The Parade Ring

@DavidJohnOrton @tony_calvin watched it this morning for the first time and thought it was excellent Dave, well done to all involved.

@tony_calvin that's coming next week I think TC as an FYI

Missed the start of the 9am-11am SSR betting show as was watching Super Rugby, but it looks decent today. Anyone know what betting topics they have discussed so far - did these barrier (and NH) trials get a run-out?

@lovestheraces My first reaction was the same. Paul seemed to know as soon as he crossed the line there was something wrong - so I think it’s fair to wonder exactly when he realised? Appreciate split second decisions are difficult but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with it.

@brodders_be Well done!

The Glen Rovers looks overpriced @ 33/1 in the 4.10 Newcastle. Could easily have been laid out for this after winning the trial and only 3lbs higher than that now

Cheltenham festival’s unusually narky vibe reflects the age dlvr.it/TRWCpX

🗣️ "It's devastating. He was a really special horse." Zoe Smalley, Travelling Head Girl from the @HenrydeBromhead team on the tragic passing of Envoi Allen ❤️

@CRacing7 @plusEVbacker In hindsight you could call it a poor ride but from memory that’s how he’s won the County before, isn’t it? Was frustrating to watch to be fair but no complaints when it works out

@plusEVbacker Has Paul not been watching tho? Hes dropped every single one out and I werent even on Karbau

Just back those prominent in the Albert Bartlett inplay every fucking front runner has won on the hurdle course

@gcunning12 It’s insane that British trainers STILL won’t come over to Punchestown to exploit this. Better still, come to the DRF, but then the Irish horses would have to be handicapped more fairly at Cheltenham

The BHA handicappers have given these Irish lads a right royal stuffing, you have to say.

Those closest to Envoi Allen pay tribute to their superstar horse Darragh O'Keeffe, jockey: "Everything was grand and I was happy out there. He pulled up A1 and everything like that, but when we were trotting back [after the race] he collapsed. He was unbelievable and a special horse. He won numerous races and it just happened so fast." Richard Thompson, Cheveley Park Stud: "We didn't see it but the vets okayed them all after the race and Darragh said he was pricking his ears after the race. He then went over as he was coming back onto the chute. He'd just retired but then in a minute or two he was gone. "He was such a lovely little horse and it wasn't the ending we wanted. He's been an incredible servant and just wonderful over the years. It's such a sad way to go."

In a parallel universe Cheltenham watered heavily for yesterday and the connections of Fact To File are bemoaning the fact that, having supplemented him for the Gold Cup at huge expense, he is being forced to attempt the trip for the first time in a wholly unnecessary bog.

@RichyShea Just trying to pressure them into watering tonight, isn't he? It's really dodgy to talk about this ground being unsafe. A spring festival being run on spring ground.

Can’t believe they’ve pulled Fact to File. It’s hardly dangerously firm is it. He’s not a mudlark.

Home By The Lee a deserving winner. Great to see these horses coming back year after year and eventually getting rewarded. Also a form boost for Staffordshire Knot in the Pertemps, beaten half a length by Home By The Lee in the Galmoy last time (in receipt of 8lb).

@brodders_be Agreed, I think the drift is an overreaction to Gordon's supposed form - they're not running particularly badly in general

Most unlike me but I've had to back Wodhooh at 1.95 on the Exchange. She should be too good for these and getting near enough even money feels like it's being given away

@lovestheraces Congrats, you’ve been talking up this for a long time iirc. Hope youve made it pay nicely

“You’re getting banned in the morning” rings around the household

A win for Carry On Heidi in the 13:00 at Limerick would be interesting with an eye to the first at Cheltenham - she was 9 lengths 3rd to Oldschool Outlaw (and Place De La Nation) at Fairyhouse last time. Tough ask at 22/1 but potentially informative nevertheless.

Lots of talk about Townend's selectivity in handicaps this week, but it's not at all unusual for him. Only took one handicap ride in 2023 and 2024, and is similarly selective (but not to the same extent) at other spring festivals. Handicap rides per festival for the last 5 years:

@joshtoole91 Agreed, and if he jumps like he did the last day he could be an awesome sight. Price probablly partially reflects how we're collectively scarred by the amount of upsets in this race in the past

I know people are trying to take him on, flaws in his jumping, messed the Arkle up last year, quick ground, awful record of favs in the race. But, Big Maj is a certainty isn’t he if he stands up ? I don’t think they’ll get near him actually. Demolition job incoming

@freddy6T6 Agreed but struggling to figure out how to capitalise on it. There are probably 6 in each race that I think are value. Could narrow it down further and have a bunch of cross doubles but how many is too many?!

Rare opportunity tomorrow, the overreaction to today has made the first two races insanely attractive

@RacefanRhodes Has to be an overreaction. My first instinct after the Supreme was to look to the English horses tomorrow but market has surely gone overboard now.

Obvs a reaction to English 1/2/3/4 in supreme the cuts to a few /all English runners in tomorrow’s Balllymore & whilst I’ve bashed Irish form just now lots of them were desperate for 2.5m & some big overreactions for tomorrow’s opener !

@RacingInsider__ Have only watched it back once but no obvious excuses for the fancied Irish ones? Will be interesting to see tomorrow how they stand up in the Turners. Thought going into the race they were a very strong bunch - don't want to jump to conclusions but maybe not a vintage crop.

Don't think that was a vintage Supreme by any means. Seemed to go pretty slow throughout, and none of them were flying up the hill.

@CecilHR_ @grok @quarterfirst4 Reassuring to see they won’t be taking over the world for another while!

@grok @quarterfirst4 incorrect. it is an e/w double bet.

Nearly a year to the day 😭