Tag: Horse Racing

Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival 2020 – Day Four Preview

We continued our fine run of form at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival on Thursday with two winners in Min and Simply The Betts, leaving the Preview articles +41.23pts across the three days so far. The final day of the Cheltenham Festival means we are onto Gold Cup Day, and I cannot wait to attend my first blue riband event. Good luck!

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival 2020 – Day Three Preview

We move onto Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival after a successful first two days of action – with the Preview articles +38.63pts to this point in time! Unfortunately my Laptop has decided to break on the worst possible weak, but I’ve put together the best article I could below. Good luck!

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival 2020 – Day Two Preview

In any normal year Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival is usually a clear highlight, but this season we are treated to a fantastic Day 2 card. We kick off this year’s Ladies Day with what many would call the ‘Irish Banker’ in Envoi Allen, an extremely exciting recruit to Hurdling for Gordon Elliot. That trainer is also responsible for another short-priced favourite on the day, as dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll bids to make it a hat-trick in the Cross Country Chase – setting up an unprecedented assault on Aintree to win three in a row. By far the most exciting contest on the day however is the feature Grade 1 Champion Chase, where three of the very best two-mile Chasers line up. Reigning Champion Altior will face his toughest task to date against young prodigies Defi Du Seuil and Chacun Pour Soi. In what will hopefully be a battle for the ages, let’s hope that Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival can be just as successful as the first.

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival 2020 – Day One Preview

We’ve had to overcome some obstacles in the build up the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, but we are racing, and it promises to be another exhilarating week of National Hunt action! Day 1 will get underway at 13:30 on Tuesday with the famous Cheltenham roar, and there really is no better curtain raiser in sport. The first day is traditionally my favourite of the four, with the feature Grade 1 Champion Hurdle taking center stage. It’s been well documented that this year’s renewal isn’t the strongest, and that notion is perhaps backed up by a field of 17 lining up, by far the largest entry in the last decade. Although coming into the race there doesn’t look to be a star, I do believe one will emerge – similarly to Buveur D’Air in 2017. Elsewhere on the card we have two further Grade 1s for two-mile Novice Hurdlers (Supreme) and two-mile Novice Chasers (Arkle), both packed with young improving Horses. To add further spice to proceedings, we’re also treated to a brilliant renewal of the Grade 1 Mares Hurdle, with the unbeaten Honeysuckle taking on superstar Mare Benie Des Dieux. It’s safe to say that I cannot wait to get to Prestbury Park!

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Ryanair Chase

2m4½f Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) – Thursday 12th March 2020

The Ryanair Chase looks like a race which is going to cut up in my eyes, with the likes of Chacun Pour Soi, Delta Work, Cilaos Emery, Janika, Chris’s Dream, Bristol De Mai and Dynamite Dollars either running elsewhere, or skipping Cheltenham altogether. To be fair to the race however, these omissions won’t dampen the quality – with the top three in the betting all very good Horses.
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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: RSA Novices’ Chase

3m½f RSA Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Wednesday 11th March 2020

There are two types of people in this world; those who are big fans of Champ, and those who cannot have him at all. I’m certainly in the latter camp. Continue reading “Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: RSA Novices’ Chase” →
Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Champion Hurdle

2m½f Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) – Tuesday 10th March 2020

You don’t need me to tell you that this year’s renewal of the Champion Hurdle isn’t a vintage one – countless pundits and writers have been saying the same thing for months now. It’s funny how much a year changes a division in National Hunt Racing; it was only 12 months ago that we were licking our lips at the prospect of Laurina vs Apple’s Jade vs Buveur D’Air! As it turned out, the first two flopped and the latter named former Champion got injured on his sole start this season. In addition to the sad loss of last year’s brilliant winner Espoir D’Allen, the already fairly undistinguished 2019/20 two-mile Hurdle division has been blown apart – crying out for a new Champion to arise.
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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Stable Plate Handicap Chase

2m4½f Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Thursday 12th March 2020

The Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase (Stable Plate for short!) is run over two-and-a-half miles on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival. The race takes place on the New Course, and is open to Horses aged five-years-old or over – providing that they have had at least three runs over Fences. Whilst the Stable Plate is a Handicap, there is no ceiling – which has allowed Horses with ratings as high as 158 to run over the past ten renewals. With the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase run over the same course and distance just over an hour prior, the race is aimed at Horses who are just below this level – and now also provides an opportunity for Horses who can’t get into the ever-competitive Northern Trust Novices’ Handicap Chase on Day 1 of the Festival. For many years this race had been considered a ‘British banker’ in terms of the Prestbury Cup, but the Irish have made a strong resurgence in recent times.
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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

2m½f Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Wednesday 11th March 2020

The Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (better known as the Fred Winter) is run over two-miles on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival, and is the last Hurdles race of the week ran on the Old Course. The race is for four-year-old Horses only, and serves the purpose of taking lower rated Horses out of the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle. Despite some seemingly less talented Juveniles running in the race, it is usually extremely competitive due to the nature of improving young Horses. The race has been won by some nice types in the past, with the likes of Sanctuaire, Diego Du Charmil and more recently Band Of Outlaws victorious. French recruits have an extremely good record in the race, but the last two winners have come off the Flat – including Joseph O’Brien’s 8/1 winner for this blog last year.

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle

3m Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Thursday 12th March 2020

The Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle is run over three-miles on Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival, culminating a 16 race long Qualifying series. Qualifiers for the Pertemps Final begin at Cheltenham way back in October of the current season, with races taking place across the UK from Exeter to Musselburgh, as well as Leopardstown and Punchestown in Ireland. In order to Qualify for the race a Horse must finish in the first six places of a Qualifier, which means that Horses with Handicap marks high enough to get into the race would usually rather finish sixth than first! This caveat means the Pertemps Final has a completely different dynamic to that of an ordinary Cheltenham Festival race, as it’s not all about finding a Horse with the best recent form. One factor that does remain constant in regard to finding a Festival Handicap winner however is that you need a Horse who is ahead of their mark, be that through careful plotting by connections, or untapped potential.
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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

2m5f Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Tuesday 11th March 2020

The Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle is the first Handicap on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival, run over two-and-a-half miles. The race will inevitably have a bit of cross-over with the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle as they are run over the same distance, but the Coral Cup is aimed at Horses higher up in the Handicap. Last year William Henry saw off the top weight and much missed Wicklow Brave in a thrilling finish. Recently the Coral Cup has been contested by subsequent Grade 1 performers Whisper, Supasundae and Topofthegame.
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National Hunt Racing

Leopardstown – Dublin Racing Festival Day 1

The Dublin Racing Festival has been a fantastic initiative so far, with two fantastic days of National Hunt Racing at Leopardstown, featuring 8 Grade 1 events. The first of those two days is all about speed, with six races ran over two-miles including the Grade 1 Dublin Chase and Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle. Below are my selections for an extremely competitive card. Best of luck!

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

2m4½f Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – Friday 13th March 2020

The Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle is the concluding race of the Cheltenham Festival, run over two-and-a-half miles. The race is for Conditional Jockeys’ only, and is named in honour of the legendary fifteen-times Champion Trainer. Certain trainers like to target this race due to their admiration and respect for Martin Pipe – especially Gordon Elliot. Whilst the race isn’t one of the most high-class affairs of the week, you can start to get a picture as to who is being targeted for the race around this time of year. The British and Irish Handicappers start giving marks to Novices’ who have had three runs over Hurdles (usually happens around January time), which gives a rough idea as to if a Horse is Grade 1 standard. Although some Horses might not be up to that level before the Spring Festivals, plenty will get a mark that looks exploitable in Handicaps – with further improvement likely to come. When you combine these sorts of Horses with trainers who like to win the Martin Pipe, betting angles start to shine through.
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National Hunt Racing

Cheltenham – Trials Day 2020

Cheltenham Trials Day is always one of my favourite National Hunt meetings to attend, with anticipation building for the main event starting in just over a months time. Last season we were treated to three winners going on to land Festival success; Siruh Du Lac (Stable Plate Handicap Chase), Frodon (Ryanair Chase) and Paisley Park (Stayers Hurdle). This season the card looks as competitive as ever, with Paisley Park bidding to retain his Cleeve Hurdle crown, and Bristol De Mai taking dead aim on the Cotswold Chase. I’ll be attending the Prestbury Park meeting as usual, and will provide live updates from the track on Twitter @JakePriceRacing. Be sure to give me a follow to keep up to date with daily selections, Horses to Follow, and 2020 Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post Previews.

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: National Hunt Chase

3m6f National Hunt Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) – Tuesday 10th March 2020

The National Hunt Chase is the longest race run at the Cheltenham Festival, traditionally being dubbed the ‘four-miler’. After the controversies of last year’s renewal with only four Horses finishing the race however, a BHA review has made several changes to the race conditions for 2020. Significantly, the race distance has been reduced to 3m6f, with the number of fences jumped decreasing from 25 to 23. The participants also have more boxes to tick; Horses must have a minimum rating of 120, have ran at least twice over fences (including finishing in the first four of a Chase over 2m7f+), and have ran at least once during the current season. With the race being for Amateur riders, the Jockey’s also have new conditions to meet; they must have ridden a minimum of 20 times over fences, achieving at least five winners, all under National Hunt rules. Safety is clearly paramount in Racing, so fingers crossed these changes to the race conditions will provide a middle ground – as some fantastic Horses have graduated from this race in recent years including; Cause Of Causes, Minella Rocco, Rathvinden, Native River and of course the legendary Tiger Roll.

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Cheltenham Festival 2020

Cheltenham Festival Ante-Post: Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase

2m4f Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed) – Tuesday 10th March 2020

The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase is always an intriguing race, aimed at Novice Chasers who aren’t quite yet up to Grade 1 standard. The rating band was changed in 2018 from a 0-140 to a 0-145, attracting a highly competitive field with just 7lbs between the top and bottom weights in 2019, and 8lbs in 2018 (excluding any claims). The race was extremely kind to my selections twelve months ago, with leading fancy A Plus Tard bolting up, and my second selection Tower Bridge following him home. The performance of A Plus Tard from a rating of 144 was that of an incredibly well Handicapped Horse, which has since been proven by him landing a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and earning a mark of 165. A similar story applies to 2018 winner Mister Whitaker, who won the Grade 2 Silver Trophy Handicap in April from a mark of 149 (12lbs higher than when winning this contest). This highlights the type of Horse required to win the race however, as essentially the weights are now irrelevant; Horses who wish to participate will need a mark of 140 to guarantee themselves a run, but obviously cannot be rated higher than 145. Whilst it is no longer an issue winning the race off top-weight, it will inevitably require a Horse who is ahead of the assessor.

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National Hunt Racing

Cheltenham – The Showcase Day 1

The Showcase meeting is the traditional curtain raiser for Cheltenham’s season, kicking off what promises to be a fantastic National Hunt season at Jumps Racing HQ. We’re treated to an absolutely fantastic card on Day 1, with starts such as Al Dancer, Getaway Trump and Wholestone all taking their chances in Novice Chase events. I’ll be at the track across both Days this weekend, so be sure to Follow me on twitter @JakePriceRacing for updates throughout the day. Cheltenham is back!

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Flat Racing

Newbury & Ripon – Saturday Racing 17/08/19

After a break since the King George meeting at Ascot, I’m back with my weekly article taking a look at the live ITV Racing on Saturday. This week’s feature race is the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, whilst Ripon also provides a Class 2 Handicap. I’ve ended up writing a lot more than planned on my three selections, but each would be a fairly strong fancy for me with the rainfall today (Friday). Be sure to follow me on twitter @JakePriceRacing for live updates through-out the day, and to ensure you never miss any of my selections. Good luck!

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Flat Racing

Ascot – King George Day 2019

All eyes are on Ascot this Saturday as the King George VI Stakes provides a fantastic Group 1 contest, headlined by superstar Mare Enable bidding to repeat her 2017 success. Fresh from victory in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, this relentless John Gosden five-year-old takes on Sir Michael Stoute’s Crystal Ocean in a tantalising clash. I’m lucky enough to be attending the Berkshire track on Saturday, and can’t wait to see Enable once more. Elsewhere we also have good action up at York, where Ante-Post selection Regal Reality lines up in the Group 2 York Stakes. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JakePriceRacing for live updates throughout the day, and to ensure that you don’t miss any selections going forward. Good luck with your bets and enjoy the Flat Racing! Continue reading “Ascot – King George Day 2019” →

Flat Racing

Newbury & Market Rasen – Saturday Racing 20/07/19

This Saturday is an unusual in the context of the Flat season, with two Listed National Hunt races live on ITV Racing alongside the Flat action at Newbury. Whilst I haven’t been punting on the Summer Jumpers as much as I usually would – mainly due to the Flat Racing content taking priority – I do have one selection in the Listed Summer Hurdle up at Market Rasen. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @JakePriceRacing for updates throughout the day. Good luck!

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Flat Racing

Newmarket, York & Ascot – Super Saturday 13/07/19

This weekend sees the return of ‘Super Saturday’ as ITV Racing broadcast 10 live races, with top class action throughout the day. Newmarket’s July Festival comes to a close with the feature Group 1 July Cup, whilst York hosts a very competitive card. As if that action wasn’t enough, Ascot also host a premier race-day featuring the Group 2 Summer Mile. Be sure to follow me on twitter @JakePriceRacing for updates throughout the day. Good luck!

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Flat Racing

Newmarket – July Festival Day 1 & 2

With so much fantastic racing going on over the next couple of days, I’ve decided to split my thoughts into two articles – one covering Thursday and Friday, and one covering Saturday as usual. This week sees the beginning of Newmarket’s July Festival, culminating in ‘Super Saturday’ with other big meetings at York and Ascot. I have some strong selections across the three days, with Day 1 and 2 the focus here. Be sure to check back on Friday for all my Saturday selections, and follow me on twitter @JakePriceRacing for any further fancies. Good luck!

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Flat Racing

Sandown – Coral-Eclipse Day 2019

The Group 1 Coral-Eclipse takes center stage at Sandown on Saturday, as the three-year-old horses get their first chance to clash with the older generation. This year we are treated to the superstar Mare Enable making her seasonal reappearance, and I am ecstatic to be in attendance at the Esher track. Be sure to follow me on twitter @JakePriceRacing if you don’t already, for live updates (and pictures!) throughout the day. Away from the Group 1 action we have some competitive Group 3/Listed races on the under-card, and you can find my thoughts below…

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Flat Racing

Royal Ascot 2019 – Day 3 Preview

Rain has been the theme of the Summer so far, and racegoers received another down-pour on Day 2 of Royal Ascot. With the ground still Soft it’s crucial to find horses which have form on the going. The feature race on Day 3 is the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, with some brilliant supporting races such as the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes for two-year-olds. Despite my best efforts Royal Ascot really hasn’t gone to plan for me so far, but fingers crossed we can turn the tide today with some stronger selections.

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Flat Racing

Royal Ascot 2019 – Day 2 Preview

The rain fell heavily on Day 1 of Royal Ascot, with the ground now reduced to Soft across the whole course. We’re set for another top day of Flat Racing action however despite conditions, with the feature race being the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at an earlier time than normal of 15:40. I’ll be following the action over @JakePriceRacing throughout the Day as usual, so fingers crossed we can get a bit more luck on Day 2…

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Flat Racing

Royal Ascot 2019 – Day 1 Preview

The 2019 Royal Ascot Festival has finally arrived, and we kick off the five-day bonanza with arguably the best day of them all. We’re treated to three Group 1 contests on Day 1; the curtain raising Queen Anne Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes sprint and the St James’s Palace Stakes for three-year-olds. Unfortunately I won’t be attending Ascot this year, but I will be providing live updates throughout the day on my twitter account @JakePriceRacing as usual. I hope you all have a successful Royal Ascot!

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Flat Racing

Epsom – Derby Day 2019

The world’s most famous Flat race takes place at Epsom on Saturday in the form of the Group 1 Derby, where Aidan O’Brien sends over seven runners. The fourth Classic of the season also brings a competitive day’s action with it, including the Group 3 Diomed Stakes over an extended mile. I’m going to be on a Plane tomorrow so will unfortunately miss most of the Epsom action – but a Holiday is well deserved! Be sure to follow me @JakePriceRacing if you don’t already for all the reaction once I land…

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Flat Racing

Epsom – Oaks Day 2019

The third English Classic of the season takes place on Friday in the form of the Group 1 Oaks, and we have a good day’s action in store at the iconic Epsom Downs racecourse. Won in the past by Fillies such as Enable, we are set for another interesting race here despite there being no stand-out performer. The rest of the day’s action is also competitive, and I have four selections across the card. Be sure to give me a follow @JakePriceRacing to keep up to date with all future articles – including my Derby preview.

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Flat Racing

Haydock, Goodwood & York – Saturday Racing 25/05/19

This Saturday sees the first Irish Classic of the season, with the 2000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh. Over in England, Haydock takes center stage with the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes and Group 2 Temple Stakes. ITV Racing will be providing nine live races for us to enjoy this weekend, including that Group 1 event in Ireland for the first time. I’ve had a look through the cards, and below you will find some of my thoughts on an action packed day of racing. Be sure to give me a follow @JakePriceRacing if you haven’t already, and good luck with your bets.

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Flat Racing

Newbury – Lockinge Day 2019

We’re set for a fantastic day of Flat Racing at Newbury on Saturday, featuring the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at 15:40.  The action is competitive from start to finish, with what’s sure to be an informative two-year-old contest before a very exciting looking Listed Fillies Trial Stakes. You’d usually find me writing about Newton Abbot this time of year, but Flat Racing has really got me hooked this Spring – thus meaning my first Flat Racing article! I’m heading up to the Berkshire track and will provide live tweets from the racecourse over @JakePriceTips. Good luck with your selections!

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