The Whistling Shrew - Irish Grand National Preview

5:00 – Fairyhouse – Irish Grand National, 3m5f

After a successful Cheltenham Festival and Easter, we turn our thoughts to the close of the jumps season with this bonus Whistling Shrew, focussing solely on the Irish Grand National, which should whet the appetite for the big event at Aintree in a fortnight’s time!

There is a wide open contest as ever for the Irish Grand National with 29 expected to go to post including last year’s winner Thunder and Roses. Gigginstown will be hopeful of following up again with no fewer than 8 of the runners going in their colours. If only we knew the pecking order as far as hat colours were concerned beyond the first two it would make this a bit easier, but we can probably assume the purple jacket and red hat combo of Wrath of Titans puts him somewhere near the bottom of that list.

J P McManus runs a meagre 4, with Kim Muir winner Cause of Causes topping the weights. Noel Meade only sent 2 horses to Cheltenham both of who ran well and he has a couple of likeable sorts here in Bonny Kate and Tulsa Jack. They are two of several who seem likely sorts in a race that often goes to experienced progressive novices.

Shrew’s Shrewdies

4 Against The Field: Venetian De Mai 9/1, Another Hero 11/1, Bless The Wings 16/1, My Murphy 16/1

Runner By Runner Guide

1.       Cause of Causes

Ridden by Barry Geraghty today after quality Cheltenham win. Forecast rain not in his favour and didn’t run to his best last year at Fairyhouse. It would take a big weight carrying performance to go close here.

2.       Mala Beach

Will go well on the softer ground. A lot of weight to carry but has gone well here before and would’ve won the Bobby Jo if he didn’t fall at the last time out. Not hugely experienced and progression seems to have eased. Considered but others preferred.

3.       My Murphy

Form seemed to drop off slightly when asked to step up to CD last year. Better over a slightly shorter trip. Does hold Mala Beach based on their Thyste’s form and will prefer conditions. Has a lot of runs under his belt but still seems to be progressing. Shortlisted.

4.       Living Next Door

Won the Paddy Power in 2014, best form seemed to have come at Cheltenham last year. Would be surprised if he was up to this.

5.       Sub Lieutenant

Bryan Cooper’s choice of the 8 – Largely consistent over 6 chase starts so far and fair to assume still progressing, not badly treated, considered and shortlisted.

6.       Thunder and Roses

Put up a career best when winning this last year with Katie Walsh in the saddle. Has David Mullins onboard this year and would be the first horse to double up since Brown Lad won ¾ from 1975-78. His form this season though has been patchy at best. His last run showed a little promise but you’d really want to see more. Others preferred.

7.       Bonny Kate*

Jumps beautifully and will most likely go from the front. Seems fairly well treated and in with a chance. Has proven form over a long distance backed up by her Punchestown win and looked like she was still progressive when making it a hattrick at Limerick last time out. Shortlisted.

8.       Rogue Angel

Has failed to complete in 4 starts over longer than 3m since 2014. Leopardstown 4^th was fine but more needed and no evidence to suggest it’s coming

9.       Russe Blanc

Kerry Lee scored here first grade 1 success here yesterday with Kylemore Lough and Russe Blanc doesn’t look too badly treated to attempt following up. A very likeable stayer who may find himself outpaced, but I’d expect him to get around and give a good account given latest Warwick win on heavy. Considered, especially if the rains come.

10.   Venetian De Mai

Has risen steeply in the weights for win at Naas last time out. This will be only his 5^th start over fences but he was a consistent sort over hurdles and more progression surely to come. Shortlisted.

11.   Another Hero

Even less experienced than Venetian De Mai with just two chase runs under his belt, but they were both wins. Jonjo O’Neill knows what it takes to win this. There is a fear this may be too much too soon, but shortlisted nonetheless.

12.   Baie Des Iles

Can’t decide if he’s a hurdler or chaser, form not quite up to these. Others preferred.

13.   Bless The Wings

A favourite of mine and he ran quite well in 3^rd in the cross country at Cheltenham – Ruby Walsh rides which is a positive. He’s an old boy now at 11 but if he can reproduce his Cheltenham run or his CD win from November he’ll go close – chance at hitting the frame at a price. Shortlisted.

14.   Cantlow

Fairly regressive for some time now. May catch him on an on day but those are becoming harder to come by nowadays.

15.   Folsom Blue

Whatever the yellow cap represents it’s probably not the same as the yellow jersey in cycling – inconsistent and best form not even up to this – seems to be better over a shorter distance too.

16.   Killer Crow

A lot of people felt let down Killer Crow didn’t make it into a handicap at Cheltenham after being talked up from a long way out. Last time out he was second to Empire of Dirt who won well at the festival to frank the form. Needs another step up but that’s far from impossible, shortlisted.

17.   Captain Von Trappe

Handicapper hasn’t given him much chance. Others on better marks preferred.

18.   Kilford

Has won well last twice at Navan – This will be an altogether different test. Considered at a price.

19.   Raz De Maree

Good stayer but up against it.

20.   Unic De Bersy

Was progressing nicely and may have had something other than the (3^rd choice?) blue cap today if not for the two non-completes putting a stopper in that form line. Could go well if completing.

21.   Jarob

Yet to race over 3m so could be anything over the trip. 2 ½ miles seems more his forte

22.   Portrait King

Too many miles on the clock these days, others preferred.

23.   Ballyadam Approach

Copy and paste from 21! Form not up to the same standard this year.

24.   Bearly Legal

Copy and paste again.

25.   Wrath Of Titans

As previously established, possibly the 8^th string…

26.   Tulsa Jack

Horse seemed to peak in November last year, when winning at Cork. Chance if able to recapture that form – shortlisted but I expect his form has dropped off for the year.

27.   Futuramic

Seems quite a way out of the handicap, will need a step up to be taken seriously.

28.   Riverside City

Has the occasional 1 by his name, but you’d expect this group much stronger.

Shortlist: My Murphy, Sub Lieutenant, Bonny Kate, Venetian De Mai, Another Hero, Bless the Wings, Killer Crow

The Wandering Shrew - Dubai World Cup Night Preview

California Chrome - a star attraction in the Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup Night featuring the world’s richest horse features a stellar cast with showdowns between Tryster and Intilaaq in the turf and California Chrome against Frosted in the World Cup. The card also features King George winner Postponed and Hong Kong Vase winner Highland Reel in the Classic and old favourite Sole Power who runs his 56^th race in the Sprint. It’s all about the speed and we should hopefully see some close races.

We’ll be back on Sunday night with a preview of the Irish National

Shrew’s Shrewdies

Race Time – Likely Winner – Each Way at a Price

12:20 – Maftool 6/1 – One Man Band 10/1

12:55 – Vazirabad 11/8 (nap) – Star Empire 12/1

1:35 – Vale Dori 4/1 – Lani 14/1

2:10 – Peniaphobia 6/1

2:45 – Muarrab 11/2 – Super Jockey 6/1

3:45 – Intilaaq 5/2 - Flamboyant 33/1                                                                                                                             

4:20 – Highland Reel 4/1

5:00 – California Chrome 11/8 – Special Fighter 14/1

Race By Race Guide

12:20 – Godolphin Mile, 1m

Maftool can give Godolphin a wining start

I’m a sucker for course and distance form and hot favourite Marking is yet to have the two combined but has won over a mile and has won here at Meydan over a shorter trip. Maftool goes well here and is yet to be unplaced. His latest outing over CD was a win over Cool Cowboy who has since franked the form following up in a good group 3. He was allowed to dominate on that day and likely won’t be afforded the luxury today. One Man Band has performed brilliantly all carnival and has won here 7 times already – maybe one too far and others better aimed but worth a shot at the prices.

Sloane Avenue was touched off into 2^nd last year when travelling round the long way – will have to come from a wide stall again and challenge late, but this should be run at a true pace and he should be thereabouts come the end.

12:55 – Dubai Gold Cup, 2m

Vazirabad looks the one to beat in the Gold Cup

Keeping it simple, Vazirabad is the best horse in the race here and will take a lot of beating and he holds Manatee to the tune of 7 lengths based on their run in October. He should cope with the ground well.

The race in previous years though has seen success for UK trained horses and the best chance this year is for Goodwood Cup winner Big Orange who lines up for Michael Bell – he has a bit to find but could be a threat if the favourites weaken. After that we’d be clutching at straws, but Star Empire is preferred over others for a place having won here 3 times before, I would expect him to reverse form with Ceratech today.

1:35 – UAE Derby, 1m1f

Polar River defends an impressive unbeaten run

A small field for this headed by hot favourite Polar River. The filly is 4/4 having picked up the Guineas and Oaks already. Last time out she was less than impressive though in just seeing off Vale Dori though into a 3/4l second. Of the two Vale Dori therefore has shown the most progressive profile and it may be difficult to split them today.

Of the others, the one who looks unexposed is Japenese runner Lani who although losing last time out is a better horse than that and could well bounce back here.

2:10 – Sprint, 5f

Prix De L’Abbaye winner Goldream was a disappointing 7^th on his first start since landing in Meydan. His best form before that had all been on good to firm and you’d be inclined to give him another chance to acclimatise if it weren’t for downbeat bulletins from his trainer. Assuming he isn’t hedging, then he’s one for the note book but opposable today.

56 not out for Eddie Lynam's super sprinter

2015 winner, Sole Power, has been a superstar for many years and I’d love to see him win this again, but I’d expect others to be better than him nowadays. More attractive is last year’s second Peniaphobia who seems to have been consistent since then running well in Hong Kong throughout the winter.

He has a direct form line with Ryan Moore’s mount Not Listenin’tome who was a length third to him in December and will be right in the mix. At the prices to Ertijaal who provides the biggest threat and superb course form coming into the race off the back of three wins.

Lady Shipman is clearly talented but this requires a big step up

2:45 – Golden Shaheen Sprint, 6f

X Y Jet is rapid. He will go from the front and try to make every yard. His frontrunning style may make him vulnerable here. One horse who could pick him up is last year’s second Super Jockey who has been aimed at this and has shown improvement in his last couple of runs.

Rich Tapestry and Muarrab have reversed form with one another last two times out, with the latter coming out on top the latest run – recency bias would prefer the latter but it depends which Rich Tapestry turns up. Reynaldothewizard was third in that race when not fully giving his running, but even at best I think would be held by Muarrab

Confrontation has a bit to find on these but has been running over further – the drop to 6f may well suit.

3:45 – Dubai Turf, 1m1f

Tryster comes into this as one of the most visually impressive performers worldwide and will likely go off favourite based on his exceptional form since coming to Meydan in February. His turn of foot is lethal and he’s sure to go close.

Tryster can put a race to bed in a matter of strides

Intailaaq has some excellent form on good to firm ground in the UK. He was disappointing in last year’s 2000 Guineas but won his two starts well after that. There is a huge unknown as to how he has acclimatised but I think he could be 10 lengths below his most recent start and still go close here.

The Ryan Moore factor will need to come into full effect to bring Real Steel up to the same standard as the principles, but doesn’t have the world to find and could be disputing the finish.

The Corsican has the form to be in the mix up here especially based on his victory over Sky Hunter at Newbury, but this is an altogether different affair and there are a lot of unknowns to take a punt on.

Very Special holds Euro Charline on good course and distance form and might be fancied for minor honours if it weren’t for the slightly better course and distance form of Forries Waltz. Flamboyant has not yet run at Meydan, but is progressive and could well outrun both of them at a better price.

4:20 – Dubai Sheema Classic, 1m4f

King George winner Postponed gives Roger Varian a great chance of winning this race. Victory in his prep race over the consistent Dariyan suggests he has transferred his form across from the UK. He may have to be back to his King George winning best though to fend off two hot rivals in what will be a thrilling race.

Highland Reel strikes a pose -

Can he follow up on his HK Vase win? 

Highland Reel comes here off the back of a top victory beating Flintshire to land the Hong Kong Vase last time out and will be one of Ryan Moore’s best rides of the night. But they are also joined by the exciting Japanese prospect Duramente. He has only raced 4 times but has been impressive coming home in front in the last three, including a win over Real Steel last season – it will be interesting to see how he goes in the turf.

The winner should come from those three – Highland Reel and Duramente look to be more progressive than Postponed, but don’t have the course form. Duramente has a better draw on the inside but Highland Reel will likely get to the front earlier and has the right jockey to keep him there.

5:00 – FEATURE RACE: Dubai World Cup, 1m2f

Keen Ice is the only horse to have beaten last year’s top rated horse in the world American Pharoah and that alone draws some attention to him. He also beat Frosted on that day too and on evidence of what Frosted has achieved since shows that his victory over the best horse in the world was perhaps in small part down to him being a quality horse rather than pure fluke. He hasn’t been at his best since then but is sure to get a good spin round under Ryan Moore from stall 1. Frosted’s prep on the other hand has been good, transferring his good form to win his first race in Meydan by an impressive 5 lengths.

California Chrome has another wide draw to contend with

to go one better than last year

For either to win here today would cause another huge upset to an American favourite as the exceptional California Chrome lines up to contest a race he was second in last year. I have never been to Meydan so don’t know where the car park is situated, but assuming it’s outside the track by the 10f starting post, that’s where California Chrome is drawn. His pure form is good enough to be best in the race and he won well in his prep – but the draw, as it was last year could be the difference between 1^st and 2^nd  although I don’t expect this to be too much of a disadvantage against Frosted who is drawn 9.

Last year he was beaten by 14/1 shot Prince Bishop and it may be worth looking at another bigger priced horse to take him on with today. Hoppertunity lines up for Bob Baffert and being trained by the twice winning trainer gives him a shout, but you’d expect California Chrome to hold form from 2 starts ago.

Mubtaahij won last years UAE derby here by an impressive 8 lengths, but has so far failed to follow up – his two appearances at Meydan recently have been less than inspiring and it would require a big return to form under Christophe Soumillon. Mshawish also ran well here last year only 5 lengths behind Solow who has since proven he’s a top quality performer. He has about 5-7 lenths to find on the principles top form, but should go well for Frankie Dettori out of a nice low draw.

Gun Pit seems to be a progressive Dubawi Colt but was held by Special Fighter on last appearance. The latter appears to go one way or the other and his form when sixth behind Frosted can be dismissed if bouncing back to the form of his last run here.

Vadamos bombed out on his sole venture abroad so far when finished 13/13 on Champions Day at Ascot. Trainer respected, but a big ask first time on the surface.

The Synthetic Shrew - All Weather Championships at Lingfield Park 2016 Preview

£1.1million prize money will be on offer for the richest race day on the all-weather calendar. The very best contenders from the UKs all-weather racecourse congregate on Lingfield to compete in 7 championship categories. In now only it’s 3^rd year, the championships have been an excellent innovation to give the all-weather horses a climax to the season and some exceptional prize money to offer.

Grendisar will be hot favourite to follow up his Winter

Derby win with the all-weather classic

Today, The Whistling Shrew welcomes guest tipster and flat specialist The Synthetic Shrew to preview the championship races where in the feature race Winter Derby winner, Grendisar, is the star of the show and will be hot favourite to follow up. The meeting as a whole serves up as a great addition to the racing calendar as well as a lead into a mouth-watering Dubai World Cup Night where last year's classic winner Tryster will be taking on California Chrome – Plenty of speed and close finishes to savour. At least 8 line up in each race today which means plenty to play for win and each way!

Good Luck,

Stay Shrewd!

Shrew’s Shrewdies

Race Time – Most Likely Winner – E/W at a Price

1:40 – Cold As Ice 8/11 – Saucy Minx 8/1

2:10 – Lancelot Du Lac 11/4 – Lightscameraaction 16/1

2:40 – Moonlight Landing 2/1 – First Mohican 14/1

3:15 – Sovereign Debt 5/2 – Mister Universe 8/1

3:45 – Grendisar 6/5 – Complicit 25/1

4:15 – Gracious John 6/4 – Kadrizzi 6/1

4:45 – Haalik 15/8 – Special Season 9/2 – Reverse Forecast

Race By Race Guide

1:40 - ALL-WEATHER FILLIES´ AND MARES´ CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Cold as Ice had a difficult run last time out and looks to be a worthy favourite. She was closing at the line and the defeat by Rivellino still represents a good enough level of form to win this. The outside draw is statistically a plus over CD and she can’t really be opposed

The betting also highlights her closest pursuer in Volunteer Point who would be the one to pick up the pieces if she underperforms. She has been the more progressive of the two and was not hard pressed when scoring here at the start of the month. She holds Secret Hint and Bint Daddy on form easily on the last two runs, but given that they are priced at 25/1 and 40/1 there is possible value in looking for an improving horse to place ahead of volunteer point.

Saucy Minx scored here on last run and the wider draw may be to her favour here if following the favourite home.

2:10- ALL-WEATHER SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

This appears to be one of the closer races of the day and there are several contenders who jump of the page.

All speed - Lancelot Du Lac heads the betting in the Sprint

Lancelot Du Lac shares top rating with Goken and Lightscameraaction. He hasn’t run at Lingfield since winning in December 2014 before a spell in Meydan, but has followed up with two wins since his return to the UK all-weather this season including a comfortable win over Intransigent.

Goken won a listed race here in November and may have a bit to find on recent form but as a 4 year old may still be progressive enough to win this – he hasn’t been since that victory and the break is sure to have freshened him up to make a bold bid. A significant market move may be wise to follow.

Lightscameraaction has been much less consistent. On a going day last time out over CD he beat Take Cover, which on his day may be good enough to win this, but his 4^th place behind Rivellino before that left a bit to be desired. Of Rivellino, he is a horse that only seems to win here and the CD form could count a lot.

Gamgoon has run well of late and can hit the frame here, but he seems to lack 1’s after his name for his efforts. Bosham conversely has a lot of 1’s but in lesser company. Realise has run consistently well for his new yard and the drop back in trip is interesting – he will need to prove he has the raw speed to go close.

2-40 ALL-WEATHER MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Anglophile lost this race narrowly last year and looks good value at 11/2, but Raif Beckett's Moonlight Landing gave him quite the beating last time out and looks a very likely improver for the step up in distance. This will be his first run at Lingfield since his first 2 races but that may be clutching at straws for reasons to oppose.

Of the others, they seem much of a muchness. If the race were run on turf over hurdles then Pearl Castle would have a hell of a chance… but its not. First Mohican seems the most consistent and is very likeable on best form should the favourite not progress as expected.

3:15 - ALL-WEATHER MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Sovereign Debt is fancied to go close in the mile

Sovereign Debt brings a high level of turf form in to this and was beaten into 2nd in a blanket finish to this race last year. He looked likely to come on for his last run ( same prep race as last year) and is fancied to reverse places with Mister Universe. 

Mindyourownbusiness is the all-weather specialist and has beaten Sovereign Debt when in receipt of 10lbs. With Crowley up he should go well and could make amends for his flop in this last year. He seems to show better form away from Lingfield and at the price has to be opposed.

Captain Cat is not easy to win with but has good turf form and has to have a chance too.

 3:45 - ALL-WEATHER MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Grendisar won the Winter Derby here in February in an authoritative manner and has to be considered a worthy favourite. He has a nice draw on the inside and the booking of Adam Kirby is a big plus. His form this year has been very good and slightly above what it was last season, he has gone from strength to strength and is expected to follow up.

The question then is who follows him home?

Complicit has a bit too find against some of these, but saved his best form last year for two big runs behind Tryster over course and distance. Stall 10 isn’t ideal but he could be worth a shot at the current price of 25/1

Can Maverick Wave reverse form with Grendisar?

Maverick Wave is held by Grendisar on their last meeting and although 4^th last time out the level of form was still good – he’ll be thereabouts and on his best form would probably be favourite – but based on the Winter Derby performance can’t be fancied. Battalion was shaping nicely for a challenge in this before last time out when 6^th over course and distance. Both horses have reasonable draws in the middle of the park but it’s hard to see them getting past the favourite.

Fire Fighting  is another possible danger out of stall 3 but seems to be a better turf horse than all-weather and saves his very best for other tracks. Man Of Harlech does run well here and could hit the frame at a price but you’d have to expect he is of no danger to the favourite who should be well positioned and have enough finishing speed to win this.

4:15 - 3 YEAR OLD SPRINT ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (3yo)

Gracious John had a terrible time of things in his last race but still ran on very well in the closing stages. He finished the race lame but still ran on well for third. Given better fortune from stall 2 he looks to be better than these. His main danger may be the improving Wolowitz – but he is too short at 3/1.

Wolowitz did beat Kadrizzi home last time but it didn’t seem the latter gave his running that day. He has shown the best top speed of any of these behind the favourite and is fancied to provide the biggest challenge.

Field of Vision will need to put a disappointing run behind him to feature. Both Agueroooo (one o to many?) and Quatrieme Ami will need a bigger step up than expected but its not beyond reason.

4:45- 3 YEAR OLD MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (3yo)

Haalik has some very good turf form and came out recently to win well at the course and there seems little reason why Race Day should reverse the places. That form line would tend to rule out Special Season who is closely matched with Race Day on their 1-2 here in November. Special Season does hold good CD form though and will go close; but his run last time out puts me off.  

The bigger danger may come from Cape Speed who is improving and stepped up to the distance well last time out when winning at Kempton. He holds distance form over the favourite but will have to improve again to challenge.

The Whistling Shrew - Cheltenham Festival 2016 Review

Day 4 Review

In the Triumph Hurdle opening the card, Brian Cooper picked up a 2 day ban for excessive whip use when his mount Apple's Jade was beaten on the run in by the impressive Ivanovich Gorbatov. In the last race his mount Bright New Dawn was 18th of 18 finishers cantering in 23 lengths behind his nearest opponent... Oh, and smack bang between the two he won the Gold Cup!

His mount, Don Cossack, was imperious on the day and made what looked like a close contest look easy, scoring from four lengths to Djakadam, who had to settle for second for a second year in a row.  Much had been made of 23 year old Cooper's previous rides on Don Cossack and he came into criticism for the ride he gave him in last year's Ryanair Chase. He was under pressure earlier in the week to choose between the two 'Don's' and the criticism in the run up had lead to some declaring that they'd back whichever Don he didn't ride! He chose right, with Don Poli struggling to go with the pace, but given a good patient ride by Davy Russell to finish third. 

Cooper chooses right and Don Cossack proves why he's the

highest rated steeplechaser in the world

Cooper gave Don Cossack the perfect ride, sitting in a prominent position, pushing on at the right time and the horse jumped brilliantly and assuredly in the style of a proper Gold Cup winner - I think the step up in distance helped the horse have the time to get his feet in the right order and he was into a lovely rhythm throughout. He beat Djakadam easily enough in the end and looked like he may have had a little to spare if he needed it. He came in highest rated and proved comprehensively in the end that he is the best steeplechaser in the world. 

But perhaps the story of the race and of the season in the staying chaser division is of the greatest rivalry that never was! When mounting his challenge and right in the mix three out, Cue Card took the first fall of his career; it is a fence that catches the best of jumpers out and Paddy Brennan just let him go into it a half stride early. The important news is that the horse got straight up and galloped home none the worse and non the wiser. But the fall, alongside Don Cossack's fall in the King George which Cue Card won, means that the question of who would've won either race up the run in will never be answered!  So in the greatest rivalry that never was, it looks like they finish one a piece. 

It is a shame for Cue Card's bid for the £million bonus end in that way; his jumping was less than fluent throughout but he was certainly on terms to be involved in the finish if standing up. He is a 10 year old now with a lot of mileage on the clock - perhaps connections will still give him a spin out at Aintree or Punchestown and perhaps he will be back in the staying chases in the Autumn next year, but the way he peaked this season and gave us all the memories of his Betfair and King George wins will live long in the memory. Still an absolutely super horse and the exciting news is that next year his stablemate and ultra impressive World Hurdle winner Thistlecrack will be trained over fences with this being the target. 

Of the other Gold Cup runners, Smad Place went off in front as expected and set a blistering tempo that eventually saw his challenge fade when it couldn't be sustained, he finished a tired horse back in 6th. O'Faolins Boy did excellently to stay with him for so long but eventually faded back and met the same fate. Subsequently connections of Carlingford Lough and Irish Cavalier were rewarded picking up the prize money for 4th and 5th respectively. 

How many future Cheltenham winners will Joseph O'Brien train?

On the rest of the card, the aforementioned Ivanovich Gorbatov was punted heavily in the opening race and went off as a 4/1 favourite - He looked the part and won well and I loved the way he came up the hill, reversing form with Footpad who was given a questionable ride by Ruby Walsh way out the back before staying well to finish 3rd - I suspect the fast ground made it difficult to go with the pace as he would've liked to and he was certainly not disgraced. Istabraq was the best jumper Aiden O'Brien ever trained and this one is a dead ringer in the green and gold and looks a super one to start Joseph O'Brien's training career with. 

UknowwhatImeanharry showed that course and distance form counts for everything as the English form held up over the Irish in the Albert Bartlett. Barter's Hill didn't fully give his running and connections were expectant he would improve and deliver again in the future. His race probably wasn't helped by going head to head with Champers on Ice from a long way out, the two taking blows at eachother and eventually being outstayed by the winner. Fagan in second ran a blinder for Gordon Elliott at 33/1 as he hit the crossbar again.

Nina Carberry times it right on On The Fringe

Victoria Pendelton did herself proud in 5th

On the Fringe was slightly below his form of last year but still was always doing enough to give Nina Carberry a great victory again in the Foxhunters. Some of the best amateur riders were among the places, Jamie Codd, William Biddick and Sam Waley-Cohen so it is a massive credit to Victoria Pendleton to finish the race in 5th, staying on at the end - with another year of confidence under her belt perhaps she would've challenged earlier and placed, but just to get round and finish like that showed the 'switching saddles' campaign was a success and a great side story to follow this season. 

I was delighted to see Dan Skelton off the mark at Cheltenham with Superb Story who was well treated at the bottom of the handicap in the county hurdle, Wait for Me stayed on well in 4th. Wayne Hutchinson took a nasty unseat and it was great to see him get up to ride Smad Place an hour later. 

Solar Impulse completed a handicap double for Paul Nicholls

levelling the Betbright Prestbury cup to 14-14

In the end, just like Don Cossack vs Cue Card will finish with one win and one fall each, the Prestbury Cup also finished as a draw with Ireland and Great Britain both racking up 14 winners across the festival. With two races to go though it looked as though the cup may be going to Ireland who were 12-14 up - but roll on the super sub Paul Nicholls to pull out two superb handicap wins with Ibis Du Rheu in the Martin Pipe and Solar Impulse in the Grand Annual. Before the festival there were markets on him to have no winners here, and though he may not have the best horses in the world to win the big races with anymore he proved he is still a top top trainer who really knows how to win. The fact that trainers he mentored Harry Fry and Dan Skelton had winners today is of huge tribute to him too. 

Shrew's Shrewdies Round Up

Sprinter Sacre was the story of the week - winning the Champion

Chase again, 3 years after his first victory

It has been another great festival and in their own ways the champions Annie Power, Sprinter Sacre, Thistlecrack and Don Cossack have provided class, guts and unrivalled emotion to what is one of the greatest sporting spectacles on earth. There were some great clues for Aintree and Punchestown and it's sure to be a great spectacle over the next few months. 

Winners

Douvan, perhaps the most exciting of all

the novices - where does he go next year?

Douvan 1/3 (1st)

Vroum Vroum Mag 11/10 (Tuesday's NAP) (1st)

Blaklion 10/1 (1st)

Sprinter Sacre 5/1 (1st)

Diego Du Charmil 7/1 (1st)

Vautour 5/6 (1st)

Thistlecrack (Thursday's Nap) 11/10

Limini Evs (1st)

Unowhatimeanharry 11/1 (1st)

Don Cossack 11/4 (1st)

On The Fringe (Friday's Nap) 3/1 (1st)

Placed Horses (5 places in handicaps, 3 in Championship races)

Min 6/4 (2nd)

Buever D’Air 6/1 (3rd)

Hollywell 15/2 (2nd)

Southfield Royale 7/1 (4th)

Yanworth 11/8 (2nd)

 Baoulet Delaroque 10/1 (5th)

 Josie’s Orders 11/4 (Wednesday Nap) (2nd)

Bristol De Mai 5/1 (2nd)

 Our Kaempfer 10/1 (5th)

Arpege D’Alene 11/1 (2nd)

Full Shift 12/1 (4th)

Knock House 20/1 (4th)

 Footpad 10/1 (3rd)

 Wait For Me 12/1 (4th)

And the ones that got away!

(Trifecta: Don Cossack, Cue Card, Djakadam!)  - If only Cue Card had jumped round!

Zabana 10/1 - Davy Russell unseats before the race !- bookies pay the stake back