Latest news with #ArkleChase
Irish Examiner
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Majborough has ability to make up for Cheltenham disappointment
Majborough's defeat in the Arkle Chase was an early disappointment at the Cheltenham Festival but with a reasonable round of jumping, he almost certainly would have justified odds-on favouritism. Back on a retrieval mission in the Grade One Barberstown Castle Novice Chase on day three in Punchestown, he can reverse form with Only By Night, who finished runner-up in the Cheltenham Grade One. Willie Mullins' 2024 Triumph Hurdle winner made quite an impression when leading all the way in a beginners' chase at Fairyhouse and followed up with a much more authoritative display in a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. On the back of that, he was a short-priced favourite to complete his treble with Arkle success, but his jumping was indifferent, and a mistake at the second-last almost brought him to a halt. He did well to recover well enough to finish third, beaten just three parts of a length in total. The five-year-old has been given plenty of time since that run and barring similar accidents, he will reverse form with Only By Night. The ground will not be in favour of Teahupoo and yet he is difficult to oppose in the Grade One Ladbrokes Champion Stayers' Hurdle. Winner of the Cheltenham Stayers' Hurdle in 2024, he followed up in this race and while he has been beaten in both outings to date this season, the first was behind Lossiemouth, and the second in an unsuitably slow running of the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham. As is his wont, his track appearances are few and far between, but there is no reason to believe he won't be capable of running to the same level as he did when winning this 12 months ago. The mercurial Hiddenvalley Lake was back to his best at Aintree, though it wasn't an incredibly strong race. Rocky's Diamond's fourth-place finish in the Stayers' Hurdle leaves him with something to find with the selection, but Declan Queally's horse is just a five-year-old and he has strong each-way claims if coping with the ground. Sixandahalf is likely to be all the rage in the listed Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares' Novice Hurdle and Gavin Cromwell's filly will take all the beating if running to the same level as when runner-up in the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival. However, she has an interesting rival in the shape of the Nicky Henderson-trained Timetoshine, and that one makes each-way appeal given she is very much unexposed. The five-year-old, who has plenty of Flat form in France, was quite green when making a winning debut over hurdles, and while her jumping on her second outing was quite clean, she was a little high over the obstacles. Nevertheless, she quickened away after the last to win as she liked, and she appeared to have the measure of Miss Altea Blue when that one fell at the last. Third time up, at Chepstow, she showed a little improvement in her jumping and didn't have to be asked a question to justify odds of 1-25. This is clearly a huge step up relative to those assignments, but she rattles off good ground, loves a strong pace in a race, and really stretches out in the closing stages. Whether she has the ability of Sixandahalf or not will only be revealed shortly after 4:50 but at early prices close to 20-1, she makes each-way appeal. The nap goes to Ksar Fatal, who contests the finale, the JP & M Doyle Bumper. When winning his only outing in a point to point, he had the useful Cardcounter five lengths back in second place, and he confirmed that promise by making a winning start on the track, at Gowran Park, readily going clear. This is a nice step up in company, but he comes here fresh, full of potential, and can continue on his winning ways. Tommy Lyons' picks: 2:30 Green Sky 3:05 Jasko Des Dames 3:40 Stealthy Tom 4:15 Jeriko Du Reponet 4:50 Timetoshine 5:25 Majborough 6:00 Teahupoo (nb) 6:35 Ksar Fatal (nap) Next best: 2:30 Withabitofluk 3:05 Midnight It Is 3:40 The Goffer 4:15 Park Of Kings 4:50 Sixandahalf 5:25 Only By Night 6:00 Rocky's Diamond 6:35 Kilwaughter
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 11 horses to watch today at Aintree today
The Grand National Festival continues with day two at Aintree set to provide more thrills and spills with some high class racing. Officials have compensated for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft but yesterday proved that this is still going to be a quick course to cover. Jonbon headlines the day in the Melling Chase but all eyes are on the showpiece event this Saturday with the Grand National field now confirmed. Last year's winner I Am Maximus is back and among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. . 1.45pm Handstands – 2 point win @ 2/1 (William Hill) The Changing Man – 1/2 point each-way @ 12/1 (William Hill) The decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here can play dividends for Handstands who should relish the step back up to three miles. The six-year-old's form was given a tidy boost when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by the selection at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival and he is reported in good shape ahead of this assignment. The Changing Man doesn't win very often, but he has acquitted himself well in some tough handicaps this year and any price of 10/1 or above with preferred betting sites looks a fair each-way play with decent ground sure to suit. 2.20pm Be Aware – 1pt ew @ 7/1 (bet365) – 6 places Helnwein – 1/2pt ew @ 14/1 (bet365) – 6 places Be Aware didn't seem to quite see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree. Dan Skelton's grey son of Martaline had previously finished placed in two of the season's hottest handicap and represents a team which have won two of the last three renewals of this race. If you go back far enough, Helnwein beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown so could be overpriced on Grand National betting sites. Backers need to take on trust his ability to see out the trip, but it looks a risk worth taking at the price. 2.55pm Romeo Coolio – 2pt win @ 5/4 (William Hill) The Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it will be disappointing if third-home Romeo Coolio can't uphold the form here. This speed track may not play to his strengths quite as much as Cheltenham, but hopefully he can be ridden close to the pace and kick at the opportune moment under Sam Ewing. Tripoli Flyer is very much respected, but he appears to show plenty of disdain for his hurdles and can't afford to do that in Grade 1 company. 3.30pm Jonbon to beat Protektorat – 1pt forecast Events didn't go to plan at Cheltenham for Jonbon who was just one of a number of short-priced horses at the Festival to forfeit their chance with a modest round of jumping. Hopefully, he can put things right here and reprise his victory in last year's renewal. Protektorat was two-and-a-half lengths in arrears 12 months ago and could be the one to follow the selection home again following a commendable effort in the Ryanair Chase. 4.05pm James Du Berlais - 1pt ew @ 8/1 (William Hill) – 6 places Ginnys Destiny - 1/2pt ew @ 16/1 (bet365) – 6 places James Du Berlais jumped the final fence in this event last year pretty much on the bridle, so it was a surprise he didn't get the job done. His entire season looks as though it has been geared around going one better and his supporters will be hoping for a similar round of jumping and perhaps a slightly more patient ride from J J Slevin who takes over from Paul Townend. Backing Ginny's Destiny requires an act of faith but, in the hope that the first-time tongue tie and cheekpiece combination works the oracle, he might be worth a small each-way bet on horse racing betting sites off an enticing mark. 4.40pm Califet En Vol - 1pt ew @ 4/1 (Betfred) – 4 places Twenty of the last 24 winners of this race had won at least twice over hurdles, while 18 of the last 19 were aged six or seven. Three of the last 10 were also trained by Nicky Henderson so Califet En Vol makes plenty of appeal, especially as 14 of this century's winners had also skipped Cheltenham like he did. The selection's form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks the pick on offer here and he also fits the profile of six of the last eight winners who were ex-pointers. 5.15pm Celtic Dino - 1pt ew @ 13/2 (Skybet) – 6 places Slugger – 1/2pt ew @ 33/1 (bet365) – 5 places The ground is quite an important component to Celtic Dino but there should be no concerns on that score here and he represents one of the stronger views of day two. A sound surface saw the selection post excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot before the turn of the year, while he still ran commendably in Grade 1 company at this venue on Boxing Day. A recent effort behind Tripoli Flyer at Kempton was also a creditable effort under conditions which didn't play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to make his mark here. Slugger is one of three Harry Derham entries to hold live chances, and he narrowly gains the nod as an each-way dart courtesy of his fine effort in a strongly run Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last time.
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 11 horses to watch today at Aintree today
The Grand National Festival continues with day two at Aintree set to provide more thrills and spills with some high class racing. Officials have compensated for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft but yesterday proved that this is still going to be a quick course to cover. Jonbon headlines the day in the Melling Chase but all eyes are on the showpiece event this Saturday with the Grand National field now confirmed. Last year's winner I Am Maximus is back and among the main contenders, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. Day 1: Friday 4 April 1.45pm Handstands – 2 point win @ 2/1 (William Hill) The Changing Man – 1/2 point each-way @ 12/1 (William Hill) The decision to sidestep Cheltenham and head straight here can play dividends for Handstands who should relish the step back up to three miles. The six-year-old's form was given a tidy boost when Jango Baie, gamely beaten by the selection at Sandown in February, went on to win the Arkle Chase at the Festival and he is reported in good shape ahead of this assignment. The Changing Man doesn't win very often, but he has acquitted himself well in some tough handicaps this year and any price of 10/1 or above with preferred betting sites looks a fair each-way play with decent ground sure to suit. 2.20pm Be Aware – 1pt ew @ 7/1 (bet365) – 6 places Helnwein – 1/2pt ew @ 14/1 (bet365) – 6 places Be Aware didn't seem to quite see out the trip of the Coral Cup on a stiff track and may prove more at home on the flatter surrounds of Aintree. Dan Skelton's grey son of Martaline had previously finished placed in two of the season's hottest handicap and represents a team which have won two of the last three renewals of this race. If you go back far enough, Helnwein beat Be Aware on the final day of last season at Sandown so could be overpriced on Grand National betting sites. Backers need to take on trust his ability to see out the trip, but it looks a risk worth taking at the price. 2.55pm Romeo Coolio – 2pt win @ 5/4 (William Hill) The Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle looked a race to follow, and it will be disappointing if third-home Romeo Coolio can't uphold the form here. This speed track may not play to his strengths quite as much as Cheltenham, but hopefully he can be ridden close to the pace and kick at the opportune moment under Sam Ewing. Tripoli Flyer is very much respected, but he appears to show plenty of disdain for his hurdles and can't afford to do that in Grade 1 company. 3.30pm Jonbon to beat Protektorat – 1pt forecast Events didn't go to plan at Cheltenham for Jonbon who was just one of a number of short-priced horses at the Festival to forfeit their chance with a modest round of jumping. Hopefully, he can put things right here and reprise his victory in last year's renewal. Protektorat was two-and-a-half lengths in arrears 12 months ago and could be the one to follow the selection home again following a commendable effort in the Ryanair Chase. 4.05pm James Du Berlais - 1pt ew @ 8/1 (William Hill) – 6 places Ginnys Destiny - 1/2pt ew @ 16/1 (bet365) – 6 places James Du Berlais jumped the final fence in this event last year pretty much on the bridle, so it was a surprise he didn't get the job done. His entire season looks as though it has been geared around going one better and his supporters will be hoping for a similar round of jumping and perhaps a slightly more patient ride from J J Slevin who takes over from Paul Townend. Backing Ginny's Destiny requires an act of faith but, in the hope that the first-time tongue tie and cheekpiece combination works the oracle, he might be worth a small each-way bet on horse racing betting sites off an enticing mark. 4.40pm Califet En Vol - 1pt ew @ 4/1 (Betfred) – 4 places Twenty of the last 24 winners of this race had won at least twice over hurdles, while 18 of the last 19 were aged six or seven. Three of the last 10 were also trained by Nicky Henderson so Califet En Vol makes plenty of appeal, especially as 14 of this century's winners had also skipped Cheltenham like he did. The selection's form behind Cheltenham festival scorer The New Lion looks the pick on offer here and he also fits the profile of six of the last eight winners who were ex-pointers. 5.15pm Celtic Dino - 1pt ew @ 13/2 (Skybet) – 6 places Slugger – 1/2pt ew @ 33/1 (bet365) – 5 places The ground is quite an important component to Celtic Dino but there should be no concerns on that score here and he represents one of the stronger views of day two. A sound surface saw the selection post excellent times at both Wincanton and Ascot before the turn of the year, while he still ran commendably in Grade 1 company at this venue on Boxing Day. A recent effort behind Tripoli Flyer at Kempton was also a creditable effort under conditions which didn't play to his strengths, and he looks handicapped to make his mark here. Slugger is one of three Harry Derham entries to hold live chances, and he narrowly gains the nod as an each-way dart courtesy of his fine effort in a strongly run Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last time.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Thursday's Aintree Tips: Best Bets For Day 1 of The Grand National Festival
The three-day Grand National meeting gets underway on Thursday and using the best odds available on Grand National betting sites, we've selected at least one tip for each of the seven races on the card. The return to action of Constitution Hill could prove to be the story of the day, and he features among the picks for an eagerly-anticipated opening day at Aintree. 1.45 Aintree Tips Jango Baie – 2 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Gidleigh Park – 1pt win @ 11/2 bet365 Jango Baie pulled off one of the unlikeliest victories seen for years in the Arkle Chase when overhauling his four rivals in the dying strides to snatch a dramatic success. This step up in trip should really play to his strengths and he has a major chance of following up, providing he jumps with a little more fluency than he did at Cheltenham. Gidleigh Park is reportedly a hard horse to keep right but the form of his Windsor win on easy ground took a handsome boost at the Festival when runner-up Caldwell Potter bolted up, and he looks like another to relish the return to this trip. 2.20 Aintree Tips Puturhandstogether – 1pt win @ 2/1 bet365 Filibustering – 0.5pt ew @ 14/1 bet365 Winners of the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham are 0-5 in this event when attempting to follow up, but such was the manner of Puturhandstogether's victory in that fiercely contested handicap, that he could still take all the beating upped in class here. Wendrock was sixth despite not jumping either of the last two hurdles particularly cleanly so could finish a lot closer this time round, while Filibustering is worth a small each-way play with horse racing betting sites after impressing on his Kelso debut over hurdles. He reached a good level on the level and was very much at home on a flat, galloping track so Aintree should suit him. 2.55 Aintree Tip Grey Dawning – 2pts win @ 9/4 BoyleSports Connections of Grey Dawning have campaigned their grey son of Flemensfirth with this race in mind all season, so he narrowly gains the nod ahead of Spillane's Tower and Stage Star. A recent Kelso defeat of Iroko reads pretty well and conditions should be to the liking of the eight-year-old who appeared to get stuck in the mud in the Betfair Chase in his comeback last November. 3.30 Aintree Tips What to make of a horse like Constitution Hill? Brilliant on his day but, as we have seen in recent times, prone to the most calamitous blunder. The selection has reportedly undergone extensive schooling since his Cheltenham mistake and, although he has hasn't reached the heights of his 2023 Champion Hurdle success, the 2023 winner of this race did run out a comfortable winner at the expense of Lossiemouth when securing a third Christmas Hurdle success on his return, and is fancied to bounce back. The betting markets without the front two in the market are interesting with Wodhooh an understandably warm favourite on betting apps following her Cheltenham win. However, Take No Chances finished off powerfully to take third from an uncompromising position in the race won by Lossiemouth and will probably be more conservatively ridden than Wodhooh so makes some appeal at 13/2 without the front two in the market. 4.05 Aintree Tips My Drogo – 1pt win @ 11/2 Betfred Milan Forth – 0.5pt ew @ 14/1 (5 places) bet365 Not a race for the feint hearted this, but My Drogo was very well regarded in a former life with Dan Skelton – he won a Grade 1 hurdle here four years ago – and remains of interest now he appears in good heart in this sphere. The presence of Will Biddick is another plus, and the selection should relish conditions. Milan Forth made a pleasing debut for Adrian Murray at Down Royal, travelling powerfully and jumping well before putting the race to bed. He looks the right type for a race of this nature and is worth supporting on the horse racing betting apps with five places on offer. 4.40 Aintree Tips My Mate Mozzie – 1pt ew @ 11/2 bet365 (4 places) Calico – 0.5pt ew @ 11/1 Betfred (4 places) Cheekpieces could be the key to My Mate Mozzie producing his best and the expected strong gallop and good ground look ideal for him to deliver another big performance in a hot handicap. Calico is another well suited by spring conditions and it is worth remembering he was on the verge of chasing home Jonbon here two years ago only to tip up at the final fence. He posted a career-best at Cheltenham in October on good ground and is another sure to relish an end-to-end gallop. 5.15 Aintree Tips Jackie Hobbs – 0.5pt ew @ 15/2 bet365 Jackie Hobbs has been targeted at this event since scoring on her bumper debut at Ludlow and she did little at Ascot to dissuade the view that she should give another good account here. Her recent homework has been very encouraging. Oldschool Outlaw is a rather more left-field selection, but she was only overhauled late on at Leopardstown last month on her under rules debut and displayed a terrific attitude that day so is worth a small each-way play with gambling sites offering four places or more. Please gamble responsibly. Betting on horse racing should be exciting, but it's essential to remain in control at all times. Even experienced punters can lose bets, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Never chase losses, and remember that promotions like free bets or betting offers should be approached with caution. Whether you're betting on racing, or using casino sites or slot sites, always be aware of how much time and money you're spending. All licensed Grand National betting sites offer responsible gambling tools such as: Deposit limits Loss limits Time-outs Self-exclusion options If you're concerned about your gambling or just want someone to talk to, there are free, confidential services available: We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Independent a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies. Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
The Independent
02-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Grand National tips: Experts' best bets and 13 horses to watch on day one at Aintree
The Grand National Festival is almost here with the three-day festival at Aintree poised to provide some thrilling racing. Last year's winner I Am Maximus, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, is back and among the main contenders eyeing up glory, while Iroko, Stumptown, Hewick, Intense Raffles and Vanillier are also heavily fancied by tipsters and experts. I Am Maximus is attempting to create history as the first runner carrying top weight to win since three-time winner Red Rum in the 1970s, while only Tiger Roll has defended the title, in 2019, since then. But before that, we'll look forward to a star-studded card on Thursday, which includes former champion hurdler Constitution Hill, who was upset at Cheltenham Festival last month, in a heavyweight clash with Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle, with officials compensating for the dry conditions by watering the ground to ensure the going is good to soft. Day 1: Thursday, 3 April 1.45 Sam Turner's tips: Jango Baie – 2 points win @ 5/2 Gidleigh Park – 1 point win @ 11/2 Jango Baie pulled off one of the unlikeliest victories in the Arkle Chase seen for years when overhauling his four rivals in the dying strides to snatch a dramatic success. This step up in trip should really play to his strengths and he has a major chance of following up providing he jumps with a little more fluency than he did at Cheltenham. Gidleigh Park is reportedly a hard horse to keep right but the form of his Windsor win on easy ground took a handsome boost at the Festival when runner-up Caldwell Potter bolted up and the selection looks like another to relish the return to today's trip. 2.20 Sam Turner's tips: Puturhandstogether – 1 pt win @ 2/1 Filibustering – 1/2 pt ew @ 16/1 Winners of the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham are 0-5 in this event when attempting to follow up, but such was the manner of the gelding's victory in that fiercely contested handicap, that he could still take all the beating upped in class here. Wendrock was sixth despite not jumping either of the last two hurdles particularly cleanly so could finish a lot closer this time round, while Filibustering is worth a small each-way play with betting sites after impressing on his Kelso debut over hurdles. He reached a good level on the level and was very much at home on a flat, galloping track so Aintree should suit him. 2.55 Sam Turner's tips: Grey Dawning – 2 pts win @ 9/4 Connections of Grey Dawning have campaigned their grey son of Flemensfirth with this race in mind all season, so he narrowly gains the nod ahead of Spillane's Tower and Stage Star. A recent Kelso defeat of Iroko reads pretty well and conditions should be to the liking of the eight-year-old who appeared to get stuck in the mud in the Betfair Chase in his comeback last November. 3.30 Sam Turner's tips: Constitution Hill – 2 pts win @ 5/6 Take No Chances – 1 pt win @ 13/2 in the betting markets without Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth What to make of a horse like Constitution Hill? Brilliant on his day but, as we have seen in recent times, prone to the most calamitous blunder. The selection has reportedly undergone extensive schooling since his Cheltenham mistake and, although he has hasn't reached the heights of his 2023 Champion Hurdle success, the 2023 winner of this race did run out a comfortable winner at the expense of Lossiemouth when securing a third Christmas Hurdle success on his return, despite needing the run and is fancied to bounce back. The betting markets without the front two in the market are interesting with Wodhooh an understandably warm favourite following her Cheltenham win. However, Take No Chances finished off powerfully to take third from an uncompromising position in the race won by Lossiemouth and will probably be more conservatively ridden than Wodhooh so makes some appeal at 13/2 without the front two in the market. 4.05 Sam Turner's tips: My Drogo – 1 pt win @11/2 Milan Forth – 1/2 pt ew @ 14/1 (5 places) Not a race for the feint hearted this, but My Drogo was very well regarded in a former life with Dan Skelton – won a Grade 1 hurdle here four years ago – and remains of interest now he appears in good heart in this sphere. The presence of Will Biddick is another plus, and the selection should relish conditions. Milan Forth made a pleasing debut for Adrian Murray at Down Royal, travelling powerfully and jumping well before putting the race to bed. He looks the right type for a race of this nature and is worth supporting using the betting apps with five places on offer. 4.40 Sam Turner's tips: My Mate Mozzie – 1pt ew @ 11/2 – four places Calico – 1/2pt ew @ 11-1 – four places Cheekpieces could be the key to My Mate Mozzie producing his best and the expected strong gallop and good ground look ideal for him to deliver another big performance in a hot handicap. Calico is another well suited by spring conditions and it is worth remembering he was on the verge of chasing home Jonbon here two years ago only to tip up at the final fence. He posted a career best at Cheltenham in October on good ground and is another sure to relish an end-to-end gallop. 5.15 Sam Turner's tips: Jackie Hobbs – 1/2pt ew @ 15/2 Oldschool Outlaw – 1/2pt ew @ 25/1 Jackie Hobbs has been targeted at this event since scoring on her bumper debut at Ludlow and she did little at Ascot to dissuade the view that she should give another good account here. Her recent homework has been very encouraging. Oldschool Outlaw is a rather more left-field selection, but she was only overhauled late on at Leopardstown last month on her under rules debut and displayed a terrific attitude that day so is worth a small each-way play with betting sites offering four places or more.
