Ratings Update: Cheltenham International Meeting

Cheltenham Friday

The Friday of Cheltenham’s International Meeting is arguably one of the weakest days of racing this great venue holds all year, and this was exacerbated by an apparent lack of entries this time around. Only five contested the Grade 3 Unicoin Group Handicap Chase, with most in the field doing something or other wrong. However, the winner Robinsfirth (up 2 lb to 148) remains one to be positive about, his performance confirming previous promise; he's still low-mileage and seems sure to go well again.

Runner-up Shanroe Santos (up 3 lb to 129) ran well and looks on a fair mark, though there's still room for improvement in his jumping, a late blunder not helping his cause this time.

It's #Justthegoodoldboys as Bless The Wings holds off fellow 12yo Cantlow to win the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham under Davy Russell.

Today's results & replays ➡️ https://t.co/7iJOPsvjqx pic.twitter.com/JcCgljSiPI

— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) December 15, 2017

Cross Country races rarely get much coverage in this column but it’s worth mentioning the revived Bless The Wings (now 147), who showed he’s still got the will to win when he gained a deserved first success over a course where he's built up a fine record over the years.

The previous year’s winner Cantlow (down to 145) ran well under his claiming jockey, while Josies Orders (also down to 145) never really threatened after getting tapped for toe at a crucial stage, to some extent shaping as though he might be worth refitting with headgear in an attempt to sharpen him up.

The most eye-catching performance on Friday came over at Doncaster, where Peter The Mayo Man (141p) won a race that developed far enough out to make it a fair test. He is all over a chaser on looks and, sent over fences on the back of an encouraging comeback, made an impressive start in this sphere, immediately bettering his hurdles form and value for more than the six lengths he won by; he did this well enough to earn a crack at a graded race before long.

Cheltenham Saturday

The card began with a penalty kick for Apple’s Shakira (up 3 lb to 139p) in a trial for the Triumph, a race for which she is the 4/1 ante-post favourite; she'll take plenty of beating in juvenile hurdles this season, with the Finale at Chepstow mentioned as an option next.

Kalondra (up 12 lb to 145p) drifted badly before the novices’ chase (trainer Neil Mulholland: “The owner phoned me up and asked if the horse still had four legs”) but put in an assured performance. His jumping still needs work but the way in which he sealed matters was quite taking; he’s open to further improvement and shouldn't be underestimated in a higher grade. Runner-up Coo Star Sivola (up 2 lb to 136) shaped encouragingly, particularly with handicaps in mind, his mark a generous one on this evidence.

Unfortunately, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup will be remembered more for Starchitect breaking down when clear of the field coming up the hill rather than the winning performance of Guitar Pete (up 2 lb to 139). While the race was strongly run and a good test of stamina and jumping, though it wasn't a strong race of its type, with just 10 lining up, seven of those having contested the BetVictor Gold Cup here last month, Starchitect second on that occasion.

Guitar Pete confirmed his Wetherby form at the second attempt, showing a willing attitude to overhaul the favourite Clan des Obeaux (down 1 lb to 159) after the last. However, he was suited by the run of the race, may well have been fortunate and his fate is very much in the hands of the handicapper.

Clan des Obeaux didn't look quite so at ease with this type of race as had been anticipated, but despite that came from off the pace to get to the front after the last only to be overhauled by a strong stayer. He produced the best performance on jumps timefigures (see table below) this weekend but may find that his mark means he falls between two stools, knocking at the door in handicaps but not quite up to making the step up to graded company.

The third King’s Odyssey (down 3 lb to 139) ran respectably, given a chance by the handicapper and perhaps able to take advantage another day, possibly still just needing the run. He was also ridden more prominently than those who finished around him.

There was a disappointing turnout for the Bristol Novices’ Hurdle, often an informative staying novice, with Coneygree, Blaklion and Unowhatimeanharry among the five most recent winners. Half of the field didn’t give their running and it was a fine ride from Harry Cobden which helped seal the win for Kilbricken Storm (up 10 lb to 137p), despite the horse hanging markedly left in the final furlong. He’s not easy to weigh up, and it’s still early days with him, but he will need to show a fair bit more to be of interest at the highest level. Count Meribel (stays on 137) dictated throughout and looked set to follow up his recent Ascot win until appearing to run out of stamina late on over this longer trip.

International joy for My Tent

An interesting and high class renewal of the International Hurdle saw last year’s one-two, My Tent or Yours and The New One, renewing rivalry, whilst Melon, runner-up in last season's Supreme, added another dimension to the race as a highly promising up-and-comer.

My Tent or Yours (163) has so often been the bridesmaid, runner-up in three Champion Hurdles, but the conditions of this race were perfect for him, receiving weight from four of his rivals. Barry Geraghty had him handy from the outset and after edging into the lead at the last he battled well; he'll probably be kept fairly fresh for another big spring campaign, possible that the Champion Hurdle will be the next time we see him.

The Stayers Hurdle is reportedly the long-term aim this season for runner-up The New One (163x) but, whilst it's understandable that connections want to try something different at this stage of his career, he'd have to be a doubtful stayer at three miles.

Melon (up 5 lb to 155p) was in his deepest race yet over hurdles, carrying a penalty too, and this was in no way disappointing for all that he was beaten favourite, actually running to his highest figure so far. He left the firm impression that a stronger pace would've been ideal, jumping well despite having to be reined back; the best of him is still to come and he could yet develop into a strong Champion Hurdle candidate.

My Tent Or Yours beats fellow veteran The New One in an absolutely vintage finish to the Unibet International Hurdle

Results ▶️ https://t.co/BDdH0VZuNH pic.twitter.com/awpRVrTctT

— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) December 16, 2017

Doncaster Dream

There were two Grade 2s at Doncaster on Saturday, with Keeper Hill (up 4 lb to 139p) rather gifted the novices’ chase. He still has definite room for improvement in his jumping, but we know he has a lot of ability from his hurdling exploits and, benefiting from the step back up in trip, he took advantage of the below-par showing of Braqueur d'Or (down 2 lb to 139) to gain a graded success. His future probably lies in top-end staying handicaps than open staying company, still unexposed granted a proper slog.

The disappointing showing of Act of Valour took something away from the juvenile hurdle 35 minutes later, but it was still hard not to be really impressed by We Have A Dream (now 137p). He created as deep an impression as the same connections' Peace And Co managed when winning this race three years earlier and is one to follow, hard to believe he won't end up one of the leading contenders for the Triumph; he’s currently available at a general 10/1.