Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m delving into this afternoon’s Newbury card.

Cheltenham Needs Changes

Richie Forristal's article in the Racing Post presents compelling arguments for necessary changes to the Cheltenham Festival. It serves as a catalyst for discussions on how the prestigious event can evolve to address emerging challenges and enhance its overall appeal.

Richie Forristal rightfully critiques BHA Head Julie Harrington's post-festival remarks, which seemingly place blame on the Irish for the lack of British success in the Grade 1 races at the Cheltenham Festival. Such comments not only deflect from addressing potential issues within British racing but also overlook the outstanding performances and competitiveness of Irish-trained horses at the festival. Harrington's statements risk souring the camaraderie between the British and Irish racing communities and fail to acknowledge the multifaceted factors that contribute to success in elite racing events. Can you imagine a Cheltenham Festival without the top Irish horses.

Imagining a Cheltenham Festival without the top Irish horses is a sobering thought indeed. The equine stars from Ireland consistently elevate the festival's excitement, prestige, and international appeal with their performances. Their absence would not only diminish the level of competition but also detract from the festival's unique atmosphere and sense of rivalry between British and Irish. The Cheltenham Festival thrives on the dynamic interplay between these two racing nations, and without the top Irish horses, the event would undoubtedly lose a significant portion of its allure and magic, leaving a void that couldn’t be filled.

We all know the real reasons. Too much racing, much of it put on for Big Corp bookmakers, not enough prize money, not enough horses, and a failure by the BHA to structure the race programme to promote a competitive landscape.

Six Races Over Four Days

Richie suggests that the Turners and Ryanair should go. You can see the logic too. Getting rid of the Turners for example means that trainer would have to run their better novices in either the Arkle or the Brown Advisory. Consequently, it would increase the depth of quality of the latter two races.

More controversially Richie suggests getting rid of the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Mares Novices’ Hurdle. The Albert Bartlett hasn’t a long history at the festival and was one of the new races introduced at the festival when a fourth day was added in 2005.

Maybe it’s not that controversial an idea after all and I think both races should go.

Richie suggests a six race, four-day meeting and this is how his new programme would look.

I'm already feeling more positive about the proposal, although I must say, I'd take it a step further. Realistically, it's unlikely to happen, but I'd advocate for cutting three more races and condensing the festival into three days, each featuring seven races.

Personally, I'd eliminate both mares’ races. Instead, why not incorporate them into the Mares' card in April? This move would not only strengthen the April fixture but also streamline the Cheltenham Festival. As for the other race to consider removing, it's a tough decision between the National Hunt Chase and the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Newbury

The final two days of Newbury's jumps racing season are upon us, marking the transition to next month's Greenham Meeting on the flat as the venue's focus shifts.

Race of the Day

2:30 – Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Nov' Limited Handicap Chase (The Brown Chamberlin Trophy) (Class 3) – 2m 7 ½ f

Are U Wise To That looked suited by the step up to 3m 1f when winning at Cheltenham in December. Now 2-3 over fences he’s just 5lb higher than at Cheltenham and is open to further improvement.

Mofasa, a winner at Huntingdon two starts back, was well beaten by Are U Wise To That last time but he probably wasn’t well suited to soft ground and has also had wind surgery.

Abuffalosoldier got off the mark at the fourth attempt over fences when successful over C&D 59 days ago. That made it 2-2 for the 7-year-old and he’s another who will be suited to drying ground.

Atlanta Brave looked a progressive staying handicap chaser when a ¾-length second of 11 to Surrey Quest here (3m 2f) at the end of December. A bit of improvement on that performance would see him bang there although he may need further on good to soft ground.

Deeper Blue improved for the step up to 2m 5f when a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 7 to the useful Henry’s Friend at Hereford 53 days ago. Just 1lb higher here and there’s a race in him over fences off his present mark. However, his stamina for this must be taken on trust.

Horses to Note:

The final four races of the Newbury card feature four handicaps, with a handful of horses to keep an eye on.

Sporting Mike is on a losing run spanning nine races, but there were promising signs in his recent outing over hurdles, suggesting a potential return to form. He comes into the Download The BetVictor App Handicap Hurdle (5:20) with a chance of breaking the streak.

Gyenyame struggled on heavy ground at Sandown over 2m 4f furlongs in his last race. However, his previous performance at Cheltenham over 3 miles, finishing 6 ¼ lengths 4th of 10, provides a more accurate gauge of his abilities. With a return to three miles, he stands a good chance in the handicap hurdle (4:00), especially if he gets a well-run race.

Maclaine's three starts over fences have been inconsistent, with a disappointing showing (attributed to bleeding) at Doncaster in his most recent outing. Nonetheless, his prior second-place finish, only a length behind Prairie Wolf at the same venue, holds promise. Prairie Wolf has since secured victories in his last two races, adding weight to the strength of that form. Maclaine's suitability for the extended distance of 2m 6 ½ f makes him a contender in the Get A Run For Your Money At BetVictor Handicap Chase (4:43).

Friday Selection:

Newbury

5:20 – Sporting Mike.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John