Mad Als Cheltenham 2013 Guide

Tipping losers since 1982!

DAY TWO
Ok, things can still turn around
John Oaksey National Hunt Chase (13:30)

Neptune Novices Hurdle (14:05) Contenders:- Point Alexandre, The New One, Taquin Du Seuil Outsider: Chatterbox Willie Mullins has such a strong record in this race it would be a brave man going against Pont Alexandre especially as hes unbeaten in 3 starts. But the vibes from The New Ones stable are also very positive and he has ran over the course twice winning once. At the prices, Id go The New One for now but its a close call. Chatterbox may surprise a few if he gets a run. Mad Als Verdict: The New One

General Guidance for making your Cheltenham picks Picking so far in advance can be tough because some horses are still entered in 2 or 3 different races. That shouldnt matter too much though, because if you pick a horse that doesnt run you get the favourite instead. If you fancy a horse but theyre entered for two races you could always select it twice and youre assured your on it in the race it runs.

Contenders:- Back in Focus, Boston Bob, Rival DEstruval, Buddy Bolero Lively Outsiders:- Tofino Bay, Hawkes Point, Highland Lodge, Tour Des Champs A race over 4 miles, youre going to want a horse that can run all day and some. The two leading the betting at the moment are Back in Focus and Boston Bob, both trained by Willie Mullins and run in the same colours. It may be that only one of these race, but out of the two I would slightly favour Back in Focus. Paul Nicholls record in this race is awful (0-14) but he claimed second in this race last year and Hawkes Point may just need this marathon trip to see it in its best light. And Emma Lavelles Highland Lodge is also worth a look having one over course in December Mad Als Verdict: Hawkes Point

RSA Chase (14:40) Contenders:- Dynaste, Boston Bob, Unioniste, Hadrians Approach Whoever wins this remember the name for next year as six have gone on to win the Gold Cup the next season. Dynaste deserves respect given that hes won all before him this year and getting within 7 lengths of Big Bucks is no mean feat. But note Boston Bob is named again hes more likely to run in this race I feel and I wouldnt be surprised if he tooks this race for Ireland. Mad Als Verdict: Boston Bob (a Back if Focus and Boston Bob double wouldnt be a bad shout either)

Queen Mother Champion Chase (15:20) Contender:- Spriner Sacre Providing Barry Geraghty doesnt fall off, take a wrong turn or crash into a fence this race is surely as good as over before its began. Sprinter Sacre is a beast and the rest of the field know it, which is why no real competition has been provided. If you want a horse for the forecast thats Wishful Thinking.

Weatherbys Champion Bumper (17:15) Contenders:- Empiracle, Golanitilla, Union Dues, Sgt Reckless, Shield Others to consider: Any horse getting backed First of all, I should explain for

Mad Als Verdict: Take the easy points and make him your NAP

the horse racing novices that a Bumperis a race without obstacles. The horses just race through open gates designed to get new horses used to racing before they tackle hurdles or fences. With that in mind its interest to see Flat Racing being represented with A P OBrien running Shield and Champion Jockey on the Flat Richard Hughes riding Sgt Reckless. The Irish and Willie Mullins in particular dominate this race so Union Dues is one to consider, but the way Hughes has riden over the last year, I fancy him showing the jump jockeys how its done. Finally, ex Jump turned flat

Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle) (16:00) Contenders:- Edeymi, Pendra, Master Of The Sea, Cotton Mill Others to consider:- Tominator, Son of Flicka, Ma Filleule, Bondage Most betting firms will pay out on 5 places so if youre having a punt it might be worth picking 2 or 3 each way against the field. But who to go for I hear you say. Well thats not easy take last years winner Son of Flicka. He did nothing all year before winning this race and hes done the same this year so could it be a repeat dose?

Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (16:40) Contenders- Saphir Du Rheu, Bordoni, Fatcatinthehat, Pitt Zig With so little inspiring form to go on, this is a tricky little contest for punters and the handicapper alike. That said, there are some interesting trends for the race and given that decent ex flat horses do well in this John Fergusons Bordoni and Ruacana (if he runs) are interesting. Mad Als Verdict: Watch the betting - Bordoni

I wish you the very best For those who follow Pricewise, Tominator will be a familiar name and Pendra could also be interesting, especially if A P McCoy takes the ride. Mad Als verdict: Ill be backing Tominator and Pendra for your day 1 selections and I hope this brief guide has pointed you towards some winners. The very best of luck

jockey Graham Lee also rides in this on Caledonia may be worth a quick look on the day too. Mad Als Verdict: Sgt Reckless

Mad Al
[Pick the date] [Edition 1, Volume 1]