Might Bite had plenty to recommend him, as I had said, there was a strong trend for two time winners. If he had run to previous form, he would have been thereabouts but as it was he ran 25 lbs below the previous year's win. That was obviously hard to predict. I did see that there was a theory that Native River "Broke" Might Bite in the Gold Cup and that might have had credence if it had not been for the fact that Might Bite looked as good as ever in winning the Betway Bowl at Aintree, whipping Bristol De Mai AND Clan Des Obeaux in the process. Clan Des Obeaux was more than 10 lengths behind the Henderson Chaser that day and although he is an improving horse, just about everything that could have fallen in his favour in the King George DID fall in his favour. It is not about failing to give the horse credit for a win, it is about analysing the way the race panned out and deciding whether or not the form will stand up going forward into the season. I reckon there is a good chance that Clan Des Obeaux may have been a bit flattered because he was only 4th in the Betfair and in the King George the Betfair winner fell, while runner up Native River ran 14 lbs below his best rating in the King George. That leaves Thistlecrack as the mark and he has not won for over two years now. I choose to treat the King George with suspicion for now, because of the reasons given. It is churlish to say I am just point blank refusing to give the winner credit. For me, he needs to go on and win the Gold Cup to prove he is the horse some people are saying he already is. Time will tell for all who are taking a view one way or the other. I pretty much posted again here to reflect Eddie's kind words and to offer up an interesting prospect for the Flat this year. It's clear that some are here solely to criticise and pull the piss, so it's not worth the grief for me bother. Plenty other forums out there if I want to put my views forward but I will miss some of the good knowledge available on this forum. Anyhow, congratulations on your own horse winning the other day and I hope he can go in again for you this year. I recommend Buveur D'air at 6/4 for the Champion Hurdle despite his defeat. I thought Barry Geraghty gave him a lazy ride injust assuming class would pull thehorse through. Verdana Blue would have won the Greatwood in my opinion if the jockey had been alert to the circumstances and (whisper it) I think she might just be a better horse than Laurina over 2 miles. Take care.
Grendel isn't the first person to say goodbye and then continue posting Pops; and won't be the last. One of the good things about this forum is that it is like a family. Families have their ups and downs but the tiffs blow over. Every tiff that has occurred on this forum over the years has blown over. As long as we don't dwell on the negatives, life goes on. and we learn to get on with each other. The alternative (last resort in my opinion) is to use the ignore button.
I have NEVER used the ignore button. To be honest I'd rather see "Arkle" like arguing, that keeps the forum lively, than days of seeing nothing. Not the THIS forum has days of silence much, but plenty do.
I think everyone here appreciates your race previews Grendel. I think your previous moderator hit the nail on the head though when he said "Not all posts on this forum need a reply". A good example of where this might apply is in tributes to retired/deceased horses. There is no need to discredit such horses who have given their all for our enjoyment. It's not a case of not being allowed to post objective views on them; it's more a case of acknowledging what they have achieved and respecting people's attachment to those horses. It is notable though that you do seem to have an aversion to "liking" others' posts (eg the well wishes re your hospital visit - hope all is well) or give credit where credit is due. Anyway, you are welcome to continue posting, if you want to. If not, may I, on behalf of the Forum, wish you all the best on whichever forum(s) you decide to post Everyone has an opinion and each is as valuable as any other
Very true Ron but it doesn't sit very comfortable with me that! If you are going to say something like that then follow it through as opposed to this returning again and again. Not very grown up is it which is definitely ironic when he has been questioning the child like antics of some on here...
Grendel for the record i enjoyed reading your posts and would welcome you continuing to be a member on this forum as opposed to the "keep returning" approach...
One more on the King George for me is that CDO got a 170+ from Timeform which is higher than any of the horses got in the Betfair.
https://www.timeform.com/horse-raci...-chase-haydock-1965-case-ascot-navan-26112018 You will see that Native River was rated 172 for his Betfair run. Anyway, Timeform are not infallible. Clan Des Obeaux is a promising young chaser but he's 8/1 for the Gold Cup, a sign that he still has something to prove. Good luck if you are on him for the Gold Cup. I prefer his chances to Presenting Percy.
That 172 was from the Gold Cup he got 163+ in the Betfair. Both of which suggests that CDO 170+ in Timeforms opinion is on par with his position in the CGC market.
Are you quoting Timefigures for the actual race Nass? Timeform's rating of Native River after the KG was 172 (ie they didn't change his rating). Not many horses consistently run to their rating to be honest. However, I had to be impressed with CDO in the KG. He was coasting and the jockey sitting with a double handful some way out. I felt he won as he liked and being only 6 (now 7) that was some performance. He also looked as though there was still some scope there. After that performance I thought he must have a chance in the 2019 Gold Cup but that I would definitely be interested in him for the 2020 version. Of course we don't know what would have happened had WP not been brought down. Thistlecrack ran a cracker, as he had promised to do in the Betfair, but I can't see him getting any closer to CDO. Might Bite is a lovely looking horse and seemed to be going well within himself in the KG but bleeding from the nose would not have helped his cause. But, I can't see him ever getting the better of NR in the Cheltenham GC. Personally, I would have aimed CDO for the 2020 gold Cup. I hope he hasn't taken this on too soon.
Current Timeform Ratings By Timeform — published 1st January 2019 Current No 1 is Altior, trained by Nicky Henderson, rated 180p. please log in to view this image Last updated: to cover racing to 30/12/2018 For features covering the latest changes to the rankings please visit the Ratings Update page. CHASERS 180p ALTIOR 172 FOOTPAD 172 NATIVE RIVER 170 CLAN DES OBEAUX 169 MIN 169 SIZING JOHN 169 THISTLECRACK 169 UN DE SCEAUX 168p WAITING PATIENTLY 168? MIGHT BITE 167p KEMBOY 167 BRISTOL DE MAI 167 FOX NORTON 167 FRODON 166 POLITOLOGUE 166 ROAD TO RESPECT 166 TOP NOTCH 165 BELLSHILL 165 WHISPER 164p PRESENTING PERCY 164+ DOUVAN
"Meanwhile, there were three more days of Grade 1 action at Leopardstown where another six-year-old, Kemboy (167p from 161p) won a cracking renewal of the Savills Chase to put himself firmly in the Gold Cup picture, travel difficulties having prevented him coming over for the Ladbrokes Trophy. Allowed to stride on with over a circuit to go, he dismissed a field of proven Grade 1 performers in impressive style, turning for home still on the bridle and then storming clear to beat Monalee (161 from 157p) by seven and a half lengths, with last season’s winner Road To Respect (166 from 168) close behind in third."
I’m quoting his Timeform figure for the race. You are quoting the figure they’ve retained him at because they think he’s better in other conditions.
Slightly off track but the hurdlers don't look very exciting at present. Maybe Apple's Jade should drop back to 2m and run them ragged in the CH
Correct and that is what I thought. Timeform figures for each race go all over the place. Very helpful for spotting if a horse goes better/worse under certain conditions
I also have never, nor never will, use the 'ignore' button. Why on Earth would I want to ignore somebody when I can ban them instead? Far more fun (and quite possibly petty) to nuke them instead
That level of power definitely makes you an entity then Resurgam. Happy New Year, I hope the North Sea wasn’t too chilly on NYD. I saw some pics on line. Was you the chap in the top hat and penguin suit? Rather overdressed I thought and probably hiding the fact he had a dry suit underneath.
