It maybe only monday, but the 1st proper big race (Betfreds Old Roan chase- was disappointing with only 3 runners!) of the season and my mouth is watering. IMO one of 3 or 4 horses could win. Time For Rupert 7/2 JF- looks like the ground will be suited for Paul Webbers Gold cup hope, who was very disappointing at the festival last year- but was discovered to have a virul problem which caused him to miss his warm up race which had its consequences in the festival! but looks to have had that sorted over the summer so if back to his best will be very hard to beat. Diamond Harry 7/2 JF who was one of the ante-post favourites for last years gold cup which he ended up missing and has had almost a year out- but the henessy gold cup winner needs to prove he is back to that kind of form to keep up with TFR and be in the frame come the winning post. Poquelin 9/2 - Again was a disappointing 2-1 fav at the festival last year when coming 2nd to an inform albertas run in the ryan air- but again is a class horse but may find one or 2 have too much for him in this race. Nacarat 6/1 to take the crown for a 2nd year- A horse I like to call Mr Consistent- you always now that this magnificent grey will always give 100% and will just stay all day long. Was a big suprise winner in the bowl chase at aintree when beating the field by quite a way and more importantly beating the 5/4 Favourite in Denman but will he be able to re-create this form and last years form we will wait and see. Last of all Midnight Chase a good value e/w bet 9/1- Was 5th in the gold cup last year, but ground didnt suit, if he can show the form he did when winning at cheltehnam in November and december last year winning by 8L and Neck respectivlely who included Neptune Collognes, Junior and Any currency- there maybe abit value b the 9/1 but the horse is cheltenaham specialist and that may have something to do with his wins but will have a lot to prove against the 1st 2 I mentioned!
I havent made up my mind yet- I would like to see Diamond Harry come back after a year and show us why he was last years Henessy winner and come back to winning return, but I fear Time For Rupert may have too much for the field!
I havent made up my mind yet- I would like to see Diamond Harry come back after a year and show us why he was last years Henessy winner and come back to winning return, but I fear Time For Rupert may have too much for the field!
.
for the thread, this is a seriously good looking renewal and it is fantastic to see the top yards sending their stars to Wetherby. In addition to those horses already mentioned I am also really looking forward to seeing Weird Al on his debut for Donald McCain, plus there is a host of "second rank" stayers such a Chicago Grey and Cheif Dan George to add into the equation. 
- Im still like the look of Diamond Harry- goes well fresh and really impressed me when winning the Hennessy! Just re-watched the race on Youtube! But also Poquelin is starting to tickle my fancie now too. but as barney says Poquelin is a much better horse round cheltenham, but Im sure PN will have him raring to go and imo the spot for the nicholls's yard Number one horse is still open, so you may never know what doors will open for him if he wins round here on Saturday. Its hard to tell at the mo- but I just cant wait! im like a kid at xmas lol