handler said only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful with regards improved performance.

Tony McCoy rode Noble Prince to victory last year but he's likely to be required to partner [10.0]-shot Albertas Run for Jonjo O'Neill, leaving Nolan unsure as to who will come in for the ride.

...........
Timeform TV Focus made 138 points profit (at Betfair SP) in year one. Get the expert view on the big races at Cheltenham with TV Focus. Find Out More!

Owner Andy Stewart admits owning Big Buck's has become a "nervous responsibility" as his bid to win the World Hurdle for a fourth time draws ever closer....

JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Grumeti has suffered a minor setback, but connections fully expect him to make the line-up next week.......

Jockey Robbie Power is ticking down the days before next week's Cheltenham Festival....

Amazon Watches Center

Ryanair Chase: Nolan hoping wind op has worked for Prince

News / Timeform / 06 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Noble Prince winning last year

"...only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful..."

Trainer Paul Nolan has stated that he is pleased with leading Irish fancy Noble Prince's preparation for the Ryanair with the horse having had a breathing operation since his last start...

Noble Prince ran to a Timeform rating fo 152 when landing the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival 12 months ago, but has improved since and was one of a small team taken by the trainer to the Curragh for a workout at the beginning of the week.

Nolan reported that Noble Prince had pleased the trainer when working over ten furlongs on grass.

He also added the the current [6.4] joint favourite for the Ryanair Chase seems very well and he has been without any setbacks.

The aforementioned breathing operation was a firing of the palate carried out by vet Ben Brain, which Nolan explained wasn't major surgery, and the horse apparently came out of the operation well.

However, the handler said only time will tell whether the wind operation has been successful with regards improved performance.

Tony McCoy rode Noble Prince to victory last year but he's likely to be required to partner [10.0]-shot Albertas Run for Jonjo O'Neill, leaving Nolan unsure as to who will come in for the ride.

...........
Timeform TV Focus made 138 points profit (at Betfair SP) in year one. Get the expert view on the big races at Cheltenham with TV Focus. Find Out More!

Bart Cummings will rely on German import Illo and second string Precedence as he attempts to win his 14th Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday......

Although racing has entered its usual quiet storm before next week's Cheltenham Festival, several leading Grand National hopefuls have been flexing their muscles in recent days, so jumps handicapper Phil Turner casts his eye over the latest picture for the Aintree showpiece.......

Owner Andy Stewart admits owning Big Buck's has become a "nervous responsibility" as his bid to win the World Hurdle for a fourth time draws ever closer....

Amazon Watches Center

Ryanair Betting: Weather key to Somersby target

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 29 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Somersby was the winner of the VC Chase at Ascot

"Somersby is currently second top on Timeform ratings, just 3 lbs behind Riverside Theatre for the Ryanair Chase..."

Henrietta Knight is leaving a decision on Somersby's Cheltenham target until as late as possible because of the unpredictability of the British weather...

While the Ryanair Chase over two miles five furlongs is her preferred option for the Victor Chandler Chase winner, the Lockinge handler would not rule out the Queen Mother Champion Chase if the ground was soft.

Somersby is currently second top on Timeform ratings, just 3 lbs behind Riverside Theatre for the Ryanair Chase and available to back at ([8.4]). He has a bit more to find with the Champion Chase principals and is considered 5 lbs inferior to reigning champion Sizing Europe. Somersby is ([18.0]) for that contest, however, and could prove ante-post value if he lines up.

"The Ryanair is my favourite for him but if it came up soft we'd think of the Champion. You never know with this country," said Knight.

Somersby took the Champion Chase route last season but was only fifth to Sizing Europe.

He finally landed that elusive Grade One triumph at Ascot over two miles and a furlong last time and has been enjoying an easy time with next-door neighbour Calgary Bay, who won the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

"He's been in good form since Ascot and has been out in the field with Calgary Bay. They live next door to each other and are the best of pals," she added.

Alan King has the opposite problem with Medermit, who produced a career best when runner up in the December Gold Cup.

Although he, too, is leaning towards the Ryanair, Medermit will be given an entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Medermit is rated 6 lbs behind Somersby for the Ryanair Chase and has even more to find in the Gold Cup, 20 lbs behind Long Run. He does possess a decent Festival record, however, and can be backed for the Ryanair and Gold Cup at ([17.5]) and ([140.0]) respectively.

First up, however, is a likely clash against Long Run at Newbury on February 11.

"He'll got to Newbury in a fortnight for the Denman Chase, then we'll see," said the Barbury Castle trainer.

"He's entered in the Gold Cup, but I'd imagine he'd probably drop back for the Ryanair."

Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

A total of 56 horses are entered for the Jewson novices' chase on March 15, but the race remains far from a clear picture......

Ante-post favourite Harry The Viking features among 79 horses entered for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 14......

Outstanding novice Grands Crus tops a list of 36 for the RSA at Cheltenham on March 14......

Amazon Watches Center

Cheltenham 2011 Podcast: The Champion Chase, Ryanair & Gold Cup

Ante-post / Timeform / 05 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Imperial Commander win the Gold Cup again?

Timeform's Simon Walker joins Alan Dudman to discuss the three open Grade 1 chases at this year's Festival.

Will it be the proven credentials of Imperial Commander, Denman and Kauto Star or up-and-comers Long Run or Diamond Harry? Can Master Minded regain his Champion Chase crown from last year's winner Big Zeb? Is Poquelin the one to beat in the Ryanair? Get the Timeform view from Simon Walker, and hear from Colm Murphy, Eddie Harty, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Noel Meade and Robert Waley-Cohen.

Click here to listen to the Timeform Radio podcast.

Timeform's Simon Walker joins Alan Dudman to discuss the three open Grade 1 chases at this year's Festival....

Timeform's Dan Barber joins Alan Dudman to discuss the two Championship hurdling events at the Festival, the Champion Hurdle and the World Hurdle....

The Cheltenham Festival build-up is well and truly in full swing now, with Saturday's Racing Post Chase at Kempton a mouth-watering precursor of things to come. Timeform's Adam Brookes looks over the field......

Play Casino & Poker here

Cheltenham 2011 Podcast: The Champion Chase, Ryanair & Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 04 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Imperial Commander win the Gold Cup again?

Timeform's Simon Walker joins Alan Dudman to discuss the three open Grade 1 chases at this year's Festival.

Will it be the proven credentials of Imperial Commander, Denman and Kauto Star or up-and-comers Long Run or Diamond Harry? Can Master Minded regain his Champion Chase crown from last year's winner Big Zeb? Is Poquelin the one to beat in the Ryanair? Get the Timeform view from Simon Walker, and hear from Colm Murphy, Eddie Harty, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Noel Meade and Robert Waley-Cohen.

Click here to listen to the Timeform Radio podcast.

Timeform's Phil Turner joins Alan Dudman to discuss the Arkle, the Jewson and the RSA Chase....

Timeform's Harry Bowles joins Alan Dudman to run his eye over the four Grade 1 novice hurdles at the Festival....

Timeform's Dan Barber joins Alan Dudman to discuss the two Championship hurdling events at the Festival, the Champion Hurdle and the World Hurdle....

Play Casino & Poker here