James Lawless – View from the Tracks

It’s that time of year again and, like most racing fans, my heart will be in mouth and maybe skip a beat when the roar goes up at 2pm today to mark the start of the festival… There is nothing in the world quite like national hunt racing, especially on opening day, scent of rain in the air, pints flowing, people milling, the fashion, the finery, the betting ring, racing post tucked under arm, the thunder of hooves past the stand, the colours, the livery, the pageantry, heart strings, purse strings, long shots, small ones, the finest creatures on this earth groomed and gleaming, ready for the off..

The track at Cheltenham

While the casual browsers and the mass media will herald Gold Cup day on Friday, in my book, the Champion Hurdle is the real pride of the fleet. An epic contest, fast and furious and full of passion, I’ve seen some class chases … Brave Inca, resplendent in purple and gold (and trained on the banks of the Ounavarra which I practically lived on, fishing rod in hand, many childhood summers..) .. Harchibald giving it one last coming up the Hill.. Hardy Eustace bringing the trophy back to Tullow in 2005…Last year’s surprise winner, Sublimity, beating all comers and coming from obscurity to steal the race (Though I had him at 33-1 ante-post from 3 months out – thanks to Darragh Fitzpatrick and some work colleagues who were in the know)

So how’s todays lineup looking? After the storms overnight we’re talking point-to-point territory today, and flat earthers will have no chance. A good (Irish) mud-lover with solid jumping ability is today’s ticket and there’s plenty of options.

I’m on a half day and will peruse the Racing Post and the tabloid picks on the train at 1pm, but from last night’s inspection the following jumped out:

Champion Hurdle

• ‘The Sub’ is in better nick than he was last year when he romped home by three lengths..
• However Sizing Europe is a worry, as is Osana. And I’d watch Punjabi on an each-way.
• Look out for good jumpers – it’s point to point territory there today. Flat earthers have no chance.

Supreme Novice 2pm

• Deep Purple has a good grade 2 record, and if can make the step up in grade, could be an eachway.
• Muirhead also has the credentials, but as any novice race, is limited info available.
• Captain Cee Bee getting a lot of air play…

Arkle Chase 2.35

• My money’s on Thyne Again

Tags: Cheltenham, Horseracing, Tips