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Horses to watch for at the Cheltenham Festival

Published

5 years ago

January 25, 2020

The best jump racing festival in the world is only two months away. It isn’t much longer for fans to wait until they hear the irrepressible Cheltenham roar for the first time, and already punters are weighing up where their money will be spent for the four-day bonanza.

The best value for the festival can be found weeks or months before the first race even starts in the ante-post markets. But, which runners should punters be keeping a closer eye on as the festival grows closer?

Al Dancer (Racing Post Arkle)

There is a clear path opening up for Al Dancer and the Arkle, and punters can get incredible value as he is currently over-priced for success in the race. The seven-year-old is still untested over the longer distance, but there is a sense that he does have the stamina similar to a contender in the Twinspires.com Kentucky Derby odds.

The Sam Twiston-Davis ridden horse was dominant over the two miles last season, but now it looks like he would be better accustomed to a longer trip.

He will likely be tested over that longer distance before the festival, but there is no doubt that it will transition effectively. He has already won effectively this season at Cheltenham, as he won by four lengths from Not That Fuisse. He will certainly be one to keep an eye on.

Riders Onthe Storm (Ryanair Chase)

Last year’s Ryanair Chase was a race that would live long in the memory, as Bryony Frost became the first woman to win a Grade 1 race at the festival. She will back on board Frodon this year too, but there is good value elsewhere in the market in the form of Riders Onthe Storm.

The seven-year-old is a horse on the comeback trail and has impressed throughout this season so far. It would seem that the change in jockey to Twiston-Davis has done wonders thus far.

He endured a difficult end to the previous season as it fell in the Close Brothers Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and was pulled up on its next run. However, since having a 202-day break from the track, it has been in excellent form.

He beat Cepage by a length and a quarter at Aintree on his reappearance, before storming to a massive success against On The Blind Side at Ascot in December. That seven-length win highlights his capabilities as a horse with Grade 1 potential, and the Ryanair may be where he is best placed for the 2020 festival.

Native River (Gold Cup)

Native River is consistently a popular pick among punters for the Gold Cup, but this year could be the year where the conditions finally favour him. He has run in this event for the past three years. He won the Gold Cup back in 2018, as he held off stiff competition from Might Bite, before losing his crown to Al Boum Photo last year.

There is no doubting its capabilities in this race, and the chances of him winning will hinge on the weather on the day. He will be seen as one of the outsiders for this year’s race, with Kemboy and Lostintranslation both seen as more realistic challengers to Al Boum Photo.

However, judging from his one and only showing so far this season, he is showing glimpses of his very best form again. On that run, he saw off Black Corton at Aintree to win by an astonishing 33 lengths. If it can sustain that form, then there is no reason why he couldn’t become a two-time Gold Cup winner.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.