The Weekend Review
By @Redgameracer
Red looks back on the weekend action and picks out any Cheltenham pointers as well as a few eye catchers.
A fantastic weekend of racing is behind us and there was plenty to think about for the festival. At Doncaster, both Vaniteux and Arzal ran well in the Novices Chase. Out of the two, I think Vaniteux is the more likely to show up well in the Arkle, but Arzal will probably have some say in the running. Shaneshill on the other hand was disappointing, although Willie Mullins stated that he may have caught a chill on the ferry over. Two miles is probably on the short side for Graham Wylie's chaser and he might end up in the JLT if all goes well. Mullins did not have the best of weekends, compared to the run of form his stable had been in. Morning Run was another hot favourite that got overturned in the Mares Hurdle, that was won by Smart Talk. Brian Ellison's charge managed to recover from an error three out to hold off challenger Lily Waugh. However, I'd imagine that all three would have trouble laying down a challenge to ante-post favourite Annie Power. In the Albert Bartlett trial, Barters Hill was less than impressive in winning. Up For Review was another to disappoint for Willie Mullins, having taken on the winner for the lead for much of the early race. Ben Pauling's unbeaten star had to battle on to claim the win, but his jumping and wandering across the track was noticeable and would give me concerns for the festival.
A possible rival for Barters Hill's Albert Bartlett challenge would be Shantou Village. He ran in the Neptune trial at Cheltenham, finishing behind the mightily impressive Yanworth. Alan King's charge was held up, but soon forged clear on the home straight without seemingly too much effort. He was cut for both the Neptune and the Supreme, but on the back of that performance, he should go to the Neptune and give a very good account of himself there. Seven lengths back, Shantou Village was second and a tilt at the Albert Bartlett now seems likely for Neil Mulholland's charge. Champers on Ice was a distant third and Harry Drew has confirmed the Albert Bartlett as his target at the festival.
Elsewhere at Prestbury Park, Thistlecrack absolutely hosed up in the Cleeve Hurdle to reaffirm his World Hurdle favouritism. He was twelve lengths clear of Ptit Zig in second with second favourite Camping Ground well down the field in fifth. The latter didn't seem to stay and will most likely head elsewhere at the festival. At the start of the card, Protek des Flos sprang a 25/1 surprise for Nicky Henderson in the Triumph Trial, beating highly fancied Clan des Obeaux. The latter duked it out with Who Dares Wins from a long way out and that may well have cost them both the race.
Gold Cup favourite Djakadam fell in the BetBright Chase and was subsequently eased in the market, giving stable mate Vautour the spot at the head of the market. Smad Place also shortened in the market after running a cracker of a race to beat Many Clouds. It was a good Grand National prep for the latter, but for Smad Place, it confirmed his Gold Cup chances. King is now likely to send his slick-jumping grey to the festival's big race and the way he ran on Saturday suggests he'll have some sort of say in the race.
Over in Ireland, Limini was impressive in winning a Mares novice's race and looks set to tackle the same race at the festival for which she's now the favourite. On Sunday, there was a boost to the form of Supreme market leader Min as Ball D'Arc overturned Myska, who still seemed to be feeling the effects of her exploits in a bog at Taunton.
All in all, some cracking racing on show and plenty to look forward to for the festival.
A possible rival for Barters Hill's Albert Bartlett challenge would be Shantou Village. He ran in the Neptune trial at Cheltenham, finishing behind the mightily impressive Yanworth. Alan King's charge was held up, but soon forged clear on the home straight without seemingly too much effort. He was cut for both the Neptune and the Supreme, but on the back of that performance, he should go to the Neptune and give a very good account of himself there. Seven lengths back, Shantou Village was second and a tilt at the Albert Bartlett now seems likely for Neil Mulholland's charge. Champers on Ice was a distant third and Harry Drew has confirmed the Albert Bartlett as his target at the festival.
Elsewhere at Prestbury Park, Thistlecrack absolutely hosed up in the Cleeve Hurdle to reaffirm his World Hurdle favouritism. He was twelve lengths clear of Ptit Zig in second with second favourite Camping Ground well down the field in fifth. The latter didn't seem to stay and will most likely head elsewhere at the festival. At the start of the card, Protek des Flos sprang a 25/1 surprise for Nicky Henderson in the Triumph Trial, beating highly fancied Clan des Obeaux. The latter duked it out with Who Dares Wins from a long way out and that may well have cost them both the race.
Gold Cup favourite Djakadam fell in the BetBright Chase and was subsequently eased in the market, giving stable mate Vautour the spot at the head of the market. Smad Place also shortened in the market after running a cracker of a race to beat Many Clouds. It was a good Grand National prep for the latter, but for Smad Place, it confirmed his Gold Cup chances. King is now likely to send his slick-jumping grey to the festival's big race and the way he ran on Saturday suggests he'll have some sort of say in the race.
Over in Ireland, Limini was impressive in winning a Mares novice's race and looks set to tackle the same race at the festival for which she's now the favourite. On Sunday, there was a boost to the form of Supreme market leader Min as Ball D'Arc overturned Myska, who still seemed to be feeling the effects of her exploits in a bog at Taunton.
All in all, some cracking racing on show and plenty to look forward to for the festival.
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