Movewiththetimes gets an opening mark of 136, i expected this to be in the low 140s. Surely this is Barry's mount for the Betfair Hurdle - MTOY style bridle victory in my opinion off that mark.
First time I have been disappointed with the bookies offers (5/4) on Thistlecrack in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Thought 7/2 or 3/1 before yesterday's race was reasonable however would have been looking for about 7/4 after Monday's performance. Now that the initial 'hype' has subsided and I have watched race a couple of times again plus the stated intent to return to Cheltenham on Trials Day will hold fire before any proposed 'top up'. Now extremely happy with my constant wagering at 8/1! Views on likely number of runners please? Possible that race will cut up to about eight runners with two or three big outsiders. Will probably mean that the Ryanair Chase will be packed.
I'm backing cue card at 5s for the Ryanair..... no bonus and no chance if Thistlecrack makes it unless it was a bog which we know it won't be.
Ruby Walsh isn't one to fire out too many comparisons with some of the great horses he's ridden down the years so it's pretty telling when he does. Yesterday after winning on him, he said this of Min 'He reminds me of Kauto'. That's quite a ****ing statement from someone like Ruby. Bring on the Arkle!
I thinking Min is going to be more effective up in trip as he has a lovely rhythm about him over fences. Kauto didn't win his Arkle but went on to be pretty special!
Got bit of word from decent source that 'Faugheen is not working well (****ed) and they can't keep the weight off Annie'.Chance we might not see both them come March but id be hopefull that Willie can at least get Annie fit in time.
Interesting Ste, I wouldn't touch either of them ante post mate. A couple I have been contemplating but not yet backed: Djakadam - Ryanair 16/1 various firms. I can't see him landing a blow in a very hot looking Gold Cup but his John Durkan win was very impressive and I could imagine a situation where Ruby pops him out and makes all at a decent clip. I can't see what else Willie might aim at the race (unless Black Hercules turns the corner dramatically) with Douvan in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Un De Sceaux likely to have a French campaign. Finian's Oscar - Supreme Novices Hurdle 16/1 NRNB Skybet. I realise he is much shorter for the Neptune and his debut win was over 2m 5f BUT if he hoses up in the Challow this coming Saturday then connections may well take a look at what looks a very open Supreme. With Skybet now going NRNB on the race it makes sense to take their 16/1 rather than the 20/1 available elsewhere. A dominant display at Sandown could see him pushing Moon Racer for favouritism.
Just to make you aware mate- 16s and 14s still readily available for the Neptune if you fancied splitting stakes
Death Duty out Sunday as well. He will be into 4/9 with the bookies for March if he wins at Naas. Turcagua and Augusta Kate are down to oppose him but I expect only 1 of them will run with Turcagua being the likeliest. Nice race if the majority stand their ground. Death Duty looked special lto. Still no sign of Blow By Blow being given an entry and I still can't find any info on the lad. I'd be very keen on backing him ante post (something I rarely do) if I knew he was going to be fit in time.
I have read that Blow By Blow has had a minor setback and won't be ready until approx 5 weeks time. That might be cutting it short for a Cheltenham prep
Cheers TopClass. It's definitely a concern isn't it but if he came back and was well with himself, the 16/1 about him for the Spud or Neptune race is very appealing. I'd guess he won't be cut until he runs and furthermore wins... so what I might do is wait until about 3/4 the way thru his comeback run and get on then if he is going well, or else just let it be. You never really know how they will comeback after "a minor setback" (would love to know precisely what happened). He might give me a run for my money. He could be kept for Punchy then either as it would realistically fit his work schedule given the delay. Gordon might work some magic!
Willie pitching in top mare AUGUSTA KATE to take on the Elliott beast Death Duty on Sunday then....mmmmm....
That very much caught my attention Beefy! Where are we thinking she's being aimed as it stands- Neptune or a Mares event?
