CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2012 - DAY FOUR

1.30 - Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle 
A wide-open contest to kick-off the final day of this year's Festival and one in which I will be sticking with Alan King's GRUMETI despite news his preparation met with a late hiccup. As ever, there are a countless number with chances in this race and it is definitely not one to go overboard in but he has made good strides as a hurdler and was very good the last day at Kempton and can get involved. (7/1 PP, S.James) [E/W]

Boston Bob

2.05 - Grade 3 Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle
A minefield to try and get through here and it's another race I wont be heavily involved in, but even though he flopped on Saturday, I am willing to give Paul Nicholls' TED SPREAD another chance at around 16/1. He was smooth winner at Taunton at the end of January and if back in any sort of form can reward a each-way bet in a tough race. Moon Dice looks best of the Irish and Desert Cry could outrun his odds of 33/1 for Donald McCain. (16/1 general) [E/W]

2.40 -  Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle 

(Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle)

If Ruby Walsh says he is the best novice he has sat on in the last couple of year's then I won't argue and as such will be siding with BOSTON BOB. Willie Mullins looks to have a top prospect on his hands and the step up to this 3 miles looks like it will bring him even more into his own and after rightly avoiding Simonsig he can run out the winner here. (6/4 PP) [WIN] » DAILY PREY

Kauto Star

3.20 - Grade 1 Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
Now that the legend has made the race, the stage looks set for another showdown between KAUTO STAR and Long Run. With the form of Nicky Henderson's runners and the fact the younger horse should appreciate the extra yardage up the hill, Long Run looks to be the one more likely but he has already found Kauto Star too much to deal with twice already this season and I am hoping all is well with Clive Smith's 12-year-old for him to be able to put it upto to last year's winner once again. Weird Al looks best of the remainder and whatever happens, this one should be a race to enjoy. (4/1 32Red) [WIN]
4.00 - Christie's Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup
Crack Irish pointer SALSIFY looks the one to be on here with stamina assured, coming here on the back of a good performance at Leopardstown for a race which has long been his main target. Chapoturgeon looks best of the English runners but with his stamina a possible doubt, it is all about Salsify for me. (6/1 general) [WIN]
4.40 - Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle
After the way he scythed through the field to win in tremendous style at Ascot, it may prove correct to stick with BOURNE once again here. He was a good stayer on the flat when with Luca Cumani and there should be plenty more to come from the grey as a hurdler. (11/2 general) [WIN]
5.15 - Grade Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Handicap)
After the week he's had especially, you would have to fancy Nicky Henderson to win this one sending out six of the runners including the JP McManus-owned KID CASSIDY. Tony McCoy has always maintained this is a horse of some ability on his day but his fencing still tends to be sketchy at times, if that holds up he looks to have a good chance today. (6/1 general) [WIN]

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2012 - DAY THREE

1.30 - Grade 2 Jewson Novices' Chase (Registered As The Golden Miller Novices' Chase)
Peddlers Cross will be a popular choice here after switching to this race to avoid the mighty Sprinter Sacre but I will be looking to oppose him with the unbeaten Irish runner SIR DES CHAMPS. Willie Mullins' six year old looks like he is a real proposition and will be fancied to give the Irish the first winner of day three. (7/2 general) [WIN] » DAILY PREY
2.05 - Listed Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle)

Sir Des Champs

With David Pipe's Our Father likely to be a clear favourite, a bit of value can be had with SONOFVIC from the Paul Nicholls yard. Granted the Pipe runner is the least exposed in the field and looks to have been aimed at this race but at more than double the price at 11/1, Sonofvic rates a decent each-way bet back hurdling. (11/1 S.James) [E/W]
2.40 - Grade 1 Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy Chase)
This year's renewal has brought together a decent field and looks to be a hot race. Somersby comes here with confidence high on the back of  his defeat of Champion Chase winner Finian's Rainbow at Ascot, but he may have to revert to minor honours behind Finian's Rainbow's talented stablemate RIVERSIDE THEATRE. Nicky Henderson's inmate returned from his absence due to injury better than ever and should all be ok again here must take the beating. Noble Prince and Rubi Light form a pretty dangerous Irish challenge also. (5/1 general) [WIN]
3.05 - Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Hurdle

Big Buck's

Not a lot to be said here and obviously he is no real punting proposition, but star of the show on day three BIG BUCK'S is almost certain to rack up his fourth successive win in the race and extend his unbeaten run to sixteen. Oscar Whisky is likely to complete the unoriginal forecast. (4/6 S.James) [WIN]
4.00 - Grade 3 Byrne Group Plate (Handicap Chase)
Ferdy Murphy's booking of AP McCoy in the absence of the injured Graham Lee aboard DIVERS could be a notable one. Already a winner at the Festival and having been put spot on for this race over hurdles last time, all looks in place for a good showing and can make the frame at least. (7/1 general) [E/W]
4.40 - Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase 
(Amateur Riders)
Wide-open race with all kinds holding claims but I will be siding with the top one UP THE BEAT here. Willie Mullins' charge comes here on the back of a fine second at Punchestown and with the likelihood of more to come, looks capable of carrying his big weight to possible success. (10/1 S.James) [E/W]

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2012 - DAY TWO

1.30 - Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase)
Another competitive opener to start proceedings on day two and the token selection goes to the vastly improving HARRY THE VIKING of Paul Nicholls'. This Sir Harry Lewis gelding racked up a four-timer towards the end of last year and has been put away since for a shot at this race with the 4 miles expected to suit. (6/1 general) [E/W]
2.05 - Grade 1 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle

Simonsig

(Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle)
After suffering his only defeat at the hands of Fingal Bay who has not made the race, this paves the way for Nicky Henderson's grey SIMONSIG to post his most notable victory to date. His latest win at Kelso suggested today's trip will suit him much better than if he took the Supreme option and he looks to be the pick. The Irish pose a fair old threat as usual with Monksland, Sous Les Cieux and Make Your Mark all holding decent claims but it's Simonsig that gets the nod. (5/2 Coral, PP, Betfred) [WIN] » DAILY PREY
2.40 - Grade 1 RSA Chase
Having resisted the temptation to run his stable star in Friday's Gold Cup, David Pipe must be confident GRAND CRUS can get the job done here. The way in which he put the Feltham to bed on Boxing Day was impressive and if in that sort of form today the likes of First Lieutenant, Bob's Worth and Join Together may have to simply fight it out for minor honours. (6/4 Bluesq) [WIN]

Sizing Europe

3.20 - Grade 1 Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase
Reigning champion SIZING EUROPE should retain his crown here after posting performances this season re-iterating the fact he is best around in this division. Henry De Bromhead's gelding beat Big Zeb in the race last year and beat him last time out at Punchestown with consummate ease although it was reported Big Zeb was never going that day. It is probable the same pair may well fight out the finish again. (10/11 general) [WIN]
4.00 - Grade 3 Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)
A fiendishly difficult handicap hurdle to try and solve with likely favourite Balgarry said to be well fancied from the Pipe team after sneaking in at the bottom, but a chance is taken on GET ME OUT OF HERE after a good second to Zarkandar last time. (9/1 general) [E/W]
4.40 - Grade 3 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Alan King has let it be known he thinks VENDOR is possibly his best chance of the meeting and the hint should be taken here. The French import looks to have been laid out for this race and having been given every possible chance by the handicapper, a big run looks on the cards. (4/1 PP, Coral, Hills) [WIN]
5.15 - Grade 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race)
Wide open and full of unknown quantities and big reputations, so carving out a bit of value, a small go each-way on CHAMPAGNE FEVER of Willie Mullins' at around the 10/1 mark is my angle on this race. (10/1 general) [E/W] 

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2012 - DAY ONE

1.30 - Grade 1 William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle 
Darlan will go off favourite for the opening race of the 2012 Festival but he will be one I will be looking to oppose on the back of his heavy looking fall behind Zarkandar at Newbury last time. The Irish challenge of Steps To Freedom and Trifolium in particular looks to be a strong one but having backed him twice already this year when successful, I will be siding with MONTBAZON of Alan King's once again who should be suited by a strongly run race and impresses me with the way he travels and should go well at around 8/1(Hills) in this fiercely competitive opener. [E/W]

Sprinter Sacre

2.05 - Grade 1 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase
The is talk of one horse and one horse only when it comes to the Arkle, Nicky Henderson's SPRINTER SACRE looks set to be a star in the making after scaring off the challenge of Peddler's Cross. Barry Geraghty has made no secret of his thoughts on this horse and having won his three starts as a chaser with the minimum of fuss jumping superbly in the process, it's hard to see past him. There is a slight worry he may struggle to get up the hill especially as he tends to be keen but he looks a totally different animal this season and expect his class to get him home. Should he slip up, Al Ferof will be on hand to pick up the pieces. (5/6 general) [WIN] » DAILY PREY
2.40 - Grade 3 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase
Some puzzle to figure out this one but the two to seemingly focus on are top-weight QUANTITIVEEASING and Hold On Julio with slight preference for the former. Having already won round here in December under a masterful Barry Geraghty ride after finishing second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, the JP McManus-owned gelding may well appreciate this extra yardage and can give us a decent run for our money at around 13/2 (Lads, Hills), not one for big stakes for me though. [E/W]

Hurricane Fly

3.20 - Grade 1 Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy
Willie Mullins has managed to get reigning champion HURRICANE FLY back to Cheltenham to retain his crown and having looked as good as ever at Leopardstown at the end of January, he looks set to do just that. This talented son of Montjeu has won 12 of his 14 starts over hurdles and been placed in the other two and if on song none of his rivals are likely to be able to live with him again here. Binocular looked good the last day and something like his former self but he cannot be trusted these days and it may be left to the Nicholls pair Zarkandar and Rock On Ruby to fight for second spot. (10/11 S.James) [WIN]
4.00 - Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country)
No doubt this race will be going back to Ireland with the top four in the market representing the emerald isle and favourite SCOTSIRISH looks the one to be on for Willie and Patrick Mullins coming here on the back of his Punchestown win. Enda Bolger is represented by Garde Champetre, who was second behind the selection last time and will be hoping for a place again. (7/2 general) [WIN]
4.40 - Grade 2 OLBG Mares' Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle)
There is not a lot you can say about this race except it belongs to QUEVEGA, the mare will be considered by many as a banker in a bid to land a fourth successive win in the race and will be sent off a red hot favourite as a result but she cannot be opposed. Kentford Grey Lady may be the one for the forecast. (1/2 general) [WIN]
5.15 - Listed Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase
It is his toughest task to date but out of sentiment I will be sticking with HUNT BALL here, he has took a hefty rise in the weights but looks capable of better still and hopefully he can win to complete a fairytale for his owner and young trainer. A difficult race to finish day one and no real strong selection bar a few sheckles each-way on Hunt Ball.      (15/2 Victor Chandler) [E/W]

KAUTO TRIBUTE AS LEGEND BATTLES TO MAKE FESTIVAL

At the time of writing this, there are only 10 days and 16 hours to go until the opening race of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. This week's big story in the run-up to the Festival was the news that broke yesterday from Paul Nicholls that Kauto Star is now only a 50-50 chance to make the Gold Cup after being left stiff after a fall during a schooling session last week and not responding as well as his trainer hoped to treatment.

There is of course a chance that Kauto will still make it, something we all want to see, so let's hope he keeps doing the right work and there is enough time for him to arrive at Prestbury Park nothing less than in 100% condition.

In the meantime, we can all singalong to Mark Boylan's catchy new tribute song to the great Kauto Star, let's hope he makes it so he can light up Cheltenham Gold Cup day once more.

 

DAILY PREY - FEBRUARY 2012 RESULTS

DATE	SELECTION	POSITION	SP
01 FEB	THE MONGOOSE	6TH	10/3
02 FEB	SUDDENLY SUSAN	WON	6/5
03 FEB	MODERATOR	3RD	3/1
04 FEB	MCCOOL BANANAS	ABANDONED	.
05 FEB	BIG ZEB	2ND	EVS
06 FEB	DON’T BACK DOWN	5TH	11/4
07 FEB	DRAWNFROMTHEPAST	WON	4/6
08 FEB	CATCHY TUNE	5TH	9/2
09 FEB	BENEATH	4TH	EVS
10 FEB	NO SELECTION	.	.
11 FEB	BOLD SIR BRIAN	WON	11/10
12 FEB	LAST INSTALMENT	WON	8/11
13 FEB	DUBAI BOUNTY	5TH	5/1
14 FEB	BUFFALO BOB	WON	2/1
15 FEB	LEMON DROP RED	WON	6/4
16 FEB	LAUGH OUT LOUD	WON	1/2
17 FEB	MAYAN FLIGHT	3RD	11/8
18 FEB	SILVINIACO CONTI	4TH	11/10
19 FEB	AT FISHERS CROSS	WON	9/4
20 FEB	DIAMOND D'AMOUR	6TH	4/6
21 FEB	DESTROYER DEPLOYED	3RD	9/4
22 FEB	CLEAR PRAISE	WON	5/1
23 FEB	MAZOVIAN	6TH	7/4
24 FEB	DA'QUONDE	3RD	3/1
25 FEB	TAAJUB	WON	15/8
26 FEB	CLERKS CHOICE	NON-RUNNER	.
27 FEB	FLYING AWARD	WON	3/1
28 FEB	BLUES AND TWOS	WON	8/11
29 FEB	VALLEY VIEW	2ND	EVS

SUPERSTAR CAVIAR DIPPING TOE INTO UNKNOWN TERRITORY

Black Caviar - 18th consecutive win awaits

In the early hours of Saturday morning (4.50AM UK time), Australia's superstar flying machine that is Black Caviar bids to rack up her 18th consecutive win at Caulfield.
After witnessing what she has done on the track in her amazing career so far, it would be hard to argue that the outcome is anything other than a formality. What makes this race interesting though, is by contesting Saturday's $400,000 Group 1 Sportingbet C.F. Orr Stakes, trainer Peter Moody steps her up for a first attempt over 6 furlongs (1200 meters) to 7f/1400m.
Even after her 17 wins on the bounce and the fact she remains unbeaten, there are still doubters in some quarters as to whether her pedigree is suited to such a trip but this is a mare that oozes class and is the best to be seen in Australia since the legendary Phar Lap.
She is obviously no sort of punting proposition but this is a race that cannot be missed by any racing fan, alarms set.

TUNE IN TO SEE BLACK CAVIAR'S FIRST ATTEMPT AT 1400M (CAULFIELD R6) (4.50AM UK TIME)