Yeah very good race. The form of the rest of them seem to point to Coney Island's Drinmore win being the best piece of form but Our Duke won really well the last time. He could be anything as they say.
It would appear the best known form atm but them beginners chases can be packed with G1 and G2 winners at times and Our Duke ran in what I thought was a pretty nice one and won easily. I was surprised with the ease he won tbf. I'd say you could throw a blanket over the leading few in this tomorrow coming to the line.
I will play JPs two in the big hurdle today. Jers Girl record on yielding ground has produced wins by 7, 13, and 10 lengths. Her defeats have tended to come on softer ground, including last time by Nicholls Canyon. Also worth remembering that Nichols Canyon is very good first time up- he defeated Faugheen on reappearance last season but did have to scrap all the way with Identity Thief to land this last year, and therefore there is reason to believe that Jers Girl will be closer today (she has a spin on the flat before making winning hurdle debut last year). Whether that is good enough, who knows. Ivanovic Gorbatov has been awful since the Triumph win, but he has shown better signs of late. travelling much more like himself until stamina gave way over 2 and a half last time. He's the sort of horse to pop up unexpectedly when no one is on, as opposed to when he is short in the market. At 12/1 and 20/1 I can play at those prices with a little RFC thrown in, just in case. Nichols Canyon rightful favourite but not expecting the same dominance.
Opened 5/4 with Paddys too which I didn't bother with. Logged back in later saw him into Evens so left him. Think Penhill might just like the step up in trip too so the Rebels plenty skinny enough now.
Coneygree not to be seen until March after a setback at home again! That's not good news then is it. Will take some effort to have him 100% without any prep on track.
Sadly I'd say we won't see him back on a racecourse again. Legs of glass and he's getting on now too. Probably makes Thistlecrack look even more a banker for this year's Gold Cup...
This has to be The Cracks year too, he's going to be 9 soon and after that they say your pissing into the wind trying to win a GC. Competition is looking increasingly thin on the ground. The GOAT might throw 5 in there and box T'crack in
Unreal how Mr Mullins can peak his horses at the one time, 21 winners (and counting) since Boxing Day! Unreal, but I guess thats why he's the undisputed G.O.A.T. Worried faces in Lambourn and the West Country now methinks....
Ive backed Willie blind today at Ltown & Limerick so need NC to score for a nice acc. Few mates of mine went big on the five timer so are sweating it now!I'm also going to take on Elliot fav in bumper with Quick Grabim 5/2.
