Cheltenham 2025 thread

Well there was the answer to that one! He is now best-priced 3/1 for the Grand National, with plenty going only 5/2. Timeform's initial assessment suggests he now has a stone in hand at Aintree. But will he run? I'm sitting on 10/1 and have a cash out offer of 2.4 times my stake. It would be painful to watch him romp home at Aintree, but there again I'd be in profit! What do I do? Answers to puzzledorsen!

 

Gambling all about backing your own opinion you seem a shrewd man but it comes down to which will do your head in most. To watch it trott up and you've cashed out or it gets beat and you haven't.

 

If I was in the same situation, I’d let it ride, so to speak.
It would spoil your enjoyment of one of the greatest spectacles in sport if you cashed out.
In my younger days, there was never the option to chicken out of a bet and sometimes it’s best to carry on regardless

 

That's my inclination TBH, x11. Timeform's firmed-up report puts him 9 lbs clear of Iroko (also JP-owned!). The chance to have one that clear at 10/1 - if he runs - doesn't come around that often! I suspect much will depend on the wellbeing of the horse.

 

I suspect the former!

 

Your last point may make the decision for you.
It’s only 3 weeks away

 

Willie Mullins had on 88 runners in 24 races, at an average of 3 per race. Some races he had over half of the horses in the race. He finished top trainer but only 13% of his horses won, which is a low strike rate. It's no wonder he wins so much and it definitely plays a part in the dwindling festival crowds alongside it being overpriced.

 

Club stand £100 booked last year, plus hotel, travel,food,drink and lots to the charity fund for injured bookmakers.

 

Benidorm next year, Kirky?

 

Yes, I think it's ridiculous, Mullins had 11 runners in one race Nico was not pleased in one interview, I believe a trainer should have no more than 2 horses in a race.

 

Filey.

 

I'd have to disagree with you there:

 

A team of us used to go when it was 3 days but then they made it 4 days the prices went up at the track crazy hotel prices you need a grand before having a drink or bet.
They have been going to benidorm ever since 25 of them this year just think the the amount of money cheltenhams town and track are losing out on because they got greedy.

 

Ran much too free early on, Lit up by the razzmatazz of Cheltenham. Hopefully runs at Aintree next with a stronger tongue tie, possibly blinkers or a hood on and ear plugs in

 

Sure you've seen it Mr ET, but Timeform are not without encouragement: "Good 2m handicaps should be his arena next season."

Watch out with the aids though - some on here will be accusing you of subjecting the horse to sensory deprivation!

 

Bet365 now going 3/1 NRNB. That might look skinny, but if he does run I reckon he's a good deal better than a 25% chance. And if he doesn't, it's money back. Cash out and re-back 'with a run' beckons, I think!

 

I remember Vintage Clouds, Master Oats, Monkerhostin, Behrajan and Garrison Savanah.

 

My National Short List so far:

Stumptown, Beauport, Hitman, Bravemansgame, Perceval Legallois, Threeunderthrufive and Intense Raffles. Leaning towards Intense Raffles as I rate the Irish Grand National as a decent yardstick Looked at a few others like Limerick Lace and Capodanno, Galvin, Vanillier etc but they've ran before and failed before.

I am Maximus isn't in form and carrying too much weight this time. I don't think the ante-post favourite will run. Remember last Gold Cup Winner (Synchronised) JP Mcmanus ran in the National.

 

Fair comment Mr D, but all before they drastically tamed the Aintree fences?

 

And you've not even mentioned Iroko!