No American Triple Crown winner this year then.
Good return to the track by Caravaggio at Naas. I still think he'll stay a mile but O'Brien's keeping him at sprint distances just now. Fav for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
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No American Triple Crown winner this year then.
Good return to the track by Caravaggio at Naas. I still think he'll stay a mile but O'Brien's keeping him at sprint distances just now. Fav for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
Frankel gets his first classic winner with Soul Stirring winning the Japanese Oaks. Be interesting to see how he develops the Galileo lineage once he starts to really put his stamp on his foals
Churchill is going to miss the Derby and is heading to the Curragh for the Irish 2000 Guineas instead.
It's funny because everyone always says the Guineas is the best indicator for the derby but the double doesn't happen that often. Camelot, Sea The Stars and Nashwan the only 3 to win both in 30 years, it's 4 in 49 years if you go back to Nijinsky.
Yeh, strange one that, Churchill certainly looked like he'd stay and has some breeding on the sire's side to back that up. Coolmore have something like 5 or 6 entries for the Derby, and the breeding side plays a huge part in their operation. They could try and 'do a Frankel' and keep Churchill for the mile races, probably keep him in training as a 4 year old and run him over a mile and a quarter and then Champions Day or the Breeders Cup. Meanwhile another O'Brien horse (at the moment it looks like Cliffs of Moher) wins the Derby and boosts his value as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I think most were expecting miracles from Frankels first lot last year and it just doesn't work like that in breeding. They're not all going to be stars no matter how good the sire/dam is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
On the derby, Dubai Thunder probably going to carry my money as it stands. No outstanding candidate IMO and very impressive at York last week.
A kind of hijack, does anybody òn here get genuine tips for horses/greyhound etc
I used to have a small share in a couple of horses as well as being a memeber of a small racing club that had 2 horses. The trainer was more likely to tell us when a horse wasn't going to run well rather than when they were. Often they would be placed in a race just to get a run and some fitness. Horses that had gone up in the handicap were also run regularly in races they were unlikely to win to try and get them back on to a more suitable mark.Quote:
Originally Posted by Leith's finest
Of course we would hear when the horses had been 'found a good race' or 'are ready to go' but I can't recall ever being told a horse would win. For that reason I'm always wary of people who claim to be 'in the know' with regards racing and tips.
Always thought it was for the whole field and not just the winner. Not so much now but beaten horses turning up on Derby Day in the past were interesting a la Generous 1991.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
The most obvious example of that was probably Mill Reef, beaten 3 lengths by Brigadier Gerard in the 2000 Guineas and then going on to win the Derby and other classics in emphatic style. One of the best racehorses of all time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Treadstone
One of the horses I'd love to have been around for. His team considered him vulnerable to being beaten in the Derby but the time the arc came they thought he was invincible. Love that confidence and knowing.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Australia another example of that recentlyQuote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Churchill does the Guineas double. St James Palace seems to be the plan then a step up to 10f.
Can see him improving again on slightly better ground. I wasn't sure about him but he looks a serious horse.
He was good today but I think the 3YO milers is quite a week division.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Winter shows Newmarket was no fluke by again beating Rhododendron at the Curragh.
Rhododendron didn't run at the Curragh, but Winter was still impressive. Good horse. O'Brien 1-2-3.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
You're right of course. I only just saw the race now.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Went by the Racing Post who had Rhododendron 2nd on their results and mentioned her in their report too. It's now been amended, I did think it was strange but didn't bother to check.
I'm sure I read an interview with O'Brien within the last week or so saying he's going to try Rhododendron over longer distances, maybe one of the Oaks or one of the bigger mile and a quarter races. That might be a shrewd move, she certainly wasn't stopping in the 1000 guineas, but it's still hard to tell whether she stays further IMO. She had trouble in running there and when she eventually found a way through she ran on well, but that doesn't mean she'll stay longer distances.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
As for the Irish 2000, Churchill did what Churchill does- nothing too flashy but gets the job done comfortably enough. Interesting that the second, Thunder Snow, was a naughty boy in America but showed that he is actually a decent horse. I must sound like a broken record going on about Caravaggio, but at Royal Ascot he hammered Thunder Snow out of sight.
What's everyones thoughts on the saga of the mare Diore Lia and her derby entry? 1000/1 outsider, 2 starts seeing her finishing 8/9 and 5/8, rated 52 and going to be ridden by an apprentice with no wins in 34 races. Her owner and new trainer, who she was moved to after the previous one objected to the Derby plan, are insisting she is going to run.
I know it's for charity and whatever but the Derby should be for elite horses, allowing a horse more suited to a claimer on a Thursday night at Kempton AW makes a mockery of the race imo.
I don't know if it makes a mockery of the race, but it's just plain stupid. On a track like Epsom a horse back-pedalling through the field can cause havoc. Hopefully it stays at the back of the field and doesn't get in anyone's way. I'll be pretty pissed off if it stops my horse getting a run.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Difficult one. You're quite right about how the Derby should be for elite horses, but let's be realistic, many of this lot have very little chance, and others are talked up then flop badly. I was looking through the field today, at least half of them have serious question marks with regards staying a mile and a half. This horse is running for charity, so I don't have any problem with it running other than the concerns Lord Bunberry mentioned re. getting in the way.
Here's one for you. Since 1st January 2010, 9 horses have won more than 10 chases in the UK and Ireland (excluding hunter chases). Can you name them? I got 7 and would have never got the 2 I didn't.
Nobody is going to have to worry about Diore Lia any longer as the BHA has said the jockey will not be allowed to ride so the horse shall not run.
Wow, that's harder than I thought. I can only get 7 as well, and I'm not sure that they're all right anyway. Silvianaco Conte, Cue Card, Sprinter Sacre, Sire De Grugy, Sizing Europe, Don Cossack, Balthazar King.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
All correct.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Menorah?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
9 wins.Quote:
Originally Posted by HibernianJK
Pigeon Island?
Nope, only 4 chase wins.Quote:
Originally Posted by Treadstone
Clue - 1 is a Gigginstown horse, the other has a name that matches his colour.
Chestnut Ben? Such a wild stab that I had to have a look at his horse profile to make sure I wasn't making a fool of myself, but there's a few chase wins in there. ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Correct. 11 chase wins since 2010.Quote:
Originally Posted by WeeRussell
One to find, Gigginstown, trained by Gordon Elliot, French name.....
Lol Well I've looked through the Elliott ones, none of them that I can see have won 10. The only De Bromhead ones are Valseur Lido and Petit Mouchoir, it's neither of them. Really frustrating, but great question PB, really got me thinking.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Good day for me. Tenner each way acc on
De Bruyne Horse
G K Chesterton
Highland Reel
Enable
£2300 back
Happy days
The answer is Roi Du Mee.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
I spent, quite literally, hours trying to work it out.
Anyone heading to Musselburgh for Edinburgh Cup day today? Aa good a place as any to watch the Derby I think. Looking forward to it.
Predictions for the Derby? I've now watched a replay of the race with Cracksman and Permian several times, I just can't make my mind up about them. I think they'll probably stay, but it was really close, and I don't really think Bay of Poets, who was a close 3rd, is good enough to win a Derby really, so I'm stuck for a bet! Seemed more about speed than staying power that race, but we'll see.
I think I'll be siding with Cracksman. I thought his beating of Permian was good form and the latter winning the Dante, statistically the best indicator for the Derby in recent years, franks that.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
All the noises from his camp are positive and his gallop at Epsom last week looked good, if you put any faith in that.
Cracksman for me..
Well, I never saw THAT coming...40/1 shot wins.
Another bubble burst, Churchill well beaten in the St James Palace.
The racing club I'm a member of has just taken a seasons lease on the horse in the pictures. Unraced 6 years old gelding by Kings Theatre (sire of Cue Card, Menorah, The New One) and out of Ring of Water (dam of Minella Forfitness and Minella Theatre). We are quite excited by this one. In training with Paul Henderson
Attachment 18816Attachment 18817
Good luck, I take it he's a jumper?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Yep, not been without his problems. Was bought for £27K as a 2 year old but had a few injury issues.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Hopefully all behind him and he was certainly bred with serious intent. He's not going to go running in Grade 1s but he'll give us a bit of fun for a year and we'll see how it goes from there. Plan at the moment is to get a bumper under his belt and then go hurdling with a view to going chasing long term. If he does well I dare say that will be in the colours of his owner rather than us though.
Great news mate, hope you all have a lot of fun with him. I always think back to the likes of Mysilv when she was running for Elite Racing, another syndicate made of ordinary punters like you and I. what a great wee horse she was too. Plenty of other good horses have run and are still running for syndicates like yours. And of course there's that film about Dream Alliance.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Frustrated punter rant: Whenever I back 1 of Weld's horses it gets beat and then out of the blue he'll get a winner in some big race and he's hailed as a brilliant trainer. I'll back it in it's next race and it'll get beat. Again. Really annoying!
Pretty Polly stakes I'm guessing. That winner though was hugely impressive.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Yep, it was a good performance the winner. I just never seem to get Weld's horses right.Quote:
Originally Posted by Treadstone
Got the winner in the Eclipse! close thing though. Quite a dirty race too.
Good performance by Enable, looks a top class filly after winning the King George. I would say that the weight for age thing in racing is a bit of a joke, the four year olds were carrying a stone more than she was, but thems the rules and that's just how it is.
Not had a look at the prices but I'm assuming she's vying for favoritism for the Arc with Almanzour? That would be some match up.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
2/1 apparentely, Almanzor 3/1 and 7/2 in places. Almanzor's not been out this season yet, but you're right, it would be some race. Japanese horses are quite high up in the Arc betting again, but it's usually quite hard to work out their form. Can't see Enable ever running under a mile and a half, There's a lot of better horses over a mile/mile and a quarter than mile and a half. Gosden was talking about the Yorkshire Oaks as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by HibernianJK
Another great performance in the Nassau by Winter. but performance of the day must surely be Billesdon Brook in the race after. I've never seen a performance like that before. Great stuff.
Enable now FAV for the Arc after a very dominant performance from the front in The Yorkshire Oaks.
She looks the business.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Must have been a wee bit lonely out in front for so long and it almost looked like she was waiting on the other horses between 2 and 3 furlongs out. When Dettori asked her though the response was superb. From about a furlong to go she could have slowed to a trot and still won.
I think she'd get the St Leger distance tbh as there looks plenty in the tank but the Arc is the race that makes sense and with a good draw she's a serious contender.
Bit of an upset as Marsha beat Lady Aurelia. Don't think Lady A lost anything in defeat and would probably back her in any rematch. Not sure what Frankie was up to at the end. How could he think it wasn't close?
That was my only bet and pretty gutted as 2 furlongs out I thought it was sewn up!
Seen a few people querying the photo on Twitter but it's indisputable and only confirmed what I saw in real time. Marsha was a pretty clear winner as far as photo finishes go.Quote:
Originally Posted by HibernianJK
Also sad that a lot of folks first reaction to Dabans injury was to moan about not getting their bets refunded. She started the race, took a bad step early on, went wrong and was potentially seriously injured (it may yet prove fatal). I don't understand why anyone would think they are entitled to a refund.
IMO Enable is, purely and simply, a brilliant mile and a half horse, and thoroughly deserves her place at the head of the Arc betting. She probably does stay the St Leger distance, but I do fancy Capri for the St Leger so we'll see. The mile and a quarter horses, again IMO, look a lot better than the mile and a half ones with the exception of Enable, and Shutter Speed, who beat Enable over a mile and a quarter, was beaten out of sight by Ulysses, Churchill, Barney Roy etc at York so Enable should stick to at least a mile and a half in my opinion.
Yeah, my mate who was at York was pretty angry about Daban then changed his tune once he realised what happened. Hopefully more people will feel the same now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Some good news anyway, had Capri ante-post at 8/1 for the St Leger :greengrin
Another Galileo Group 1 success.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
He's 20 in January so getting on, Coolmore will miss him a lot when his fertility starts to dip or the worst happens, it's not often ex racer TBs live beyond mid 20s. He's carried on the Northen Dancer/Sadlers Wells line brilliantly.
Enable wins the Arc very well. Great filly.
Yep, totally agree. She does everything asked of her, a really really good horse. I can't help thinking that it looked like a handicap to me, Chantilly isn't Longchamp by any stretch of the imagination, and the field contained a lot of really good horses who don't stay a mile and a half, and the course isn't a stayers course either so the likes of Capri was never going to have a chance on a course with all the turns it has. But Dettori rode the horse brilliantly, and I've said for some time that there's virtually nobody in horse racing who knows the sport better than John Gosden.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Brilliant performance and was my only bet of the day. Gosden also said she could stay in training next year as well. Potential to be one of the best with performances like that and it's nice to see the horse coming from a stable other than Coolmore, although they did have plenty of success yesterday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
One For Arthur to miss the entire NH season with damaged tendons. Aim is to bring him back for 2019.
I thought some of you might like this photo.
It's Denman (having just had a roll about in the mud) with his part owner Paul Barber. He has been team chasing, showjumping and hunting for a few years post racing but age has started to catch up with him and he's no longer ridden beyond leisurely hacking and is now living back with Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat.
Best time of the year as the flat winds down and the NH season gets into swing.
Charlie Hall at Wetherby on Saturday with Cue Card, Coneygree, Bristol de Mai, Blacklion and Sizing Codelco amomgst those still entered at this stage.
Great to see a chasing legend being loved and looked after some six years or so after being retired. Great stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
:aok:
Bristol De Mai wins a thriller. Cue Card fell and Coneygree pulled up, hopefully both now retired. They owe no one anything.
Got a wee each-way treble on the 2nd day of the Breeders Cup, but it's been hard going finding winners, up till World Approval and Gun Runner. Lot of big price winners at Del Mar, and very few horses came from the back, you needed to be up with or near the pace. Arrogate was a big disappointment and hasn't been running nearly as well as he can, but Gun Runner's performance was really good, it's extremely hard to win a race like the Breeders Cup Classic by making all the running and then going on again at the end. Really good performance.
In follow up to this, horse will make it's debut in the 1.25 at Chepstow tomorrow. 25/1 and likely to need the run but very exciting. Unfortunately I can't make it to Wales but will be an interested spectator from afar.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Ring Minella I assume?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
That's the one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
How did it do?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Unplaced.Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
fav 1st
2nd fav 2nd
3rd fav 3rd
Was very, very green but ran well enough considering before falling at the last. Thankfully he was on his feet quickly and was walked in by Paddy Brennan, who was also fine. Trainer has said no obvious issues and horse is in good spirits so hopefully he comes on for the run.Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
Was a nerve wracking couple of minutes from seeing the fall on TV to hearing he was up and fine.
If results always went like that this game would be easy :)Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
Glad to hear the horse is fine.
Great news that he's okay first and foremost, and let's hope he learns from this and goes on to have a successful career. Early days yet of course, you'll probably have to be patient with him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Faugheen back with a bang. 16 length win from Jezki at Punchestown, very good performance considering he has been off the track for almost 2 years.
Bristol De Mai absolutely destroys the field in the Betfair. Unofficial winning margin is being quoted as 57 lengths!
I've said it before but it's about time connections done the right thing by Cue Card and let him enjoy the rest of his life. He looked like he hated every step there.
Bristol De Mai ran superlatively. Won at a canter and still looked fresh going past the winning post. 11/10 was a huge price considering the way the race went. Top notch was also a very classy winner today.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I got 7/4 in the morning which was essentially stealing money from the bookies.Quote:
Originally Posted by lgnsh70
Was a very good performance but I see he has been given a RPR of 185. That's only 5 short of Sprinter Sacre and Kauto Star who had both won multiple grade 1s by the time they earned that. Obviously it isn't an official mark but whoever does the ratings for the Post has got a little carried away imo.
It's set things up for an interesting season. BDM now has to prove he isn't just a mudlark and/or flat track bully. He definitely looks a bigger and more imposing horse this season but there are some big hitters still to play their hand. On good ground at Kempton and Cheltenham with a horse like Native River making him work for the lead and quality like Might Bite, Thistlecrack and Sizing John sitting poised I can see him having to improve a fair bit again. In saying that at only 6 he may well have the improvement in him.
Great points. It'll be fantastic to watch the next time BDM lines up against the likes of Sizing John and Native River etc which should prove a much sterner stiffer test. Cue Card has had a brilliant career but now finds it hard going coming up against up and coming rivals.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
7/4 was like finding a genuine money tree the way the race panned out, brilliant!
Our horse runs again tomorrow at Lingfield.
Odds of 40/1 are a pretty accurate reflection of the chances tbh. Longer term he needs further and 2 miles is really just about getting some racecourse experience and fitness. The aim is really just to make sure he gets round safely this time. In saying that trainer is in good form the last week or so and has had a couple of winners and a few big priced places so he isn’t ruling out a decent run. Ring came out of the last race well in spite of the fall and was full of himself in the paddock the next day, he’s also been schooling well so he seems happy and keen to go again.
The King George VI looks like being a superb race this year with Bristol De Mai, Sizing John, Thistlecrack, Mightbite, Fox Norton, Douvan all taking part. Bristol De Mai ran as if it could be well worth a fair sized punt at around 5/1 ante post after leaving Cue Card trailing a long long way behind. We'll get to see the return of Thistlecrack on Friday in the Long Distance Hurdle and should give punters pointers to how the horse is shaping up. Douvan and Fox Norton take each other on prior to the King George in the Tingle Creek 9th December with the Bechers Chase held the same day with the likes of Blaklion, Vieux Lion Rouge and Gas Line Boy etc taking part which should also be a very good race. Also looking forward to the Ladbrokes Trophy on Saturday with a horse taking part that's won a bit of money for me in the past Singlefarmpayment. Some extremely good races to come in December with Boxing Day always a highlight in the racing calendar.
I missed it. How did he get on?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Was 10th of 15 finishers. As was thought 2 miles is far too sharp but the aim was to complete and that was achieved so everyone is happy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilson
Nice one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Thistlecrack ran well considering the relatively long lay off. Became very tired towards 3 or 4 out and was beaten a fair margin by outsider Beer Goggles. UknowwhatImeanharry was beaten into second around 3 lengths or a bit more. There were some commentators and bookmakers who've lengthened the odds now dismissing Thistecrack's chances in the King George but I wouldn't necessarily be so quick to do so. Obviously needed the run out and may well come back in much better form for the run out. In saying that if the ground is soft or heavy going I'd have to put my hat on Bristol De Mai who ran superlatively in the race on Saturday when leaving Cue Card a long way behind however I'm sure Mightbite and Sizing John will have something to say about that. We'll get a look at Douvan and Fox Norton in their upcoming race on 9th December. Really glad I didn't put any money on the race today as it went to the 40/1 outsider Beer Goggles.
Yeh, some good points there. I wouldn't be too disappointed in Thistlecrack, first time back for ages and first time over hurdles probably since he won at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of seasons ago (unless he ran at Aintree after the festival). I would be more concerned with UknowwhatImeanHarry, he was race fit and beaten fair and square, although conceding 6 lbs.Quote:
Originally Posted by lgnsh70
I thought Thistlecrack ran relatively well for a long way. It was obvious Tom Scudamore just looked after him after 3 out when it became obvious he wasn’t going to win, although he did let him have a bit of a race with Wholestone after the last. The stayers division is wide open this year, Uknowwhatimeanharry was the best of an average bunch last year so it’s hard to read the depth of that race today.
It will be interesting to see how Thistlecrack comes on from this. For all the Tizzard team have played down his injury a tendon problem is never straightforward for a thouroughbred and can often be a career ender. He was being spoken about as ‘unbeatable’ before he was outfought and outstayed by Many Clouds last season and he now has an injury and a deeper chasing division than the one he left to deal with. If nothing else it confirms that no matter how good the horse it takes a bit of luck and careful handling to keep coming back and winning season after season.
Definitely needed the run out after the injury and layoff. Ran well up to two miles and more out. It must have been expected he'd tire and the price should really have reflected that rather than how he was prior to injury and layoff. Could come back very well on the 26th or not but it could go either way to be fair. Lots of ifs and maybes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Good points. Thistlecrack was coming back after a long lay off and injury that is a valid excuse for being beaten by an outsider. His best form could reappear after this run which will undoubtedly put him back into racing mode.Quote:
Originally Posted by ekhibee
Very unsatisfactory race for numerous reasons. In saying that the winner hardly touched a twig all the way round and deserved its victory.
The Ladbrokes Trophy today went to favourite Total Recall. i was on Singlefarmpayment who when coming through the field with a strong surge overreached for a fence and unfortunately fell when coming with a strong late run. Obviously its unknown whether or not he would have won but I'll be on this one in the Welsh National on December 27th at a big priced 33/1. Total Recall stayed on well to beat Whisper by a couple of lengths.
Although Thistlecraxk will undoubtably come on for the run I certainly couldn’t back him for the King George now. Got a feeling connections will be slightly disappointed with the run.
Total Recall won but Whisper is the one to take from that race giving him 14lbs and probably wins with a bit in hand level weights.
I was on American yesterday who was a very good novice last year. He made a bad mistake 6 out that cost him about 5 places and never got going again, whether he was ever going to be competitive even without the mistake is debatable anyway.
Whisper is definitely one to take from the race. He ran Might Bite, generally short odds favourite for the King George, very close at Cheltenham last season. Although Might Bite ran all over the place after the last that is still good form and he loses nothing falling just short yesterda6 considering the swing in the weights.
The Bradstocks have also reported Coneygree needed the vet post race as he was struggling to breathe and they wanted him checked over. I believe he spent the night in an equine hospital. A mate of mine said after the Gold Cup that the way he ran the race would take so much out of him that he would never win another race of note, I was sceptical at the time but he’s looking spot on at the moment.
I have the same feeling about Thistlecrack after Cheltenham last January, outbattled by Many Clouds in a race only just shy of the Gold Cup distance.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Really hope I am wrong, as everyone loves seeing real superstar horses, but his return at Newbury the other day didnt give a huge amount for optimism.
When you look at the subsequent careers of recent Gold Cup and National winners, the likes of Kauto Star and Denman turning up year on year and being competitive was some achievement by horse and trainer.
Fox Norton came up just short against the very good Nichols horse Politologue today in the Tingle Creek. Despite being beaten I think he'll come on for the run and could give a decent account of himself in the King George. Blaklion won the Bechers with a bit in hand and looks as if he'll be one of the shorter priced horses for the Grand National next year.
I think today’s Tingle Creek confirms there are a couple of 2 mile chasers who when fit and on form are miles ahead of the rest. Politologue is a very decent horse but whether he’s a genuine Grade 1 horse is up for debate imo. I’m not sure Fox Norton has 3 miles in him but he was certainly rallying late on today so you never know. I’d be asking a few questions of Robbie Power who seemed to take a long time to start stoking him up and Politologue, a notoriously poor finisher, was allowed to get a good run on them up the hill. As an aside it was very sad to see Sir Valentino fatally injured in the race. but credit to Adrian Heskin who gave up his ride in the final race to stay with the horse to the end. He was treated for almost an hour on course so the vets gave him every chance; the tough side of the sport sadly.Quote:
Originally Posted by lgnsh70
In other races, no way will Finians Oscar go to the Arkle. I couldn’t quite work out what he was doing in that race today over 2 miles and his performance confirmed that. Totally outpaced and he’s a 3 miler in time, wouldn’t surprise me to see him in the Kauto Star/Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day. Sceau Royal was an impressive winner. Blacklion was impressive and perhaps the extra year will help his stamina and get him home, I thought he was paddling after 2 out in the National last season after flying round the far side of the course and he never really got home. I worry he will end up very high in the weights for the National and that could prove decisive. It’s hard to work out the form of that race today between the top 2. The Last Samurai was giving away 6lbs but loves the heavy going whilst Blacklion probably benefited from having less weight on his back in that bog. Definitly Red was also very good in his race over the Mildmay course but I’d be surprised to see him in the National again this year.
Season really starting to shape up now and I can’t wait for Kempton in a couple of weeks.
Yes. It's difficult to truly assess Fox Norton on today's race and I was giving him the benefit of the doubt especially given your point regarding the Jockey's pretty unorthodox riding of the horse in getting him going. These type races are mostly for getting the horses fit of course and today will have stood him in good stead.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I too am really looking forward to the Boxing Day racing cards, its one of the best days of the year with lots of good meetings on with the King George certain to be a cracking race.
Boxing Day is the best sporting day of the year, love it!