I was going to post it this morning but didn't want to put the hunters on champ, thought he should have been 2s on, if he couldn't win today could forget about Cheltenham. But everyone knew he should win if he jumps round. 2m4 G1 winner, why did you think the trip was going to be an issue? He's only ran over 3 miles once and the rsa will likely be the 2nd time. He's never had an issue running shorter than 3 miles so don't understand why it would have been the key today.
Just watched the finish there put the race to bed easily after the last despite having to swerve to avoid the rail. Hes not a flashy horse, he doesn't do much on the bridle and the runner up is half decent.
Watched the full race, looked about 5s on going to the 3rd last and bad mistake seemed to cost him a lot of momentum, Black Op had a soft lead all the way so turned into a bit of a false race as is often the case at this stage of season. Quite impressed actually by champ, looks like he will stay all day and could be a gold cup horse.
which is why I thought he was vulnerable, he was, he traded 24.0 in the run (3rd last) and yes he impressed me given how much went wrong. He won despite a lot today but he was to be taken on at the price. VDF was poor but you win some and lose some.
Dark Vader did the job as expected, the money came for the Halford runner early in the day but it wasn't to be for him. My ability to pick 5/4 winners remains intact at least Nimitz ran a so so race and after labouring at the start wasn't much of a factor and did OK to plug on into 5th. Will likely have to drop a few lbs and be seen in a less competitive heat of its nature to win again.
