Rory Delargy's Festival Yankee: Friday

Festival Multiple / Rory Delargy / 19 March 2010 / Leave a comment

Reve De Sivola - beaten by Tell Massini in November and that horse can win the Albert Bartlett today

Cheltenham reaches fever pitch today as Kauto Star aims to give beleaguered punters something to cheer about in the Gold Cup, while Rory Delargy attempts to finally net that life changing yankee...

"Several millimetres of rain since yesterday's racing will hopefully mean there is enough ease in the ground for Tom George's hugely promising Tell Massini to take part and he looks hard to beat if lining up. He has been impressive in winning both his starts in graded novices here, beating Neptune runner-up Reve De Sivola on the first occasion."

13:30 Cheltenham - JCB Triumph Hurdle

Alaivan will be a warm order for the Irish but it's more than possible that he will be eclipsed once again by Carlito Brigante, who beat Edward O'Grady's runner easily at Leopardstown at Christrmas. While many have focused on the fact that Alaivan raced too freely that day and would be capable of much better, few have emphasised the fact that the Gigginstown House Stud runner won in hugely impressive style without coming off the bridle. Gordon Elliott's runner has since followed up at Musselburgh and, despite a minor concern about stamina, can land a slightly below par renewal.

14:05 Cheltenham - Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle

As usual, this is a hugely competitive renewal, although it's more than possible that Alan Jones's Secret Dancer has sneaked in off a decent mark. He ran a race full of promise when placed in the Sharp Novices' Hurdle at this course in November, when a slight error at the second last caused Christian Williams to lose an iron briefly. Secret Dancer ran on well to the line behind Loosen My Load that day and would have been even closer with the run of the race. He looks likely to be better suited by today's likely strong pace and the yard had a well backed winner at the weekend.

14:40 Cheltenham - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Several millimetres of rain since yesterday's racing will hopefully mean there is enough ease in the ground for Tom George's hugely promising Tell Massini to take part and he looks hard to beat if lining up. He has been impressive in winning both his starts in graded novices here, beating Neptune runner-up Reve De Sivola on the first occasion. He has the beating of the UK runners based on that form and the dangers appear to come from Ireland and plenty will row in with Enterprise Park. I'm concerned that Willie Mullins has kept Quel Esprit in the race which suggests he isn't that confident, while Shinrock Paddy doesn't look a stayer to me.

17:15 Cheltenham - Johnny Henderson Grand Annual

Safari Journey can become a rare entire winner at the Festival by taking the Grand Annual. He has been something of a revelation over fences of late, looking to have more guts and stamina for this job than looked likely to be the case. Rhys Flint rides for Philip Hobbs and ten stone five looks a decent racing weight. Nicky Henderson's You're The Top looks the main danger as he bids to give owner Michael Buckley a double at the meeting.

Tags: Betfair Multiples, Carlito Brigante, Cheltenham Yankee, Safari Journey, Secret Dancer., Tell Massini