HOLY cow!
Could Hoe Joly ‘smok’em’ in Saturday’s betting feature at Cheltenham and leave team Skelton looking at one another in disbelief?
He just could you know.
Rain has fallen at the home of jumps racing, and Hoe Joly Smoke’s stamina might prove crucial in one of the biggest handicap chases of them all, the Paddy Power Gold Cup live on ITV.
It’s a race I love to find the winner of, and it’s been a pleasure to wipe the smile off Paddy’s face in previous renewals.
Added to which this time around the race takes on an even more special meaning, being run in memory of the late, great Irish trainer Edward O’Grady.
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Back in the days when Attheraces showed Irish racing I became good pals with Edward, or Eddie as I called him.
Now no-one who didn’t want their head bitten off called O’Grady ‘Eddie’, but I liked to wind him up and he enjoyed the teasing.
He’d call me ‘Mattie’ in return. A class bloke.
In normal circumstances I’d presume Hoe Joly Smoke would lack both the class and speed to land a Paddy Power, but by Saturday afternoon the ground could be pretty testing and Dan Skelton’s runner will see it out strongly.
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He returned this season with a fine third in a big field handicap at this course over three miles and a furlong three weeks ago.
Having travelled well that day, he didn’t quite see the trip out, but it should have put him spot on for this.
The official handicapper liked the effort as he popped him up 2lb.
Harry Skelton has ditched my hope for stable companion Panic Attack.
But it might just be Harry who has the panic attack if my selection storms up the Cheltenham hill in front.
Kielan Woods takes the ride and I’m hoping Hoe Joly Smoke gives us a decent each-way run at long odds.
Naturally there are much more obvious selections in the race, headed by the most progressive Jagwar, who hosed up in the TrustATrader Plate at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
He won off 139 that day but must now score here after 247 days off the track from a mark of 148.
He’s some horse if he can do that.
Previous winner Il Ridoto will be fancied by many but I wonder if the ground will go against him.
He’s 1lb higher when landing the prize on good ground in 2024 and I could see his price drifting.
Sam Thomas is in excellent form and saddles Vincenzo, another in great form when last seen and second to Booster Bob in a Greatwood at Newbury.
He’s up another 3lb off a lay-off but will no doubt be tuned up.
As for Panic Attack, well she’s got plenty of talent and once ran in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper for David Pipe.
Over fences, though, she’s up 10lb from a Windsor success last term.
As for other races at Cheltenham, the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle is not on ITV but looks a belter.
Parchment is meant to be a machine for David Pipe, while Hallelujah U was rated 100+ on the Flat and was last seen behind Sam Hawkens in a big handicap at Goodwood in August.
If he can jump he’s fascinating for James Owen.
Lots of winners over hurdles already in a big field. Don’t miss it.
I’d expect the Skelton’s Be Aware to take all the beating in the Paddy Power Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase.
Be Aware was probably the best of these over hurdles and always promised to make a chaser.
My selection was a little frustrating over hurdles in the end, traveling well but not always delivering off the bridle.
He was favourite for both the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and a similar contest at Aintree but finished eighth in both events.
On chasing debut at Stratford he looked very useful and I suspect this drop back in trip is right up his street.
It’s just possible he’s been stretched out too far over hurdles and he will love coming off a strong gallop.
Taking him on is Burdett Road, having his first run over fences but a horse who in March chased home Golden Ace in an extraordinary finish to the Champion Hurdle.
He was 66-1 that day and will be much shorter here.
He’s looked brave in schooling sessions so best of luck to Sam Twiston-Davies!
A terrific day ahead. Fingers crossed Hoe Joly Smoke is on fire.
You hear me, Paddy?
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