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Today was a great example of why I love horse racing. Turned on Sky Sports Racing, the bumper at Uttoxeter was almost ready to start. Horse's name came up on the screen - Jack Valentine - my old man's name. 8/1, I'd never heard of it and it hadn't raced for over 500 days.
Stuck a fiver on it and it came in :thumbsup:
Superb!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
Great stuff mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
For it to be 8/1 and been out for that length of time it must have had some decent form prior?
Had one run in Ireland previously, unplaced. Bought by Venetia Williams' syndicate recently. Never had time to do any research on why it was absent for so long. Was a weak race today.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Must have been fancied by those in the know with a wee nibble on to be 8/1 with no form and to be out for so long.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiber-nation
But hey just glad you had a few quid on mate.
Well done :aok:
Cheers 👍Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Continues to drift, almost 6/4 on Betfair now.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Coolmore is all about breeding stallions. Really annoyed they have been retired though. No reason to retire magical as she's a mare and ten sovereigns could have been superb as a four year old if he got rattling good ground. I'm a huge fan of all things ballydoyle but in this instance no happy at all. Hopefully Japan runs as a four year old as he should be even better than this season as he had a troubled training regime and missed weeksQuote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Won at nearly 13/8 on Betfair.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Nice one. You must have had a few quid on?Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Believe it or not, I ended up not backing it! 😠Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Fair do's mate. I've done it myself, tipping horses that's subsequently won to others while not personally having a penny on them. Its easy done but hopefully someone on here noted it down and won a few quid.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Aye, my old man!Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
:greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
:aok:
I have to say after watching it’s 1st run over hurdles last weekend I’m feeling quite happy that after last seasons festival I’ve had 27 £5 free bets on at at Skybet on him to win “any race” at next years big meeting.10-1 8-1 and mostly at 6’s,in my opinion it would be a shoe in for the Ballymore but at this stage seems happy to stick to 2m,anyone got any fancy ante post slips on for next year yet?
Not next year, but I put 100 on Altior for the Boxing Day King George at 5/2.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibs1972
Which horse?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibs1972
It's in bold, Hutchy - Envoi Allen :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
By no means a certainty but it has a definite chance. Hope it wins for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Nothing is certain, we've seen both Enable and Stradivarius beaten in recent weeks, which cost me a pretty penny. Hopefully the great chaser won't make it a hat-trick of upsets.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Not on the thread I'm looking at, time and date of post?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
I backed that in the Cheltenham Bumper though.
Its got a decent chance and could harden slightly in price closer to the off and I think you were right to take 5/2 as even if it does go out it wouldn't be by much. Anything can happen in jump racing though as we've all seen before but you've taken a punt and here's hoping it wins for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Cheers, let's hope he runs his usual great race.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Hope it wins for you but, 6f further than its ever raced over in its entire career.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Cheers Hutchy. Yes, he's up in trip, but he really looked like he was ready to step up last season. I think he'll be fine; time will tell.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Douvan won nicely today after his long absence. Beat a couple of nice horses.
Be interesting to see what he has left up in trip.
Hibernian Warrior 12.25 @ Lingfield 13/8
Not a tip just the name 😉
2nd
So Altior v Cyrname at Ascot on Saturday. Who wins?
Altior for me. He looked ripe for the step up in trip at the end of last season and should be fine. There's always that element of risk in these situations, but I doubt Henderson would have stepped him up unless he had full confidence in Altior's ability to make it. I say this with fingers crossed, as I've already put a hundred on Altior to win the king George :greengrin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
A few recalculations going on in the Henderson camp I think. Altior didn't stand out as a stayer there.
Good run race there taken by Lost in Translation beating the excellent Bristol De Mai into second. Great finish.
It will be interesting to see how he is campaigned now. He stayed on nicely there but both his wins at 3 miles or above have been on flat tracks (Aintree and Haydock). He didn't find a lot in the JLT at Cheltenham last season. That was a well run 2 and a half miles though and he plugged along at the end without quickening. Maybe a stiff 3+ round Cheltenham will suit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
You have to think they will be tempted to go for the bonus now.
I watched it on my phone in the pub before the game. I'm gutted for Altior, losing his unbeaten record over jumps. It was a longer trip and very heavy ground, and perhaps those two factors together, plus a very good opponent, were too much for him on the day. As always he gave everything he had and was exhausted at the end, but Cyrname was a worthy winner and he looks to have an exciting future. Altior will bounce back, his talent will make sure of that. It will be interesting to see whether he is kept in the King George or if Henderson takes a different route.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I've watched it again and I'm not sure what to make of it. My first reaction was he was outstayed but watching again I'm not so sure. I think he just ran into a good horse running at his optimal distance. He was still plugging on, whilst definitely not quickening, at the end, so they may still fancy a go at the King George. If that doesn't go to plan then the Champion Chase isn't going anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Aye, I think it may have been the combination of ground, trip and opponent which overwhelmed him. Remove any one or two of those factors and he probably would have come through. He looked like a great champion finally vanquished afterwards: physically exhausted and morale broken, head down, knowing he'd finally been beaten. He'll be back in one way or another and I'm sure will put it right.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I often wonder how much of an impact confidence has on horses. They are naturally hierarchical animals and I think getting beat does impact them. I always think of Thistlecrack who was absolutely broken by Many Clouds when they eyeballed each other at Cheltenham. Of course Clouds paid the ultimate price that day but he just outbattled his opponent and Thistlecrack was never the same horse after that even allowing for the injury he suffered.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
It's an interesting phenomenon; they seem to know when they have won or lost a race, and I don't think that's just a sentimental human perspective. Altior seemed to know another horse had crossed the finish line before him as he trudged away with head scraping the turf. I watched a You Tube documentary about Arkle a few months back, and the trainer and jockey of the great Mill House were adamant he was never the same after Arkle had beaten him and was psychologically beaten when the two next met.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Although I can see where you're coming from, I'm sure you would agree that isn't always the case, just sometimes. If that were the case it would be pointless backing any horse that had been beaten by another horse if they raced again. Imperial Commander got beaten in a really close finish by Kauto Star at Haydock but still beat him in the Gold Cup, on the flat Giants Causeway was notorius for fighting to the very end of the race when ever a horse got close to him (eyeballed), so in the QE2 Gosden made sure the horse he fielded against him Observatory kept wide of Giants Causeway towards the end of the race and won it by half a length.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
The race between Altior and Cyrname was great to watch, but it seemed to be more a case of Altior just not quite staying the distance. Saying that, Cyrname had put up an excellent performance previous to that when beating Waiting Patiently by 17 lengths at the same course. That was vastly immproved form on anything he'd done before that in terms of opposition, so we'll see how he performs in the King George.
I only caught the final half of the race and it was a cracking finish but I got the impression that there was more to come from Bristol De Mai than Lostintranslation. I felt that Lostintranslation was just about all out at the finish whereas Bristol De Mai could have kept at if for a good deal longer. Interesting race.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Yeah of course it's only one factor and probably down the list when compared to ground, luck in running, distance and a range of other things. I do think it plays a part in a horses character though. The good ones tend to know they are good.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
On a totally different topic I see Donnacha O'brien has announced his retirement from riding at 21 to begin a training career. Like his brother he's very tall for a flat jockey and I can only assume the battle with the weight has got too much for him.
Wow, I guess that must be the reason, he's not been riding that many years (good jockey though). Joseph's already made a good start to his training career, no doubt Donnacha will do the same. But I totally understand why you prefer NH, nowadays on the flat pretty well all you can bet on is handicaps, most of the group races are monopolized by Coolmore and Godolphin. Obviously that's not the only reason, but the NH is a hell of a lot more competitive, the prices are better most of the time, and it's a better atmosphere. That's my take on it anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Long way to go until Cheltenham yet but my boy is looking good at the moment,fingers crossed he stays in one piece! Whatever race they opt for in the end I can see him scaring a lot of good horses away on the day. Bring it on!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibs1972
Couple of very early Grand National pointers today.
Walk In The Mill winning the Becher Chase well whilst Native River looked very good in the Many Clouds Chase. Jumped like a stag from the front and was relentless. Not sure what the official distance was but 'half the track' should cover it.
Sad news for me, an old favourite of mine, Houblon Des Obeaux suffered a heart attack in the veterans race at Sandown which lead to the race being declared void. RIP old boy.
Can’t explain how much I’ve been waiting for Native River to run in the national, since he ran a blinder in the NH chase at Cheltenham at 5 or 6. I’m praying this is the year.
Also big shout out to Top Notch, a great horse and won on Sunday a fair bit more comfy than the end result states.
King George in a fortnight, what are we thinking?
I'm going to be a Lostintraslation man, jumps well, stamina guaranteed, can see him passing Cyrname on the run in. The softer the ground the more confident I'll become, although that could bring Native River into it.
I'm sticking with Altior. He's out to 7/1 now, but with that first run over the longer distance under his belt, I'm taking him to improve, particularly if it's better ground than when Cyrname beat him. A great champion responds to defeat.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
I'm not convinced we'll see Altior on Boxing Day. Since 2002 14/17 winners had won a chase over 3m before.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Just noticed Native River isn't amongst the Decs so, that won't be happening!Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
That's a shame, but they know best.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Not sure who I'll go with now. I will take a closer look in the coming days.
He's entered in the Welsh National on the 27th. Not sure if he'll run or if they will just skip and go straight to the GC. When he won it he was pretty lightly campaigned so maybe thinking he will go better fresh.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
I still think his ultimate target will end up being the national though.
I wonder if Native River has been entered to keep a lot of horses out of the handicap for Elegant Escape.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Andy Dufresne beaten at Navan at 1/3. There goes my acca :rolleyes:
I've gone with Lostintranslation too, though I think Cyrname is the one to beat.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Anyone got a good tip for the Welsh National?
Cannae see past Elegant Escape again.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
I really think any of the top 3 in the betting could win the King George, it's a very competitive race. I wouldn't even totally rule Footpad out either.
Elegant Escape looks a good thing in the Welsh National, I might have a small ew on Yala Enki as well.
Personally I can't see past Cyrname in the KG, small field, likes to make it from the front and kick, ground and distance should be fine. Dissapointing tournout for such a prestigous race. I like Lostintranslation too, but it'd be great to see old Thistlecrack get his old form back, he'd beat the lot of them if he did.
The old boy still has all the heart in the world, even if the legs aren't what they once were. Very few can match him for courage.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Thistlecrack a non runner. Bruised foot.
Clan Des Obeaux pissed it. He's about 10lbs of a better horse at Kempton than anywhere else. Cyrname looked like he may have over extended 4 out but not sure he was staying anyway, Cobdne was already throwing out warning signals by that point.
Yeh, totally agree with that. His form after his win in last years KG was still decent but he was shown up a bit. Excellent horse round Kempton though, absolutely no argument about that. Great record Nicholls has in this race too, all credit to him. I suppose the only downside, and its a minor one, is that they were probably his 2 best chasers, and unless Cyrname improves again, Nicholls doesn't really have a Gold Cup horse. I thought AP might have made a solid point after the race too, Clan Des Obeaux was running fresh whereas Lostintranslation and Cyrname previously had hard races against top class opposition. Excellent performance all the same though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I haven't had chance to see it yet. 21 length victory for Clan Des Obeaux. Wow.
Good to see Faugheen enjoying himself again, the switch to chasing has certainly freshened him up.
Not sure if 7s is worth a bet for the JLT Novices but it's just nice to see an old horse get a new lease of life and enjoy their racing again.
Just caught it. Clan Des Obeaux was superb, still full of running as he crossed the line. Cyrname's stamina just gave out in the last couple of furlongs on heavy ground, and it seems Lostintranslation had a breathing problem.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba
Yes, switched to chasing very late, but seems to love it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Interesting few days with the Gold Cup in mind.
Kemboy beaten, Presenting Percy beaten, Lostintranslation beaten, Clan Des Obeaux and Delta Work putting themselves in the frame.
It looks wide open at this stage.
In Kemboy's race they all finished in a heap. He definitely needed the race. I was quite impressed with Copperhead at Newbury. Could be anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Horse called bothwell bridge running today. Not a tip, just the name caught my eye, Henderson and Nico though 👍
Ran a good race to be fair,looks a 3m chaser in the making,1 of the 1st off the bridle but kept going for 2nd.Quote:
Originally Posted by I'm_cabbaged
Cheltenham next week :thumbsup:
Quite fancy Mister Malarky in the Ultima Chase on day 1.
I'm down for the Thursday and Friday. Can't wait.
Thinking about Delta Work for the GC. Every excuse has been made for the horses he has beaten this year but he has won well both times. He'll be close. Beyond that I've not got a lot planned so far.
I’m down for the Thursday Friday as well, I’ve been going for years now but it never gets old. I’ll be in the istabraq bar out on the balcony above the entrance if you fancy a beer :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Looks like Skybet are only doing cash back up to a tenner if you lose on the Supreme Novices, for the last 2 years they did it for the first race on each day up to £20 I think and must have lost a packet.
I'm very out of touch with jumps racing these days but I think that's where I'm headed for the main event also :agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Here we go.....I've got
Abracadabras for the Supreme Novices
Mister Malarky for the Ultima
Pentland Hills for the Champion Hurdle, more in hope than expectation
Good luck all :aok:
Only backing two today.
Fakir D’oudairies in the 2.10
Benie Des Dieux for the 4.10
The Champion Hurdle doesn't look a particularly high class race this year, it arguably hasn't been for 2 or 3 years now. I'm tempted by Darver Star at a price. ran a good race at Leopardstown in his last race and looks the type that might enjoy a bit of a grind up the hill. Not particularly swayed by anything in the Arkle, if I had a bet it would tentatively be for Notebook but little confidence behind that. Benie should win the Mares but I wouldn't totally discount Honeysuckle. Supreme looks a good race, it always is as it's a total cavalry charge. Fiddlerontheroof is arguably far from the best horse in the race but he goes on the ground so I think I'll have small something on him.
1.30 - Fiddlerontheroof
3.30 - Darver Star e/w
4.10 - Benie Des Dieux
That's my 3 bets for today.
Small losses for me today .. had Abracadabras and Chantry House e/w .. but lost gains and some on SupaSunday e/w
PETRIE! :grr:
Any tips today guys..
Wasn't going to have a bet this year but after seeing the horse named 'Relegate' running in the 2.10 I'm having a tenner on it.
:greengrin
Had the cheeky wee punt on relegate not 'expecting' to win. However the jockey made sure the horse never got into the race keeping it a long way back second last virtually the whole distance only to make it look a bit better by coming with a wet sail but still finished a distant fourth. A total non trier. Ah well you take your chances and it wasn't to be but the jockey made absolutely sure of that though. Dearie me, no wonder I don't bet very often.
I have to say it’s noticeabley quieter down here. When the first race went off I was looking around and thinking where is everyone. The pubs in town still appear to be busy though.
Grand National cancelled.
Pretty gutted since my brother and I were taking my dad down for his 60th birthday but I was expecting this.
Sorry to hear that you won't be able to take your dad down. Also feel for the local economy of the Merseyside area as it probably pours in a huge amount of money into the local area over the period of the Grand National Aintree meeting. Hoteliers, local businesses, coach companies etc etc will take a huge hit. Dearie me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir David Gray
How many bookies were operating at Kelso today?
Didn't see anything about on course market and was wondering how an SP can be declared?
Yep I've just cancelled a 2 night stay at a local Premier Inn costing over £500. Multiple that by thousands of times and that's an awful lot of money lost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankhfc
Extremely sad state of affairs mate, Who knows what the future holds. We can only hope someone finds a cure to this virus or worst fears aren't realised.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir David Gray
Virtual Grand National Field
I'll let you guys make up your own minds, in more ways than one!
The virtual race has been remarkably accurate the last 3 or 4 years.
In my house we'll all probably have a couple of pound each on it and watch it for a bit of fun. The money is for charity. The cynic in me would suggest the bonus for the bookies is getting a whole new batch of people signed up to their online platforms.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Aye, it should probably be viewed as a piece of much needed light relief.
I would say it was very realistic as I won hee haw as per!Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpIzPuiDN60
Just look at him go. Peter Bromley's commentary is great!
Discussions and plans being drawn up for behind closed doors racing to start in May. Fields restricted to 12 runners and senior (experienced) jockeys only involved. BHA drawing up a revised fixture list.
I think there is an inevitability that some racing will resume. The money involved in getting the Classics run will ensure it happens.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hibby Bairn
French racing starts again on Monday
Racing in Ireland to resume from June 8th
Irish Guineas to be run on the 12th and 13th June.
British racing starting back on Monday with a 10 race card from Newcastle. Great news.