Category: Horse Racing Tips

This category is all about horse racing tips.

Cheltenham Preview Wednesday 11th March

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Day 1 of the Cheltenham festival was all about Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh but the second day provides the best quality race of the week in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Three previous winners line up including Sprinter Sacre and Sire de Grugy, two of the most popular chasers in training. Sprinter Sacre’s long road to recovery has been well documented but there have to be doubts about whether he can possibly be as good as he was two years ago.

Sire de Grugy’s preparation did not go exactly to plan either but he looked as good as ever when winning at Chepstow last month. We went for Champagne Fever in our ante-post preview and you cannot discount anything from the Mullins stable this week. The meeting has not started so well for Nicky Henderson and I just have reservations about Sprinter Sacre. A saver on Sire de Grugy is advised and hopefully all will come back safe and sound.

The action gets under way at 1.30 with the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle and I’m surprised to see that the field has cut up to just ten starters. The Mullins and Walsh combination are at the helm yet again with Nichols Canyon but there may be better value in another former flat racer, Parlour Games. He was useful in his days with Godolphin and travelled really well when winning here previously. He has Tony McCoy in the saddle and will be among the last to throw down a challenge.

Don Poli has been all the rage for the RSA Chase since it was confirmed that Coneygree will run in the Gold Cup instead. I like Kings Palace but I was so disappointed with his effort here last year that I am concerned about a repeat.

Nicky Henderson could run his own race from his Coral Cup entries alone with seven set to start at 2.40. I think Bear’s Affair could prove the pick of them with 7lbs claimer Freddie Mitchell in the saddle. He has run well on both of his previous starts and the claim gives him a sporting chance. I am also a fan of Activial who finally gets a longer trip after good efforts in the top two-mile events.

The Cross Country Chase comprises of the usual suspects but Philip Hobbs relies on Duke Of Lucca in the absence of Balthazar King. He loves good ground and seems to have been granted his wish so could go well at an each-way price.

In the Fred Winter Hurdle, Arabian Revolution is an interesting contender for the Parlour Games team in first-time blinkers. He came up against a smart sort in Beltor at Ludlow and should give us a run for our money. Hobbs seems a bit sceptical about the chances of Wait For Me in the closing bumper, presumably  fearing the Mullins’ battalions. He may still be worth each-way support at around 14-1.

1.30 Parlour Games @6-1 William Hill

2.05 Don Poli @21-10 BetBright

2.40 Activial @10-1 Paddy Power (each-way)

2.40 Bear’s Affair @28-1 Paddy Power (each-way)

3.20 Sire de Grugy @10-1 Racebets*

*new customers only max. £10 stake

3.20 Champagne Fever @6-1 888Sport

4.00 Duke Of Lucca @7-1 Bet365 (each-way)

4.40 Arabian Revolution @11.0 Betway (each-way)

Cheltenham blog – The £100 million fall!

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The bookmakers were saved an estimated £100 million pay-out on the opening day of the Cheltenham festival when Annie Power crashed out at the final hurdle in the Mares’ Hurdle.

Bookmakers had feared a multi-million pound pay-out with Irish trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh having four red-hot favourites on the card. Douvan started the ball rolling in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and was quickly followed by Un De Sceaux in the Arkle Chase.

The bandwagon rolled on in the Champion Hurdle when Faugheen led home stable companions Arctic Fire and Hurricane Fly in a Mullins 1-2-3. Everything appeared to be going to plan for Annie Power as Ruby Walsh moved her through to lead on the home turn. They quickened up going to the last but took off a stride to early and crashed out of the race.

The race was battled out by Nicky Henderson’s Polly Peachum and the Mullins-trained Glens Melody, runner-up to Quevega a year earlier. The photo finish went in favour of Glens Melody to provide him with a fourth winner on the day. Fortunately Annie Power and Ruby Walsh returned unscathed and it is only the punters left nursing their wounds.

Most of the special offers from bookmakers had focussed on the Mullins runners so they still face a hefty pay-out, but not nearly as bad as it might have been. There were enhanced prices offered on the first three Mullins winners for new customers and money back offers on the Supreme and the Arkle. With four winners already on the board, Mullins is now closing in on Nicky Henderson’s record of seven festival winners in one season.

Special Offer

Open a Racebets account and you can get 10-1 about either Sire de Grugy or Sprinter Sacre for tomorrow’s Champion Chase (maximum £5 stake per customer – new customers only).

Latest Festival Updates

Coneygree will definitely run in the Gold Cup after being taken out of the RSA Chase on Wednesday. Boston Bob is also thought likely to run in Friday’s feature race in preference to the Ryanair Chase.

Willie Mullins has taken Briar Hill out of the World Hurdle but will still be represented by Zaidpour and Abbyssial. All of the other major contenders stood their ground.

Market Movers

Wednesday – Don Poli (RSA Chase) 2-1 BetBright

Thursday – Don Cossack (Ryanair Chase) 7-2 Sky Bet

Friday – Coneygree (Gold Cup) 12-1 Sky Bet

Queen Mother Champion Chase Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The feature race on day 2 of the Cheltenham festival is the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham at 3.20. With three former champions in the field, this looks like producing the race of the week. Here is big race guide.

Sprinter Sacre (100-30 Betway)

Nicky Henderson’s Sprinter Sacre had the chasing world at his feet after winning here two years’ ago. He suffered his first defeat over fences when pulled up with a fibrillating heart at Kempton in the Desert Orchid Chase in December 2013. Every precaution was taken to make sure that he was fit to return to action in January when second to Dodging Bullets. If he is back to his best he will be crowned champion chaser for a second time.

Sire de Grugy (100-30 888Sport)

Gary Moore’s Sire de Grugy filled the void left by Sprinter Sacre last year and was a thoroughly deserving winner of this race. His season got off to a disappointing start when unseating his rider at Newbury but he bounced back with a comfortable victory at Chepstow last month. He is usually held up in his races and Jamie Moore will be keen to tuck in behind Sprinter Sacre before delivering a late run.

Dodging Bullets (11-2 Paddy Power)

Paul Nicholls has won this race four times already and Dodging Bullets has every chance of providing him with a fifth success. He has disappointed at this meeting in the past and does seem to finish his races better on flatter tracks like Ascot, although he came up Sandown’s testing finish well enough to win the Tingle Creek. He had a clear fitness advantage over Sprinter Sacre last time but deserves to take his chance.

Champagne Fever (6-1 Boylesports)

Champagne Fever was narrowly denied a festival hat-trick when beaten in the Arkle Chase last year. Willie Mullins has still not decided on the best distance for the grey but he is likely to be ridden aggressively here. His jumping has been questionable in the past but he put in a good round last time and has every chance.

Mr Mole (9-1 888Sport)

Paul Nicholls has a useful second string in Mr Mole, unbeaten in his last four races over fences. He enjoyed a facile success at Newbury following the departure of Sire de Grugy but is yet to prove that he is up to this class.

Simply Ned (20-1 Coral)

Nicky Richards runs Simply Ned who finished in front of Dodging Bullets at Cheltenham in November. The heavy ground was against him at Leopardstown last time but it would be a major surprise if he were good enough to win this.

Sizing Europe (50-1 Bet365)

Sizing Europe won this race in 2011 and has finished runner-up on two occasions since. He is now thirteen years of age and was no match for Champagne Fever at Clonmel in November.

It is difficult to see any of the remainder getting into this. Special Tiara beat Balder Succes at Kempton in December but has much more to beat here. Clarcam is stepping out of novice company while Somersby is past his best and Savello is a decent handicapper.

Verdict

  1. Sire de Grugy 2. Champagne Fever 3. Dodging Bullets 4. Sprinter Sacre

Cheltenham Preview Tuesday 10th March

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Cheltenham Festival gets under way on Tuesday with the bookmakers braced for a Willie Mullins onslaught. He saddles four hot favourites with Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen and Annie Power. 888Sport are offering 20-1 about all four winning and there will be plenty of takers.

We like to search out a little bit of value where we can find it and there are plenty of special offers on the first race. The pick of them is from William Hill where all losing bets are refunded as free bets up to £25. L’Ami Serge has done nothing wrong for Nicky Henderson and the form of his Newbury win in November looks pretty smart with Kilcooley and Violet Dancer both claiming valuable prizes since. If there is to be a shock, it could come from Seedling who has been carefully prepared for this race all season by Warren Greatrex.

If you’re betting on the Arkle, Paddy Power will refund your stake as a free bet if Un De Sceaux wins. That makes Vibrato Valtat a very tempting proposition at 6-1. I had wondered if he was keeping a bit to himself in his races but he strode clear at Warwick last time impressively.

The Festival Handicap Chase should give the bookies a bit of relief from the big hitters. I’ll be interested to see how Monbeg Dude gets on here as he is one of our Grand National hopes this year. I don’t think the going will be soft enough for him to win but hope to see him run on into fourth or fifth. Connections have decided against running Mendip Express in the National this year but they may live to regret it if he comes up the hill impressively here.

We have covered the Champion Hurdle in detail and Arctic Fire is a hopeful each-way selection in small field. I’m not convinced that Faugheen is a specialist two-miler but the same applies to The New One who looks his biggest threat. Annie Power looks difficult to beat in the Mares Hurdle and the 7-1 with Skybet looks a generous offer for new customers. As an each-way alternative, try L’Unique at 20-1 for Alan King providing that there is no significant overnight rain.

In the National Hunt Chase I am siding with Cause Of Causes who was unlucky not to peg back Spring Heeled last year. I respect the chances of King’s Sego Success and Very Wood will be popular if Mullins has already enjoyed a field day. The closing handicap looks tricky but Tony McCoy will surely be among the winners this week at some point and Bold Henry has course form.

1.30 L’Ami Serge @7-2 William Hill*

1.30 Seedling @16-1 William Hill* (each-way)

*Stakes refunded as free bets on all losers

2.05 Vibrato Valtat @6-1 Paddy Power** Stakes refunded as free bets if Un De Sceaux wins

2.40 Mendip Express @16-1 Paddy Power (each-way)

3.20 Arctic Fire @20-1 Totesport (each-way)

4.00 Annie Power @7-1 Sky Bet*** New customers only – max. £5

4.00 L’Unique @20-1 Coral (each-way)

4.40 Cause Of Causes @8-1 Paddy Power (each-way)

5.15 Bold Henry @12-1 Ladbrokes (each-way)

Special bet – Willie Mullins four-timer Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen, Annie Power @20-1 888Sport

Cheltenham Champion Hurdle Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The highlight of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Hurdle at 3.20 with just eight runners set to go to post. Here is our runner-by-runner guide.

Faugheen (5-4 Betfair)

Unbeaten winner of last year’s two and a half mile novices’ hurdle and an impressive winner at Ascot and Kempton this season. His jumping has not always been fluent and there is a concern that Ruby Walsh may have to make his own running in this small field.

Bertimont (200-1 Racebets)

On the face of it, the grey is outclassed but he was only beaten two and a half lengths by The New One in heavy ground at Haydock. Dan Skelton has ruled out the prospect of the son of Slickly making the running and there will be a few each-way optimists tempted by odds of 200-1.

Arctic Fire (20-1 Stan James)

The third string for Willie Mullins but a decent each-way chance on his recent runs behind Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown. He never really threatened to challenge in the Irish Champion Hurdle but may be ridden slightly closer to the pace on Tuesday.

Hurricane Fly (9-1 Totesport)

The winner here in 2011 and 2013, he is bidding to join Hatton’s Grace and Sea Pigeon as the oldest winners in the race’s history. He has beaten Jezki three times in a row this season and is difficult to beat in these tactical races.

Jezki (9-2 Coral)

Although seemingly held by Hurricane Fly on recent form, he had a very similar build-up last year only to come out on top when it mattered most. Tony McCoy’s last ride in the race but needs everything to fall into place.

Kitten Rock (33-1 Bet365)

Has not beaten anything of this class but deserves to take his chance after four consecutive victories. He was impressive in a Grade 2 at Gowran Park last month but it would be a major surprise if he proves good enough to win.

The New One (7-2 Coral)

The apple of Nigel Twiston-Davies’s eye and bidding to make up for an unlucky run when third last year. He was stopped in his tracks by the fall of Our Conor but there is still a suspicion that he  is better over further. Has one short burst of acceleration and his jockey will be playing the waiting game.

Vaniteux (33-1 Bet365)

No match for The New One here in December and beaten by Rock On Ruby on New Year’s Day. A good third in the Supreme last year but does not look good enough.

Verdict

Tactics are going to be crucial here and Faugheen is likely to there to be shot at from some way out. That could play into the hands of The New One while Hurricane Fly and Arctic Fire both have solid place claims.

  1. The New One 2. Faugheen 3. Arctic Fire 4. Hurricane Fly

Cheltenham blog – Betway to refund all festival fallers

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Hopefully you will have already taken advantage of some of the special offers for Cheltenham this week. We have done our best to keep you right up-to-date with what’s on offer for both new and existing customers. If you missed any, just click through our recent blog posts.

Special Offers

If you’re betting with Betway this week, they are going to refunds stakes on all fallers at the Cheltenham festival up to a  maximum of £25. If you are not yet registered with Betway, they are offering a £50 welcome bonus to new customers are present.

If you intend betting on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, remember that William Hill are refunding all losing bets on the race (irrespective of who wins) up to a maximum of £25. That effectively gives you a risk-free bet.

If you don’t yet have a Paddy Power account, they are offering 5-1 about Un De Sceaux in the Arkle for new customers up to a maximum of £10. Join Sky Bet to take advantage of their tremendous offer of 7-1 Annie Power in the Mares Hurdle (maximum £5 per customer).

Latest News

Trainer Willie Mullins looks certain to have five festival favourites on day 1 after confirming that Very Wood will contest the four-mile National Hunt Chase. Last year’s 33-1 Neptune winner had been expected to line up with stable companion Don Poli in the RSA Chase but has been switched for the marathon amateur riders’ race.

Trainer Mark Bradstock has hinted that his star novice Coneygree may run in Friday’s Gold Cup rather than the RSA Chase. Forecasts of rain during the week have encouraged connections to lean towards a tilt at the biggest prize of the week with their improving eight-year-old, a game winner of the Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury last month.

Market Movers

Tuesday 4.40 Sego Success 5-1 Paddy Power

Tuesday 5.15 Thomas Crapper 8-1 Coral

Wednesday RSA Chase Don Poli 5-2 Ladbrokes

Cheltenham on Betcirca

We will be continuing our daily blog throughout festival week with a roundup at the end of each day’s action. We will also provide a full preview of each day’s racing as well as an in-depth analysis of the feature race on each day.