Zaarito Sidelined and Misses Ryanair Chase

The talented but somewhat clumsy Zaarito has met with a setback and will miss his intended engagement in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 17, writes Elliot Slater. The Colm Murphy-trained nine-year-old is undoubtedly a talented performer but has had more than his fair share of tumbles in recent seasons as …

Tour Runs Solid Cheltenham Trial

Although he eventually finished third, David Pipe must have been very pleased with the run of his smart handicapper Notus De La Tour in Friday’s rescheduled Totesport Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Newbury, his horse having given weight to both the winner Recession Proof and the runner-up Bothy in a race that looks as if it …

Gold Cup Line-up Taking Shape

Declarations have been made for the feature Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 18 with 34 high quality steeplechasers currently in the running to take home a share of the record £500,000 prize money, writes Elliot Slater. Reigning champion and current ante-post favourite Imperial Commander heads the list, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding bidding to continue the …

Menorah Set For Champion Hurdle

Philip Hobbs has confirmed that his stable star Menorah will not run again before his bid to land the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15, writes Elliot Slater. The winner of last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Menorah went on to only narrowly fail to complete a Festival double when beaten a …

Excitement Mounting Ahead Of Gold Cup Clash

Judging by the media hype, the clash between reigning champion Kauto Star and former champ Denman in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup is one of the most eagerly anticipated races for many years, writes Elliot Slater. There’s certainly no doubt these two horses will dominate the Cheltenham Festival betting and the event should attract some much …

Henderson Formulating Champion Battle Plans

With three serious contenders for the Champion Hurdle at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival in eight weeks time, trainer Nicky Henderson is having to put in plenty of thought into where his horses can have a proper trial race without competing against each other, writes Elliot Slater. It’s looking increasingly likely (weather permitting) that ante-post favourite Zaynar …