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MARCH 2019CHELTENHAM BUMPER SPECIAL

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STAKE TIME MEETING

Keith here, chief horse racing tipster at FRT. For those of you new to Free Racing Tips here is a bit of a bio, I was one of the founders of the service back in 2008 and I was the resident horse racing tipster up until 2013 when I left to pursue other ventures.

I returned to the FRT fold in 2017 and had to endure that horrible winter of heavy going and strange results month after month, but I battled through without major losses and after a revamp of the services

the winners are now flowing constantly, the Premium tip is averaging a 40% strike rate, and out of 580 races in a year of ITV Racing we saw returns in over 200 of them.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little magazine it is great having you along for the ride.

Right, now let’s talk about Cheltenham... Is it really a year since last year’s festival? Time flies when you are doing what you love and I’m very lucky to be able to say that my job is also my passion and there is nothing quite like Cheltenham.

THE NAME’S Bond...

Odds are provided by William Hill and are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change

Free Racing Tips 3

YOURS IN RACING, £

As the 12th of March fast approaches the excitement is building, hopes are high in all the top yards, this is the pinnacle of the racing year The Greatest Show on Earth.

However the preparation for this year’s festival has not been ideal thanks to the outbreak of Equine Flu which caused British racing to be suspended for six days from the 7th February and some of the races for festival pointers were lost or switched to other courses at a later date resulting in altered training plans for some leading fancies.

Whether you’ve been following the festival for years or this is your first time taking an interest in the Four days, I’m sure you’re going to love watching it. In this magazine I’ll be sharing with you my thoughts and key statistics on EVERY single race of the festival.

While I am offering my opinion about each and every race those statistics may just help you pinpoint a few winners for yourself, you could find that a big priced winner ticks a lot of boxes, don’t be put off if I have missed it in my preview as a lot of this was written before the entries for some of

the races was known and all of it published before the final declarations.

I have also given you my opinion about who will be the leading trainer and jockey at this year’s festival.

My Cheltenham Lucky 15

Champion Hurdle BUVEUR D’AIR 15/8

Ryanair Chase FOOTPAD 8/1

Stayers Hurdle PAISLEY PARK 7/4

Gold Cup NATIVE RIVER 4/1

Keith Bond

Follow me on Twitter: @freeracingtips7

Email: [email protected]

I’m sure most of you are planning to have a few bets at Cheltenham - if so please do remember to....

• Never bet more than you can afford.

• Remember that making money betting on horses is not a get rich quick scheme, it is a marathon not a sprint.

• Be disciplined and never chase losses, everyone has a bad day from time to time but there is always tomorrow.

• If the fun stops...Stop.

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Champion HurdleDay one of the Cheltenham Festival is on Tuesday 12th March 2019. It is referred to as Champion Day but due to the number of winners that Ruby Walsh has had in the past on this day, often in association with trainer Willie Mullins some people call the day Ruby Tuesday. Get ready for the Cheltenham “ROAR”.

1.30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The first event of the Festival is the Supreme Novices Hurdle a Grade 1 hurdle race which is open to horses aged four years old and older. It is run over a distance of two miles and 87 yards on the old course and there are eight hurdles to be jumped. And the winner of will hopefully be seen at the Cheltenham Festival for many years to come. Past winners include Douvan, Vautour and Altior who all won this race before going on to win the following years festivals.

Anti-post favourite is Nicky Henderson’s ANGELS BREATH and the Seven Barrows trainer also has likely contenders with CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM and MISTER FISHER, the Nigel Twiston Davis trained AL DANCER is another with a shout. However, this is a race which the Irish contingent usually fare well in and the Willie Mullins pair of KLASSICAL DREAM and AMARON look likely candidates.

My selection for the race is KLASSICAL DREAM 8/1 each way, who outbattled stablemate AMARON at the Dublin Festival.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 5 or 6.

Starting Price In the last 12 years only 2 winners have returned at odds of 4/1 or less and 6 have been at least 10/1.

Last Run 10 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham , 9 of them ran within the last 59 days.

Course Form 5 of the 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham and 2 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 0 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs over 15-17 furlongs with all 12 having at least 1 previous win over 15-17 furlongs.Hurdle Form – 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, and 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 wins over hurdles.

Hurdle Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, and 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 wins over hurdles.

Official Rating 10 of the last 12 winners were rated 142 or higher.

Graded Wins 9 of the last 12 winners had at least previous win in a grade 1 to 3 race.

Current Season All 12 winners had at least 2 runs that season, 10 of them had at least 2 wins that season.

Selection:

KLASSICAL DREAM 8/1 E/W

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Free Racing Tips 5

1Day One:2.10 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

Race two of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival is the Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase, run over two miles and they jump 13 fences.

Recent winners include Footpad, Altior and Douvan.

The anti-post market is headed by LALOR who has that all important win at Cheltenham, and Irish Arkle winner LE RICHEBOURG, unfortunately my initial selection DYNAMITE DOLLARS who lowered the colours of KALASHNIKOV at Kempton in December has suffered a setback and will not now be running.

My sekection is the Joseph O’Brien trained LE RICHEBOURG 5/2 who ran away from a quality field at Leopardstown.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 11 of the last 12 winners were aged 6 or 7

Starting Price A good race for favourites 6 of the last 7 have won all at odds on.Last Run – 10 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 52 days, 10/12 won on their last start before Cheltenham

Last Run 10 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 52 days, 10/12 won on their last start before Cheltenham

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run at Cheltenham previously and 7 of them had won here.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 4 previous runs over 15-17 furlongs, 9 of them had at least 3 wins over 15-17 furlongs.

Hurdle Form All 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, 11 had at least 2 wins over hurdles and 9 had at least 3 wins over hurdles.

Chase Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous chase runs, all 12 winners had at least 1 chase win with 9 having at least 2 chase wins.


Graded Wins 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous win in a grade 1 or grade 2 race

Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, all 12 had at least 1 win that season 9 of them having at least 2 wins that season.

Another interesting stat is that Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins have trained 6 of the last 7 winners between them.

Selection:

LE RICHEBOURG 5/2


Bet Slip

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1Day One:


... continuedYour essential breakdown of all the Day 1 races

2.50 Ultima Handicap Steeple Chase

Race three on day one is the Ultima Handicap Chase which is also known as the Festival Handicap. This takes place on the old course and is for horses aged five years old and older, it is over a trip of three miles and ten yards, and they jump 20 fences. The race is often a good pointer for the Grand National in April with horses like West Tip and Seagram all winning both the handicap and the Grand National in the past. The race is normally a good one for English based trainers, David Pipe and Jonjo O’Neil both scoring 3 times in the last 12 years.

Currently the market is headed by SINGLEFARMPAYMENT, MALL DINI, BLACK CORTON and ROYAL VACATION but at this stage we are only guessing who will actually be running in the race.

My tentative selection for the race is BLACK CORTON 14/1 each way who was a leading novice last season and ticks a lot of boxes.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Just 2 of the last 12 favourites have won, and the shortest priced winner was 5/1 although 7 of the last 12 winners were priced 10/1 or less.

Weights 9 of the last 12 winners weighed 11st 3lbs or less.

Last Run 7 of the last 12 winners at least placed on their last run before Cheltenham, 10 winners had their previous run within the last 47 days.

Course Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs at Cheltenham 5 of them had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over at least 3 miles, all 12 had at least 1 win in a race of 3 miles or more.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 runs over hurdles and 11 out of 12 had at least 1 previous win over hurdles.

Chase Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous chase runs, 11 of those 12 winners had at least 1 previous chase win.

Official Rating 11 of the last 12 winners had a rating of 130 or higher.

Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous win that season.

Official Rating

Selection:

BLACK CORTON 14/1 E/W


Bet Slip

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Free Racing Tips 7

3.30 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

The fourth race on day one is the highlight of the day, the feature race – the Champion Hurdle. It is run on the Cheltenham old course and run over a distance of about two miles and half a furlong and there are eight hurdles to be jumped. These are the fastest hurdlers in national hunt racing and the ability to be able to travel well at speed and jump without losing momentum is absolutely crucial.

In recent years, two trainers have dominated this race, they are Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson and they have won eight of the last ten renewals between them. Mullins has won four, and Henderson has won three. As things stand at the moment, they handle the 6 of the top 7 in the anti-post betting for the race between them. Current favourite for the race is the Nicky Henderson trained BUVEUR D’AIR who has won the last two renewals of the race and is 11 from 13 over hurdles, despite having his colours lowered on Boxing Day when short headed by VERDANA BLUE he is still a worthy favourite always seems to have a little bit more in the tank, his subsequent win at Sandown was business as usual but despite poor opposition.

Best of the Mullins contingent is LAURINA who is 5 from 5 since joining the yard from France including the Trull House Novice Mares Hurdle at last years festival, the 7lb mares allowance gives her a huge pull at the weights with the favourite and she should be thereabouts but only 1 mare has won this race in the last 12 years and she may have to play second fiddle.

Gordon Elliott’s APPLES JADE firmly entered the picture at Leopardstown when she was dropped back to 2 miles to win the Irish equivalent in some style but while I expect her to make it a honest race she is passed over for the same reason as LAURINA.

My selection for the race is BUVEUR D’AIR 15/8.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 10 of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 8

Starting Price 5 of the last 12 winners were favourites and 9 of the last 12 returned an SP of 10/1 or lesss.

Last Run 11 of the last 12 winners won or placed on their last run before Cheltenham, 9 of them won on their last run and 9 ran within the last 51 days.

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 6 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 7 runs over 15-17 furlongs and 10 of the last 12 had at least 5 wins over 15-17 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 8 previous runs over hurdles, 9 of the last 12 had at least 5 wins over hurdles.


Grade 1 Wins 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous grade 1 win.

Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs that season, all 12 had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

BUVEUR D’AIR 15/8


Bet Slip

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4.10 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (for the David Nicholson Trophy)

The fifth race on day one is the OLBG Mares Hurdle, first run in 2008. It is run on the old course at Cheltenham over a distance of about two miles and four furlongs and during the running they clear nine hurdles. It is a race where short priced horses generally do well and has been dominated by Willie Mullins over the last ten years who has won nine of the last ten renewals, six of them with the magnificent Quevega.

2017 winner APPLES JADE has been installed as anti-post favourite, but Willie Mullins has a couple of high-class contenders in the shape of last year’s winner BENIE DES DIEUX and LAURINA but the latter is more likely to be aimed at the Champion Hurdle which may well be the target of APPLES JADE too.

My selection for the race is BENIE DES DIEUX 6/4 who can confirm last seasons form with APPLES JADE.

11 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 8 of the last 11 winners were aged between 5 and 7.

Starting Price 7 the last 11 winners have been favourite, 10 of the 11 winners were in the top 3 in the betting returning at 6/1 or less with 7 of them 2/1 or shorter.

Last Run 9 of the 11 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 6 winners ran within the last 52 days.

Course Form 7 of the 11 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, and 5 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the 11 winners had at least 2 previous runs and at least 1 win over 19-21 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 10 of the 11 winners had at least 5 previous runs over hurdles, 9 of them had at least 3 wins over hurdles.

Official Rating 9 of the 11 winners had a rating of 150 or higher.

Graded Wins 8 of the 11 winners had at least previous win in a Grade 1-3 race.


Selection:

BENIE DES DIEUX 6/4


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4.50 Close Brothers Novices Handicap Chase

The penultimate race on day one is the Close Brothers Novices Handicap Chase, which is open to horses aged five years old and older and is run on the old course at Cheltenham over a distance of two miles and four and a half furlongs. There are 16 fences to be negotiated.

The runners in this are generally unexposed and as this race is limited to horses rated 145 or less and there are a lot of entries its always an extremely tight handicap with only a few pounds separating top weight and bottom weight.

Free Racing Tips 9

This is another race where we are only speculating what the line up will be but there is an anti-post market which includes GLEN FORSA, CLONDAW CASTLE, TALKISCHEAP and ANY SECOND NOW at its head.

My selection for the race is CLONDAW CASTLE 9/1 each way who was impressive when winning a small field novice at Leicester in January a performance which had Cheltenham contender written all over it.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Just 1 winning favourite in the last 12 all 12 winners were priced between 13/2 and 20/1.

Weight 10 of the last 12 winners weighted between 10st 11lbs and 11st 8lbs.

Last Run 6 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 10 of the 12 winners were at least placed on their last run before Cheltenham, 11 or the 12 winners had their last run within the last 45 days

Course Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, just 2 had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over 19-21 furlongs, 7 of them had at least 1 win over 19-21 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs over hurdles and 9 had at least 1 win over hurdles.

Chase Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous chase runs, 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 9 of them had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

CLONDAW CASTLE 9/1


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5.30 National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase

The final race on day one is the National Hunt Challenge Cup for amateur riders, it is a novice chase over four miles, and they jump 25 fences. It is a true test of stamina and it takes a lot of these staying chasers out of their comfort zones. As the race is confined to amateur riders and Cheltenham is a tricky track to ride, it is worth siding with riders who have a bit of experience on their side. Despite the competitive nature of the race, no winner has returned at higher than 16/1 in the last ten years.

Race six of the Cheltenham Festival is the four-mile chase for amateur riders. The national challenge cup has been won in the past by top amateur jockeys including Willie Mullins’ son Patrick and the talented Jamie Codd.

OK CORRAL trained by Nicky Henderson has been laid out for this race, Irish amateur Derek O’Conner (who rode the winner of this in 2011) has already won on him but at 100/30 there is little value and at 9 tears old he may be vulnerable to younger legs, the one I am taking to beat him is Gordon Elliott’s DELTA WORK, who won the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at last year’s festival and has been thriving over fences this winter his victories include a Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown.

My selection for the race is DELTA WORK 14/1 each way.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Just 3 winning favourites in the last 12 years and 11 of the 12 returned a starting price of 16/1 or less.

Last Run 4 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 8/12 winners had their last run within the last 47 days.

Course Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, only 3 had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs over at least 3 miles, 10/12 winners had at least 1 previous win over at least 3 miles.

Chase Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous chase runs, 9 of them had at least 4 previous chase runs, and 9 had at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs that season, 9 of them had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

DELTA WORK 14/1


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Free Racing Tips 11

Day Two:2Day two of the Cheltenham Festival is Ladies Day, it will take place on Wednesday 13th March 2019. One of the highlights of the day, away from the racing is the best dressed lady competition, with prizes of over £10,000.

1.30 The Ballymore Novice Hurdle

The first race on Ladies Day is the Ballymore Novice Hurdle, formally known as the Neptune Hurdle. It is a grade one race and open to horses age four years old and older, run on the old course over a distance of about two miles and five furlongs putting the emphasis more on stamina than in the Supreme on Tuesday.

There are ten hurdles to be negotiated. Winners of the race have been known to dominate the hurdling ranks for years to come. Recent winners include The New One in 2013 and Faugheen in 2014, who went on to win the Champion Hurdle the following year.

Irish trained runners have won seven of the last twelve renewals, with four of them being trained by Willie Mullins ridden by Ruby Walsh.

The two to concentrate on in the anti-post market are CHAMP trained by Nicky Henderson and BATTLEOVERDOYEN trained by Gordon Elliott both have been very progressive over hurdles and both have Grade 1 winning form, my slight preference is for CHAMP who is higher in the official ratings.

My selection for the race is CHAMP 3/1.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 9 of the last 12 winners 6 and the other 3 were aged 5.

Starting Price 10 of the last 12 winners were 7/1 or less, 4 went off as favourite.

Last Run 9 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 60 days, and 9 winners won last time out, all 12 winners at least placed on their last run.

Course Form Only 3 of the last 12 winners had previously ran at Cheltenham, 2 of them had a previous win at Cheltenham

Distance Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run over 19-21 furlongs and 11 winners had a least 1 win over 19-21 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over hurdles, 10 of them winners 2 wins over hurdles.


Graded Wins 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous win in a grade 1-3 race

Season Form 10 of the last 12 had at least 3 runs that season, all 12 had at least 1 win that season and 10 had at least 2 wins that season.

Selection:

CHAMP 3/1


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2Day Two: ... continuedYour essential breakdown of all the Day 2 races

2.10 The RSA Steeple Chase

Race two on day two is the RSA Chase, it is a grade one race for novice chasers run on the old course over a distance of three miles and 110 yards. It is open to horse aged five years old and older. Recent winners include ‘Might Bite’ and ‘Presenting Percy’ who is the favourite for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup on Thursday.

Contenders for the race include DELTA WORK who is more likely to compete in Tuesday’s 4 mile National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase, SANTINI who heads the anti-post market at 3/1, his trainer Nicky Henderson is also aiming ON THE BLIND SIDE at the race which is more of a valur option, Paul Nichols TOPOFTHEGAME and the tough mare LA BAGUE AU ROI who is unbeaten over fences who at 8 years old is slightly older than ideal but has hit the ground running since being sent chasing wins include the Grade 1 Kauto Star Chase on boxing day when she claimed the scalps of both SANTINI and TOPOFTHE GAME and followed that up with a nice win in the Flogas at Leopardstown, sadly though connections are favouring Aintree over Cheltenham.

My selection for the race is ON THE BLIND SIDE 16/1 each way.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 10 of the last 12 winners were aged 7

Starting Price 6 of the last 12 winners were favourites no winner higher than 16/1 and 10 of the 12 at 10/1 or less.

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 8 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs over 23-25 furlongs and 11 winners had at least 1 win over 23-25 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, all 12 winners had at least 2 wins over hurdles.

Chase Form 11 of the 12 winners had at least 3 previous chase runs, all 12 winners had at least 1 previous chase win.


Graded Wins 10 of the last 12 winners had previously won a grade 1-3 race.

Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, all 12 had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

ON THE BLIND SIDE 16/1


Bet Slip

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Free Racing Tips 13

2.50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Race three on day two is the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle, it is a grade three hurdle race run on the old course over a distance of about 2 miles and 5 furlongs, there are ten hurdles to be jumped. It is open to horses aged four years old and over, and winners have come from all areas of the handicap. No trainer has dominated the race in recent years and this race is often a chance to bag a big priced winner.

At this stage it is difficult to form an opinion as we are just guessing the line up, possible contender are MIDNIGHT SHADOW, BALLYMOY, EARLY DOORS, LOW SUN and WONDER LAISH.

My selection at this stage is the Nigel Twiston Davis trained BALLYMOY 16/1 each way who ticks a number of boxes let’s hope he turns up.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price No favourites have won in the last 12 years and winners have ranged from 7/1 to 33/1 with 10 of them at double figure odds.

Weight 9 of the last 12 winners carried between 10st 6lbs and 11st 6lbs

Last Run 6 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 8 of the last 12 winners had their last run within 60 days.

Course Form 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 2/12 winners had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run over 19-21 furlongs, 7 of the last 12 winners had a previous win over 19-21 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 6 runs over hurdles, all 12 had at least 2 previous wins over hurdles.

Official Rating 9 of the last 12 winners had at a rating of 139 or higher.

Season Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

BALLYMOY 16/1


Bet Slip

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3.25 Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase

The fourth race on day Ladies Day is the feature race the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a grade one chase over two miles of the old course over twelve fences, it is an exciting race for the fastest two-mile chasers in national hunt racing, it is sure to be a thriller. This is speed jumping at its best and one mistake could cost a horse the race.

This race is usually kind to the punters and fancied horses tend to do well. Trainers that have done well in the past are Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson, with three and four wins respectively in the last eleven years.

This year though the race is all about one horse the Nicky Henderson trained ALTIOR who has an unparalleled record in the jumping game, having won five out five over hurdles, including the 2016 Supreme Novices Hurdle, and he is twelve out of twelve over fences including the 2017 Arkle and this race last year. 12 months ago, we were talking about his wind operation and would he be as good, six wins since then proves he is even better. If ALTIOR doesn’t frighten off all the opposition others that may line up against him are MIN, UN DES SCEAUX and FOOTPAD all high-class chasers in their own right.

My selection for the race is not very original ALTIOR 2/5 but I also think UN DE SCEAUX 16/1e/w is overpriced and a small each way is beckoning.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price While just 4 of the last 12 favourites won, 9 of the last 12 winners were 5/1 or shorter.

Last Run 8 of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham, 11winners ran within the last 53 days.

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had a previous run at Cheltenham, with 7 of them having a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 9 previous runs over 15-17 furlongs and at least 6 wins over 15-17 furlongs.

Chase Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 7 chase runs, 11 of them had at least 5 chase wins.

Official Rating 10/12 winners were rated 164 or higher.

Grade 1 Wins 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 grade 1 win.

Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs that season and at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

UN DE SCEAUX 16/1E/W


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4.10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase

The fifth race on day two is the popular Cross Country Chase, held on the cross-country course in the centre of the Cheltenham race course. The trip is three miles and six furlongs, and they have to negotiate 32 various obstacles. This race was a handicap until 2015 when it was changed to a conditions race and we are starting to see higher rated horses and top trainers such as Willie Mullins and Phillip Hobbs are now targeting the race.

TIGER ROLL who won this last year before going on to win the Grand National is expected to defend his crown and is the anti-post favourite. My preference though is JOSIES ORDERS a regular in races of this type, he won the 2016 renewal and has in total clocked up 4 wins in 7 runs over these fences.

My Selection JOSIES ORDERS 8/1 each way

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 8 of the last 12 winners have been aged 9 or older

Starting Price 9 of the last 12 winners were between 15/8 and 7/1 but only 1 of them started favourite.

Last Run 4 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, and 7 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 46 days.

Course Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 6 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run over 30 furlongs, 3 of them had at least 1 win over 30 furlongs.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 runs over hurdles and at least 1 win over hurdles.

Chase Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 11 previous chase runs, all 12 had at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 7 winners had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

JOSIES ORDERS 8/1 E/W


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Free Racing Tips 15


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4.50 Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Race six on day two is the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle which is a race for juvenile novice hurdlers, run over two miles and 110 yards where they jump eight obstacles. This is a race where you might be able to pick out a high-priced winner with six of the last seven winners having returned at 25/1. That said it still tends to go to the top stables, with Paul Nicholls having won the race three times and Gordon Elliott twice in recent years.

At this early stage it is nigh on impossible to predict runners let alone winners of this race but one which looks a likely type is CHIEF JUSTICE trained by Gordon Elliott, but Paul Nichols QUEL DESTIN who won a Grade 1 at Chepstow over Christmas pretty much sets the standard.

My selection QUEL DESTIN 21/1 each way.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age Race is for 4 year olds only.

Starting Price 9 of the last 12 winners have returned at a price of 9/1 or higher with 6 of the last 7 being 25/1 to 40/1.

Weight 10 of the last 12 winners carried a weight between 10st 6lb and 11st 5lb.

Last Run 5 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 10 winners had their last run within the last 40 days.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over 15-17 furlongs, and 9 of them had at least 1 previous win over 15-17 furlongs.

Hurdle Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs over hurdles, and 10 of them had at least 1 win over hurdles.

Rating 11 of the last 12 winners were rated between 124 and 134.

Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs and at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

QUEL DESTIN 21/1 E/W


Bet Slip

2013

Sprinter Sacre Sizing Europe Wishfull Thinking Finian’s Rainbow

2018

Special TiaraAltior Min God’s Own

The Top 3 Since 2009


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/quel-destin

5.30 Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Open NH Flat Race)

The seventh and final race on day two is the Champion Bumper it is a grade one national hunt flat race over a distance of about two miles and 100 yards. Some of the winners of this race have gone on to be superstars over jumps in years to come. Notable past winners include Florida Pearl, Cue Card, and Champagne Fever. This is another race where the top stables generally do well, but it isn’t always the fancied horses that win. For example, the year that Cue Card won, it went off at 40/1.

The anti-post market is dominated by Gordon Elliott with ENVOI ALLEN, MALONE ROAD and ANDY DUFRESNE but I like one trained by his old adversary Willie Mullins, BLUE SARI was impressive on debut at Galway and should have a big future.

My selection BLUE SARI 5/1, at just 4 years old he is younger than the stats suggest but his win last time was an outstanding performance.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Poor race for favourites with only 1 of the last 12 winning, 7 winners were priced between 12/1 and 40/1.

Last Run All of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham.

Course Form 3 of the last 12 winners had run at Cheltenham before and all 3 had won.

Distance Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run over 2 miles and at least one win over the trip.

Flat Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous flat runs and all 12 winners had at least 1 previous flat win.

Rating 11 of the last 12 winners were rated 118 or higher.

Season Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run and 1 win that season.

Selection:

BLUE SARI 5/1


Bet Slip

2016

2011

2015

2010

2014

20092012Sprinter Sacre Un De Sceaux Special Tiara

Sizing Europe Big Zeb Captain Cee Bee

Dodging Bullets Somersby Special Tiara

Big Zeb Forpadydeplasterer Kalahari King

Sire De Grugy Somersby Module

Master Minded Well Chief Petit RobinSizing Europe Big Zeb

2017

Fox Norton Sir Valentino

Free Racing Tips 17

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/blue-sari

CHELTENHAM FIXTURES

Time Race Distance Type13.30 The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Race 2m ½f Hurdle14.10 Racing Post Arkle 2m Chase14.50 The Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase 3m 1f Chase15.30 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy 2m ½f Hurdle16.10 The OLBG Mares’ Hurdle Race 2m 4f Hurdle16.50 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 4½f Chase17.30 National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase 4m Chase

Time Race Distance Type13.30 The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle Race 2m 5f Hurdle14.10 The RSA Steeple Chase 3m ½ f Chase14.50 The Coral Cup Hurdle (A Handicap Hurdle Race) 2m 5f Hurdle15.30 The Betway Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase 2m Chase16.10 The Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase 3m 7f Chase16.50 Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle 2m ½f Hurdle17.30 The Weatherbys Champion Bumper (A Standard Open NH Flat Race) 2m ½f Bumper

Time Race Distance Type13:30 The JLT Novices’ Chase 2m 4f Chase14.10 The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) 3m Hurdle14.50 The Ryanair Chase 2m 5f Chase

15.30 The Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle 3m Hurdle16.10 The Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) 2m 5f Chase16.50 The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices Hurdle 2m 2f Hurdle17.30 The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1½ f Chase

Time Race Distance Type13.30 The JCB Triumph Hurdle 2m 1f Hurdle14.10 The Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle Race 2m 1f Hurdle14.50 The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race 3m Hurdle15.30 The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup 3m 2½ f Chase16.10 The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup 3m 2½ f Chase16.50 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Steeple Chase 2m ½ f Hurdle17.30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle 2m 4½ f Chase


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/cheltenham/

CHELTENHAMCourses

Over the four days at Cheltenham, there will be two courses– the Old and the New Course. Although many see them as similar, there are quite a few differences. The Old Course is used on the opening two days of the Festival and the New Course on the final two days. It can be worth checking if horses have better form on one of another of the courses. Here you’ll see the differences between the two of them.

Free Racing Tips 19


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/cheltenham/


Day three of the Cheltenham Festival takes place on Thursday 14th March 2019, it is known as St Patrick’s Thursday, even though St Patrick’s Day isn’t until the 17th March. A typically Irish affair with the Guinness Village being a star attraction, as well as live music around the course throughout the day.

Stayers Hurdle

1.30 JLT Novices’ Steeple Chase

Day three kicks off with the JLT Novices Chase, a championship race for novices over a distance of two and a half miles on the new course and they have to clear 17 fences. this is for horses that are not quite fast enough to run in the Arkle don’t have the stamina for the RSA Chase. Inaugurated in Willie Mullins has trained the winner of four of the eight renewals. A lot of these horses are also entered in the RSA Chase and the Arkle which muddies the waters a little bit when you’re trying to pick a selection.

The two standouts in the betting are LOSTINTRANSLATION and DEFI DU SEUIL they are one win apiece in clashes since the New Year, DEFI DU SEUIL finished on top at Sandown when LOSTINTRANSLATION made a couple of errors, but the stronger piece of form looks to be LOSTINTRANSLATION’s win over this course and distance on New Year’s Day.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age All of the 8 winners were aged 6 or 7

Starting Price 6 of the 8 winners returned an SP of 4/1 or less.

Last Run 7 of the 8 winners ran in the last 54 days, 6 of them won on their last run before Cheltenham

Course Form All 8 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 4 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 7 of the 8 winners had at least 2 previous runs over 19-21 furlongs, 6 of them had at least 1 previous win over 19-21 furlongs.

Hurdle Form All 8 winners had at least 3 runs over hurdles, 6 of them had at least 3 wins over hurdles.

Chase Form 7 of the 8 winners had at least 3 previous chase runs and at least 2 previous chase wins.

Official Rating 7 of the 8 winners were rated 146 or higher.

Graded Wins 6 of the 8 winners had at least 1 win in a grade 1 or 2 race.

Season Form 6 of the 8 winners had at least 1 win in a grade 1 or 2 race.

Selection:

LOSTINTRANSLATION 5/1 E/W


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/lost-in-translation

Free Racing Tips 21

3Day Three:2.10 Pertemps Network Final (Handicap Hurdle)

The second race on day three is the Pertemps Hurdle, a three-mile handicap hurdle in which they jump 12 obstacles. British based trainers have trained nine of the last twelve winners, although the last three were trained in Ireland.

Hard at this stage to even pinpoint runners let alone the winner but likely types for the race are SIRE DU BERLAIS handled by last year’s winning trainer Gordon Elliott and AARON LAD who is trained by Dr Richard Newland.

My selection AARON LAD 16/1 each way who won over course and distance in December.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price All of the last 12 winners retuned at 25/1 or less but only 3 of them were under 11/1.

Last Run 5 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham and 10 winners had their last run with the last 48 days.

Course Form 6 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, and 2 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs over 3 miles or longer, 7 of them had at least 1 win over 3 miles or longer.

Hurdle Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 6 previous runs over hurdles, 9 of them had at least 2 previous wins over hurdles.



Selection:

AARON LAD 16/1 E/W


Bet Slip


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/aaron-lad


3Day Three: ... continuedYour essential breakdown of all the Day 3 races

2.50 Ryanair Steeple Chase

Race three on day three is the Ryanair Chase, a grade one chase over a distance of two miles and five furlongs on the new course and they have to clear 17 fences. This is a middle-distance race for the top chasers, being longer than the Queen Mother Champion Chase and not as gruelling as Thursday’s Gold Cup. If the weather turns the going to soft or heavy, some of the runners from Thursday’s Gold Cup may defect to this race. As with many of the races at the Cheltenham Festival, winning form on the course tends to be advisable.

Willie Mullins has a strong hand with MIN, who is likely to be sent off favourite, UN DE SCEAUX, who won the race in 2017 but at 11 is a bit long in the tooth now, FOOTPAD, who won last year’s Arkle and KEMBOY. Other likely participants Are Ruth Jefferson’s WAITING PATIENTLY and ROAD TO RESPECT owned by the sponsors.

My selection for a tricky renewal and possibly one of the best races of the festival is the 2018 Arkle winner FOOTPAD 8/1 each way he has the all important course form and won’t have any problem with the trip having won over it when hurdling.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 11 of the last 12 winners have been aged between 7 and 10.

Starting Price 9 of the last 12 winners returned at 6/1 or less.

Last Run Just 4 of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham, 8 of those 12 winners ran within the last 61 days.

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs at Cheltenham, 10 of them had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over 20-21 furlongs, 10 winners had at least 2 wins over that distance.

Hurdle Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, 9 of them had at least 2 wins over hurdles.

Chase Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 7 chase runs and at least 4 chase wins. Official Rating – 10 of the last 12 winners were rated 161 or higher.


Graded Wins 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win in a grade 1-3 race, 9 of them had at least 1 win in a grade 1 race.

Season Form 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 9 winners had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

FOOTPAD 8/1


Bet Slip



https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/footpad

Free Racing Tips 23

3.30 The Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle

The feature race on Thursday, the third day of the festival is The Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle over three miles of the new course where they must clear 12 hurdles.

Formally known as the World Hurdle, this is the pinnacle event for staying hurdlers and often produces a dramatic finish up the hill. It is a genuine staying event and all the contenders will know they’ve had a race by the end of it.

With APPLES JADE likely to run in the Champion Hurdle and (at time of writing) last year’s victor PENHILL with out a run this season, this looks a weaker renewal than previous years and could well be set up for course and distance winner PAISLEY PARK who has been victorious in the Long Walk Hurdle and the Cleeve Hurdle this term.

My Selection PAISLEY PARK 7/4.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age All of the last 12 winners were aged between 6 and 9

Starting Price 8 of the last 12 winners returned at 6/1 or less but 3 were a double figure price.

Last Run 8 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham and 8 of the last 12 winners had their last run with 54 days.

Course Form All 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 9 of them had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over around 3 miles, 8 of them winners had at least 2 wins over the same distance.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 9 previous runs over hurdles and at least 4 previous wins over hurdles.





Selection:

PAISLEY PARK 7/4


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/paisley-park


4.10 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase

The fifth race on day three is the Festival Plate or The Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate to give it it’s full name, this race is a handicap chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs on the new course and there are 17 fences to be negotiated. Big priced winners are common in this race with only one favourite having got home in front in the last 28 years. This is a race I have a little soft spot for as I tipped Mr McGoldrick to win this in 2008 for the Sue Smith yard and it prevailed at 66/1, another win like that this year would be fantastic.

4.50 Dawn Run Mares’ Novices Hurdle

The fifth race on day three is the Festival Plate or The Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate to give it it’s full name, this race is a handicap chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs on the new course and there are 17 fences to be negotiated. Big priced winners are common in this race with only one favourite having got home in front in the last 28 years. This is a race I have a little soft spot for as I tipped Mr McGoldrick to win this in 2008 for the Sue Smith yard and it prevailed at 66/1, another win like that this year would be fantastic.

Some of the horses that I expect to line up in this are BALLYHILL, BARON ALCO, RIVER WYLDE and ROMAIN DE SEMAN. The one that stands out for me is the Nigel Twiston Davis trained BALLYHILL who won at Aintree in December and followed that up with a pair of solid runs over this course and distance in January finishing third on both occasions.

My Selection BALLYHILL 25/1 each way.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price 10 of the last 12 winners were 12/1 or higher.

Weight 10 of the last 12 winners carried less than 11 stones.

Last Run Only 2 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 8 of the last 12 winners had their last run within the last 42 days.

Course Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, just 1 of the 12 winners had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs over 20-21 furlongs, 8 of them had at least 1 previous win over that distance.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 runs over hurdles and at least 1 win over hurdles.

Chase Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous chase runs, 9 of them had at least 2 previous chase wins.



Selection:

BALLYHILL 25/1 E/W


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/ballyhill

Free Racing Tips 25

5.30 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase

There are always a lot of entries in this amateur race and the handicap tends to be very compressed. This is a race that English trained horses tend to fare well in, David Pipe and Donald McCain have both had the winner twice. Leading Irish amateur Jamie Codd has won the race four times in the last ten years, so it’s worth taking note of what he’s riding on the day.

Statistics:

Not a lot to go on but all three winners to date have been trained by Willie Mullins and sent off a short priced favourite, all three won on their previous run and had won at least a grade 3 race, also all three were aged 5.Anti-post favourite is the unbeaten HONEYSUCKLE trained by Henry De Bromhead but the one for me is MY SISTER SARAH who has won 3 from 4 and is taken to continue the tremendous record of Willie Mullins in the race.

My selection MY SISTER SARAH 16/1 each way.

At this stage we are still speculating which horses are likely to line up for the race, but I will try and find you some which should be there on the day.

MALL DINI trained by Patrick Kelly was second in this last year and is expected to be aimed at it again, THE YOUNG MASTER has been running better than ever this season but at 10 years old, BLOW BY BLOW cleaned up some good hurdle races last season including the Martin Pipe Conditional race at the Festival, still lightly raced over fences it is likely Gordon Elliott will target this race, IMPULSIVE STAR won well at Warwick last time but the handicapper has dealt with it accordingly. My selection BLOW BY BLOW 16/1 each way it will be no surprise to see the Gigginstown colours leading the way up the Cheltenham hill again.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Only 2 of the last 12 winners have been priced under 13/2 and 8 of them have been 8/2 or higher.

Weight 10 of the last 12 winners carried at least 11 stones.

Last Run Just 1 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 11 of the last 12 winners had their last run within the last 77 days.

Course Form 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous Cheltenham run, 3 of them had 1 previous Cheltenham win.

Distance Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs over 24-26 furlongs, 6 of them winners had at least 1 win over that distance.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over hurdles, 10 of them had at least 1 previous win over hurdles.

Chase Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 6 previous chase runs, all 12 winners had at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season, 4 of them winners had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

BLOW BY BLOW 16/1 E/W

Selection:

MY SISTER SARAH 16/1 E/W


Bet Slip


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/blow-by-blow

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/my-sister-sarah


The final day of the Cheltenham Festival is on Friday 15th March, this is Gold Cup Day. It’s the last day but certainly not the least. The feature race on Gold Cup Day is of course the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, it is the highlight of the whole meeting and the prize that all owners actually dream of winning. It is a race associated with the elite of the sport and nothing can rival the Cheltenham roar as the horses charge up that famous hill. The 2018 race was won in some style when the Colin Tizzard trained NATIVE RIVER ridden by the champion jockey Richard Johnson outstayed the talking horse MIGHT BITE. The supporting card on day four is no back number either and the day kicks off with the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Gold Cup 2019

1.30 The JCB Triumph Hurdle

The first race on Gold Cup Day is the Triumph Hurdle, a juvenile hurdle race for four-year olds, over a distance of two miles and one furlong and they jump eight hurdles.

Jockey Barry Geraghty has won four of the last ten renewals and Nicky Henderson has been responsible for training three of the winners.

The unbeaten SIR EREC trained by Joseph O’Brien is a short priced favourite in the anti post markets but to be fair I am looking for a bit more value QUEL DESTIN has won 4 from 5 since joining Paul Nicolls from France but the one that appeals to me is TORPILLO from the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard who has won impressively from the front on his last two runs.

My selection TORPILLO 25/1 each way can make all.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age Race is for 4yo’s only

Starting Price While only 3 of the last 12 favourites have won, 9 of the last 12 winners have priced at 13/2 or less.

Last Run 7 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, all 12 winners had their last run no more than 55 days ago.

Course Form Just 3 of the last 12 winners had a previous run at Cheltenham all 3 won here.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over 16-17 Furlongs, 11 winners had at least 1 win over that trip.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs over hurdles and at least 1 win over hurdles.


Graded Wins 6 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win in at least a grade 2 race.

Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs that season and at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

TORPILLO 25/1 E/W


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/torpillo

Free Racing Tips 27

4Day Four:2.10 Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle

The second race on day four is the Randox Health County Hurdle better known as the County Hurdle. It is run over about two miles and one furlong and they clear eight hurdles as in the previous race.

Looking back at previous years Willie Mullins has won 4 of the last 9 but as his winners have been priced at 20/1, 25.1, 10/1, and another 20/1, you can see it is not the fancied horses that tend to win so this is another chance to pick up a big priced winner.

One trend that is bucked by this race is that previous winning course form is not a necessity, with only one winner in recent years having won at Cheltenham in the past.

Back to guessing the line-up but OFF YOU GO, WONDER LAISH, WHISKEY SOUR, ESPOIR D’ALLEN, PAKORA and GRAND SANCY all seem likely types.

My selection so long as it turns up on the day is PAKORA 20/1 each way, this lightly raced Willie Mullins charge has the right sort of profile and handles any going.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 9 of the last 12 winners have been aged 5 or 6.

Starting Price No favourites have won in the last 12 years and the lowest priced winner has been 8/1 with 7 winners being 20/1 or higher.

Weight 9 of the last 12 winners carried 11st or less.

Last Run Just 2 of the last 12 winners won on their last run, 9 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 68 days.

Course Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham but only 1 of the 12 winners had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over 16-17 furlongs and all 12 winners had at least 1 win over that distance.

Hurdle Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over hurdles and all 12 winners had at least 1 previous win over hurdles.

Official Rating All 12 winners were rated 132 or higher.


Selection:

PAKORA 20/1 E/W


Bet Slip


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/pakora


4Day Four: ... continuedYour essential breakdown of all the Day 4 races

2.50 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle

Moving on to the third race, we have the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle, over three miles of the new course. With 12 hurdles to be jumped it a true test of stamina for these young horses.

A tight anti post market has COMMANDER OF FLEET, BATTLEOVERDOYEN, BIRCHDALE AND RELEGATE all vying for favouritism and I can see a case for all of them.

My selection is Willie Mullins RELEGATE 14/1 each way, bred to stay this trip, stayed on well to take the Champion Bumper at last year’s festival.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price Only 3 of the last 12 winners returned at less than 7/1 and 6 were 16/1 or higher.

Last Run 6 of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham and 8 of the last 12 winners had their last run within 48 days.

Course Form 7 of the last 12 winners had a previous run at Cheltenham, 6 of them had a previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 run over 23-24 furlongs, 9 of them had won at least once over that distance.

Hurdle Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 3 runs over hurdles and at least 1 previous win over hurdles.


Graded Wins 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 win in at least a grade 3 race.

Season Form All 12 winners had at least 3 runs that season, 11 of them had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

RELEGATE 14/1 E/W


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/relegate

Free Racing Tips 29

3.30 The Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup

The main race on day four is the big one – The Cheltenham Gold Cup, or to give it it’s full title the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase which is a grade one chase over three miles and two and a half furlongs of the course, there are 22 fences to be jumped.

It is the most prestigious of all national hunting events and is sometimes referred to as the Blue Ribbon of jump racing, its role of honour features names such as Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller and Kauto Star this race is a true test for the very best chasers.

The key attributes are the ability to jump fluently, any horses that are prone to making errors at the fences are sure to get found out. Tactical race speed is important as the Gold Cup is usually run at a quicker pace than other chases. Stamina to see out the race distance and the uphill finish are also very very important on this undulating track at Cheltenham as MIGHT BITE discovered when outstayed by NATIVE RIVER last year.

Last year’s RSA Chase winner PRESENTING PERCY is at the head of the anti post market he has had a strange preparation for this race winning a hurdle at Gowran Park in January. King George VI Chase winner CLAN DES OBEAUX and NATIVE RIVER who was third behind him at Kempton suffered a setback due to racing being suspended in February because of the Equine Flu outbreak which caused them to miss out on a valuable prep race in the Denman Chase at Newbury. This is one race that has so far eluded the top Irish trainer Willie Mullins and he has two entered in the race which have an outside chance BELLSHILL and KEMBOY.

My selection is last year’s winner NATIVE RIVER 11/2 his stamina is assured and he has winning form off longer breaks than this one.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 11 of last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 9.

Starting Price 11 of last 12 winners have returned at an SP of 8/1 or less.

Last Run 10 of last 12 winners won on their previous run before Cheltenham.

Course Form All of the last 12 winners had raced at Cheltenham before and 6 of them had a win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs over 3 miles or further, all 12 winners had at least 1 previous win over 3 miles or further.

Hurdle Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 4 runs over hurdles, 9 of the 12 had at least 3 wins over hurdles.

Chase Form All of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous chase wins.

Official Rating 10 of the last 12 winners were rated 166 or higher and 7 of them were rated 170 or higher

Grade 1 Wins All 12 winners had won at least 1 Grade 1 race.

Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 runs in the current season and 10 of them had at least 1 win that season.

Selection:

NATIVE RIVER 11/2


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/native-river


4.10 The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup

In the wake of the Gold Cup the excitement continues with the fifth race of the day, The St. James’s Place Foxhunter Steeple Chase Challenge Cup a Hunter Chase for amateur riders over the Gold Cup distance of three miles two and a half furlongs, they again have to jump 22 fences.

To qualify for the race a horse must have finished first or second twice in hunter chases or have won two open point to point races or have won one point to point race and finished first or second in a hunter chase.

Many of the older runners however will have contested handicap chases under national hunt rules in their early careers. As with the other amateur races on the Cheltenham card it pays to stick to jockeys who know how to ride this course.

The betting market for this race revolves around Enda Bolger’s STAND UP AND FIGHT but I think his other runner GILGAMBOA is a better prospect for the win, he was 4th in the 2016 Grand National and was cleaning up in Hunter Chases at the beginning of last year. Paul Nicholls saddles PACHER DU POLDER who has won this for the last two years and Gordon Elliott has a live prospect with UCELLO CONTI.

My selection for is GILGAMBOA 8/1 each way.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price 5 of the last 12 winners returned a price between 16/1 and 33/1 while the other 7 were 15/2 or less so the betting market isn’t the greatest of guides.

Last Run 8 of the last 12 made the frame on their last run before Cheltenham, 6 of them won, 9 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 41 days.

Course Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 3 of them had at won at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 8 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run over 26-27 furlongs, 3 of them had won over the trip.

Chase Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 8 previous chase runs, 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form 9 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run that season, 6 of them had at least 1 previous win that season.

Selection:

GILGAMBOA 8/1 E/W


Bet Slip


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/gilgamboa

4.50 Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase.

The penultimate race of day four of the Cheltenham Festival is the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase. This is a grade three race and is open to horses aged five years old and older. It is run on the new course at Cheltenham over a distance of about two miles and 110 yards and during this running there are 14 fences to be jumped.

This is the oldest race of the Cheltenham Festival and it is also the oldest chase in the National Hunt calendar, first run in 1834. As always previous form over these fences is a big plus.

Some of the horses that may line up in this are US AND THEM, BALLYOISIN, WINTER ESCAPE, THEINVAL and DOLOS.

My selection is Nicky Henderson’s THEINVAL 25/1 each way he has plenty of experience over these fences and finished third in 2017 and fourth last year’s renewal of the race.

12 YEAR STATISTICS


Starting Price A poor race for favourites only 1 having prevailed in the last 12 runnings, 8 of the last 12 winners have returned at odds of 10/1 or higher.

Last Run Only 1 of the last 12 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, 8 of the last 12 winners had their last run within the last 54 days.

Course Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous run at Cheltenham, 7 of the last 12 winners had at least 1 previous win at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 10 of the last 12 winners had at least 10 previous runs over around 2 miles, 10 of them winners had at least 3 previous wins over the distance.

Hurdle Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous runs over hurdles, 10 of them winners had at least 2 previous wins over hurdles.

Chase Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 5 previous chase runs and at least 1 previous chase win.


Season Form 11 of the last 12 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season, just 2 of the last 12 winners had won during the season.

Selection:

THEINVAL 25/1 E/W


Bet Slip

Free Racing Tips 31


https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/theinval



5.30 Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle

The final race of the Cheltenham Festival is the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle. It is run over a distance of about two miles and four and a half furlongs and during the running there are nine hurdles to be jumped.

The event was established in 2009 and is named in honour of Martin Pipe. During his career Pipe was champion trainer 15 times and his record at the Cheltenham Festival included 34 victories.

This is a race that David Pipe, Martin Pipe’s son would love to win but so far it has eluded him.

Like many of these big handicaps, we have no idea which horses are going to turn up on the day, but currently the anti post market is headed by DALLAS DES PICTONS and as his trainer Gordon Elliott has taken the honours in the last two years I would say he has every chance URADEL trained by Willie Mullins looks to have been targeted here too but the horse I favour is the Joseph O’Brien trained RHINESTONE.

My selection RHINESTONE 12/1 each way, ninth in last year’s Champion Bumper has taken well to hurdles just missing out on a grade 1 win at Leopardstown in February.

12 YEAR STATISTICS

Age 9 of the 10 winners have been aged 5 or 6.

Starting Price Just one favourite has won the race, 8 of the 10 winners have been between 11/1 and 25/1.

Last Run 5 of the 10 winners won on their last run before Cheltenham, all 10 winners ran within the last 52 days.

Course Form 5 of the 10 winners had at least 1 previous Cheltenham run, just 1 had won at Cheltenham.

Distance Form 9 of the 10 winners had at least 1 previous run over 2m4f – 2m5f, 5 of them winners had at least 1 previous win over 2m4f – 2m5f.

Hurdle Form 9 of the 10 winners had at least 3 previous runs over hurdles, all 10 winners had at least 1 previous win over hurdles.

Official Rating All 10 winners had a rating of 133 or higher.

Season Form 9 of the 10 winners had at least 3 previous runs that season, 8 of them had at least 1 previous win that season.

Selection:

RHINESTONE 12/1 E/W


Bet Slip

https://www.freeracingtips.co.uk/tip/rhinestone

Fancy getting Racecards for EVERY race at The Cheltenham Festival?

You’ve probably realised that here at FRT we focus on the previews and tips side of things...

but what you probably don’t know, is that we also have a sister site called Form Ratings which provides racecards!

These aren’t your standard racecards though... far from it.

A standard racecard only tells you the real basics like the name of the horse, the name of the jockey, it’s recent results, what colours it’s wearing.

Don’t get me wrong, that’s great. (Especially if you prefer to pick based on the jockey silks)

BUT, Form Ratings is much more useful.

Why?

Because it takes into account 1000’s of factors, crunches the numbers and gives each horse a set of ratings.

This makes it possible to identify horses that are likely to run well at a glance as rather than having to spend hours and hours trawling through stats yourself.

Looking at the Form Ratings racecards you can get a speedy indication of the important factors when it comes to picking winners - things like:

• How strong a horse has performed in similar conditions...

• How much turn of foot a horse has...

• And, how good the horses recent performances were.

With that kind of insight (in addition to the info in this guide!) you’ll be able to make a better informed decision when it comes to picking a winner.

All the information you need to make the right decision at a glance

Free Racing Tips 33

www.formratings.co.uk/cheltenham-2019

www.formratings.co.uk/cheltenham-2019


Mullins, Elliott and Henderson to fight it out as Top Trainer at Cheltenham

Leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins has dominated in this category having finished as leadingtrainer in 5 of the last 7 Cheltenham Festivals, winning it in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Nicky Henderson has won the title twice in recent years taking the title in 2010 and 2012. However, both Mullins and Henderson had to take a back seat in 2017 and 2018 as another Irishman Gordon Elliott dominated at the meeting.

Looking at the quality of the horses these three trainers have available, it’s almost impossible to see any other taking the title in 2019, so who will it be?

Willie Mullins (9/4)Klassical Dream could get the week off to the best possible start for Mullins in the Supreme Novices hurdle, Laurina is expected to line up in the Champion Hurdle and should make the frame, Min and Footpad sensibly sidestep the Champion Chase and head to the Ryanair and they should lead the Mullins charge, Benie Des Dieux defends her title in the OLBG Mares Hurdle, Penhill has an each way shout in the Stayers Hurdle, My Sister Sarah could be a good thing in

Free Racing Tips 35

the Dawn Run, others on the team include Pakora and Relegate and the bumper horse Blue Sari.

Gordon Elliott (15/8)Connections seem to have bowed to pressure and Apple’s Jade looks like heading to the Champion Hurdle, Delta Work will stay forever and looks tailor made for the 4 miler. Battleoverdoyan should be thereabouts in the Ballymore and you can never disregard his runners in any of the handicaps either especially with horses like Blow By Blow on his team.

Nicky Henderson (15/8)British hopes for the trainer’s title rest firmly on the shoulders of Nicky Henderson and he does have a strong hand this year Buveur D’Air bids for a third Champion Hurdle. Altior is a banker in the Champion Chase and it doesn’t stop there Champ, On The Blind Side and Theinval both have live chances too.

Summary

While Nicky Henderson and Gordon Elliott will undoubtedly enjoy a good Cheltenham, they are both sure to pick up their fair share of races, 2019 looks to me to be Willie Mullins’ Year he has an excellent team and should win his first title since 2016.

My selection Willie Mullins 9/4

Ruby to bounce back and dominate again as leading Jockey

The Leading Jockey’s Title at the festival is something Ruby Walsh has made his own but at but after a crashing fall in the RSA Chase put him in hospital with a broken leg last year his challenge was in tatters.

Walsh head this year’s market at 9/4 with Barry Gerraghty 100/30, Jack Kennedy 4/1 and Davy Russell 6/1 being the other leading contenders.

Walsh having missed a lot of the season is having to take a bit of a back seat back in Ireland as the Mullins second Jockey Paul Townend who is closing on the jockey’s title there getting the favoured mounts, but this is Cheltenham and while Ruby may not be your cup of tea this is his playground and you can be sure he will be getting the leg up on the best horses.

My selection Ruby Walsh 9/4 who will get the pick of a strong Mullins team.

Cheltenham Festival 2019

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successful free bets. All Free Bets must be wagered within 30 days.

Online and On Mobile

New William Hill online customers only. Min. unit stake of £10/€10 at odds of 1/2 or greater. Only the “win” part from EW bets will count. Free bet terms, payment method & country restrictions apply. Free bets credited as 3 x £10/€10. Free bet stakes are not returned as part of the settlement of successful free bets. All Free Bets must be wagered within 30 days.Paypal excluded from offer. Cash in my bet will be available for bets placed usinh a free bet ( minus the value of the initial free bet). William Hill rules apply. Over 18s only.FOR ADVICE & INFORMATION VISIT WWW.BEGAMBLEAWARE.ORG. NATIONAL GAMBLING HELPLINE 0808 8020 133.


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