The Masters Preview: Players to look out for at the year’s first Major

Josh Chandler (@therealjoosh on twitter)

It’s finally time! The Masters is back after a quicker turn-around then we would normally see. When Augusta National was last on our screens Dustin Johnson was well on his way to winning his first green jacket by one of the largest margins of victory in the last decade at the Masters. A player that is normally stoic when it comes to letting his emotions show on the golf course could not help but be moved to tears after winning the legendary tournament, this one just means more.

Even the most casual sports fan’s know what the Masters at iconic Augusta National is all about, simply put it’s the one they all want to win. The Masters is back in its traditional spot on the golfing calendar and the 2021 addition appears to be one of the most wide open Masters in a very long time, here are the names you need to keep an eye on as we get ready to make that trip down magnolia lane once again.

DUSTIN JOHNSON

The 2020 Masters winner rode his win into the early part of 2021 and continued to look like the man to beat at any tournament he added to his schedule. Johnson would follow up the win at Augusta National with an 11th at the tournament of champions in Hawaii before adding another win to his resume at the Saudi International and he was looking near unstoppable until his driving club abandoned him during the final round at the Genesis in February. Since that time DJ has made two more starts and struggled in both by his high standards, he was supposed to play last week in San Antonio but withdrew prior to the event. The American could easily sweep aside the field once again but for the first time in a while there are some questions surrounding the state of his game at the moment as he heads back to Georgia to defend last years title.

JUSTIN THOMAS

The PLAYERS champion will be heading back to Augusta National full of confidence after securing his first win at TPC Sawgrass just a couple of week’s ago. JT struggled with his game for a period of time earlier this year, but he seems to have found something in recent times, and when it clicked he won in spectacular fashion. One of the best ball-strikers in the World has improving results at the Masters in his last several visits with a 22nd, 17th, 12th, and 4th last year in his last four starts at the legendary event.

JON RAHM

There would have been some bit questions surrounding the Spaniard 24 hours ago as Rahm and his Wife where expecting the birth of their first child at any moment, but earlier Sunday there was another addition to the Rahm family with the birth of his child. Jon had made comments that he would withdraw from any tournament, even halfway through to be at the birth of his child (and so he should be!), but those concerns are obviously a thing of the past now. The concern with Rahm will be his mental state after a long week as well as where his game is at just now. After making equipment changes to start 2021 Jon has struggled with consistency at times and while he still has a bundle of top-ten finishes he has yet to win this year.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU

Bryson is one of the real wild-cards coming into the Masters in 2021 after he was considered among many the clear favorite to win at Augusta National last year. DeChambeau has an unspectacular history at the Masters so far in his career with his best finish being a 21st place finish back in 2016. The “scientist” comes into this week however in perhaps the best form of anyone in this field after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and finishing 3rd at TPC Sawgrass. He did struggle a bit at the WGC Match Play in his last start, but under that format the showing can be pretty much dis-regarded. A second visit to the Masters with his “new found power” could very easily result in a win for Bryson this time around.

JORDAN SPIETH

This is the man that will be many peoples pick to win at Augusta National again in 2021, and it is hard to argue against Jordan after he won for the first time since 2017 just hours ago. 2021 has been the year of Jordan so far as he has revived his career, contended on a regular basis, and now broke through the win barrier that plagued him for so long. The former Masters winner has an incredible record around Augusta National and even when he has not been playing well he has found a way to produce results here with his worst finish being a 46th in 2020 across his last seven appearances at the Masters. Spieth should be a favorite to win again this week, but is he a lock to do so in a much stronger field surrounded by golfs best players?, certainly not.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON THIS WEEK

Patrick Reed…..The American has struggled with consistency in 2021 especially of late, but he did win earlier this year and is a former Masters winner. If he can find consistency with every aspect of his game (something he has struggled with this year) he can certainly win again.

Patrick Cantlay, Daniel Berger, Paul Casey…….each player has been playing fantastic golf in 2021 and both Berger and Casey have won already this year. Expect at least one of these names near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Brooks Koepka….. health is a concern for Brooks and he is returning this Week after surgery on his knee not that long ago. If he is healthy he can win, if not?, a withdrawal could be just as likely.

Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Scottie Scheffler…….these three have limited experience at Augusta National but are extremely talented young players with Kawa of course being a Major winner already as well. Previous winners have normally had a good amount of experience at the Masters but apart from that one of these three could be holding the green jacket come Sunday.

THE MASTERS BEGINS THURSDAY APRIL 8TH

Keep an eye out for everyone’s picks to win the first Major of 2021 this Wednesday and follow us on twitter @mysportingblog1 for all the latest sports news and selections.

Aintree Grand National Festival day 3

1.20 Handicap Hurdle

🐎 Monmiral 9/1 Each way

Winner of pertemps handicap at Cheltenham, only given a 6lbs Rise. Has good form around Aintree.

1.55 Mersey Novice Hurdle

🐎 Brighterdaysahead 11/10

Mares have a good record in this race. Having won the last two renewals Gordon Elliot’s market leader should take all the beating. Backed heavily at Cheltenham, ran on well behind leader which suggests the longer trip will suit.

2.30 Handicap Chase

🐎 Crebilly 4/1

My strongest bet of the day, chased home the speedy Shakemupharry in the Cheltenham plate handicap. Today’s opponents are a level below which makes for an easier task. He only receives a 3lb rise and comes here bang in form.

3.05 Liverpool Hurdle

🐎 Crambo 9/1 (Each way )

Smashed up in the stayers hurdle, but today’s flat track will suit better. His graded form has to be respected. Only 9 of the last 19 favourites have won this race. 12 of the last 16 winners had run in the stayers hurdle. Crambo can bounce back to form today.

4.00 Grand National

See preview Blog. Good luck 🤞

5.00 Maghull Novices Chase

🐎 Master Chewy 8/1 (Each Way)

Course and distance winner who was shaping up for a massive run in the Arkle before falling at the second last. Never finished out the places at Aintree and is a player against the Irish here.

5.35 Nh flat race – The get out stakes

Mister Meggit 5/2

one to get us all out of Jail in the lucky last, he Won easily last time out without leaving first gear. The famous colours usually have a say on National day and this horse looks a real prospect.

Aintree Grand National Festival Day 3

4.00 Randox Grand National Handicap

🐴 Grand National Preview

🐎Kitty’s light

🐎Corach Rambler

🐎Coko Beach

🐎Mac Tottie

Aintree Grand National Festival Day 2 (Ladies Day)

1.45 Mildmay Novice Chase

Inothewayurthinking 🐎 13/8

Only one winner of the past 13 renewals of this race has been rated below 152. Inothewayurthinking trampled all over his rivals in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. Talked about as a potential 160 rated horse so ought to do the business today.

Broadway Boy 🐎 10-1 (Each way)

Obviously it’s not ideal having two selections in this race however here we have an experienced chaser who has plenty of experience on soft ground over 3 miles. Fresh after missing Cheltenham and the Yards horses are running well. Major Place claims.

2.20 Handicap Hurdle

Kateira 9/2 🐎

Always respect Graded form in a handicap. Katira has been well laid out for this race. Runner up to Irish Point over todays course and distance last year is by far the best from on offer. Bet of the day.

2.55 Novice Hurdle

Mystical Power 🐎

Wins easily, unfortunately the ground has taken out a couple of contenders.

3.30 Melling Chase

Jonbon 🐎 11/8

Seven of the past 11 winners were second season chasers. Jonbon uncharacteristically made a bad error last time out, but he was only just held at the finish. Today’s longer distance will no doubt suit. His Aintree record stacks up massively.

4.05 Topham Handicap

Celebre D’Allen (Each way) 33/1 🐎

Lurking amongst the bottom of the market, this horse has plenty of form over this course against some quality opponents. Placing in Decembers Beacher Chase over heavy ground is eye catching to say the least. He just weakened late on that day, perhaps today’s shorter trip will suit.

Shakemupharry 13/2 🐎

Jumps so well and clearly has a fantastic engine. He’s only been hiked up 6lbs in the weights after Cheltenham success, he likedto race keenly which works around Aintree.

4.40 Sefton Novice Hurdle

Shanagh Bob 7/2 🐎

Nicky Henderson has a fine record in this race. He has trained 3 of the past 9 winners. Shanagh Bob ticks a lot of boxes in terms of race trends. The past 11 winners have won a point to point or a bumper. He is Arriving here fresh having skipped Cheltenham. Major player.

4.40 Sefton Novice Hurdle

Afadil 10/ (each way)

Hold a good record in the Spring, good winner at the Ayr Grand National meeting last year. Ran well last Time at the Cheltenham festival in the county hurdle. He remains on the same handicap mark and ought to go close today.

Pound punt 💰

Flegmatik – 4.05 28/1

Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1

1.45 Manifesto Chase Grade 1

Il etait Temps 11/4 🐎

Only one of the last 14 winners had won on their most recent start. Although the Turners winner Grey Dawning should be respected, Il etait temps is the more attractive bet in terms of value. You don’t usually see many Irish challengers in this race so it’s interesting Willie Mullins is bringing one of his big hitters here. The flat track and longer trip will help him find a more sound jumping rhythm.

2.20 Noodles Juvenile Hurdle

Sir Gino 🐎

The unbeaten favourite missed Cheltenham due to the Nicky Henderson stable being badly out of form. He still reminds a leading trainer, he won back to back renewals of this race in 2018 & 2019. So be sure to take note when he saddles the market leader. Sir Gino arrives here fresh, and the challengers make little appeal on the form guide.

2.55 Bowl Chase

Ahoy Senor 16/1 EW 🐎

Stalked last year and agonisingly headed by Shiskin last year, Ahoy Senor has the running style to achieve a similar result today. Front Running tactics can be a valuable weapon on this course. He has plenty of Aintree form and can return to form here today.

Aintree Hurdle 3.30

Luccia 9/1 🐎EW

Mares have an excellent record in this race, 3 of the last 7 winners have been mares. The 7lbs sex allowance can really make a big difference. Luccia races over 2miles for the first time today, the past two winners of this race were also stepping beyond 2miles for the first time.

Foxhunters Chase

Captain Tommy 40/1EW 🐴

Carrying the same weight as last years winner, Captain Tommy is a very lively outsider to keep on side. He has some good form and experience over a longer distance than today’s 2,5 Miles. Last years winner also had a tounge tie added. Already won 4 races this year and has a Massive chance. Bet of the day.

Hardline 125/1 EW

Once considered a high class horse. He has form over a longer trip and has been steady in point to points of late. Interesting and encouraging that leading trainer has kept this horse going after a sub standard run over the national fences last year. place claims.

4.40 Red Rum handicap chase

Heltenham 🐎 17/2

A real contender for the in form Skelton Yard. The soft ground is a help as well as the prominent riding style. Always respect high class horse running down in trip. Serious contender.

4.40 Mars’s Flat race

Jubilee Alpha 10/1 🐴 EW

Not a race to be getting stuck into by any means however the lucky last could well go the way of Paul Nichols. He is a trainer who likes to target this meeting and it appears this mare has been saved for this race. Top Jockey booking is a positive.

🐴 Grand National Preview

Kitty’s Light 16-1 EW (non runner money back)

If this little hero of a staying chaser sneaks in at the bottom of the weights and grabs a place in the race then we have a serious winning contender.

Few of this years contenders have won or competed over the 4 Mille distance. Last Spring Kitty’s Light won the Scottish Grand National and the Sandown Gold Cup.

He done so wining in both good and good to soft ground. Christian Williams had handled him perfectly this season with some prep runs which sees him slip down the weights.😉

🔎The Past 3 winners have All carried weight around the 10lbs mark.

Last years Grand National winner won the Ultima Handicap. Kitty’s Light finished just outside the places in said race a few weeks ago. However he raced on well in heavy conditions beating horses to finish 7th just outside the places. The longer trip definitely suits, here’s hoping some of the Irish horses are left off the boat and Kitty’s Light lines up. Massive contender.

Coko Beach 40/1 EW

One Irish horses who will most certainly make the boat across to compete will be Coko Beach who was my strong fancy for the Cancelled Cross country race at Cheltenham.

Currently available around the 40/1 mark this horse will be prominent in the market particularly on raceday as the name pickers will no doubt have this one circled in the newspaper. So best to back TODAY. 🔥

High class chaser trained by a Grand National expert in Gordon Elliot. Only ten probable runners have winning form over further than 3m 2.5 and Coko Beach is one of them.

He continues to show up in high class chases and comes here in winning form, 8th in this two years ago and led last years race for 7 fences before making a mistake.

If the rain comes this horse needs to be backed as he acts very well on soft ground. ☔️

Corach Rambler 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The Champion and the one to beat, if any horse finishes ahead of the champ then they will win this race it’s as simple as that.

Currently 5/1 but even at this price he shouldn’t be left unbacked by any means. The way to attack this years Grand national is to work backwards from the Rambler. Do not take on this horse in this race against these rivals, one to keep on side for sure.

He did finish absolutely legless finishing in a superb third place in this years Gold Cup. Even take away the fact he won the Grand National last season that’s the form line we should all take not of the most. There will have been more than enough time elapsed between the Gold cup and Grand National.

He remains on a handy Handicap mark, he’s due to hike up to a lofty mark of 162 so arguably is 3lbs.

The best way to analysis a Handicap is look for horse with the class edge. Acts best on better Ground. The most likely winner of the race.

Mac Tottie 66/1 Each way

Has the potential to run well under jockey who has an impressive record over the National fences. Mac Tottie also has a proud record over these fences with two wins under his belt. Not without hope and can sneak into a place.

Cheltenham Festival Day 4

1.30 Triumph Hurdle

Storm Heart 7/2

Although beaten last time by Kargese last time, Storm Heart had won his first start over heavy ground at Punchestown. 15 of the last 9 winners have returned at single figure odds. So this mornings market support is encouraging. Paul Townend selecting this horse is a major plus.

2.10 County Handicap Hurdle

Magical Zoe 11/1 EW

High class novice hurdling form is a key trend in this race. Last year Magical Zoe finished second in the Mares Novice Hurdle. She remains on a workable handicap mark. Yard are outstanding at having horses ready for Cheltenham.

Pied Piper 16/1 EW

Arrives here fresh with bags of that all important Cheltenham course form. Second in this race last year. He’s capable of landing this with his experience form performing well on the flat. He has the best turn of foot in the race. Big chance of hitting the frame at least

2.50 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle

Captain Teague . See best bets blog ⭐️

3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup 🏆

Galopin Des Champs

Last years winner, although he was defeated on next two starts he was clearly back to his best smashing up fastorslow with over 4 lengths to spare in February. A worthy favourite who sets the standard, he’s a level above all these contenders.

Corach Rambler 16/1 EW

Grand National and course specialist, holds each way claims. Encouraging effort running on well in graded race time after poor re appearance. A real spring Horse who will appreciate stepping back up in distance. His calm jumping and steady cruising style will help. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

4.10 Hunters Chase

Itsontheline 6/4

Second in this race last year, he then won the Hunters chase at at the Punchestown festival. He has has had a better season than rival Premier Magic therefore is marginally preferred to win this. market support is also encouraging.

4.50 Mares Chase

Dinoblue 9/4

The past two winners have carried the Green and Gold hooped silks of JP McManus. Dinoblue regularly beats the boys in graded company. Only top class chaser El Fabiolo has defeated her. This is much easier today. Second in last years Grand Annual and looks a steady Banker.

5.30 Martin Pipe conditional Jockeys Handicap

Better days ahead 7/1

Horses with proven stamina go well in this race. Amongst the market leaders the selection has performed well over longer trips. The others remain untested. The Gigginstown House stud have recorded 4 wins in this race. Defeated by Asian Master last time out who ran well in the supreme.

Cheltenham Best Bets 2024

Captain Teague 10/1

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle 2.50 Friday

Placed in last years Champion Bumper, it’s been hard to guess where this horse was going to be placed this year. Captain Teague won the Grade 1 Challow hurdle at Newbury in December, this should stand in good stead as 17 of the last 19 winners had won or been placed in a graded novice hurdle. Still lightly raced which is another positive trend. One for the Union Jack 🇬🇧

Embassy Gardens 9//4

Natinal Hunt Chase Tuesday 4.50

2/2 over Fences. Recently this race has proven to go to one of the leading fancies in the market. 7 of the past 11 winners were ridden by either Patrick Mullins or Jamie Codd. Embassy Gardnens may lack a bit of experience but looked a very assured jumper last time wining a grade 3 at Naas. Willie Mullins has to be trusted here in a race named after his late mother.

Teahpoo 9/4

3.30 Stayers Hurdle Thursday

With stablemate Irish Point likely to head to the Champion Hurdle, this leaves market leader Teahpoo a rock solid bet. He really should have won last years renewal and arrives here fresher this time around. Returning from a break he is 7/7. He has been deliberately kept back for this years race. At his best on soft or heavy ground, he was beaten less than a Length last year when he wasn’t at his best. Jack Kennedy on board is a massive plus.

Coko Beach 4/1

Cross country Chase 4.10 Wednesday

A horse I’ve had my eye on for a few years now, with the rain coming the cross country ground could get very testing. Galvin will most likely be a non runner as a result. The remaining rivals demand huge respect with their Cheltenham records but coko beach is a couple of years younger. He will likely command a healthy lead early doors, his sound jumping and steady pace will see him take a lot of pegging back.

Pound punt 💰

Cheltenham Festival Day 3

1.30 Turners Novice Chase

Colonel Harry 40/1 EW

Form reads 1-2-1-2-1- 3. looking closer beating Trawlane in January on heavy ground looks like steady from. Traelane unfortunately fell in the Ultima but was strongly backed at 5/1. This race can suit a hold up horse like him. You can always forgive a horse for one poor run last time out.

Sharjah EW

A superstar over Hurdles with an outstanding festival record. Moved to chasing later on his career, shouldn’t be discounted and left unbacked at 22/1.

2.10 Pertemps Handicap Hurdle

Monmiral 28/1 EW

Trends are you best friend when it comes to solving handicap puzzles. The most eye catching trend for me is that 7 of the last 8 winners wore a tonge tie. That automatically wipes out the majority of runners significantly. Monmiral is unexposed over this staying trip he was once rated 149 with some grade one hurldle form. He’s ridiculously well handicapped with the best jockey on board.

Hector Javilex 50/1 EW

Tounge Tie applied. Here we have Former course and distance winner who should outrun his odds today. Lightly races chasers have done well in this of late. Hector has had just one start over the fences. Musselburgh form should be respected at Cheltenham.

2.50 Ryanair Chase

Protekrorat Win & Eachway 9/1

Bags of Cheltenham Festival experience and grade one form. Dropping back to a medium trip will suit after competing in Gold Cups. The Rain coming has definitely helped his cause massively. French Bred horses have dominated this race with the last 10 winners being French Bred. Major player Each way and win.

3.30 Stayers Hurdle

Teahupoo 5/2

See best bets blog.

4.10 Plate Handicap

Shakem up Harry 9/1 EW

Course and distance winner in January, 9 of the last 10 winners were rated 140 plus. The past 5 winners had won earlier in the season At Cheltenham. Major player

Il Ridoto 16/1 EW

Plenty of Cheltenham form. Jockey Claims 5lbs which can help. Racing prominently has proven to be a big plus.

Ryanair Mares Hurdle

Jade De Grugy 2/1

The first 5 winners of this race have came from Willie Mullins. The Pre Cheltenham hype has come the way of the favourite Brighterdaysahead who ought to be respected However I’ve been keen on Jade De Grugy most of the season. Not a race to get stuck into.

5.30 Kim Muir Handicap Chase

Iknowthewayyourthinking 3/1

Here we have a graded horse competing in a handicap. 3rd behind Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior is Rock solid form. The longer trip will suit. Top amateur Jockey on board is a major plus. Blundered one first fence last time out so can be forgiven.

Cheltenham Festival Day 2 🐴

1.30 Baring Bingham Novices Hurdle

Ballyburn

The top novice hurdler by some distance. His form has been given a boost yesterdays Supreme Novice result. High class and prospect who seems ground versatile.

2.10 Brown Advisory Novice Chase

Fact to File

Held in really high regard by top connections. This horse had been touted as a future champion by many pundits. Beat Gaelic Warrior who was outstanding yesterday in the Arkle.

2.50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Ballyadam 10/1

Former second in the Supreme Novice Hurdle. 11 of the past 14 winners had already had a previous run in the festival. Dropping into handicap company after finishing 3rd to Irish Point in December is decent form. Rachel Blackmore on board.

Rambo T 50/1 EW

Third in a competitive handicap here in October. a very Harsh 9lbs rise in the weights afterwards has stalled progress. I’d discount his last run complete as he will have been plotted to arrive here on a lower Handiap mark. Younger horses tend to come to the fore in this race. We have seen plenty of big priced winners in recent years.

3.30 Queen Mother Champion Chase

El Fabiolo wins.

4.50 Grand Annual Handicap Chase

Liberty Hunter 4.50 4/1

Lots to like about this horse, New Year’s Day win on soft ground on this course is the most eye catching piece of form. The booking of Harry Cobden is a great plus.

5.30 Champion Bumper

Jalon d’oudaires 5/1

Made all at leopardstown at Christmas, defeating redemption day. This looks to be the most promising form in the book. Will enjoy the testing conditions.

Cheltenham Festival Day 1 🐴

1.30 Supreme Novice Hurdle

Slade Steel 9/2 🐎

In recent years those second and third in the betting market tend to come out on top in this opener. Slade Steel is the only horse from the leading contenders to have won over an extended two miles. He’s beaten some very good horses in better days ahead and king of kingsdield. Both of which are fancied to go well in handicaps this week. Second to Ballyburn last time out, but this is no negative at all. He acts well on soft ground.

2.10 Arkle Novice Chase

Master Chewy 14/1 EW

18 of the past 23 winners of this race have won a graded race previously. We have this trend onside with Master Chewy who won well in December at Kempton. With the Irish Novices all Beating eachother with regularity I’m prepared to look towards one of the U.K. runners at a higher price. Rated 150 with a clean, sound jumping record Master Chewy is a solid bet. Badly hampered last time so likely to turn the tables on JPR one who needs good ground. As for the Irish contenders ? Let them battle it out without your cash involved.

2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase

Monbeg Genius 14-1 EW

5 of the past 9 winners contested the Coral Gold cup at Newbury. Monbeg Genius ran a decent third that day. However the most important fact to consider here is how well he ran in last years race, third behind none other than corach Rambler and fastorlsow. He arrives here 7lbs lower and a serious contender 9 of the last 12 winners in order Headgear. Tonge tie is on today .

Kitty’s light 28/1 EW

My strong fancy for this years grand national, do not be fooled by 4 low key efforts this season. A serial winner of high class long distance races. Proven stamina is key here. Form from the northern part of the U.K. is crucial here.

Lord du Mensil 25/1 EW

Have a small saver on this old veteran Mudlark. He will go a strong gallop in the mud although he’s likely to find this too competitive, Jockey Gavin Sheehan is riding out his skin recently and can make the frame.

3.30 Champion Hurdle

State man. Roman Chariot Style. Easy winner.

4.10 Mares Hurdle

Telmesomethinggirl 18/1 EW

Lossiemouth should be watched in the market and may be of interest close to even money. However, Tellmesomethingirl was Brought down when going well in this in 2022. She has excellent form at the festival, back to racing over hurdles after a decent chasing career. Proven festival form against geldings is a positive. Rachel Blacmore rides this track better than anyone.

You wear it well 28/1 EW

Like the previous selection She has winning festival form on soft ground. 9 of the previous 16 winners have won or placed previously at Cheltenham. She has performed well over 3 miles previously so that’s another positive. Has a good each way chance.

4.50 Boodles Juvenile Hurdle

Milan Tino 5/1

10 of the last 19 winners of this race began their career in France. Also another key trend to look out for is to respect any horse coming down from graded level. Here we have a Market leader from JP McManus who has an outstanding record in Cheltenham handicaps. He is handicapped well enough to win this.

Harsh 33/1 EW

The inexperienced jockey claiming 5lbs makes this horse a lively contender. In a race that sees plenty of big price winners this horse ran poorly when making a step up in level last time however, we know horses can be plotted for certain races. Joseph Obrien has won this race before. The Irish have a hold on this race.

5.30 National Hunt Challenge Cup

See Cheltenham best bets blog 🤞