Cheltenham anti-post special Part One

Those of you with too much money and a slightly deranged view on betting may decide to get poor value by having an anti-post bet. And why not? Nutters may get a kick out of wondering how they will lose their money: will the horse not even run and the bookies keep your stake, will the hype horse be shown to be a moderate nag a week before the big race or maybe you'll just get beaten fair and square on the day. Anyway, here's probably the best advice you'll find on losing a bit of dough.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle
The first race of the meeting and it's more likely that there will be a bomb scare at the course than you picking the winner. I don't like the Irish but they'll probably win it like usual. Anyway, Mad Max can be the best of the British.

The Arkle
More novices, more uncertainties. What's the point in betting anti-post when so much depends on the weather? Panjo Bere wins if it's soft, Tatenen if it's firm. Easy.

Champion Hurdle
This is what it's all about - quality horses, lots of them. Why have a bet? Just enjoy the spectacle of one of the most competitive renditions of the race this century. Oh, I see, you have a gambling addiction. Binocular then.

Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle
It must be devastating for the horses in this race. They'll have to get to Cheltenham a week earlier than usually and begin this race on about the Monday and still live with the disappointment of knowing that Diamond Harry will start on the Wednesday at 2.05 and still storm past them up the hill, Timmy Murphy putting on all the style.

Royal and SunAlliance Chase
If anyone tells you they know what's going to win this race, their lying. I wouldn't ever trust them again. How do they know? You might as well put all the names in a hat, drop them from the roof of the largest building in your area and hold a Henry hoover up to the sky and see which name is sucked in. Like I just did. Carruthers, if your wondering.

Champion Chase
Paddy Power's the man isn't he? He's already paid out on Master Minded winning this. Good decision. Saves a lot of anti-post worrying and means you can have a bit of cash to spend on important things like fancy dress outfits and Special Brew... just me then?

Tune in for the thrilling second installment of this award winning (it's the my best at least) preview.

Missed Great-Leigh

I found it saddening this week to learn that Great Leighs has had its racecourse licence taken away. I'm not one to question whether it was because of poor financial management by John Holmes and his team or if building a racecourse in this time of economic uncertainty was a bad idea, but it would be a shame to let this exciting new project go to waste.
Admittedly, the course was not complete when it opened last year and there is still a fair bit of work to be done even now but I liked the place. Everyone was catered for well: owners are the people who fuel racing and these were looked after with a free buffet and comfortable bar; stable workers all got a free meal and there always seems to be a good crowd so they must be happy. Not many tracks can boast these qualities. The Newmarket July course is one which lets owners and trainers down catering wise.
My only quim on the place would be the grandstand. It is not a permenant solution that's for sure. Viewing is poor and the facilities inside it are pretty basic but money is obviously tight at the track so we'll have to do with it for now.
Although it has its haters, Great Leighs should be the future of all weather racing. It was starting to attract good horses and the prize money was decent as well. Alastair Down has sworn that he will 'never go to Great Leighs or bet on virtual horses.' But he had a bet at Steepledowns just the other day. And he liked it.
If Great Leighs is re-opened I think he should go. He'll like it.

Look out for my Cheltenham anti-post feature coming sooooon.