Five keys to a profitable Festival
James Pyman with the essential advice for punters
Tiger could be rolled over The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has been monopolised by the Irish, with 13 of the 15 winners since its introduction in 2005, and Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll is likely to be a warm order in search of a hat-trick.
However, there are lots of opportunities for top cross-country chasers in France, where trainers are showing a growing interest in these unique races at Cheltenham. Emmanuel Clayeaux’s Urgent De Gregaine was second in the Festival Cross Country in 2018 and third last year, while David Cottin saddled a December meeting one-two with Easysland ( left ) – a recent purchase by JP McManus – and Amazing Comedy.
Blackmore and De Bromhead set for more success Rachael Blackmore’s profile is sky-rocketing and with the backing of Henry de Bromhead ( below ), who has a realistic chance of being the meeting’s top trainer, more big-race success is expected. With a book of potential mounts including last year’s Festival winners Minella Indo and A Plus Tard as well as Honeysuckle and Notebook, it’s conceivable Blackmore could finish as leading rider. From last year’s Festival onwards, Blackmore’s record for De Bromhead ( below ) in Grade 1s is eight wins from 26 rides for a £1 level-stakes profit of £52.38.
Graded form key to Northern Trust Company Chase The Northern Trust Company Novices’ Handicap Chase is at the mercy of a horse with potential to be better than a handicapper, highlighted last season by A Plus Tard, who showed himself to be considerably better than his mark of 144. Raising the ratings ceiling by 5lb to 145 two seasons ago has helped classier prospects get in – A Plus Tard would have been ineligible before this change. Before winning he had run well in a Grade 3 chase and concentrating on unexposed chasers with Graded form could be key. Alan King’s Deyrann De Carjac ( below ) has the right profile.
Top amateur Codd can net more winners Information overload is a challenge for punters and if you needed proof that sometimes it’s best to keep things simple just take a look at Jamie Codd’s record. The top amateur jockey’s Festival stats are simply phenomenal – nine winners from 33 rides (27 per cent strike-rate) for a £1 level-stakes profit of £43.83. He’s
Champion Bumper form working out Following runners with Festival form on their CVs is a sound punting strategy often and the Weatherbys Champion Bumper has a fine record over the years of producing future winners at the meeting. Florida Pearl, Cue Card and Champagne Fever are examples of Champion Bumper winners that went on to score at the highest level at future Festivals, and the form of last year’s running won by Envoi Allen and Jamie Codd ( left ), is working out exceptionally well. Envoi Allen, third Thyme Hill and fourth Abacadabras are all Grade 1 winners over hurdles this season, while fifth The Glancing Queen landed a competitive Aintree bumper next time out and 12th Master Debonair has won a Grade 2 hurdle.
ridden two winners at three of the last five Festivals including two of the last three winners of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper for Gordon Elliott, who has been the jockey’s main source of Festival rides. Five of his 14 mounts for the trainer have hit the target (+£16.50). To catch a Codd winner at a bigger price, take note of any bookings for British stables. Four of his 13 such
rides rewarded backers at SPs including 16-1, 14-1 and 9-1.
30 The Festival March 2020
thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham @CheltenhamRaces
Cheltenham Racecourse
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs