ROBIN / SEAN - Cheltenham 2.50 Coral Cup - Handicap Hurdle - Class 1 - 2 miles 5 furlongs - 24 run - Heavy

 

Let's start with a caveat that I suspect will annoy a few but we have to be 100% transparent. The aim in the big analysis races is to provide the best of Irish and the best of UK based analysis and a combination of tips split between the two. On this occasion and with the overwhelming agreement of the Tipsters and Jon and myself the split will be the top 6 overall, quite simply we see it as being Irish dominated and we feel our job is to be looking for the overall winners in such a scenario.

 

A good old fashioned SP2A speculative punt here...sadly these options are few and far between..

 

Of the home contingent we have one of the ANTE POST horses in LANGER DAN, we do feel though the conditions have gone against this one in the past 36 hours, it is though an enigmatic type who could still run a big race for the Ante Post accumulator and whilst The Goffer disappointed an enhanced 5th place at least kept open the chances of 4 places at least from the Lucky 15 Ante Post bet. Doddiethegreat will have to overcome adverse ground conditions and the current poor form of the Henderson yard, and the other UK horses we seriously considered are Might I who has been impressive for Harry Fry and RAMBO T who just sneaks on the the top 6 rated list in 6th place and one who will surely appreciate the Going.

 

For the Irish team, ones to note not ultimately selected include Sa Majeste who could be better than a handicapper in time but who looks poor market value in these conditions and Jigoro who could be anything on handicap debut for Elliott. I would have tipped Ballyadam on Monday for this but feel the rain has totally blown his chances and the top 3 in the analysis pick themselves and with the freedom to do so we'll move a couple who would have been £1 longshots into shrapnel tips to join RAMBO T.

 

The likes of Beacon Edge, Guard Your Dreams, Mark Of Gold, First Street and Western Fold, would have had better chances on Good to Soft so discounted on Going and stamina in the ground concerns.

 

I do think everything has dropped right for BUILT BY BALLYMORE in this type of ground he looks sure to be finishing up the hill as well as anything and any fears he may have been tapped for speed on better ground have receded. The Yard has gone desperately close here a few times in recent years and deserves a win. BLACK BAMBOO will also appreciate the Going and will need every yard of the trip but was a real eyecatcher for me last time and I'll be disappointed if he's not in the first 4-5 home. At bigger Odds is one of the Mullins team lesser lights but talented nonetheless and SHANBALLY KID was noted when finishing well last time and probably just in need of the run and could really grab a win here at very nice Odds in all drops right on the day.

 

The conditions could cause some surprises and if you want a couple to take advantage to enhanced places; then we think that both FRANCISCAN ROCK who has an abundance of stamina and and MAXXUM who is a quirky type, dropped in trip but who is more than capable on a going day, are well worth a small investment. We'll add the already mentioned RAMBO T to top off the top 6.

 

The big concern for me is that SA MAJESTE is something special who can overcome unsuitable conditions do IF you want a win saver, feel free.

 

Tips (1) Built By Ballymore / (2) Black Bamboo / (3) Shanbally Kid / (4s) Franciscan Rock / (5s) Maxxum / (6s) Rambo T (see notes Sa Majeste @ 11/2)

 

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MICHAEL / The Advisor - Cheltenham 4.50 Grand Annual Chase Handicap - Class 1 - 2 miles - Heavy 17 run

 

We do feel this could be a very close UK / Irish contest and actually the top pair are UK based.

 

For some £1 e/w shrapnel to enhanced places if you wish both The Folks Tiara @ 40/1  and The King of PR's @ 20/1 look the types to outrun big odds in the way Harsh did for a nice each way return yesterday. Solness is of interest on some form over further, Unexpected Guest for the Skeltons and Sa Fureur is well backed on handicap debut and could be anything and the sort to be a small "win saver" on the side if you wish but we think there are some here with far stronger handicap form.

 

LIBERTY HUNTER looks laid out for this by Evan Williams and the conditions have turned out to be ideal and he just gets the nod over the Sophie Leach trained MADARA who has impressive form in the UK and over in Ireland where it went and took on some rivals it will face again here. A third UK trained horse who makes the top 6 is HARPERS BROOK for Ben Pauling and this quirky type who has a win over 2 and a half miles in mud looks just the type to benefit if they go off too fast in front and the race falls apart.

 

The Irish look to MASAKADA the 2023 winner of this race who hasn't shown much yet this season but De Bromhead has a knack of training them to the minute as we saw again yesterday. PATH D'OROUX looks a steady improver for another who can get them here in tip top shape in Gavin Cromwell and SAINT ROI has an excellent Course record, rain may not have helped him as much as some of the others but he's sure to make a bold bid.

 

Tips (1) Liberty Hunter / (2) Madara / (3) Maskada / (4s) Path D'Oroux / (5s) Saint Roi / (6s) Harpers Brook (see notes Sa Fureur @ 9/1)

 

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OTHER RACES in 1-2-3 or 1-2 order

 

1.30 Ballyburn (w) / Predators Gold / Jimmy Du Seuil

2.10 Fact To File (w) / Stay Away Faye (Montys Star is a Cheltenham Tracker)

3.30 El Fabiolo (w) / Edwardstone / Jonbon (Captain Guiness is a Cheltenham Tracker)

4.10 Galvin / Delta Work / Coko Beach

5.30 Jalon D'Oudaires / Jasmin De Vaux / Teeshan

 

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