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◢ Episode 1 of "Festival Focus," recorded February 6, 2025, launches with host Ben Linfoot and the crew ~ Martin Dixon, Dave Massey, and Matt Brocklebank ~ igniting the Cheltenham Festival hype. They dive into the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, unpacking its stars and tactical angles, then roll into “On the Radar” and “From the Pot” bets. The vibe’s electric with form chatter and trackside scoops, all tied to the 2025 festival buzz over five episodes.

◢ The Gold Cup talk starts with Martin hailing Willie Mullins Galopin Des Champs ~ a 2/5fav after a slick Irish Gold Cup win at the DRF. He’s the festival’s headline act, a National Hunt superstar with three seasons of dominance, and Martin’s betting on a repeat. With only 15 entries ~ down from past fields of 11-16 ~ and a few Ryanair bound, it’s shaping as a 7 ~ 9 runner race, perfect for the champ. Dave agrees ~ smaller field, fewer to pass, and a frontrunning ride looks nailed on after last year’s versatility show.

◢ Matt’s tasked with poking holes in Galopin Des Champs ~ tough gig. His 60-fence Cheltenham record has one slip (Turners fall), and Leopardstown showed sharper jumping. At 1-2, he might lose 25-30 of 100 runs ~ saddle slip, off-day, or extremes like heavy ground (enter Corbetts Cross) or fast ground (cue Banbridge). Martin eyes Banbridge ~ Joseph O’Brien’s King George star ~ as the top rival, unproven at 3m2f but classy. Ground’s his worry ~ soft sank him in last year’s Ryanair ~ making him an on-the-day bet, not anti-post. Dave’s lukewarm on Fact To File ~ a DRF third, not the 10lb leap expected, maybe peaking late.

◢ Matt flags Emmet Mullins’ Corbetts Cross ~ 12/1 after a heavy-ground National Hunt Chase rout last year. A Red Mills Chase prep could sharpen him, but he’s a rain-dependent day-of bet. Martin pitches Henry de Bromhead’s Montys Star ~ 16/1 anti-post ~ a Leopardstown career-best (159 rating), versatile on ground, and primed for a low 160s place run. British hopes falter ~ Matt sees Grey Dawning Ryanair-bound and L’Homme Presse ~ Venetia Williams’ Cotswold Chase winner ~ lacking the upward curve to challenge, despite Dave’s soft spot for his late rally.

◢ Memories flow ~ Martin relives 2011’s Long Run ~ Nicky Henderson’s first Gold Cup, a 6yo upsetting Imperial Commander, Kauto Star, and Denman in a thriller. Dave’s on 2018’s Native River ~ a front-running, oldschool chaser at 66/1 earlier that season, pinging fences to glory. Matt recalls Best Mate’s 2002-04 hat-trick ~ Henrietta Knight’s tale from a Barrow pub ~ and Denman’s 2008 Kauto Star (vid) rout, funded by a wing mirror dodge. Ben ties it to Galopin Des Champs chasing a rare third win, maybe Mullins best ever.

◢ “On the Radar” kicks off with Dave at Sandown ~ Handstands impressed, but Tea For Free caught his eye, needing a trip step-up for a future festival tilt. Martin’s DRF takeaway is British Triumph Hurdle dominance ~ Ethical Diamond should lead over Mullins’ Stormheart, while Willie The Whoo (mid-130s mark) suits the Fred Winter’s chaos. Matt’s got Carafon ~ a double-green qualifier for the Martin Pipe or County ~ plus Fugitive (Festival Plate, 148 mark) and Ginnys Destiny (Ultima, 33/1 NRNB), both dipping into handicap range with class to burn.

◢ Bets Mentioned: “From the Pot” starts with 20 mythical points. Martin pushes 1 point win on Willie The Whoo ~ 8-1 for the Fred Winter, a Mullins sleeper set to halve on the day ~ and the crew’s in. Dave adds a half-point each-way on JPR One ~ 50-1 NRNB for the Champion Chase, a robust Exeter star eyeing the Game Spirit ~ banking on a small-field cut-up. Matt holds off on Ginnys Destiny, awaiting stable vibes. That’s 2 points down, 18 in the pot, four episodes to play.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 1000
◢ Trainer Hyperlinks (6)

• Willie Mullins (official site)
• Joseph O’Brien (official site)
• Emmet Mullins (insta)
• Henry de Bromhead (official site)
• Venetia Williams (official site)
• Nicky Henderson (bio page)

Mentioned Video◢

• Denman’s 2008 Gold Cup Win)

#podcast runtime▼
◢ 45m:22s
#podcast author▼
◢ Sporting Life Podcasts

◢ Episode 2 of "Festival Focus," recorded February 13, 2025, drops with host Ben Linfoot and the crew ~ Martin Dixon, Dave Massey, and Matt Brocklebank ~ stoking the Cheltenham Festival fire after last week’s Gold Cup chitter~chatter. They dive into the Unibet Champion Hurdle, unpacking its stars and pace~setting quirks, then roll into “On the Radar” and “From the Pot” bets. The vibe’s sharp and business~like with form debates and trackside nuggets, all pegged to the 2025 festival buzz.

◢ The Champion Hurdle kicks off with Martin hyping Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill ~ odds-on fave, unbeaten, a fan magnet gutted by last year’s no-show. He’s impressed by two comfy wins this season, especially the Trials Meeting bridle job, but wonders if the old magic is still there. Dave’s seen him twice ~ no paddock dazzler, but perky post race at Cheltenham, outshining a tired Lossiemouth. He can’t see her reversing form. Martin adds only 10 entries ~ a slim field ~ but a big four (Constitution Hill, Lossiemouth, State Man, Brighterdaysahead) could make it a banger.

◢ Matt calls it a tricky anti-post puzzle ~ Constitution Hill’s rivals are iffy attendees. He digs Brighterdaysahead’s Leopardstown Christmas blitz but questions if it’s repeatable ~ her Morgiana near-miss off Willie Mullins State Man feels truer, and Gordon Elliott sees her as a grinder needing more trip. Martin bets she’ll dodge for the Mares Hurdle if Constitution Hill and State Man show, leaving a 6/7 runner race ~ two places on the day, not three anti-post. Dave eyes Burdett Road ~ a step-forward Christmas Hurdle run, 9 lengths off Constitution Hill but eased after clattering the last, a Cheltenham-proven each-way play at big odds.

◢ Martin pitches Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace ~ 50/1 without NRNB, 40/1 with ~ for the Champion Hurdle. She’s set for the Kingwell, where a win could slash her price, and her Cheltenham defeat of Brighterdaysahead last year shines. Scott’s yard is waking up, and she’s peaking for a fast 2m test. Matt’s lukewarm on State Man ~ ultra-solid (13-14 since the County Hurdle), but a Leopardstown flop and an 8yo frame can’t topple Constitution Hill. Dave’s on Burdett Road EW, Martin’s got Golden Ace NRNB as a backup ~ both play the small field maths.

◢ Ben frets the Champion Hurdle’s fading crown-jewel status ~ Gold Cup’s ace, Ryanair’s deep, Chase thrills, but this feels thin. Martin agrees ~ 7 runners two years ago, 8 last year, a 20-year field size drop tied to flat horses shipping abroad, leaving two milers sparse. Dave’s memory bank hits See You Then and Katchit ~ multiple winners, ex-flat grit, a contrast to today’s staying novices like Filey Demand. Matt sees no fix soon ~ Romeo Coolio and The New Lion might chase, Triumph types stretch out. They hope the big four clash saves it.

◢ “On the Radar” starts with Ben on the Arkle post-Sir Gino’s exit ~ Majborough’s odds/on but shaky over fences. He flags Gavin Cromwell’s Only By Night ~ a 12-1 Exeter winner, Mares Chase option but Arkle bound on soft ground. Matt’s on Jango Baie ~ Henderson’s sub for Sir Gino, a classy Silviniaco Conti runner, and Loadsa Sued ~ a Warwick sharpener, jumping ace but maybe not elite. Martin adds Springwell Bay ~ 25-1 NRNB, a strong traveler for a fast Arkle. Dave and Martin unite on No Ordinary Joe ~ a paddock-unfit Warwick fourth, primed for the Martin Pipe at 16-1. Matt’s got Intense Approach ~ 33-1 NRNB for the Albert Bartlett, a McConnell gem with Cobden/Bowen upside. Ben’s watching Minella Sixo ~ 8-1 for the Pertemps if Haydock qualifies him.

◢ Bets Mentioned: “From the Pot” lands two with 14 points left. Dave pushes 2 points win on No Ordinary Joe ~ 16-1 for the Martin Pipe, a Henderson slow-burner ready to peak ~ and the crew’s in. Martin adds a 1/2 point EW on Golden Ace ~ 40-1 NRNB for the Champion Hurdle, a three-place anti-post steal. Matt holds off on Intense Approach, eyeing jockey news. That’s 3 points down, so after Episodes 1 & 2, 14 left in the pot, with still three episodes to go.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 1002
◢ Trainer Hyperlinks (5)

• Nicky Henderson (Wikipedia)
• Willie Mullins (official site)
• Gordon Elliott (official site)
• Jeremy Scott (official site)
• Gavin Cromwell (Twitter)
• Martin Pipe (website)

#podcast runtime▼
◢ 38m:22s
#podcast author▼
◢ Sporting Life Podcasts

◢ Episode 3 of "Festival Focus," recorded February 20, 2025, lands with host Ben Linfoot and the crew ~ Martin Dixon, Dave Massey, and Matt Brocklebank ~ hyping the Cheltenham Festival vibe, as if it needs it already?. They look into the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, unpacking its big names and pace~setting angles, then shift gears to “On the Radar” and “From the Pot” bets. The waffle is alive with form debates and paddock tales, all tied to the 2025 festival buzz.

◢ The Champion Chase opens with Ben probing how solid Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon is as the odds-on fave. Martin’s all-in, praising Jonbon’s rock~steady record ~ just two losses over fences, multiple Grade 1s, and wins over this year’s key rivals. He shrugs off past defeats (Constitution Hill, narrow ones) and loves the horse’s ground versatility and tactical flex ~ front-running or stalking, no sweat. Dave doubles down, noting Jonbon’s all grown up this season ~ calmer at Sandown’s Tingle Creek, a lamb in the parade ring, not the edgy novice of old.

◢ Matt’s seen Jonbon up close at Henderson’s yard ~ still a savage at home, but that’s a plus. He reels off stats: 14 chase starts, 12 wins, 9 Grade 1s, a 177 Timeform rating ~ tougher than Duvan’s haul. Ben plays devil’s advocate ~ Jonbon’s 1-for-4 at Cheltenham, absent last year, best runs elsewhere ~ but Martin bats it back: that Arkle loss was off-form, and the 2022 Clarence House beatdown of Edwardstone was top~tier. Matt agrees Jonbon’s solid but hesitates at odds-on, eyeing threats like an on-song Energumene at 11 or a resurgent El Fabiolo on soft ground.

◢ Dave pivots to Willie Mullins’ squad, picking Gaelic Warrior over El Fabiolo ~ the latter’s too mistake-prone, while the former needs a lead to jump clean. He’s lukewarm, though, betting bigger dangers lurk. Martin spotlights Solness, a two-time Grade 1 winner this season, thriving at Leopardstown with pace~setting swagger ~ but he doubts it’ll translate to Cheltenham’s chaos. Matt’s hot on Noel George’s Il Est Francais ~ that King George romp screams class, and its speed could shake two-milers if it skips the Ryanair. Dave’s not sold ~ three miles at Kempton’s one thing, but this trip’s a gamble; he’d rather see it in the Ryanair.

◢ Memories hit next. Martin relives Sprinter Sacre’s 2016 comeback ~ a 10yo defying the odds post injury. Dave spins a yarn about 2004’s Azertyuiop ~ a 33/1 shot swinging on the bridle before fading ~ pure nostalgia, no happy ending. Matt’s dad lost it for Moscow Flyer’s 2005 win, but he crowns Master Minded’s 2008 rout ~ a 5-year-old masterpiece with Ruby Walsh glued on ~ as the gold standard. Ben wraps it: Jonbon’s the fave, but wait for value ~ 6-4 or 13-8 if Il Est Francais or Marine Nationale (8-1, Barry Connell’s hope) shift the market.

◢ “On the Radar” kicks off with Martin flagging Evan Williams’ Minella Missile for the Pertemps ~ a Grade 2 novice winner, back from 15 months off, eyeing Saturday’s Chepstow qualifier. Dave’s at Haydock, liking Give It To Me OJ (juvenile hurdle, good-ground lover) and Mark Walford’s green-but-gifted Battleborn Lad for Aintree, not Cheltenham. Matt’s on Joseph O’Brien’s Galliere Dame ~ flat-classy, Triumph or Mares’ bound ~ and Gary Moore’s Handsad, a County Hurdle sleeper at 25's after a Wincanton spin. He adds French flavor: David Cottin’s Iceo Madrik (Cross Country, 16-1 NRNB) and Jet Blue (Albert Bartlett), plus Gold Tweet for the Ultima or Stayers’. Ben’s got Gordon Elliott’s Cala Conti ~ 145-rated, Martin Pipe or Coral Cup vibes.

◢ Bets Mentioned: “From the Pot” lands two bets with 12 points left. Ben pushes Corbetts Cross for the Gold Cup ~ 16-1 each-way X 1pt, stamina-proven, sharpened up at 2m5f ~ and the crew rows in, loving its soft-ground upside. Matt’s on Iceo Madrik ~ 16-1 EW (NRNB) X 1pt ~ a French rejuvenator for the Cross Country, banking on a ratings tweak post-Ottoi. Martin’s holding off on Minella Missile, and Dave’s Doddiethegreat (Pertemps) gets a Henderson dampener. That’s 4 points down, 8 in the pot, with two episodes to go.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 998
◢ Trainer & Pundit Hyperlinks (4)

• Noel George (insta)
• Nicky Henderson (wiki)
• Martin Pipe (website)
• Ruby Walsh (twitter)

#podcast runtime▼
◢ 41m:14s
#podcast author▼
◢ Sporting Life Podcasts

◢ Episode 4 of "Festival Focus," recorded February 27, 2025, sees host Ben Linfoot and the usual crew ~ Martin Dixon, Dave Massey, and Matt Brocklebank ~ ramp up Cheltenham excitement, just weeks from the festival. They zero in on Thursday’s big races ~ the Ryanair Chase and Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle ~ before tossing out bets for the “From the Pot” portfolio. They are still excitedly enamoured by the upcoming Cheltenham racing, bringing up pace~setting debates and old~school angles aplenty, all while sifting through the handicap weights released midweek.

◢ The Ryanair Chase kicks off with Ben noting its grown up from a lesser cousin to a Thursday thriller. Matt cites past winners like Un de Sceaux and Imperial Commander, arguing this year’s lineup ~ led by Fact To File (Willie Mullins) ~ could be epic if the big guns show. Dave loves the intermediate trips anti~post value but frets over a small field, pinning hopes on Noel George’s Il Est Francais for pace. Martin eyes Fact To File as a beatable jolly at short odds, favouring Dan Skelton’s Protectorat ~ last year’s champ ~ at 7's, especially if rain softens the ground.

◢ Protectorat gets Matt’s nod too, with Skelton claiming he’s in career-best form post-Windsor. Dave weighs the Jaleo form line ~ beaten at Windsor but a Newbury winner with restraint ~ making him a sneaky 20-1 shot if pace suits. Martin doubles down on Envoi Allen (Henry de Bromhead) at 25/1, citing his festival pedigree (2020 bumper, 2023 Ryanair), while Matt pitches Jungle Boogie, an 11yo de Bromhead dark horse at double figures, whose Gold Cup cruise screams left~handed potential. Dave’s wildcard? Springwell Bay (Jonjo O’Neill), a C&D winner needing a leap of faith, but intriguing at big odds.

◢ The Stayers Hurdle pivots to Teahupoo (Gordon Elliott), evens fav after last year’s win. Martin’s against, citing a soft 2024 field and a messy Fairyhouse loss, predicting a bigger, faster race this time. Matt agrees Teahupoo shines on soft ground but sees rogues like Bob Olinger and Langer Dan muddying the waters. He fancies Mystical Power (Mullins) as a 25/1 shortener and The Wallpark (Elliott) at 12's for his handicap heroics ~ Ascot’s late surge screaming stamina. Dave’s torn: Teahupoo’s fresh prep is smart, but he’d rather wait for each-way value like Gowel Road (Nigel Twiston-Davies) or Lucky Place.

◢ Martin adds Hidden Valley Lake (de Bromhead) at 25/1, forgiving a Galmoy flop during a yard slump ~ his Ascot Long Walk run with The Wallpark hints at upside in a high-tempo Stayers’. Dave’s Langer Dan love gets a reality check: no 3m proof, likely Coral Cup-bound. Matt’s radar pings Gavin Cromwell’s Malina Girl at 142 for the Ultima ~ her Exeter runner-up spot signals form ~ and Lucky Lyreen, now Pertemps-qualified after Naas. Martin’s Traprain Law (Lucinda Russell) at 50/1 for the Grand Annual jumps out ~ slipping to 136, his Musselburgh third hints at a peak.

◢ Dave’s handicap digs unearth Mambo Number Five (Ben Pauling) for the Boodles at 128 ~ Kempton’s hood-aided calm a stark contrast to Cheltenham greenness. Unexpected Party (Skelton) at 136 for the Grand Annual gets a nod, 6lb better off versus last year’s conqueror. His old school gem? Happy Go Lucky (Mel Rowley), 33/1 for the Ultima ~ down 7lb from a 2021 second, engine intact post-Cheltenham return. Matt’s Carafon (Double Green) at 135 for the Martin Pipe and Ben’s Whistle Stop Tour (Russell) at 136 for the National Hunt Chase round out a speculative spree.

◢ Bets Mentioned: 1 point each-way on The Wallpark (12/1, NRNB) for the Stayers’ ~ Matt’s pick for its Pertemps option ~ and a half/point EW on Happy Go Lucky (33/1) for the Ultima, Dave’s wise-guy hope. Martin holds off on Traprain Law, eyeing next week’s clarity. The crew teases a free~for~all Episode 5, leaving 8 points in the pot.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 1008
◢ Trainer Hyperlinks (6)

• Dan Skelton (official site)
• Gordon Elliott (official site)
• Jonjo O’Neill (official site)
• Ben Pauling (official site)
• Noel George (𝕏 account)
• Gavin Cromwell (𝕏 account)

#podcast runtime▼
◢ 49m:02
#podcast author▼
◢ Sporting Life Podcasts

◢ The "Festival Focus" podcast, Episode 5, hosted by Ben Linfoot, wraps up its Cheltenham Festival mini-series with a preview of all four days at Prestbury Park, recorded on March 09, 2025 ~ just six days before the event. Joined by regulars Martin Dixon, Dave Massey, and Matt Brocklebank, the team dives into the best bets and headline predictions. The mood is schoolboy bouyant, with final confirmations rolling in and the ground likely good-to-soft (bookmakers at 1/6 odds), setting the stage for a thrilling festival, as it usually is if you like a jumps race. They tackle each day chronologically, blending expert picks with playful piss~taking.

◢ Day 1’s talking point is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, spotlighting Brighterdaysahead versus the Nicky Henderson juggernaut of a horse Constitution Hill. Martin hails the confirmed clash ~ Brighterdaysahead was taken out of the mares race that morning ~ as a blockbuster to revive last year’s lackluster renewal. Matt sees Constitution Hill as a solid bet at 4/5on, thriving off a strong gallop from pacemaker King of Kingsfield, while Dave predicts both could turn in on the bridle, making it a test of heart up the hill. State Man gets a nod but doubts linger about his form and Cheltenham prowess, leaving the big two to dominate headlines.

◢ Tuesday bets include Matt’s 33-1 pick Robbies Rock, trained by Gavin Cromwell, in the Ultima Handicap. Despite a poor Limerick run, his flat form and good ground win at Cork signal a possible upside. Martin fancies William Swagger in the same race if it dries out, while Melina Girl catches his eye for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at 20's, her Exeter run and Cheltenham experience marking her as a dark horse off a lenient mark.

◢ Day 2’s Turners Novices Chase asks if The New Line, trained by Dan Skelton, can break the Challow Hurdle stat (0-20 in this race). Dave loves his physical growth and slick jumping, predicting a win on ground similar to his Challow victory. Matt agrees but hopes Final Demand (Willie Mullins) joins the fray for a showdown, though market shifts favor The New Line. Headlines lean toward Johnbon, trained by Henderson, in the Queen Mother Champion Chase ~ Matt’s “Johnbon Jovial on the Spot” reflects his dominance, with Patrick Mullins eyeing French raider Youmaderic in the Cross Country as a subplot.

◢ Wednesday bets feature Dave’s 50/1 Grand Annual longshot Fringledyke, a summer jumper suited to good ground, and Matt’s Coral Cup pick Maxim, a Gordon Elliott horse with big-field handicap wins at DRF and Punchestown. Martin doubles down on Ballyburn (Willie Mullins) at 6/4 for the Baring Bingham Novice Hurdle, citing his class over Dancing City on drying ground as a headline lock.

◢ Day 3’s Ryanair Chase debates if Il Est Francais, trained by Noel George, can handle Cheltenham’s undulations after flat track Kempton heroics. Dave worries more about his burst blood vessels (twice in four starts) than the track, while Martin sees his jumping style fitting the goodish ground. Matt predicts a short-priced favorite at 7-2, possibly trading lower in-running. Jungle Boogie (Henry de Bromhead) at bigger odds tempts him as an each-way shot. Dave’s headline ~ “Tea for Three” if Teahupoo wins the Stayers’ Hurdle ~ sparks laughs, but Martin sees the Ryanair stealing the spotlight.

◢ Thursday bets include Matt’s 16-1 Jordans in the Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase, a Joseph O’Brien horse whose Limerick Grade 1 run suggests he’s well-treated off 148. Martin notes Johnnywho’s Kim Muir favoritism after Hasty’s National Hunt Chase switch, with Derek O’Connor potentially riding.

◢ Day 4’s Gold Cup centers on Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, chasing a third title. Matt sets a 5/2 over/under for Kopek De May in the Martin Pipe ~ panel consensus is over, citing handicap unpredictability despite his 3/1 hype. Dave pushes East India Dock, trained by James Owen, at 2/1 for the Triumph Hurdle, his slick hurdling a standout, while Martin backs Kargese (Mullins) at 141 for the County Hurdle, her juvenile form undervalued. Headlines predictably crown Galopin Des Champs, with Banbridge a threat if it stays dry.

◢ Bets Mentioned: Friday bets finalize with Dave’s half~point each~way on Angels Breath (3/1) in the Foxhunters, Matt sticking with 1pt Jordans, and Martin adding 1pt Melina Girl (Supreme) to the pot. Leftover points fuel an East India Dock and Ballyburn double X 1pt, wrapping the 5 podcast series with up a bang. The team signs off with gratitude, urging listeners to enjoy Cheltenham.

#synopsis details▼
◢ Word Count: 1007
◢ Trainer Hyperlinks (6)

• Willie Mullins (official site)
• Dan Skelton (official site)
• James Owen (official site)
• Nicky Henderson (𝕏 account)
• Gavin Cromwell (𝕏 account)
• Noel George (instagram account)

#podcast runtime▼
◢ 53m:59s
#podcast author▼
◢ Sporting Life Podcasts