Throwing my eye over some of the lesser races at the moment. Have been taking a look through the NH Challenge Cup, 4m Novice Chase for Amateur Jockeys, won last year by Chicago Grey. There’s been a few nibbles at Fists of Fury over the last 24 hours. Teaforthree is one I was impressed with earlier in the season and Rebecca Curtis has had this race in her mind for him for quite a while. However, the one I’m drawn most to is Alfie Spinner.
He gave a decent account of himself last Friday when 3rd behind Invictus and Bobs Worth finishing ahead of Silviniaco Conte. Nick Williams has stated that this race will be his intention. He also confirmed at a Cheltenham Preview Night in Exeter that Sam Waley Cohen will ride him. While I usually find it really hard to back any horses ridden by him, you can’t fault his record around Cheltenham. Given that the race will be full of amateur jockeys, it’s important to have someone on board who knows their way around the course.
He represents better value for me than most others at the moment, and I’ll likely have a 1-2 pt bet e/w at the 12/1 currently available with most firms.
Nick Williams has also confirmed that Swincombe Flame will run in the mares hurdle and not the Coral Cup. She should only be battling for 2nd / 3rd place but at 16/1 currently it could be a free e/w bet.
Planning on going Gold Cup day. Does anyone know what it will be like picking up tickets for Tattersalls enclosure on the day? They are listed as sold out on official website.
Will be interesting to see how Minsk gets on today, I’m on him at 10/1 for the Triumph hurdle and Dessie Hughes said last week he’d have to win today for him to go to Cheltenham. Fingers crossed.
Ya it was discussed in the other thread, Elliot said he “knew for a little while”. Even Betfair have voided all bets on him.
It’s a major fuck up all round, Elliot laying a horse out all year for a race he wasn’t eligible for and the BHA accepting the entry in the first place. If I was the owners I’d be seething.