TALKING dogs & horses
Wednesday March 17 2010
THE second, third and fourth days of Cheltenham possess a hot favourite in the championship race which features on each card.
And the question punters have to ask themselves is, do they rate the Paul Nicholls trio of Master Minded, Big Buck's and Kauto Star value?
This column isn't fond of getting stuck into odds-on shots – even if they deserve to be – and there's no need to with so much else for bettors to consider.
Here are a few to focus on for the rest of the meeting. Next week will be a hungry one if Restless Harry doesn't collect.
Nevertheless, there is lots of evidence to suggest he will. Not least, the move up to three miles after the way he performed when storming clear of General Miller over two and a half miles at this course in January.
Restless Harry's effort in the Challow Hurdle when splitting Reve De Sivola and Finian's Rainbow isn't too shabby either. -North Co Louth trainer Larry Dunne is doubly represented in next Saturday night's final of the Tote Gold Cup.
In the first of last weekend's semi-finals at Shelbourne Park, Fane Basher rediscovered something like his old form when switching cleverly from trap two to the rails and outpacing his rivals on the run to the corner.
He was well clear down the back straight before hanging on to beat the fast-finishing De Ex Factor by the minimum margin in 28.82. Castlehill Pat was the other qualifier a further six lengths behind.
Dunne's other runner, Da Hatter, made it into third spot behind the impressive Thurlesbeg Joker in the following heat.
Owen McKenna's charge stopped the clock in 28.41, passing the post six and a half lengths up on Mileheight Dazl.
The draw for the decider has favoured Thurlesbeg Joker who will wear the striped jacket. He should get first run on De Ex Factor on his immediate inside, while it could be crowded elsewhere.
Wednesday (Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle)
There was a lot to like about the way Peddlers Cross won as he pleased at Haydock, and Donald McCain's representative is fancied to run well on his step up in trip and company.
The market is dominated by Dermot Weld's Rite of Passage, but he looks short for what he has achieved, never mind the doubts which surround his pedigree for the 2m5f contest as a son of Giant's Causeway.
Thursday (Ryanair Chase)
Two miles, too short; three miles, too far. It's dangerous to assume the 2m5f will be ideal for Barbers Shop.
However, he must surely have an outstanding chance on his first run since chasing home Kauto Star in third spot in the King George.
The line of form that sticks in the mind is his three-length defeat in attempting to give 3lb to Imperial Commander in the 2008 Paddy Power Gold Cup.
Friday (Alfred Bartlett Novices' Hurdle)
- Francis CARROLL
