The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 18 March 2011 /

Whilst green has very much been the colour up until now, we're hoping cerise is in vogue after the 16:40 today as Indian Daudaie lines up in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, and becomes the first ever Cheltenham Festival runner for the Timeform Betfair Racing Club.

After much discussion, Paul has convinced the team that young James Cowley deserves the ride, in spite of his lack of experience, and so he'll be taking off what could prove a valuable 8lb with his claim. Club spokesperson Kieran Packman said "We're chuffed to have our first Festival runner and the fact we get to try the horse up in trip is something to look forward to. In an ideal world, we'd want softer ground, but there are still some forecasts suggesting rain, so fingers crossed on that front."

A winner and Group 1-placed over hurdles in France prior to coming to the Timeform Betfair Racing Club, Indian Daudaie has run two solid races since joining Paul Nicholls, the first of which, when third (giving 3 lb) to Local Hero and Third Intention, could look significantly better after the opening Triumph Hurdle, where both horses feature in the top half of the betting.

A trip to Ireland followed, and whilst Indian Daudaie didn't match his Cheltenham performance at Punchestown, we believe that a lack of pace ultimately contributed to a somewhat disappointing fifth and we're looking forward to a much better effort today. Again, should Unaccompanied or Sailors Warn show up well in the Triumph, it would be a firm nod to the chances of our lad.

But what chance does he have?....

Well, Indian Daudaie is [26.0] on Betfair and, as likely ground conditions mean it's not quite the scenario we'd ideally pick for the horse, a finishing position in the first eight would represent a very commendable effort. Our confidence also has to be tempered by the fact that Paul is concerned that the trip to Ireland might just have taken a bit out of him. However, he is only a couple of pounds behind the favourite on Timeform ratings and if the step up in trip suits him as we hope, you never know. It is Cheltenham after all.

The Timeform Betfair Racing Club is open to anyone to join.

Members' benefits include:

• Follow our runners from the paddock to the winners' enclosure! Entry to a ballot for owners' badges every time a club horse runs.
• Meet top trainers, jockeys and racing personalities at dedicated club events including stable tours.
• A special members' area of the website, with regular updates on all our horses, and details of Club news and events.
• Join fellow club members at specially arranged hospitality events. Events so far include Ascot, Cheltenham, Goodwood and Haydock.
• Quarterly members' newsletter.
• Free daily Timeform Race Card to download, usually for the main meeting.
• Free bet offers from Betfair
• SAVE 20% ON TIMEFORM Automatic discounts on every order placed through timeform.com/shop.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: