THE huge 125-1 odds for this former Gold Cup hero to make it two from two this year are worth a small punt.
Ruby Walsh backs Minella Indo for Cheltenham Festival
Heck, even Ruby Walsh is throwing his weight behind Minella Indo to win again at Cheltenham Festival two years after he claimed racing's most prestigious prize.
Minella Indo is classy enough to win a Gold Cup and can have a new lease of life over new fences and a new trip
Grand National in Minella Indo's sights
And I think the 11-year-old has what it takes to make a splash in the Grand National too, should connections decide to go for it.
Impressive performance at Cheltenham
Minella Indo was impressive on his first spin over the Cross Country fences at Cheltenham last month.
Giving 20lbs to winner Latenightpass, Minella Indo and Rachael Blackmore only just lost third on the run-in having been sent off 7-1 for the 3m5½f grueller over 30 fences.
Galvin, carrying 3lbs less than Minella Indo and runner-up in last year's Cross Country, was a further three-and-a-half lengths behind.
They'll all be off level weights in the Cross Country at the Festival, but Galvin doesn't have Minella Indo's class.
Minella Indo the one to side with at 5-1 odds
He won a Savills Chase but that race is a stepping stone to the Gold Cup and with Minella Indo likely to have improvement to come, there's only one to side with at their current odds of 5-1.
Gordon Elliott's other runners Delta Work (best price 4-1) and Conflated (7-2 fav) are clear chances.
But, like Walsh, I reckon this race is ripe for Henry de Bromhead's newcomer, especially with Conflated having the Irish Gold Cup up next.
De Bromhead hints at Grand National ambitions
De Bromhead suggested the Grand National could be on the agenda after Minella indo won a Punchestown Grade 3 last October.
To me, referencing a race six months out – even if he did only say it's 'something to discuss' – indicates it's in their heads.
Minella Indo's chances at Aintree
Minella Indo will likely get cut from his best-price 50s even if he doesn't win the Cross Country.
Slashing the Aintree race to 34 winners from 40 – one of many changes – means it will be restricted to a higher calibre of runners now.
There may not be such a huge gulf in weights and now at 157, Minella Indo is lower than previous winners Corach Rambler (159) and Noble Yeats (166).
I don't think never having raced at Aintree is a huge negative.
We know he can jump, is unexposed over the monster trip and the race has been in De Bromhead's mind for a while.
125-1 odds on Minella Indo to win both races
Sky are offering 125-1 on Minella Indo to win the Cross Country and Grand National.
Corach Rambler did the Cheltenham-Aintree double last year.
Alternatively, go for a safer bet
If Minella Indo does the business in March it will be a fun slip to have in your pocket for the second Saturday in April.
But if you don't feel so adventurous you can do Minella Indo to place in the Cross Country (3 places, Cheltenham Festival) & Aintree Grand National (4 places) in 2024 at 15-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ‘Classic’ in UK horseracing?
Classics refers to the five most prestigious races in UK thoroughbred racing. These are usually considered the best contests of three-year-old horses. The 2,000 Guineas is one of them. The other four are The Epsom Derby and The Epsom Oaks. Winning one of these Classics is a significant achievement for any racehorse, and attaining victory in all three of the races open to a specific gender (either the colts’ Triple Crown or the fillies’ Triple Crown) is a rare and historic accomplishment.
What is the significance and history of the jockey silks?
The jockeys’ silks consist of colorful and patterned clothes worn by the jockeys in a race. Each set is unique to its owner and allows both spectators as well as officials to easily identify each horse during the race. The owners often have a sentimental attachment to the design and it can include patterns, colors and emblems.
What is meant by the term “photo finish” in horse racing
Two or more horses crossing the finish line at the same time can result in a photo finish.’ This is because it’s difficult to see the winner. In these instances, race officials will use a camera at the finish line to capture images in high speed and review the exact moment that each horse’s nostril reaches the finish line. The photo-finish image allows officials to accurately determine the official order.
What does it mean to describe a horse as a “stayer” in racing terms
A’stayer horse’ excels when racing over long distances. These distances usually exceed one mile and four quarters. Stayers must possess not only speed but also endurance to maintain a strong pace over extended races. Renowned keepers often compete at long-distance races, such as the Ascot Gold Cup.
How do I learn how to read a racing card?
A racecard contains important information that is vital to understanding a particular race or the horses participating in it. A racecard typically lists details such as the horse’s name, age, weight carried, trainer, jockey, form figures representing past performance, and sometimes the colors of the silks worn by the jockey. This data will help you better understand the odds of each horse and make informed decisions when betting. As part of customer service, many racecourses and betting companies offer guides on how to read racecards.
What are some of the most prestigious events for horse racing in the UK.
The United Kingdom is home to several world-renowned horse racing events. The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious event, followed by the Grand National, Aintree’s Grand National, and Royal Ascot. These events are not only a showcase of the best equine talent, but they also have a rich history and tradition. They’ve become social occasions that include distinctive dress codes.
Statistics
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
- The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
- There are over 8,000 active racehorse owners in the UK, ranging from royals to common citizens.
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- British racing oversees around 1,500 fixtures annually across its 59 racecourses.
External Links
britishhorseracingmuseum.org.uk
tattersalls.com
betfair.com
thejockeyclub.co.uk
thejockeyclub.co.uk
ascot.com
How To
How to choose the right horse racing festival in the UK
It is up to you which UK horse racing event suits your tastes, be it the elegance of the flat races or the thrills of the jumps. Royal Ascot, with its royal connections and strict attire code, is ideal for those who enjoy pomp and showmanship. Cheltenham Festival combines high-stakes racing with a festive atmosphere. Find out about the festival’s history and traditions. Also, find out what other entertainment is available. Location, accessibility, and accommodations are all important factors to consider when planning your race day.
