Monday 9th. The adrenalin is now running around the veins as I arrive at the station laden with my five days worth of clobber. I’m catching the 12-11 to Peterborough and then onto Birmingham New Street and then the final leg into Cheltenham Spa, where the fun begins. We have hired a three bed house just a 30 minutes stroll from the course. I am staying with Simon from Betfan and Stable Line Gold and Manchester Pete. I have already got most of my selections sorted for day one in my challenge with the Grumbling Don. I’m not too keen on day one as we have too many short priced favourites and you have to take a view whether your with them or not and I’m not. It’s a long four days so even if I have taken the incorrect view for tomorrow I have three more to make amends and trust me this year I’m going to be victorious.
A relatively quite first night out in Montpellier as we have a long hard week in front of us. The usual faces are in the wine bar and already the Irish are here in force as O’Neill’s is rammed. After a few beers we rock up in the Italian and have a pasta fix. Half way through the meal Simon does what is now his party trick and knocks his red wine all over us, great start Pete’s trousers look as if he has lady troubles.
We leave with all intentions of going back to the digs, but Subtone or the piano bar draws us in like a magnet and bang goes our quiet first night as we dance and sing both badly and don’t leave until 2 am.
Tuesday 10th. Although we had a late one I’m fresh as a daisy, the bet of the week is I won’t be saying the same come Thursday and Friday. Right let battle commence and may the best man win I say, I’m very confident of kicking his arse this year, my homework has gone very well and the better ground should keep the fluke results to a minimum. Saying that if the shorties do oblige I’m going to struggle today.
Below are all today’s battle selections
Cheltenham Battle 2015
DAY 1 – Tuesday 10th March
ANDY BELL SELECTIONS
1.30 – Qewy – 2.5pt Each Way – 16/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
2.05 – Vibrato Valtat – 2.5pt Each Way – 6/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
2.40 – Barrakilla – 2.5pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
3.20 – Faugheen – 2pt Win – 6/5 Stan James
3.20 – Faugheen & Jezki – 1.5pt Reverse Forecast (3pt Total Stake)
4.00 – Caroles Spirit – 2.5pt Each Way – 20/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
4.40 – The Job Is Right – 2.5pt Each Way – 10/1 William Hill (1/4 odds 3 places)
5.15 – Monkey Kingdom – 1pt Each Way – 40/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 5 places)
5.15 – Thomas Crapper – 1pt Each Way – 8/1 Betway (1/4 odds 4 places)
5.15 – Generous Ransom – 0.5pt Each Way – 10/1 Betfred (1/4 odds 4 places)
THE GAMBLING DON SELECTIONS
1.30 – Sizing John – 2.5pt Each Way – 40/1 Stan James (1/4 odds 3 places)
2.05 – Un De Sceaux – 5pt Win – 4/5 Coral
2.40 – Azure Fly – 2.5pt Each Way – 33/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
3.20 – Faugheen – 5pt Win – 6/5 Stan James
4.00 – Annie Power – 5pt Win – 4/6 Betvictor
4.40 – The Job Is Right – 2.5pt Each Way – 10/1 William Hill (1/4 odds 3 places)
5.15 – Knock House – 2.5pt Each Way – 16/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 5 places)
I get off to an awful start as QEWY never picks his feet up and jumping two out it looks even worse as the Grumblings selection is just about leading.
DOUVAN wins easily to the joy of the acca holding Paddys and SIZING JOHN puts old Grumbling on the board with a place. Grumbling has gone with the shorties today and we do agree on the machine elect FAUGHEEN who bolts up landing the first three in all the accas with ANNIE to run.
How sad was it to see poor Annie Power hit the deck at the last I didn’t back her and I was totally gutted and it ruined what had been a brilliant day and how do them Greedy 1s ALWAYS manage to get out of jail, that fall saved them in the region of 80 million. You could just see them cheering as she hit the deck, absolutely gut wrenching.
Day one honours unfortunately went the Grumblings way as I made a small loss, after hitting a winner and three places and on the day he posted a nice profit. The main thing is the special got off to a winning start and hopefully the sign ups will continue coming in. My highlight of the day wasn’t surprisingly enough Simon Holding getting a round in it was actually FAUGHEEN, which could be absolutely anything as he lead home a 1,2,3 for Willie Mullins in the Champion Hurdle.
We all headed back to our digs to get out of the suits and into our civvies before we hit the town. Once again our first port of call is the wine bar which as usual is mobbed and the pretties are all glammed up and on duty behind the ramp. Pete has made it quite clear again that he must eat tonight, unfortunately I don’t mention it, but I have other plans and eating early is not part of them. We head up to the Queens and luckily my gorgeous red headed concierge is at the door and waves us past the long queue and even luckier in front of Pete and red wine spilling Simon she informs us that we are not eating in her poshy restaurant with me in my hoody, oi oi a right result Pete is gutted and we can now kick on with out any fear of food blocking the tubes.
After a few pints Pete has replaced the empty void with the black nectar and thankfully has forgotten all about eating, for now anyway. The poor Irish boys are happy with their days work but all seem in a very somber mood and it’s all about ifs and onlys with the main topic of conversation should Ruby of pulled her slightly coming to the last, personally I don’t think he did anything wrong she just came up out of his hands as she was tanking and so fresh and well. As for a few of the conspiracy theories I heard, well they were laughable and not worth any ink.
We walk down into town and can’t get into Bar 21 as it’s a private party, so we finish off in the wine bar, where we meet the Betfan tea boy Eddie and he is completely gone and very opinionated shall we say, I wonder if he is as gobby tomorrow, probably not lol.
Oh and the chap we were having a drink with, that was sitting in the corner next to his ex wife and sorting his wedding out to her best friend who was sat beside her, luckily didn’t clock this as they left, as when his ex wifey stood up and I nipped her arse and blamed him for old times sake, I wonder where that lead to at the end of a nights drinking heheheh.
A 2am trusty Kebab came to good old Pete’s rescue and apparently mine later, although I can’t confirm or deny.
Wednesday 11th. We got the special off to a winning start, well The Grumbling did anyway with a day 1 profit of 17 points so everybody are happy, Pete ate, Simon didn’t chuck any red wine around and I began a new career as a marriage guidance officer.
Today I think I have a right good hand to play and WILL make inroads in the Grumblings lead.
Cheltenham Battle 2015
DAY 2 – Wednesday 11th March
ANDY BELL SELECTIONS
1.30 – Vyta Du Roc – 2.5pt Each Way – 7/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
2.05 – Don Poli – 5pt Win – 7/4 Bet365
2.40 – Goodwood Mirage – 1pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.40 – Aux Ptits Soins – 1.5pt Each Way – 10/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
3.20 – Dodging Bullets – 2.5pt Each Way – 5/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
4.00 – Duke Of Lucca – 2.5pt Each Way – 6/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4-40 – Arabian Revolution – 2.5pt Each Way – 10/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 4 places)
5.15 – General Principle – 1pt Each Way – 16/1 Ladbrokes (1/4 odds 4 places)
5.15 – Supasundae – 1.5pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
THE GAMBLING DON SELECTIONS
1.30 – Nichols Canyon – 5pt Win – 9/2 Bet365
2.05 – Don Poli – 5pt Win – 7/4 Bet365
2.40 – Hisaabaat – 2.5pt Each Way – 25/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
3.20 – Sire De Grugy – 5pt Win – 4/1 SkyBet
4.00 – Sire Collonges – 5pt Win – 15/2 BetVictor
4.40 – Hostile Fire – 5pt Win – 11/1 Coral
5.15 – Supasundae – 2.5pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
After just missing out on a place in the first on the Henderson trained VYTA DU ROC who without the last fence mistake would of nearly won and defiantly placed things just got better and better. I then hit three winners on the bounce DON POLI 7/4, DODGING BULLETS 9/2 and finally AUX PTITS SOINS at 10/1 to smash the Don as I predicted earlier and take day two with consummate ease.
I think my highlight of the day, apart from crushing, what’s his name? was DON POLI, although all the way round I wasn’t ever confident until jumping the last as he is such a lazy runner, I wonder and we will never know what my nap of Cheltenham CONEYGREE would of done in the RSA against him if allowed to take his chance. We will get a better idea on Friday after the Gold Cup.
No civvies and hoodies tonight as we have a 9pm table booked in the Queens. For a change we start off in the town which is very busy although the atmosphere doesn’t seem quite so relaxed as the Montpellier end so Pete has us marching up towards Queens after a couple making sure there’s no stopping on the way ” just for one” and in oodles of time.
Although it’s only 8pm we are thankfully sat down which gives the digestive system time to recover for later. Although my steak looks tasty it’s nothing like I asked for, as I’m normally a pull the horns off and wipe it’s arse merchant and this had been semi cremated, Pete is so happy to be actually eating he readily agrees a swap. A bottle of white and non spillable red and we are on our way to have a look at how flimsy and revealing the attire is in the strip club. On the way one of the Irish lads appear we had previously met who’s a dead ringer for Keith Chegwin and amazingly still supporting his two day old Richi Rich scarf.
I must say there is no shortage of willing girls “to chat to” but I must say their attention span is only about two minutes unless they are dragging you towards the dimmer lights and curtains. When it comes to these sorts of stories unfortunately some thing’s that go on holiday have to stay on holiday, but I will just tickle your fancies strictly no names mentioned though but somebody thought she was in love with him and not the twentys lol, when asked for a dance the reply ” I’m happily married” was swiftly met with what the f##k are you in here for then and the next time I saw Richi Riches scarf it was covering an amble breast. Once again it was a lateish one, but plenty of time to sleep next week and as long as the winners keep coming we should avoid the murmurings.
Thursday 12th. After yesterday’s great win and with what I have been told today come tomorrow morning I WILL firmly be in the drivers seat.
Well as I can see my LATE CALL service is already there as they top the Betfan tree with over 60 points profit and over a 40% strike rate.
Cheltenham Battle 2015
DAY 3 – Thursday 12th March
ANDY BELL SELECTIONS
1.30 – Vautour – 4pt Win – 2/1 Bet365
1.30 – Ptit Zig – 1pt Win – 11/2 Bet365
2.05 – Edeymi – 2.5pt Each Way – 9/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.40 – Ma Filleule – 2.5pt Each Way – 11/2 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
3.20 – Whisper – 2.5pt Each Way – 9/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4.00 – Attaglance – 1pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
4.00 – Buywise – 1.5pt Each Way – 9/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
4.40 – The Package – 2.5pt Each Way – 10/1 SkyBet (1/4 odds 4 places)
THE GAMBLING DON SELECTIONS
1.30 – Vautour – 5pt Win – 2/1 Bet365
2.05 – Unique De Cotte – 2.5pt Each Way – 16/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.40 – Hidden Cyclone – 5pt Win – 11/1 Bet365
3.20 – Saphir Du Rheu – 5pt Win – 13/2 Bet365
4.00 – Monetaire – 5pt Win – 15/2 Bet365
4.40 – Masters Hill – 2.5pt Each Way – 16/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 4 places)
A great start to the day as I hit a maximum win in the JLT with VATOUR, so does the Grumbling Don and the style which he did it was breath taking, jumping for fun, never touching a fence and a great time, you have all just seen the King George winner on Boxing Day and a big contender for next years Gold Cup.
When Willie Mullins says that was sensational it’s time to listen and follow as he has a few good lead horses, I think don’t you lol.
I then have a good second with MA FILLEULE ew at 11/2, a place with BUYWISE ew at 9/1 and the icing was firmly put on the days cake when I advised a maximum bet ew on THE PACKAGE who bolted up in the last at 10/1. Oi oi totally stuck it up the Grumbling Don again giving me my second winning day.
Friday 13th. Bellie Boy did it again yesterday, crushed the Grumbling for the second day on the trot and personally I can’t see him recovering as I am now 31 1/2 points to the good to his 10, but whatever happens today what fantastic performances we have put up being over 40 points to the good coming into the final day.
I am determined although today looks an absolute nightmare and the hardest day of the week betting wise, I refuse to allow what happened last year and not go down without a huge fight.
Cheltenham Battle 2015
DAY 4 – Friday 13th March
ANDY BELL SELECTIONS
1.30 – Peace And Co – 5pt Win – 3/1 888Sport
2.05 – Waxies Dargle – 1pt Each Way – 20/1 SkyBet (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.05 – Quick Jack – 1.5pt Each Way – 7/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.40 – Out Sam – 2.5pt Each Way – 16/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 3 places)
3.20 – Silviniaco Conti – 2pt Each Way – 4/1 888Sport (1/4 odds 3 places)
3.20 – Holywell – 0.5pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4.00 – Current Event – 2pt Each Way – 11/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4.00 – Chosen Milan – 0.5pt Each Way – 40/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4.40 – Killultagh Vic – 1pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
4.40 – Roi Des Francs – 1pt Each Way – 9/2 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
4.40 – Full Shift – 0.5pt Each Way – 10/1 PaddyPower (1/4 odds 5 places)
5.15 – Astracad – 1pt Each Way – 28/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 4 places)
5.15 – Dresden – 1pt Each Way – 28/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 4 places)
5.15 – Bellenos – 0.5pt Each Way – 25/1 PaddyPower (1/4 odds 4 places)
THE GAMBLING DON SELECTIONS
1.30 – Beltor – 5pt Win – 8/1 Coral
2.05 – The Game Changer – 2.5pt Each Way – 10/1 BetVictor (1/4 odds 5 places)
2.40 – Blaklion – 2.5pt Each Way – 14/1 Coral (1/4 odds 5 places)
3.20 – Road To Riches – 2.5pt Each Way – 12/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 4 places)
4.00 – Paint The Clouds – 5pt Win – 5/1 888Sport
4.40 – Noble Endeavor – 2.5pt Each Way – 20/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
5.15 – Eastlake – 2.5pt Each Way – 14/1 Bet365 (1/4 odds 5 places)
On arrival I can see it’s going to be a huge struggle and I don’t only mean getting winners, I was actually referring to getting to a bar, any bar and the little boys room.
A great start to Bellies day as PEACE AND CO starts where we finished off last night, winning and what a result for Nicky Henderson who saddled the 1,2,3.
It’s official, it’s horrible here today even after just enjoying the first winner it’s far to crowded with a record crowd of 75,000 and a whole stand, bars and toilets missing, I think the greed factor has taken over, let’s hope it doesn’t put too many people off for ever.
When QUICK JACK ew at 7/1 and HOLYWELL ew at 11/1 both get me a place it just about seals my third winning day and overall victory.
We have to move bars because of the crowds and the one we opt for only has the tote, during the change over Pete has lost track of the races and goes to the tote window with the intention of having £50 ew No 9 RIO DES FRANCES the Mullins 4/1 favourite, but has got his races wrong and has had his £50 ew on No 9 in the prior race the 50-1 shot FOLLOWING DREAMS, with the queues and crowds he leaves it and amazingly it looks like winning but comes second paying £18-10 x £50 he staked, a £900ish act of God.
Oh CONEYGREE what a brave, courageous and brilliant call the Bradstocks made its been 20 years since a novice has lifted the Gold Cup, make your own choices about the RSA chase and whatever it is all I can say is hats off to the Bradstocks and certainly as they were 110% right and not forgetting the great ride Nico gave him.
If we thought “it was all over, it certainly is now” as I kick the Don firmly in the proverbial’s with another winner this time at the advised 12/1 as KILLULTAGH VIC gets a super ride by young Luke Dempsey and wins on the line to seal the much sort after victory after his fluke last year winning one day to my three and than shouting about corners in his column from behind Penny.
With one race to go Bellie boy can’t be caught and is rightly crowned the Cotswold king, on what looked a very difficult day on paper I’m going into the last race 15 1/2 points up on the day and over 30 on the week.
I didn’t trouble the scorers in the last with my big priced selections and finish day four with a 10 1/2 points profit and added to my other two winning days I have made a total festival profit of 42 points and Grumpy Don sneaked a small four day profit of 11.25 points profit making us and all the special clients over 53 points, so backing all our selections for a scuffy score (£20) that’s over a grand for opening an email not bad and I’m very proud of both our achievements.
I think the post in Saturday’s Racing Post sums up how fantastic our achievements were as many say the worlds No 1 tipster Pricewise made a festival profit of 13 points and that’s not having to tip in every race as we do, compared to our 53. Maybe I will swap the Don for the Tom next time lol lol….
Let’s see if the Grumblings loyal follower Penny wants to know how many corners I got in this match heheheh the only corner in this match was where your old man was firmly put “love.”
It’s our final night and I am running purely on adrenalin as I am both mentally and physically knackered. I know it’s a wonderful job when things go well and all the fun and nightlife, but gosh it’s very tiring, especially having to tip EVERY race in the hardest racing of the year, as you’re never out of the limelight and the pressure is ALWAYS firmly on.
To be honest I wouldn’t mind a night in and just a chill, but that’s as likely as the Don was beating me this week. Whatever happens it’s not going to be a mad one as I have a five hour journey home tomorrow, tipping to do as I still have two services with clients wanting winners and finish this column off.
As I promised not a mad one a Chinese, a celebratory bottle of bubbles or two and my decision to call it a day by midnight was helped by so many people being out and out being the operative word as most were out off it, I know I’ve got no room to talk, it’s just very difficult when you’re ten levels on the sober stakes below most.
I’m on the 8-12 out of here an hour earlier than anticipated and back to reality and a detox. I hope everybody who joined the special enjoyed it and once again thank you.
“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
Andy Bell
http://go.betfan.com/1000/258
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