Recent entries on Betfair Ireland
Ante-post betting for the 2010 Cheltenham Festival
Wayne Bailey / 30 December 2009 Free Bet View Market
Captain Cee Bee wins the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
“The only thing he didn't get yesterday was the prize money and the plaudits and it was unfortunate as he normally jumps like a stag... He even jumped the last OK but crumpled on landing.” – Captain Cee Bee’s trainer, Eddie Harty.
Phew! After four days of racing and punting at Leopardstown, I must admit that I'm tired and am looking forward to a rest. I think the missus has plans for us to go partying on New Year's Eve but if it was up to me, I'd happily put on the slippers and sit in front of the box.
It was quite cold in Dublin over the past few days but thankfully, the weather held up bar the fog on day three which meant the Lexus had to be postponed for a day. There's been a few moves in the Cheltenham markets following the meeting so here's the top three horses that caught my eye over the four-day festival:
Captain Cee Bee
I backed Sizing Europe for the Grade One Bord Na Mona novice Chase but as Captain Cee Bee loomed before the last fence, I felt certain that I had done my dough. Regular readers will know that Sizing Europe has cost me a fortune between backing and laying so I was kicking myself for punting on him once again. But Captain Cee Bee's legs went from under him and he hit the ground letting Sizing go on to win - but it must be remembered that this was only his second start over fences and he jumped brilliantly throughout otherwise. On Sunday, his trainer Eddie Harty said:
"The only thing he didn't get yesterday was the prize money and the plaudits and it was unfortunate as he normally jumps like a stag... He even jumped the last OK but crumpled on landing. He did have a race yesterday and it is not like he fell at the second - he ran two miles and only missed the last furlong... March is still the plan but we have yet to decide if he has another run before then."
The 2009 Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner has been cut into [8.2] for the Arkle Chase which puts him just a tick ahead of Sizing Europe (out from [4.8]) and at this early stage, that price looks about right to me.
Voler La Vedette
I have a horse in training with Colm Murphy so I've been aware of how highly the yard rate this horse for quite some time. She won the Mares' hurdle yesterday as you'd expect a [1.35] shot to do, but some commentators felt that Murphy should have let her take her chances in the big hurdle race instead to really test her worth. I can see both sides of the argument but from a business point of view, it was shrewder to pick up some easy prizemoney and I know the owners are happy with his decision.
I wouldn't describe her performance as outstanding and she even touched [2.28] in-running but she done the job and is now second favourite to Quevega for the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham. I wouldn't be keen on that price with three months to go, but she's definitely one for the shortlist if she lines up on the day.
Solwhit
I'm a big fan of this horse and it was great to see the five-year-old get back to winning ways following a disappointing performance in the Fighting Fifth. The Newcastle race was a bit of a farce however and the pace was completely wrong so it was always worth forgiving that form. Along with Zaynar and Go Native, he's trading at a single figure price for the Champion Hurdle and I'm finding that market tricky. Regular readers will know that I rate Go Native highly and put him up as one to follow back in November - and those that took the advice were rewarded in the Fighting Fifth when he won at [33.0] on Betfair although as mentioned, the pace was wrong in that race so I wouldn't read too much into the victory.
I'm going to wait a while before placing a bet but at this stage, dutching Solwhit and Go Native is looking like an attractive option.
As usual, we welcome your thoughts and tips so feel free to post below.
***
