Inside today’s main piece I look ahead to the big weekend action. Plus, I have had a look at the action from this afternoon’s meeting at Carlisle where its Carlisle Bell Day. However, first a few thoughts on five-day Cheltenham Festival.
A Five-Day Cheltenham Festival Gets Closer
The inevitability of a five-day Cheltenham Festival moved a further step forward yesterday and it could happen as early as 2023.
You can see why its going to happen. From a financial perspective it’s a bit of a “no brainer”. They would sell out a Saturday easily and the Saturday racegoer won’t be too concerned about the dilution of quality. The broadcasters will want it, as will most trainers and of course so will the bookmakers.
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The main argument against an extra day is a powerful one though. Cheltenham Festival is so good because its wall-to-wall high quality jump racing. The danger is a fifth day would end up making it a slightly better Punchestown Festival.
I don’t have a problem with Cheltenham racing on Saturday and have the meeting run between Wednesday & Saturday. It would make sense and allows those who can’t get time off work in midweek. Personally, I’m against a fifth day as are most NH fans. However, it doesn’t matter. It’s going to happen whatever we might prefer.
A five-day festival was always likely to happen and I suspect lockdown has just accelerated the process.
Long term, let’s hope it doesn’t end up killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
A Tale of Two Derby’s
The eyes of the racing world will be focused on the Curragh this weekend. As its the Irish Derby Festival on Saturday & Sunday. With the Irish Derby itself on Saturday (3:45).
Aidan O’Brien has the ante post favourite in High Definition. Other possible runners are Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney. The recently supplemented Epsom Derby runner-up Mojo Star. Derby third Hurricane Lane and Lone Eagle. More on the Irish Derby tomorrow.
This side of the Irish Sea the highlight is another Derby Newcastle’s “Pitmen’s Derby” or as its officially known the William Hill Northumberland Plate (3.30). Trueshan who missed the Ascot Gold Cup due to quick ground will bid to defy top- weight of 10-4 for Alan King. If he does run, he will most likely go off favourite despite his big weight.
The Northumberland Plate is more than just a horse race. It celebrates the north east’s coal mining heritage. For many years it was a holiday to allow the local pitmen to attend. The areas collieries may be a thing of the past but the “Pitman’s Derby” remains.
Wednesday Racing
Carlisle hosts its biggest and most historic flat meeting of its year: Carlisle Bell & Cumberland Plate Day. First run in 1599 the Carlisle Bell is one of horse racing’s oldest prizes and the Cumberland Plate dates to the time of Charles II.
Carlisle
The going at Carlisle is good to firm, good in places at the time of writing. Some light rain is forecast for this afternoon. Fingers crossed the ground doesn’t ease too much.
3:30 – This season’s Carlisle Bell has attracted a field of 17 runners.
Chichester comes in to the race in good form. Having finished third in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar and runner-up at Haydock last time. The drop to a strongly run mile will suit and he gets the addition of the first time cheekpieces.
Global Sprit a winner at York last season (soft). He returned to that venue to post a seasonal best when 4th of 15 11-days ago and shapes like he’s coming back to his best. However he may prefer easier ground.
Garden Oasis has returned to action in good form finishing runner-up at Ripon and over C&D. Showed a good battling attitude to win after being headed at Ayr three weeks ago. He’s been raised a 1lb for that effort and must be on high shortlist.
Get Knotted was a ¼ length back in fourth behind Garden Oasis at Ayr. He was doing his best work at the finish that day. The 9-year-old isn’t the horse he used to be but he’s become well treated and is now 11lb below his last winning mark. A strongly run race suits and although stall 13 isn’t ideal he's got each way claims.
Wednesday Selection:
Carlisle
3:30 – Get Knotted – 16/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places)
Good luck with your Wednesday bets.
John
John Burke is the tipster behind the long standing Victor Value service you can join him here – https://victorvalue.uk