Cheltenham Festival Q&A featuring Ed Chamberlin and Warren Greatrex

🐦 #CheltenhamFestival Q&A: WE ARE NOW LIVE!

🏇 ITV Racing anchor @chamberlinsport is answering your questions right now!

📱 Keep the tweets and emails (𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠@𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.𝙘𝙤𝙢) coming and we'll ask as many as we can...

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Ed Chamberlin: Marcus, it's never ideal but Henderson horses in recent years have run well after similar scares - Altior himself, Binocular and Santini to name but three. https://t.co/LEaYYY2q8M

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Wednesday. It has the most exciting young horse in NH racing, a fascinating RSAm the best Champion Chase for years and a little horse called 🐯 #history https://t.co/ynD5P44e1m

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Copperhead in the RSA. https://t.co/SHkBhqtwpQ

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: The day we won a BAFTA for the show at Aintree but the golden hour from last year will take some beating. It ranks up there with Sergio Aguero's goal in my presenting career. https://t.co/33jQ4T1RRf

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: I wouldn't rule her out that quick. A decent mare getting seven pounds can be deadly in a Champion Hurdle #SLFESTIVAL https://t.co/IrL8C9E7W7

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Benie Des Dieux - with ease. I'm bullish on this one. https://t.co/NXDwtCqf1W

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Sell. He's also partial to the odd lager 😉 https://t.co/GYwx9Vdi76

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: It will be interesting to see how Imperial Aura goes in the Northern Trust first. Has a big chance. I'd love the Brooks family to have a winner this week. #slfestival https://t.co/8ChYXTWhPM

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: With zero confidence....Altior but I really don't know. It's a race to watch and savour (on ITV!) https://t.co/9y8pB0LRVP

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Paul Townend is a certainty. Thoughts on trainer less strong but it will be one of the usual suspects https://t.co/tV9mElVLsc

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Champ in the RSA as Copperhead is my nap of the week. Sir Anthony and Archie McCoy won't be speaking to me https://t.co/ueUxPzMVe5

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Luke Harvey https://t.co/L58TxSuXJH

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: I see think binoculars to see the Tiger https://t.co/dK0chi2t7p

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: I'd go with the old rogue L'Ami Serge to pick up the pieces when others have cried enough https://t.co/aNe48iVOAp

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Mick Fitzgerald is bullish about A Plus Tard and I'm rowing in with him. I've never known Mick be so bullish about one. https://t.co/W1oHYIyLzk

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: That's hard. Lostintranslation https://t.co/3WGx0FdmDp

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Pat Kelly! https://t.co/WJibghg5eE

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: It has to be Tiger Roll https://t.co/txyhsKqrc0

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: The worry is Kim Bailey hasn't had a winner at Cheltenham since Darna in 2015. I like Hold The Note in there https://t.co/64SJm915zO

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Festival form. https://t.co/y9z4dGSR2I

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

EC: Copperhead in the RSA - it remains that way. I'm signing out and handover to @olibellracing - have a great Festival and hope you enjoy the coverage on @SportingLife and @itvracing https://t.co/CbQYov3ahf

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

🐦 #CheltenhamFestival Q&A: OLI BELL!

🏇 ITV Racing's @olibellracing is now LIVE answering your questions right now!

📱 Keep the tweets and emails (𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠@𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.𝙘𝙤𝙢) coming and we'll ask as many as we can...

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Oli Bell: I think it's a wide-open race, he's got Festival form and I never thought I'd be tipping him for the Champion Hurdle this year! But that highlights the open nature of the race. https://t.co/k84ZKr2AKN

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: I couldn't no but AP McCoy was confident when I asked him about Champ the other day. https://t.co/qgy3wcPj0i

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: He looks very good but you can say the same about five or six in the race. I like Edwardstone at a price and I wouldn't rule out Allart who looks to have a massive engine. Thanks to Oli Starr for the question. https://t.co/NYWD4QHLge

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: Again I'm not convinced but Paul Nicholls made a strong case for him staying in the video I did with him before Cheltenham https://t.co/U6OpFxLKN2

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Here is that very chat with the champion trainer pic.twitter.com/sqleI5eVSt

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: A lot will depend on Altior and whether he lines up but Chacun is fairly versatile for all in an ideal world Paul Townend would like to have him fairly prominent. There doesn't look to be any obvious pace. And he wins. https://t.co/wJYOQ3cHe7

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: As great friends of @sportinglife I'll be cheering them one equally...but Daryl! I hope they both get on the board this week but I spoke with DJ last week and Sant D'Oroux has a live chance and he's bullish over Bristol De Mai https://t.co/OntDYkol6F

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: I saw a video of Vinndication schooling and working last week and he looked in terrific form. https://t.co/zLDnnVhezQ

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Here is my interview with Kim about his Festival team this year pic.twitter.com/YQJZhfwoSB

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: I'm all in on Appreciate It in the bumper for now - he remains my biggest cheer of the week https://t.co/slbMzMyGK0

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: Cheltenham! A lot will depend on what No So Sleepy does at the start. They don't want to give him too much rope because he might not come back. Chase too close and you might put pay to your own charges. I like Ballyandy as he stays further than 2m https://t.co/bqpTZIgW53

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: He's got a big chance. He has bags of talent and connections won it a couple of years ago. #slfestival https://t.co/vkzufrfmWJ

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: I don't think he's the most likely winner. With Santini moreso than the others at the top of the market he has to be near perfect. If he hits a couple of fences the race might get away from him. He's in with a big chance but needs his A Game. https://t.co/pXvGiksPdY

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: I agree with what your saying John Slade-Baker but he fell in the race last year. His win at Aintree was scintillating though and while there are more obvious ones that Kemboy - it wouldn't be a huge shock if he won it. https://t.co/8J1QCUQzgd

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

OB: Rachael Blackmore who I think will be top jockey. Right that's my stint finished - over to @wgreatrexracing https://t.co/M3wvgUuGDU

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

🐦 #CheltenhamFestival Q&A: Warren Greatrex!

🏇 It's over to top trainer @wgreatrexracing who is now LIVE answering your Festival questions!

📱 Do keep the tweets and emails (𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠@𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.𝙘𝙤𝙢) coming and we'll ask as many as we can!

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Warren Greatrex: I did. And the Gold Cup actually. But I just thought it would be much more favourable trying her in the handicap. She runs in the Plate and she's schooled well. https://t.co/cwx7YRjCjK

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: Not really the pressure to beat him. But very excited to be in the position to give it a shot. He's in extremely good form. #SLFESTIVAL https://t.co/GnBSIyvbC4

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: Two very different types of horse. Cole was a front runner who gave you everything all the time. This lad would be a different character, but possibly with a bit more natural ability. He will be taking his time in the race. https://t.co/R7VpyM9UeD

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: It doesn't look like it the way he's been winning. I suppose the flat spot that he hits is his small weakness, but it doesn't seem to be that weak. He's going to be hard to beat. https://t.co/TIE4XKvCVk

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: Benie Des Dieux. She looks outstanding. I would be pretty sure they'll get it right with her. Willie has always stated this would be her main aim. https://t.co/44R2t4wiW3

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: It's hard to know without knowing the exact extent of the setback. But if he were mine it would be a slight worry. But it's not unheard of, and Nicky is the master and I'm sure he'll make the right call as what's best for the horse. https://t.co/Ypr18P0HhV

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: He has unique character. On his day he's very good, I'm sure I've got him spot on for this as he's so fresh and well, as good as I've had him all season. And if that's the case he'll run a huge race. https://t.co/8wK0Gc5sOM

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: Yes very much in our minds, depending on how she comes out of Cheltenham, to go to Aintree as well. She seems in tip-top order at the moment and hopefully she can do both. https://t.co/FM8nDUXRZO

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: Hi Ben. A lot depends on the ground. If it is genuinely soft ground he'll run much better than he did at Newbury. He's been freshened up and his form with Ocean Wind and before that should put him in the same price bracket as him. And Cheltenham experience always helps. https://t.co/nNWPy2GhJa

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: He's going to have blinkers on for the first time and that's definitely sharpened him up at home. It should definitely help him travel better and therefore finish stronger. I've been very happy with him since Muss and this has been the plan for a while. https://t.co/mu4rKc2i5k

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: It would be between La Bague Au Roi and Bob Mahler but I'd say the latter because it's been the plan for a little while and he's won around the course and distance (in April) https://t.co/LNkPaiuuUk

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: The only thing I did hear was ADJALI in the County Hurdle for Nicky Henderson on Friday. https://t.co/LInJ4IGObg

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: I do think Fiddlerontheroof has a good chance. He's won a Grade 1 on very bad ground and when you hear Robbie Power really likes him you have to respect his chance with conditions to suit. https://t.co/iWcE0H5OgE

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: So Missed Approach had a slightly tougher season as he'd run in the Hennessy and Classic Chase as well as the Edinburgh National. But they're similar in that they both stay and need a bit of help concentration-wise. But they're very honest. https://t.co/fHwncJNCsV

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: It's probably between Silver Wedge - he won seven in a row as a juvenile and was second in the Triumph - and then I'd have to say Cole Harden as he was my first Grade 1 winner and my first Cheltenham winner. On second thoughts, Cole Harden would get the vote! https://t.co/5hL3hfKtUH

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: I think from outside it would be getting Best Mate to win three Gold Cup.
And I'd say Quevega. It's so hard to get them there in top form and six in a row is seriously impressive. Sometimes going there first time. https://t.co/aRd1hxNqWs

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: I think it's probably more the press making it into more of a thing. But obviiously being on home turf we really to well. But you want to beat everyone really! Everyone is hard to beat and we're all hard to beat. https://t.co/X1ds3T7Z7d

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

WG: I didn't expect my celebration to be like it was that day (Cole Harden) but if you have a Cheltenham Festival winner you just don't know.

😭 I'll try to be a bit cooler this time anyway! #nocrying @wgreatrexracing https://t.co/F8XTWczF1P

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

🐦 #CheltenhamFestival Q&A: Daryl Jacob!

🏇 The baton is handed over to jockey @Dazjacob10 who is now LIVE answering your Festival questions!

📱 Do keep the tweets and emails (𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠@𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.𝙘𝙤𝙢) coming...

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: Very hopeful he'll run a big race, Steve. We've put cheekpieces on him tomorrow and his run at Kempton last time was a vast improvement. He's on a nice mark, has course form and he seems really well in himself so think he'll run very well https://t.co/kZntLR2cbt

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: It will be tough. But I can say he schooled great this morning and he looks great, he's really come to himself. He hasn't been good enough to beat Altior yet, but he's never been far behind him. If he's a bit below-par we might have a chance https://t.co/fwzIXQfgZb

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: It wasn't easy I have to admit. All along Fusil has been our main Champion Hurdle horse but his form this year hasn't been what we hoped for. Call Me Lord is rated 160 and is wonderfully consistent, but I've gone with the potential of Fusil Raffles. #SLFESTIVAL https://t.co/gSfHPJmyRE

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: He is. He's not quite fast enough at the top level but stepping up to 2m4f looks a major positive for him. He's probably not the best handicapped horse in the race but I do think he'll improve at the distance - he should be in his comfort zone. https://t.co/ahZvQVfj3j

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: I can tell you Saint D'Oroux is a very nice horse who won well at Gowran last time. The English handicapper has given him a bit more but he's got plenty of experience from France, won't mind soft ground, is a good traveller and he stays. Great each-way chance. https://t.co/UgUEo5YMui

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: He runs in the Stayers' Hurdle. We just thought there's more prize-money to go for and carrying top weight in a tough handicap wouldn't suit him. Realistically he's not good enough to beat Paisley Park, he's a tricky ride, but hopefully he'll run well. https://t.co/4GBh81u5ux

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: Very much so. He worked well yesterday morning, he's got a lovely weight and I think he's back to his best. I'm looking forward to him. https://t.co/Id7yREAqMr

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: Good question, Stu. Either Benie Des Dieux in the Mares' Hurdle or A Plus Tard in the Ryanair. https://t.co/QXHUSiT0m1

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

DJ: I've got some interesting rides. I would say Concertista would be my best chance, though I'm looking forward to riding Adjali, Sceau Royal and Bristol De Mai as well. https://t.co/fWAyaCdTeL

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020

Thanks for all your input in our #CheltenhamFestival twitter takeover and thanks to @chamberlinsport @olibellracing @wgreatrexracing and @Dazjacob10 for taking part.

You can replay the whole thing here...https://t.co/0gxIyL9y9R

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 9, 2020