Mad Als Cheltenham 2013 Guide

Please recycle this rubbish after reading

DAY THREE
Hoping for the luck of the Irish
Jewson Novices Chase (13:30)

Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle) (14:05) Contenders:- Sam Winner, Shutthefrontdoor, Close House, Junior, According to Trev, American Trilogy, Medicinal Compound, Fair Along Another handicap, another mine field, theres almost too many to

Contenders:- Dynaste, Captain Conan, Aupcharlie, Module, Boston Bob Lively Outsiders:- Oscars Well, Third Intention, Unioniste Dynaste is the current favourite and with strong form, a win at Cheltenham over fences in November and his trainer having the surname Pipe he has to be given plenty of respect, especially as there appears to have been a fair bit of money about for him of late.

consider, so I got my darts out. They fell on According to Trev, Medicinal Compound and American Trilogy. Sam Winner who is currently favourite looks like he could be nicely handicapped and a win last time boosts confidence. Shutthefrontdoor has won 4 of his last 5, but that could make winning again in a handicap tough. I backed Junior at 20-1 in 2011 when he won at festival before which is why Ive included him in the contenders. Mad Als Verdict: According to Trev, back According to Trev. Ryanair Chase (14:40) Contenders:- Cue Card, First Lieutenant, Sizing Europe, Riverside Theatre Others to look at:- Albertas Run, For Non Stop

However, Captain Conan has equally strong credentials and having seen a few of Pipes horses seem to tie up coming into the straight at last years festival Im leaning towards Captain Conan. Module and Boston Bob are certainly worth a look too as would be Unioniste if Paul Nicholls decided to run him in this race but the indications suggest his Cheltenham chance lies elsewhere. Mad Als Verdict: Captain Conan, just. We also have two times previous winner of the race Albertas Run lining up (was 2nd last year) and even though at 12 hes getting on a bit now you wouldnt bet against him placing. With For Non Stop, who may well benefit from this trip is idea in the mix as well it should be an interesting contest. Mad Als Verdict: Take on Cue Card with any one of the others mentioned. I also think on the right day horses such as First Lieutenant (again undecided on where hes racing at present), last years winner of this race Riverside Theatre and Sizing Europe could have the beating of him. But I find this indecisiveness a problem and in my mind Cuecard also has a habit of disappointing, most notably at last years Festival. He will be running over a longer distance this time but will that be a help? I have to start with Cue Card, who is currently favourite for the race and it would seem this is the challenge he will tackle (hes been touted for various races over different distances, including the Gold Cup).

Ladbrokes World Hurdle (15:20) Contenders:- Oscar Whisky, Reve De Sivola, Quevega (if she runs), Get Me Out of Here Winner on best form;- Peddlers Cross

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir (16:40) Contenders:- Super Duty, Cantlow, Alfie Sherrin, Frisco Depot, Harry the Viking The noises coming from the

Peddlers Cross used to be top class, beating almost all before it, but he just doesnt seem the same horse now. If he was at his best hes a match for anyone, only narrowing losing out to Sprinter Sacre and Hurricane Fly here in previous years, but unfortunately thats a big if at the moment. Oscar Whisky is a horse I love and is currently favourite for the race, but his main target is in a months time at Aintree and theres a nagging doubt he cant compete at 3 miles. We also have to factor in that Reve De Sivola beat him earlier this year and seems to be a genuine 3 miler so why is he not favourite? I dare say it has something to do with the trainers because Nick Williams is not a house hold name. End of the day I cant believe Im saying this, but Ill be looking to take Oscar Whiskey on. I should also mention Quevega who still holds an entry in this race and would be interesting if she ran, but I cant see it happening myself. Mad Als Verdict: Heart says Oscar Whisky, Head say Reve De Sivola Bryne Group Plate (Handicap Chase) (16:00) Contenders:- Ballynagour, Hunt Ball, Cantlow, Carlito Brigante Possibles:- Walkon, Shangani, Drumshambo, Shoegazer It appears Ballynagour is being smashed up by punters, but I wonder why when his trainer David Pipe says this his profile is of a horse that doesnt run two races the same. If he turns up as he did at Warwick then hes going to take all the beating? It possibly suggests signs are pointing to a big run and given Pipes record in this race it may be worth taking the hint! Last season, Hunt Ball was horse of the year, winning 7 out 8 races, starting off in class 5 and finishing with a demolition job here at Cheltenham. This year hasnt been quite the same story, but his sights were originally a lot higher than this so it would be silly to discount him even with top weight. Finally, Veneita Williams also has a good record in this so Shangani whos won its last two and Drumshambo whos been consistant all year should also be in the mix. shorter come race day. Mad Als verdict: Back Ballynagour now at 9-2. I expect it to be 3-1 or
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stables of Super Duty (D McCain Jnr) and Frisco Depot (C Longsdon) are very positive and I expect them to be there or there about, but it is Harry The Viking takes my eye in this race. Owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, he has an entry for this years Grand National and I think (or hope) hell go one better than Sunnyhillboy who won this race and then got beaten by a nose in the Grand National last year. Mad Als Verdict: Fergie can still win the double. Get on Harry The Viking to win the Grand National next month at 33-1!

Charity Race (17:15) AVOID! Mad Als Verdict: You wont find listings anywhere for this which is why its not part of the competition. If youre at Cheltenham today, miss this race and go to the bar early.

All the best with your selections. Hopefully it will fund a few post racing Guinnesss! The very best of luck

Mad Al