Cheltenham Festival - Bryne Group Plate

Cheltenham Festival (Day 3, Race 5)

Byrne Group Plate (1.30)

Picks: Hollo Ladies & Edgebriar (each/way)

Tatenen: Seemingly revitalised for step up in trip and switch in yards when turning competitive handicap into a procession at Ascot two starts ago; Will like this better ground and shorter trip than when well beaten behind Quinz in the Racing Post Chase but passed over here.

Consigliere: Suited by give so disappointed that he flopped so badly in winnable race for horse of his ability (third in Grand Annual off this mark at last year’s festival); Could be given chance at best but that seems like he wants a shorter trip.

Crescent Island: Third in the Jewson two years ago; Reappeared in style with win but well beaten in Racing Post chase and doesn’t make a lot of appeal despite excuses.

Edgebriar: Did well to get as close as he did conceding so much weight to progressive Aquetta over 2 miles at Sandown last time out after not liking softer ground when well behind Tatenen at Ascot; This his target for some time and can go close here.

Hollo Ladies: Had a massive amount of potential for chasing, having won Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas last season; Hasn’t gotten close to translating that form over fences for the Murphy yard, failing to win twice before finally getting off the mark over fences but potential now handicapping and run last time best forgotten (softish ground over that trip may not have helped); One of main players.

Piraya: Although tricky to win with, has probably matched his last winning form twice in defeat this season already; Well beaten by Tatenen at Ascot and can’t be backed here to reverse form even at best trip.

Aigle D’or: lopped in major way over hurdles (favourite for 2008 Neptune) and beaten miles in this last year; Favourite for this off the back off an excellent win when first and only time seen this season at Newbury; Hefty hike in the weights and remains to be seen if he’s one to be trusted.

You’re The Top: Seemed to find 2 miles too short at Ascot last time but would hold claims on run behind Edgebriar, where he’s weighted to go close to his conqueror; Stable in form so not discounted and given chance.

Quarts De Thaix: Fact that stable has won two of last four running makes him an automatic contender here, and has impressed in winning his last two starts; This tougher but not an impossible gap to bridge, progressive and given every chance.

Mathui: Was in form of his life earlier this season, having beaten very useful five Dream by 9 lengths at Ascot before splitting split well-handicapped/unexposed types in a strongly run race at Newbury (winner favourite); This easier than December Gold Cup while he may have gone very close with more restraint at Newbury in very good contest last time; Chance at big odds.

Gansey: Yard won this with Mister McGoldrick three years ago and have been positive about this contender, having beaten hen beating subsequent winner Categorical over 2m4f at Newcastle last month; Ground might be against him and this harder but given plenty of respect nevertheless.

Call Me A Legend: Miles behind Edgebriar at Sandown (although trip may well have been too short for her); Impressive win two starts back but 9lbs higher anyway and best left alone.

Holmwood Legend: May well be able to beat Peplum again despite being 5lbs worse off with that rival (was ahead decisively); Fits many trends here as well, and no surprise to see him going well.

Peplum: Closely weighted with Holmwood Legend on Sandown Saturday race but may not be able to reverse form even though he’s 5lbs better off, the win was that clear cut; Reported to be well for this task but may not be up to it anyway.

Just Smudge: Trainer’s record in this demands respect for this contender but backpedalling when unseating last time and just not gone on since winning earlier in season; Unpredictable.  

Amigayle: Blew up on return having run well to three out and has to be well handicapped (not much strength in depth to this) being now 7lb lower than when creditable second over 3m at Ascot in October 2009; Well worth chance here.

Plein Pouvouir: Has twice since runaway success from a subsequent winner over 2m3f at Chepstow and not to be backed here having flopped at Newbury only twelve days ago.

Beautiful Sound: No obvious excuse for Paddy Power flop when as short as 5/1 on first run out of Hunter company, and although he’s won since, now 10lbs higher; Yard are flying and expected to cope well with conditions here but not unflawed, for all he has big chance.

Storymaker: Looks vulnerable and outclassed based on Bangor win in April.

Bible Lord: Not built on promise although closely matched with quite a few off Ludlow run last month; Ground finally to suit, although 4lbs higher in better race and needs everything to fall right for him.

I’m A Legend: Had superb season, competing a hat – trick with win over 2m at Wincanton before finding only Fistral Beach too good at same track; Two good runs at Ascot (slightly below par latest) are as good a form as any.

VERDICT: A below par running of the Bryne Group Plate. His trainer’s magic festival record gets HOLLO LAIDES a token each/way vote here. He might not have gotten home over three miles last time and may have a big run in him. At big odds, EDGEBRIAR may make a bold bid back on ground he wants at an ideal trip. Quarts De Thaix can’t really be faulted, but Aigle D’Or has only had the one run this season and looks very short, while Beautiful Sound has a lot to prove even at a weakish race for the grade.