Lisp has been in entered in one of those Cheltenham Bonus races at plumpton next month Monday! Looks the standout horse in the race!
Any views on Aspire Tower's debut at Punchestown today? Given the loose(ish) horse probably set him alight over the first half mile I thought it was an excellent performance and he quickened away really well after the last.
That’s highly interesting. Is the bonus still £60k or has it increased??? I seem to recall old boy Alan King scooping it a few years back – which bodes well for Lisp. If they take Lisp to Plumpton and he wins then in all likelihood his rating will exceed (possibly even by a good margin) that 145 threshold which would rule him out of that 0-145 race at the Festival (unless, of course, connections ran him purposely down the field in a race(s) to get it back to 145 or lower – although that is easier said than done). There are probably 4 other Chases that Lisp could go for at the Festival – JLT, Plate, ‘Meghan Markle’ or Grand Annual with the latter pair probably most likely. The ‘Meghan’ is though probably tilting too high (66’s is available though) so perhaps the Grand Annual could be the one, to go bonus hunting in, if Lisp wins at Plumpton next week. Run on the final day of the meet that could prove quite a day for the Kelvin-Hughes’ – win the Plumpton bonus, the Grand Annual, and, of course, the CGC with Santini!
It is still a £60k bonus . The last horse I think to win both was Voy Por Ustedes winning here before winning the ‘Megan Markle’ as you call it. Many have tried and failed including Kalashnikov last year too. Granted the level of horse hasn’t always been top notch for these races at plumpton but they are improving with the upgrades at the Course and just generally more prize money too! I shall be there on Monday so fingers crossed he turns up
333B BETDAQ Trading Tools M'dn H'dle The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dlauro (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer of Dlauro (FR), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst a blood vessel. I'm going to convince myself that this was the cause of his awful race.
If Lisp does go to Plumpton, on Monday,his task will be all the more easier as it looks as if his main rival (on ratings at any rate) Southfield Stone won’t be going – has just been declared for Newbury tomorrow (12.45). One further thought re the bonus – does any qualifier (after winning at Plumpton) have to follow up in a Chase at the Festival??? If hurdles are allowed, as well, then Lisp’s possible options would increase even further. As off 144 you would have to imagine him capable of going very close in either the County (5th last year off a pound higher than his current hurdles mark) or Coral Cup. Although I doubt the racing purists (remember them, crew?!?) would be that enamoured with all that switching between fences and hurdles.
I had abit of 33/1 a few days ago! I know I have probably thrown my money in the bin but hey you never know
